KORG multi/poly Explained
Come along with synth wiz Alberto on a comprehensive journey through the world of the multi/poly, the incredible hardware analog-modeling synth from KORG that packs more under the hood than you can shake a stick at. From its unique Motion Seq 2.0 and Layer Rotation features to the impressive built-in effects, dual filters, Kaoss Physics, and more, it's all covered here in detail, with plenty of demonstrations so you can get an idea of some of this instrument's capabilities. By the end of this KORG multi/poly course, you'll be familiar enough with the multi/poly to start designing your own patches for your very next production. These KORG multi/poly videos are designed for new multi/poly users.
Videos
• Introduction (05:00) - Infused with the bloodline of the legendary MonoPoly, the KORG Multi/Poly is a force to be reckoned with. Join Alberto in his studio and prepare to explore an uncharted galaxy of amazing sounds. The Multi/Poly really represents the next generation of analog modeling, with an engine capable of modeling each Voice Card down to the most minuscule of details. If you want, no two Multi/Poly synths will sound alike. Alberto will take you through all the features and characteristics of this amazing musical instrument, highlighting the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.
• Overview Pt. 1 (07:10) - Before venturing into the synth, let's take a look at what the front panel offers and how the various sections are laid out. Alberto will explain some basic, fundamental features and shortcuts that will make your journey a lot easier.
• Overview Pt. 2 (09:01) - We continue exploring the features of this synth from a bird's eye view. The Multi/Poly does NOT require menu-diving, but there is a lot it packs in such a small form factor.
• Performance Mode (10:29) - The main browser selector hides over eight pages of parameters related to the performance. This is perhaps the most important section of the synth, as it allows you to put your hands directly on the core elements that define a patch. Let's go over all the Performance pages have to offer.
• Utility (11:01) - The Utility section is where all the tweaking and fine-tuning happens. It's important to be well-versed in knowing its pages, as the functions available here prove to be very useful in all you will do with the Multi/Poly.
• Oscillators Pt. 1 (16:48) - It's time to venture into the Oscillators section: four oscillators that range from analog modeling to digital and waveshaping, plus noise and ring modulation. A mixer matrix, tuning and panning, and plenty of morphing capabilities make this section the first bold statement of the Multi/Poly in its sound signature.
• Oscillators Pt. 2 (19:00) - Alberto further explores the oscillators in this video. KORG has taken great care to start on the right foot, as this is also where the legendary sound of the MonoPoly started to shape itself.
• Filters Pt. 1 (16:38) - Join Alberto as he showcases the various filters available in the Multi/Poly with their characteristics and nuances. From the MonoPoly to the MS-20, to "Pro" and "Mini," to a range of classic filters ending with the versatile KORG Multi-Filter, the Multi/Poly can do a lot, times two! It has two filters than can be run in series or parallel.
• Filters Pt. 2 (15:04) - We examine the impressive filters further in this video.
• Envelopes (13:09) - As another example of KORG's attention to detail, not only does the Multi/Poly sport numerous envelopes, but they can also be tailored with additional advanced parameters, such as Delay, Hold, Curve, and Overshoot. Alberto will explain everything there is to know on this section to make your sounds come alive.
• LFOs Pt. 1 (13:45) - Five LFOs with numerous waveforms and advanced parameters help the Multi/Poly be the modulation monster it is known for. In this chapter, we'll explore all the basic and advanced features that will allow you to let the LFOs interact with its assigned destinations.
• LFOs Pt. 2 (12:57) - Alberto continues to explain the myriad LFO functions.
• Amp & Pitch (09:43) - The Amp and Pitch sections are two fundamental areas of the synth, but what makes them even more interesting is the addition of the Drive and Drift functions. The former allows the amp section to be driven from the output of the filters (on top of modeling specific, non-linear VCA behaviors from classic synthesizers), and the second handles all the subtle nuances for oscillator drifting and Virtual Voice Card detuning and subtle discrepancies that push analog modeling to boundaries other digital synths have yet to reach.
• Sync, X-Mod & Portamento (10:18) - Oscillator syncing, X-Mod, and non-linear portamento constitute another important set of features that make the Multi/Poly stand out. Join Alberto as he explains the behavior of each section, leaving no stone unturned.
• Next-Gen Analog Modeling (06:03) - In this video, Alberto takes the time to summarize all the various features that make the analog modeling engine in the Multi/Poly so advanced and unique. Virtual Voice Cards, Drifting, Detuning, Voice Variation, and, finally, the CMT ID combine together to provide the ultimate flexibility in emulating the sound of analog synthesizers beyond what other digital synthesizers have reached.
• Saving Your Presets (05:01) - This is a dedicated chapter on storing and managing your sounds. Alberto explains everything there is to KORG's patch management system, as it was designed in their new line of synths, including the Multi/Poly.
• Modulation (16:01) - Join Alberto for a chapter entirely dedicated to modulation. "Modulating a destination via a source" is really as simple as it gets, yet the Multi/Poly can turn any parameters to function as either a destination or source. There's no limit to the modulation possibilities in this synth; from classic to experimental, nothing is impossible.
• Kaoss Physics (14:45) - A strong feature on many KORG synthesizers, the Kaoss Physics engine, with its heritage on the classic Kaoss Pad, is a zero-latency, organic way to modulate sounds. Alberto explains all of its features in detail here.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 1 (16:25) - A world of its own, Motion Sequencing combines different lanes to design complex patterns for one or more parameters of the synthesizer. Alberto begins his look at this incredible feature in this video.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 2 (14:50) - Four banks of sixteen steps, five main lanes, the possibility of shaping each step with a specific waveform, and many other features make this section a powerful addition to the Multi/Poly.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 3 (09:46) - We wrap up our look at the Motion Seq. 2.0 section here.
• Mod Processors (07:57) - KORG's advanced modulation parameters, the Mod Processors, are even more powerful on the Multi/Poly. These processors will push the modulation possibilities to another level, thanks to their functions. From simple to complex, Alberto will explain them in a very effective and concise way to help you familiarize with one of the synth's most underrated features.
• Effects (11:52) - This synth contains Pre- and Mod- FX, plus dedicated delay lines per layer, a master reverb, and a master EQ, all based on KORG's acclaimed line of effects. From compressors to guitar amps, EQs, bitcrushers, tape delays, ambience or "space-like" reverbs, this FX section alone can take a simple sound and turn it into the most musical and expressive patches you have ever played.
• Arpeggiator (03:53) - Simple and straight-forward, the Arpeggiator on the Multi/Poly combines with everything else (especially the Motion Seq section) to give you classic arpeggiator features that no synth can miss. Let's find out what it has to offer.
• Layer Rotation (06:46) - A fantastic feature in the Multi/Poly, this feature allows your notes to be assigned in round-robin to one or more layers, creating a kaleidoscope of sounds that no other synth can achieve this effortlessly. Layer Rotation alone can be one of the best ways to create complex sounds that mutate constantly, wave back and forth, or drone out endlessly, especially when combined with other features of this amazing synthesizer.
• Chord, Randomization & Help (08:25) - Last but not least, Alberto explores the amazing Chord and Randomization functions. It's really easy to create and fine-tune harmonies on the synth at the touch of a single note, and the randomization features can help you set that window of uncertainty that can spice up any sound or inspire the patch that will kickstart your next song.