KORG MS-20, complete in depth guide tutorial. Including patch bay

Become a Patreon and get early access, preset packs, project of the video and more.
► Patreon: / xnb
► Instagram: / xnb.synths.music
🙌 Paypal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
► Facebook: / xnbmusic
► Instagram: / xnb.synths.music
timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
00:54 - Oscillators
08:27 - Filters
12:26 - Filter type
13:39 - EG2
20:11 - Modulation Generator
21:43 - MG Modulation
25:03 - EG Modulation
30:19 - Patchbay start
31:12 - MG out & Total
35:20 - Freq & Cutoff freq
39:13 - Noise OUT & EXT in
43:01 - ESP
47:04 - EG1 out & rev out
51:52 - VCA
01:03:00 - Sample & Hold
01:16:59 - S-Trigger/ V-Trigger
01:27:45 - Initial gain
01:29:50 - F-to-V & Envelope follower
01:36:08 - ESP trig out
01:38:12 - VCO's cv's

[@clorcomp91]

This is hands down one of the best explanations of the Korg MS-20 that I've found on KZbin. The clarity and attention to detail in this video are really impressive. I've been trying to wrap my head around this synthesizer for a while now, and finally, everything is starting to make sense. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, it's really helped me out a lot!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks man. It's a classic. Yes the synth looks confusing, but if you break it down bit by bit you start to realize, it's not so scary. I will be creating some sound design videos with this monster, so people can practice with me :)

[@skyko]

+1 100%! THANK YOU!! 😎👍

[@JimmyHagerstrom]

@@XNBeatsMusic Thank you for the video. I got myself a MS-20 just two days ago and this video has been very useful for me. I haven´t got thruu the whole video get though because i sit in front of my synth and does everything together with you in the video so i can try it out an really learn everything. So i have been watching your video and playing with my synth maybe about 10 hours or more this week but still im not even 30 minutes into the video. There is just so much to explore :-). Every little new thing you learn you have to try with all the old things you can and all small aspects of them and it´s just so unbeliavably fun. I totally lose track of time and space around me and just exist in the moment, my soul loves it! Thank you for all the help! Your video is very different to a big part of youtube-tutorials. You´re work is really high-quality. No BS or annoying stylish/funny memes or background noise meant to make you watch. This has actually value and you are thinking about the viewers learning experience, like a teacher should. Great work and i feeled blessed and spoiled at the same time because of having access to this video. I´m 35 and remember the hours reading manuals and scratching my head frustrated and confused still not getting it, this is great! Again, thank you! You said in the comment i reply to that you will be creating some sound design videos with the MS-20, for us to practice with you. This never happened though, huh? I have searched thruu your channel but i cant find any content at all about the MS-20 released after this video. Did you skip that idea or is it in the future do you think? I like that you do Studio One content though, it´s "my DAW" and your content is high quality. Hugs!

[@SnackPackSilkens]

I'm excited for this video after reading this. I've had a MS-20 Mini for years and always feel lost when I try to dive into it.

[@Modwaev]

Finally after what, 15 years in the studio, I now truly fully understand the MS20. Awesome walkthrough, thanks so much!

[@thirfytash7286]

Best ms20 tutorial on KZbin imo, I went through many, this is the only one where I understood everything concisely, I totally understand every function of this synth completely now inside and out, other tutorials just gave me a vague idea of things on the ms20, yours is the most informative and the most well explained imo, great job!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks for the comment. I put a lot of effort to make it like a course so everyone easily can understand it. Thanks for the comment.

[@yujmusic]

Thank you for doing guides of "older" synths. Happy to have found your channel when I was learning my arp odyssey, then the microfreak, then this. You're a gem.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks man, well The Arp and M20 are classics. Thanks for the comment :)

[@azrec440]

Man thank you so much for making this. Ive had my Ms20 for like 3 years now and the patch bay was mostly shrouded in mystery up until watching this. Every other video available on the topic is either trash or really old and hard to watch. And the instruction manual is written under the assumption that you have the pre requisite knowledge of an electrician . . again, thank you!

