Korg Multi/Poly - My 2 Cents Korg announced the Multi/Poly as an analog modeling synthesizer. Although I guess the name was chosen to help customers identify it in their 37-key range, I feel it actually does the synth a bit of a disservice. If your goal is to faithfully recreate analog sounds fast or even capture the essence of a Mono/Poly, MS-20, etc., you may find Korg’s newest addition a bit disappointing. But don’t stop reading here! If you approach it with an open mind, you’ll be rewarded with a powerful and versatile sound engine, which can be described as an El Dorado for sound designers. Yes, the Multi/Poly sounds very good - just not necessarily analog. You can get close, but there's still something missing. The Korg Multi/Poly combines analog modeling, West Coast synthesis with a variety of wave-shaper simulations, plus a full-on wavetable engine that can even be expanded with your own wavetables. The filters sound great, also at more extreme settings. Each preset consists of up to four layers (programs), with each program capable of hosting up to four different oscillators (some oscillator models even feature several waveforms at the same time). Doing the math, you can layer and build super-broad pads and fat basses with the Multi/Poly. Numerous LFOs, envelopes, motion sequences, and real-time performance features bring life to the sound. The effects engine sounds great, though I would have liked the option to change the effect order, as you can with the Opsix. In my opinion, its strongest competitor actually comes from Korg itself with the Modwave. If you don’t want or need the option to import your own samples, the Multi/Poly might be the better choice due to its analog modeling and wave-shaping oscillators. If you already own a Modwave and are wondering if the Multi/Poly would add much, I’d recommend checking it out first, as there’s quite a bit of redundancy when owning both. TL;DR: Fantastic-sounding synth (though not necessarily very analog) with plenty of sweet spots and options for deep sound design. The lightweight keyboard feels fine but isn’t much different from the keyboards of other 37-key Korg models. ▶ Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/limbicbits ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly*: www.thomann.de/intl/korg_multi_poly.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Sweetwater): sweetwater.sjv.io/e1vjzj ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Perfect Circuit): link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fkorg-multi-poly.html ▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/ ▶ Online shop with Patch Banks for Ambient, Techno, IDM and Electronica: limbicbits.com ▶ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/limbicbits
@@osands Me too, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. But as I'd describe myself only as subpar-keyboard-player, maybe don't take my judgement too seriously.
These sound great. The multi/poly is a blast for sound design, and you're finding some really great nooks and crannies to dig around in sonically. Nice!
This really made me want to be irresponsible with a fair chunk of money and go buy this synthesizer. The more I see of it, the more I want it, but still not necessarily for the price-tag it has attached to it. Really great demo video, this. Thanks for posting and showing what the multi/poly can do 🙂
@@bigboaby555 I'd be inclined to agree if not for other financial burdens forcing an extra degree of responsiblity on my part, if that makes sense. My perspective is tainted, I suppose
Thanks for a great job as always, this is the way I see this synth, I believe you can't find a great synth for this price. the quality sound is supe incredibly listening in my studio sound so rich even missing few feature but to me the most important is how you can create great sound and you probe it. I was thinking to go with Moog muse but I push the break with this Multi/Poly so great job Korg and Limbic!!!🤩
I have a Modwave (and your patches) and I think the multi/poly sounds beefier/rounder/more defined. I may be wrong, but the Modwave sounds more damp/muffled to my ears. Thanks for the video, you are a reference!
Rather than analogue VCOs, I'd voted for analogue filters. But you can't have everything, I guess. And given all the features, Multi/Poly offers quite a lot.
Thinking about this is the problem that I have with Korg. Why wouldn’t they just make this one 120 voice? They don’t need an mk 2. Just do it right the first time. This is why I’ve never purchased a Korg (until now) because their business model is not consumer friendly. Luckily, I already have a JunoX for large polyphony sounds.
how would you compare multi/poly and (used) novation peak for the same price? maybe a risky statement but seems like not even summit can match the sonic possibilities of m/p? which one you found to be more immediate or pleasant to work with?
