Korg Monotron Monophonic Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer

Korg Monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer Classic

Monotron Series - Analogue Ribbon Synthesizers

Korg puts the thrill of the analog synthesizer into everyone’s hands, with the monotron, the monotron DUO, and the monotron DELAY

Go Anywhere Analog: That was the theme behind the remarkable battery-powered and palm-sized Korg analog synthesizer dubbed the monotron. The powerful and fun-to-play monotron analog synthesizer has been joined by two siblings. The Dual Oscillator monotron DUO offers X-MOD capabilities for generating even more extreme sounds. The monotron DELAY features a Space Delay that can produce intense, analog-like echo effects. Best of all, they’re a blast to play. Each is equipped with a ribbon keyboard and a live, ready-to-be tweaked front panel offering five knobs and a single switch. This simple operation and ease of use invites hours of enjoyment and musical exploration.

Casual users and gadget mavens will quickly enjoy performing melodies, DJs can create dazzling effects on stage, while established players can add analog muscle to their performance – the possibilities are virtually endless. Grab a monotron, monotron DUO, or monotron DELAY, and get in touch with the exciting world of Korg analog synths. 

Go Anywhere Analog

A miniature speaker is built into every monotron. Along with its compact size, this feature allows you to enjoy and share the analog synthesis sound of the monotron Series with your friends, anywhere, at any time. There's also a headphone output that you can use when practicing in private, creating sounds at home, recording, or for connecting to an amplifier or PA system.

VCO + VCF = Modular synthesis building blocks

The basic analog sound-building circuit in each of the monotrons is radically simple: one voltage-controlled oscillator and one voltage-controlled filter. As a result, the process of sound creation is intuitive, and instantly understandable. And it's tons of fun. Each Korg monotron provides the joy of sonic creativity that's at the heart of analog synthesis. 

Classic Korg Filtering

The distinctive tone of an analog filter (VCF) can dramatically alter and enrich the sound. The monotron Series uses the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as KORG's classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi modular synthesizers. Originally released over 30 years ago, these instruments are still coveted today for their aggressive, dynamic filters. The VCF Cutoff knob sets the frequency or tone of the filter; the VCF Peak knob (monotron, monotron DUO) adds emphasis. A powerful filter is an essential aspect of any analog synthesizer, applying dramatic tonal changes to the sound, and projecting an intense personality that will stand out in any live performance.

Fully-patchable Filter

The input jack (AUX input) built into each monotron’s compact body allow you to place any audio source into the signal path, directly before the analog filter. This provides a great way to connect a KAOSSILATOR, a guitar, or a digital audio player to the monotron Series and enjoy tone-bending filter effects. 

Monotron key features :
 

• VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator 

• VCF with Cutoff and Peak Control

• LFO can be applied to the Pitch (VCO) or Filter(VCF)

• Ribbon controller keyboard

• Original Analog (VCF) Filter taken from the classic MS-10 & MS-20

• Aux input jack lets you apply filter to any audio source

• Built-in speaker and battery power for Go Anywhere Analog sound

• Headphone jack for private use

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.

Ribbon controller keyboard offers easy expression

Borrowing the enjoyment of performing with a simple touch from Korg's wildly popular KAOSS products, the monotron's ribbon controller keyboard takes this ease of use even farther. Simple finger gestures can produce expressive effects such as vibrato and glide.

Specifications - Monotron 

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

Monotron Series common specs 

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

Battery Life : Approximately 8 hours (with alkaline batteries)

Accessories : Owner’s Manual, AAA batteries x2 (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)