Korg multi/poly Analogue Modelling Synthesizer
Korg - multi/poly Analogue Modelling Synthesizer, Semi-Weighted 37-Key Keyboard, Four Layers
Analogue Modelling Synthesizer
Korg - multi/poly
analogue-inspired sound with the limitless power of digital technologyInspired by the legendary Korg Mono/Poly, the new multi/poly synthesizer delivers breathtaking analogue modelling sounds, together with the impressive power and flexibility of modern digital technology. The original Mono/Poly was known for its rich sound from four stacked oscillators and innovative features such as flexible cross-modulation (x-mod), sync routing, and round-robin oscillator triggering—features once previously only available in large modular systems, now accessible in a compact and intuitive instrument.
The multi/poly is the first synthesizer to use Korg's next-generation analogue modelling technology, building on the distinctive combination of big, bold sounds and modular-derived experimental features that made the Mono/Poly legendary. Just like having a polyphonic modular system in a compact, hands-on package, offering limitless possibilities for sound designers and synth enthusiasts alike.
Create hardware mashups with East-coast, West-coast, and wavetable oscillators alongside a wide variety of newly modelled filters. Bring these sounds to life with models of different envelopes, VCAs, and portamento circuits, while virtual voice cards add organic timbral variation. The Layer Rotate feature triggers new Programs with each key press, while Kaoss Physics, Motion Sequencing 2.0, massive modulation capabilities, and more allow for deep sound exploration.
at a glance
• Next-generation analogue modelling technology
• Semi-weighted 37-key keyboard, velocity and release velocity-sensitive
• Four layers, each with a separate Program, for dynamic layering and split effects
• Four oscillators per Program (Classic, Digital, and Waveshaper types)
• Solid aluminium top panel and wooden side panels for durability
• Noise generator and ring mod for added sonic complexity
• Dual modelled filters with audio-rate modulation
Next-Level Analogue Modelling
a world of soundsmulti/poly features redesigned, incredibly detailed filters and oscillators, and advances in analogue modelling that take this technology to the next level. Each voice contains a Virtual Voice Card, where oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento circuits are modelled to reflect analogue hardware component variations. As a result, each voice can have its own slightly different character, creating rich and naturally evolving timbres.
Just like in an analogue synthesizer, voice cards continue to play even if you’re not hearing them. Envelopes evolve naturally, meaning if you play a long pad with an extended release time, newly played notes “catch” the envelope at its current state rather than restarting from zero. Oscillators and LFOs maintain phase, while resonance continues to ring out. Pitch drift mimics the subtle instabilities of true analogue hardware.
multi/poly also includes envelope curvature presets inspired by classic synths like the Mono/Poly, MS-20, ARP Odyssey, and Prophet 5. Additionally, analogue VCAs behave differently depending on voltage, with varying thresholds for turning on and off, which has a strong impact on the Amp Envelope’s character. multi/poly models VCA responses from the Mono/Poly, MS-20, Prophet 5, Mini, Odyssey, and more, alongside a linear option.
Four Oscillators Per Program for Complex Tones
enhanced capabilitiesmulti/poly offers four oscillators per Program, providing thick, multi-layered tones. You can choose from three types of oscillators. Additionally, the multi/poly includes a noise generator with dedicated filtering and saturation, and a ring modulator with inputs from the oscillators. You can create powerful sounds by leveraging the enhanced sync and x-mod capabilities, which expand on the Mono/Poly’s original design. Create unique tones by syncing oscillators 2, 3, and 4 to oscillator 1, or split sync and x-mod into pairs for independent control.
Classic oscillatorsThese faithfully model traditional analogue waveforms with stunning accuracy. The 11 options include both single and dual waveforms, giving you rich, thick sounds. Front-panel knobs offer control over pulse width, triangle “lean,” dual-waveform blending, and more.
