KORG multi/poly is a next-generation digital synthesizer with analog physical modeling, inspired by KORG's classic Mono/Poly vintage, which at the time combined rich timbres with experimental functions typical of modular synthesizers. Thanks to modern digital technology, multi/poly produces extremely realistic analog timbres, combining processing power, high polyphony, and versatile use, with an articulated synthesis structure based on Programs, each with 4 oscillators, noise, two filters, envelopes, modulations, and Insert effects. In turn, 4 Programs can be included in a Performance with Motion Sequence 2.0 and Kaoss Physics, functions that add further movement and timbral complexity.

KORG multi/poly key features

• 
  
• Hardware mash-up capability with classic analog, digital, wavetable, and wave-shaper oscillators, a selection of next-generation physical modeling filters, portamento, envelopes, and VCAs.
  

• 
  
• Each Program includes four oscillators, a noise generator, two filters, and three insert effects, plus a versatile modulation path with four looping DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, six Mod Processors, three key-tracks, and multi-lane Motion Sequencing 2.0.
  

• 
  
• Each Performance can contain four Programs at a time, adding master reverb and equalization, two additional Mod processors, and Kaoss Physics.
  
• Layer Rotate function activates new Programs with each key press.
  
• Motion Sequencing 2.0 performs individual sequences for each voice. It records knob movements in real-time. Timing, Pitch, Shape values, and four sets of Step Sequences are separated into Lanes. Each Lane can have a different number of Steps, and it is possible to modulate note-by-note: loop points, Step probabilities, and more.
  
• Kaoss Physics combines hands-on modulation control with interactive gameplay gestures, including gravity, reflection, absorption, and friction.
  
• Mod Knobs to easily control and customize sounds.
  
• Smooth Sound Transitions for switching between sounds without annoying interruptions.
  

Amazing Analog Sounds That Only Digital Can Offer

Inspired by the legendary KORG Mono/Poly, the new KORG multi/poly analog physical modeling synthesizer offers impactful analog sounds combined with the power, versatility, and flexibility of digital generation. The original Mono/Poly boasted an extremely rich sound thanks to its four stacked oscillators, as well as unique and experimental features such as versatile x-mod and sync routing, and round-robin oscillator triggering. Previously only achievable in large modular systems, the Mono/Poly offered these features in a compact and easy-to-use instrument.

The new Multi/Poly is the first instrument to use KORG's next-generation analog modeling technology and is based on the combination of high effectiveness and functions derived from modular synths, such as having a polyphonic modular system in a compact and practical instrument, ideal for musicians and sound designers. It is possible to create East-coast, West-coast, and wavetable oscillator combinations with newly designed filters, modulated by envelopes, VCAs, and portamento. While virtual voice cards produce natural timbral variations, with the Layer Rotate function activating new Programs with each key press, and also: Kaoss Physics, Motion Sequencing 2.0, effective modulations further animate each sound, making it more interesting.

Superior Analog Modeling

The multi/poly features newly designed and extremely effective filters and oscillators. Each voice, in fact, possesses a Virtual Voice Card whose oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento circuits faithfully reproduce the variations of analog hardware components. The result is that each voice has a slightly different character, producing rich and natural timbres. This variation is adjustable at will independently for each sound. As in an analog synthesizer, Virtual Voice Cards continue to play even when not audible, as do the envelopes. This way, for example, when playing a Pad with a long release time, newly played notes hook the envelope at the current level instead of starting from scratch. In the same way, oscillators and LFOs maintain their phase, and resonance also continues to play. The pitch of each oscillator can also drift slightly over time, reproducing the slight pitch instabilities found in analog hardware.

Envelopes are an often-overlooked element that contributes to the unique sounds of vintage synthesizers. The multi/poly includes presets for the envelope curves of: Mono/Poly, MS-20, “Mini”, “Pro”, ARP Odyssey, and more. Furthermore, analog VCAs do not respond uniformly to voltage and have different thresholds for turning on and off, which in turn has a strong effect on the character of the Amp Envelope. Therefore, the multi/poly features VCA responses modeled after the: Mono/Poly, MS-20, Mini, Odyssey, and Prophet 5, as well as a linear option for the Amp Envelope. Have you ever tried to recreate the Portamento effect of a favorite song, but couldn't find the right setting even by switching from “constant rate” to “constant time”? Classic analog synthesizers also had different approaches to Portamento, which is why multi/poly offers six different portamento models to choose from.

Multi/poly Oscillators

Multi/poly has FOUR oscillators for each Program, allowing for dense and complex timbres. Each oscillator can use Classic, Digital, or Waveshaper modes. Classic faithfully reproduces the oscillators of traditional analog synths, with a choice of 11 options including single and double waveforms, to emulate those synthesizers that generated multiple waveforms simultaneously. Front panel knobs allow for practical control over Pulse Width, triangular "Lean", double waveform mixing, and more.

