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Average Price: $200
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Korg Poly800 II, a powerful blend of classic design and modern functionality. This synthesizer builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, offering an enthralling combination of analog warmth and digital control. With eight fully programmable voices, the Poly800 II provides a rich canvas for creating lush pads, punchy leads, and intricate soundscapes. Its compact layout makes it perfect for both studio setups and live performances, while the intuitive interface ensures users from any skill level can dive right into sound creation.
At the heart of the Poly800 II lies its digital-analog hybrid architecture, which provides a unique sonic signature that stands out in any mix. The inclusion of MIDI compatibility allows for seamless integration with modern music production environments, making it a versatile addition to any musician's arsenal. The built-in digital delay effects add depth and dimension, enhancing your sound design possibilities. Whether you're crafting the next hit song or exploring ambient textures, the Korg Poly800 II is equipped to inspire your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Eight fully programmable voices
- Digital-analog hybrid architecture
- Built-in digital delay effects
- MIDI compatibility for easy integration
- Compact and portable design
- Intuitive interface for efficient sound design
- Wide range of sonic possibilities, from lush pads to punchy leads
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Poly-800 MKII |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg Poly-800 MKII polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Korg Poly-800 MKII is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.
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What are the standout features of the Korg Poly-800 MKII's sound engine?
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The Korg Poly-800 MKII features dual oscillators with additive square waveforms, a 24dB resonant low-pass filter, and dedicated ADSR envelopes for volume and filter, providing versatile sound shaping capabilities.
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Does the Korg Poly-800 MKII have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Korg Poly-800 MKII includes MIDI input and output, allowing integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
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How many keys does the Korg Poly-800 MKII have, and what is the action type?
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The Korg Poly-800 MKII features 49 full-size keys with synth action, offering a responsive playing experience suitable for various performance styles.
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Can the Korg Poly-800 MKII be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg Poly-800 MKII is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its 8-voice polyphony, MIDI connectivity, and versatile sound engine, making it a reliable choice for musicians on stage.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
KORG POLY-800 II Analog Synthesizer 1986 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO
Reviews
PROS
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Unique "square wave" sound, ideal for Soviet New Wave music
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Affordable entry into analog synthesizers from the 80s
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Digitally-controlled for precise parameter adjustments
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Built-in delay enhances sound possibilities
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8 note polyphony, expandable by doubling oscillators
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Lightweight and portable with a 4-octave range
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Interesting workflow that inspires alternative production
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Step sequencer and tape in/out for patch storage
CONS
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Sounds cheaper compared to high-end models like Juno
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Filter can be harsh or muddy, limiting expressiveness
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Limited to a niche or auxiliary role in music production
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Effective polyphony reduced to 4 notes when enhancing sound
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Poly800 II.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The Poly 800 II's paraphonic nature means all voices share a single filter, affecting how it handles multiple overlapping notes.
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The Poly 800 II is described as having a "cheesy plastic sound" with cruddy stepped envelopes, lacking both top and bottom end in its tonal range.
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The Poly 800 II includes a digital delay that can be modulated with an LFO, effectively functioning as a chorus and flanger.
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Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Software and compatibility
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A free software emulation of the Poly 800 is available, potentially replicating its unique stereo pad sounds.
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User experience
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It's been characterized as a "fun sidekick-synth" with a unique sound, best suited for secondary use rather than as a primary analog synth.
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Owners have successfully used the Poly 800 II with MIDI to trigger notes from non-functional keys, highlighting a workaround for performance issues.
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Value and pricing
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Auction finds like a $20 Poly 800 II showcase potential high-value opportunities for savvy buyers, although such deals are rare.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings
67
Superclassic 80's 49-key digitally-controlled analog synthesizer
Superclassic 80's 49-key digitally-controlled analog synthesizer.. one of the first 'affordable' synths available. Bought new in '86 for $600 then pawned for rent money and regretted it for 25 years until I bought a mint replacement on ebay last year.. now I am complete again. This was actually my 2nd "computer" after my TRS-80.. the digital control side of this synth works just like the computer on the Apollo spacecraft - a numerical keypad that let's you enter 'nouns' and 'verbs' to select parameters and program their settings. Has 4k of memory just like my TRS-80 did back then. (My new Korg Krome has 4Gb of memory just like the laptop I'm typing this on now does.)
The Poly 800-II had 8 note polyphony unless you doubled the oscillators, which you pretty much have to to make it sound good, which makes it effectively a 4 note polyphony synth. It was totally overshadowed by its big brother the DW 8000 and the expensive "professional" synths of the day.. the Yamaha DX7, the Roland D-50, the Synclavier, the Roland Jupiter-8, the Fairlight CMI, etc. so you never saw it on MTV but it's starting to get the credit it deserves. If you see a good one, grab it and preserve it.
1255
Old, unjustly maligned, useful
Had mine for many years and used it a hell of a lot. When the Triton came along, the 800ii became somewhat redundant. But I thought the 800ii was a great little synth and packed a lot for a 4-octave, lightweight synth. The inbuilt delay (a big winner over the Mk I in my view) was great for bass lines and arpeggiator-like sounds, and combined with the sequencer, there was much fun to be had
40997
I miss mine... wish I ahdn't sold it!
195
digital synthesizer
digital synthesizer, step sequencer, tape in out for storing patches
Artist usage
Add artist
Found on his own website with a track made using only this piece. This dedicated page also contains Legowelt's own words about it.
According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Korg Poly800 II.
"Can you run us through your synth collection and pick out your favourites and tell us why you prefer them? Jordan: Roland Juno 60 Korg Polysix Yamaha CS-30 Eminent Solina String Roland D50 Yamaha DX7, DX11 Korg Poly800 II Occasionally (very often!) we'll borrow an SH101 from a friend."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Poly800 II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Korg Poly800 II, curated by the Equipboard community.
$380.00
Not really a similar sounding synth but rather similarly affordable - it and the Poly 800 II were both around $500-$600 in the mid-80's when almost every other synth was $1000+ so much like the Commodore 64 made home computers affordable and available to middle-class kids, these two synths made synthesizers available. I had the Poly 800 II and my best friend Joe had the Casio CZ-1000 so I got to experience both. The CZ-1000 is a digital FM synth and sounds similar to a Yamaha DX-7. The only thing I didn't like were the membrane buttons which made programming it harder than it should've been but it had good storage so you only had to program sounds once.
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