Korg Poly-800

Infobox_synthesizer


image_caption=Korg Poly-800 with filter modification
synth_name = Korg Poly-800
synth_manufacturer = Korg
synthesis_type = Analog Subtractive
polyphony = 8 or 4 voices
timbrality = Monotimbral
oscillator = 1 or 2 DCOs per voice
filter = 1 resonant low-pass
attenuator = 3 ADBSSR
lfo = 1 triangle
ext_control = MIDI
memory = 64 patches
fx = Chorus
dates = 1983 - 1987
price = $795
keyboard = 49 keys
left_control = Joystick

The Korg Poly-800 is a synthesizer released by Korg in 1983. Its initial list price of $795 made it the first fully programmable synthesizer that sold for less than $1000. It featured a 49 key non-velocity sensitive keyboard, two buttons for data entry, and a joystick controller, which could modulate the DCO pitch or the VCF. Though the Poly-800 had MIDI, it did not feature MIDI sysex functionality, and patches had to be backed up to cassette tape. It had 8-voice polyphony with one DCO per voice. It could be switched into double mode which stacks two DCOs for a fuller sound, but reduces the polyphony to 4 voices. It featured one analog lowpass VCF which was shared for all voices. Further it had three digital envelope generators, a noise generator, an LFO, and a chorus effect. It also sported a simple built in sequencer. The Poly-800 could be run off batteries and had guitar strap pegs, allowing a performer to wear it like a guitar. It was also available with reversed-colored keys, which gave an appearance similar to a Vox Continental organ.

About a year after the Poly-800 was introduced, a keyboardless, rackmount version, called the EX-800, was released, adding MIDI sysex capability. After production of the original keyboard ended in 1985, the enhanced Poly-800 MkII was released. It featured a digital delay instead of a chorus effect, and included MIDI sysex functionality. It was produced until 1987.

Modifications

The low price for a used unit (in the 1990s it fell to under $200) and partial analog design of the Poly-800 made it perfect for modification by hobbyists. To add MIDI sysex functionality to the original keyboard, the EX-800's ROM chip can replace the Poly-800's ROM chip. Knobs to control the frequency and resonance of the VCF can also be added. There is also a modification that adds knobs for the filter and makes it more expressive, known as the Moog Slayer.

External links

* [http://synthmod.net/korg/moog_slayer/ Moog Slayer Modification]
* [http://www.synthmuseum.com/korg/korpoly80001.html Synth Museum]
* [http://www.vintagesynth.org/korg/poly800.shtml Vintage Synth Explorer]