KVR Audio is the Internet's number one news and information resource for open standard audio plugins. We report new releases, product announcements and product updates (major and minor) for all VST Plugins, DirectX Plugins and Audio Units Plugins. We manage a fully searchable audio plugin database (updated daily), and offer many free member services including user reviews, product update notifications and a very active discussion forum. We also host official support forums for many plugin developers plus the official Receptor support forum.
Plug-in Database: Virtual
Instruments, Effects & Hosts
Banks & Patches
Download & Upload
Plug-in Ratings
by KVR Members
Wiki: Tutorials,
Audio Lexicon, ...
Listen to Music
by KVR Members
Search
KVR

Google Powered Search:

in new window

KVR Powered Plug-in Search:

MS-20
by Korg
41 members are watching MS-20 for news
Product MS-20
Developer Korg
Primary Type Synth (Analogue / Subtractive)
Price (MSRP) $249 (Bundle)
Plug-in Formats
Instrument(s)VSTAudio Unit
Effect(s)VSTAudio Unit
Operating System Availability
Operating
System
Latest
Version
Download Is it
Available?
Windows 1.2.2 Demo / TrialReleased
Mac OS XMac OS X Universal Binary 1.2.1 Demo / TrialReleased
Miscellaneous Information
Copy Protection Dongle (Syncrosoft eLicenser)
Banks & Patches Download Banks
Average User Rating Average rating - 9.125
Compatibility Unknown
advertisement
MS-20

Part of the Korg Legacy Collection, the whole package includes: MS-20, Polysix, Wavestation & Legacy Cell [screenshot] instrument plugins and 20 effect plugins (including an MS-20 filter) plus a USB MIDI Controller keyboard in the style of an MS-20, Patch Cable for MS-20 Controller x 10, USB Cable and an Owner's Manual.

All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance.

Package includes:

Stand Alone & Plug-in instruments:

  • MS-20
  • Polysix
  • Legacy Cell
  • Wavestation

Plug-in Effects:

  • MS-20FX
  • MDE-X

Details

MS-20 synthesizer features:

  • Emulation of the Korg MS-20 featuring CMT (Component Modeling Technology).
  • 2 oscillators (which can be ring-modulated).
  • High-pass/low-pass self-oscillating filters with unique distortion.
  • 32 note polyphonic (CPU dependant).
  • Unison: user-specifiable number of voices (1-16), Detune, Spread.
  • External modulation:
    • Source (Velocity/KBD Track/Pressure/Pitch Bend/Modulation/Breath/CC#16/CC#17).
    • External Modulation 1 (VCO 1 PULSE WIDTH, VCO 2 PITCH, HPF CUTOFF, LPF CUTOFF, AMP).
    • External Modulation 2 (FM MG/T.EXT, HPF CUTOFF, HPF MG/T.EXT, LPF CUTOFF, LPF MG/T.EXT).
  • TEMPO - MG Sync.
  • 32 sound templates included.
  • Micro tuning.
  • Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument.

Legacy Cell synthesizer features:

  • Can load one of five combinations of the MS-20 and Polysix synths (MS-20 + Polysix, 2 x MS-20, 2 x Polysix, 1 x MS-20, or 1 x Polysix) plus two insert effects and two master effects - all as a single software synthesizer that delivers powerful new sounds and textures.
  • Combination Parameter:
    - Key/ Velocity zone
    - Velocity Curve
    - Key Transpose
    - MIDI Filter (Control Change, Channel Pressure) on Synth 1 / 2
  • Insert effect x 2 (19 types - see below)
  • Master effect x 2 (19 types - see below)
  • Mixer
    - Synth output x 2
    - Master Effect output x 2
    - Master output
  • MIDI Controller
    - Encoder x 8
    - Fader x 8
    - Parameter/Value Indication x 16
    - CC#/ Parameter assign learn function
  • MIDI keyboard
    - 88 key
    - Pitch Bend Wheel
  • Modulation Wheel equipped
  • 256 performance sounds included
  • Operates as stand-alone or VST/AU plug-in instrument

Insert/Master Effect Type: 19 types

  • DynaCompressor
  • Compressor
  • Multi Band Limiter
  • Mastering Limiter
  • OverDrive/Hi.Gain+Wah
  • 4 Band EQ
  • Exciter/Enhancer
  • Talking Modulator
  • Decimator
  • Flanger
  • Phaser
  • Polysix Ensemble
  • MultiTap Chorus/Delay
  • Stereo/Cross Delay
  • LCR BPM Delay
  • Reverb Hall
  • Reverb Smooth Hall
  • Reverb Wet Plate
  • Reverb Dry Plate

MS-20FX:

  • Same as MS-20 software synthesizer specifications.
  • Two-channel input (mono mix after input).
  • Two-channel output.
  • VST/AU plug-in effects are supported.

