The latest addition to Korg’s collection of synths becomes the first instrument to utilise the latest generation of their analogue modelling technology, and is said to offer an “incredible fusion of classic analogue warmth and cutting-edge digital power”. Building on the success of the Mono/Poly, the multi/poly is a powerful 60-voice instrument that boasts four oscillators per Program, comes packed with modulation options and offers a wealth of hands-on control.
Layers, Programs & Performances
The multi/poly’s structure allows users to build four Layers, each of which contain a separate Program, and up to four Programs can then be played simultaneously in a Performance. Each Program features its own set of oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs and effects, and a Layer Rotate feature inspired by the Mono/Poly’s paraphonic mode makes it possible to cycle through the four Programs and create patches that evolve with every key press.
4 Oscillators Per Voice
Each of the instrument’s four oscillators can be switched between three operation modes:
- Classic - provides 11 options that faithfully model analogue waveforms;
- Digital - which offers wavetables with up to 64 steps along with over 30 real-time Modifier functions;
- Waveshaper - a West Coast synthesis-inspired mode that routes sine or triangle waveforms through a shaper table and creates dynamic harmonics.
The multi/poly also includes a noise generator with dedicated filtering and saturation, a ring modulator with inputs from the oscillators, and enhanced Sync and X-Mod facilities that expand on the capabilities of the Mono/Poly.
The latest iteration of Korg’s analogue modelling technology kits each voice out with a Virtual Voice Card, meaning that its oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs and portamento circuits reflect the variations found in analogue hardware components, resulting in each voice having a slightly different ‘character’. The function also means that envelopes evolve naturally regardless of whether voices are being played, meaning newly played notes will ‘catch’ the envelope at its current state rather than restarting it, while oscillators and LFOs maintain their phase.
The top panel of the 60-voice multi/poly.
Filters, Modulation & Effects
As for filters, the multi/poly introduces a new design that aims to recreate a wide range of classic and modern options. MS-20 LP and HP 12dB/octave Korg 35 filters make it possible to recreate the aggressive sound of the MS-20, while an SE M/P two-pole variant delivers gentler tones. There’s also a four-pole self-resonating filter based on the Mono/Poly, as well options designed to recreate the sounds associated with classic instruments such as the Minimoog and Prophet-5.
Advanced modulation capabilities are provided by Korg’s Motion Sequencing 2.0 system, which provides independent lanes for timing, pitch, shape and step sequences, making it possible to create complex patterns where each note can trigger a different combination of parameters. Each Program benefits from four loopable DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs and six Mod Processors per voice, and some hands-on control is provided by the Kaoss Physics system, which offers real-time parameter adjustment via an onboard X-Y pad.
There’s a healthy selection of built-in effects, too, with each layer featuring three dedicated effects, a send to the Performance's reverb, and a master parametric EQ. In addition to the likes of compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers and stereo delays, users can also dial in Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay and Multiband Mod Delay processors, as well as the renowned Overb from Korg’s OASYS and Kronos workstations, and a whole host of modelled guitar amps and effects pedals.
Pricing & Availability
The multi/poly is available to pre-order now, priced at $899.99£799 including VAT so secure your spot in the queue now.
