Korg Minilogue vs Monologue

This is a question we get a lot in store. What really is the difference between Korg's Minilogue and Monologue Analogue synths?

Being arguably the hottest pair of affordable analogue hardware synthesizers available right now Korg's Minilogue and Monologue are often subject of direct comparison. However don't let the similar names give you the wrong idea. Even though Korg suggest that the mono takes inspiration from its predecessor they have purposely made it a separate entity entirely rather than a miniature 25 key Minilogue. 

Ok so here is a run down on the key specifications and alternative features that set these two impressive models apart from one another. 

Korg Minilogue Polyphonic Analogue Synth  

A good place to start is with the Minilogue, the first to be developed and introduced by KORG. The Minilogue is the larger of the two with 37 slim keys and is equipped with a stylish silver top and woodern back panel. 

The Minilogue was essentially developed by Korg to offer the power of polyphonic analogue with fully edit-able presets at an affordable price. Every aspect of this all new synth was envisioned and developed from scratch without re-surfacing any Korg blueprints of the past from previous models. This is a poly synth designed for the modern user whether thats at home, in the studio or live on stage. 

The sonic response of this synth is both warm and punchy and there are 8 alternative voice modes - Poly, Duo, Unison, Mono, Chord, Delay, Arp and Sidechain. On top of this the Minilogue boasts a huge memory to recorded anything you create using the step seqeuncer and features up to 200 preset sounds already built in. The first 100 of these are made up of basses, poly synths, pads and atmospheric soundscapes with the remaining 100 avalible for you to store your own personal creations. 

For a unit that boasts this much vesatility and power the Minilogue adopts a very approchable, easy to use interface. The chassis-mounted rubber-coated knobs are presented right in front of the user with the relevant 2 x VCO, VCF, 2 x EG, VCA and LFO sections divided clearly to avoid any confusion. Also making operating duties more straighforward is a large filter knob that sits pride of place so you can manipulate the subtle nuances of every sound and a oscilloscope display that gives a real-time readout of the waveform as you sculpt it - a first for a hardware synth! 

Korg Monologue Monophonic Analogue Synth 

The Korg Monologue is a next generation monophonic synthesizer that is fully programmable with advanced 16 step sequencer. Sporting the same metal top and wood back but comes in 5 colours - Silver, Black, Red, Blue and Gold. The monologue also gives users the option of opting for AA battery power while offering the same connectivity options as its sibling with a sync in/out, MIDI in/out (via both 5-pin and USB connection) and audio in. 

So whats new? With the monologue the Korg circuitry that debuted with the minilogue has been 'tweaked' or 'hot-rodded' for more bite! With the Monologue players can expect a more aggressive 2-pole VCF filter, a faster, deeper LFO and an additional built in analogue drive circuit which all make it more suited to fatter, bassy notes. This model even has a unique microtuning feature for alternative tonalities. Developed in conjunction with Aphex Twin (Exciting i know!) there is a standard factory tuning and then 12 slots for you to make your own. 

Rather than adopting the traditional keyboard layout, the monologue is tuned E to E. Korg have done this in order to make bassists and guitarists feel instantly at home. The monologue also adopts a significant facelift with a larger, more powerful step sequencer present in the center. As well as offering 16 buttons this more inteligent sequencer allows users to edit motion sequences as appose just creation that is availible on the Minilogue.