With the K-2, Behringer presents an analog, semimodular synthesizer that is a clone of the famous Korg MS-20. Compared to the original from 1978, the K-2 has found its place in a compact desktop case and scores with USB and MIDI-In instead of a keyboard. The sound of the instrument has also been enhanced: finally, both of the filter revisions of the time are now available in one device. Earlier models of the MS-20 had the IC35 chip, which produced a rough, fuzz-like resonance, a cleaner circuit was used in later series, which hardly discolored the sine of the resonance.
Two analog oscillators including pulse width modulation, ring modulator and noise generator form the tonal foundation, which is processed by the very charismatic, rough, serially connected high-pass low-pass filter and is given its unmistakable sound. The modulation sources consist of two envelopes, which can be distinguished between Hold-ADSR and Delay-AR as well as the fast LFO with variable wave symmetry; all three are assigned to the oscillators and the two filters with knobs.
Typical for the MS-20 has always been the patch field, which occupies about 2/5 of the surface. There are 28 control voltage inputs and outputs for the different function groups, but also an open Sample & Hold, an additional, freely accessible VCA and the noise generator.
An additional highlight is the signal processor, which derives a bandpass sound from the incoming audio signal that can be shaped in treble and bass, recognizes the pitch and outputs it as control voltage, and generates an envelope follower together with trigger/gate. These five parameters, wired to the inputs on the patch panel, make the K-2 an independent filter box for intensive processing of external sounds.
Two patch cables are included!
A very different synth! I’ve got 12 synths snd this one is completely different. Very aggressive sounding and with controls that don’t behave quite as expected, eg decay and sustain need a bit of lateral thinking! Brilliant clone.
If you like and you are looking for a Korg MS-20 you can not get wrong with this.
I guess behringer has done a great job with the K-2. Build quality is nice, in my opinion better then the MS-20 mini!
Sound is amazing, filter sounds exactly like the MS-20, at this price you can not find better option!
Totally reccomended!