ELTA Music Polivoks-8 Polyphonic Synthesizer (Sneak Preview)
ELTA Music shared this sneak preview of the Polivoks-8, an eight-voice polyphonic, dual-VCF, bi-timbral analog synthesizer. They plan to make it available in both desktop and 4U rack-mount formats.
Inspired by the soviet Formanta Polivoks, they say that “the Polivoks-8 combines authentic analog circuitry with modern flexibility and control, delivering a bold, distinctive sonic character for the studio or stage.”
Here’s what they’ve shared about the Polivoks-8:
Features:
- Oscillators – Each of the eight voices features two fully analog oscillators with FM, Sync, and Ring Modulation capabilities, plus a dedicated sub oscillator per voice. Choose from the classic trio of analog waveforms with PWM and fixed pulse options. An analog noise generator provides both white and pink noise.
- Filters – Each voice is equipped with two analog voltage-controlled filters that can be freely routed in serial, parallel, or any blend in between.
- VCF 1: A classic Polivoks-type filter, originally designed by Vladimir Kuzmin for the iconic Formanta Polivoks synthesizer. Built around genuine soviet K140UD12 OTAs, it delivers a distinct character – aggressive, expressive, and alive. It features 12 dB low-pass and 6 dB bandpass responses, controllable input saturation, and true analog FM for deep timbral shaping.
- VCF 2: An improved ladder-style filter offering a 24 dB low-pass response with resonance drop compensation, ensuring smooth, consistent behavior across all resonance settings.
- Amplifier Section – Each voice includes three VCAs: one master VCA plus a stereo pair for pan modulation, enabling dynamic spatial movement and immersive sound design.
- Envelope Generators – Three independent envelope generators per voice are pre-routed to the VCF, VCA, and VCO. Each can be freely re-patched, with multiple curve types available for precise control over contour and its response.
- LFOs – The Polivoks-8 features one global analog LFO (modulated triangle waveform)and eight per-voice LFOs with a wide selection of waveforms – including the ability to create and save user-captured waveforms per patch, offering limitless modulation potential.
- Arpeggiator & Sequencer – Each patch or timbre includes a classic arpeggiator and step sequencer, both fully programmable for intricate rhythmic and melodic motion in bi-timbral mode.
- Joystick Modulation – A built-in analog joystick allows expressive real-time control. Movements can be recorded and replayed as modulation sources or even used as custom LFO waveforms, adding another layer of performance creativity.
- Sound Storage – Store up to 1024 patches (256 factory + 768 user slots) across eight sound banks with 128 patches per bank.
- Connectivity
- Audio: Mono input for external signal processing, stereo main output, and stereo headphone output.
- MIDI: Classic 5-pin DIN I/O/T plus high-speed
- USB MIDI I/O for seamless integration with modern setups.
- Control Panel – The interface features high-quality, 360° endless encoders for all parameters and a dedicated master volume potentiometer. Durable Digitast-type switches ensure a solid, tactile feel. Crisp 3.2-inch monochrome OLED for clear visual feedback rounds the control.
Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.
