The Rare KORG MS-50 from 1978

A look at the only fully-modular synthesizer Korg have ever made, the MS-50 Expander Module from 1978.
Here's the nerdy page mentioned in the video with all the dirty details: www.alexballmusic.com/korg-ms...
Also make sure to follow the Nakatsugawa Korg Museum, it's rather wonderful.
korg_museum...
0:00 Intro Jam
1:00 Talk: The MS-50
1:30 Demo 1: Oh My Mod!
2:30 Talk: Was ist der MS-50?
3:17 Demo 2: Movie Tension
4:05 Talk: Expander Module
4:27 Demo 3: Expander
5:04 Talk: External Signal Processing
5:38 Demo 4: Stereo Follower
6:09 Talk: Esoteric Stuff
6:29 Demo 5: Wass Dis Do?
7:41 Talk: Filtering
8:43 Demo: Type35 vs Diode Ring
9:10 Talk: MS-01, FK-3, FK-5
10:01 Demo 6: Footsie Fun, Jah!
11:50 Summing Up
Thanks to Brad and thanks for watching!

[@erroneousbosh]

The MS20 Korg35 filter, the OTA filter, and the MS50's diode ring filter are all just different ways to implement a Sallen-Key 2-pole filter and make it voltage-controlled, though. They do the same job in slightly different ways.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for the info. The sound is definitely different, though. Presumably down to the approach and components used?

[@erroneousbosh]

@@AlexBallMusic The Korg35 is particularly distinctive because of the way the control part works - it's not "just" controlled by the current into the bases of the two transistors used to set the cutoff because the voltage going into the filter changes, and that changes the current between base and emitter. So if you stick a sawtooth in, good and loud, the sawtooth sweeps the cutoff at audio rate! If you stick a squarewave in and look on a fairly accurate audio spectrum analyser you can see the resonance peaks move apart as you make the square louder. The diode ring filter kind of balances the control and input voltage between the two "legs" of the ring, and a similar thing is used in the Steiner Synthacon filter (which loads of us have in Arturia synths now) - just like in a ladder filter as one side goes up the other goes down and they cancel out. The MS50 diode ring filter is a very similar layout to the "traveller" filters as you say, but also the Yamaha CS80 and friends. Finally the OTA based ones are stable no matter what input you stick in, because the inputs of the opamps are always balanced and the gain is set by the current into the bottom of the input pair - the cutoff is totally uncoupled from the input signal. I should do a video on them some time. Edit: I forgot to mention, the Korg Monotron filter is basically a Korg 35 filter but super affordable. They're easy to build, too!

[@AlexBallMusic]

​@@erroneousbosh Brilliant - thank you.

[@klinkske]

@@erroneousbosh i wonder what kind of filter is in the monotribe and volca keys. would gamble 35 and traveller.

[@erroneousbosh]

@@klinkske The service manual for the Volca Bass and Volca Keys are out there, and it's a diode bridge S-K filter kind of like the "Traveller" filter. The diode biasing comes off opamps rather than transistors making it more like the MS50 filter than anything.

[@echodub81]

Ah yes, here they are again, the fantastic demos of alex ball ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@NedBouhalassaVideos]

Woah, that first jam is KILLER! This series of synths certainly inspires you - good for us! Thanks again for your outstanding music, and knowledge.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Ned!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Your music is some of the best sythersizor music around in My opinion, you get the groove going from the most unlikely sounds.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@bengarland]

Thank you Alex. You're a gem for taking the time to make all of these informative synth videos. It's hard work, and very much appreciated.

[@AlexBallMusic]

My pleasure! I can think of worse things to do. 😀

[@dreamhyperdrive]

Very true. Well said 👍

[@Skarlet_Overdrive]

Not only am I blown away at how incredibly enticing your documentary style video production is, but I am thoroughly impressed at your song writing. It's groovy as hell

[@Mouxbar]

70's synths still sound like the future. I love 'em. Unlike the ladies who give me a funny look when I offer to show them my expander module. 😆

[@AlexBallMusic]

Matron.

[@fruduroc]

It's crazy how each demo you do is a killer track on which I would love to dance all night long ...

[@carlosserrano3985]

I'm glad that the MS-50 is in good hands Alex, the collection is GROWING, looks like your place is getting small. Excellent jams!