MDE-X:

  • Effect types: 19 types (same as effect types of Legacy Cell).
  • Dynamic modulation is supported.
  • Two-channel input.
  • Two-channel output (for mono-input effects, one channel is passed through to the output).
  • 128 effect programs included.
  • VST/AU plug-in effects are supported.

MS-20 Controller specifications

  • 37 velocity mini keyboard.
  • Rotary VR x 32 (with switch x 1).
  • Rotary switch x 4.
  • Patch jack x 35 (3.5fmono mini jack).
  • Control wheel x 1.
  • Momentary switch x 1.
  • USB connector.
  • USB bus powered.

RSS FeedAll KVR Audio news items relating to MS-20.

Le Lotus Bleu releases Pick Cell I & II for MS-20 and Polysix 10th June 2008
Le Lotus Bleu releases Add Cell I & II Soundbanks for Korg's Legacy Cell Analog Edition 30th April 2008
Nucleus SoundLab releases Lineage for Korg Legacy Collection 17th August 2007
Pro-Sounds releases LD-50 for Korg Legacy Collection 10th August 2007
Korg updates KLC - Analog Edition / Virtual MS-20 to v1.2.2 and M1 Le to v1.0.4 25th April 2007
Korg updates KLC - Analog Edition 2007 to v1.2.2 19th April 2007
Korg releases KORG Legacy Collection v1.1.10 (C/R version) 22nd March 2007
Northern Winds Records releases Richard Lichten Legacy for Korg's MS-20 and Polysix 23rd January 2007
KORG Legacy Collection - Analog Edition 2007, including Mono/Poly, released (incl. Universal Binaries) 18th January 2007
Korg releases Legacy Collection v1.1.8 (+Analog Edition & Virtual MS-20 v1.0.1) 28th April 2006
Korg updates The Legacy Collection (OSX) 6th May 2005
Korg (USA) launches Triton Extreme/Legacy Collection Promotion 11th March 2005
Korg Legacy Collection updated to v1.1.2 23rd December 2004
New Banks Uploaded 2nd December 2004
Korg releases Legacy Collection demo (+updates AU to v1.1.1) 8th October 2004
Korg Legacy Collection v1.1 released 28th August 2004
Korg Legacy Collection v1.1 announced 24th July 2004
Korg Legacy Collection v1.0.1 released 6th July 2004
New Banks Uploaded 6th July 2004
Korg Legacy Collection at NAMM 16th January 2004
Korg announce virtual MS20, Polysix and Wavestation 6th March 2003

User Reviews by KVR Members for MS-20.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR REVIEW


By benwalker
On 7th May 2006
Version: 1.1.8

Read all reviews by
benwalker


3 of 3 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
The MS20... how to write a review on this beast....

Well, for starters lets concentrate on the things it doesn't do. Arpeggiator, built in effects, it only has two oscillators, the envelopes are fairly limited and the *on-screen* gui is a pain to work with because korg seemed to think that we would all enjoy scrolling around a window instead of seeing all the controls in the same view...

oh well.

However. What it does do in its most basic form, is bridge the gap between musical instrument and software. The fact that the MS20IC is a stricly one knob per control affair means that you have total hands on interactivity - something I don't think any other VSTi does. A lot of people have gone through it with spectrum analysers and so forth and done the "well its okay but there's this peak at 22.134Khz that the original does.." - which clearly indicates that these people need to get out more. I've never played the 'real' thing, but as far as i'm concerned this might as well be it. Hell it's the closest I'll get to an MS20 without risking ebay...

GUI, despite the annoyances from the screen version, has to get full marks for the MS20IC.

So how does it sound? Great - really good for basslines, odd weird effects and the filters are superb for running external noises through. I was playing around and before I could say 'homework' I was playing that riff from Da Funk... easily done. The band-pass trick with the High/Low filters is unusual and nice to play with, and the thing distorts to a resonant squeal with ease.

Features are dependent on what you're looking for. It's not Z3ta+ or Absynth, that's for sure, but if you want analogue leads, basslines and effects, look no further. Drop in a few effects from your chosen host for more silliness...

