Polysix

Name: Polysix
Price: 99.99 USD
Author: KORG

by KORG · Synth · Analog polysynth emulation

Not rated yet

A software version of KORG's 1981 Polysix analog polysynth, modeled with the company's Component Modeling Technology.

It expands the original to 32 voices with up to 16-voice unison and adds two multi-effects and 300 presets, for $99.99.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Lo-Fi.

Keywords: hardware emulation, analog, polyphonic, pads, 80s, classic, strings, warm, ensemble, component-modelled, fat, preset-driven, simple, basses, licensed emulation, silky, smooth, circuit-modelled, lo-fi, lush, modern, resizable UI, subtractive, vintage.

What it does

The Polysix plugin is KORG's model of its early-'80s analog polysynth, aiming at "faithful modeling of the Polysix circuitry" with the developer's Component Modeling Technology (CMT). It keeps the simple one-oscillator voice and the original's ensemble effects, and adds more voices, unison and modern effects.

Voice: one VCO, one VCF, one VCA and one envelope generator per voice, as on the hardware, for quick, simple programming.
Classic effects: the original's chorus, phaser and ensemble section, which gives its pads and strings their width.
Polyphony and unison: up to 32 voices, with up to 16-voice unison including detune and spread.
Multi-effects: two added multi-effect processors with 21 types such as compression, EQ, delay and reverb, and 127 effect programs.
Presets: 300 presets aimed at strings, pads and classic sounds, with a program browser and favourites.
Control and interface: flexible external modulation, MIDI clock sync, and a high-resolution interface that scales in six steps for Retina and 4K screens.

Source: KORG product page

When to use it

The Polysix is the pick for warm, smooth pads, strings and chords with very little programming effort. Compared with TAL-U-NO-LX and Arturia Jun-6 V, which model Roland's Juno line, it gives KORG's own early-'80s sound, with an ensemble effect that users single out for rich pads. Compared with Diva it is far simpler and narrower, with one oscillator per voice and basic modulation, but quicker to get a classic patch from. Users note it is weak for experimental sound design and harsh, saturated tones, so it works best as a dedicated pad and chord synth.

Best for: warm pads, string-machine sounds, chords and fat analog basses.
Genres: synth-pop, electronic, ambient and lo-fi.
Look elsewhere if: you need deep modulation or complex evolving sounds; Diva or Pigments 7 go much further.
Tip: pair polyphonic unison with the ensemble effect for especially rich pads, as one KVR reviewer suggests.

What producers say

Users rate it highly for warm, silky classic sounds, while noting its limited scope.

Plugin Boutique buyers rate it 4.8 out of 5 from 50 ratings.
KVR users rate it 4 out of 5 from 3 reviews of older versions, praising "silky strings, lush pads and fat analogue bass" and a very smooth filter.
Criticisms: KVR reviewers found the single oscillator, basic envelope and sine-only LFO limiting for experimental sounds, and said harsh tones need external distortion.

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $99.99

Tutorials and reviews

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