# KORG iMS-20 — Legendary Synthesizer

> Analog synthesizer studio with sequencer, drum machine, and Kaoss Pads for music creation. (iPhone/iPad app by KORG INC..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [KORG INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046)
- Category: Music, Music, Entertainment
- Price: $29.99
- Rating: 4.55/5 from 205 App Store ratings · 199 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-11-09
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966/reviews.md

## What is KORG iMS?

iMS-20 is an analog synth studio; a complete recreation of the Korg MS-20 synth, an analog sequencer, a drum machine, and even Korg's Kaoss Pad technology. Plus, you can share your songs online via the SoundCloud!

iMS-20 is a complete music production app for iPad. It consists of a complete recreation of the legendary Korg MS-20 analog synth with the patching capability, plus a 16-step analog sequencer based on the Korg SQ-10, a six-part drum machine which can create drum parts by simply tapping the buttons, and a seven-channel mixer with 14 types of effects.

In addition, iMS-20 offers dual Kaoss Pads allowing you to generate music by simply stroking the pad and moving your fingers over it. Experiment to come up with wild musical phrase! And with access to the SoundCloud audio platform*, you can publish your songs, or collaborate on ideas with people anywhere in the world from within the app!

[Specifications]
Components:
• MS-20 monophonic synthesizer : 1 unit
• Analog sequencer : 1 unit
• 6-part drum machine : 1 unit
• Mixer : 1 unit
• Song/Pattern composer : 1 unit

MS-20 monophonic synthesizer:
• Analog modeling synthesizer (MS-20 modeled by “CMT” Component Modeling Technology)
• 2VCO / 2VCF / 1VCA / 2EG / Patch Panel
• Additional functions : Modulation Key/Tempo Sync
• Insert effect (selectable from 14 effect types as below)

Analog sequencer:
• 16-step analog sequencer
• Control notes, volume, pan, parameters, and voltages via knobs
• Configurable steps (1-16) and sequence mode (6 types)
• Trigger out per channel or step position

6-part drum machine:
• 6-part/16-step drum machine
• Create sounds by sampling a single note from a built-in MS-20
• Controllable notes, volume and pan by knobs
• Configurable steps (1-16) and sequence mode (6 types) per a part

Mixer:
• 7-channel mixer
• Double needle meter indicates VU level
• Master effect (selectable from 14 effect types as below)

Song/Pattern composer:
• Compose a song or select a pattern, built-in mixer
• 16 patterns and 256 bars per a song
• Tempo setting (20-300 BPM) and Swing function

Effect type:
• 14 types : Short Delay, BPM Sync Delay, Reverb 1, Reverb 2, Chorus/Flanger, Equalizer, Compressor, Tube Simulator (Valve Force), Low-Pass Filter, High-Pass Filter, Band-Pass Filter, Talking Modulator, Decimator, Grain Shifter

Controllers:
• Keyboard : Variable width (22, 26, or 29 keys)
• Kaoss Pad : 2 units
- Performance pad : Key/Scale (31 types) settings
- Parameter control pad : X-Y axis parameter settings

Other:
• Audio export function (Bouncing a song or pattern, and Real-time recording a performance: 16-bit/44.1 kHz stereo WAV format)
• Publish and share songs online with the SoundCloud audio platform
• Various template patterns by music genre are included
• Various template sounds by sound category are included

* You will need to register for a SoundCloud account in order to use SoundCloud. Also, when using SoundCloud, you must observe SoundCloud Ltd.'s terms of use, such as the prohibition on uploading songs whose copyright is the property of a third party. For details, refer to the SoundCloud website : http://soundcloud.com

Follow us on:
● Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/korg.iapps 
● Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/korg_iapps

## Key features

- MS-20 analog synthesizer recreation
- 16-step analog sequencer
- 6-part drum machine
- 7-channel mixer with 14 effects
- Dual Kaoss Pads for performance
- SoundCloud sharing

## What do users think of KORG iMS?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎹 Faithful MS-20 emulation
- 🔊 Excellent sound quality
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎶 Powerful sequencer and drum machine
- 🎛️ Intuitive and responsive interface
- 💰 Great value for the price

**Cons**

- 🤔 Steep learning curve for beginners
- 🔌 Lack of MIDI connectivity
- 🔀 Limited pattern/song management options
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 📱 Suboptimal iPad screen utilization

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes when loading SoundCloud
- Compatibility issues with iOS 8 and later
- Inaccurate tempo control

**Most requested features**

- Add MIDI input/output support
- Improve pattern/song management features
- Implement Ableton Link for sync capabilities
- Optimize UI for better iPad screen utilization
- Provide more preset sound libraries

## Recent user reviews (10 of 199)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Please add AUv3 support

*2026-07-24, version 1.7.6*

Only giving 4 stars due to the lack of AUv3 support. I love this app but you can only use it as either standalone or as a gadget in Korg Gadget. I would love to be able to use this and other korg apps inside of Cubasis or any other DAW for iOS 
PLEASE UPDATE SOON

### 2/5 — Needs AuV3 support!

*2026-07-11, version 1.7.6*

sounds fantastic, the ms20 is a classic, but i am really disappointed by the lack of auv3. I wouldnt of got it if i realized it didnt come with an auv3.