The Digital type oscillator produces wavetables with up to 64 Steps, like vintage hybrid synthesizers and modern Eurorack modules. Over 200 factory Wavetables are present, and you can load your own using the Editor/Librarian software for macOS and Windows. It is possible to directly import modwave wavetables or those converted from popular software. Over 30 Modifiers can change how the tables are loaded, achieving many timbral nuances from the most delicate and subtle to the most extreme, while 8 types of Morph such as: Stretch, Flip, and Mirror process them in real-time.

Waveshaper offers a “West-Coast” approach, where simple waveforms (sine or triangle) are processed through a Shaper table. Gain modulation in the shaper creates crystalline and dynamic harmonics. You can use the “Berkeley” Shaper for traditional wavefolder timbres or choose from over 90 other Shaper types. The multi/poly also allows you to modulate the Pulse Width (square wave pulse width) to add an additional dimension of richness and movement. An independent noise generator is also available for each oscillator.

Dual Modeled Filters

All multi/poly filters are newly designed and include a suite of vintage filters with euphonic saturation. Five different models are available with 4-pole Auto-Resonance, featuring the classic Korg Mono/Poly timbre. Mini is the Ladder filter of the renowned American monophonic synth; resonance is reduced at low frequencies, an essential characteristic for producing typical bass sounds. Pro was modeled after the first programmable polyphonic synth, with resonant and evident sweeps across the entire range. Finally, Ladder HP and BP are 4-pole self-resonant high-pass and band-pass filters, respectively.

The 12dB/octave self-resonant MS-20 LP and HP "Korg 35" filters reproduce the distinctive aggressive timbre of the classic Korg MS-20, while the 2-pole SE M/P filter has a more delicate character and features continuous control that allows switching from low-pass to band-reject to high-pass, as well as a separate mode for band-pass. It is also possible to shape each sound with a complete set of linear and resonant 2- and 4-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject filters. Or, stepping outside the box, use KORG's exclusive Multi Filter, which creates a modulatable Mix of multiple filters simultaneously.

All filters are also modulatable, allowing for distinctive and dynamic timbres. You can also use each oscillator, or the Ring Modulator as modulation sources, and even add the Noise Generator for "chaotic" sounds. Finally, you can use any two filters simultaneously, in series or in parallel. Programs have two filter Slots, A and B. Each source, including the four oscillators, noise, and ring mod, has a balance control that fades from one filter to the other, allowing for a wide range of creative options. For example, you can send one group of oscillators through the M/Poly filter and the other through the MS-20 low-pass filter. Create a classic serial high-pass->low-pass chain, but route one or more oscillators around the high-pass. Since it's a continuous crossfade, and not a simple switch, you can modulate the A/B balance for unique effects. Filters can also operate in stereo, with separate panning for each source.

Multi/poly Structure

Each Program includes four oscillators plus a noise generator, ring mod, sync, and x-mod. These are processed through two independent filters and modulated with four DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, and six Mod Processors. In addition, there's Multi-Lane Motion Sequencing 2.0 and three studio-quality Insert effects. But this is just a single Program. Up to four Programs can be layered to create a Performance. Switching between each Program is in a Round-Robin style with Layer Rotate (rotation between Programs), both when playing from the keyboard and when using the arpeggiator. The Kaoss module creates further fluid and evolving modulation with simple gestures on the X/Y Pad. The four Mod knobs on the panel offer intuitive and immediate control over various parameters. The final touch to each Performance is provided by two additional Mod processors, Master Reverb, and EQ.

Layer Rotate

The multi/poly has four Layers, each containing a Program. With these, you can create Layer, Velocity, and Keyboard Split sounds. Layer Rotate is inspired by the original Mono/Poly's paraphonic mode, which cyclically shifted between the four oscillators; this function now adds a new possibility: Round-Robin among all Programs. By setting each Layer with different Programs, you can alternate them with each key press, playing them in cyclic or random order. Activate one, two, or three Programs for each step of the cycle; you can use Layer Rotate with the arpeggiator to obtain very interesting patterns.

Modulation and Control

multi/poly has a panel rich in knobs and controls that invite exploration. Oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects are all at your fingertips. The four programmable Mod knobs allow you to customize by assigning preferred parameters; the knobs can be used to modify each timbre in real-time and save the result. The Hold button allows you to sustain notes or chords indefinitely while exploring the front panel controls or playing other instruments. If you add Kaoss Physics and the Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels, you always have multiple expressive possibilities available in real-time. Finally, almost all front panel knobs and most on-screen parameters can be modulated, for a total of over 5,500 modulation destinations. It is even possible to modulate individual Motion Sequence Steps, eight Mod processors allow you to transform modulation signals using quantization, smoothing, bending, and more.

