Korg X-911 guitar synthesizer – vintage analog mono synth with MS20 style filter - preamp only – late 1970s

The Korg X 911 is a vintage analog guitar synthesizer created in the late 1970s and built around real time pitch to voltage conversion. It provides monophonic synthesis with a set of preset voices such as trumpet, tuba, bass and various synth tones, along with filter, envelope and modulation controls. The unit also offers CV and Gate connectivity, making it compatible with other analog gear of the era. The X 911 is known for its unmistakable sonic fingerprint, its somewhat unpredictable tracking behavior, and its ability to blur the line between guitar processing and classic analog synthesis. For this capture my unit was operating in excellent condition, although the design itself carries a naturally unstable character that is part of its charm. To avoid unwanted gating artifacts and to keep the capture steady, I used an Arturia Keystep Pro in S trigger mode so the synth would remain continuously open. The incoming signal then hit the built in preamp at three gain settings, specifically 20 dB, 35 dB and 50 dB. From there it passed into the MS 20 style filter in its softest mode to avoid excessive harmonic buildup. After the VCF the three gain levels were each routed first through the relatively clean Guitar mode, and then through the internal Distortion mode to introduce grit. This is an intentionally exploratory capture and reflects the experimental nature of the X 911 itself. Everything was captured using the Matribox II as the DI, which ensures a clean and consistent foundation for all my recent NAM profiles.