Ahead of the 2025 NAMM Show, Korg has introduced the multi/poly module, a new version of the multi/poly that can be used as a desktop or rackmount synth.
The Korg multi/poly, introduced in late 2024, is a new synth in Korg’s opsix/wavestate format that offers 60-voice polyphony, three types of oscillators, Kaoss Physics, Motion Sequencing 2.0 and more. Its look is inspired by the classic Mono/Poly synth, but the new synth is an analog modeling synthesizer with polyphony and features that go far beyond the original.
Korg now offers module versions of all of each of their compact keyboard synths:
The new KORG multi/poly Module offers all of the multi/poly’s features and sounds. but in a compact desktop/rackmount package, making it a better solution for users that already have plenty of keyboard synths, or that prefer to use a keyboard controller with an extended keybed.
Here’s the official intro video:
Next-level analog modeling
Each voice has a Virtual Voice Card whose oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, and portamento circuits model analog hardware component variations. The result is that each voice has a slightly different character, creating naturally rich timbres. You can dial in as much or as little of this variation as you like, and same this per sound.
Just like in an analog synth, the voice cards also continue to ‘play’ even if you’re not hearing them. Envelopes keep evolving, so that if you play a pad with a long release time, newly played notes “catch” the envelope at its current level instead of restarting from zero. Oscillators and LFOs maintain their phase, and resonance continues to ring. Each oscillator’s pitch can also drift slightly over time, modeling the slight pitch instabilities found in analog hardware.
Envelopes are an often-overlooked factor that contributes to the unique sounds of vintage synths. The multi/poly module includes envelope curvature presets for the Mono/Poly, MS-20, “Mini,” “Pro,” ARP Odyssey, and more. Also, analog VCAs don’t respond evenly to voltage, and have different thresholds for turning on and off, which in turn has a strong effect on the Amp Envelope’s character. So, the multi/poly module features modeled VCA responses from the Mono/Poly, MS-20, Mini, Odyssey, and Pro, as well as a linear option.
Classic analog synths had different approaches to portamento, too, and so the multi/poly has six different portamento models to choose from.
MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange and Polyphonic Aftertouch support
All models of multi/poly, hardware and software, support MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange and easy access to Polyphonic Aftertouch.
Rack-Mount and Desktop
The multi/poly module is designed for both desktop and rack-mount use. The front panel is redesigned to fit into a standard 19 inch width, and the rear jack panel is recessed to allow easy access to cables even with gear mounted directly above.
With desktop setups, brackets offer a choice of panel angles: flatter for performing standing up, or more upright for working while seated in your studio.
Pricing and Availability:
The Korg multi/poly is available now to order, with a street price of around $850 USD.
so does Korg shoot their load early? or are there big synths yet to come?
Korg generally makes their biggest introductions of the year the week before the NAMM Show.
A couple of companies do this, so that their news doesn’t get buried in the crush of announcements during the show.
Sorry to be the one saying this…..but I think you are loosing it a bit? Mono/poly?
Yes they announced the desktop version of Mono/Poly not too long ago. That would fit with synthhead’s statement
We’re always ‘loosing’ it!
ok thanks. i don’t really pay attention to all the trade nonsense. so, i guess Prologue II isn’t happening then. the SDK2 junk got my hopes up, but it seems it was just the last gasp.
sigh, i give up. time to tear into the internals of the only one we do get. reverb, here i come!
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i will say, it’s times like this i fully appreciate Behringer’s commitment to open innovation. i like knowing what products are coming, then i can plan. this guess and hope stuff is lame.
I appreciate the module versions a lot. If I wasn’t ITB now, I’d have 2 or 3 from this line. The engines are seriously impressive. All the juice, none of the cheapo keyboard klatter.
One good thing is that the keys offer release velocity. People holler for poly AT a lot, but release gives you a lot of that organic goodness.
I am watching this module. It looks very tempting.
I have a few questions.
I see Midi 2.0 mentioned, but is that MPE?
There are lots of filters and envelope settings. How close are they?
I would love to see someone do a deep dive on the Multi/Poly: best Mini Moog impressions, best Prophet impressions, best OB inpressions. Etc.
It’s my understanding that MIDI 2.0 will be spec’d to allow MPE
But this seems to be something else? MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange
Loopop says some stuff about it here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9S5ML0J9lM
Yelling TITLE! is kind of like yelling FOCUS! during a movie in the school auditorium. It’s a cultural thing.
That being said, i got really excited thinking it was a monopoly module.