Clubs

KORG INTRODUCES iMS-20 APP FOR iPAD:

iPAD apps are getting increasingly more useful and inventive, with some apps showing the kind promise of reaching the creative potential apple intended the device to be used for.

KORG are about to prove why they are such a clever bunch of boffins by making something that you would actually use and have a whole lot of fun doing so. Take a look at the new iMS-20 and don't forget to lick your lips...


Following the April release of the iElectribe virtual analog beatbox for iPad®, a top seller at the iTunes store, Korg has unveiled a new app based on classic Korg synth instruments. 

The intuitive Korg iMS-20 application transforms users’ iPads into a complete analog synth studio with a detailed recreation of the legendary Korg MS-20 semi-modular analog synth. 

A built-in 16-step analog sequencer, based on the Korg SQ-10 with features including an analog drum machine, mixer, dual Kaoss pads and direct access to SoundCloud online distribution, making this app ideal for today's electronic musician or serious enthusiast.

Launched in 1978, the MS-20 was a very distinctive monophonic synthesizer with a thick and solid sound, aggressive analog filters and inexhaustible potential for creative patching. Using Korg’s proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology) the iMS-20 completely replicates the legendary MS-20 in every way possible.

The Korg SQ-10, also introduced in the late 1970s, is also recreated for the iMS-20 app. Featuring 16 steps, this analog sequencer can produce either a series of pitches or create a cyclic pattern of control changes to the volume, panning, filter brightness and other synthesizer parameters. 

The iMS-20 version also includes new improvements not found on the original, such as easy control of notes, volume, pan, or synth/effect parameters. All of the SQ-10’s classic and unique functionality, such as three channels of voltage control and six types of sequence modes, is also included. 

The iMS-20 also features a six-part drum machine. By simply pressing the step buttons, drum parts can be quickly created, with each hit having independent control of pitch and gate time. By using the seven-channel mixer, complete with several Insert effects, users can bring together the MS-20 and drum machine components to create full musical phrases. 

In addition to being a complete electronic music production studio, the iMS-20 can function as a dynamic performance instrument as well. It is equipped with dual Kaoss pad control surfaces – one for note creation as made famous by Korg’s KAOSSILATOR, and one for manipulating parameter values in real-time, as found on Korg’s KAOSS series of effects processors.  

Users can share their creativity via the SoundCloud integration feature. SoundCloud provides a way to publish songs or to collaborate on new music with friends anywhere in the world. Audio data exported by the iMS-20 app can be quickly published and shared, and users can access the SoundCloud server right from within iMS-20.

The Korg iMS-20 for iPad is available for download purchase from Apple’s App Store (inside the iTunes Store) for a special introductory price of $15.99 (USD) until January 31, 2011, after which point the app will be available for the regular price of $32.99 (USD). 

For more information, including a full list of iMS-20 specifications, please visit www.korg.com/ims20 or www.korg.co.uk/ims20.