Library Instrument
Korg MS-20
Korg's 1978 patchable monophonic analog synth, known for its aggressive, near-self-oscillating dual filters.
Released in 1978 at $750, the MS-20 is a semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer: two VCOs feed a series pair of filters, a high-pass and a low-pass, both self-resonant to the point of near-oscillation, giving the instrument its aggressive, “screaming” character. Its patch panel exposes most of the signal path to external patching, and a built-in ESP (external signal processor) input lets it track guitar or voice as a control source. Affordable and patchable, it became a mainstay of industrial, EBM, and later techno and experimental production.