[@marcinp3343]

You got talent to explain difficult topics with simplicity and great examples. Love your tutorials. I'm watching even if I don't have particular synth :)

[@PeaceDub]

What makes your guide so good is that you are so dedicated and have a passion+love for the MS-20 makes it so interesting! It is an amazing synth!

[@jonhellasick]

Had my MS20 for about 4 years always got it to work by brute force but now it all makes sense! Thanks for great video!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Love to hear that, is always nice to feel you are helping folks to feel closer to their instruments and rediscover something. Thanks for the comment.

[@stephanesigouin2049]

This is the most moving tutorial I've seen. I love this synth. I've had it for several months now, And have play around it quite q bit, but it's always extremely rewarding to hear someone who knows more about it than you do explain it and offer solutions and possibilities. Thanks to you, I love my Korg even more.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

thanks for the comment.I love the MS20 too, is just a classic of classics.

[@baward]

The MS-20, a pretty much complete synthesizer music studio for the everyday synth fan. It's even better expanded with some of its MS stable-mates, such as the MS-10, MS-50, SQ-10, and VC-10 vocoder. The MS-02 interface unit solves all of the problems of incompatibility with different brands (the last 30 minutes of your excellent video.)

[@jasonhowell]

Thank you so much for this! I came across a used MS-20 Mini a month ago and felt a bit overwhelmed by the patch bay. But your explanation of the entire synth was so well thought out, logical, and clearly communicated. I feel so much more capable! Appreciate your awesome video!

[@_Fer_Sanchez_]

Don't know how many times i have come back to this video. And how many more i will be coming back in the future. Great, great job. Very useful explanation. Thanks a lot

[@RogueAstro85]

Finally! Ive had an MS-20 for a decade and have read the manuals and the patch bay still never made sense to me. Now I can actually make stuff that I want to make

[@joeypruitt7750]

Incredible video! This is my first synth and this was beyond helpful. You are awesome!

[@simonroyjonesuk]

Best synth overview I've seen. Really helpful. Thank you.

[@voxhumana1634]

The best tutorial I've ever seen on KZbin! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@originaali]

Then my main comment. This was truly the most clear representation of ms20 i have watched ever! Great work 🎉

[@macdaddybender]

I echo other sentiments. This video is top quality. I've spent the last few days listening to sections and then getting hands on. I've learnt so much. I've added this video to a list so that I can always come back to it. Thanks man.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks Matthew !!! Is always gold to hear my work really helps people, thanks for the comment :)

[@felinegreat32]

I love my ms-20! It's such a versatile synth!

[@Juanmorocho_]

This is definitely the best explanation video on the MS-20, I've had it for a couple of months and knew a couple of things. But watching this video everything is just making more sense and im more comfortable with this. Thank you man!

[@MurphSchnitzel]

Thank you very much. I watched the whole video and finally I understand the MS20 completely. That was great ❤❤❤

[@fbigslave]

Great tutorial, I spent a whole evening playing with a friend's MS-20 Mini and learned a lot of stuff. You even anticipated most of the questions I thought of when watching the video. Kudos!

[@bennethos]

I am loving these deep dive courses !

[@ironjahn163]

Thank you - best one I've seen so far!

[@rizmaslen]

best tutorial for the MS20 concise and easy instructions! bravo!

[@ilinaceoc479]

The most useful guide of ms-20 in whole world. It helped so freaking much. Thanx a lot!!!!!!!

[@rivertropic2788]

Incredible, I was about to watch your Arturia MS-20 Tutorial and you come out with this one just now!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks !!! If you are using the Arturia synth is better to watch the Arturia video. But if you have the MS20, this one or the K2 are good :)

[@titodullion4928]

The sample and hold part was on point. Don't think there could have been a better way to explain this. Thank you

[@dieterdn]

I wish my teachers were that passionate too. Very good tutorial

[@pedrorrc]

what a legend. totally got a new understanding of the synth after watching this video!

[@dhpstudios2009]

I have the Korg MS20 possibility on my Korg Kronos. Couldn’t get it right, now thanks to you I can begin with it. Thank you very much. I have seen the first 10 minutes and already enjoy it.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks man, hope you like it and get something cool out of it.

