NAMM 2025: Korg multi/poly module is the desktop version of its latest digital Synthesizer, which reimagines the iconic Mono/Poly from 1981.
Last October, Korg released the Multi/Poly, another Synthesizer in its digital synth series. It is modeled on the iconic Korg Mono/Poly 4-oscillator analog Synthesizer but enhanced with modern features. This includes a multi-timbral engine, more waveforms, new filters, effects, Kaoss Physics, and more.
Already at the release, the desire for a module version arose. Korg is now fulfilling this need at NAMM 2025, where it will show the multi/poly module.
Korg multi/poly module
The multi/poly module version offers the same features as the regular version. Instead of the keyboard, it comes in a new 19″ desktop/rack-mountable enclosure with the same controls as the keybed model.
Korg multi/poly module is a Synthesizer that brings the concept and sound of the classic Mono/Poly Synthesizer from 1981 to the modern digital age, using the company’s latest analog modeling technology.
It’s not the best-known Mono/Poly plugin for macOS/Windows in a hardware shell. Like the keyboard, the Korg multi/poly module offers a newly developed engine that uses various Mono/Poly vintage analog synth elements.
Highlights
- up to 60 voices
- four layers (4-time multitimbrality), each with a separate program, for dynamic layering and split sections
- each program with four oscillators (Classic, Digital, and Waveshaper types)
- noise generator and ring mod for added sonic complexity
- dual-modeled filters with audio-rate modulation (M/Poly, MS-20 lowpass/highpass, Minimoog…)
- layer rotate for evolving sound variation
- four loopable DAHDSR envelopes with different modeled versions (Mono/Poly, MS-20, Odyssey, Mini, Pro, Linear…)
- five LFOs
- six mod processors per program
- motion sequencing 2.0 (parameter animation) for complex, per-voice modulation
- Kaoss Physics with a dedicated hardware touchpad for interactive, hands-on modulation
- portamento models: Constant Rate, Constant Time, Vintage Linear, Vintage Mini, Vintage Exponential, Vintage MS-20
- over 5,500 modulation destinations
- three studio-quality effects per layer plus master reverb and parametric EQ
- built-in Editor/Librarian software for macOS and Windows with real-time modulation visuals
- MIDI 2.0 property exchange with full support for MIDI 2.0 property exchange and polyphonic aftertouch support
Connectivity
On the backside, you get a power supply input, classic 5-pin MIDI in/out, USB for data, an expression pedal input (damper), balanced stereo outputs, and a headphone socket.
It’s a shame that Korg doesn’t incorporate a USB host port in the multi/poly module, which would allow you to connect a MIDI keyboard with a standard USB cable. This is a criticism I have made with every desktop release (modwave, wavestate, opsix) so far. I hope they change that one day.
Since the official release, numerous user sound demos have also been released, and what you hear there sounds very good and powerful.
Korg multi/poly module First Impression
A module version of the Multi/poly was in the air. I’m pleased that Korg is following up quickly with the desktop/module.
Korg multi/poly module is available soon for £709.
More information here: Korg
VST incoming (hopefully) next
Good to see that Korg have finally got the message that many of us will ONLY buy a desktop module without the keyboard. However, this is still waaaay overpriced. I’ll be waiting for it to drop to the £500 max before buying, just like the Wavestate, OpSix and ModWave.