Korg Multi Poly Synthesizer Overview
Inspired by the legendary Korg Mono/Poly, the multi/poly synthesizer delivers breathtaking analogue modelling sounds, combined with the extraordinary power and flexibility of modern digital technology. The original Mono/Poly was renowned for its rich sound from four stacked oscillators and innovative features like flexible cross-modulation (x-mod), sync routing, and round-robin oscillator triggering—features once previously only available in large modular systems, now accessible in a compact and intuitive instrument.
Analogue modelling technology
Create hardware mashups with East-coast, West-coast, and wavetable oscillators alongside a wide selection of newly modelled filters. Bring these sounds to life with models of different envelopes, VCAs, and portamento circuits, while virtual voice cards add organic timbral variation. The Layer Rotate feature triggers new Programs with each key press, while Kaoss Physics, Motion Sequencing 2.0, massive modulation capabilities, and more allow for deep sound exploration.
Next-Level Analogue Modelling
Just like in an analogue synthesizer, voice cards continue to play even if you’re not hearing them. Envelopes evolve naturally, meaning if you play a long pad with an extended release time, newly played notes “catch” the envelope at its current state rather than restarting from zero. Oscillators and LFOs maintain phase, while resonance continues to ring out. Pitch drift mimics the subtle instabilities of true analogue hardware.
multi/poly also includes envelope curvature presets inspired by classic synths like the Mono/Poly, MS-20, ARP Odyssey, and Prophet 5. Additionally, analogue VCAs behave differently depending on voltage, with varying thresholds for turning on and off, which has a strong impact on the Amp Envelope’s character. multi/poly models VCA responses from the Mono/Poly, MS-20, Prophet 5, Mini, Odyssey, and more, alongside a linear option.
Built to Perform
An instrument that sounds this great deserves to look and feel fantastic, too. The new semi-weighted keybed is smooth and expressive, providing a responsive playing experience, while the knobs offer just the right amount of resistance, perfect for fine-tuning your sounds. The solid aluminium front panel ensures durability, making it road-ready for live performances, while the wooden side-panels and blue-on-black colour scheme are a stylish nod to the original Mono/Poly design. Plus, the multi/poly comes with a custom-made soft case, making it easy to transport and protect your instrument wherever you go.
- • Next-generation analogue modelling technology
- • Semi-weighted 37-key keyboard, velocity and release velocity-sensitive
- • Solid aluminium top panel and wooden side panels for durability
- • Four oscillators per Program (Classic, Digital, and Waveshaper types)
- • Noise generator and ring mod for added sonic complexity
- • Dual modelled filters with audio-rate modulation
- • Four layers, each with a separate Program, for dynamic layering and split effects
- • Layer Rotate for evolving sound variation
- • Four loopable DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, and six Mod Processors per Program
- • Motion Sequencing 2.0 for complex, per-voice modulation
- • Kaoss Physics for interactive, hands-on modulation
- • Over 5,500 modulation destinations
- • Three studio-quality insert effects per layer, plus master reverb and parametric EQ
- • Built-in Editor/Librarian software for macOS and Windows with real-time modulation visuals
- • Custom-made soft case included for easy transportation
- • Full connectivity via balanced stereo outputs, MIDI, and USB
- Keyboard: 37 key semi-weighted action (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)
- Maximum Polyphony: 60 voices (varies depending on settings)
- Sound generating system: Analogue modelling synthesis
- Controllers: Mod Wheel, Pitch Wheel, Kaoss Physics, 4x Mod Knobs
- Other Sources: 4x Envelopes, 5x LFOs, 8x Mod Processors, 3x Key Track, Seq Lanes A-D, Step Pulse, Step Pitch, Motion Seq On, Kaoss (X, Y, Distance, Angle, X+, X-, Y+, and Y-), Tempo, Program/Performance Note Count, Program/Performance Voice Count, Random (1+, 2+, 3 +/-, and 4 +/-), Constant Max, Poly Legato, Velocity, Exponential Velocity, Release Velocity, Gate, Gate+Damper, Note-On Trigger, Note-On Trigger+Damper, Note Number, Aftertouch and Poly Aftertouch (external MIDI only), Pitch Bend (normal, +, and -), MIDI CCs +/-, MIDI CCs +
