Korg Polyphonic Ensemble S

Back in the mid-1970s, this synth pioneered full polyphony across every key with three dedicated oscillators per note, delivering lush, organic layers that defined cosmic rock and ambient soundscapes for bands like Tangerine Dream and Jean-Michel Jarre.

Housed in a rugged metal-and-wood flight case perfect for gigging, it spans a 48-note non-weighted keyboard with 61-voice polyphony for chords without voice stealing. The analog subtractive engine crafts four preset voices—Strings 1/2, Chorus 1/2, Brass 1/2, Pipe Organ 1/2—blendable in pairs, shaped by simple Attack/Sustain envelope, detune for Osc 2/3, Bass/Treble EQ knobs, and a stellar phaser for that shimmering '70s motion. Stereo outputs (dry and phasered), headphone jack with dedicated volume, and expression pedal input round out the pro-grade I/O, all without MIDI but built like a tank.

Players cherish its unique, characterful tones—thicker and more animated than typical string machines thanks to the multi-osc design—though some note the limited editing keeps it preset-focused rather than endlessly tweakable.