KORG Mono/Poly 4-Voice Analog Synthesizer w/ Tubbutec ModyPoly & HiRes Mods

The KORG Mono/Poly remains one of the most distinctive and characterful analogue synthesizers to emerge from the early 1980s. Originally released as a four-VCO performance synthesizer with both monophonic and paraphonic capabilities, the Mono/Poly developed a reputation for aggressive oscillator sync tones, animated arpeggiator patterns, and unusually flexible oscillator routing that still feels unique decades later.

This example has been upgraded with the Tubbutec ModyPoly and HiRes modifications, significantly expanding the original instrument's polyphonic behaviour, MIDI integration, sequencing capabilities, tuning precision, and live performance flexibility while preserving the unmistakable sound and immediacy of the original hardware.

The core architecture remains deeply appealing: four analogue VCOs, dual envelopes, dual LFOs, onboard effects, CV/Gate connectivity, and the famous arpeggiator capable of cycling through oscillators individually for complex animated sequences and shifting timbral movement.

As heard on records and performances by artists including , , and , the Mono/Poly occupies a space somewhere between classic polysynth, unstable monosynth, and experimental analogue performance instrument.

Original Mono/Poly Features

• Four analogue VCOs
• Monophonic and paraphonic operation
• Oscillator sync and cross modulation
• Two LFOs
• Two envelope generators
• Built-in effects section
• Arpeggiator with oscillator cycling functionality
• CV/Gate and Trigger inputs
• Rich, animated analogue tone with aggressive sync textures and layered detuning possibilities

Tubbutec ModyPoly Upgrade

The installed Tubbutec ModyPoly upgrade substantially modernises the Mono/Poly while integrating tightly with the original panel controls and workflow.

Added functionality includes:

• MIDI input and output
• Sustain pedal input
• Additional play modes:
• 2-voice mode
• 3-voice mode
• Polychord mode
• Extended unison mode
• Powerarp arpeggiator/sequencer functionality
• Sample & Hold LFO
• Fast triangle LFO for filter modulation
• MIDI clock synchronisation
• Arpeggiator triggering control
• MIDI filter and pitch bend control
• MIDI output for:
• Arpeggiator patterns
• Chords
• Powerarp sequences
• Full access to added functions directly from the front panel
• Suitable for live performance without menu-diving or external editors

HiRes Upgrade Features

The additional HiRes modification further expands tuning precision and expressive control.

Features include:

• Fully polyphonic portamento
• Microtuning support
• Custom tuning scales
• High precision pitch bend via 16-bit DAC
• Approximate pitch bend resolution of 0.2 cents

Why The Mono/Poly Still Matters

The Mono/Poly occupies a very particular corner of analogue synthesis history. It is neither a conventional polysynth nor a straightforward monosynth. The interaction between its four oscillators, oscillator cycling arpeggiator, sync architecture, and paraphonic behaviour produces textures and movement that remain difficult to replicate convincingly with modern instruments.

With the addition of the Tubbutec upgrades, the instrument becomes substantially more flexible in modern studio and live environments while retaining the immediacy and instability that made the original so compelling.

More Information

Tubbutec ModyPoly MIDI upgrade. Includes photocopy of user manual.

Found Sound Australia Pty Ltd.
110 Albert St
Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Australia