Motion Sequencing 2.0

Motion Sequencing 2.0 is an evolution of wavestate's Wave Sequencing 2.0. Timing, Pitch, Shape values, and four sets of Step Sequences are separated into “Lanes,” each with its own start and end Loop, and a deeper level of recording phrases and modulations. Each time the sequence advances, the individual Lanes are combined to create the output. For example, a Step Sequence value can correspond to a different duration, pitch, and shape each time it is executed. It is possible to modulate the loop points of each Lane separately for each note, using velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod knobs, or other Controllers, so that each note of a chord can sound differently. In the Lanes, it is also possible to randomize the order of the Steps each time they are executed. In the same way, individual Steps can be skipped randomly, with a modulatable probability from 0 to 100%. The result is a natural, changeable, and fully controllable sound.

Kaoss Physics

Kaoss Physics replicates a model of a ball rolling on a surface and bouncing off walls. The surface can tilt in any direction. A bump of variable height/depth and position attracts or repels the ball. Adjustable friction slows the ball's movement, and adjustable time controls the speed of the entire model. All these features are modulatable and can be changed in real-time. To start the ball, simply tap the x/y pad with a finger, or launch it automatically using another modulation source. You can also directly control the ball by holding your finger on the pad. The ball's position produces eight modulation signals, which can be used to control any modulation destination: the X and Y positions, the distance from the center, the angle relative to the X-axis, and finally separate signals for +/- X and +/- Y. The walls can slow the ball, as if they were padded, or accelerate it, like pinball bumpers. The walls can also be removed completely, so that the surface wraps around to opposite edges, like in a vintage arcade game. The modeled environment can create specific modulation effects. For example, you can use a centered Bump with negative height, so that modulation values always return to 0. Or you can place a Bump with positive height on one side or corner, to push modulation values away from that area. The result is an interactive controller that amplifies your physical gestures, transforming them into complex musical signals.

Production-Ready Effects

The multi/poly offers a complete chain of high-quality effects. Each Layer has three dedicated effects, plus a send to the Master reverb of the performance, followed by a Master parametric EQ. In addition to standard effects such as compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers, and stereo delays, distinctive processors are available such as: Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, and Overb (from OASYS and Kronos), as well as effects modeled from VOX guitar amplifiers, VOX wah, Vintage Distortion, CX-3 Rotary Speaker and Vibrato/Chorus, tape echo, and a collection of classic guitar pedals.

Software Editor/Librarian

The editor/librarian for multi/poly allows you to edit and organize sounds via computer (macOS or Windows). It uses a high-speed USB port for communication and acts as a second front panel, eliminating the need to synchronize or transfer data. Animations show modulation effects in real-time: a great help for programming.

Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions

Set Lists allow you to organize your performances with the multi/poly, with immediate access during concerts or rehearsals. Smooth Sound Transitions allows played notes and effects to continue naturally even after selecting a new sound, without annoying interruptions.

Built to Last

The multi/poly is an instrument made with a professional design and durable, high-quality materials. The keyboard is responsive and has a consistent touch, knobs and switches provide a solid feel and appropriate resistance, the robust front panel is made of aluminum, and the wooden sides contribute to the overall look of the synth, which recalls the color combination of the original Mono/Poly.

Connections

The multi/poly has balanced stereo outputs to connect to any recording or monitoring system, while the stereo headphone output is ideal for private playing or on-stage monitoring. MIDI (DIN type) jacks ensure connection with other equipment equipped with this protocol, while USB supports Class-Compliant MIDI with Windows and macOS computers.

Multi/poly Technical Specifications

System

• 
  
• Keyboard: 37 semi-weighted keys (velocity and release sensitive)
  
• Maximum Polyphony: 60 voices (may vary depending on settings)
  
• Sound Generation: Analog modeling synthesis
  
• Modulation: 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 +
  
• Destinations: Most parameters can be modulated, with over 5,500 potential modulation targets per Performance.
  
• Effects
  
• 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
  

General

• 
  
• 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 Type B port
  

Power Supply

• 
  
• AC adapter (DC12V, 2500mA)
  
• Power Consumption: 5 W
  

Dimensions (W × D × H) - 566 x 319 x 93 mm/22.28” × 12.56” × 3.66”

Weight 3.5 kg/7.72 lb

Included Accessories:

• 
  
• AC adapter, Precautions, Quick Start Guide
  
• Accessories (optional)
  
• Damper pedal DS-1H, PS-1 foot switch, PS-3 foot switch
  

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

* All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.