Difficult to say, tbh. I do like the Peak a lot but can see the multi/poly as a strong competitor, especially when it comes to deep sound exploration. Both are great to work with but with the multi/poly you'll get a fully featured editor. Peak offers a better sounding filter (matter of taste) but often times has to be tamed a bit in the lower mids to fit into a mix.
I make synthwave music..and looking to get a synth..would you recommend the multi poly for a starter😊. I like your custom patches..please make some synthwave style patches..😊
Synthwave should be no challenge for the Multi/Poly, but since it’s not a genre I’m particularly into, I don’t think you’ll see a sound pack in that direction anytime soon.
Synthwave presets would be based around the presets you'd hear in '80s analogue synths. They are easy to dupe, make sure you use oscillator drift, there are tutorials on doing synthwave patches. Once you've done a handful, you'll start being able to dupe them by ear without the need for someone else to help you.
▶ Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/limbicbits ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/korg_multi_poly.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Sweetwater): sweetwater.sjv.io/e1vjzj ▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Perfect Circuit): link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fkorg-multi-poly.html ▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/ ▶ Online shop with Patch Banks for Ambient, Techno, IDM and Electronica: limbicbits.com ▶ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/limbicbits
My two cents: compared to 1st generation opsix and wavestate, the overall build quality feels better. The plastic case feels a little beefier (different plastic, I think, and the case is definitely re-tooled). The top plate now folding over the back edge gives a little more rigidity, and the wood trim is a nice touch. The knobs and wheels all feel very much the same, but I feel like the buttons feel ever so slightly chunkier. The keybed is better than the originals, but only just -- still a very light action. The physical design of the synth dictates that the hinge point be the same as on the other 37-key models. Okay, that might have been more than two cents ...
I'd prefer this one over the Take 5 but I am not a huge fan of the Prophet-Sound and like the flexibility of the Multi/Poly. But that can be completely different in your case so trust your ears and choose what you like best.
Korg Multi/Poly - My 2 Cents
Korg announced the Multi/Poly as an analog modeling synthesizer. Although I guess the name was chosen to help customers identify it in their 37-key range, I feel it actually does the synth a bit of a disservice. If your goal is to faithfully recreate analog sounds fast or even capture the essence of a Mono/Poly, MS-20, etc., you may find Korg’s newest addition a bit disappointing.
But don’t stop reading here!
If you approach it with an open mind, you’ll be rewarded with a powerful and versatile sound engine, which can be described as an El Dorado for sound designers. Yes, the Multi/Poly sounds very good - just not necessarily analog. You can get close, but there's still something missing.
The Korg Multi/Poly combines analog modeling, West Coast synthesis with a variety of wave-shaper simulations, plus a full-on wavetable engine that can even be expanded with your own wavetables. The filters sound great, also at more extreme settings. Each preset consists of up to four layers (programs), with each program capable of hosting up to four different oscillators (some oscillator models even feature several waveforms at the same time). Doing the math, you can layer and build super-broad pads and fat basses with the Multi/Poly.
Numerous LFOs, envelopes, motion sequences, and real-time performance features bring life to the sound. The effects engine sounds great, though I would have liked the option to change the effect order, as you can with the Opsix.
In my opinion, its strongest competitor actually comes from Korg itself with the Modwave. If you don’t want or need the option to import your own samples, the Multi/Poly might be the better choice due to its analog modeling and wave-shaping oscillators. If you already own a Modwave and are wondering if the Multi/Poly would add much, I’d recommend checking it out first, as there’s quite a bit of redundancy when owning both.
TL;DR: Fantastic-sounding synth (though not necessarily very analog) with plenty of sweet spots and options for deep sound design. The lightweight keyboard feels fine but isn’t much different from the keyboards of other 37-key Korg models.
