Korg Poly-800

Robert L's Analog Synths

Korg Poly-800

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Robert L's Analog Synths

Korg Poly-800 II

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Korg Poly-800 is a nice little four-octave synthesizer, made to be a low cost opponent to Roland Juno series. It is based on the DCO technology (Digitally Controlled Oscillators), which is known of producing the waveforms of very stable pitch, without the usual tuning problems of the VCOs (Voltage Controlled Oscillators), though loosing some of the charms along the way. However, the analog feeling is resembled with excellent Korg VCFs (Voltage Controlled Fil-ters). There are eight DCOs, one per voice in a standard configuration of eight-voice synth, and two per voice in a dual configuration, which enables rich and fat analog sounds with polyphony of four.

Junos? Excellent -- judging by its sound. Though some would say that Junos are more defined and with more of a character of their own, the sound of Poly-800 can be described as a bit finer, gentler because of subtler filters, and definitely different in a positive way. The only disadvan- tage of Poly-800 is the lack of dedicated knobs and sliders.
Still, there are a lot of programmable controls and modulations. To be true, some of the parameters are not very precise, but the most important ones are ample in their values. Functions are all neatly and rationally organized to provide useful, practical, and easy sound patching. There is a wide palette of sounds, from classic warm analog pads, brasses, strings and basses, to interesting effects.

Korg EX-800, the module version.

Korg Poly 800-II is a later version with added digital delay and some design improvements. There was also a module version of the synth, the EX-800, with excellent sequencer, and with the rest of the features being the same as on the keyboard version.
Whether you pick the keyboard or the module version, Korg Poly-800 is a synth that you will love for its sound, as well as enjoy caring around everywhere (it weighs only 4 kilograms).
Being an affordable addition of excellent analog sounds, the Poly-800 will soon play a serious role in your studio and music production (send your email). (The picture is gratefully taken from Vintage Synth.)