[@kurttruk9403]

Man, you are the best on KZbin. I have learned Minilogue XD with you. And learning this one. So many insights, and you make it so clear.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

That's the dynamic duo right there, MS 20 and XD. Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment, it really helps.

[@PhrygianPhrog]

Awesome, you basically provided guides to all the synths I own!

[@nichelcruz7749]

Best Korg MS 20 on the net! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!. Thanks for the comment.

[@bigisland3421]

great channel amazing way of uncomplicated and direct explaining the different instruments.thank you, gracias, Mahalo

[@alfredoguerra4606]

Thank you for such a great tutorial

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for the comment.

[@sobble_p]

i love your videos. your style and methods of teaching synths really resonates with me. not to mention, you leave no feature un-taught. this and your neutron tutorials are my personal favorites. perhaps you could look into doing a tutorial on the free KORG PS-3300 simulation the Full Bucket FB-3300 in the future?

[@NOUMAEL]

Great tutorial as always. Thanks a lot.

[@xdumpstrspunionx902]

yeah this is easily the best explanation for the MS-20.

[@miguelcuervo9525]

This is soooo useful for someone with limited abstract thinking skills like me!

[@GNeuman]

Fantastic intructional video, cleared alot up after 30 years of owning one, lol!

[@kristijonaslucinskas1535]

I was waiting for such a tutorioal sooo long! Thank you very much, I'm going to buy you a huge cup of coffee :))

[@cbass909]

Seriously Man you've make the best complete tutorial of this legendary synth. So simply explications to use patchbay. Just this words to you : Thanks so much!!! I can use with a clear comprehension my Patchbay now. A pleasure!

[@roadrarities]

Thanks a lot for this very good explanation clip which helped me very much to better understand my MS20.👍👍👍

[@id658dif7oyguipb]

Wonderful tutorial, thanks for making this

[@amaurythewarrior]

i thought it would be very long to watch, but i'm already at 30 minutes and i feel like i have a much better comprehension of this part of the synth already.i thought i had a pretty good grasp of this part but it makes it a lot clearer

[@grafandsynthsagainstevilrobots]

My Fav synth.

[@omerartuk8936]

Great tutorial..thank you very much!!!!

[@mauriciomandara5946]

Thanks for sharing! Love all your tutorials! … specially MS20 ! …any plans on a deep diving patching / presets tutorial? Bought you a coffee! Thanks again! Gracias !

[@ronsone8373]

Very good teacher ☝️☝️ thanks!

[@dimakomplekt]

Thx for this amazing video!

[@paulsargeant8179]

What a lovely man.

[@atomicwaves3264]

Best tuto of MS20 ever !!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thank you sir :)

[@Radar23]

Nice one.. Haven't seen your channel before. Some decent content. Excellent studf

[@karelspott705]

...thank you so much for this Video💪

[@fencethe]

Thank you!

[@kitchensface7923]

Great Video Thank you for your help!

[@operculador2896]

Very Fantastic Vídeo! Muchas gracias por esto, realmente fabuloso.

[@Gabrielrose.mp3]

Ur my best friend for these

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Thanks for the comment Gabriel :)

[@dreeminde]

Well, considering the free time, I've spent two weeks regularly watching this video, replicating everything the author does on my VST. Overall, it's an excellent guide, and I did it to understand whether I really want to buy this vintage synth or not. It's frustrating that in Ableton, you can't connect CV from other sources like a sequencer, as the author did (or can you, but I don't know about it?). In any case, thanks for such detailed material; you explain things clearly, and it's very pleasant to listen to you. Even a little sad that I've watched it all, and the tutorial has ended, it feels like after finishing a favorite TV series. :)

[@bodyspray504]

Muchas gracias por este video!

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Gracias a usted por el comentario :)

[@petert7807]

So I have a blowout model, strangely the low price made me shelf it and not put much time into learning the machine. Pulled it out yesterday to play around for an hour. Absolutely blower away. In a Techno and experimental context, it's insane! Littorally could make an entire album on this one device alone. UI and synth engine is 10/10, build quality is 3/10... 😮

[@vita1510]

inverters and/or offset utility modules can solve the s-trig issues.

