multi/poly native

Name: multi/poly native
Price: 199 USD
Author: KORG

by KORG · Synth · Analog modeling polysynth

Not rated yet

multi/poly native is the software version of KORG's multi/poly, an analog modeling synth inspired by the 1981 Mono/Poly with added digital oscillators and wavetables.

It has four oscillators per program, Virtual Voice Card component variation, Kaoss Physics and Motion Sequencing 2.0, and swaps patches with the hardware, for $199.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: polyphonic, sequencer, wavetable, hardware emulation, vintage, 80s, analog, analog-sounding, evolving, licensed emulation, pads, sound design, 70s, arpeggiator, basses, leads, modulation matrix, monophonic, randomize, round-robin, steep learning curve, subtractive, warm.

What it does

multi/poly native is the software version of KORG's multi/poly synth, which takes its cue from the vintage KORG Mono/Poly. It pairs analog-style voices with wavetable and waveshaping oscillators, so one instrument covers both warm analog tones and moving digital sounds.

Oscillators: four per program, each set to Classic (modeled analog waveforms), Digital (200+ factory wavetables, and you can import your own) or Waveshaper (a West Coast-style approach with 90+ shaper types). There is also a ring modulator, a noise generator with its own filter, sync and cross-modulation.
Filters: five vintage 4-pole self-resonating models (M/Poly, Mini, Pro, Ladder HP, Ladder BP), MS-20 LP and HP 12 dB/octave filters, an SE M/P 2-pole filter that sweeps from lowpass to highpass, and a Multi Filter that blends modes. Two filters run in series, parallel or stereo, with a post-filter drive.
Virtual Voice Cards: each voice varies slightly, the way components did on real analog voice cards. Six portamento models, selectable envelope curves and modeled VCA responses add to the analog feel.
Modulation: five LFOs, four DAHDSR envelopes and six Mod Processors per program, with up to 31 routings per destination and over 1,000 destinations per performance.
Kaoss Physics: gesture-driven modulation that behaves like a ball rolling on a surface.
Motion Sequencing 2.0: separate lanes for timing, pitch, shape and step sequence, with per-lane randomization and probability-based step skipping.
Performances: four program layers with their own settings, Layer Rotate for round-robin triggering of programs, four Mod Knobs, and an arpeggiator that works with Layer Rotate.
Effects: three insert effects per program, plus master reverb and EQ for the whole performance.

Patches can be swapped with the hardware multi/poly. A crossgrade is available for hardware owners.

Source: KORG product page

When to use it

multi/poly native is the pick when you want analog-style polysynth sounds and digital motion in one instrument. Compared with u-he Diva, it gives up some of Diva's focus on exact analog circuit modeling, but adds wavetables, waveshaping, four-layer performances and motion sequencing. It is closer to Arturia Pigments 7 in scope, and reviewers noted the layouts look alike; multi/poly native leans more towards analog character, while Pigments has more synthesis engines. Compared with Serum 2 it is less of a genre-standard wavetable tool, but its layered performances and Layer Rotate suit evolving pads and live playing better. Owners of the hardware multi/poly can get it as a crossgrade.

Best for: rich polysynth pads, layered and split performances, basses, leads and sequenced, evolving patches.
Genres: electronic, synthwave, pop, ambient and film-style textures.
Look elsewhere if: you want a strict vintage clone (Diva, or KORG's own Mono/Poly plugin), a simpler synth with a gentler learning curve (Sylenth1), or a free wavetable synth (Vital).
Tip: start from an initialized patch in the Librarian to learn the engine, and save layer presets so you can copy and tweak a layer across the four slots.

What producers say

Reviewers rate the sound highly; the learning curve and the look of the interface are the main reservations.

Attack Magazine called it a strong contender for plugin of the year, saying it "sounds absolutely incredible" because the code comes straight from the hardware, and praised the drag-and-drop modulation.
MusicTech gave it 7/10, calling it a "powerful virtual analogue engine" with a clear overview of all four layers, and said sound design is easy once you know the interface.
Criticisms: MusicTech found the deeper sequencer and modulation features hard to learn and said it is "not the slickest GUI"; Attack noted Kaoss Physics loses something without a physical pad, and the plugin can't act as an editor for the hardware.

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $199

Tutorials and reviews

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