Korg MS-20

Lore & Background

The instrument's significance extends beyond simple sound generation; it is a symbol of the dedication to hardware synthesis within the electronic music community. When Joel utilizes the MS-20, he taps into a lineage of analog experimentation, pushing the limits of voltage control to create leads that scream and basses that rumble with physical weight. This commitment to tangible gear reinforces the narrative of an artist who values the tactile experience of creation as much as the final audio output.

In Their Own Story

The studio lights dimmed, casting long shadows across the racks of blinking hardware. Joel reached out, his fingers hovering over the patch cables of the Korg MS-20. With a deliberate twist of the filter knob and a sharp press on the envelope generator, a jagged, screaming tone erupted from the speakers. It wasn't just noise; it was a living entity, warping and shifting with every breath of voltage he fed into it. In that moment, the digital perfection of his sequencer vanished, replaced by the raw, unpredictable soul of analog electricity.

Reader's Guide

The Korg MS-20 features two oscillators with distinct waveforms, including sawtooth and square waves, which can be modulated extensively via its semi-modular patch bay. Deadmau5 utilizes this flexibility to route audio signals in non-standard paths, often feeding the output of one oscillator into the filter input to create complex self-oscillating sounds. His workflow involves heavy manipulation of the low-pass filter's resonance and cutoff frequency, creating dynamic sweeps that respond instantly to performance. Unlike static presets, he programs these sounds live or records them as audio stems to be manipulated further in his DAW. This approach allows for a unique blend of precision and chaos. By leveraging the MS-20's unstable nature, he captures slight pitch drifts and filter quirks that add organic character to his tracks, ensuring the music feels alive rather than mathematically perfect.

Did You Know?

• The Korg MS-20 was originally designed in the late 1970s as a portable synthesizer for rock musicians before becoming a staple in electronic dance music.
• Deadmau5 has frequently used the MS-20 to create aggressive lead lines that cut through dense mixes without sounding digital or sterile.
• The semi-modular nature of the synth allows users to patch signals internally even if no external cables are connected, offering endless sound design possibilities.