Korg Multi/Poly Module Synthesizer

General

It hasn't been long since Korg dropped the Multi/Poly, but here we are, looking at the Multi-Poly Module. In essence, this is the same model, just packed inside a tighter rack-happy module housing that can still comfortably serve as a desktop unit. And while the name has been taken from a 1981 legend, this rejuvenated and remade offering can do so, so much more. Whether you're playing around in your studio or writing new material with your band, the Multi/Poly will prove itself as a boundless workhorse. Expect pads, leads, effects, basses... basically, with this module, you're invited to choose your own adventure.

The Oscillator Structure

Where the Mono/Poly of the past was a true synth of its time, the current edition is definitely of our era. This is a synth that you will struggle to get bored with and, in fact, it will be a quite a while before you've discovered every corner of what it has to offer. While the simple Mono/Poly featured four voices, this version comes with 60. It also comes with multiple oscillator types: analogue modelling, wavetables, waveshaper and noise. A mass of Korg-made wavetables is supplied already, but you're also free to weave your own into being using the Kaoss Physics engine.

The New Korg Multi/Poly System

This is a virtual analogue synth in hardware form and is the first of its kind to use next-generation Korg technology. All of the modular options have been wrapped in a more compact jacket and, as a nod to the past, you even get to play with virtual voice cards. Back in the day this involved a big circuit board that housed just one monophonic voice alongside all of the chips for the LFOs, envelopes, filters and so on. So, if you had four circuit boards, you had a total polyphony of four voices. Korg has managed to virtually model these circuit boards, complete with their light deviations so that every note of every chord will sound very subtly different from the next - which, for some, is exactly where that vintage synth magic lies. In addition, the internal oscillators (or, in reality, the entire voice card) continue to oscillate, just like their analogue ancestors once did. Another point of interest is that envelopes with a longer release pick up the current envelope level during a re-trigger (with attack) rather than a new zero-level, making the sound a bit more 'bound' together.

Extras

This is still, without doubt, a sweet and tasty vintage-flavoured synth loaded with a mass of sonic opportunities, but that's not everything. Korg's own Motion Sequencing 2.0 is also present - something that finds its origins in the Wavestate which, in turn, took its cues from the legendary Wavestation. A rich bevy of effects is also provided, including an EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, delay and more. With all of this going on, you might be wondering how is it humanly possible to maintain a clear overview. Luckily, there's Multi/Poly editor and librarian software ready and waiting to help, whether you work with Windows or OSX. Speaking of software, iZotope Elements, Skoove and a pack of Korg softsynths also come included. In short, this is one insanely extensive whale of a synth.