1985 saw the release of the Poly-800 MkII, which featured a digital delay instead chorus fx and included MIDI sysex functions. A new idea way back in the early 80's! In 1984 the rack mount version "EX-800" was released and added MIDI sysex parameters. The Poly-800 could be run off batteries and had guitar strap pegs, letting us keyboard players wear it like a guitar. It also included a "very basic" built in sequencer.
It has three digital envelope generators, a noise generator, a Low Frequency Oscillator and a Chorus FX. It featured one analog lowpass Voltage Controlled filter for all voices. It has eight voice polyphony with one Digitally Controlled Oscillators per voice and can be switched into double mode which stacks two DCOs for a fatter sound, but reduces the polyphony to only four notes. The Poly is velocity sensitive, has aftertouch and holds 64 patches in memory. The Poly 800 was also one of the first synths with Digitally Controlled Oscillators, which are known for a stable pitch and without the usual tuning problems of the Voltage Controlled Oscillators that were on most analog synths produced during the time. There are probably several original Poly's still around with the chip installed so check yours out to see if you happen to have the update.
Korg poly 800 mk ii update#
However, there was a not so well known ROM chip update that you could purchase that once installed gave you sysex capabilities. The Original Poly-800 was one of the first synths with midi, but it did not include MIDI system exclusive parameters and all sounds that were programmed had to be backed up to a data cassette. It was an affordable addition for the studio or live gig and had easy access to excellent analog sounds. was within reach of the average keyboard player. The Korg Poly-800 Series, produced between 19 was the first fully programmable synthesizer that sold for under a thousand bucks.
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