Digital oscillatorsPlay wavetables with up to 64 steps, like vintage hybrid synths or modern Eurorack modules. Start with over 200 factory wavetables or import your own using the Editor/Librarian software for macOS and Windows. You can even import Modwave wavetables or convert wavetables from popular software formats. The 30+ Modifiers allow you to reshape wavetables, while 8 Morph Types (Stretch, Flip, Mirror, etc.) process them in real time.
Waveshaper oscillatorsInspired by West-Coast synthesis, these oscillators take simple waveforms (sine or triangle) and process them through a shaper table, producing dynamic harmonics. Use the Berkeley shaper for traditional wavefolding timbres, or choose from over 90 shaper types for a vast array of tones. The multi/poly also supports modulatable pulse width, adding richness and motion to your sound.
Advanced Modulation with Motion Sequencing 2.0
expressive experienceThe multi/poly features Motion Sequencing 2.0, evolved from Korg’s Wave Sequencing technology. It divides Timing, Pitch, Shape, and Step Sequences into independent Lanes, each with its own loop points. This gives you the ability to create intricate, evolving patterns where each note can trigger a different combination of parameters. You can modulate loop points, randomise step order, or adjust probabilities for more organic, evolving sounds.
Each Program offers four loopable DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, and six Mod Processors per voice, allowing complex modulation of each sound. Combine Motion Sequencing with Kaoss Physics, where you can control real-time modulation by rolling and manipulating a virtual ball on an X/Y pad for an expressive and interactive sound experience.
Dual Modelled Filters for Maximum Flexibility
redesigned for more optionsThe multi/poly also includes the MS-20 LP and HP 12dB/octave Korg 35 filters, recreating the aggressive, distinctive sound of the MS-20. For lighter tones, use the SE M/P 2-pole filter, which offers continuous control for sweeping between lowpass, band-reject, and highpass, with a separate bandpass mode. multi/poly’s filters support audio-rate modulation, allowing you to modulate filters using any oscillator or the ring modulator for bright, fizzy, and bubbling effects.
Use the Drive circuit to add weight or distortion, ranging from subtle thickening to extreme saturation. You can use two filters at once in series or parallel, with each source (oscillators, noise, and ring mod) having its own balance control to crossfade between filters. Modulate the A/B balance for even more creative sound shaping.
Performance Evolved
The Power of Fourmulti/poly's structure allows you to build four Layers, each containing a separate Program. This adds an entirely new dimension of sonic complexity, as you can layer up to four Programs simultaneously in a Performance. These can be used to create massive, multi-layered sounds or creative splits and velocity-triggered variations. Each Program features its own set of oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects, allowing you to craft detailed, evolving performances that change with every key press.
Each Program starts with four oscillators, a noise generator, and both sync and x-mod capabilities. These are processed through two independent filters, providing massive tonal flexibility. For modulation, multi/poly includes four loopable DAHDSR envelopes, five LFOs, and six Mod Processors, allowing you to create detailed and evolving sounds.
Layer RotateThe Layer Rotate feature allows you to cycle through these four Programs with each key press, ensuring dynamic, ever-changing performances. Inspired by the original Mono/Poly’s paraphonic mode, Layer Rotate offers endless creative possibilities. You can set the Layers to trigger in random or repeating order and use them in combination with the arpeggiator for complex, mind-bending patterns.
Built to Perform
road-readyAn instrument that sounds this great deserves to look and feel fantastic, too. The new semi-weighted keybed is smooth and expressive, providing a responsive playing experience, while the knobs provide the right amount of resistance, perfect for fine-tuning your sounds.
The solid aluminium front panel ensures durability, making it road-ready for live performances, while the wooden side-panels and blue-on-black colour scheme are a stylish nod to the original Mono/Poly design. Plus, the multi/poly comes with a custom-made soft case, making it easy to transport and protect your instrument wherever you go.
Production-Ready Effects
shape your soundThe multi/poly’s effects make sure your sounds are polished and ready for the stage or studio. Each layer features three dedicated effects, along with a send to the Performance's master reverb and a master parametric EQ.
