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Description

The Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer stands out as a distinctive and potent analog marvel in the realm of music creation. Its heart is powered by four oscillators that can smoothly transition between a lush 4-voice polyphony to a dense, monophonic mode, resulting in a sound that is as versatile as it is robust. Its unique 'X-Mod' functionality enables cross modulation of VCO's, opening up new sonic landscapes for the intrepid musician. Topped off with an arpeggiator, a noise generator, and a resonant 12/dB filter, this synthesizer is capable of delivering everything from massive MiniMoog-esque monophonic lines to simple polyphony, making it an invaluable ally on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Four oscillators configurable for 4-voice polyphony or monophonic mode
  • Unique 'X-Mod' section for cross modulation of VCO's
  • Integrated arpeggiator and noise generator
  • Resonant 12/dB filter
  • Capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from monophonic lines to simple polyphony

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Mono/Poly
Finish Blue
Year 1980s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 44 Keys
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer is a 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing for the playing of up to four notes simultaneously.

What is the key action type of the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer?

The Korg Mono/Poly features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience ideal for fast passages and expressive playing.

How many keys does the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer have?

The Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer has 44 full-size keys, offering a compact yet versatile range for performance and composition.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Mono/Poly use?

The Korg Mono/Poly utilizes analog synthesis, which is known for its warm and rich sound characteristics, making it highly sought after for vintage and classic synth tones.

Can the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer be used for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Mono/Poly is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, intuitive interface, and dynamic sound capabilities, making it a favorite among performers seeking classic analog tones.

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

KORG MONOPOLY Analog Synth DEMO | Mono Poly

Video thumbnail for KORG MONOPOLY Analog Synth DEMO | Mono Poly by AnalogAudio1

KORG MONOPOLY Analog Synth DEMO | Mono Poly

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Korg Mono/Poly Vintage Analog Synthesizer (1981) MonoPoly demo by RetroSound

Korg Mono/Poly Vintage Analog Synthesizer (1981) MonoPoly demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for KORG MONOPOLY Analog Synthesizer 1982 | HQ DEMO by AnalogAudio1

KORG MONOPOLY Analog Synthesizer 1982 | HQ DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Korg MonoPoly Tutorial and Demo by once upon a synth

Korg MonoPoly Tutorial and Demo

once upon a synth

once upon a synth

Video thumbnail for Korg Mono/Poly | Four Play by Alex Ball

Korg Mono/Poly | Four Play

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Creating and Explaining Synth Sounds on the Korg MonoPoly 🎹🎛✨ by MR TUNA Music

Creating and Explaining Synth Sounds on the Korg MonoPoly 🎹🎛✨

MR TUNA Music

MR TUNA Music

Video thumbnail for Vintage Synth Heaven: Live Demo of the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer by Vulture Culture

Vintage Synth Heaven: Live Demo of the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Vulture Culture

Vulture Culture

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sub-bass capabilities through self-oscillation

  • Unique arpeggiator with extensive OSC tuning and syncing options

  • Versatile with switchable monosynth to 4-voice polyphony

  • Offers textured, vintage sound quality

  • Distinctive character and soul unlike digital emulations

  • Dynamic assignable mod wheel enhances performance

  • Four oscillators provide unparalleled sound richness

  • Can produce big, matchless sounds especially in unison mode

  • Filter quality on par with renowned synths like Minimoog

  • Hidden waveform feature introduces a 5th audible oscillator

CONS

  • Long warm-up time compared to other vintage analog synths

  • Some perceive its sound as less superior to modern remakes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Mono/Poly's paraphonic mode allows different oscillators to be assigned to each key, creating unique sounds when chords are layered over base notes.

    Source
  • MonoPoly's single trigger and multi-trigger modes offer distinct playing experiences, with the former triggering only the first key's envelope and the latter retriggering for all keys pressed.

    Source
  • The synth's oscillator gating, though typical for string machines, adds depth by allowing individual oscillator control, enhancing the paraphonic playing experience.

