The Korg MS-10 monophonic analogue synthesiser features a semi-modular patch system which allows rerouting of the internal signal flow and the ability to filter external sound sources.

Features

Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
Choose between four different waveforms and four keyboard octaves: 32′, 16′, 8′ and 4′, to determine your basic sound. The TRIG/VOLT and FREQ/VOLT input jacks give you external control via another synthesizer or control voltage source. You also have the option of using an external signal for FM (Frequency Modulation) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

Voltage Controlled Low-Pass Filter (VCF)
Changes the tone color of your basic waveform by shaving off upper harmonics. Emphasize the fc resonance with the Peak knob; turn it all the way up and use the self-oscillation effect as another sound source. As with the VCO, you can use either internal or external control to modulate the cut-off frequency and peak resonance.

Modulation Generator (LFO)
Generates a low-frequency signal used to modulate other modules in the synthesizer. An LED flashes on and off to tell you the frequency. The waveform is continuously variable to give you performance possibilities unavailable with conventional LFO’s.

External Signal Input
Connect an electric guitar, microphone or other input, and use the VCF and VCA to create a synthesized effect.

Envelope Generator (EG)
This module generates a signal used to control the changes in sound over time (attack, decay, release, sustain)(sic). Besides the “ADSR” settings, you also have control over hold time.

Patch Panel
Connect modules together with patch cords to bring out the full potential of the synthesizer. The flow chart on the panel makes it easy to set up complex patches.

Control Wheel
Use the control wheel to vary pitch, tone color, and volume while playing the keyboard.

 

Comment from the experts

This one from the Virtual Synth Museum site.

The Korg MS-10 was the most basic, and consequently the most inexpensive, of Korg’s MS series. The MS-10 featured a 32-note (F-C) keyboard and semi-modular design, in that you could reroute the signal of some modules via patch cords, but you didn’t have to use patch cords to make a basic synthesizer sound. A monophonic synth, the MS-10 had one VCO, one VCF, an LFO with multiple waveforms, an ADSR with hold controls, and knobs to control pitch, portamento time, external signal level, resonance, and pulse width. It also had one wheel, for pitch bend.

[from The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizers , by Peter Forrest, published by Susurreal Publishing, Devon, England, copyright 1994 Peter Forrest]

 

Another opinion, this time swiped from the Vintage Synth Explorer site.

A cool & classic analog synth that makes great bass and percussive sounds. It’s a simple monophonic single-VCO analog synthesizer with the authentic look of a mini-modular. The MS-10 is really a powerful little mono-synth with a patchbay, plenty of knobs and a keyboard. It is CV/Gate controllable. A very cool feature is it’s external input to filter which allows you to filter external sound sources!

 

On a personal note, the first synth I ever bought was an MS10, and I used it as a bass synth through the early 80’s (a time when a band could be bottled for not having a bass-player. Who says keyboard players are wimps..?). It has a lovely deep warmth and occasional punch (if you can get the filter just right). Now I tend to leave it set up as a haunting “theremin”. Lovely…….. DM