Korg Polysix Analog Synthesizer

This is a video demo of the Korg Polysix analog synthesizer.

Polysix analog synthesizer

via fystasjoppheng:

Korg Polysix is a 100% analog synthesizer with 6 voices. It came in 1982.

The PolySix was a milestone because, along with the Roland Juno 6 which appeared almost simultaneously, in 1981 the PolySix was the first opportunity ordinary mortals had to get their hands on a proper programmable polysynth. Up until then, you had to be loaded to afford a Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, or Roland Jupiter 8.

It had a lot of great new features such as 32 memory patches, 6 voices of polyphony, cassette backup of memory, even programmable modulation effects and Chorus, Phase, Ensemble! The Polysix has warm-sounding real analog oscillators, softer and brassy-er sounding that the Juno. Engage the built-in Chorus on a simple single-oscillator sawtooth patch and you were pretty darned close to that expensive Prophet sound.

But the big ace in the Polysix’s hand was the Ensemble effect. Instant Mellotron-like strings.

One thought on “Korg Polysix Analog Synthesizer

  1. (Shameless plug): Many a Korg Polysix has failed due to battery corrosion on the KLM-367 PCB. But don’t despair! Bring your Polysix back to life! Replacement KLM-367 PCBs are now available. These PCBs are exact clones of the original PCB, except that they take a new lithium battery which won’t blow up and ruin your synthesizer.

    Puchase a new circuit board here: http://sites.google.com/site/jedjorgensen/

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