The Polivoks is the most popular vintage Russian synth made in the early 80's and it was among the first synthesizers produced in the USSR. It's purely analog with two voices of polyphony, two oscillators each with triangle, square, saw, two types of pulse waveforms and one noise generator, the levels of which are controlled via the internal mixer. Although the oscillators can become unstable and difficult to tune, the Polivoks is well suited for making screeching sounds and thunderous bass. You can also connect an external audio input for processing through the Polivoks' switchable dual-mode band pass/low pass filter and LFO sections. The LFO, or "Modulator" offers triangle, square, random and noise waveshapes and can be applied to the oscillator level and pitch or the filter cutoff. There are also two ADSR envelopes for contouring the oscillators and filters. Polivoks had been produced since 1982 by the Formanta electronic factory (one of the biggest at the time); it was sold exclusively in the USSR. Polivoks has its own unique electronic components including a reliable keyboard (49 notes F to E) made with magnetically controlled contacts and DIN sockets for its three outputs and one input. Its synthesis modules consist of independent circuit boards, which is convenient for maintenance and repair. In addition, Polivoks is housed in an original rugged aluminum body of uncommon design with handy controls.

Product specs

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Formanta Polivoks use?

The Formanta Polivoks is an analog synthesizer known for its distinctive, raw sound, using analog subtractive synthesis to shape and modify audio signals.

Is the Formanta Polivoks monophonic or polyphonic?

The Formanta Polivoks offers duophonic polyphony, allowing you to play two notes simultaneously, which is unique for synthesizers of its era.

How many keys does the Formanta Polivoks have, and what is the action type?

The Formanta Polivoks features 49 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive feel suitable for expressive play.

What are the standout features of the Formanta Polivoks' sound engine?

The Polivoks is renowned for its aggressive, edgy sound, thanks to its distinctive filter design and robust modulation capabilities, making it a favorite for experimental and electronic music.

Is the Formanta Polivoks suitable for live performances?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Polivoks' robust build and unique sound make it a compelling choice for live performances, particularly in genres that benefit from its raw, powerful tones.