Kodamo MASK1EX Mk.2 – Jade Vine Limited Edition
4,4 / 5,0 | 
When Kodamo released the original Mask1EX, not even they were prepared for the mad rush that saw them sell out in 16 hours. The MASK1EX Mk.2 is a more powerful update and looks cute too!
Back in September of 2025, French synth manufacturer Kodamo released a new version of their MASK1 keyboard synthesizer, called the MASK1EX. This tabletop synth stripped away the keyboard, lost a couple of voices of polyphony and reduced the oversampling rate a tad.
It sold out in less than a day! The amazing price (€299) and superb sound of the unit saw it completely exceed the manufacturer’s expectations, and Kodamo were gobsmacked! Not even they anticipated how popular this would be.
As great as this was, it left a lot of people unhappy that they were unable to secure one of the short production run. Kodamo apologised and asked people to sign up to their newsletter, leading people to speculate that there may be another batch at some point.
The MASK1EX Mk.2
Yesterday, their hopes were realised as Kodamo announced the MASK1 EX Mk.2! But in true Kodamo fashion, this isn’t simply a second production run. This is a new and improved version of the original MASK1 EX featuring a new case, a new paint job and, more importantly, an upgraded internal spec! Let’s take a look.
The first thing you’ll likely notice is that, unlike the original, the MASK1EX Mk.2 has a full case! The original simply had a top and bottom, which, in my opinion, actually looked very nice. But some people expressed concerns, so it seems Kodamo listened, and the MASK1EX Mk.2 has a full, powder-coated steel enclosure.
Smaller and Better!
The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that the unit is also smaller than its forebear. The Mk.1 (I guess that’s what we call it now?) used the same buttons and knobs as the original keyboard version. The MASK1EX Mk.2 appears to use smaller buttons that are also now more recessed into the case.
There’s also now a dedicated filter cutoff knob! This is a completely new edition to the range and very welcome indeed! But what else is going on under the MASK1EX Mk.2’s diminutive hood? Well, for starters, there’s more polyphony in this than there was in both the Mk.1 and the keyboard!
The MASK1EX Mk.2 now delivers 14 voices of polyphony, two more than the keyboard and a further two more than the Mk.1. The multi-timbrality has also been improved over the Mk.1 with the Mk. 2 sporting 2×2 parts with optional dual layer or split modes per part.
There are fewer noise generators than its predecessors but each voice still has two oscillators per voice, along with dual, per-voice 12dB/oct or 24dB/oct, resonant filters with pitch tracking and 4 modes (low, high, band pass, notch).
When it comes to FX, the MASK1EX Mk.2 has a single insert effect per part (4 insert effects in total), one master effect controlled by part 1. Insert effects offer chorus, phaser, distortion, bitcrusher, tremolo and ring mod. Master effect offers delay, comb filter, reverb, room simulations and distortion.
Around the Back
There’s also some changes at the rear of the MASK1EX Mk.2. Gone is the mains power supply with its inline brick PSU and in its place is a multi-purpose USB-C that takes care of not only power but MIDI AND audio too! The unit does come with a mains plug that delivers power so you can rid yourself of any possible ground loops.
Traditional MIDI ports remain, as do the stereo outputs and headphone jack, but the sustain socket has been dropped. This isn’t really a bad thing because I imagine most people will be using a MIDI controller keyboard and they can use the sustain port provided with that.
Thoughts?
It is fantastic that Kodamo have responded in such a positive way, not only reissuing the unit, but making it better too! Whilst this unit is billed as a limited edition unit, I hope that Kodamo will only limit this to the design and colour scheme.
Speaking of which, the Mk.2 has a distinctly 80s pastel feel to it, and I have no idea who or what Jade Vine is, but Kodamo had a winner on their hands with the Mk.1 and the MASK1EX. Mk2 ought to remain as a permanent fixture in their portfolio.
Aside from the unique synthesis method, the other thing that makes MASK1 special is its numerous playing modes that allow for some unique expressive capabilities. But once again, we have a unique, hugely affordable and very pretty synth that I highly recommend.
More Information
The MASK1EX Mk.2 Jade Vine Limited Edition is available now for €458 and comes with a solid two-year warranty
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