[@AdrianDunevein]

The smirk on your face doing movie tension, Ping Ponging filters like Zeppelins what is and what should never be Absolutely frikkn brilliant demo

[@macronencer]

I have a small handful of channels whose videos I always eagerly await, and yours is one of them. You put so much effort into making quality music during your demos that I sometimes wonder whether this channel is secretly just your portfolio and the vintage gear reviews are merely a cunning cover story :D Not that I'd mind, as I enjoy both elements.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'm a salesman living in 1978. I use a worm hole to access KZbin.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Someone on GS was like, "AB needs to make music instead of gear demos" and I was thinking, "what if you viewed them as music videos instead of as gear demos?" Then the complaint would be "these music videos aren't very comprehensive video manuals!" "Well, what if you viewed them as guides to what makes these synths special?" but really, expectations tend to make all experiences worse, not better. Also, 1978 KZbin kicks 2022 KZbin's ass. Even tho there wasn't YT in 78, there's just no room for doubt (and no CGI clickbait, except for on George Lucas' channel)

[@thema3v6]

Alex, thanks once again for yet another brilliant video. In 1979 I got my first synth, a MS10. Followed by a MS20. I remember gazing at product folders from Korg, containing pics of the MS50. In the early nineties a music shop placed an ad saying that they planned to sell old forgotten stock, collecting dust. One of the items was a MS50. Took me only half a second to decide to get it right away. Never regretted that decison. A rare piece indeed and once you get your head around the technique, it is a true gem. An expander, as well a synth and an effect unit, all in one.

[@Mark_Ocain]

How good is this thing??!! Amazing sounds abound! Thanks, Alex for taking us into the less-known corners of the Korg--Verse !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Always wanted one, wasn't disappointed. 😀

[@Mark_Ocain]

​@@AlexBallMusic 😃 enjoy, man!! It's certainly wound up in the right hands!

[@justindpeak]

Loved the filters when you blended them. So nice.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely, like recording two different guitars and panning.

[@erichobbs4042]

Totally digging the sounds, as well as the retro filter on the video as well.

[@grenoblica]

Korg always makes Alex go nuts with the jams :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Korg will do that to you. 🙂

[@Hainbach]

Beautiful video, such a gem of a synth.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I was thinking that I need to take it up to Sam as he's not only Mr MS-10/20, but I saw he got the accompanying SQ-10 sequencer recently. Would be fun to put that all together with a phone exchange and furbie organ. 😃

[@erlannderrantem6972]

@@AlexBallMusic I‘d love to see that! But don‘t let him touch the circuits or might throw flames at the end or something!😁

[@Crabe05]

What a GORGEOUS instrument! And beautifully showcased in your jams :o

[@thelanavishnuorchestra]

I love these so much, beautiful gear, explained and demonstrated beautifully.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@h2o1969]

Man you make that synth sound good. Never heard of it before, but what a great sounding line of synths. Really tops.

[@edjones3390]

wonderful piece of Kit! loved all the other vintage gear along side! Makes my evening, whenever you release new content!

[@Flat8G]

Madness! Love love love all your overly ring-modulated, over-vibratoed quirkyness! 💯💢💯

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Korg does that to a guy. :)

[@t3hjnz]

Holy shit, Alex. This was amazing from start to finish. Great work, and thanks for sharing the MS-50 with us!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@xa1a]

Fantastic man! Once again, you nailed it!

[@barnabynorman157]

That was a good keep - such a lovely sound. Thank you for sharing.

[@shkeni]

These demos rocked! Love to see that you're still making good use of the Superdrums xD

[@AlexBallMusic]

The Superdrums are so bad, they're somehow good. Scientists are still researching why.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Alex has some of the best sythersizor music around to be honest.

[@Hxs28]

You are always my number1!!! top demoes top sounds. So tempted to click on Reverb....

[@kabongpope]

Once again, Korg proves to be my fave Japanese synth maker for just the sheer weirdness they made

[@AlexBallMusic]

Indeed!

