Korg MS-50: relevance in today's market?

[Sir Ruff]

I've been intrigued by these for a while (even more than the MS-20).. Something about the size, the fact it's stand alone, and seems to have a large number of features in such a small package. I like that you are confined to the features it gives you. But I have also wondered how relatively functional they are compared to other semi-modular synths currently on the market, say for example, an MEK... (I know the MEK is way more feature laden, but is also not truly modular like the MS50)...(I also know that another modern modular, for the same price as the MS50 today would also provide way more functionality)

Aside from the quick patching, and ability to interface with other CV gear, is the MS-50 on its own still a strong contender for unique bleeps and bloops? Or is one really paying for the vintage factor more than anything?

[meatballfulton]

\is the MS-50 on its own still a strong contender for unique bleeps and bloops? Or is one really paying for the vintage factor more than anything?

Well, you're definitely paying a fair amount for the vintage factor. There are modular synths you can buy today for similar or less money that have more features and are more compact. Unless you own other MS gear you also have to deal with the worst of all CV interfacing worlds...V-Hz scaling and negative triggering.

[otto]

\is the MS-50 on its own still a strong contender for unique bleeps and bloops? Or is one really paying for the vintage factor more than anything?

Well, you're definitely paying a fair amount for the vintage factor. There are modular synths you can buy today for similar or less money that have more features and are more compact. Unless you own other MS gear you also have to deal with the worst of all CV interfacing worlds...V-Hz scaling and negative triggering.

Which is probably part of the expense. If you already have an MS-20 (which is also arguably expensive for what it is) and you want to expand its capability it seems only natural to go with an MS-50 and/or MS-10.

[minime123]

ill also add that the newer modular stuff that i own doest sound anywhere near as good as the vintage modular stuff i own. (im not gonna name any names)

[Clavier]

ill also add that the newer modular stuff that i own doest sound anywhere near as good as the vintage modular stuff i own. (im not gonna name any names)

Is that based on sequencing or playing?

[minime123]

clavier, im talking about overall tone, which is the same regardless of how its triggered. i just dont think the newer modules ive got sound as good as the vintage stuff.

[Sir Ruff]

I do love the sound of the MS series (tho I guess you CAN get similar sounding filters now)... I also love compact units.. but ultimately I think the MS50 (like the rest of the MS series), is overpriced for what it is.

[nadafarms]

clavier, im talking about overall tone, which is the same regardless of how its triggered. i just dont think the newer modules ive got sound as good as the vintage stuff.

Are there any modern brands that you think do sound as good as the vintage stuff?

[minime123]

i havent used anything that i feel sounds as good as vintage, but i should also add that i havent had too much experience with newer modulars.

[Clavier]

clavier, im talking about overall tone, which is the same regardless of how its triggered. i just dont think the newer modules ive got sound as good as the vintage stuff.

I did not mean to say that in a condescending manner. I do, however feel that the use of a sequencer does not very accurately portray a synth's tone or tonal variety. Especially when you are talking modular.

[minime123]

i didnt detect any condescending tone, but it would be nice if you could explain how theres a difference in TONE when you play live vs when you use a sequencer to trigger.


"I did not mean to say that in a condescending manner. I do, however feel that the use of a sequencer does not very accurately portray a synth's tone or tonal variety. Especially when you are talking modular."

[Clavier]

I wasn't talking about about a difference in tone, I was talking about how/how well the tone is portrayed.

My beef with sequencing is that it seems to take away from the nuance.

[hfinn]

My beef with sequencing is that it seems to take away from the nuance.

To me that depends on the sequencer. Some can add a LOT of character. Some can add many nuances.