Polymoog

Infobox_synthesizer


image_caption =
synth_name = Polymoog &
Polymoog Keyboard
synth_manufacturer = Moog Music
synthesis_type = Analog Subtractive
polyphony = 71 (Maximum range of keyboard)
timbrality = Monotimbral
oscillator = 2 VCOs
filter = Low-pass filter,
high-pass filter
attenuator = 1
lfo = 1
ext_control = CV/gate
memory = 8 presets "(Polymoog)"
14 presets "(Polymoog"
"Keyboard)"
fx = 3-band EQ
dates = 1975 - 1980 "(Polymoog)"
1978 - 1980 "(Polymoog"
"Keyboard)"
price = $5295
keyboard = 71 keys, velocity, split

The Polymoog is a polyphonic analog synthesizer that was manufactured by Moog Music from 1975 to 1980. The Polymoog was based on divide-down oscillator technology similar to organs and string synthesizers of the time, and this led to a certain lack of flexibility compared to later polyphonic synthesizers such as the Yamaha CS-80 and the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. The polyphonic Moog has velocity sensitive keys. Coupled with a reputation for unreliabilty due to its overly-complex design and fragile construction, the Polymoog quickly became outclassed and even derided in many circles. Nevertheless both versions are capable of making some unique and exceedingly powerful sounds and they should not be dismissed.

The name Polymoog can either refer to the original Polymoog Synthesizer (model 203A) or the largely pre-set Polymoog Keyboard (model 280A) released in 1978. Confusingly, the 203a was originally badged Polymoog Keyboard but this was changed to Polymoog Synthesizer and the Polymoog Keyboard name transferred to the 280a.

The Polymoog features a 71-note, touch-sensitive keyboard divided into three sections with a volume slider for each. The synthesizer also has a 3-band graphic EQ section and a filter modulation section, allowing it to be modulated by its own LFO and sample and hold. Although the user can adjust the sounds of the instrument, the synthesizer also offers presets named "strings", "piano", "organ", "harpsichord", "funk", "clav", "vibes", and "brass".

Although criticised by many for its limited programmability, the Polymoog was successful, and its unlimited polyphony was considered revolutionary upon its initial release. Gary Numan, one of the first successful popular music artists to feature a synthesizer prominently on his records, was also one of the Polymoog's most recognizeable and prominent users employing both versions, most recognisably the Vox Humana preset from the 280a. This searing string sound, especially prominent on the track 'Cars' and most of the album 'The Pleasure Principle', became his signature sound in the late 1970's and early 1980s. (To re-create this sound you must use the 'Direct' output on the Keyboard to bypass the filter section.) A Polymoog is featured prominently in his music video for "Cars" as well as in live footage from his performances on "Top Of The Pops" and "The Old Grey Whistle Test"

The Polymoog Keyboard 280a is a stripped-down version of the Polymoog Synthesizer, although the two are similar in appearance sharing the same case and keyboard. Most noticeably, the right-hand control panel is absent, while the left-hand panel is sparsely populated by just a few sliders, thus giving the user much less control over the sounds. The Polymoog Keyboard does however feature more presets than its predecessor: "vox humana", "string 1", "string 2", "electric piano", "piano", "honky tonky", "clav", "harpsi", "brass", "chorus brass", "pipe organ", "rock organ", "vibes", and "funk". Control over these presets is limited to octave balance, envelope attack, and LFO modulation depth and rate (interestingly, adjustment of these LFO parameters is limited or unavailable on some presets, the factory not wishing the user to make adjustments which would be unrealistic!). The lower two octaves may also be split off to play a separate bass tone, with some control over this tone allowed via a dedicated 'bass filter'. Filter control of the main preset sounds is not user adjustable other than via an external controller.

A separate foot pedal controller known as the Polypedal (model 285a) was manufactured to allow the user to switch between single and multiple triggering and to control the pitch, filter, and sustain parameters.

Notable players

* Wendy Carlos
* Geoff Downes of Buggles and Asia
* John Foxx on his album "Metamatic"
* Freeez
* Gary Numan His albums The Pleasure Principle and Telekon are more or less predominated by the Polymoog.
* Rick Wakeman of Yes, the "Going for the One" album
* Tony Banks of Genesis
* Ralf Hütter of Kraftwerk used up to 2 of these live
* Jimmy Destri of Blondie used the Polymoog on every Blondie album, until the early 80's.
* Cat Stevens used it throughout his album Izitso
* Ryuichi Sakamoto of Yellow Magic Orchestra used world tour and domestic tour live in 1979 and 1980.

ee also

* Moog synthesizer
* Robert Moog
* Moog Music
* List of Moog synthesizer players

External links

* [http://www.dubsounds.com/polymoog.htm Polymoog History & Owners Club at Dubsounds.com]
* [http://www.synthmuseum.com/moog/moopoly01.html Polymoog at Synthmuseum.com]
* [http://www.synthmuseum.com/moog/moopolykbd01.html Polymoog Keyboard at Synthmuseum.com]
* [http://www.vintagesynth.com/moog/polymoog.shtml Polymoog at Vintage Synth Explorer]