▶ Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/limbicbits
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly*: www.thomann.de/intl/korg_multi_poly.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Sweetwater):
sweetwater.sjv.io/e1vjzj
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Perfect Circuit):
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fkorg-multi-poly.html
▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/
▶ Online shop with Patch Banks for Ambient, Techno, IDM and Electronica: limbicbits.com
▶ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/limbicbits
Wait so the Keybed is still not great? I thought they made it better?
@@osands Me too, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. But as I'd describe myself only as subpar-keyboard-player, maybe don't take my judgement too seriously.
@@limbicbits Thanks dude. I have the modwave so i'm like hmmm... Nice sounds you made.
@limbicbits when are you dropping these presets dawg!?
Anyone concerned about “analog” sounding, just get bloom eq from oeksound. More analog sounding than running an entire outboard chain on a soft synth
This is the demo that sold me
These sound great. The multi/poly is a blast for sound design, and you're finding some really great nooks and crannies to dig around in sonically. Nice!
The Detroit Chord patch sounds amazing. Love to hear it in a track but without the heavy delay.
Thanks for the demos.
Great soundset. I can’t wait for this synth to be Native VST. Will be a main go-to for designing.
Best Demo of the multi /poly. Lots of Inspiring sounds. Thanks.
This really made me want to be irresponsible with a fair chunk of money and go buy this synthesizer.
The more I see of it, the more I want it, but still not necessarily for the price-tag it has attached to it.
Really great demo video, this. Thanks for posting and showing what the multi/poly can do
🙂
the price is quite reasonable i think
@@bigboaby555 I'd be inclined to agree if not for other financial burdens forcing an extra degree of responsiblity on my part, if that makes sense. My perspective is tainted, I suppose
Some very nice sound here, might give it a further look ✌️
Thanks for a great job as always, this is the way I see this synth, I believe you can't find a great synth for this price. the quality sound is supe incredibly listening in my studio sound so rich even missing few feature but to me the most important is how you can create great sound and you probe it. I was thinking to go with Moog muse but I push the break with this Multi/Poly so great job Korg and Limbic!!!🤩
I have a Modwave (and your patches) and I think the multi/poly sounds beefier/rounder/more defined. I may be wrong, but the Modwave sounds more damp/muffled to my ears.
Thanks for the video, you are a reference!
I cannot wait for the module version
I'm waiting for the module now :D
Any news about this? I looked up and couldn't find any.
@speakingcolors well it won't be out before several months IMO
I think it’s siblings wavestate and such were a year if not more before desktop version
Need this in desktop form, insta buy. Best deal in synths in awhile
1st bit sounds similarish to movie score from Captive by Edge. excellent work!
Thank you very much for this post. 😊 very useful, i'm going to buy this synthesizer
Thx for the video. Probably the best-sounding Korg.
Love your dub patches 👌
I wish they had added 2 VCOs like minilogue xd. Either way it actually sounds quite good for sound design. Atmosphere musicians will go nuts for this.
Rather than analogue VCOs, I'd voted for analogue filters. But you can't have everything, I guess. And given all the features, Multi/Poly offers quite a lot.
This is supposed to have 4 oscillators per patch and 4-part multitimbral, it's crazy enough already, and at much greater levels than Minilogue XD.
Would like to hear more dub and detroit patches with this synth, they sound great
Will get my Multi/Poly this week. When are your great sounds available on your website?
I try to get this one ready within Q1 2025
@@limbicbitsgreat! My fav is sweet arp!! So inspiering! Many thanks
I'll wait for the expanded mk2 upgrade with 120 voice polyphony and colored kaoss pad ;)
Thinking about this is the problem that I have with Korg. Why wouldn’t they just make this one 120 voice? They don’t need an mk 2. Just do it right the first time. This is why I’ve never purchased a Korg (until now) because their business model is not consumer friendly. Luckily, I already have a JunoX for large polyphony sounds.
Why 120 voice ? It's not a workstation ..😂
@@musicx44 Well, they did it with Wavestate... and it is not a workstation.
