In the latest episode of Bad Gear, AudioPilz dismantles the Korg Multi/Poly with irreverent flair. This virtual analog synth might look like a Frankenstein project gone wrong, but it could just surprise you with its range and capabilities. Hold onto your seats for a wild ride through waves, filters, and folding oscillators like you’ve never seen.
Welcome to the Broken Bakery
In classic AudioPilz fashion, the episode kicks off with a cheeky intro about the “world’s most-hated audio tools.” This time, he’s setting his sights on the Korg Multi/Poly, a virtual analog synth that seems like it escaped from a lab experiment gone wrong. Described as a Raspberry Pi in disguise, the Multi/Poly has more features than a dodgy kebab has ingredients. At first glance, it promises a mix of chaos with a techy twist, reminiscent of late 90s synthesizers yet brimming with modern quirks.
"This virtual analog synth and Raspberry Pi in disguise asking you politely to take it out of its misery not only looks like an AI-generated picture-to-CAD rendering conversion process gone wrong, it also comes with more features than a marketing blurb can handle."
© Screenshot/Quote: Audiopilz (YouTube)
A Synth that Packs a Punch
"All this will be put through a dual filter section which according to the manufacturer has been rewritten you can run it in stereo and in addition to the usual suspects you will find other classic models like the new sam style algorithm."
© Screenshot/Quote: Audiopilz (YouTube)
As the review unfolds, we find ourselves drowning in technical details about oscillators, filters, and wavetables. Four oscillators, each vying for attention, can be synced and modulated, promising a throbbing sound spectrum. AudioPilz doesn’t shy away from comparing these features with Korg’s famed classics, noting how they reshaped the filter algorithms to create something strangely addictive. The modulation matrix offers a playground for Eurorack enthusiasts, allowing for truly experimental setups. This segment paints the Multi/Poly as a formidable instrument for the fearless, the ones who don’t mind chasing the analog dragon amidst digital mutterings.
Wading Through Waves
Next on the menu is the section dealing with modulation wizardry. The Multi/Poly invites users into a twisted realm of sound design through a comprehensive FX section and modulation processes that include both the tried and true and the wildly unorthodox. There’s a nod to vintage sounds with the ‘Leslie warbles,’ and a flippant jibe at its plasticky interface, which apparently needs to be mastered to craft those polished tones suitable for live jams. AudioPilz seems to revel in the complex dance between the gear’s plastic look and its stunning audio capabilities, a juxtaposition that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Cheesy but Satisfying
AudioPilz then shifts gears to examine the instrument’s user interface and performance in real-world scenarios. The software editor is highlighted as a saving grace for those who’d rather not wrestle with the hardware. The Multi/Poly, with its zero-waste packaging, rivals even some top-tier drum machines in producing cinematically rich tones. Between its downtempo jams and faster BPM explorations, the synth proves it can adapt to various styles. The UI might appear a bit archaic, but like a culinary surprise from your favourite chippy, it delivers more than expected once you’ve sunk your teeth into it.
"Feel free to download the official editor software and maybe even save a few hundred bucks and opt for the plugin version."
© Screenshot/Quote: Audiopilz (YouTube)
The Grand Finale
"Multi Poly sounds like a modern plug in because it is it is steep versatile and although it comes with a certain learning curve it is less intimidating than its more specialized siblings."
© Screenshot/Quote: Audiopilz (YouTube)
To wrap things up, AudioPilz renders a verdict on the Multi/Poly with his signature dry humour. Despite acknowledging a learning curve and a few frustrating quirks, he finds the synth’s versatility quite compelling. Compared to its pricier counterparts from the Korg family, this rascal holds its own in the jam sessions and studio setups alike. It’s like a Marvel flick you didn’t expect much from but left feeling oddly satisfied. AudioPilz cheekily points out it may not be ‘the product nobody asked for,’ hinting that true fans might just find a place for it in their setup.
This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/audiopilz-dreht-bei-korg-multi-poly-durch/
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