Polysix vs Polivoks

[ianjhicks]

been offered a trade for my beloved korg polysix.. do you think I should go for it? I've got plenty of 80s analog polys (juno 60, sci p600, jx3p) but no russian duophonics!

[Solderman]

Give the Polivoks a good thorough test workout. Mine had all kinds of issues not advertised by the seller, and it still has nearly a dozen or so issues today that may never get fixed. If you decide to get it and need technical advice, contact me or VSE user deeplodok.

It's more or less in its own category, and every 'voks is a bit different than the next one. Definitely an acquired taste. Lots of quirks in common with all models too, like the knob rotation is only about 40% used for the majority of them and the keys are somehow both mushy and clacky, yet quite playable for solos.

[ianjhicks]

he says it has some issues but everything is working, i think its mostly just a little dinged up cosmetically.. i've got access to a really great tech too so i think i could get it worked on if need be. do you think the resale/trade value is that of the polysix? (my polysix is in really good condition) I've watched the jexus video, is that the general sound of the synth? sounds pretty cool, aggressive, raw, and the filter is crazy

[Solderman]

If you listen to the mp3 demos at Jexus' website, you will hear it sounds different than the one in the video, because he has more than one. They really are slightly unique from model to model. And they ALL have problems eventually, so best to expect it and be pleasantly surprised when the majority of things are working. Hard to say about price comparisons without getting subjective. The seller wants what he wants, and it's up to you to decide if you want it badly enough for that price. Same old market rules.

The Polivoks does have admirable versatility, but it's bulky, not as well built as it looks and as I mentioned, it's quirky. It is missing some features common on other monosynths though, like oscillator sync, envelope modulation of pitch, low frequency mode for either oscillator, CV/Gate inputs, pulsewidth modulation and no modwheel or pitch bender.

[ianjhicks]

this one has the cv/gate mod which is pretty nice.. yeah i think playing around with it will be the deciding factor.. are there unique features on the polivoks that you really like?

[Solderman]

Well the saturated nature of its filter is the main draw-in, that goes without saying. I think the 6db slope bandpass filter character is unique and to my liking. Fattest sounding square bass I've ever heard! I can't speak for duophonic sounds because mine has pitch tracking issues, so duophony never tunes right past a few notes apart. The duophonic demo sounds I've heard are pretty cool, though. Mostly it's a pain in the arse to use, but rewarding once you get your head around the quirks.

Another plus for me is that it's pretty easy to do certain mods and repairs. It came to me with CV/Gate inputs added, but I've since also added envelope modulation of pitch, frequency modulation of filter and amp(from both VCO 2 and external audio in), filter CV input as a 1/8th inch jack, low frequency mode for VCO2, and an internal adjustment for filter keyboard tracking.

Mine has a terrible flaw in that both VCO's slowly but continually drift in pitch tracking. Not so bad for noises, but an absolute torture for making melodies. This isn't a common failure though, so hopefully this one for sale won't have it.

[MitchK1989]

Just thought I'd chime in to say that if the 'saturated nature of its filter' is your main draw in, you may want to check out how the harvestman sells that filter in module form (supposed to be doing the oscillator at some point too)

[Virgil]

I won't compare the features, but in Russia, you could buy a Polyvox for $300-500.

[GuyaGuy]

I won't compare the features, but in Russia, you could a Polyvox for $300-500.

In Soviet Russia, Polyvox pays for YOU!

/outplayed meme

[Solderman]

I certainly feel like mine is trying to play me sometimes.

Here is an example of me playing it: