Michigan Synth Works MSW-820 Analog Synthesizer Desktop
The Michigan Synth Works MSW-820 is a compact analog monosynth that combines a classic hands-on subtractive architecture with a considerably more flexible modulation and filtering system than a conventional two-oscillator synthesizer. Two AS3340 analog oscillators form the core of the instrument, each offering pulse and sawtooth waveforms, multiple octave ranges and extensive modulation. Pulse-width modulation, hard sync and oscillator-reset functions make it possible to move easily between warm traditional analog tones, cutting synchronized leads and harmonically animated bass sounds.
The oscillator section feeds a flexible mixer with independent oscillator levels, a sub oscillator, external audio and a digital noise generator offering eight noise models. From there, the signal reaches an AS3109-based analog voltage-controlled filter with 16 selectable modes. Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and all-pass responses provide significantly more tonal variety than a standard single-mode monosynth filter, with resonance extending into self-oscillation.
Filter modulation is particularly comprehensive. Dedicated attenuverters provide bipolar control from the modulation envelope, LFO, pitch tracking and an external CV source, while oscillator 1 can modulate the filter at audio rate. Two full ADSR envelopes are provided for modulation and VCA duties, complemented by a digital LFO with eight shapes, continuously variable shape transitions, reset behaviour, phase control and synchronization.
For performance and sequencing, the MSW-820 includes portamento, accent modes, MIDI control and extensive analog connectivity. TRS MIDI and USB MIDI make it straightforward to control from hardware sequencers or a computer, while V/Oct, gate, clock and CV inputs allow the desktop instrument to become part of a modular system. An external audio path and secondary VCA further extend the MSW-820 beyond conventional monosynth duties, allowing external sources to interact with its modulation architecture.
Key Features
- Compact desktop analog monophonic synthesizer
- Two AS3340 analog VCOs
- Pulse and sawtooth waveforms
- 16', 8' and 4' oscillator ranges
- Seven-octave oscillator range
- Envelope and LFO pitch modulation
- Pulse-width modulation with multiple modulation sources
- Two hard-sync modes
- Multiple oscillator-reset modes
- Sub oscillator
- Digital noise generator with eight models
- External audio input
- AS3109-based 16-mode analog filter
- 10Hz–20kHz cutoff range
- Resonance up to self-oscillation
- Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and all-pass modes
- Audio-rate filter modulation
- Bipolar envelope, LFO, pitch and external CV modulation
- Two ADSR envelope generators
- Digital LFO with eight crossfadable shapes
- LFO rate from approximately 0.1Hz to 22Hz
- LFO clock sync, reset, phase and delay functions
- Portamento
- Two accent modes
- Secondary VCA for external audio
- TRS MIDI input
- USB-C MIDI and power
- Clock, gate and V/Oct inputs
- External CV and secondary VCA CV inputs
- Synth/mix output
- 5V USB-C power, 200mA
- 220 × 120 × 50mm desktop enclosure
- Universal power adapter, USB cable and TRS MIDI cable included