Korg do ship the original MS20 manual with it - can't get better than poorly translated chinese for authenticity - and the patching guide is a good introduction to using the patchbay. It does call for experimentation: which is probably the best way to get the most out of this synth.

Decent number of presets, but again the best thing to do is initialise the instrument from the controller and just play with it - the number of hours spent wondering "what happens if I plug a patch lead from there to there?" are far more fruitful than copying presets.

Customer support is good provided you look on the forums. I had a weird issue when I first got it, wherby the controller wasn't picked up as a midi device. Turned out that I had 10 midi devices installed since my old Edirol UA20 had been installed twice, and neither had been uninstalled since changing to my Firepod: Korg even provided a utility to ditch redundant midi devices so thumbs up to them.

VFM - this is the killer and will probably annoy a lot. I bought this in the UK from Absolute Music online for the grand total of 150GBP for the whole of the legacy collection including the MS20ic. That works out at 50GBP for the MS20+MS20ic - this thing is an absolute (npi) bargain!!

Stability is good so far. I'm about to move to a new DAW so we'll see how things go...
 
Last edited by benwalker on 7th May 2006    Report

By kuniklo
On 23rd April 2005
Version: 1.1.3

Read all reviews by
kuniklo


1 of 1 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
This is the best sounding analog emulation available at the moment. Korg have really outdone themselves with the sound. It has a beautiful organic liquid smoothness even at it's grittiest and most ugly. I was skeptical of the hardware controller at first but it really does give the MS-20 a hands-on tactile feel that software alone can't match. It's not the most sonically versatile synth ever, but it does great basses & leads and simpler pads beautifully.

The software UI alone can be frustrating, with two views, one of which is way too small and one of which is so big that it requires a lot of unnecessary scrolling. This isn't such a big deal really, since you'll generally be using the controller to program it. CPU usage can be on the high side, but it's easily worth it for the sound quality.

It doesn't come with many presets, but it's easy enough to program that you'll be making your own right away. I hope Korg applies their analog modeling technology to a more flexible and versatile synth next time around but right now this is my go-to instrument.
 
   Report

By Jayman#9
On 20th May 2004
Version: 1.0

Read all reviews by
Jayman#9


8 of 9 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
I gave this VSTi a 10 for interface because a 84% scale replica of the MS-20 comes with the package! Whats better than a "real" knob per function??? The controller is VERY responsive. It feels like a real analog synth. And yes, the patch cables actually work when using the modular section. Not to forget that it's made of mainly metal, so it's sturdy (heavier than I thought).

When I first saw the Korg Legacy bundle, I thought that the controller was a gimmic to make up for an average sounding vitage VSTi. I'm happy to report that it sounds very VERY analog! It is something to be heard. The filters are very thick sounding. You can't hear any MIDI steping as you sweep the filter freq knob. The result is smooth and round. The resonence is very aggressive at hi settings (not abrasive though) and warm at lower settings. I have not compaired the VSTi to the real thing (yet), but as is, the synth sounds amazing. They also give you the option to make it polyphonic as well as mono. The patches are endless.

As for features, a controller with a working patchbay and a knob per function... nuff said.

The manual is pretty thick but I was surprised to find that there wasn't any info about the patchbay section of the synth. In the manual it said to look on the cd-rom for more info, but none was found. I have experience with modular synthisis so it didn't take me long to get aroud it. But for a beginner it would be quite difficult.

The presets supplied are pretty good, but not many to go through. Mainly basslines and TB303 type sounds for electronic writers. I create more ambient sounds and pads for rock and pop music, so the presets wern't for me. It's hard to make this synth sound bad so I guess it's not a big deal.

I emailed support a question and they replied quickly. I'll give them a 10 for support :)

3 classic Korg synths and a dedicated MS-20 replica midi controller for 499USD!! I'd say that's a good deal.

Finally, stability. I've been tweeking all day and night for a week now. I use Protools 6.1.1 LE using the FXpansion VST to RTAS adapter version 1.03. For some reason the Legacy Cell plugin won't wrap properly and crashes the FXpansion wrapper. So I read that if you delete the Legacy Cell dll's from the vst folder, the MS-20 and the other synths wrap without a glitch. Sure enough they where right. No crashes and the controller works perfect as well with Protools.

I also have the Moog Modular V and have owned a Nord Modular. IMO the Korg takes the cake. I find the Moog Modular sounds ok, but a bit soft sounding. The nord is great, but it has it's own sound. The bottom line is that the MS-20 is the most realistic "virtual" analog synth I have ever used. You can acheve 1000's of sounds from mellow to hard lead sounds.
 
