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Some might consider the Korg PS-3100 synthesizer as an oversized MS-20. But this polyphonic instrument is – like its monophonic colleague – in a class of its own. Korg’s PS-series might include the best and most creative polyphonic analog instruments ever made (along with Yamaha’s big CS-synthesizers, of course). No other machines offer such characteristic and distinctive sounds.

The PS-3100 Analogue Synthesiser has monstrous polyphony - one built-in VCO, VCF, VCA, and EG for each of the keys on the keyboard for a total of 48 synthesizer circuits and polyphony! There is no Ring Modulator or "tremolo modulator"; it has only 12 (divide-down) VCOs; there are 2 LFOs; and patch memory didn't exist in 1976.

The PS-3100 has a rich sound despite its single VCO (triangle, saw, square waves, plus PWM) and its LPF is warmer than the MS synths. The Resonator (3 bandpass filters) can create formants and phase effects. LFO1 has a range up to 1khz, multiple waveforms, and can create FM effects using AM, which is continuously variable right up to Ring Modulation. There are 2 EGs - one polyphonically affects the VCA and LPF, the other (General Envelope Generator) is universal and paraphonic. The GEG can also be widely used as a modulation source. It has12 scaling controls for non equal-tempered intonation. There is an Ensemble for 70s style string patches and an extensive patchbay. 

From the standpoint of uniqueness, there will never be an alternative to the Korg PS-series. At least not without the same constructural extravagance. And in all probability no synth company will ever again produce anything similar to these wonderfully complex and intuitive instruments.

The PS-3100 is a massive 48-voice analog synth with resonators (triple resonance bandpass filters), a flexible patchbay and with a uniqueness all its own.

Specifications

Polyphony: 48 voices

Oscillators: 12 VCO's

Effects: 3-band EQ

Filter: 3 Typical resonant VCF (filters)

VCA: 3 Envelope generators (without release)

Keyboard: 48 keys

Memory: None

Control: CV/GATE

Manual

Download Manual