- Pre FX: Decimator, Graphic EQ, Guitar Amp, Modern Compressor, Parametric EQ, Red Compressor, Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Wave Shaper, Vintage Distortion
- Mod FX: Black Chorus/Flanger, Black Phase, CX-3 Vibrato Chorus, EP Chorus, Harmonic Chorus, Modern Chorus, Modern Phaser, Orange Phase, Polysix Ensemble, Small Phase, Talking Modulator, Vintage Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Vintage/Custom Wah, Vox Wah, CX-3 Rotary Speaker
- Delay: L/C/R Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, Reverse Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, Tape Echo
- Master Reverb: Early Reflections, Overb
- Master EQ; 4-band parametric EQ
- Inputs/outputs: Headphone (6.3 mm stereo phone jack), OUTPUT L/MONO and R (impedance-balanced 6.3 mm TRS phone jacks), DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack, half-damper not supported), MIDI IN and OUT connectors, USB B port
- Power supply: AC adapter (DC12V, 2500mA)
- Power consumption: 5W
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 566 x 319 x93mm
- Weight: 3.5 kg/7.72 lb
- Included items: AC adapter, Precautions, Quick Start Guide
- multi/poly offers four oscillators per Program, providing thick, multi-layered tones. You can choose from three types of oscillators:
- Classic oscillators: These faithfully model traditional analogue waveforms with stunning accuracy. The 11 options include both single and dual waveforms, giving you rich, thick sounds.
- Digital oscillators: Play wavetables with up to 64 steps, like vintage hybrid synths or modern Eurorack modules. Start with over 200 factory wavetables or import your own using the Editor/Librarian software for macOS and Windows. You can even import Modwave wavetables or convert wavetables from popular software formats. The 30+ Modifiers allow you to reshape wavetables, while 8 Morph Types (Stretch, Flip, Mirror, etc.) process them in real time.
- Waveshaper oscillators: Inspired by West-Coast synthesis, these oscillators take simple waveforms (sine or triangle) and process them through a shaper table, producing dynamic harmonics. Use the Berkeley shaper for traditional wavefolding timbres, or choose from over 90 shaper types for a vast array of tones. The multi/poly also supports modulatable pulse width, adding richness and motion to your sound.
- Additionally, the multi/poly includes a noise generator with dedicated filtering and saturation, and a ring modulator with inputs from the oscillators. You can create powerful sounds by leveraging the enhanced sync and x-mod capabilities, which expand on the Mono/Poly’s original design. Create unique tones by syncing oscillators 2, 3, and 4 to oscillator 1, or split sync and x-mod into pairs for independent control.
- The multi/poly's Editor/Librarian software lets you edit and organise sounds directly from your macOS or Windows computer. Using USB networking for high-speed communication, the software functions like a second front panel for the instrument, allowing you to make real-time adjustments without needing to synchronize or transfer data. The software even includes animations that display modulation effects as they happen, offering valuable visual feedback while programming your sounds.
- Set Lists offer effortless organisation of your multi/poly Performances, providing instant access to your sounds, in rehearsal or on stage. With Smooth Sound Transitions, previously played voices and effects continue to ring out naturally, even when you switch to a new sound. This ensures seamless transitions, allowing for a fluid performance without abrupt cutoffs.
- Balanced stereo outputs connect seamlessly to any recording or monitoring system, while a stereo headphone output provides the perfect solution for private playing or onstage cueing. DIN-style MIDI jacks ensure reliable connection to other MIDI- equipped instruments and audio gear, and USB supports class-compliant MIDI with both Windows and macOS computers, allowing for versatile connectivity across setups.