[@thomaskenneally219]

Always appreciate your videos and the level of effort you put into the compositions. They really push the extremes of what the instruments range can offer without being clinical - it's great. On another note, I've been pining for a MS-50 video from someone for so long... always wanted to hear one in action. To any MS-20 fan they certainly look like a killer piece of kit.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Thomas. It's a joy to play around with this stuff. And yes...the 50 completes the 20. For starters it has PWM that the 20 inexplicably doesn't. 😃

[@TheUnfinishedSynth]

There’s something about those mid to late 70s synths that still sound so futuristic. I’m also very happy when you do jams that have a 79-80 vibe; catchy but threatening! :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Catchy but threatening - sounds like covid. And yes, the future is coming and it was 45 years ago. What a sound.

[@dreamhyperdrive]

@@AlexBallMusic I call it " Future Noir " but that's just me. LOL 😆

[@TDRKB]

Wow that was fun. The mini Korg certainly is getting some use as it’s original appearance was in a similar time period. There’s a lot going on in this video - thanks for being the first to demo!

[@AlexBallMusic]

That's the new miniKORG. Use it all the time, it's such a fun synth. 😀

[@klinkske]

@@AlexBallMusic how is it compared to the OG 700S?

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@klinkske I've only played the original 700 next to it and I'd say that the vintage one has less bass and top, but is more forward in the mids. The FS has wallop in the bottom and more sizzle. But when doing bandpass stuff, they both sound awesome and very Korg. The ring mod on the new one is awesome and the spring reverb and extra stuff is very handy indeed.

[@tomfenn7149]

I used to own an MS50. Alex, well done for coaxing so much more out of this beast than I ever could! However the two things I loved on it were the ring modulator, which if fed with the the VCO set at a fixed frequency and the filter swept by one big knob (can't remember its name) on the panel but just through 15v to 0v with the filter in self oscillation, sounded exactly like the beginning of the theme to Dr Who. The second, the filter itself which was just really fat and gnarly, way nicer (dirtier) than that on my MS20. Brilliant video btw. You have definitely mastered the way of the funk!

[@edwallace3704]

Hi Alex I love your videos I've had a korg ms 10 since 94 and around that time I always wished there were videos like this to watch but there weren't, I remember buying copies of future music and thinking how cool would it be to put this cd rom in and there's a guy explaing exactly how to use all my equipment . I don't watch the BBC or ITV anymore , just amazing videos like yours and various other people produce for free for us all to enjoy and learn from . Ps this Ms 50 video is class and will probably be the best video about it on the Internet forever 👏

[@AlexBallMusic]

The joys of KZbin. Niches within niches. I only watch TV for live sport basically.

[@ervinpoljak8332]

Absolutely lovely tune!!!!

[@ISLAInstruments]

Only just saw this. It gave me fizzy knickers! So glad it’s gone to beat home dude! Thanks for the shout out! ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for letting my have it! Amazing thing.

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Great presentation of this unique module. Your sound design is excellent, as always. Crisp and funky compositions.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@Finn.Diesel]

Yes I admit I'm quite jealous now because Alex is doing exactly what I always wanted to do with the MS Synths but never managed. Getting the sick sounds into a harmonic structure is an art. Hats off Alex! Grüße aus Berlin.

[@Mchannemann]

Awesome video and what a rare beast, loved the pedal section. You rock Alex!

[@johnmiddleton4291]

This is one that Korg really needs to reissue.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Or a combined stereo 20/50 in a box with an extended patch panel. The MS-70.

[@grrlpurpleable]

I thought that first hand clap in "Oh My Mod!" was celebratory at such a funky bass line at first... outstanding work on this video again Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Just applauding the synths.

[@chillbitz]

the footsie jam is DIIIIRTYYYY 😩😩😩 some just amazing demos in this video. killer as usual!!

[@johntammaro]

Only 19 seconds in and I'm loving it

[@AlexBallMusic]

Matron.

[@PWMaarten]

Congrats! The MS-50 is an awesome instrument!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Should have thanked you for the filter info btw, apologies but I forgot to say.

[@PWMaarten]

@@AlexBallMusic no worries! Information is and should be free! :)

[@DaveG207]

Brilliant video, and dating advice. What more could one ask for.

[@DaveG207]

…and good grief, the sound of this thing!

[@LousyFacelift]

Doing it justice - what an understatement, I can't imagine anyone ever made this thing shine like you did since its release. Congrats on this purchase, Alex! Looking forward to more, it sounds incredible!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@Arkansya]

most likely Trent reznor played with it at some point !