In addition to standard effects like compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers, and stereo delays, you’ll have access to unique sound-shaping processors such as the Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, and Multiband Mod Delay, as well as the famous Overb from the OASYS and Kronos. multi/poly also includes modelled effects like Vox guitar amps, Vox wah, Vintage Distortion, CX-3 Rotary Speaker and Vibrato/Chorus, multi-head tape echo, and a collection of classic guitar pedals, giving you endless possibilities to shape your sound.
More Versatility
Editor/Librarian SoftwareThe multi/poly's Editor/Librarian software lets you edit and organise sounds straight from your macOS or Windows computer. Using USB networking for high-speed communication, the software functions like a second front panel for the instrument, allowing you to make real-time adjustments without needing to synchronize or transfer data. The software even includes animations that display modulation effects as they happen, offering valuable visual feedback while programming your sounds.
Set Lists and Smooth TransitionsSet Lists give users effortless organisation of multi/poly Performances, providing instant access to your sounds, in rehearsal or on stage. With Smooth Sound Transitions, previously played voices and effects continue to ring out naturally, even when you switch to a new sound. This ensures seamless transitions, allowing for a fluid performance without abrupt cutoffs.
Powerful ConnectivityBalanced stereo outputs connect seamlessly to any recording or monitoring system, while a stereo headphone output provides the perfect solution for private playing or onstage cueing. DIN-style MIDI jacks ensure reliable connection to other MIDIequipped instruments and audio gear, and USB supports class-compliant MIDI with both Windows and macOS computers, allowing for versatile connectivity across setups.
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | Keyboard | 37 key semi-weighted action (velocity and release-velocity sensitive) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Polyphony | 60 voices (varies depending on settings) |
| Sound generating system | Analogue modelling synthesis |
| Controllers | Mod Wheel, Pitch Wheel, Kaoss Physics, 4x Mod Knobs |
| Other Sources | 4x Envelopes, 5x LFOs, 8x Mod Processors, 3x Key Track, Seq Lanes A-D, Step Pulse, Step Pitch, Motion Seq On, Kaoss (X, Y, Distance, Angle, X+, X-, Y+, and Y-), Tempo, Program/Performance Note Count, Program/Performance Voice Count, Random (1+, 2+, 3 +/-, and 4 +/-), Constant Max, Poly Legato, Velocity, Exponential Velocity, Release Velocity, Gate, Gate+Damper, Note-On Trigger, Note-On Trigger+Damper, Note Number, Aftertouch and Poly Aftertouch (external MIDI only), Pitch Bend (normal, +, and -), MIDI CCs +/-, MIDI CCs + |
| Destinations | Most parameters can be modulated, with over 5,500 potential modulation targets per Performance. |
| Pre FX | Decimator, Graphic EQ, Guitar Amp, Modern Compressor, Parametric EQ, Red Compressor, Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Wave Shaper, Vintage Distortion |
| Mod FX | Black Chorus/Flanger, Black Phase, CX-3 Vibrato Chorus, EP Chorus, Harmonic Chorus, Modern Chorus, Modern Phaser, Orange Phase, Polysix Ensemble, Small Phase, Talking Modulator, Vintage Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Vintage/Custom Wah, Vox Wah, CX-3 Rotary Speaker |
| Delay | L/C/R Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, Reverse Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, Tape Echo |
| Master Reverb | Early Reflections, Overb |
| Master EQ | 4-band parametric EQ |
| Inputs/outputs | Headphone (6.3 mm stereo phone jack), OUTPUT L/MONO and R (impedance-balanced 6.3 mm TRS phone jacks), DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack, half-damper not supported), MIDI IN and OUT connectors, USB B port |
| Power Supply | AC adapter (DC12V, 2500mA) |
| Power Consumption | 5 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 566 x 319 x 93 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg/7.72 lb |
| Included Items | AC adapter, Precautions, Quick Start Guide |