[@RamettiPatrizio]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[@jameshulst993]

Thanks :)

[@mrd1701d]

The speed adjustment option is really useful to keep pace - though I had to chuckle, as it was like you were being time shifted through a wormhole when I set it slower...

[@theboofin]

Great explanation but probably should have explained the weird filter sustain interaction with EG2.

[@mrd1701d]

Saved for future reference...

[@jackryan874]

Completely awesome, what a great tutorial! Thanks so much! One noob question - with the V-triggers, does it trigger when the trigger source hits max volts or when the source rises just above the 0V line? I guess I was wondering what would happen if you used a ramp-up sawtooth instead of the square wave you used in the example at 1:17:30. Cheers!

[@donartyone3258]

Anyone know how the reissue FS model compares in sound to the vintage units? This tutorial is great. I’m enjoying it as I wait for my MS-20 FS to come in the mail.

[@stephanpeterson164]

1:18:53 I have cracked the korg ms 20, in 4 months.Programming all 80 Synthesizer from the korg ms 20 ! from

[@agent007asdfgh]

You can use splitters for more effects

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Totally, but this is a guide for beginners to intermediate and it's already too long. Besides, not everybody has splitters, so I would be showing something that a only a group can recreate at home. I will be uploading more, maybe I can use splitters to show a patch or something like that. Thanks for the comment.

[@agent007asdfgh]

I love this synth

[@XNBeatsMusic]

You and me brother.

[@jeanfatale]

I'm not sure i follow you about the s-trig method. As far as i know, the voltage polarity isnt reversed, it's just that the MS-20 treats a closed circuit (signal passing through) as no gate, and the gate is where the circuit is broken, when on most other synths it's the other way around.

[@TheAiket]

We are lucky to have it, thanks! Planning to buy this one as my first synthesizer, could you tell would it be possible to create some jazz/fusion type of leads? I can only see techno stuff done with it on youtube

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Hello. The MS-20 is a very versatile synth. Jazz/Fusion, yeah you can. The thing is that the MS20 is know for being aggressive, gritty and loud. I wouldn't use it for Fusion, I would use something more versatile, where you can create from organ, pianos like to various types synth sounds. I would use the MS20 for techno and all it's subgenres, Synthwave, Retrowave and music like that. Do the following, get the plugin version for cheap....use it and if it works, great. If someone asked me to do fusion I would use something I can really get a lot of sounds out of it, like a HYDRA or Deepmind, even an Opsix. But that's just my opinion.

[@originaali]

U allmost covered one extra thing! Modulation generator output voltages. Triangle has -2,5v to +2,5v Square has 0v to 5v Triangle is bipolar Square is unipolar. For example : 1. patch mg triangle out to cutoff freq in of lp filter. 2 turn low pass filter knob into 5 3. Open lp cutoff frequency modulation to 2 ( lfo/mg control knob) 4. Now your cutoff automation should go from points 4 to 6 back and forth. Result: The cutoff knob represents the 0v where ever you set it to. Because triangle out is bipolar modulation will be max -2,5v to + 2,5v from that point depending how much of that signal you put into that modulation. If you make the same setup with square out 0v to 5v the cutoff point is again representing the 0v. But wen you apply more modulation it goes only positive values and back into 9v . Hope this makes any sense english is not my mother language🙈🤟

[@harrylime6477]

Thanks for in-depth video just donated 5$. Would love hear more what can be done with the envelope follower, could the MS20 play along by itself to vocals for example?

[@danpreston564]

I’ve had the mini since launch, which feels like a long, long time ago. I still don’t fully understand the use of EG2 with the filters. The sustain always seems to be backwards when controlling the filter. Turn the sustain down and the LPF opens more. It’s left the synth being more trial and error than any other synth I have.

[@GordDunker]

1:12:51 sounds like to intro to Mexican radio by Wall of Voodoo ;)

[@XNBeatsMusic]

haha... what ? Do you have a link ? I am not mexican so I have no idea what you are talking about :)

[@GordDunker]

@@XNBeatsMusic Just the intro kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bNk4KZhMSbipI lol

[@AnomieDomine]

What would be the best VST emulation? To follow along with, and for sound, if different

[@LysergiCoyotl]

WILL A STANDARD 9V supply from a One Spot or Gator type guitar pedal chain work to power the Korg MS-20!?

