MS-20
by KORG · Synth · Semi-modular analog synth emulation
Not rated yet
KORG's own software version of its 1978 MS-20 semi-modular synth, built with the company's Component Modeling Technology (CMT).
It adds 32-voice polyphony, two multi-effects, 250 presets and a scalable interface, for $99.99.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Rock & Indie, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: hardware emulation, analog, modular, polyphonic, gritty, 70s, component-modelled, preset-driven, resizable UI, aggressive, leads, licensed emulation, monophonic, basses, circuit-modelled, modern, sound design, subtractive, vintage.
What it does
The MS-20 plugin is KORG's own software model of its semi-modular analog monosynth, built with the developer's Component Modeling Technology (CMT). It keeps the original's two oscillators, self-oscillating filters and patch panel, and adds polyphony, effects and modern preset handling.
- Oscillators: two VCOs with ring modulation, as on the hardware.
- Filters: the self-oscillating high-pass and low-pass filter pair that gives the MS-20 its aggressive, screaming character.
- Patch panel: a freely patchable semi-modular section for complex routings, plus the external signal processor, which lets you run outside audio through the synth.
- Envelopes and modulation: envelopes with hold and delay stages, flexible external modulation settings and MIDI clock sync.
- Polyphony: up to 32 voices, which the original never had, with up to 16-voice unison including detune and spread.
- Effects: two multi-effects units with 21 effect types such as compression, EQ, delay and reverb, and 127 effect presets.
- Presets and interface: 250 presets (200 of them new), a program browser with type filtering and favourites, and a high-resolution interface that scales in six steps for Retina and 4K screens.
When to use it
The MS-20 plugin is the pick if you want KORG's own take on its filter-driven monosynth, with the patch panel and the gritty, unstable character users praise. Compared with Arturia's MS-20 V it is the developer's official model, and it adds 32-voice polyphony and 16-voice unison for chords and huge stacked leads. Compared with Diva, it is narrower in scope but has more raw, aggressive filter bite and a real patch panel. Unlike Serum 2 or Pigments 7 it has no wavetables or deep modulation matrix, so it suits hands-on analog patching more than modern sound design.
- Best for: gritty basses, squelchy and screaming leads, filter sweeps, noise effects and processing outside audio through the filters.
- Genres: electronic, industrial, techno, rock and hip-hop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a polished modern synth with deep modulation (Pigments 7 or Serum 2), or a smoother, more refined analog sound (Diva).
- Tip: run guitars or other audio through the external signal processor; one KVR user called it one of the best software wahs around.
What producers say
Users widely praise its gritty, authentic sound and filters, while the interface draws the most complaints.
- Plugin Boutique buyers rate it 4.7 out of 5 from 28 ratings.
- KVR users rate it 3.86 out of 5 from 7 reviews, spanning older and current versions. A 2022 review called it a "very good MS 20 replica" with filters that beat emulations in other synths.
- Criticisms: a 2025 KVR review of version 2.4.3 found the sound "pretty much spot on" but called the UI and preset browser hard to read and navigate; older reviews also noted a patchbay left undocumented in the manual.
Where to buy
- Plugin Boutique: $99.99
Tutorials and reviews
Similar plugins
- KORG MS-20 V by Arturia · Semi-modular analog synth emulation · $149
- PS-20 by Cherry Audio · Korg MS-20 style semi-modular synth · $29
- ARP 2600 by KORG · Semi-modular synth emulation · $149
- ARP 2600 V3 by Arturia · Semi-modular analog synth emulation · $149
- CA2600 by Cherry Audio · ARP 2600 semi-modular emulation · $29
- TimewARP 2600 v2 by AIR Music Technology · ARP 2600 emulation · $99
- SYSTEM-100 by Roland · SYSTEM-100 semi-modular emulation · $39
- MiniBrute V by Arturia · Analog synth emulation · $149
- Synthi V by Arturia · Semi-modular analog synth · $149
- Mono/Poly by KORG · Four-VCO analog synth emulation · $99.99
More from KORG
- opsix native by KORG · Synth · $199
- wavestate native by KORG · Synth · $199
- modwave native by KORG · Synth · $199
- multi/poly native by KORG · Synth · $199
- Polysix by KORG · Synth · $99.99
- Mono/Poly by KORG · Synth · $99.99
- WAVESTATION by KORG · Synth · $99.99
- M1 by KORG · Sampler · $99.99