@@vovatocai No, it's not. It's just the price of it ..Korg Wavestate SE...sorry..
how will you use 120 voice polyphony? serious question
how would you compare multi/poly and (used) novation peak for the same price? maybe a risky statement but seems like not even summit can match the sonic possibilities of m/p? which one you found to be more immediate or pleasant to work with?
Difficult to say, tbh. I do like the Peak a lot but can see the multi/poly as a strong competitor, especially when it comes to deep sound exploration.
Both are great to work with but with the multi/poly you'll get a fully featured editor. Peak offers a better sounding filter (matter of taste) but often times has to be tamed a bit in the lower mids to fit into a mix.
@@limbicbits thank you for your input much appreciated
I make synthwave music..and looking to get a synth..would you recommend the multi poly for a starter😊. I like your custom patches..please make some synthwave style patches..😊
Synthwave should be no challenge for the Multi/Poly, but since it’s not a genre I’m particularly into, I don’t think you’ll see a sound pack in that direction anytime soon.
Synthwave presets would be based around the presets you'd hear in '80s analogue synths. They are easy to dupe, make sure you use oscillator drift, there are tutorials on doing synthwave patches. Once you've done a handful, you'll start being able to dupe them by ear without the need for someone else to help you.
Will it come as softsynth?
Nice sounds btw
I'd very much assume so, given that all other 37 models appeared later as VSTs
Is the phase free run on the oscillators that do not have a phase control?
tbh, I don't know but I would very much assume so.
Got a modwave, wavestate and the vst collection......why should i buy the multipoly?
You shouldn’t, unless you need the new filter algorithms or different envelope settings
You shouldn’t, but I should. 🤗
The basses sound okay but unison on this make super saws sound thin and weak.
Use Dune3 for those supersaws, or any other hardware VA with supersaw oscillators.
▶ Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/limbicbits
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/korg_multi_poly.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Sweetwater): sweetwater.sjv.io/e1vjzj
▶ Purchase Link Korg multi/poly* (Perfect Circuit):
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fkorg-multi-poly.html
▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/
▶ Online shop with Patch Banks for Ambient, Techno, IDM and Electronica: limbicbits.com
▶ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/limbicbits
Nice. How to get these presets?
They're still in the making. I am aiming for a release in Q1 2025 but still need to get ahold of a unit again (details...)
The build quality is the same as Korg Trio?
The keybed features some small weights underneath but other than that, it feels more or less the same. Not bad but no high end, either.
@@limbicbits Thanks for the reply!
My two cents: compared to 1st generation opsix and wavestate, the overall build quality feels better. The plastic case feels a little beefier (different plastic, I think, and the case is definitely re-tooled). The top plate now folding over the back edge gives a little more rigidity, and the wood trim is a nice touch. The knobs and wheels all feel very much the same, but I feel like the buttons feel ever so slightly chunkier. The keybed is better than the originals, but only just -- still a very light action. The physical design of the synth dictates that the hinge point be the same as on the other 37-key models.
Okay, that might have been more than two cents ...
nice video - see you!!
Wow
I want this as a VST, I hope that happens…
I would guess that we can expect a VST within the next 24 months
Are these patches available for download?
Not yet
Soon I hope. 😀
@@limbicbitslet us know when! My multi/poly would is due in 1-2 weeks. 🎹‼️😎
This or the Take 5?
I'd prefer this one over the Take 5 but I am not a huge fan of the Prophet-Sound and like the flexibility of the Multi/Poly. But that can be completely different in your case so trust your ears and choose what you like best.
Sounding LUSH
Too. Much. Reverb.
Never. Enough.
@@limbicbits Neeeever😉!!
I come here for the reverb
@@squarelanguage 😂
@@Oceans_Resurrectionnah, it is…
you make every synth sound same LOL all about same dubchords
It's all about Dub Chords!
Gives a good subtle comparison between the synths. Liking the sound of this one with the Detroit and dub chords