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Have you ever used the MS-20 and K-2 together? (Similar to how the manual mentions the original MS-20 and MS-10 being paired to "increase depth and richness.")

[@eahla]

can I plug from the signal out directly to an input in a guitar amplifier?

[@PizzaSalami]

You are you using 2 tools visualise the out coming sound I guess from Ableton, one I already knew is the spectrum analysis tool, but what are you using as 2nd looks like a oscillator, but is only to show the curves?

[@XNBeatsMusic]

hello. It called an oscilloscope. Go to the web and find socalabs, he is a developer and has a free one

[@OmenAhead]

I want to get the MS-20 and this is an amazing overview that makes me want it even more. But why, oh god why, you keep putting the peak of the LP filter at max as a default position? 😆 Your ears must have taken a beating with those accidental 20 kHz blasts hehe.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Sorry for that :S Look, if you don't like those peaks you don't like the MS-20 :)

[@felippeboulderdash8453]

Haha! I just put you to esp!

[@evanwilster]

what's the adaptor for the patch v cables I need called to run my other gear with the ms 20. I have the k2 if any one knows

[@thepickleaffliction]

Why is it the only way I can seem to get stereo sound on monitors from MS-20 is by using the phones output? Am I doing something wrong?

[@AlexFainDj]

Can you make A DFAM moog patch video ?

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Hello. Not right now....I need to buy the gear to do it. And it's quite expensive. But I do have plans to get them in a little while and I will create videos for sure.

[@thepickleaffliction]

I’m an amateur at best…can you use a delay or reverb pedal(or any guitar pedal) with MS-20? If so, how?

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Hello. Well just like any instrument, it has a line out. Just like a guitar or a bass. So MS20 > Pedal > to mixer. If you are working on a DAW, you can buy a tiny hardware to "reamp" and use your pedals as plugins.

[@thepickleaffliction]

@@XNBeatsMusicok but how to I use Korg to pedal to monitors? I’m not going to a mixer. I have monitors hooked up through phones output because that seems to be the only it way I can get a stereo sound. I assume I’m doing something wrong.

[@macronencer]

I understand what V triggers and S triggers do, but... WHY are the letters "V" and "S" used? I've tried searching for this online, but it's a nightmare trying to search for single letters and I haven't had any luck. Does anyone know, please?

[@P10ben]

"Voltage trigger" and "Short circuit" trigger

[@macronencer]

@@P10ben Thanks very much for the answer!

[@mass-1128]

Is this the original MS20?

[@DJSTOEK]

😷🙂

[@stephanesigouin2049]

Only one mystery left: Could you explain what GND stand for?

[@XNBeatsMusic]

is ground :) doepfer.de/faq/ms2010__faq.htm

[@sub-jec-tiv]

GND stands for ‘Ghost Nesting Diodes,’ it’s a special technology for receiving electrical transmissions from the spirits of people who have died and passed over into the beyond. It requires a special ghost antenna that you attach to your third eye. You have to concentrate on channeling the spirits into your synthesizer. It takes a lot of practice. Korg only made the ghost antenna for a year in 1980, they’re really hard to find now.

[@XNBeatsMusic]

@@sub-jec-tiv hahahahha fantastic !!

[@folkfingers9645]

Wait, which version of MS20 is it?

[@XNBeatsMusic]

hey, it's the FS

[@user-nt8zr1lc5r]

How tf do I layer

[@dhpstudios2009]

Sh.t, now I,m addicted, I,m already at minute 40. But first have to sleep now. Tomorrow wake up at 6 O clock😢😊

[@XNBeatsMusic]

Take your time, these videos are not going anywhere. Let your brain rest and come back stronger to battle another day :)

[@csoszadavid4803]

they should let you get a Nobel

[@youlemur]

Thank you once again for your good work and another very useful tutorial. Just one thought (and dont take it the wrong way, its just one subscribers feedback:) .. I often just listen to tutorials while working and doing other stuff, and I have noticed in many of your videos, that you often say "this one controls this one, and this and that", which without watching you and just listening gets a little confusing sometimes. :) Just an idea that being more specific and descriptive would be a bonus feature:) Thanks again