Korg Poly-61 (1982–1986)
A 6-voice programmable polyphonic synthesizer with DCO-based analog subtractive synthesis and touch-sensitive keyboard
Overview
The Korg Poly-61 is a programmable analog polyphonic synthesizer released in 1982 as the successor to the Polysix. Designed for musicians who wanted to create and modify their own sounds, it offered six-note polyphony with two DCOs per voice and a voltage-controlled 24 dB/oct low-pass filter per voice. It featured 64 programs and a clockable arpeggiator, all for under a grand at launch. The keyboard has 61 full-sized synth/organ style keys with touch sensitivity but no aftertouch, and the unit includes audio output but no built-in speakers or pedals. It runs on AC power and
Specifications
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Key Weight | Synth |
| Key Size | Full |
| Touch Sensitive | yes |
| Aftertouch | no |
| Number of Voices | 100 |
| Polyphony | 6 |
| Sound Generation | Analog (DCO) |
| Keyboard Type | Synth/organ style, full sized |
| Onboard Sounds | 100 programs |
| Sound Editing | no |
| Arpeggiator | clockable arpeggiator |
| Filter Type | Voltage-controlled, 24 dB/oct low-pass |
| Oscillators | 2 DCOs per voice |
| Envelope Generators | 1 ADSR per voice (for VCA and filter) |
| Audio Out | yes |
| Audio In | no |
| MIDI | no |
| USB | no |
| AC Power | yes |
| Batteries | no |
| Speakers | no |
| Sustain Pedal | no |
| Soft Pedal | no |
| Expression Pedal | no |
Design
The Poly-61 uses digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) for improved tuning stability and features a voltage-controlled 24 dB/oct low-pass filter per voice, contributing to its analog subtractive synthesis architecture. Each voice includes one VCA with ADSR envelope control, and the system does not support real-time patch editing through front-panel controls.
Context
Released in 1982, the Poly-61 succeeded the Korg Polysix and was positioned as an accessible, programmable analog polyphonic synthesizer for musicians seeking hands-on sound design without the complexity or cost of higher-end systems.
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Related Models
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