Drum AtlasKorg Polysix
Six analog voices, 32 programs and effects that expand simple sounds.
Korg released the Polysix in 1981.
- Voices
- 6
- Keys
- 61
- Sound design
- 1 VCO / voice
- Introduced
- 1981
Sound & character
The Polysix has one VCO per voice, with pulse-width modulation and a sub-oscillator. Filter, envelope and effects shape the sound. Poly plays chords; Unison combines six oscillators for a single line.
Model & versions
Korg released the Polysix in 1981. This dossier covers the original 61-key, six-voice instrument. Current Polysix software and the PolysixEX engine are later digital interpretations.
How the sound works
Choose a section and discover what it does.
Oscillator
Each voice starts with a VCO. Pulse width and sub alter the starting sound.
What to checkCompare saw, pulse and PWM.
Open the manual ↗Explore in depth
Direct control
The knobs put oscillator, filter and envelope within reach. Start with effects off to hear changes from the sound source itself.
Poly or Unison
Poly allocates six voices to played notes. Unison uses the six VCOs together. Compare a chord in Poly with a single melody in Unison.
Effects as part of the patch
Chorus, Phase and Ensemble settings can be saved in programs. Hold the same note and switch effects to assess movement and width.
Programs and arpeggios
The 32 programs can be edited and backed up to cassette. The arpeggiator has three directions and Latch. Ask about backups and request a memory and arpeggiator demonstration.
Try listening yourself
A short listening exercise on the instrument. Use a copy of your sound and change one setting at a time.
- Compare the same note with sub-oscillator off and on.
- Compare Chorus, Phase and Ensemble without changing other settings.
- Play a chord in Poly, then a melody in Unison.
An editorial exercise, not our own listening test or a built-in audio demo.
Specifications & sources
- Keys
- 61
- Voices
- 6
- Sound source
- 1 VCO per stem + sub
- Program memory
- 32
- Effecten
- Chorus / Phase / Ensemble
- Arpeggiator
- Up / Down / Up & Down
- Gewicht
- 11,5 kg
Sources checked: 7 October 2026.
This dossier covers the original hardware. Controls and technical data are based on manufacturer documentation; buying checklists are our editorial suggestions. No in-house listening test or valuation.
Experiences & questions
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One oscillator per voice, six voices and a chorus that widens the sound.
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