Do you need a complex poly synth - or just polyphony and FX?

video upload by Richard DeHove

"There are few synths more simple than the Solina, but can it be extended from its one trick? Can it do what real poly synths do, or at least cover some of the territory by using external effects? And if it successfully delivers a range of bid pad sounds then can interesting little mono synths do the weird stuff and your need for a flagship poly finally end?
After a short intro burble I demo a range of sounds using the Strymon Mobius, Shift Line Astronaut and Erica Synths Acidbox III. They certainly move the Solina out of its usual zone but can't really overcome the lack of envelope control. OTOH the pad thing is well covered. It it enough to end Big Poly GAS?

0:00 The only bit of talking
1:09 Rotary
1:40 Formant
1:52 Bit crusher
2:50 Chorus
3:44 Filter & res
4:24 Env follower
4:48 20dB gain
5:20 Drive
6:40 High res
7:20 Metal
8:10 Envelope
8:37 Drone
9:25 Thick

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