Korg Monotron 16-Key Analog Ribbon Synth – a palm-sized, battery-powered synthesizer with expressive effects and popular Korg filters.
- Full-fledged, true analogue synthesizer: VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator, VCF with Cutoff and Peak Control, LFO can be applied to the Pitch (VCO) or Filter(VCF)
- Inspiring, easy-to-play ribbon keyboard
- Intuitive, fun-to-tweak controls
- Features the same classic analog filter found in the legendary Korg MS-10 & MS-20
- Filter any external source using the audio input jack
- Built-in speaker and battery power for Go Anywhere Analog sound
- Headphone jack for private use
Analog synths were once massive, temperamental monsters, but the Korg monotron proves that big things now come in small packages. The true analog monotron synthesizer fits in your pocket and makes it possible for you to play anytime, anyplace.
Although it is small enough to hold in one hand, the Korg monotron synth delivers enormous, dazzling sounds. The controls have been streamlined for ease of use—concentrating on the most important sound parameters, the panel contains only five knobs and one switch. With this level of simplicity, now anyone can easily enjoy the world of analog synthesizers. It's simply a blast to play.
Ribbon controller keyboard offers easy expression
Borrowing the enjoyment of performing with a simple touch from Korg's wildly
popular KAOSS products, the monotron synth's ribbon controller keyboard takes
this ease of use even farther. Simple finger gestures can produce expressive
effects such as vibrato and glide.
1VCO, 1VCF, 1LFO – Modular synthesis building blocks
The Korg monotron's circuit is radically simple: one voltage-controlled
oscillator, one voltage-controlled filter, and one low frequency oscillator. As
a result, the process of sound creation is intuitive, and instantly
understandable. And it's tons of fun. This Korg synth provides the joy of sonic
creativity that's at the heart of analog synthesis.
The famous Korg filter
This Korg synthesizer starts with the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as
KORG's classic MS-10 and original MS-20 semi-modular synths, and adds extra
oomph to the resonance. Originally released over 30 years ago, these
synthesizers are still coveted today for their aggressive, dynamic filters. The
VCF Cutoff knob sets the frequency or tone of the filter; the VCF Peak
(resonance) knob adds emphasis.
Semi modular satisfaction
Just as on the original MS-20, the monotron's filter can be patched into,
allowing any external audio source to be processed by the monotron's filter.
The input jack (AUX input) built into the Korg synthesizer's compact body
inserts the AUX input into the signal path right before the VCF. This provides a
great way to connect a KAOSSILATOR, a keyboard, a guitar, a digital audio player
or even an unmixed track to the Korg monotron synth and enjoy tone-bending
filter effects.
Versatile LFO provides audio and visual excitement
The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can affect either the oscillator pitch or the
filter cutoff. Both the speed and the intensity are individually adjustable, so
you can create anything from a gentle vibrato to swooping tone changes of
galactic proportions. As you turn the LFO Rate knob—featuring an embedded
LED—the speed of the modulation effect and the speed of the blinking LED will
change in tandem.
Listen anywhere—alone or with friends
The ultimate in compactness, the Korg monotron synth includes a built-in
miniature speaker. Along with the battery operation, this feature allows you to
enjoy the monotron everywhere. There's also a headphone output that you can use
when creating sounds at home, for recording, or for connecting to an amplifier
or PA system. When used, it cuts off the speaker so you get personal monitoring
or so that you get the full effect of your larger speaker system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Synthesizer structure: 1 VCO (Sawtooth Wave); 1 VCF; 1 LFO
Switch: Standby / LFO to Pitch / LFO to Filter
Knobs: VCO Pitch, LFO Rate, LFO Int., VCF Cutoff, VCF Peak
Controller: Ribbon Controller
Volume: Headphone Volume
Aux Input: 1/8" Stereo Jack
Headphone Output: 1/8" Stereo Jack
Speaker: Miniature Internal; Disabled when headphones are in use
Power Supply: AAA batteries (x2), recommended alkaline batteries
Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AAA batteries x2 (limited charge only for
verifying operation)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 120 mm x 72 mm x 28 mm / 4.72” x 2.83” x
1.10”
Weight: 95g / 3.35 oz. (without batteries)