KORG Monotron Duo Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Korg’s monotron DUO is a ribbon-controller keyboard that gives you not just one, but two analog oscillators to create an even more extreme sound. If you tune the oscillators in unison, you get a rich, thick, analog tone. If you tune them in intervals, you can emulate classic soloing sounds and generate new effects. Tweak the X-MOD (cross modulation) circuit taken from Korg’s classic Mono/Poly and you can introduce a mild or razor-sharp edge to the overall sound; everything from a rich vibrato to extreme metallic sounds reminiscent of an FM synth.

VCO + VCF = Modular synthesis building blocks
The basic analog sound-building circuit in the monotron DUO is radically simple: one voltage-controlled oscillator and one voltage-controlled filter. As a result, the process of sound creation is intuitive, and instantly understandable.

Enhanced Ribbon Controller Keyboard
The monotron DUO’s ribbon controller keyboard now features the familiar Scale function used on the KAOSSILATOR. You can use this button to select one of four scales: Chromatic, Major, Minor, or Off. Choose the Chromatic scale to play precise pitches as on a piano, or choose Major or Minor to generate musically coherent phrases by simply sliding your finger around on the keyboard.

Go Anywhere Analog
A miniature speaker is built into the monotron DUO. Along with the battery operation and compact size, this feature allows you to enjoy the share the monotron DUO’s analog synthesis sound with your friends, anywhere, at any time. Use it to entertain friends, for recording, or even at karaoke during a musical interlude for solos. It also has a headphone output you can use when practicing in private, creating sounds at home, recording, or for connecting to an amplifier or PA system.

Classic Korg Filtering
The distinctive tone of an analog filter (VCF) can dramatically alter and enrich the sound. The monotron DUO uses the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as KORG’s classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi-modular synthesizers. Originally released over 30 years ago, these instruments are still coveted today for their aggressive, dynamic filters. The VCF Cutoff knob sets the frequency or tone of the filter; the VCF Peak knob adds emphasis. A powerful filter is an essential aspect of any analog synthesizer, applying dramatic tonal changes to the sound, and projecting an intense personality that will stand out, especially in any live performance.

Fully-patchable Filter
The input jack (AUX input) built into the monotron DUO’s compact body allows you to place any audio source into the signal path, directly before the analog filter. This provides a great way to connect a KAOSSILATOR, a guitar, or a digital audio player to the monotron DUO and enjoy tone-bending filter effects.