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Korg MS-03 Signal Processor

Korg MS-03 Signal Processor

Features and Specifications:

  • Input: 1/4" Input
  • Input Sensitivity: 3 volts peak-to-peak maximum
  • Portamento: Minimum to maximum travel time
  • Output: CV Out Hertz/Volt Analog Pitch Control (0 ~ +8V)
  • Output: CV Out Octave/Volt Analog Pitch Control (+1 ~ +5V)
  • Output: Trigger High to Ground
  • Output: Trigger Ground to High (+15v)
  • Modes: 3 Levels of Tracking Response
  • Range: High and Low range of operation
  • Output: Envelope Control Voltage
  • Dimensions: 283 mm (W) x 195 mm (D) x 110 mm (H)
  • Weight: 2.4 kg, 4W

Introduction to the Korg MS-03:

In the late nineteen seventies, Korg was apparently determined to open the world of synthesizers to more than just keyboard players.

Introduced in 1979 just a year after the classic MS-10 and MS-20 the MS-03 converts incoming audio signals into a range of control voltage signals. The MS-03 can drive just about any monophonic analog synthesizer, with outputs that support both the Moog/Arp/Eurorack standard of one volt per octave, and the less common Korg/Yamaha standard of hertz to volts. The unit also has two different types of gate outputs.

For users of the Moog/Arp/Eurorack standard there is a tuning and width control. The tune control is used to "tune" the MS-20 to the attached synth, and the "width" control adjust the precise range of one octave.

Korg MS-20: The circuitry of the MS-03 is similar to the Pitch to Voltage circuit in the Korg MS-20, but a comparison of the two converters shows the MS-03 is faster and more accurate than the MS-20.

Korg MS-03: The MS-03 has many of the same controls as found on the Korg X911 Guitar Synthesizer without the synthesizer components. Features found on both units include footswitch-operated Portamento, Synthesizer "Hold" and "Cancel" functions.

Links to more information:

Photos - Korg MS-03 Signal Processor:

Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03
Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03
Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03 Korg MS-03
Click on any image for larger view.

Photos - Korg MS-03 Signal Processor Interior:

Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior
Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior
Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior
Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior Korg MS-03 Interior
Click on any image for larger view.

Schematics - Repairs - Service Bulletins:

There are no known service bulletins from Korg addressing any MS-03 problems.

Korg MS-03 with Behringer K-2 (Korg MS-20) and Korg Arp Odyssey