Hear Korg's New MS2000 in Action

(Click for a close-up)

Korg is introducing a new MS series synth: the MS2000, which recreates the analog sounds of the past using the latest DSP technology, and adds functionality reminiscent of Korg's VC-10 vocoder and SQ10 analog sequencer.

Korg's new MS2000 Analog Modeling Synthesizer featuring a 44-note velocity keyboard, and the MS2000R 4U rack-mount configuration, both utilize a DSP-powered analog modeling system (based on that used in the Prophecy, Z1 and Electribe series), refined to produce a wide range of analog sounds. All major sound creation parameters are available on the front panel, with 35 dedicated knobs providing the ability to create and manipulate sounds in real-time.

The MS "voice" starts with two multi-waveform oscillators and a noise generator. There are 70 possible waveforms, including 64 DWGS (PCM) waves which can be "wave-sequenced" using the Mod Sequencer. The analog-modeled waveforms all include modulation/shaping to help recreate the sound of pulse width modulation as well as generating frequency modulation from the Cross Wave. Oscillator 1 can be linked to Oscillator 2 for Ring Mod and Sync timbres. External audio signals can even be used as a waveform, and processed and modified with filter, effects, and parameters.

Four filter types are modeled in the MS2000: 12 and 24 dB low-pass, band pass and high pass, each with variable resonance that can be adjusted into self-oscillation. Dual ADSR envelope generators and two four-waveform MIDI-syncable LFOs provide flexible sound shaping control, along with dedicated volume, pan and distortion controls. A "Virtual Patch" system echoes the hardware patching found on the original Korg PS and MS synths. EG, LFO, velocity and keyboard tracking can be used as modulation sources, and can affect such parameters as pitch, noise level and panning. Eight sources and destinations are instantly selectable from the front panel.

Demo Sequence 1 (308K) Demo Sequence 2 (439K) Demo Sequence 3 (347K) Demo Sequence 4 (376K) Demo Sequence 5 (399K) Demo Sequence 6 (395K) Demo Sequence 7 (358K) Demo Sequence 8 (411K) Sixteen knobs form the controls of the Mod Sequence function, applying time-variant changes to sound parameters -- very much like control voltage variations on an analog synth. In addition to the 28 parameters on the front panel, time-variant change can be applied to pitch or step length to recreate step-sequencer functionality. Three sequences of up to 16 steps each can be used simultaneously for each timbre. Also included is a powerful 16-band vocoder, modeled on the Korg VC-10, which can use vocal or rhythm sounds as input. Two sets of 16-channel band-pass filters analyze and synthesize the signal content with an envelope follower to complete the effect. Level and panning of each channel can be adjusted, and a full array of synth parameters can be used to shape new sounds. A three-part effects section is also provided, complete with three modulation effects (phaser, chorus/flange and ensemble), three types of delay and an 2-band EQ section--all user programmable. The MS2000 includes 128 sound programs built-in, with all locations in RAM for easy editing and customizing. The instrument features single, dual and split modes for performance flexibility. A MIDI-syncable arpeggiator is also provided with six different patterns, along with adjustable gate and swing parameters. The Korg MS2000 features a futuristic metallic blue-green body, with the keyboard version echoing traditional analog instruments with rosewood side panels. The rack- mount MS2000R can also be used on a tabletop. Both have an angled front panel for excellent visibility and easy operation. The Korg MS2000 Analog Modeling Synthesizer is available early Spring, 2000 for a suggested retail price of $1100.00 (keyboard) and $799.00 (rack/tabletop).