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Korg Poly-61
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Korg Poly-61

Analog Synth from Korg

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«  A Japanese in sunny California »

Published on 07/09/11 at 10:34
This voice polyphonic synthesizer 6, and with 64 memory is a more traditional architecture, see basic, including comparisons of his contemporaries in the early 80's. Two oscillators, a filter reasoning, an ADSR envelope for the filter and an envelope for the VCA which leaves the choice of two predefined curves. Side modulation, one has to do a simple LFO, which acts on the oscillators and filter. However, an adjustment can defer action. This synthesizer offers features no surprises, and does not engage in large sound experiments. With it, we will find all the classics very typical of a good old analog synth, without more, hence my note to moderate features.

However, it differs from competitors of the time by a fairly comprehensive arpeggiator, and on that side, creativity can speak well.

UTILIZATION

I attribute a good note here in so far as its simplicity allows it to use 100% not even have a manual. Everything is crystal clear, and as the features are pretty basic, it is very accessible to beginners and experienced. However, it is regrettable still Interface type calculator, the setting ranges of small extent, and thus little opportunity to refine really. In short, the Poly 61 is very simple, very clear, but not very subtle. Fans of pots will turn to the Polysix, with similar characteristics, but of a different price these days!

Others may turn to circuit bend ...

SOUNDS

Poly 61 is certainly basic, but what power! How smooth! It's really in this area it defends. It certainly all sounds produced many classic analog synth e nothing more, but he does very well. It's round, it's hot, there's the texture ... The secret: the SSM type oscillators, like the first Prophet 5, not EMC, much more common. The sound is quite "square" on the whole, and beyond the setting of the pulse of the square offers a choice harmonic greatly appreciated. Clearly, the Poly 61 to a big sound very Californian, and may issue sounds absolutely in tune with the times vividly. In this area, a fully dressed Nord Lead, or any VST ... and not bother to pick up a gas plant type Karma, Triton, Motif or other ...


For their part, the envelopes are very fast, ideal for percussive sounds very "fit in", or sounds more chrystalines.

For groundwater, the texture is rather cumbersome, less air compared to what can be achieved with a 800 Poly or a DW 6000 or 8000 from the same period, to stay in the same brand.

The filter of the 80 Korg is known for its good quality, however, the resonance does not reach self-oscillation, unlike that of the filter DW 6000 or 8000.

OVERALL OPINION

A month ago I restored my 61 Poly recovered down, and now it works perfectly. So I'm not tired explores: Despite its simplicity, it is really nice, is fun to play with. That's fifteen years, I had already had on hand and I had good memories, and my impressions of that time are confirmed today by the pleasure I find it. His character, his sounds are very good at attaching an instrument.
I have a set of synth 25 years old on average, and the Poly 61 is refreshing. Korg in the family, I also have the Poly 800 and the DW 6000, along with a DX 7 II, 600 of a Prophet, a Pro One, and a Siel DK-80
In almost twenty years, I was under the fingers quite a few instruments ...

Proposed at very affordable prices because in the shadow of the Polysix, Poly 61 provides an opportunity for powerful sound "American" without splitting. A gem for those seeking the analog, and power. Also recommended as a first synth to his weapons, for example, with an instrument that can keep anyway.