Korg PS-3200

Back in 1978, this beast delivered 48-voice polyphony in a fully analog world where most synths topped out at a handful of notes—making it a game-changer for lush, orchestral layers that no Prophet-5 could touch.

At its core, each of the 48 voices packs two voltage-controlled oscillators, a low-pass or bandpass filter, a single envelope with attack, decay, sustain, and release options, plus two LFOs for modulation depth. Controls are pure semi-modular joy: pull knobs out to tweak, push them back to store in one of 16 onboard patches, with a quirky 7-band graphic EQ stepping in where earlier PS models had resonators for that signature warmth. The hefty 37kg frame splits into a main PS-3200 unit, PS-3010 keyboard controller, and rare PS-3030 remote for live patch switching, all wired via PS-3001 cables; add Korg's ensemble effect for instant chorusing and a stereo out for massive sound. Switchable power supply keeps it versatile across voltages.

Owners cherish its thick, detunable unison tones and unmatched polyphonic heft, often calling it a "unique machine" with endless depth—though its tank-like weight and hand-built rarity (fewer than 200 made) demand respect and restoration love.