KORG MS-20 V

Primal black monolith

KORG MS-20 V is a virtual instrument for sound explorers in search of the meaner side of analog. From punchy analog textures to abrasive screaming sounds, explore a flawless emulation of a primal instrument overflowing with attitude and streamlined for modern production.

149$/149€ Buy Now
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KORG MS-20 V
149$/149€ Buy Now

The analog
elemental

KORG MS-20 V unites screaming oscillators and filters with a semi-modular architecture and cutting-edge upgrades for a monstrous virtual instrument that transcends subtractive synthesis.

Explore the darker side of analog and effortlessly immerse your mix in the unearthly sounds of a machine that takes no prisoners - shuddering detuned basslines, snappy resonant thuds, and howling hard-sync melodies await.

Harnessing chaos

If raw energy had a sound, this would be it. KORG MS-20 V channels the high-voltage sound and hacked-circuit quality of an iconic beast of a synth, and the resulting sound is every bit as primal and fearsome as it always was. Do you dare tame it?

The test of time

A machine that’s remained unchanged since its release four decades ago, yet remains a production go-to for screaming leads, seismic wobbling basses, and edgy pulse width textures. KORG MS-20 V virtualizes this ageless analog monster for your DAW workflow.

Semi-modular

KORG MS-20 V already sounds impressively gnarly from the first note - but when you patch into its circuitry and manipulate its signal path, you’ll unleash its true mind-bending potential. Twist, transform, and torment its sound by creating your own connections.

Streamlined, sharpened

We didn’t stop at making the most authentic MS-20 emulation possible; this instrument has been retrofitted with modern functionality, including 6-voice polyphony with unison, a built-in sequencer, expanded voicing, and FX, perfectly suited to contemporary EDM, urban, and pop production.

A meaner
monosynth

KORG’s original MS-20 was released in 1978, during a period considered by many to be the golden age of analog synthesizers.

This was a blessing and curse; these instruments had never been more in vogue, but there was also plenty of competition.

Surprisingly, the MS-20 was preceded by a range of polyphonic instruments, KORG’s PS Series. The company wanted to cram as much functionality into as little space as possible, something that was notoriously difficult with analog polysynths. It was this design principle, however, that led them to creating an accompanying monosynth - enter MS-20.

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The MS-20 did what the PS Series had struggled to do. It was functional and flexible enough to satisfy the synth aficionados of the time, rivaling well-established instruments; but it was also small enough to fit on your coffee table, with enough limitations to keep it both affordable and accessible. KORG wanted this instrument to appeal to as many people as possible.

The MS-20 was part of a breakaway movement of instruments that combined the compactness of desktop synthesizers with keyboard playability and semi-modular sound design. This, coupled with its notoriously abrasive and raw sound, secured its place among synth royalty. Favored by everyone from Depeche Mode to The Prodigy, Aphex Twin to Autechre, this synth is as popular as ever - and now it’s at your creative disposal.

Embrace
the scream

Many analog synthesizers are known for their warm, organic response. Semi-modular machines are often associated with sound design flexibility.

KORG MS-20 V’s namesake ancestor combined both with surprising results: a signature red-hot sound that refused to get old.

Korg MS-20 V brings the coveted aggressive sound of its glorious ancestor to life by meticulously emulating every component in extreme detail. The ultra-fat oscillators, the rule-breaking external signal processing, those screaming filters that remain unmatched to this day. Every non-linear nuance in the original hardware’s circuitry has been remade, streamlined, and enhanced for an unhinged analog machine aimed at punchy modern production.

Preset
library

Enjoy an expertly-crafted selection of 200 presets, spanning vintage synth patches to cutting-edge sounds for modern production, giving you instant creative results in a few clicks.

Bass

Dark Roller

Classic, dark, rolling Reese bass. Aftertouch controls highpass filter cutoff. Mod wheel controls lowpass filter cutoff.

Le Adda

Heavily distorted acid bass. Use time to control envelope times, and Movement to add tape echo. Mod wheel controls HPF frequency.

Leads

Super Fedback

Supersaw unison through ESP. Push drive with Timbre macro. Brightness controls HPF, and Movement detunes the voices. Feel free to tweak Total amounts to modulate VCOs / VCFs with feedback from "Signal Out".

Drunken Lead

Rough lead sound uses filter FM and the External Signal Processor to insert a filtered feedback loop resulting in random artifacts at the beginning of each note. Mod wheel adds vibrato while controlling its rate.

Pads & Strings

Rings Of Saturn

Cinematic, analogue pad with sweeping filter. Mod wheel controls highpass filter cutoff.

