Korg monologue
MONOPHONIC ANALOGUE SYNTHESIZER
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Korg monologue monophonic analogue synthesizer. To help you get the most out of your new instrument, please read this manual carefully.
About the Owner's Manual
The documentation for this product consists of the following:
- Precautions
- Quick Start Guide (this document)
- Owner's Manual (downloadable from the Korg website: www.korg.com)
monologue Key Features
- The monologue is a monophonic synthesizer featuring an analog synthesizer circuit based on the design of the popular minilogue.
- The VCF has been tuned for use in mono synths, and a drive circuit allows for more aggressive sounds.
- The monologue is compact and lightweight, powered by batteries, enabling sound creation anywhere.
- Features instant recall of 80 factory presets plus 20 additional user programs.
- Includes a real-time oscilloscope for visual feedback of parameter changes.
- A 16-step monophonic sequencer can record and play back up to four parameter operations.
- Sync In and Sync Out jacks allow for expanded session setups.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 25 keys (slim keyboard, velocity sensitive) |
| Sound Generating System | 2 VCO (square wave, triangle wave, sawtooth wave), 1 VCF, 1 EG, 1 LFO, 1 VCA |
| Input/Output Jacks | Headphones jack, OUTPUT jack, AUDIO IN jack, SYNC IN and OUT jacks, MIDI IN and OUT connectors, USB B connector |
| Power Supply | 6 AA batteries (alkaline or nickel-metal hydride) or AC adapter (DC 9V) |
| Battery Life | Approximately 6 hours (AA alkaline batteries), Approximately 8 hours (AA nickel-metal hydride batteries (2000 mAh)) Battery life will vary depending on batteries used and conditions of use. |
| Current Consumption | 2.5 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 350 x 276 x 76 mm / 13.78" x 10.87" x 2.99" |
| Weight | 1.7 kg / 3.75 lb (excluding batteries) |
| Included Items | Precautions, Quick Start Guide |
| Options | AC adapter (DC 9V) |
* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.
* All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
* Since the rear panel uses natural wood, there will be individual differences in wood grain, surface texture, and color.
Connections
Connect the monologue as appropriate for your sound system. Ensure all devices are turned off before making connections to prevent malfunctions or damage.
Connecting to Audio Devices
- Connect powered monitor speakers, mixers, or other components to the monologue's OUTPUT jack (mono output). Adjust volume using the MASTER knob.
- Connect headphones to the headphones jack, which outputs the same signal as the OUTPUT jack.
- Connect external sound sources, such as another synthesizer, to the AUDIO IN jack (mono input).
Connecting to a Computer or MIDI Devices
- To exchange MIDI messages with a computer, connect it to the monologue's USB B connector.
- To exchange MIDI messages with an external MIDI device, connect the device to the monologue's MIDI IN/OUT connectors.
Connecting the SYNC IN and OUT Jacks
- Use the SYNC IN and OUT jacks to synchronize pulses and steps with other devices like Korg volca series or DAWs. A stereo mini-cable is required for this connection.
Operation
Installing Batteries
Ensure the monologue's power is turned off. Open the battery cover on the bottom panel, insert six AA batteries (observing polarity), and reattach the cover. For accurate battery level detection, set the battery type in GLOBAL EDIT mode (default is "Alkaline"). When the battery level is low, "Battery Low" will appear on the display. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.
Tip: The monologue can also be powered by the separately sold AC adapter connected to the DC 9V jack.
Turning the monologue On and Off
Turning On
- Ensure the monologue and all external output devices are off, with all volumes turned down.
- Hold down the Power switch on the rear panel. The monologue enters Play mode.
- Turn on external output devices. Adjust their volume and the monologue's volume using the MASTER knob.
Turning Off
- Lower the volume of external devices and turn them off.
- Hold down the Power switch until the display goes blank, then release. Wait at least 10 seconds before turning the unit back on.
Auto Power Off Feature
The monologue features an Auto Power Off function that automatically turns the unit off after 4 hours of inactivity. This feature is enabled by default and can be disabled in GLOBAL EDIT mode. To disable: Press EDIT MODE, select GLOBAL EDIT, press button 8 twice, select "Off" for "Auto Power Off", then press EXIT. Settings in GLOBAL EDIT are saved automatically.
Playing Programs & Sequences
Playing a Program
The monologue has 100 program locations (80 Presets, 20 User). Presets are numbered 1-80 and organized by sound category. Programs 81-100 are Init Programs. To play a program: Ensure the monologue is in Play mode (EDIT MODE button off). Turn the PROGRAM/VALUE knob to select a program. Play the keyboard to hear the sound.
Playing the Sequencer
The 16-step monophonic sequencer can record up to 16 steps and automate up to four parameters. To play a sequence: Select a program in Play mode. Press the PLAY button. The recorded sequence data will play. Sequence data can also be triggered by pressing the KEY TRG/HOLD button and playing the keyboard. The sequence can be transposed by playing different keys. Press PLAY again to stop.
Adding Variations to Sequence Data
While the sequencer is playing, use the MOTION/SLIDE/NOTE switch to select the parameter type. Press buttons 1-16 to toggle notes (on/off), portamento (on/off), or motion recording (on/off) for each step. These settings are saved per program.
Editing a Program
Changing the Sound
Basic sound parameters are controlled by the front panel knobs and switches. Select a program using the PROGRAM/VALUE knob. Use the controls to shape the sound:
- VCO 1/VCO 2 Section: Select waveforms (SAW, TRI, SQR, NOISE) and adjust shape. VCO 2 includes oscillator sync and ring modulation.
- MIXER Section: Set output levels and balance for VCO 1 and VCO 2.
- FILTER Section: Use the low-pass filter to adjust tone, making it brighter or darker.
- EG Section: Control volume, pitch, and tone over time (affects VCA unless TYPE is set to 'N').
- LFO Section: Create cyclical changes to pitch, shape, and cutoff.
- MASTER Controls: Adjust overall volume, distortion, and tonal range.
Refer to the owner's manual for detailed explanations of how each control affects the sound. It is recommended to save edited programs, as edits are lost upon power off or program change.
Recording Sequence Data
Step Recording
To record a sequence: Ensure the sequencer is stopped. Press the REC button. "STEP REC" and "STEP 1" will appear. Select the step to edit using buttons 1-16. Press a keyboard key to record a note, or the REST button for a rest; the display advances automatically. Press REST while holding a key to record a tie. Press REC again to finish recording, or it will stop automatically after the set number of steps.
Tip: Save programs after step recording to preserve your sequences.
Other Ways to Record
Besides step recording, you can use real-time recording (press PLAY then REC) or motion sequences (press REC during playback and move controls while MOTION/SLIDE/NOTE is set to MOTION).
Saving a Program
To save a program: Ensure the monologue is in Play mode (EDIT MODE button off). Press the WRITE button (it will blink). Turn the PROGRAM/VALUE knob to select the desired program number. Press WRITE again to save. The message "Complete" will appear. Do not turn off the power during saving.
Restoring Factory Settings
To restore factory settings: Turn the monologue off. Hold the WRITE and EXIT buttons, then turn the unit on. "FACTORY RESET" will appear. Use the PROGRAM/VALUE knob to select PRESET, GLOBAL, or ALL. Press WRITE, then confirm with "Yes". Note that selecting "ALL" will erase all user programs. Do not turn off the power during this process.
