KORG

collapse expand iconDescription

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.
KORG Monotron Duo Analog Ribbon Synthesizer
KORG Monotron Duo Analog Ribbon Synthesizer
KORG Monotron Duo Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Two analog oscillators (VCO) with individual tunings
  • Edgy X-MOD (with Intensity knob) circuit from Korg's classic Mono/Poly
  • VCF with Cutoff and Peak Control
  • Ribbon controller keyboard with Scale Select
  • Original Analog (VCF) Filter taken from the classic MS-10 & MS-20
  • Aux input jack lets you apply filter to any audio source
  • Built-in speaker and battery power for Go Anywhere Analog sound
  • Headphone jack for private use

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Synthesizer structure: 2 VCOs (Square Wave) with X-Mod; 1 VCF
  • Switches: Standby / VCO1 / VCO1+2
  • Scale Select Button: (Chromatic -> Major -> Minor -> Off)
  • Knobs: VCO1 Pitch, X-MOD Int., VCO2 Pitch, VCF Cutoff, VCF Peak
  • Controller: Ribbon Controller with Scale SelectVolume: Headphone Volume
  • Aux Input: 1/8" stereo jack
  • Headphone Output: 1/8" stereo jack
  • Speaker: Miniature internal which is disabled when headphones are in use
  • Power Supply: 2 AAA batteries included, recommended alkaline batteries
  • Battery Life: Approximately 8 hours (with alkaline batteries)
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 120mm x 72mm x 28mm / 4.72" x 2.83" x 1.10"
  • Weight: 95g / 3.35 oz. (without batteries)

collapse expand iconWarranty

USA Warranty Policy

All Korg products purchased from a Korg USA authorized dealer are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship to the original consumer purchaser as listed below:

Labor: 1 Year
Parts: 1 Year

Exceptions: Tubes, AC Adapters, Foot Switches: 90 days

Warranty Requirements and Limitations:

-Proof of Warranty - The customer must provide proof of purchase in order to obtain warranty service. The dated sales slip or copy thereof is the only acceptable proof of purchase.

-The product must be purchased from a Korg USA authorized dealer and have a valid serial number.

Damage resulting from the following causes are excluded from the warranty set forth above:
-Misuse, including damage occurring during shipment, damage caused by battery leakage, accident, fire, unauthorized repairs, tampering, cosmetic damage or other types of damage which are the result of improper handling or abuse.
-The cleaning of controls or contacts due to exposure to dirty, dusty, or otherwise contaminated environment.
-Damage resulting from modification.
-Damage to units used for loan or rental.

Register online and extend your warranty!
Register your new Korg keyboard, keyboard rack module or digital piano online and receive a certificate that extends the product warranty for an extra year from the date of purchase.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.29

7 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Electronic Music2
  2. Accompaniment1
  3. guerilla performances1
Cons
  1. Limited Sound Selection1
  2. Poor Action1
Describe Yourself
  1. Professional Musician2
  2. Child1
Pros
  1. Easy to Use3
  2. Portable3
  3. Good Audio1
  • A fun musical toy that makes serious sounds

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 months ago

    byJon

    fromSeattle WA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm using this as a noisemaker and source of randomness in an experimental group. Sounds best when used with effects pedals. I like the fact that it's awkward to control and predict.

  • Great Synth for Sample Sound Design

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byTom

    fromSilver Spring, MD

    The Korg Monotron Duo is a super fun synth and for the money it sounds fantastic. The controls are limited but what really comes across here is the combination of Korg's legendary MS20 filter with the x-mod from their MonoPoly synth. The oscillators are fixed to square waveforms but so much sonic territory is covered with the interplay of their respective independent pitch setting and the x-mod control. I used this to program a custom sample library and found a great range of beefy analog tones that I have been going to for inspiration. I didn't use the Monotron Duo in this way but it does have a filter-in which could be fun for applying the MS20 filter to external sounds. I would say that it is limited as a straight performance piece but the ability to create samples for use in a DAW or hardware sampler is really unmatched for analog tones at this price point.

  • Kinda cute and fun but it's also plastic junk

    2

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byChris

    fromUndisclosed

    This thing is more or less a piece of junk. It sounds like cats mating. It sounds a lot better with headphones but I dropped it on the floor ONE time and the headphone jack broke. Yeah I know it's my fault for dropping it but still. Plastic piece of junk.

  • Super-Fun Analog Ribbon Synth for that Little Dash of Weird

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byRandall

    fromundisclosed

    Super-Fun Analog Ribbon Synth and Barely Larger than a Calculator- Nice Range of Sonic Control. Great little gimmick for live applications or a super-cool gadget for your home studio for that little dash of weirdness you always need for texture. Great value- Totally worth it.

  • Killer for the Beach!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    bySmooth + Glassy

    fromAmelia Island Florida

    Korg needs to make one like the Electro Harmonix mini synth ribbon from the 70s ( larger but still small killer sound)

  • GREAT for the PRICE

    5

    submitted13 years ago

    byRussell Sweet

    fromLas Vegas, Nevada

    My first one. Can`t wait to use in a recording. Running it through a amp and then to a digital recorder. SOUND GOOD. Also need a THEREMIN.

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