MonoPoly by KORG analog-modeling synth plugin interface

MonoPoly: Analog-Modeling Mono/Poly Synth by KORG

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (28 ratings)

MonoPoly is a 4-VCO analog-modeling synthesizer plugin from KORG, based on the Mono/Poly that launched alongside the Polysix in 1981. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

MonoPoly is KORG's software version of the Mono/Poly, a synth that combined the company's earlier analog designs into one instrument. The original offered a monophonic sound built from four oscillators, with a polyphonic mode that was rare and expensive at the time. This plugin revisits that design with KORG's Component Modeling Technology, which rebuilds the hardware's signal path digitally, and adds a scalable interface and two new multi effects. It is aimed at producers who want the Mono/Poly's sound and behavior inside a modern DAW.

Best for

Analog bass synthesis
Lead and unison sounds
Chord-based pad playing
Retro synth textures
Modulation-heavy sound design

Developer: KORG
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models the Mono/Poly circuitry using KORG's Component Modeling Technology
Four VCOs with sync and cross-modulation
Four key assign modes: Unison, Chord, Original and Poly
Up to 128-voice polyphony and 16-voice unison
8-way virtual patches with 159 modulation sources
Two multi effects offering 21 switchable effect types
High-resolution interface with six scalability levels
300 presets plus a template function for basic sounds

03In depth

Sound Character and Oscillator Design

The Mono/Poly is known for four voltage-controlled oscillators, each with a dedicated envelope generator for the filter. Oscillator sync and cross-modulation are central to its tone, and KORG says the plugin reproduces these behaviors through its CMT approach.

Rather than simulating only the output sound, KORG describes CMT as modeling the transistors, capacitors and resistors of the hardware and recreating the signal path digitally. The developer says this reproduces the parameter interactions that the original is known for.

Key Modes, Chord Memory and Modulation

The four key assign modes give the synth its name. Unison stacks all four oscillators on one voice. Chord memorizes a chord structure so it can be played with one finger. Original spreads the four oscillators across four voices, and Poly stacks all four oscillators per voice for polyphonic playing.

The 8-way virtual patch system offers 159 modulation sources and up to 35 destinations. The two multi effects, Distortion and Feedback, include 21 switchable effect types in total.

Interface and Workflow

The interface has been redrawn at high resolution for Retina and 4K displays, with six levels of scalability. Patching and other parameters are laid out for quick access.

The plugin includes 300 presets, and you can save favorites for instant recall. A template function provides a set of basic starting sounds for building patches from scratch.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	KORG
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does MonoPoly support?

MonoPoly is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run MonoPoly?

On Mac, you need macOS 11 or later and an Intel Core i5 or better, with Apple Silicon supported natively. On PC, you need Windows 10 64-bit or later and an Intel Core i5 or better. Both platforms require 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended), 8 GB of free disk space, and an internet connection.

Is MonoPoly a faithful copy of the original Mono/Poly?

KORG says the plugin reproduces the sound and parameter behavior of the original Mono/Poly using its CMT modeling method. The plugin is based on a 2007 software version that KORG has since refined.