Korg MS2000B Analog Modeled Synthesizer with Microphone

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
128 Programs. Modulation effects (3 types). Delay (3 types). Equalizer.

New Look, New Sounds - Analog Modeling is Back in Black!
The latest chapter in the 25-year history of the Korg MS series is here. With an updated sound set, a sharp new black metallic color scheme and dedicated vocoder mic, the MS2000B provides a combination of playability, expression and sound manipulation that is at once familiar, yet ready to open a new universe of possibilities.

Back to the Future
The MS2000B comes dressed up with retro-style rosewood side panels, and both units are packed with other great features of the past, including a versatile 16-band vocoder, and an arpeggiator offering six types of arpeggio patterns

Unparalleled Analog Modeling Power
Korg's DSP-driven analog modeling system - acclaimed in the Korg Prophecy and ElectribeA - has been refined to produce an incredibly wide range of sounds. From lush to fat to sharply cutting, the awesome sonic spectrum produced only by this DSP technology is harnessed into a compact keyboard or module. All major sound parameters can be accessed in real time from the knobs and switches on the front panel, allowing you the freedom to manipulate and shape your sound as you play.

Awesome Waveforms
The oscillator section consists of two oscillators and a noise generator. Oscillator 1 lets you select from 8 waveforms, including analog staples such as sawtooth and pulse, to unique selections like VoxWave and 64 DWGS (Digital Waveform Generator System) waveforms first featured on the Korg DW-8000. Modulation can be applied read more to each waveform for an even wider timbral selection and to create movement.

Oscillator 2 lets you select from 3 types of waveforms. In addition to detuning Oscillator 2 relative to Oscillator 1, you can also use it to apply sync or ring modulation to generate complex sounds. The audio input jacks allow external sound sources to be processed by the internal filters, effects, etc.

Sound Control
The EG (Envelope Generator) uses familiar four-stage ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) controls to apply time-variant changes to sound parameters.

The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) allows you to choose from 4 types of waveforms to apply cyclic changes to sound parameters, and can be synced to MIDI clock for cool rhythmic effects. Two EGs and two LFOs are provided for each timbre.

The MS2000B provides 4 filter types: 12dB low pass, 24dB low pass, band pass, and high pass. Resonance is provided, and can be set to self-oscillate. In addition to volume and pan controls, the amp section provides a distortion on/off setting so that even soft sounds can be transformed into aggressive solo parts.

The effect section provides up to three effects simultaneously: a modulation effect (ensemble, phaser, or chorus/flanger), a delay (stereo delay, cross delay, or L/R delay), and an equalizer, programmable for every sound.

Virtual Patch Function Allows Wildly Creative Possibilities
The MS2000B provides a Virtual Patch function that simulates the patching capabilities of the legendary Korg PS series and MS series synthesizers. Not only EG and LFO, but even velocity and keyboard tracking can be used as modulation sources to affect parameters such as pitch, noise level, and pan. You can create four Virtual Patches for each sound.

Mod Sequence Function Generates Dramatic Tonal Changes
The 3-track Mod Sequence function is a step sequencer that applies time-variant change to sound parameters in a way similar to varying the control voltage on analog synthesizers of the past. In addition to the 28 parameters on the front panel, you can also sequence changes to the pitch or step length to create your own riffs and phrases. Using the Mod Sequence to change DWGS waveforms even allows you to simulate wave-sequencing!
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Sound Generation Method:
Analog Modeling Synthesis System-Synthesizer Program Multi Timbral = 2 (max., Split/Dual Mode) Voices = 4 voices Sound Source = 2 Oscillator + Noise Generator, EG x 2, LFO x 2, Virtual Patch x 4, MOD Sequence 16 steps (max.) x 3 -Vocoder Program Voices = 4 voices Sound Source = 1 Oscillator + Noise Generator, EG x 2, LFO x 2, 16 Channels vocoder, level and pan of each channel can be edited, Formant Shift function

Programs: 128

Effects: Modulation effects (3 types), Delay (3 types), Equalizer

Arpeggiator: 6 types

Inputs: AUDIO IN 1, 2, Level switch LINE / MIC, [AUDIO IN 1, 2(LINE)] Input impedance = 39 k-ohms, Maximum output level = -3.5 dBu (Audio In knob maximum), [AUDIO IN 2(MIC)] Input impedance = 22 k-ohms, Maximum output level = -33 dBu (Audio In knob maximum), Input source impedance = 600 ohms

Outputs: L/MONO, R, Output impedance = 1.1k-ohms (MONO = 550 ohms), Maximum output level = +6.5 dBu, Load impedance = 100k-ohms, Headphones, Output impedance = 10 ohms, Maximum output level = 35 mW, Load impedance = 33 ohms

Control Inputs: Assignable Pedal, Assignable Switch

MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU: Display : 16 charactors x 2 lines with backlight

Power Supply: DC 9V (AC adapter)

Power Consumption: 8W

Dimensions: MS2000B = 737.8(W) x 371.3(D) x 147.7(H)mm / 29.0 (W) x 14.6 (D) x 5.8 in. (H), MS2000R = 482.0(W) x 233.2(D) x 87.1(H)mm / 19.0 (W) x 9.2 (D) x 3.4 in. (H) 4U rack-mountable

Weight: 7.1kg/15.6 lbs

Accessories: AC adapter (DC 9V, 600mA)

Keyboard: 44 notes

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (80 ratings)
Submitted November 19, 2003 by a customer from yahoo.com

"a very sweet peace of gear!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
i'll always be searching for more gear. next on the list for hardware is the virus C and maybe the nord lead 3. but i'll never get rid of my precious ms2000! i love it.
Sound
the sound is amazing. it sounds just like what you'd hear on a van dyk or oakenfold CD. Extremely awsome for those working the trance side of electronic music. Sounds great with Logic and i use it with Reason's drum machine. i've got it running through a tascam interface into my mac. however, i highly recommend the m-audio firewire 410. i've used it and it rocks!
Features
huge variety of features. way too many options for me to list, just check out the specs. i've already racked my brain trying to learn everything it can do and i don't even know the half of it yet!
Quality
pretty solid peace of gear, haven't found any flaws yet.....and i bought it used!

Musical Style:

Intelligent Dance Music(IDM), jungle, ambient, trance.....no house....
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