    Source
  • The Mono/Poly features four oscillator modules with sync and cross-modulation functions, enabling complex and unique tone effects that owners frequently incorporate into their music.

    Source
  • The Mono/Poly's filter, based on the SSM2044 chip, is praised for its lush, retro sound, making it ideal for outrun and cyberpunk music styles.

    Source

User experience

  • The lack of presets encourages continuous sound exploration, guiding users to create new and interesting sounds every session.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users report achieving sounds reminiscent of Deadmau5 and MGMT, indicating its capability to produce modern electronic music tones.

    Source
  • Owners often integrate the Mono/Poly into songs for its beautiful, distinctive sound, highlighting its enduring appeal despite being over 36 years old.

    Source
  • Owners find the Mono/Poly's classic synth architecture intuitive, often using it as a reference point when exploring other synthesizers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the Behringer release of the Mono/Poly, suggesting a strong interest in its potential modernized version while maintaining the original's character.

    Source
  • Users note Behringer's Mono/Poly sounds cleaner with less background noise and higher volume compared to the original Korg, despite minor tonal differences.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Behringer's version requires manual calibration of filters, oscillators, and envelopes via rear panel screws to match the original Korg sound.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 37 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
M

Mono/Poly: A new old favorite

The oldest synth in my collection, and the newest addition to my studio. There's something about the Mono/Poly that makes it more than it's spec sheet — it just has so much soul and character, the kind of weird idiosyncrasies that draw you in and reward you for exploring. It's the kind of synth that you point to when explaining the difference between real analog synthesis and the digital emulation found in a plug-in. Beyond really loaded words like "character", what makes the M/P special? Well, you have four oscillators to play with, as well as a killer filter and some really interesting modulation possibilities. You can switch it from a monosynth to a 4-voice poly, which adds more options. But what really makes the M/P special is the arpeggiator. You can have it run as a traditional arpeggiator in Unison mode, but the fun really starts when you play with the arpeggiator in Poly mode. It will then use each of the four oscillators as a step in the pattern, and you can tweak each oscillator to use different waveforms, octave spread, volume and tuning. So you end up with an arpeggiated pattern that has a unique sense of motion. It's absolutely unlike most gear out there, and it's amazing.

S

Far more power than the other classic monosynths.

Far more power than the other classic monosynths. I typically like the Minimoog a bit more for bass, and the Mono/Poly for everything else.

I play the Minimoog and Mono/Poly via a Kenton Pro4, which I have map velocity to a filter CV, making both synths velocity-sensitive as well.

monotonne_band

Excellent

The sound is textured and vintage. The bass is probably its strongest point.

figureof8

First Synth

First synth I owned, was a bit wonky but this gave it a bit of character,great for swooping fx and detuned leads sold it for 500 quid a few years ago, wish i held on to it.

L

Yeah, Finally some polyphony (well sorta)

Big sounds from Korg. Triggering this from my Modular always gives me that 'wow' factor. Most thechno chords come from this beast

rothhandlestudios

Korg Mono/poly

I use it mostly for the arpeggiator. Sounds wonderful.

Genres:
bobjack

BEST!!!

I love this machine!!! when you started to programm it - you may listen his 4 voice song!

summedanddot

We love the machine most of the tracks that we make or done with this synth

A must for your studio ...

Summed&Dot

A

Doesn't get used as much as perhaps it should.

Need to plug this back in.

andreabertolinidj

Korg Mono/Poly

Hate or love it... I love it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daniel Avery uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Daniel Avery

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Music producer Daniel Avery uses the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer as his main workhorse, blending vintage acid stylings with cutting-edge rhythms to achieve a balance of light, setting his sound apart from the dominating clubland bombast. Avery explains, “A lot of the music had got very, very fast and very noisy. It was almost quite macho and aggressive. That sound got a bit silly after a while, and it just got heavier and noisier.” This information is supported by an interview with MusicRadar, conducted by Roy Spencer.

