Kvintet (1986) - Discovering USSR Analog Synthesizer

video upload by LFOstore

"Russian analog synth Kvintet was developed by Vladimir Kuzmin, author of famous Polivoks.
Its a preset synth with special detune function - it osund like a grandpa of JP-8000's supersaw

In this demo we are showing fully repaired unit by our masters Alex & Dmitriy: https://lfo.store/synth-repair/

Small amount of Valhalla Supermassive used

Enjoy!"

Cherry Audio | Filtomika - A Filter to Atomize Your Sound

video upload by Cherry Audio

Press release follows:

December 17, 2024 -- Cherry Audio has unveiled its latest music production innovations, the Filtomika Effect Plugin and the Cherry Audio/MRB Filtomika Module Collection for Voltage Modular, building on the legendary Polivoks synthesizer and the multi-mode filter from Cherry Audio’s recently released Atomika synthesizer.

Filtomika Filter Effect Plugin

The Filtomika plugin offers an entirely new experience for audio processing. With Mark Barton’s expertly crafted circuit-modeled DSP, Filtomika extends the sonic boundaries beyond Vladimir Kuzmin’s original programmable op-amp filter design with features like:
Extended waveforms for its syncable LFO modulator: ramp, sawtooth, triangle, square, noise, and random (sample & hold).
Expanded filter response modes, including highpass, notch, and peak, in addition to standard lowpass and bandpass modes.
Atomika’s unique Starve, Filter Drive, and Amp Drive controls for a broader creative sound palette.
An envelope follower that allows the relative amplitude of input signals to control cutoff frequency for wicked auto-wah effects.
The Filtomika plugin allows users to process a wide range of audio sources, such as drums, guitars, synthesizers, and vocals. Whether aiming for subtle alterations or radical, otherworldly results, Filtomika delivers.

Additional features include a user-friendly preset browser with over 30 production-ready presets. It offers comprehensive MIDI control and DAW automation, including intuitive MIDI mapping capabilities. Filtomika is suitable for both mono and stereo sources, as an insert or bus effect, and the plugin is provided in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.

Filtomika is available for just $19 at cherryaudio.com and from authorized resellers. Registered owners of Atomika purchasing Filtomika directly from Cherry Audio receive an exclusive 20% discount ($15) at checkout. A free 30-day trial ensures users can explore all that Filtomika offers risk-free.

Filtomika Module Collection for Voltage Modular

Also available is the Cherry Audio/MRB Filtomika Module Collection, designed exclusively for Cherry Audio’s popular Voltage Modular virtual modular platform. The collection includes:
Filtomika Module and Poly Filtomika Module, with poly-style I/O for deeper modulations.
Over 50 presets designed for patch categories like Arpeggios, Basses, Pads, Leads, Polys, and more.
Available exclusively through Cherry Audio for only $15, the Filtomika Module Collection provides a flexible way to integrate Mark Barton’s astounding Atomika filter designs into the modular workflow.

Cherry Audio’s new Filtomika releases are ideal for producers and sound designers looking to reshape their sound with the unpredictable results found in Atomika, already celebrated for its grit, character, and powerful sonic impact. Whether integrating Filtomika into a DAW-based production or using it in the virtual modular format, these innovative tools promise to bring similar dynamic and savage results to the broader sonic world beyond synthesizers.

Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details and system requirements, as well as an extensive collection of preset sound demos for both Filtomika and the Cherry Audio/MRB Filtomika Module Collection for Voltage Modular.

Polivoks FAEMI-M Soviet Vintage Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

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video upload by Universal Audio

via this auction

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Update: The listing has the FAEMI-M as being from 1968. It seemed a little early to me so I checked my copy of Peter Forest's The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers. It's listed but without a production date. Right before the entry for the FAEMI-M is the FAEMI children's keyboard which was released in 1972. I then checked http://www.ruskeys.net, but no date is given either. Previous posts refer to the FAEMI-M being from the 1970s. Sound on Sound's article on the Polivoks mentions the FAEMI-M but w/o a date. If anyone defininitively knows, feel free to leave a comment. A couple of interesting comments from that Sound on Sound article:

"The Polivoks is a duophonic synthesizer designed by Vladimir Kuzmin, an electronics engineer who had been the bass player and sound engineer in his student band. Having graduated in 1976, he was inspired to apply for work at the Urals Vector Company by the inventor of the FAEMI, the first commercially successful Russian electronic keyboard. That man was Vladimir Lugovetz, the Director of the bureau that controlled development of electronic instruments at the Vector company, and the father of Kuzmin's future wife."