Pulse Concert

Violin with slight PWM. Mod wheel adds vibrato.

Sequences

Basik Tekno Sekence

Hold a note to make this easy techno patch play. Brightness adds rhythmic noise, Timbre controls VCO level, and Time makes the bass drum drop.

EBM Seq 1

Melodic sequence best suited as a bassline. Mod wheel increases the HP filter, for buildups or breaks.

Keys

Keys Tracked

Ambient plucked keys. Movement adds feedback from master out to filters frequency. Increase Time to turn preset into a pad. Brightness increases HPF frequency.

EP Chorus

Simple velocity sensitive EP. Timbre adds a bit of EG1 modulation on VCO2 ring. Time controls reverb size, and Movement affects reverb mix.

SFX

CPU Anxiety

Dark unison bass perfectly suited for dark bass music. Taking advantage of the highly non-linear MK1 filter, this patch is exigent on CPU processing, but sounds scary good. Sweet spot between C2 a C5.

Not Nyquist

Evolving SFX uses a complex set of modulations to produce harsh-asymmetric harmonics. Timbre Macro controls FM. Mod wheel controls the amount of filtered feedback inserted by the External Signal Processor.

Authentic MS-20
experience

We partnered with KORG to re-engineer the most faithful emulation of this iconic instrument yet. KORG MS-20 V captures the accessible layout and intuitive controls of the original hardware, putting you in total command of this machine’s captivating sound.

  • Overview

    KORG MS-20 V

  • 1

    Voltage Controlled Oscillators

    The epicenter of KORG MS-20 V’s predatorial sonic character. Modeled on KORG’s proprietary oscillator chips, these virtual VCOs each offer four waveforms for classic analog warmth with a distinctly aggressive flavor.

  • 2

    Hard Sync & Ring Mod

    Transform classic VCOs into otherworldly sound generators, metallic and abrasive, with emulations of the original hardware’s Sync and Ring Mod features - EDM producers, we’re looking at you.

  • 3

    Frequency Modulation

    Like many of KORG MS-20’s controls, the Frequency Modulation module is simple but dramatic in its effects. Configure a mixture of the Modulation Generator, Envelope Generators, or External Signal to send both oscillators into an animated frenzy.

  • 4

    The Filters

    Before modulation or patching, the screeching filters are arguably the most crucial element to KORG MS-20 V’s sound. These commanding low-pass and sizzling high-pass filters offer two types of ultra-detailed emulation: the KORG IC-35 chip and the OTA filter.

  • 5

    Modulation Generator

    What you see is what you get - this is KORG MS-20 V’s LFO. Featuring two morphable waveforms, plus our addition of tempo sync and frequency modulation, this is your shortcut to making your patches evolve with every note.

  • 6

    Envelope Generators

    A classic dual-envelope configuration offering easy control over the time-based elements of your patches. Both envelopes are authentic to the original but with a few additions: EG1 introduces a Gate/Trigger/Loop switch for a DADR response, while EG2 features an alternative Snappy mode for crafting percussive transients.

  • 7

    External Signal Processor

    Our emulation uses sidechaining to allow you to process external audio with the synonymous External Signal Processor. Run your own audio through KORG MS-20 V’s filters and crunchy output, create wild feedback routing, and use incoming sound to generate envelope follower signals.

  • 8

    The Patch Bay

    Some of KORG MS-20 V’s signal path is hard-wired; otherwise, this semi-modular machine is designed to be rearranged and customized to suit your creative needs. Experiment with patching to push its sound into uncharted territory that’s yours to discover.

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What
we added

KORG MS-20 V goes beyond just adding 6-voice polyphony to the mix: its expanded features give you the modern softsynth flexibility you need without compromising the classic elements of its sound.

THE SEQUENCER
THE EFFECTS

We went several steps further and modeled the original KORG SQ-10 sequencer, letting you craft perfect melodies, basslines, and rhythmic components without ever leaving the instrument’s interface. With 3 tracks of 12 steps and a series of authentic controls, this sequencer can be routed via the patch bay to animate almost any aspect of KORG MS-20 V.

This machine’s sound is mighty as it is, but the addition of 4 FX slots, in series or parallel, lets you elevate it even further. Whether you want mix-smoothing refinement or total destructive processing, choose from 16 FX to turn your sound into a finished product.

Artistscorner

  • Robert Dudzic

    Composer / Sound Designer (Ready Player One, Guardians of the Galaxy)

    I have the origina, now having VST version makes it convenient to use and most importantly I can save my presets and it sounds fantastic!