   Report
Latest 3 reviews from a total of 3

Reviews, articles, interviews, etc. for MS-20.

None listed yet.

 

Products by Korg

Product: M1
Developer: Korg
Type: Synth (Unclassified)
Price: $199 (Bundle)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Part of the Korg Legacy Collection Digital Edition, the whole package includes: M1 and Wavestation instrument plugins and the MDE-X collection of effect plugins.The sound engine of the Korg M1 is now available as an eight-part multi-timbral virtual instrument, and has been brought up to date with many new features. Topping that list includes a powerful resonant filter and dual Insert effects.In addition to the PCM and Program/Combination data of the M1/M1EX/T1, all of the data from the 19 optional M1 PCM/Program cards is included, along with new drum samples and entirely new Programs, plus all... [more]

 
Product: MDE-X
Developer: Korg
Type: Multi FX
Price: $249 / $199 (KLC-AE / KLC-DE Bundles)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
MDE-X is a multi-effect plug-in that makes the versatile selection of 19 different effects provided by Korg's Legacy Cell, derived from the technical innovation and research behind Korg's Digital Recorders, Triton synthesizers, and effects processors, available as effects plug-ins. Features: 19 effect types: Dyna Compressor, Compressor, Multi-Bank Limiter, Mastering Limiter, Overdrive/Hi Gain + Wah, 4-Band EQ, Exciter/Enhancer, Talking Modulator, Decimator, Flanger, Phaser, Polysix Ensemble, Multi-Tap Chorus/Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, LCD BPM Delay, Reverb Hall, Reverb Smooth Hall, Reverb W... [more]

 
Product: Mono/Poly
Developer: Korg
Type: Synth (Analogue / Subtractive)
Price: $249 (Bundle)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
The classic Mono/Poly provided four oscillators, a resonant filter, dual EGs and Modulation Generators, plus 4-way Synchro and Cross Modulation capability for creating aggressive and signature tonal effects. It also featured the same arpeggiator and Chord memory functions as its sibling, the Polysix. Along with being a complete reproduction of the original Mono/Poly, this new software version extends the Mono/Poly in significant ways. It features 128-voice polyphony with up to 16-voice unison, 2 integrated multi-effects providing 19 effects and a powerful eight-way virtual patching matrix. The... [more]

 
Product: MS-20
Developer: Korg
Type: Synth (Analogue / Subtractive)
Price: $249 (Bundle)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Part of the Korg Legacy Collection, the whole package includes: MS-20, Polysix, Wavestation & Legacy Cell [screenshot] instrument plugins and 20 effect plugins (including an MS-20 filter) plus a USB MIDI Controller keyboard in the style of an MS-20, Patch Cable for MS-20 Controller x 10, USB Cable and an Owner's Manual. All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance. Package includes: Stand Alone & Plug-in instruments: MS-20 Polysix Legacy Cell Wavestation Plug-in Effects: MS-20FX MDE-X Details MS-20 synthesizer featur... [more]

 
Product: Polysix
Developer: Korg
Type: Synth (Analogue / Subtractive)
Price: $249 (Bundle)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Part of the Korg Legacy Collection, the whole package includes: MS-20, Polysix, Wavestation & Legacy Cell [screenshot] instrument plugins and 20 effect plugins (including an MS-20 filter) plus a USB MIDI Controller keyboard in the style of an MS-20, Patch Cable for MS-20 Controller x 10, USB Cable and an Owner's Manual. All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance. Details Polysix synthesizer features: Emulation of the Korg Polysix featuring CMT (Component Modeling Technology). 32 notes polyphonic (CPU dependant). Unison :... [more]

 
Product: Wavestation
Developer: Korg
Type: Synth (Wavetable)
Price: $199 (Bundle)
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Part of the Korg Legacy Collection, the whole package includes: MS-20, Polysix, Wavestation & Legacy Cell [screenshot] instrument plugins and 20 effect plugins (including an MS-20 filter) plus a USB MIDI Controller keyboard in the style of an MS-20, Patch Cable for MS-20 Controller x 10, USB Cable and an Owner's Manual. All software is optimized for the Apple G4 Velocity Engine and Intel Pentium 4 SSE2 to obtain maximum performance. Details Wavestation synthesizer features: 32 note polyphonic (CPU dependant). 484 PCM waveforms. 32 digital oscillators. 32 digital filters. 64 envelope generat... [more]

 
Coming Soon...