Korg iPolysix Review – Bringing Classic Analog Synth to iPad

Type of app: Music app
Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the App Store
Developer: Korg
Description:

?Polysix polyphonic synthesizer, replicated on your iPad
?Use the newly developed Polyseq polyphonic step sequencer to control the Polysix
?A music production environment including two Polysix units, a drum machine, and a mixer
?Dual Kaoss Pads with chordal support make it easy for anyone to play analog synth sounds
?Polyshare powered by SoundCloud lets you publish, share, and remix songs with iPolysix users

Major features: Way back almost 30 years ago I was trying to set up a home electronic music studio. I wanted a great sounding synth, and wasn’t enough of a fan of the Yamaha DX-7 (so I got an FB-01 sound module), nor did I have the deep pockets for a Prophet or Oberheim. So the choice came down to Roland or Korg: the Korg DW6000 or the Roland Juno 106. I had used the Korg PolySix in a college lab and loved the sounds, but it wasn’t outfitted with MIDI and therefore of little use in a modern computer music setup. So I ended up with the Juno 106 (no regrets).

But for years I missed the Korg sound, until I got the Wavestation SR, and later was able to emulate those sounds on the Kurzweil K2000. More recently Korg released the DS-10 and DS-10+ for the Nintendo DS, which were amazing recreations, as was the iPad iMS20. But now with the iPolySix we have a truly classic polyphonic synth with loads of tools that has been fully updated.

Beyond bringing DUAL PolySix sound engines, the iPolySix has two-step sequencers, a drum machine, and a mixer that brings it all together. With the addition of dual Kaoss pads, integration with AudioBus, great SoundCloud integration and more, it is sometimes hard to know where the old ends and the new begins – but that is a great thing, as it allows you to seamlessly integrate this incredible synth into your music studio with ease.

Ease of use/Overall performance: If you had an issue controlling the iMS20, rejoice! Korg has listened and made the iPolySix much better in terms of interface usability. The knobs and buttons and sliders can controlled as linear or rotary pots, and are much better ‘feeling’ than the iMS20. The sound is incredible, as you would expect because this is another faithful recreation of a legendary synth.

Would use again/recommend?: Absolutely! I would buy it again just for the sounds, but the tools and integration make it a must-have or anyone doing music on their iPad.

Suggested changes/wish list for updates: Nothing.

Price: $14.99 (Until January 31st, then price jumps to $29.99)

Here is my hands-on review: