Back in 1978, this was Korg's bold first swing at a vocoder, packing a full 32-note keyboard right into the unit so you could start talking through synth tones without needing extra gear.
At its heart, it's a 20-band analog vocoder with a divide-down synthesizer delivering true polyphony—one oscillator per key, all individually tunable—for rich, voice-like modulation. Plug in a mic or external signal like guitar via the two mono inputs, and shape the formant filter with precise 20-band analysis and EQ; add vibrato from the LFO, accent bend for natural pitch wobble, octave-up to extend the range, and that signature ensemble effect borrowed from Korg's PS series for lush, chorused depth. Controls are straightforward up front—tune knob, mix settings, speed/depth for ensemble—while CV/Gate and external pitch inputs open it up for modular fun. Housed in a sturdy black metal case shared with the MS-10 (but heavier at 7kg and 499x309x249mm), it feels like a tank built to last.
Players love its simple, self-contained workflow and that warm analog vocal grit, famously wielded by Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Pink Floyd for iconic choir and talkbox vibes—though some note the carrier bleed without mic input as a quirky vintage trait.
