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.