WNAMM12: Two New Monotrons

US Monotron DUO and Monotron DELAY expand Korg's series of go-anywhere synths 19/01/12

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Korg has added two new models – the Monotron DUO and Monotron DELAY – to its Monotron Series of pocket-size, analog ribbon synthesizers. They say that the Monotron Series provides a low-cost way for all musicians, DJs, sound enthusiasts and gadget-seekers to enjoy the unique sound and knob-tweaking fun of analog synthesis.
Offering battery power and a built-in speaker, the Monotrons can be used to make music anywhere. There's a headphone output for private use, connecting to an amplifier or PA system, to add depth to a live performance, or for composing and recording in any studio setting.
Simple to use, the front panel provides five knobs and a front-panel switch, offering authentic hands-on analog control. The ribbon keyboard can be used for picking out melodies or creating lush-sounding effects. The Monotron Series uses the same VCF circuit as Korg's classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi modular synthesizers from over 30 years ago. The AUX input jack allows any audio source to be placed into the signal path and processed by this analog filter, adding tone-bending filter effects to any sound or instrument. Here's what Korg has to say about the Monotron family:

Monotron DUO
This unit includes a second oscillator (VCO) with separate tuning. Tuning the oscillators in unison creates a rich, thick, analog tone; tuning them in intervals is ideal for classic soloing sounds and for generating new effects. The X-MOD (cross modulation) circuit taken from Korg's classic Mono/Poly 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. The Ribbon keyboard can be set to a Chromatic, Major, or Minor scale for easy playing across a selectable four-octave range.
Monotron DELAY
In addition to its analog oscillator, filter, and LFO, the Monotron Delay also provides a "Space Delay" effect equipped with Time and Feedback. This delay circuit even reproduces the pitch changes that occur when the delay time is varied, just as on an old-school tape echo. As with the filter, the delay effect can be added to any external sound via the Aux In jack. A trim pot on the back panel can continuously adjust the shape/direction of the LFO's waveshape to deliver even more versatility. Finally, the ribbon keyboard offers a wide, four-octave range, and glows under black light illumination – along with some of the front panel artwork
Monotron
The original Monotron features an analog oscillator (VCO), an analog filter (VCF), and an assignable LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) that can affect either the VCO or the VCF. The ribbon keyboard allows for chromatic playing across a selectable six-octave range.