Korg MS-2000

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The Korg MS2000 is a 4-note polyphony virtual analog synthesizer produced by the Japanese electronic musical instrument manufacturer Korg.

History

After the demise of the overly complex Z1 synthesizer, which offered many synthesis algorithms besides analog emulation, Korg presented the MS2000 as "virtual analog for the masses". Offered in two versions (a 3-octave keyboard and tabletop/rackmount), the machine sported classic analog modelled synthesis, "virtual patch cord" functionality, a very complete vocoder, lots of knobs and physical controls, and a somewhat paltry four note polyphony.

Its main feature was the low retail price, specially when compared to other VA synths, like Roland JP8080 module or Clavia Nord Lead range. Some compromises were taken by Korg to achieve the lower price: limited polyphony (a problematic feature when playing chords), limited onboard effects, only two analog audio outputs, external power supply, etc. Also, only 128 user patches can exist in the synth's memory, and no expansion options were provided. Compared to other VA synths, the MS2000's sound is considered thinner and sharper by many people.

Nevertheless, the MIDI specs are very complete, the knob array can be used as a massive control surface for external gear, a simple but effective 3-track x 16 event sequencer is offered by patch, and the arpeggiator is effective (but not programmable). The vocoder is excellent, sporting 16 programmable bands and was much acclaimed when the MS2000 was first released. Given the modulation possibilities, many unique sounds can be achieved with this synthesizer which are impossible to get from other VA's.

Before the MS2000, the only VA alternatives offered by Korg were the Prophecy, the Z1 and VA expansion cards for the Trinity / Triton range of workstations. They all offered many synthesis types, like VA, physical modelling, VPM. etc. Despite having a much simpler synthesis scheme, the MS2000 is more inmediate and rewarding to much musicians, due to the included vocoder and control possibilities.

Synthesis

Signal is generated in a following sequence of steps in MS-2000 synthesis system:

Oscillators: a patch is comprised by two oscillators (featuring saw, pulse + PWM, sine, triangle and noise), with independent parameters each. Also, an external signal can be used as one of the oscillators, for further processing.
Filters: signal is processed by a multimode resonant filter with ADSR.
Amplification: digital VCA with ADSR.
Effects units: a chorus / flanger / phaser and a delay unit add effect to the dry sound.
EQ: A 2-band digital EQ is offered per patch.

An interesting fact are the 64 single-cycle, wavetable-like internal waveforms that can be used in the oscillator 1. They were taken from mid-80's Korg DW8000 synthesizer, and allows the creation of bell and electric piano-like sounds, and much more. Also, ring modulation and sync are offered for sweep and vintage lead sounds.

Two LFOs are offered in order to allow cyclic modulation of most patch parameters, and are assignable in somewhat restricted ways using the Virtual Patch feature.

Models

The MS2000 has been a bestseller since its inception, despite some serious shortcomings (polyphony, limited onboard effects, etc.) and some subjective flaws, like its somewhat thin sound and (for today's standards) few user memories.

The MS2000B. In 2004, Korg introduced a renewed version of the MS-2000, the MS-2000B. Some improvements were made over the original model, being the inclusion of a front panel mic input, and better factory presets. The synth's metallic painting was changed to dark grey/black, hence the 'B' on the name. Sadly, no other real improvements were made.

The MS2000R / MS2000BR These are 4U rackmount versions of the MS-2000 and MS-2000B, as the R on the end of the model number denotes. They do not have keyboards and are controlled by MIDI with either a computer or hardware controller.

The microKORG In 2002 Korg released the microKORG this was built on the same DSP engine as the MS-2000 with similar but cut down specifications. With smaller keys and more compact\minimal layout.

The MS range of synthesizers. The machine was supposed to take the vintage 1970's range of Korg monosynths (the MS-10 and MS-20) to "the new millennium", although owners of the "real analog" vintage models have repeatedly stated that the MS2000's digital sound can't be compared with the "fat" sound of their machines.

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