Followed by "Interviewed by Polish synthesizer enthusiast and supplier Maciej Polak, in 2003, Kuzmin explained: "My first task was to design the spring reverberator, but I also tried to improve the design of FAEMI‑M in order to obtain some modern effects such as portamento and filtering."

Auction details:

"So, the good news: All four oscillator generators are working; I have cleaned the potentiometers, and only one couldn't be fixed, and just one is slightly crackling on movement. I replaced the output jacks with the standard 1/4" jack.

Things I couldn't fix: The vibrato section is not working. Several keys are not working at all, and some of them work when pressed harder.

The external original power supply is unusual – it is combined with the scale pedal in one housing. The pedal works, but it also has a slight crackle on movement.

To see and understand the objective condition, I recorded a video. Please watch below, where I aim to show the specific condition of the device. Despite the problems, it is still alive, and I believe you can either repair, sample, or simply enjoy the time with such an old and unusual synthesizer, even in its current state. Of course, due to these reasons, I have also objectively reduced the price.

The package is fully loaded: synthesizer, original power supply/volume pedal, original 5-Din cable to connect the pedal to the synth, power cable for the power supply, original wooden hard case

Here is some official spoecifications:

Specifications:

Keyboard volume - 4 octaves.

Full sound range (all the registers are switched on) - from F in the controctave to E in the fifth octave.

Output voltage at the load of 100 kOhm - not less than 0.1 V.

Power supply:
-from an external DC source - 12 V +10\-20 %;

Power consumption from AC mains - not more than 15 W.

Current consumed from the battery of dry elements - 350 mA.

Overall dimensions - 610*280*110 mm.

Weight - not more than 10 kg."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elta Music PM-02 Polivoks-M

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

You can find a demo of the Elta Music PM-02 Polivoks-M here.

"46 HP Eurorack Module w/ original box and documentation. Includes power supply ribbon cable.

Full synth voice with classic Polivoks circuits
Variable-shape LFO with two simultaneous outputs
Classic, snarling Polivoks filter with BP and LP modes
ADSR envelope with optional looping mode
Full modular integration with CV inputs for pitch, cutoff, VCA, and PWM
Direct LFO, VCO, Suboscillator, Envelope, Noise, and Master audio outputs
Designed in collaboration with Vladimir Kuzmin, developer of the original Polivoks"

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Behringer Polivoks Prototype

You might remember back in 2021, Behringer shared that they were working with Polivoks creator Vladimir Kuzmin.

Here's an image of the prototype in standard Behringer desktop & eurorack format.

"Two years ago Vladimir Kuzmin and Behringer entered into a collaboration to develop a new Polivoks synthesizer. Here now is the latest prototype, which is now undergoing thorough testing and hopefully the approval of Vladimir."

Formanta Maestro & Roland CR-78 Demo

video upload by Carambolage

"All sounds generated on Formanta Maestro synth (except percussion, which is Roland CR-78).
No midi, all sounds played by hand on Maestro. Multitrack recording + some FX in a DAW."

Formanta Maestro Demo (dry sound / checking all the fuctions)

video upload by Carambolage

"Designed by Vladimir Kuzmin (the engineer who created the famous Polivoks synthesizer). Manufactured at Ural Vector Factory, Soviet Union, sometime in the late 80s."

Interesting pitch bend.

Polivoks Pro (Reissue) full demo

video upload by manmade madman

"[[[ Поливокс ]]]
In 2017, the Polivoks Pro was announced and began shipping. This was a joint effort between Alexey Taber and Alex Pleninger, with supervision
from the original creator, Vladimir Kuzmin.
It was designed from the original schematics using NOS Soviet parts, and handmade.

Only 100 units were built.

This is a demo of my unit, which I feel is currently the best Polivoks version available. I am controlling it via CV/Gate from the SH-101.

There is no external processing whatsoever.

Normally I run the SH-101 thru the input of the Polivoks. During the video, the SH-101 volume was off. When no cable is inserted, the highest left knob controls input gain. Part way through the video, I remove the cable.

0:00:00 Intro!
0:01:50 raw oscillators in drone mode
0:03:11 LFO modulation
0:03:20 Pulse Width Modulation (only on OSC 2)
0:04:35 Portamento
0:05:25 White noise through filter
0:05:40 Bandpass filter
0:06:23 Looping envelopes
0:07:30 Sequenced
0:09:09 An Accordion?
0:11:30 FM from audio rate LFO
0:12:50 A thick bassline
0:13:30 something something bassline2
0:15:10 same thing, but make it triangle, cross mod FM
0:15:51 back to drone, Sample & Hold
0:17:35 make it squelchy
0:20:00 make it acid
0:21:38 Pull the input cable, showing internal feedback
0:22:58 finally, a new sequence
0:26:46 Looping envelopes
0:28:00 Lets turns everything on max!

