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Growly Goodness!
By: Jim Simpson
Submitted: 10/5/2023
Product Rating
Product Review
The KORG Monologue may be a simple synth but it’s got that perfect “sound” for almost any genre.
From dark doomy bass to sunny strings. Plus A Lot more!
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A great first synth entry to analog electronic music, with extras to keep the pro happy!
By: J Barger
Submitted: 1/14/2021
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Being one of the more affordable key based analog synths, it is easy to write it off unless you have used it. But, once you do, you fall in love with the Monolouge
The 25-somewhat-mini-key synth is made up of almost entirely plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap like a bargain basement MIDI controller. Everything seems to be put together well and simply, with very clear labeling on every function. The only non-plastic parts are the toggles for functions such as the VCO's, pitch bend and parameter switches is the back wood panel (Yes, real wood!)
This is a great bass synth that comes with features that really shouldn't be allowed to be had at such a cheap price, such as the built in tiny but effective settings LED screen that also doubles as a mini-oscilloscope. The synth can also be navigated by the tiny screen showing a wealth of menu options, including PRESET sounds! Some purists may turn their nose up at that, but it really does make the machine easy to dive in.
The other main feature of this beast that you wouldn't expect to find is a fully featured sequencer that allows you to not only map key tone and pattern, but to automate up to 4 different effects and/or filters with the sequencer itself! This really expands the live playability, and allows for some cool tricks you couldn't do on some synths at twice the price.
It isn't perfect, but close to it. Once again, in typical Korg fashion, they do NOT include a power supply, expecting you to either run it off of AA batteries or to pony up for power adapter. There is on-board USB for either data transfer or to function as a MIDI controller, but this is not a USB port that provides power. There are also built in MIDI ports for those who want to activate other gear or who avoid DAW's in their performing like it was the plague
The keys are bigger than an MPC Mini MkII, but smaller than full size. It doesn't take long to adapt to the footprint. They are "synth action" keys, but don't try to hide it and try to do well with what it has.
The tones out of this thing are out of this world, and easy to tweak on the deck or to move features in and out within the sequencer.
As someone who works with analog and digital synths, I find this one easy to include in the mix!
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Simplistic but deep!
By: John Kalmar
Submitted: 3/31/2020
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
I was an entry synth user when I purchased this, and by no means am I an expert at synthesis at this point, but this has been a lovely stepping stone to my introduction to analog synthesis. As you will find online through all the youtube reviews, you will find enjoyment in this small but powerful synthesizer. It is a fun way to learn about FM synthesis and tweak knobs that go pretty far into the FM range. You can turn it into an analog drum machine. Throw some effects on it and play around with the oscillators and you can come up with some beautiful chords that ring for days. I love my Monologue and use it nearly every day, and I haven't bored with it yet. Would love to see a module for this like Korg does for their larger synths like the Minilogue or Minilogue XD. I think it would add just a little more flavor to introduce even more interesting ways to shape the sound once you start to wrap your mind around how the Monologue operates.
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Awesome Keyboard
By: Mayeyo
Submitted: 11/6/2019
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This is a awesome keyboard for a great budget price with great sounds.
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Great mono synth for the $$$
By: GW
Submitted: 10/6/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
An Absolutely brilliant mono synth. Very intuitive to use with minimum synth experience. The sequencer is genius and very expressive. The only thing that could make this synth better is a 64 step sequencer. Wich I would gladly pay double for!!!!
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Fantastic Synth
By: T.M.
Submitted: 9/27/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
I've owned multiple synths from the microkorg to the microbrute. This is a wonderful Synth. At this price... just try it!
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Can't put this thing down!
By: gary.
Submitted: 9/27/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Super cool machine once you pick it up and turn it on make sure you have adapter you will be on this thing for hours.
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My first synth!
By: Pete
Submitted: 9/5/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This is my first synth and it is so easy and fun . To play around with. Hooks up to all the Korg Volcas that I have too. So it makes one big synth.
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A Total BLAST to Own !!!!
By: Mickey
Submitted: 12/10/2018
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I have always Loved Korg. I had already purchased a Minilogue a few months back, so I had to have a Monologue to go with it .... Right? Got me a Red one. This is a fun little machine. A total blast to play with. Together with my monologue, make one heck of dynamic Duo. But this little guy is just as much fun alone too. Love mine.
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Real analog for cheap!
By: Nathan
Submitted: 11/8/2018
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Being able to own a Korg product this cheap is truly a blessing, this thing sounds great! It is extremely lightweight, and can either power up with batteries or an AC adapter. I really like that you can sync with other devices like an electribe, so you can instantly get a full song going. You can edit the sequencer in real time. This sounds are so big and warm by themselves, if you hook it out to an FX pedal, you can get even more crazy and creative. It even has an Oscilloscope with a visual feedback window that shows the shape of the waveform, pretty cool futuristic addition. Don't be fooled by its size, this thing sounds big! Definitely recommended.
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Well worth the Money
By: Taino
Submitted: 9/29/2018
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Jus get it
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Awesomeness!!!
By: Ron T
Submitted: 9/27/2018
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Huge sound in a small footprint. I recommend buying an ac adapter because you’ll burn through batteries really fast. I did, because I couldn’t stop playing it. Addicting!
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Not as great as I hoped
By: Tiffany
Submitted: 8/16/2018
5 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
It doesn't have the depth that the other Korg minologue has...
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Not as great as I hoped.
By: TiffsBass
Submitted: 7/21/2018
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
It’s basic in functions and works well, has a good amount of features but doesn’t sound as rich as the next model up by Korg.
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Really sick Patches
By: Kody
Submitted: 4/16/2018
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
The patches are super sick. It's a bit of a one trick pony, but if you want a go-to bass/lead synth it's a great choice!
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Well done, Korg.
By: sinjun
Submitted: 12/15/2017
Product Review
I do a lot of keyboard bass in bands so I’m always on the lookout for instruments like this one. As good as the Bass Station is, the Monologue streamlines the whole playing/programming thing to a level of comfort and live performance ease that most synths in this category don’t do. Compact, self-contained, good with a World Tour gigbag, this keyboard will be a go-to for me for some time to come. The reason for 4 stars is that the keyboard could probably be improved in terms of weighting and durability. My F1 note gave out on me in the first two weeks of nightly playing (I’m not heavy handed). My advice to Korg is tweak the keyboard a bit and you’ll have a long time seller.
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Love the color and the sound
By: keith tucker
Submitted: 1/26/2017
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
I love the Korg synths, they sound awesome. My one gripe is, not having power adapters. USB is taking over now, you need more usb powered ports
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Biggest little monster
By: dAni fOxwell
Submitted: 1/21/2017
4 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This synth is insane! It sounds great, and at this price its even better. The sequencer alone sells it.