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Korg monologue Analog Synthesizer - Blue

25-key Monophonic Analog Synthesizer, with 2 VCOs, 1 VCF, 1 EG, 1 LFO, and 16-step Sequencer - Blue
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Korg monologue Analog Synthesizer - Blue
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This is Why Synth Fans Love Korg

The Korg monologue puts rich, vibrant analog synthesis in your hands for an amazing price. Its engine is similar to the acclaimed minilogue analog synthesizer, with updated voicing and a 2-pole VCF that's optimized for monophonic bass and lead tones. The powerful 16-step sequencer is perfect for creating classic acid-style basslines and more, and you can transpose your sequence just by pressing any key on the 25-key mini-keybed. Factor in micro tuning, per-step parameter lock for the sequencer, and the ability to save 100 programs — the Korg monologue analog synthesizer is an impressive monosynth indeed.

Much more than two oscillators and a filter

In classic Korg fashion, the monologue starts with two oscillators and a handful of waveforms, plus waveshaping, Sync, and Ring Modulation capabilities. The built-in OLED oscilloscope shows you the results of your sound-shaping — very cool. The oscillators feed into a 2-pole filter designed specifically for the monologue, optimized for mono bass and leads. Three envelope shapes along with Attack and Decay controls provide a wide range of creative options, allowing you to create evocative pads and soundscapes in addition to rock-solid bass and lead sounds.

Analog Drive circuit adds sonic intensity

Distortion is a powerful sonic tool, and the monologue's built-in analog Drive circuit is the perfect thing for creating synth sounds that come alive. Add a bit of sizzle or full-on fuzz, it's your call. At moderate levels, the Drive circuit can add a definite sense of punch and impact without sounding overly distorted — try it on some percussion-type sounds and you'll see what we mean.

Lots of options with this LFO

The monologue's LFO section can achieve faster rates than the LFO in the Korg minilogue, and you can assign it to Pitch, Shape, or Filter Cutoff. The 1-shot LFO mode allows for creative envelope-like shaping. Two selectable LFO rate ranges allow for a vast range of modulation options.

Fully programmable analog synthesis

If there's one thing synthesists at Sweetwater love, it's knob-per-function programmability, and the monologue delivers. And while it's easy enough to shape your sounds on the fly, monologue allows you to save up to 100 programs for instant recall.

Micro Tuning and custom scales

Korg's monologue allows for separate tuning per-note, opening up the colorful world of micro tuning. Use it to emulate subtle detuning to full dissonance. And beyond the factory scales, you can save up to 12 of your own custom scales. And when you're not experimenting with alternate tunings, monologue's self-tuning circuit maintains well-tempered tuning no matter how long you play it.

Powerful 16-step sequencer with parameter locks

Creating sequences on the monologue is intuitive, and you can transpose your sequence at any time simply by pressing a key — very cool for live performance. As you'd expect from Korg, the monologue also lets you record motion sequences to capture knob movements. And by popular demand, monologue's sequencer allows for per-step parameter locks, which means you can set parameter values on a per-step basis.

Made to integrate easily with your band

Thanks to its smart keybed layout, the Korg monologue is easy to fit into a band setting. The 25-key mini-keybed ranges from E to E, instead of the common C to C. This lines you up with traditionally-tuned guitars and bass guitars, making it easy to hit low bass notes in tune with your bandmates.

Perfect for your Korg ecosystem

The monologue offers Audio Sync to connect with Korg Volcas, electribes, minilogue, and the SQ-1 sequencer. MIDI In/Out is present too, along with USB MIDI, making the monologue equally capable as a standalone synth, an element in your hardware synth rig, or as a MIDI controller for your DAW.

Built to perform, with metal chassis and rugged knobs

The curved aluminum chassis gives the monologue reassuring durability — once you get your hands on it you'll know it was made to perform. Even better, the knobs are mounted to the chassis instead of directly to the underlying circuit boards. You normally wouldn't expect to find these features on such an affordable synth, making it a serious value for any performing musician.

Korg monologue Analog Synthesizer Features:

  • Analog monophonic synthesizer with built-in 16-step sequencer
  • Save your own sounds for instant recall (ships with 80 factory presets plus 20 user locations)
  • VCO 1 offers Saw, Triangle, and Square waveforms, with waveshaping
  • VCO 2 offers Saw, Triangle, and Random waveforms, with waveshaping, Sync, and Ring Mod
  • 2-pole VCF is optimized for monophonic bass and lead sounds
  • Three Envelope Generator modes allow for creative sound shaping
  • LFO ranges from very slow to very fast, with a 1-shot mode for envelope-like modulation effects
  • Analog Drive circuit adds subtle punch and intensity to full-on distortion
  • 16-step sequencer with per-step parameter lock for creating complex, animated sequences
  • Sequences can be transposed on the fly by pressing any key
  • 25-key slim keybed, E to E for ease of use in a band setting
  • Supports Micro Tuning, with 12 user-savable scale locations
  • Auto-tuning circuit maintains rock-solid tuning stability, even when playing for hours
  • Can be powered via 6 x AA batteries or optional power supply

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer with Sequencer
  • Sound Engine: Analog
  • Number of Keys: 25
  • Type of Keys: Synth Action, Slim-keys
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Polyphony: Monophonic
  • Number of Presets: 100 programs (80 factory, 20 user presets)
  • Oscillators: 2 x VCO (square, triangle, sawtooth), 1 x LFO
  • Effects Types: Analog Drive distortion
  • Sequencer: 16-step
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Audio Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (audio out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" Sync in/out
  • Features: Micro Tuning, OLED oscilloscope screen
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (sold separately) / 6 x AA batteries
  • Height: 2.99"
  • Width: 13.78"
  • Depth: 10.87"
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MONOLOGUEBL

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great synth. Great service from Sweetwater.