  • Zach Cooper

    Jon Batiste

    It sounds amazing and HUGE! The utility is unmatched - this instrument is a technical workhorse and an explorative engine all in one. The semi-modular characteristics and sequencer really blast this thing wide open.

  • Saige Rakoski

    Bonobo, Tycho

    The MS-20 V sounds just as warm as the real thing. Super easy to integrate into any live show and use with your favorite midi controllers.

  • Matt Robertson

    Producer - Composer

    The MS-20 V is the most fun sounding, gnarliest software MS-20 I have used. The complex way that the filters interact with each other is modelled really well, and because it’s Arturia you get all the extras like a sequencer and polyphony. I love it!

  • Chambray

    The MS-20 V is incredible! The sound is stellar which is very close to the original. Just brilliant sounding.

DJ Swish

Meets KORG MS-20 V

multi-platinum producer DJ Swish has perfected his own combination of keyboard proficiency with a quick-fire DAW workflow, and the results have earned him a solid reputation on the scene, with a Grammy nomination to boot.

Read the Story

Hear it
in action

Experience the inspiring, formidable sound of KORG MS-20 V in the hands of world-class sound designers; these demos have been exclusively produced to show this mean machine’s true colors.

A Darker Kind Of Torch

Undertaker

Industrial EBM track using several presets from the KORG MS-20 V's "Circuit Slayer" bank.

Airy Drop

Visages

Punchy Drum & Bass track using the MS-20 V to create airy ambience and melodies.

Busy Trip

Lektrique

Breakbeat track showing the MS-20 V's affinity for acid and distorted sounds.

French Syndrome

Simon Gallifet

Electronic track in a french-touch fasion, showcasing some sounds of the "French Connections" MS-20V bank.

MS-20 Intro

Victor Morello

Introdcution track of the MS-20 V, showing its potential for punchy cinematic soundscapes.

Old Dreamer

Maxime Desormieres

Smooth trap-drill beat using several instances of the KORG MS-20 V's Factory library.

Included in
V collection

Legendary Keyboards Reinvented

This instrument is also part of the V Collection -your complete dream line-up of the legendary synths, organs, pianos and more that made keyboard history. They’re modeled with the most advanced technologies for authentic realism, and enhanced with new creative options. Whether you use it as DAW plugins in the studio or standalone at gigs, V Collection puts the greatest keys of all time at your fingertips for instant inspiration.

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The features
you need

  • In-App Tutorials

    Integrated in-app tutorials guide you through every aspect of the instrument, from individual parameters to tips from our sound designers, so you can focus on the creative stuff. It shouldn't be this easy, but it is!

  • ASC

    Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.

  • DAW ready

    Our virtual instruments and plugins are designed to fit right into your setup without hassle. Whatever your style, you can explore sound while enjoying full compatibility with major DAWS, on both Windows and MacOS.

  • Preset browser

    Instantly find the sound that’s in your head with intelligent & streamlined preset browsing. Search with keywords, explore by instrument type, musical style, and more - you can even save your favorites to quickly recall later.

  • Resizable GUI

    Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic instrument emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia virtual instruments can be resized to a scale that suits you.

  • Perfect integration

    Instruments come seamlessly mapped for the Arturia KeyLab range - but they’ll place nice with other MIDI controllers too. Instant sound tweaking macros, easy DAW integration, and standalone operation.

TAE® Powered

The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.

By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.

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Gallery

Main Features

  • Virtual Instruments playable in a DAW (Live, FL Studio, Logic,...) or standalone with a MIDI keyboard.
  • Software emulation of original MS-20 designed in partnership with KORG
  • Dual VCOs with Noise, PWM, Ring Mod, Hard-Sync, and Frequency Modulation
  • High-pass and Low-pass filters modeled on KORG IC-35 and OTA chips
  • Modulation Generator LFO with morphing waveforms
  • Dual Envelope Generators with Looping/Snappy modes
  • External Signal Processor module with Envelope Follower and sidechaining
  • Patch Bay for semi-modular signal customization
  • Built-in 3-channel 12-step sequencer based on KORG SQ-10
  • 16 FX across 4 slots, configurable in series or parallel
  • Expanded 6-voice polyphony with Unison mode
  • MTS-ESP microtuning compatibility
  • MPE compatibility

Platform specifications

Windows

  • Win 10+ (64bit)
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
  • 3GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
  • ARM processors not supported on Windows

Required configuration

  • Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Apple

  • Mac OS 11+
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
  • 3GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Work with ASC

  • An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.

All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.

*NKS ready