Korg Debuts iMonoPoly, iOS Reissue of Classic Synth


Korg has announced the reintroduction of iMono/Poly, an iOS version of the classic monophonic synthesizer.

Korg introduced the Mono/Poly, a “fat-sounding” four-VCO monophonic synthesizer, following the release of their six-voice Polysix synth in 1981. Manufactured from 1981 to 1984, Mono/Poly’s “most signature characteristic” was the Synchro and Cross Modulation functions that could run dual, or four-way cascaded modulation routings for creating “revolutionary and aggressive tonal effects”

The reintroduced iMono/Poly app reproduces all of the features of the original Mono/Poly: four VCOs and an array of modulation options for sound design, and two multi-effects units and eight virtual patches have been added.

The iMono/Poly faithfully reproduces the “thick” sounds for which the Mono/Poly was known, by using Korg’s proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology), which models the electronic components and circuits of the original hardware.

Eight virtual patches expand the Mono/Poly’s distinctive sound-design potential. A total of 159 modulation sources such as MG, EG, velocity, and keyboard tracking can be used to modulate 35 destinations such as oscillator pitch, level, filter, MG, and EG. Two multi-effect units are also provided, allowing you to create complex and broad-ranging sounds with complete freedom. In addition, iMono/Poly has 128 preset sounds built into the app, along with a template function with a wide array of basic sounds.

iMono/Poly is designed with an easy-to-navigate screen structure that provides quick access; with a single tap, the user can rotate between the main synth & key assign screen and the virtual patch & effect screen. Kaoss Pad functionality has also been added (pictured), providing an interface that takes advantage of the ease and intuitiveness of iOS. iMono/Poly can be used in conjunction with Korg Gadget, the music production DAW app.

Finally, the user can connect a MIDI controller and use iMono/Poly as an external sound module for performance. Most MIDI keyboards can be used to play iMono/Poly, including the Bluetooth MIDI compatible nanoKEY Studio and microKEY Air that allow wireless play

Pricing and Availability. Korg iMono/Poly is available now for download via the Apple App Store for $19.99. For more information on this app and others, visit the Korg website.

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30 thoughts on “Korg Debuts iMonoPoly, iOS Reissue of Classic Synth”

  1. bought it within seconds.
    dope sound, week on the presets. the legacy version actually sounds more interesting tbh.
    i will look forward to reproducing some of those patches on the ios version.

    its kinda odd though that they went with the dirty gui on this one. i kept rubbing my screen.
    still, my fav app ims20 gets no update love due to being outsourced to detune.
    SAD! #MakeMS20GreatAgain.

    1. for those comparing it to the real thing, be aware ios version has loads of effects including eq and compression, decimators, overdrive…

      its actually quite a bummer not being able to use it as insert fx in audiobus.
      guess gadget is to blame for that.

    2. “ims20 gets no update love due to being outsourced to detune”

      So that is why it was never updated to work with Gadget. Sad indeed!

  6. I had hope Korg was going to introduce a keyboard sampler for Gadget, long overdue and much needed. Maybe even model the gadget on their DSS-1, a quirky 12 bit sampler where the user can create single cycle additive waveforms. I don’t need another analog synth in Gadget because I feel the stock gadgets have the analog sound covered and then some. Others will certainly disagree.

  8. I’ve owned a Mono/Poly since 1989 and I cant say the soundcloud or youtube clip seemed like a monopoly to me. When I think MP I think of the xmod and sync modes, all in both single and double. I think of the distinctive filter. I think of the screaming syncs when the pitch wheel is routed to osc1. I think of the arpegiator stepping through the oscillators. I think of the dual LFO effects. I think of subtle tones from blends of oscs on different waves at different levels to get interesting basses. I think of the detune and how the portamento works at different rates on different notes. I didn’t hear any of that. I am suspicious.

  10. Haven’t downloaded yet. Had a MP back in 1988, that I used one heck of a lot, but had too many issues so I sold within that same year. I remember using it for a lot of Depeche stuff. I don’t remember the MP sounding like this IOS version….I’ll hold till I see some more reviews n maybe just maybe Nick Batt will review. Saw the ‘SoundTest Room’ review…wasn’t sold. Saw Korgs Demo….not sold….So I’m gonna wait.

    .

  11. Really doesn’t sound like a monopoly. It’s like a heavily processed, EQ’d and overcooked version of a monopoly. Or in other words, it sounds like a soft synth.

  13. I owned a real MonoPoly, so I think this thing essentially hits the mark. Many people mistakenly complain of softsynths having “Its not the same” syndrome. Of course its not; its a digital re-imagining that takes advantage of newer tech like matrix routing. A hardware MiniMoog run through a couple of good pedals and a decent amp is smokin’, but having been there, I know that the plug-ins are 95% accurate. Run your iPad into a decent amp and you’ll still get most of that original-character purity. If you’re drawn to a synth, don’t overthink it to death. With $2k or more of hardware, you have to plan ahead, but with apps, you can build a buff rig so cheaply, it makes sense to experiment.

    In my view, the MonoPoly deserves its odd slot between the Moogs, Rolands and ARPs. The sound is unique, you get a 4-voice mode that wowed me and this version offers Kaoss pad action. What’s not to love, really? I’m more into the Legacy Wavestation, but I encourage you to explore the MonoPoly if you lean towards monosynths. Its beautifully bad-ass.

  14. Yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn.
    If it isn’t a stupid app it’s another 808 or 909 clone. If not that it’s a nobody in the studio pushing buttons sounding really bad.. yaaaaaaawwwnnnnn

  15. Forgive my ignorance I have not looked anything up yet, but if I own the legacy on Mac and the Polysix on iOS why would you need this? How is it different than the Polysix on iOS?

    1. The Polysix was similar but had a simpler architecture – inevitable where polysynths are concerned really. The arpeggiator on the M/P can play the oscillators in rotation. You can then set different registers and waveforms for each osc, and the effect is completely unique to the M/P. There are a few other differences, the M/P going places that high-end monosynths can but polys usually don’t.

    2. What seen from space said. But far more important to me is the compatibility with Gadget. I was a bit disappointed however, when I opened the monopoly in Gadget to find the arpeggiator isn’t available. Yes there is the per channel arpeggiator which is very deep, but it doesn’t cycle through the 4 voices like the one on the monopoly. It sounds amazing regardless, I have no regrets.

  17. Text near the end of the teaser says coming to Gadget (Mac) late 2017. I hope is is free for us. There have been no updates yet…still feels unfinished.

  19. I love the Legacy collection so I’m a fan of Korg software instrumetns but this doesn’t sound anything like a Mono/Poly. The strengths of the Mono/Poly are the arpeggiator in mono or poly modes, the sync and xmod effects, the SSM2044 filter, and chord mode. The demos do not have the raw sound and they don’t even try to showcase most of the strengths. For lack of a better description It sounds like most software instruments.

  24. I think this is one of Korg’s poorest recent recreations. It sounds more plastic than the older iPolysix. And apps like the Korg ODYSSEi and Moog Model 15, PPG Infinity blow it out of the water. The tone is all wrong with this. Gimmicky contemporary hype. Perhaps it will be possible to program decent patches with this. But the included ones are kind of annoying.

  25. > The reintroduced iMono/Poly app reproduces all of the features of the original Mono/Poly:

    It’s missing support for ARP TRIG IN which has to be one of the best aspects (along with bouncing between OSCs) of the original M/P.

    Still, sounds great (the app, not the demo).

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