Using the latest analog modeling technology, Korg multi/poly is a modern reinterpretation of the 4-oscillator Mono/Poly Synthesizer from 1981.
Analog synthesizers are often associated with the 70s and 80s. No wonder, many now legendary synths were released in these years. One was the Mono/Poly, a paraphonic Synthesizer from 1981 with an unusual 4-oscillator layout. Behringer has an analog clone of it for little money.
Korg, the original developer, is taking a different approach. Instead of recreating it 1:1 in analog, they are reinterpreting the Mono/Poly digitally in the new multi/poly Synthesizer.
Korg multi/poly
After the wavestate (Wavestation), opsix (DX-7), and modwave (DW-8000), another vintage synth, is now back in a modern reinterpreted guise.
The multi/poly uses the same style housing as the others but pimped with wooden elements on the side to empathize with the classic Mono/Poly design.
It includes a 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and release dynamic but no aftertouch. Why Korg? It is unknown whether this is another synth on the previously used Raspberry Pi platform.
Korg says the multi/poly Synthesizer is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Mono/Poly synthesizer from 1981, using the company’s latest analog modeling technology.
Yes, the emulation ghosts immediately scream. However, it’s not a Mono/Poly plugin in hardware. It’s a newly developed 4-time multi-timbral engine with up to 60 voices, layers, and split options. This is modeled on the individual features and voice cards of the original Mono/Poly, plus supercharged with modern features.
4 Multi-Flavor Oscillators + Dual Filter
Like the original, multi/poly has four oscillators, but unlike it, it ships with three oscillator types: classic (analog modeled waveforms), digital with wavetables (+ user WT), and waveshaper for west-coast-style synthesis. Whether the latter has parallels to opsix’s wavefolder operator mode remains to be seen.
These various oscillators should make a wide range of sounds possible. The signal then goes into a dual filter with modeled classic filters such as Mono/Poly, MS-20, Mini (Minimoog ladder), or Pro (Prophet-5). You can tweak it with classic cutoff and resonance controls.
Also onboard is a three-slot multi-FX processor with various studio-quality effects. Not confirmed, but I assume these are the same as in the wavestate, opsix… These are top-notch in terms of quality. On top of that, you get a master reverb and equalizer to refine your sounds.
Creative Modulation
There is also plenty of modulation. Korg multi/poly features four DAHDSR envelopes, five multi-wave LFOs, and six modulation processors that can be routed to almost all synth parameters. According to the press, they also modeled the envelopes and portamento behavior of the synth.
In addition, it hosts modwave’s Kaoss physics engine, which has a dedicated X/Y touchpad for unique modulations based on physical models. Lovely to see this in another synth.
Further, multi/poly hosts a prominent sequencer. It is none other than the motion sequencer 2.0, which can sequence multiple tracks with advanced parameter automation.
Connectivity
On the connection side, it has a power supply input, DIN-style MIDI in/out jacks, USB-MIDI (class-compliant), a damper pedal input, balanced stereo outputs, and a headphone socket. Thus, it has an identical backside to the other digital Korg synths, which indicates that it uses the same platform.
Lastly, multi/poly ships with an editor/librarian software for macOS and Windows and a matching soft case.
Korg multi/poly First Impression
Korg consistently continues its digital synthesizer series, and it looks like they found a very financially attractive format and concept here: take the same style housing, plug in the not-so-popular keyboard, and craft a new engine with known ingredients and a matching UI.
The multi/poly looks like a powerful multi-timbral analog modeling synth. The engine offers many options for deep sound design. Although I haven’t heard it yet, I assume it’s on the same high sound level as its brothers and sisters. I find reinterpreting the legendary Mono/Poly in this format exciting.
But it’s a shame that Korg continues to deliver its digital synths without an aftertouch keybed, especially for the asking price. It’s just as pity that they don’t offer the desktop version immediately. I’m pretty sure the calls for the desktop will come straight away.
I wonder if this engine wouldn’t have made more sense as an update/paid update for modwave users. Since many engine features are identical, it could have been implemented that way. This would have given the modwave a further boost.
And yes, I assume a multi/poly native plugin will be available shortly. Nonetheless, it’s an exciting new digital Korg Synthesizer. I’m looking forward to the synth community’s response.
Update: Korg R&D answered my questions about the engine, modwave differences, etc.
Korg multi/poly is available in December 2024 for $899,99/949€
More information here: Korg
Available at my partners
Kinda boring choice of options here. Korg needs to be more innovative.
I disagree. There’s a lot of power and flexibility in the synth engine with VA, wavetable, motion sequencing, Kaoss physics and so on. This is a really solid instrument with a lot of possibilities. It’s not ground breaking but it does look to be extremely musical.
A multi-timbral VA for under $1000 is good but $900 is high for one of these Korg RPis. Hopefully the module version is significantly less without the new keyboard and ‘fancy’ wood sides.
I dig it, especially with the layers. Would have been nice to have outputs for each layer.
Seriously, I’d rather buy an Akai Timbre Wolf and some FX!
Bad Gear episode – Akai Timbre Wolf:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGInaTkRsk4
Modwave and Wavestate are amazing synth and this one seems to be a great addition to the family. But we have to buy the module or the SE, the standard edition has a bad keyboard and is build like a toy. No aftertouch on these expressive synth is a crime. Only one stereo OUT. No integrated sound card like more advanced synth with 4 USB OUT (1/part). Plastic knobs with a bad feeling, again we need to buy the SE to have decent knobs. The hardware is not good at all. And if the hardware is bad, there is no point in hardware, it is better to have the Native VST.