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Recording an MS-20 mini: MIDI, audio and the right output
Set up separate note and audio paths, choose a cable for your exact interface, and understand the MS-20 mini’s channel-1 MIDI limits before recording.
By EURA Editorial · · Updated
Give MIDI and audio separate jobs
The MS-20 mini can receive a sequence from a computer, but a USB connection is not the recording path for its sound. Korg describes that port as USB-MIDI; audio leaves through SIGNAL OUT. Plan two routes: notes from the computer to the synth, then sound from the synth to an audio input. A MIDI clip can replay notes, but it does not contain a recording of the instrument.
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Korg MS-20 Mini
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Related productkorg.comFeatures | MS-20 mini - MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER | KORG (USA)MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its circuitry and fitted it into a body that’s been shrunk to 86% of the original size./us/products/synthesizers/ms_20mini/page_1.phpOpen source in a new tabRelated productkorg.comSpecifications | MS-20 mini - MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER | KORG (USA)MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its circuitry and fitted it into a body that’s been shrunk to 86% of the original size./us/products/synthesizers/ms_20mini/page_2.phpOpen source in a new tabChoose the cable from both ends
Korg specifies a mono 3.5 mm SIGNAL OUT and a separate headphone output. For an audio-interface setup, start with SIGNAL OUT and check the interface manual for the suitable input, connector and level setting. If that input accepts an unbalanced mono signal on a 6.35 mm jack, a 3.5 mm TS to 6.35 mm TS lead is the corresponding cable format. Confirm that condition for your exact interface before ordering. A matching plug diameter alone does not establish the whole connection.
Related productkorg.comSpecifications | MS-20 mini - MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER | KORG (USA)MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its circuitry and fitted it into a body that’s been shrunk to 86% of the original size./us/products/synthesizers/ms_20mini/page_2.phpOpen source in a new tabSend notes on channel 1
The MS-20 mini manual fixes MIDI reception to channel 1. USB exchanges note messages on that channel; transmitted velocity is fixed at 64 and incoming velocity is ignored. Set your sequencer accordingly and start with notes in the keyboard’s register. The manual also states that keyboard pitch-bend and modulation messages are not transmitted. Plan to capture hands-on sound changes in the audio recording rather than expecting a note clip to reproduce knob movements.
Related productcdn.korg.comcdn.korg.com — 49526bcf3eaca9f3d7e9585a53aca430.pdf/us/support/download/files/49526bcf3eaca9f3d7e9585a53aca430.pdfOpen source in a new tabMake a short recording before expanding the setup
Our suggested first check is a short, repeating note phrase with one clear change to the filter during the take. Record the audio input as well as keeping the MIDI phrase, then listen back to the recording. This separates a successful note connection from a successful audio capture. It is a proposed workflow, not a hands-on test result. For a used purchase, ask to see the exact MS-20 mini and its connections working; verify your computer’s current driver requirements separately.
Related productkorg.comFeatures | MS-20 mini - MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER | KORG (USA)MS-20 have been reborn as the MS-20 Mini. The same engineers who developed the original MS-20 have perfectly reproduced its circuitry and fitted it into a body that’s been shrunk to 86% of the original size./us/products/synthesizers/ms_20mini/page_1.phpOpen source in a new tabRelated productcdn.korg.comcdn.korg.com — 49526bcf3eaca9f3d7e9585a53aca430.pdf/us/support/download/files/49526bcf3eaca9f3d7e9585a53aca430.pdfOpen source in a new tab