See how survive uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

survive

...
Verified via Imposemagazine

A Korg Mono/Poly synth can be seen in this photo-shoot of Survive's home-studios and practice space, spotlighting the gear they use.

See how John Foxx uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via The Quietus

On June 5th, John Foxx will be taking his group The Maths to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm London for a one-off performance of his classic album Metamatic. Now, after our feature on Benge's synths was such a hit with you lot, we thought that some of you might like to get warm under the collar and quivery of the finger tip to learn what John Foxx will be packing in the back of the van for the Roundhouse show - please check out the mouthwatering list below, and have a look at some John Foxx & The Maths on YouTube while you're at it. Find out more about this incredible event (which also features a DJ set by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton) at the Roundhouse website. John Foxx'Metatronic best-of is out now.

Synthesizers:

ARP Odyssey x 2, ARP Sequencers x 2, Crumar Multiman, EDP Wasp, Korg MonoPoly, Korg 700, Logan String Machine, Moog Mini x 2, Moog Modular plus Sequencers, Moog Opus 3, Roland Modular System 100m x 10 Modules, Roland SH2, Roland SH-101, Roland Juno 60, Sequential Circuits Multitrack

Drum machines:

Amdek Percussion Synthesiser, Boss Dr Rhythm, Linn Drum, Klone Drum, Roland CR78, Roland TR808

Effects & Processors:

Boss Chorus, Boss Flanger, Boss Phaser, Electro Harmonix electric mistress Flanger, Furman Spring Reverb, Ibanez AD80 Analog Delay, Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, Mu-tron Phasor, MXR Phase 100, Roland Space echo RE-201

Other Equipment

Tascam & Revox Analogue Reel to Reel Tape Machines

See how Ott uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Ott

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook post, Ott discusses using the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer, highlighting its unique feature: an extra switch next to the volume knob that allows Oscillator 1 to modulate the VCF, creating distinctive alien buzzy sounds.

See how Oliver uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Oliver

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Oliver Says: "Excited to add this to the family..."

See how Luke Slater uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Luke Slater

Music Producer

S/D

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

Per this Attack Magazine feature, dated Dec 2, 2019:

Not only can he effortlessly rattle off his equipment list from a 20-years-previous tour, but he subsequently rattles off every piece of kit used in making his early Peacefrog records: “An Allen & Heath GS3, which is a 16 channel analogue board; an Akai S950, a TR-909, a chord reverb and a Korg Mono/Poly, a DX7, a Digital Audio Tape machine, and a pair of NS-10s,”

See how George FitzGerald uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

George FitzGerald

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Tech Talk: George FitzGerald" by Telekom Electronic Beats TV, George FitzGerald discusses and demonstrates his use of the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer.

See how Kiefer uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Kiefer

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Clearly seen using the Korg Mono/Poly in his YouTube series Records Shirts and Donuts episode 2.

See how The Hacker uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

The Hacker

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Side-line

In an interview with Side-Line Music Magazine, The Hacker discusses using the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer, emphasizing the importance of creativity over relying on new plug-ins.

See how Arnaud Rebotini uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Arnaud Rebotini

Black Strobe

...
Verified via Photo

Used on Music Components

See how Gregor Tresher uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Gregor Tresher

Composer, Music Producer

Gregor Tresher & Guy Gerber

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

I use the Mono/Poly a lot. It’s the lead sound on a lot my of my records. I bought it in South Germany many years ago and I like it for its filter and also for its very fat sound when using all four VCOs.

See how Detroit Swindle uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Detroit Swindle

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

Detroit Swindle uses the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer in their studio, as shown in an Instagram post by damswindle.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mrtwenty

mrtwenty

Gear IQ 859

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

Y

yeager101

Gear IQ 248

1 alternative for Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer MonoPoly

$365.00 - $549.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

This is Behringer's analog clone of the Mono/Poly, utilizing modern manufacturing techniques to keep the price point affordable.

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