Poly-61 History — Korg

Poly-61

1982–1986

TheKorg Poly-61(PS-61)is ananalog synthesizermanufactured byKorgbetween 1982 and 1986. It was the first affordable synthesizer to feature two oscillators per voice, and was Korg's first synthesizer to feature digitally-controlled analog oscillators (DCOs). The Poly-61 marked a significant departure in design philosophy from previous Korg synthesizers by replacing the traditional array of dedicated control knobs on the front panel with a digital interface that required users to select parameters individually for adjustment.

OverviewThe Korg Poly-61, released in 1982, brought six-voice analog polyphony to an affordable price point. This programmable synthesizer replaced the earlier PolySix's knob-per-function interface with membrane buttons and a single parameter slider, reducing cost while maintaining sound capabilities. The Poly-61 made analog polyphony accessible to a broader market.
The instrument featured two DCOs per voice, a resonant low-pass filter, and basic chorus effect. The 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard supported expressive playing. Patch memory allowed storing 64 sounds, a significant advantage over non-programmable competitors.
Korg manufactured the Poly-61 until 1985, selling it alongside the related Poly-800. The Poly-61's affordability and decent sound made it popular among first-time synthesizer buyers and remains a budget-friendly entry into vintage analog synthesis.