### 5/5 — Electrifying Funk Machine

*2026-05-30, version 1.7.6*

Dope!!!

### 4/5 — AUv3 Support Please

*2026-01-30, version 1.7.6*

Nice emulation of a classic synth! Needs AUv3 support.

### 1/5 — No AUv3 Support

*2025-05-19, version 1.7.6*

Waste of $30. This app doesn’t really serve much of a purpose for serious music making.

### 5/5 — Always The Best

*2024-12-03, version 1.7.6*

This is a one of a kind treasure. I bought this 5-6 yrs ago and I'm still finding ways to build new awesome synth presets. I may never be able to afford an original tactile analog synth, but this is great compensation. I haven't seen anything like it in the App Store since. There are other VSTs out there, but this one gives the biggest bang for the buck. It has: MIDI drum sequencer (5 drum voices) a mixer 16 song pads to mix in song mode it has dual oscillators it has patches envelop filters 2 Assignable KORG KAOOS touch pads

### 1/5 — Great sound but practically useless

*2024-11-20, version 1.7.6*

I have had this app for years and in 2024  it still (unlike the iM1 app) can't be used in Cubasis.

### 5/5 — I was afraid of this!

*2024-04-23, version 1.7.6*

Stop reading and buy this synth now! Simply amazing. 90 seconds into playing around with the synth blew me away, the sound, the layout, the functionality of everything is right at your fingertips. It draws you in and makes you want to explore. The synth is an indispensable tool in the hands of any real synthesist.

### 2/5 — Auv3 please 🙏 with sugar on top

*2024-01-13, version 1.7.6*

Thanks

### 1/5 — Not worth it at all

*2023-11-12, version 1.7.6*

The tempo knob, is not accurate at all, and there’s no way to manually put the tempo in. Massive short coming when you can have a keyboard raise up on your iPad. It does not import into GarageBand, you left to try and make music in their app… is wish I could return this app.

## Frequently asked questions about KORG iMS

### What is KORG iMS-20?

KORG iMS-20 is a comprehensive music production app that recreates the legendary Korg MS-20 analog synthesizer. It also includes an analog sequencer, a six-part drum machine, a mixer with effects, and dual Kaoss Pads for interactive sound manipulation.

### What are the key features of KORG iMS-20?

Key features include a faithful recreation of the MS-20 analog synth with patching capabilities, a 16-step analog sequencer, a 6-part drum machine for creating beats, a 7-channel mixer with 14 effect types, and dual Kaoss Pads for real-time performance and sound generation.

### How much does KORG iMS-20 cost?

KORG iMS-20 is a paid application. The price is a one-time purchase, and there are no in-app purchases or subscriptions mentioned for core functionality.

### What devices is KORG iMS-20 compatible with?

Based on the description, KORG iMS-20 is designed as a music production app for iPad, suggesting it is optimized for Apple's tablet devices. Specific iOS version compatibility is not detailed but typically requires a recent version.

### What are some common use cases for KORG iMS-20?

Users can create original electronic music tracks, experiment with analog synthesis sounds, sequence complex rhythms and melodies, and perform live with the Kaoss Pads. The app is also ideal for sharing musical ideas and finished songs online via SoundCloud.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.6 — 2022-07-25

Improved app stability.

### 1.7.3 — 2019-09-25

• Now supports iOS13.
• Other improvements and bug-fixes.

### 1.7.2 — 2019-06-06

• Fixed the problem that enabled Ableton Link via audiobus.
• Added support for transport control from Inter-App Audio compatible applications.
• Other improvements and bug-fixes.

### 1.7.1 — 2019-04-10

- Fixed issue with noise caused by flanger/chorus effect
- Stability improvements

### 1.7.0 — 2019-02-28

- Integration with KORG Gadget : Now you can use MS-20 synth as Memphis.
- Supports User Program export to KORG Gadget.
- Supports Files.app export.
- Social features are no longer supported.
- Other improvements and bug-fixes.

## Apps similar to KORG iMS

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Mariana Bass Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mariana-bass-synthesizer/id6449554307) | 4.6 (75) | $29.99 | Music |
| [TAL-U-NO-LX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tal-u-no-lx/id1505608326) | 4.8 (91) | $19.99 | Music |

## More apps by KORG INC.

- [KORG iELECTRIBE for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ielectribe-for-ipad/id363714043)
- [iELECTRIBE Gorillaz Edition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ielectribe-gorillaz-edition/id430288460)
- [SyncKontrol](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synckontrol/id438617344)
- [KORG iKaossilator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ikaossilator/id452559831)
- [KORG iPolysix for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ipolysix-for-ipad/id579232173)

All apps by KORG INC.: https://appshunter.io/developer/363714046

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*
