MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Back in 1978, this synth helped define the raw, aggressive edge of analog sound, and its mini reissue captures that same snarling spirit in a compact package that's just 86% the size of the original.

To get there, it packs two voltage-controlled oscillators—one with triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and noise options, the other adding square, narrow pulse, and ring mod—feeding into a mixer before hitting dual self-oscillating filters: a high-pass (50Hz-15kHz) and low-pass (same range), both with peak/resonance that growls into distortion when pushed. Dual envelope generators shape attack, decay, sustain, and release for amps and filters, while a modulation generator/LFO swings from 0.1-20Hz across sawtooth, triangle, pulse, and square waves. The real fun starts with the extensive patch bay for rerouting signals, plus an external signal processor that preconditions guitars, mics, or other audio with low/high cuts, CV extraction, envelope following, and trigger outs. It sports a 37-note mini-keybed with portamento, a pitch wheel, MIDI In over USB and 5-pin, 1/8" ins/outs including headphones, and comes with 10 patch cables—all in a sturdy 19.4 x 10.1 x 8.2-inch frame weighing about 10.6 pounds.

Over a decade on the scene, players love its authentic bite for leads, basses, and weird effects that cut through mixes, though some note the tiny keys demand practice and the mono voice keeps it firmly in lead territory rather than chords.