Image: medicalfools / David Chancey, CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Korg Monologue
| Category | Electronic (monophonic analog synthesizer) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Classification | analog synthesizer, synthesizer model |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q39046452 |
Overview
The Korg Monologue is a monophonic analog synthesizer released in 2017 as a single-voice companion to the polyphonic Minilogue. It carries two voltage-controlled oscillators with shape modulation, a two-pole resonant filter, an envelope generator, an LFO, and a 16-step sequencer with motion recording. A small built-in display shows the oscilloscope view of the current waveform, and the keyboard is 25 slim keys. The instrument ships with several non-standard temperaments, including a set developed in collaboration with Aphex Twin.
Origin & History
Korg returned to analogue synthesis with the Volca series in 2013 and expanded the line with the Minilogue polyphonic in 2016. The Monologue followed a year later, designed by the same team led by Tatsuya Takahashi. It became one of the best-selling new analogue synths of the late 2010s, partly because of its sub-$300 launch price and partly because of its bold colour options.
How It’s Played
The performer plays from the slim 25-key keyboard or programs sequences directly into the step buttons. Knob movements can be recorded as motion sequences and replayed. The microtuning page lets the user select non-twelve-tone scales, and additional scales can be loaded over a librarian application. Patches are saved internally and can be shared online.
Cultural Significance
The Monologue is widely used as an affordable bass and lead voice in electronic, indie, and pop music, and has been a common starter analogue synth for new producers. Its publicly shipped microtonal scales also helped popularise non-standard tuning experimentation in mainstream synth practice.
Related Instruments
- Korg Minilogue – polyphonic sibling
- Moog Mother-32 – semi-modular monosynth alternative
- Doepfer MS-404 – earlier rack monosynth
- Arturia MiniBrute – contemporary analogue rival
- Korg Radias – Korg’s earlier virtual analogue
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monologue polyphonic?
No — it is strictly single-voice.
Does it support microtonal tuning?
Yes, with several built-in scales and user import via the librarian application.
How many oscillators does it have?
Two analogue VCOs with continuously variable wave shapes.