Polysix by KORG analog polysynth plugin interface

Polysix: Analog-Modeling Polysynth Plugin by KORG

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (50 ratings)

Polysix is a software synthesizer plugin from KORG that models the circuitry of the 1981 Polysix analog polysynth. It is available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

KORG's Polysix plugin recreates one of the company's best-known analog synths, released in 1981 with six polyphonic voices. KORG describes it as a refined version of its 2004 software Polysix, updated for modern production. The plugin uses KORG's Component Modeling Technology (CMT), which models the transistors, capacitors and resistors of the hardware rather than only the output sound. The interface supports high-resolution Retina and 4K displays.

Best for

Analog string sounds
Pad textures
Retro polysynth leads
Chorus-heavy ensemble pads
Vintage-style keys

Developer: KORG
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models the circuitry of the 1981 Polysix analog synth using CMT
Simple 1VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA and 1EG architecture
32-voice polyphony with up to 16-voice unison
Detune and spread controls for unison
Chorus, phaser and ensemble effects built in
Two newly added multi-effects
300 new presets plus the previous Legacy Collection presets
Program browser with type filtering and favorites
Flexible external modulation and MIDI clock sync
High-resolution interface for Retina and 4K displays

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Polysix Plugin

The original Polysix has a simple architecture with one VCO, one VCF, one VCA and one envelope generator, and KORG says its built-in chorus, phaser and ensemble effects are a key part of its sound. The developer highlights the instrument's strings and pads as its signature sounds.

KORG says CMT reproduces the complex range of sounds and parameter behavior of the hardware. The plugin also adds 32-voice polyphony and unison of up to 16 voices with detune and spread controls, along with flexible external modulation and MIDI clock sync.

Presets, Effects and Interface

Polysix includes 300 new presets alongside the presets from the earlier KORG Legacy Collection version. The new program browser lets you filter sounds by type, and you can save favorites for quick recall.

Two new multi-effects were added. KORG lists 21 effects, including compression, EQ, delay and reverb, plus 127 ready-to-use effect programs. The interface has been redesigned for high-resolution displays and offers six levels of scalability.

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 Polysix support?

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

What do I need to run Polysix?

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

Is Polysix based on the original hardware?

KORG says Polysix is a faithful reproduction of the 1981 Polysix hardware. It uses KORG's Component Modeling Technology to recreate the circuit signal path rather than only the output sound.