This synth is excellent. I love it to pieces, and cannot wait to continue to discover all of the nuance and capabilities. It is complicated enough to create some incredible sounds, yet simple enough to help you develop a more fundamental understanding of synthesis. Plus the construction of the physical body is really solid - it is very satisfying to play with.

I have to also say, Sweetwater was exceptional in their handling of this. Delivery was swift and safe. The Korg was packaged well, and works as intended. Jason even gave me a nice call to make sure it arrived safely and works properly. I hadn't seen much out there on Sweetwater's customer service, but it really was exceptional enough for me to want to make this review.
Rated 5/5

Korg Has Done It Again

The Korg Monologue is a fantastic and fun two oscillator fully analog monosynth with selectable ring mod or sync on oscillator two. It lends itself naturally to bass tones and produces them well and with ease. Programming is fluid as almost every parameter has a knob or switch with an intuitive menu accessible through the sequencer buttons for things like tempo syncing the LFO, keytracking the filter, setting velocity control of filter and/or amplitude, assigning the bender, and naming patches. The sequencer is fun to use as well. I never recorded in real time, opting instead to step sequence, which acts as you would expect if you have used other step sequencers. I think it's a little odd that Korg opted for a 100 patch limit instead of a standard 128 but that's more of an observation than a complaint. I did not find many uses for the drive as I found it too aggressive & harsh in most applications but I don't take off pints for this. The LFO is very expressive and can even go up to audio rate in the "fast" setting, allowing for analog-FM style tones when assigned to any destination. Although this synth does not have full sized keys, they are not as small as say a microKORG or many controllers. They feel pretty natural to play and I wasn't hitting extra keys while using them. I would say this is an excellent first synth for anyone attempting to learn synthesis. However, even an experienced user as myself can find uses for the sound of this synth with its pure analog signal path and excellent sounding filter.
Music background: Electronic Music
Rated 5/5

Korg Monologue

I have really enjoyed using this synthesizer especially using MIDI to connect it to another synth like the Microfreak and the Novation Circuit Tracker. It has been just plain fun to strum around on this synthesizer and as an absolute beginner in music, I found that I enjoy using the sequencer feature the most of all. Great fun to play around with with the knobs which can get recorded as you play and makes for a wicked sound effect. I like this synth as much or more than my new Microfreak but connecting them together lets one of them influence the sound of the other and create awesome sounds. I just get lost in the act of creating synthetic sounds on an electronic keyboard then turning knobs and flipping switches to see what interesting sounds I can create.
Music background: Late Beginner
Rated 5/5

First Synth can couldn't be happier

This is my first synth, and it is so much fun. The sequencer is incredibly fast to grok, yet seems very powerful as showcased in the presets. I'm sure I have barely scratched the surface of what this thing can do yet. It's so lightweight and portable, I find myself carrying it around, and playing it in whatever room I am in. I can easily sit on the couch and watch TV, as I fool around and get a better feeling for what the knobs do, then when I find something fun, carry it over to my computer and record it right away. Setting it up as a MIDI controller was super easy too! I really like the blue color too!

My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a power cord, so that has to be purchased separately. But that seems such a small issue to me, it's just seems strange.
Rated 5/5

Maximum abuse potential!

I bought this as a long-needed replacement for a long-missing Roland SH-101. It's not that. It's WAAAY more bonkers! The feature set might seem as simple at first: analog monosynth with an onboard sequencer. Resemblance stops there. I've been living with mine for several months now, and I still feel like I've not exhausted its potential. First of all, the sound generation setup with its waveshaping lets you go from straightforward monosynth to 'what IS that?' with a couple of knobtwists. The filter is capable of being smooth to totally yowl-screech raucous, and then when you toss in the overdrive, it can tear your head clean off! Envelope behavior can do most anything you require from sharp filter-snaps to slow washing. But like they say on the infomercials, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE... First of all, there's a lot of hidden deep functionality in here, a lot of concealed under the sequencer controls. I'm not going to go thru all of it, because I don't like writer's cramp all that much; it's best experienced first-hand, not described, and there is a LOT there. The knob automation, also, adds a second layer of sequencing fun, since you can loop four channels of control behavior in sync with the note pattern and cause the machine to do a lot of preprogrammed screwing-around while you busy yourself with tweaking other controls. Kind of fun developing a few extra 'hands', yep. If you can't accomplish something with an instrument with what I call an 'abuse potential' this high, you should quit working with synths, period. So, yes, it was an equitable swap-out for the SH-101 from way back when...but ooooooh so much more, and so much more twisted, capable, and downright fun! Korg got this thing right...and I love the blue color scheme, which reminds me of the sort of dark blue you found on some of their early 1980s machines. Buy. Plug in. Go nuts. Good luck putting it down!
Music background: composer/performer in electroacoustic media
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