[@cerebralkaos2385]

Another great video Alex, and you always do justice to the instruments you demo!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@InVacuo]

Always a joy to watch your videos, Alex! Love the jams!

[@darthtrucker489]

Great intro song. Great video. Keep em coming Alex!

[@danselmix]

amazing musical demos Alex, they really shine!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Daniel.

[@knasterask1]

Excellent sound design and I love the track in demo 5!🎉❤😊 Dreaming of getting a MS-50 to my old MS-20😊

[@hendrikboser8238]

Amazing like always, think that filter makes sense, it sounds brighter and gives an expanded range of posibilities. Huge!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, my guess was that it was a unique selling point to persuade people to get the expander to partner their 10/20.

[@etbonz3499]

Damn dude these were some of my favorite jams ive heard in yo videos and they are always sick!

[@bennyshambles]

Very cool. You always make great videos that are informative, but also very entertaining, concise and enjoyable to watch. The MS-50 (and MS-20, MS-10, and SQ-10) always makes me think of Chrislo Haas (DAF mk II, CH + BB, Liaisons Dangereuses), who was the Korg MS master/mad scientist, rivaled only by Kurt Dahlke (DAF mk I, Pyrolator, Der Plan).

[@leeselectronicwidgets]

Glorious stuff Alex, love it. The filter is so raucous! As a complete side note, I like your sequencer step being event related rather than a regular measure beat :-)

[@AlexBallMusic]

That's exactly what I love about the MC-4. Each step is an event with two CV values, a step time and a gate time. The step can be any value you want, as can the gate and there is no rule as to where you punch in "measure end". Tight as hell too. Awesome machine.

[@bahbisscobb]

A lot of of really cool jams. Great demo!!!!

[@electronictiger]

This is rather excellent Alex! I just love the sound of those old Korgs. Such mighty sound. Congratulation on your MS-50. Seems like a fun toy and powerful tool, especially in your capable hands.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Yeah, they definitely have a sound. A fully modular family member really opens some doors in that world too, so I'm loving it.

[@happygolucky2231]

almost had one in 2001. got sick and couldn't pick it up. then it was gone 😱 thanks for the great review and catchy grooves!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ah shucks, bad timing! If it's any consolation, I've missed MS-50s by small amounts half a dozen times over the past five years. Hard to get hold of.

[@MrFunktone]

Wow! Never knew these existed, great video as always sir, awesome addition to the studio and I do love the filter on 50 adds more to the MS sound palate with both. Top tracks as always 🎶🚀🔊

[@ChaosEngineMusic]

Thanks Alex, just stumbled on your channel, great stuff; informative, cool tunes and filming - glad to find another real one, keep rowing man!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Howdy! Thanks.

[@orztirr1417]

Lovely sounds from these pieces. Well done!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers

[@Da-Freaks]

What a crazy little thing - love it ❤❤ You got it Alex 👍👍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Quite the naughty box of tricks.

[@timandtheocean]

Lovely how the synthesjizer says "die" :) lovely sounds Alex

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

You really are the best at this.

[@BBfanfun]

very kling-klang sounding to my ear. Love it !

[@limitedresource]

this channel should be part of the national curriculum - and it's funny to boot

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@ElectronicazMusic]

What a racket (7.30) I FLIPPIN LOVE IT ! ! ! ❤🎹😎

[@iskandertime747]

You've outdone yourself again. Bravo!

[@amphitheatre]

Thank you. ms20+ms50=time machines, one of my favorite albums ever. I'd watch a full length video on just patching the ms50 (or the two together), since as you say, there isn't many who can afford or find these. Hint hint!

[@TheSynthnut]

I so miss my MS20/MS50/SQ10 stack, this really brings that home! Great demonstrations with your usual excellent musicality Alex, making these videos so enjoyable. Glad you are getting to keep this unusual beasty too!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ah, the classic trio. Might grab am SQ-10 if I ever see one for a reasonable price. Have the SQ-1 in the meantime.

[@strangersun7721]

Some fantastic compositions and arrangements in this video. Wow!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@fredsavagegarden698]

thank you for the example's of using the MS-50 with guitar and bass. For someone like me that may likely never get to try one that was amazing to see.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Had to be done!

