This unit produces VCO CV (control voltage) signals and trigger (gate) signals so that you can use an electric guitar, microphone, or other transducer output (from an acoustic instrument, for example) to "play" a synthesizer.
A variety of remote control input jacks let you use foot switches for more freedom and flexibility during live performance. With this amazing unit you can instantly put together your own guitar synthesizer, vocal synthesizer, etc., by simple connection with any synthesizer equipped with VCO CV IN and TRIGGER (Gate) IN input jacks.

- block diagram

1.	If using a Korg synthesizer, connect it to the MS-03 as shown in figure A.
	In the middle of the rear panel of the MS-03 is a knob marked CV OUT Hz/V. Turn this all the way clockwise to the KORG CV position. Then use the synthesizer's PITCH (TUNE) knob to tune to the pitch of the other instrument. - figure A: connecting to Korg synthesizers
2.	For Yamaha synthesizers, the connections to the MS-03 are the same, as shown in the figure above.
	Set the Yamaha synthesizer's octave selector to 8', and set the tuning knob (PITCH) to the center position. Set the MS-03 INSTRUMENT IN section RANGE switch to LOW. On the rear panel of the MS-03, adjust the CV OUT Hz/V knob to tune the synthesizer to match the pitch of the other instrument.
3.	When using other kinds of synthesizer (not Korg or Yamaha) connected to the MS-03 OCT/V CV OUT jack. - Figure B: connecting to non-Korg synthesizers
	Set the synthesizer's octave selector to 8', and set the tuning knob (PITCH) to center. Set the MS-03 INSTRUMENT IN section RANGE switch to LOW. Play one of the lower notes on the electric guitar or other instrument you have connected to the MS-03 SIG IN jack.) Then adjust the MS-03 FREQ knob so that the synthesizer pitch matches the pitch of the note you are playing. Next, play one of the higher notes on the guitar. Then adjust the MS-03 WIDTH knob so that when you play that note on the synthesizer, it will be in tune with the guitar. Repeat both these same adjustments as many times as necessary, so that the synthesizer stays in tune with the guitar.

Although this manual only covers connections with Korg monophonic synthesizers (MS-10, MS-20, MS-50), you can use the MS-03 with any make of synthesizer having CV IN and TRIGGER (GATE) input jacks. Regardless of what kind of instrument or microphone you use to control the synthesizer (via the MS-03), the synthesizer is what actually makes the sounds. (The MS-03 does not produce audio signals.) Therefore, refer to your synthesizer owner's manual for the programs or settings charts you need to get the sounds you want.

Other possible applications of the MS-03 include using it as an interface for a programmable microprocessor to give automatic synthesizer control. Or, you could use it with a synthesizer keyboard unit not having CV OUT and TRIG OUT jacks.

	Connection with the MS-10  ^ Shown here is the "normal setting" for the MS-10. Refer to the MS-10 owner's manual for a wide range of other sound synthesis possibilities. - connection with the MS-10
	Connection with the MS-20  ^ The simple "normal setting" for the MS-20 is shown here. For other examples, refer to your MS-20 owner's manual. - connection with the MS-20
	Connection with the MS-50  ^ The complete patching system of the MS-50 gives you great creative freedom. One feature of the particular setting shown here, is that it allows you to use two Korg J-type foot switches for precise control of both the synthesizer sound and the direct sound from the guitar, mike, etc.. - connection with the MS-50 - a
	With these settings you can use the Korg MS-50 to add effects like auto-wow and slow-attack to an electric guitar signal. The trigger circuit in the MS-03 is different from the kind used in all conventional effects units and synthesizers. This new circuitry can follow a guitar signal so perfectly that it will generate a trigger signal whether you pick the string hard or soft. That means that when you use a synthesizer's VCF or VCA to vary the basic sound from the guitar, you can keep on picking just as you would normally. The setting shown here gives you both auto-wow and picking wow at the same time. - connection with the MS-50 - b

	Although the MS-03 is used with instruments, such as the guitar, on which you ordinarily play chords, if you try to play chords (or even two notes at the same time) while using the MS-03 to control a synthesizer, you will not get proper polyphonic results. Especially when using an electric guitar, try to play one note at a time (while muting strings not picked.) Practice playing very precisely so that you can avoid accidentally brushing other strings and thereby causing instability in the control voltage signal being sent to the synthesizer.
	The F-V (frequency-to-voltage) converter will not operate properly if there is noise in the input signal. Therefore, hum bucking guitar pickups are the most suitable kind to use with the MS-03. Single coil pickups generate too much noise. For the same reason, effects units should be connected after the MS-03 DIRECT OUT jack, and not between the guitar and the MS-03 SIG IN jack. Also, use high quality guitar cords that will prevent noise and hum.
	Never put anything into the input and output jacks except the proper plugs.

1.	INSTRUMENT INPUT			Level control
				Peak level indicator
				Range (Low=70Hz~1.4kHz / High=140Hz~2.8kHz)
				Mode (1,2,3)
				Signal input
2.	PORTAMENTO			Time control
				Remote switch input
3.	PROCESSOR OUTPUTS			Hz/V CV adjust
				Oct/V frequency adjust
				Oct/V width adjust
				Trigger indicator
				CV output: Hz/V (0~8V); Oct/V (+1~+5V)
				Trigger output : ,
				Envelope follower output : [n.b. this is presumably an error, as it outputs a continuous voltage. It looks like the manual is incorrect.]
				Direct output :
				CV HOLD Remote input :
				CV & TRIG HOLD Remote input
				TRIG CANCEL Remote input
4.	OTHERS			Power switch
				Pilot lamp
5.	DIMENSIONS			283(W) x 110(H) x 195(D) mm
6.	WEIGHT			2.4kg
7.	ACCESSORIES			Foot switch (S)
8.	POWER CONSUMPTION			4W