Korg Polysix
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Korg |
| Year released | 1981 |
| Synthesis type | Subtractive |
| Architecture | Analog |
| Polyphony | 6-voice polyphonic |
| Notable users | The Cure, Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre |
| Known for | An affordable programmable polysynth with a lush ensemble effect |
Overview
The Korg Polysix is a six-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer released in 1981. It was one of the first affordable programmable polysynths, bringing features previously found in expensive instruments to a wider market. Its architecture is subtractive: each voice has a single voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a voltage-controlled filter (VCF), a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), and an envelope generator. The Polysix is best known for its warm, lush sound, largely due to its built-in ensemble effect, which thickens the tone with modulated delay. It also includes a chord memory function, an arpeggiator, and 32 patch memories. The instrument was discontinued in 1984, but its influence persists in the used market and in the work of many musicians. It remains a classic example of early 1980s analog polyphony, valued for its simplicity and distinctive character.
History & design
Korg released the Polysix in 1981 as a response to the growing demand for polyphonic synthesizers that were both programmable and affordable. At the time, instruments like the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Oberheim OB-X were powerful but costly. Korg aimed to create a more accessible alternative without sacrificing the analog warmth that players wanted. The Polysix was designed with a single VCO per voice, which simplified construction and reduced cost. It also introduced a compact, sturdy chassis with a metal case and wooden side panels. The front panel features sliders and buttons for direct control, plus a small digital display for patch numbers. Its built-in ensemble effect, derived from Korg's earlier string machines, became a defining feature. The Polysix sold well and was followed by the more advanced Polysix II and other Korg polysynths, but the original remains the most iconic.
How it works
The Polysix uses subtractive synthesis. Each of its six voices contains one voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that generates a waveform: sawtooth, square, or pulse. The oscillator's pitch is set by the keyboard and can be modulated by the LFO or envelope. The signal then passes through a voltage-controlled filter (VCF), which is a low-pass filter with resonance. The filter shapes the tone by removing high frequencies, and its cutoff frequency can be modulated by the envelope, LFO, or keyboard tracking. Next, the signal goes to a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), which controls the volume. The VCA is driven by an envelope generator (ADSR) that determines how the sound evolves over time. Each voice has its own envelope, but they share global controls. After the VCA, all six voices are mixed and sent to the ensemble effect, which uses modulated delay lines to create a thick, chorus-like sound. Finally, the signal reaches the main outputs. The Polysix also includes a chord memory function that lets you play a stored chord from a single key, and an arpeggiator for rhythmic patterns.
Signature sound
The Polysix is renowned for its warm, rich, and slightly dark analog tone. Its single VCO per voice produces a simple waveform, but the ensemble effect adds a lush, swirling character that many describe as 'string-like' or 'chorused.' The filter is a 24 dB/octave low-pass with a distinctive resonance that can self-oscillate, though it is often used subtly. The envelopes are snappy enough for bass and leads, but the instrument excels at pads, strings, and brass sounds. The chord memory and arpeggiator make it easy to create complex textures. Compared to other polysynths of the era, the Polysix has a somewhat limited palette due to its single oscillator, but its sound is immediately recognizable and sits well in a mix. It is often used for atmospheric beds, melodic leads, and rhythmic arpeggios. The ensemble effect can be turned off for a drier, more focused tone, but most players keep it on for the classic Polysix sound.
Notable users & recordings
The Korg Polysix has been used by a wide range of artists across electronic, new wave, and synth-pop genres. The Cure used it on several albums in the early 1980s, including 'Pornography' and 'The Top,' where its ensemble effect contributed to the band's atmospheric sound. Depeche Mode employed the Polysix on their early recordings, such as 'A Broken Frame' and 'Construction Time Again,' often for pads and melodic lines. Jean-Michel Jarre incorporated the Polysix into his live setups and studio work, including the album 'Les Chants Magnétiques' (Magnetic Fields). Other users include The Human League, Ultravox, and Vince Clarke, who used it in Yazoo and later projects. The Polysix also appears in the work of contemporary artists like Tycho and Com Truise, who favor its warm analog character. Its affordability and distinctive sound made it a staple in home studios and professional rigs alike during the 1980s.
Legacy & influence
Although the Polysix was discontinued in 1984, its legacy endures. It was one of the first polysynths to offer programmable memory at a relatively low cost, helping to democratize electronic music production. Its ensemble effect became a hallmark of the Korg sound and was emulated in later digital and software instruments. The Polysix also paved the way for Korg's subsequent analog polysynths, such as the Poly-61 and the DW-8000. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Polysix became a sought-after vintage instrument, prized for its warm tone and simple interface. Software versions, like the Korg Legacy Collection's Polysix plugin, have made its sound accessible to modern producers. The original hardware remains popular in studios and live performances, often used for its distinctive chorus and analog warmth. Its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary synth-pop and electronic artists who seek the classic 1980s sound.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the difference between the Polysix and the Polysix II? A: The Polysix II, released in 1984, added MIDI and a few other updates, but the core synthesis architecture is similar. The original Polysix lacks MIDI, though many units have been retrofitted. Q: Can the Polysix store patches? A: Yes, it has 32 patch memories, which was a notable feature for its price at the time. Q: What is the ensemble effect? A: It is a built-in chorus-like effect that uses modulated delay lines to thicken the sound. It can be turned on or off and is a key part of the Polysix's signature tone. Q: Is the Polysix reliable? A: Like many vintage analog synths, it may require maintenance, particularly the keyboard and power supply. However, its simple design makes it relatively easy to service compared to more complex instruments.