[@Bendy2K]

Keep 'em coming, Alex - the more obscure, the better!

[@sawsquaresinetube]

Epic ending. This is on my list but I am officially out of space … for now lol. I’m downsizing by priority 😊 thanks for the deets!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, my Odyssey went to make a space for this. I know the problem well.

[@mauriceleysens9520]

The filter comparison section is done nicely. And really appreciate you playing as much as talking.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Maurice, always striving for the talk/music balance.

[@Lewp77]

dopest! crushing tones g

[@steviox]

Good work Fella!! Always wondered how that would cook!

[@donaldpriola1807]

I love how it sounds like it is falling apart, but in the best way.

[@AlexBallMusic]

70s Korgs are so smutty, yeah.

[@proaudiorestore8926]

A sound that was adored during the French house scene. Just gorgeous

[@marsmediapro]

Educational, informative, and entertaining as always! Were you using that SQ-1 I see there? Wow, that MS-50 stays with you? Excellent! Thanks, Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers! Yep, SQ-1 to sequence and also for 2 channels of MIDI to CV, which is very handy indeed. I have the 50 hooked up to my computer basically. And yes...it's mine! (Evil laugh)

[@marsmediapro]

@@AlexBallMusic Ex-cell-ent....

[@NuisanceMan]

@@AlexBallMusic You made very nice music on that thing!

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Congrats on korg kit addit.✌️ Rockin’ Roland Korgchestra

[@marslightsnoise]

The Pure Naughtiness demo is fiiiiiiiiiirrreeeeeee

[@lugeroaccordion9957]

Thanks forsharing bro. Cheers.

[@dreamhyperdrive]

Thanks for the video 👍 it's inspired me to expand on my MS 20 mini ! 😀🎹🎵🎶

[@Somewhere_sometime_somehow]

One of the coolest things i heard you do

[@ValSoloPop]

Love all Your videos 🖖

[@aboveaxis]

wow that thing sounds so good!

[@DivKid]

Some fabulous sounds in this, lovely stuff!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Ben. You'd have fun with this chap.

[@mattkaz9604]

I didn't know this existed, looks great. Your tracks sound amazing too.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Yeah, quite rare.

[@VEsound]

Nice video as usual Alex! The left/right filter demo reminds me of the "Lucid Dreams" track from Franz Ferdinand on which they play 2 Moog Voyager left/right like you for an exciting stereo madness.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Didn't know that one, thanks for the tip off!

[@VEsound]

@@AlexBallMusic If you can listen to it (until the end...) and tell us what you think about this stereo madness... That would be cool as well. :)

[@LFOVCF]

Well I learned something about the type of filter (Traveller) on my micro preset. Great video, as per.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Played one of those once. Fun little synth.

[@mynameistechno]

top notch demo material

[@DestroyER82]

Thanks for introduction, thats amazing. And oh myyyy, KORG35 sounds awesome, but that diode filter - that is really something else. And looking forward for more. All the best!

[@AlexBallMusic]

And now I have both! Sexy times.

[@DestroyER82]

@@AlexBallMusic And MS-10 and SQ-10 to go for full set. ;-)

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@DestroyER82 I had the opportunity and after weighing it up, I decided not to open that worm hole. 01, 02, 20, 50 and SQ-1 are enough. (famous last words)

[@DestroyER82]

@@AlexBallMusic It... is... Inevitable ;-)

[@popsss2000]

Love it I really liked the 👏 clap in the first demo song. All the the demos 🎶 music is great 👍 keep up the good work.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Alphonso. You gotta have the clap!

[@MD_Builds]

great demo of the ms 50 sounded really nice and crunchy while keeping its depth...

[@AlexBallMusic]

Quite a rude sound, yeah.

[@mickeyricketts6987]

Sick jam

[@movraptor]

I came for the shnasty synth jams and I was more than satisfied

[@mcdosia420]

Damn dude. You can bust out a jam man! Great video and the best synth channel out here.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@HalonOfficial]

what an awesome synth! 😀

[@Ceviche4K]

Another day another banger

[@supadupahilton6848]

I was working at Korg when this came out. I remember wiring it up to an SQ-8 and people's jaws dropped.. ...should have picked them up.