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Description

Step into the sonic realm of the 1980s with the Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer, a meticulously crafted digital homage to a classic era-defining instrument. This software synthesizer is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, harnessing the power of Korg's Component Modeling Technology (CMT) to faithfully emulate the rich, warm analog sounds of the original Polysix. With its lush string and pad sounds, the Polysix was a staple in dance and pop music, and now, it’s been reborn to meet the demands of today’s music producers.

The Polysix Software Synthesizer features an updated, intuitive interface that invites creativity while offering modern functionalities like up to 32-voice polyphony and flexible external modulation settings. Its arpeggiator and chord memory functions add a vintage flair to your compositions, while MIDI clock synchronization keeps you locked in the groove. Whether you’re crafting ambient soundscapes or punchy dance tracks, the Polysix delivers an expansive palette of sounds right at your fingertips.

Perfect for both studio and live performance, this synthesizer plugin is a must-have for any musician looking to capture the essence of true analog synthesis in a contemporary setting. Embark on a journey through time and sound with the Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer.

Key Features:

  • Faithful digital reproduction of the original Polysix analog synthesizer
  • Korg's Component Modeling Technology (CMT) for authentic sound and response
  • Intuitive interface with modern enhancements for creative exploration
  • Up to 32-voice polyphony and 16-voice unison with detune/spread function
  • Classic arpeggiator and chord memory features
  • MIDI clock synchronization for seamless integration with your setup
  • Access to a growing library of new sounds and presets from Korg's voicing team and top artists
AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

KORG POLYSIX Analog Synthesizer 1981 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO

Video thumbnail for KORG POLYSIX Analog Synthesizer 1981 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

KORG POLYSIX Analog Synthesizer 1981 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Hardware vs. Software Synth Shootout - Korg Polysix by Xavier Radix

Hardware vs. Software Synth Shootout - Korg Polysix

Xavier Radix

Xavier Radix

Video thumbnail for KORG Polysix VST - FULL TUTORIAL, everything you need to know ! by Splooty Vision

KORG Polysix VST - FULL TUTORIAL, everything you need to know !

Splooty Vision

Splooty Vision

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • The Polysix excels at creating moody, dark polyphonic sounds, pads, and string machine tones, making it highly suitable for atmospheric and cinematic music production.

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  • Owners use external chorus or ensemble effects to enhance the sound of synths like the Nymphes, aiming to replicate the Polysix's notable built-in effects.

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Other

  • It's noted that the Polysix's bucket brigade chorus, phaser, and ensemble effects significantly contribute to its distinctive sound compared to other synths.

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Software and compatibility

  • The Prophet X synth is mentioned as having a reissued Polysix filter, allowing for similar sound characteristics when combined with external effects.

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  • The VST version of the Polysix offers stereo output and velocity sensitivity, providing different strengths compared to the original hardware, especially in bass response.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using Valhalla Ubermod is suggested to emulate the Polysix's Dual Ensemble effect, offering a software solution to replicate the original's fluid sound.

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  • Tubbutec modifications can expand the Polysix's sound design capabilities beyond the original hardware limitations, complementing the KIWISix upgrades.

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  • Consider Synthtronics or Kiwisix PSU and CPU board replacements for more reliability and added features like MIDI.

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Comparisons

  • The Dreadbox Nymphes is noted for being similar to the Polysix, sharing a 6-voice single VCO+sub poly structure with an SSI filter chip, closely related to the original SSM filter.

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  • The Poly 61 is noted for an easier user interface and a preferred arpeggiator for live performance, while the Polysix is favored for experimentation and sound creation.

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  • Unlike the Roland Juno, the Polysix doesn't have modern replacements like the Deepmind, making it a unique choice for vintage synth enthusiasts.

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Features and functionality

  • The Polysix features a keying and pitch CV circuit that is considered highly reliable and well-designed compared to other vintage synth circuits.

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  • The Polysix includes a single VCO with a sub-oscillator, an SSM low-pass filter, and an invertable envelope, offering a unique sound palette for vintage synth enthusiasts.

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  • The Polysix's sound excels with its Ensemble effect, reminiscent of vintage string synths, but lacks certain features like oscillator waveform stacking.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners recommend replacing the original rechargeable ni-cad battery with a lithium coin cell to avoid charging issues and battery leakage problems.

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  • Inspect internal components for potential battery damage, even if the battery has been replaced, to prevent future issues.

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User experience

  • Owners praise the Polysix's vintage sound, with its Unison mode providing a robust bass presence, but caution about its challenging tuning and calibration needs.

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Build quality

  • The keybed is noted for being subpar, and the case is made from fragile particle board, which may affect durability.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
yash_kadam

Legend!

Title says everything! The software version of every Korg plugin has proved to be helpful to save some reatime space in the studio!

J

Cheap and Good Quality!!

A

Very good solid bass

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Disclosure uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Disclosure

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:01:54 we can see Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

See how Owl City uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Ayoungmusic

Sky Harbor Studio, Owl City's personal studio in Minnesota, uses many Korg virtual instruments. The third listed is Polysix.

See how Illangelo uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Illangelo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 48:40 mark of the video Illangelo uses the Polysix Plugin to make a bassline for The Weeknd's song Too Late

See how Siriusmo uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Siriusmo

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“I would really love to own the original hardware synth, but the software version is OK for me. It has a really warm sound, which is good for creating exciting pad sounds in the background. Even my girlfriend likes it.”

See how Lenno uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Lenno

Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

In his AMA, Lenno mentions that he uses the Korg Polysix for bass

See how Jack Patterson uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Jack Patterson

Bassist, Keyboardist

Clean Bandit

...
Verified via YouTube

Jack Patterson is seen using the software version of the Korg Polysix at 4.19, and he says at 4.03, "It's layered up with like a Polysix.".

See how Heiko Laux uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Heiko Laux

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen clearly in use at 2:58.

See how Logic Bomb uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Logic Bomb

...
Verified via Facebook

Korg Polysix amongst a lot of soft synths!

See how Phonat uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Phonat

The Young Punx

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Phonat is seen using the Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer at 2:53.

See how Shimron Elit uses Korg Polysix Software Synthesizer

Shimron Elit

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Screenshot on Shimron Elit's official website.

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 Polysix Software Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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