MS-20

I gave this VSTi a 10 for interface because a 84% scale replica of the MS-20 comes with the package! Whats better than a "real" knob per function??? The controller is VERY responsive. It feels like a real analog synth. And yes, the patch cables actually work when using the modular section. Not to forget that it's made of mainly metal, so it's sturdy (heavier than I thought).

When I first saw the Korg Legacy bundle, I thought that the controller was a gimmic to make up for an average sounding vitage VSTi. I'm happy to report that it sounds very VERY analog! It is something to be heard. The filters are very thick sounding. You can't hear any MIDI steping as you sweep the filter freq knob. The result is smooth and round. The resonence is very aggressive at hi settings (not abrasive though) and warm at lower settings. I have not compaired the VSTi to the real thing (yet), but as is, the synth sounds amazing. They also give you the option to make it polyphonic as well as mono. The patches are endless.

As for features, a controller with a working patchbay and a knob per function... nuff said.

The manual is pretty thick but I was surprised to find that there wasn't any info about the patchbay section of the synth. In the manual it said to look on the cd-rom for more info, but none was found. I have experience with modular synthisis so it didn't take me long to get aroud it. But for a beginner it would be quite difficult.

The presets supplied are pretty good, but not many to go through. Mainly basslines and TB303 type sounds for electronic writers. I create more ambient sounds and pads for rock and pop music, so the presets wern't for me. It's hard to make this synth sound bad so I guess it's not a big deal.

I emailed support a question and they replied quickly. I'll give them a 10 for support :)

3 classic Korg synths and a dedicated MS-20 replica midi controller for 499USD!! I'd say that's a good deal.

Finally, stability. I've been tweeking all day and night for a week now. I use Protools 6.1.1 LE using the FXpansion VST to RTAS adapter version 1.03. For some reason the Legacy Cell plugin won't wrap properly and crashes the FXpansion wrapper. So I read that if you delete the Legacy Cell dll's from the vst folder, the MS-20 and the other synths wrap without a glitch. Sure enough they where right. No crashes and the controller works perfect as well with Protools.

I also have the Moog Modular V and have owned a Nord Modular. IMO the Korg takes the cake. I find the Moog Modular sounds ok, but a bit soft sounding. The nord is great, but it has it's own sound. The bottom line is that the MS-20 is the most realistic "virtual" analog synth I have ever used. You can acheve 1000's of sounds from mellow to hard lead sounds.Read Review