It was intended to bring the sound and basic functionality of the MS-10 and MS-20 back into the keyboard market, but with the updated technology of Virtual Analog Synthesis.

The onboard knobs and buttons could be used to dynamically edit many of the parameters while playing, as well as be used as a control surface for other synthesizers and sound modules.

[2] At the time of the release of the MS2000, Korg was competing directly with synthesizers such as the Clavia Nord Lead and Roland's JP-8000 and JP-8080.

If one connected the rack and keyboard together via the MIDI ports, the two devices could be set to produce notes offset to one another, turning the combined system into an 8-voice synthesizer.

[4] Oscillator 1 allows the user to select from eight different oscillator algorithms, including basic analog synthesizer waveforms such as SAW and PWM, Cross Modulation, a Noise Generator, and Korg's proprietary DWGS (Digital Waveform Generator System) originally developed for the Korg DW-8000 synthesizer.

The FILTER cuts or emphasizes frequency components of the signal from the oscillator, affecting tone and brightness.

The knobs can also be operated in realtime, and their movements (parameter values) recorded in each step (Motion Rec function).

Since arpeggiator settings can be made for each program, arpeggio types that are suitable for the sound of a particular timbre can be saved and played.

In 2003, Korg introduced an updated version, the MS2000B, featuring minor enhancements, most notably the addition of a microphone input on the top of the keyboard, designed to simplify the use of the vocoder.