Back to navigation


This is Why Synth Fans Love Korg





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





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.





Related Videos: monologue Analog Synthesizer - Black





NOW PLAYING:


Sweetwater Review and Demo





Product Introduction





Product Introduction





Overview Part 1: Oscillators





Aphex Twin - korg funk 5 [Audio]





Overview Part 2: Filter





Overview Part 3: Modulation, LFO, Envelope





Overview Part 4: Microtunings and User Scales





Monologue & Volca Kick; One Powerful Rhythm Section





Monologue and Volca Kick: All-Analog Bass and Rhythm Section





The Next Generation of Korg Analog Synths : Korg prologue 16, prologue 8, monologue, and minilogue





Patch of the Week 32: 808-Style Trap Bass Kick on monologue





Patch of the Week 33: Simple Beat Making on monologue





Patch of the Week 34: Formant/Talking Style Bass on monologue





Patch of the Week 35: Billie Eilish Bass/Lead on monologue





Patch of the Week 44: Using Nu:Tekt NTS-1 as Korg monologue MULTI Engine Oscillator





Patch of the Week 46: Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Plus Korg SQ-1 and monologue - Minimal Jam Setup





Korg monologue 2.0 Update: Installation Tutorial and Overview





Why Buy Your Keyboard From Sweetwater? | Daniel Fisher


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