Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer

> it sounds very noticeably more hissy to me the mod, and not so much 
"snappy" as just raspy and nasal!

One thing to point out here is that Soundcloud's compression algorithm 
is particularly bad at highlighting things like increased brightness - 
quite often turning them into something nasty. So it's worth downloading 
the file to give it a proper listen to.

 > https://soundcloud.com/synthhacker/korg-polysix-sound-of-removing

Having said that the third sample on that wav file sounds pretty awful 
on one particular voice. Perhaps Chip could upload a more traditional 
bass synth sound with a swept envelope.

It's worth noting that all the mod does is remove the dynamic noise 
reduction low pass filter that the whole instrument goes through. If you 
want your sound to be a little darker as before then simply turn down 
the cut-off frequency just a bit. What the mod does is give you that 
choice - you can now have it brighter if you want where previously you 
couldn't. The Polysix's SSM2044 voice filters are now the ones doing the 
filtering and not having to work against the DNR filtering.

The mod does not significantly affect loud patches with a long attack 
since the DNR filter will be fully open 100mS after hitting the first 
note. Although, by bypassing (or removing) the DNR filter you will have 
less overall noise and distortion within the signal.

But what the mod does do is sharpen the sound of fast transient sounds. 
So plucky sounds will have a lot more life to them.

I can't think of any other synth that has a DNR filter applied to its 
main output when the ensemble/chorus unit is not engaged. The Polysix 
already has noise reduction fitted to the ensemble circuitry so it does 
seem somewhat overkill to install yet another filter on the direct output.

One final point is that if one is fitting the mod like Chip has done 
with the +15V being sent to the envelope follower's buffer then this 
could be done with a switch fitted to the rear panel. Then one can 
engage the DNR filter on the fly.

Tony

http://takla-makan.bandcamp.com/
http://www.oakleysound.com