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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 Marc Houle uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Marc Houle

Music Producer

Run Stop Restore

...
Verified via Resident Advisor

RA interviewer asks him "Let's talk about the Korg Mono/Poly. Do you remember when you first came across one?" Marc Houle: "In the mid-'90s I was trying to get rid of all my digital stuff because I was really tired of the sound, and so I traded in some stuff and got a Mono/Poly"

And there is a picture showing the Korg Mono/Poly.

See how Frank Dukes uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Frank Dukes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Listed under instruments used for creating these samples in the description.

See how DJ Gregory uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

DJ Gregory

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via fabric london

"Regarding synth I use a lot of different ones like Prophet VS , Mini Moog , Casio Cz5000, yamaha Dx100 , Emu SQ80 , Polymoog, Korg Poly 800 , MonoPoly"

See how King Britt uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

King Britt

Music Producer, DJ

The Force

...
Verified via YouTube

The Mono/Poly can be seen in King Britt's studio equipment at 1:19 in the video.

See how The Dust Brothers uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

The Dust Brothers

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Per Sound on Sound, May 2005:

I'm a big fan of the whole Korg line of keyboards, so I have Korg polysynths and Monopoly.

See how Erol Alkan uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Erol Alkan

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Erol Alkan has confirmed that he uses the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer, stating, "This has been quite a recent acquisition. I wanted it because of the amount of voices it’s got and it’s quite powerful. I like how you can switch modes, which can be quite unpredictable, and it almost plays itself. It’s got arpeggiators and you can clock it really well, so it’s great to use alongside a computer." This information is sourced from an article by Danny Turner on MusicRadar titled In pictures: The gear that fuels Beyond The Wizards Sleeve.

See how quickly, quickly uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by quickly, quickly, the Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer is visible alongside an ARP Odyssey and a Chroma Polaris.

See how Eric Persing uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Oldschooldaw

Spectrasonics Studio List The equipment list for the Spectrasonics studio reads like a gear-head's dream. Favourites amongst Eric's sizeable synthesizer collection include the Access Virus, the Prophet VS, his collection of Waldorf synthesizers, and a 1976 Yamaha CS80. "It's my favourite axe to play, because of the awesome polyphonic aftertouch and that sensuous ribbon," explains Eric.

For effects processing Eric is a fan of the Roland SRV330 reverb, an item that "gets missed by most people, mainly because it doesn't say Lexicon on the front panel." For distortion tricks Eric often uses a rare Boss GL100 guitar preamp: "It's basically the history of Boss pedals in one rack space."

Mixing, until recently, was done on some "very odd, custom-made analogue mixers made by a guy named Mo West," reveals Eric. He recently purchased a Roland VM 7000-series mixer, however, taking him one step closer to an all-digital setup.

SAMPLERS • Roland S760 and S770 • Kurzweill K2000 • Bitheadz Unity DS1 (running on an Apple Macintosh G4)

SYNTHESIZERS/DRUM BOXES • Access Virus • Clavia Nord Lead • Doepfer modular synth • Emu modular synth • Moog Minimoog (modified by Studio Electronics) • Oberheim SEMs • Polyfusion modular synth • Roland JP8000 prototypes & production units • Roland JP8080 • Roland JD800/990 • Roland Jupiter 8 • Roland JV1080 and 2080 • Roland MKS50 Alpha Juno • Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter • Roland System 700 and 100m modular synths • Roland MC303 • Roland MC505 • Roland TB303 • Roland TR808 • Roland TR909 • Korg EX8000 • Korg M1R • Korg Mono/Poly • Sequential Circuits Prophet VS • Waldorf Wave, Microwave, Microwave XT • Yamaha CS80

SOFTWARE • Alchemy • Arboretum HyperEngine • Arboretum Hyperprism plug-in pack • Arboretum Ionizer • Arboretum Raygun noise-reduction plug-in • Antares Infinity • BIAS Peak audio editor • BIAS SFX machine effects • Emagic Logic Audio Platinum • Emagic Sound Diver synth editor/librarian • Fireball • GRM Tools plug-in pack • Metasynth • Opcode Vinyl, Vocode & Filter plug-ins • Propellerheadz Rebirth soft synth • Prosoniq SonicWorx Artist effects • Steinberg Magneto tape-saturation emulator • Steinberg ReCycle sample editor • Thonk soft synth • RAIFF • Region Munger • Transfer Station • Samplifier sample transfer software • Saturator • Sound Morph • Sound Hack audio editor • Unisyn synth editor • Waveboy Voder

SIGNAL PROCESSORS • AMS RMX reverb • API 5502 equaliser • Boss GL100 guitar driver • Boss SE70 multi-effects • Dimension beam controller • Euphonics mixing console • Eventide DSP4000 & H3500 harmonizers • GML stereo parametric EQ • Innovonics compressors • Langevin passive equalisers • Lexicon PCM70/80/480 reverbs • MXR Distortion Plus • Quest custom mixers • Roland Dimension D & C processors • Roland RSP550 multi-effects • Roland RSS10 3-dimensional effects • Roland SDE330 delay • Roland SDX330 chorus • Roland SRV330 reverb • Roland SVC330 vocoder • TC Electronics Fireworx multi-effects • Summit tube mic preamps

See how Johannes Schmölling uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Johannes Schmölling

Keyboardist, Composer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Photo

Schmölling used a Mono/Poly during Tangerine Dream's 1983 live preformance in Warszawa

See how Luke Dubber uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Luke Dubber

Composer, Music Producer

Hermitude

...
Verified via Tone Deaf

"We’ve got the Korg Mono/Poly, which is an analog synth, we’ve got a Moog Sub Phatty, which gets used a lot"

See how Tara Busch (I Speak Machine) uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Tara Busch (I Speak Machine)

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Facebook

Tara just racked up her gear, Korg Mono/Poly on the bottom shelf!

See how Skudge uses Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer

Skudge

...
Verified via Photo

The Korg Mono/Poly Synthesizer is visible at the bottom of the image.

"@skudge_elias_landberg One of the first Skudge gigs. At The Office, Stockholm! #tbt #throwback #thursday #skudge #liveset #theoffice #rave #korgmonopoly #rolandmc202 #rolandtr909 #soundcheck"

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

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mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

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mrtwenty

Gear IQ 859

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

Y

yeager101

Gear IQ 248

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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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