Korg Minilogue
| Category | Electronic (polyphonic analog synthesizer) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Classification | analog synthesizer, polyphonic synthesizer, synthesizer model |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q22906196 |
Overview
The Korg Minilogue is a four-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 2016. Each voice carries two oscillators with shape modulation, sync, and ring modulation, a two-pole low-pass filter, two envelopes, an LFO, and delay. The top panel has a small oscilloscope display that shows the current waveform in real time. The instrument ships with a 37-key slim keyboard, a 16-step sequencer with motion recording, and four voice-mode options — poly, unison, chord, and mono — that change how incoming notes are allocated.
Origin & History
The Minilogue was designed by the Korg team led by Tatsuya Takahashi and launched at an aggressive sub-$500 price point. It was widely credited with revitalising the entry-level analogue polysynth market. Korg expanded the line with the monophonic Monologue in 2017 and the hybrid Minilogue XD in 2019, which added digital oscillators and effects.
How It’s Played
The performer plays from the 37-key keyboard or programs sequences into the step buttons; motion recording captures knob movements as part of a pattern. Voice modes allow the same keyboard to function as a four-voice polyphonic instrument, a one-voice monosynth with all four voices stacked, a chord machine, or a standard monosynth. Patches are saved internally and can be organised with a librarian application.
Cultural Significance
The Minilogue brought a full polyphonic analogue voice to a price point that had been dominated by digital instruments for decades, and it became a common studio and stage instrument for indie, electronic, and pop musicians. It is widely cited as a key product in the mid-2010s resurgence of analogue synthesis.
Related Instruments
- Korg Monologue – monophonic sibling
- Moog Mother-32 – semi-modular analogue alternative
- Arturia MiniBrute – earlier affordable analogue monosynth
- Korg Radias – earlier Korg virtual analogue
- Korg 01/W – contrast with earlier Korg workstation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Minilogue polyphonic?
Yes — four voices of full analogue polyphony.
Does it have an arpeggiator?
Yes, alongside the 16-step sequencer.
What is the Minilogue XD?
A 2019 revision that adds a user-programmable digital oscillator and effects.