While this is intentionally not a musical demo, it is an overview of most of the features. It should demonstrate to you what it could sound like and whether it fits your music. This is not for everyone, but I still feel this is the best version available today. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Previously in 2013, I made this demo with an original Polivoks: [posted here]

Later in 2015, I made this demo of the Harvestman/Industrial Music Electronics Polivoks Eurorack modules: [posted here]"

Polivoks Creator Vladimir Kuzmin Teams up with Behringer

Another synth legend joins Behringer. You might recall KORG's Hiroaki Nishijima joined back in 2019. PPG's Hermann Seib joined in 2020. Luigi Scarano of fingersonic joined back in 2019 as well as Mode Machines Michael Thorpe. Robin Whittle of Devilfish fame almost worked out a deal to bring the Devilfish mods to the TB-3 but that fell through and Behringer moved forward without him. Not sure what the story was behind the Jasper WASP and then there's the Swing. It is interesting to see who is willing to work with Behringer and who isn't. You might recall Behringer sued Dave Smith Instruments/Sequential along with 20 forum members, they threatened to sue an online publication, and they created the Cork Sniffer. That said, here's the news:

"Vladimir Kuzmin and Behringer announced today that they have entered into a collaboration to develop a new Polivoks synthesizer.

Vladimir Kuzmin stated: “With great interest have I followed Behringer’s Vision to bring back iconic synthesizers and make them affordable for musicians. For all my life, I have been extremely passionate about synthesizers and I decided to contact Uli to see if Behringer would be interested to design a new Polivoks as I would love to see my legacy live on.

I designed the Polivoks in 1980 at the Urals Vector plant in Russia, while it was produced by the Formanta Radio Factory. The Polivoks has features that are very unusual on most analog synthesizers, which creates this very unique and distinctive sound, often referred to as “Russian synthesizer sound”. For many years it has been my dream to create a new and much improved Polivoks. Uli’s synthesizer Vision provides a fantastic opportunity for me to contribute to the reimagining of my Polivoks and to make it accessible to everyone - a Vision I profoundly believe in and want to be part of.”

Uli Behringer, commented: 'It’s an immense honor to have Vladimir Kuzmin on our team as he is a legendary synth designer. We are extremely proud, we could win him for our ambitious Vision.
This partnership demonstrates again that we welcome collaborations with boutique inventors and manufacturers, as we believe we can perfectly coexist and complement each other. We invite anyone interested in a possible collaboration to contact us at joinus@musictribe.com.'

Here is a great article about Vladimir Kuzmin and his amazing Polivoks story."

This Soviet synth is A E S T H E T I C

HAINBACH

"In which I demo the Maestro synthesizer which was made in the Soviet Union in 1986. The brainchild of synth genius Vladimir Kuzmin, it combines digital and analog sound generation in a most hauntingly beautiful way."

SOUNDMIT 2020 - Vladimir Kuzmin - The Polivoks Story - Interview

SOUNDMIT

"We interviewed Vladimir Kuzmin together with Giulio Curiel of New Musical Instruments. Inventor of the Polivoks and other Russian synthesizers in the 70s and 80s, we hear from his voice the story of those incredible years"

SOUNDMIT 2020 Coming This November 14 & 15

This year's SOUNDMIT 2020 is going virtual. The event begins on Saturday November 14. Videos will of be going up here on MATRIXSYNTH. Above are two playlists featuring guests and exhibitors. Many exhibitors will be giving discounts. Keep an eye on the SOUNDMIT label on the top left of the site for posts.

THE GUESTS

Roger Linn interviewed by Robin Vincent, Dave Smith interviewed by Soundmit and Felice Manzo (LEMI), Suzanne Ciani interviewed by Johann Merrich, Hainbach, Paolo Synthmania live session and Q/A, Tulpa Dusha live modular session and Q/A, Chris Meyer of Learning Modular live session and Q/A, Roby Facchinetti (POOH) interviewd by Danilo Ballo, Riccardo Mazza workshop about “Soundtrack for Silent movie”, Vladimir Kuzmin interviewed by Giulio Curiel.

THE EXHIBITORS

At the time of writing, over 60 exhibitors have joined the event, the full list will be available on website in the coming days and will be constantly updated. The PERFORMERS

We will also have a substantial live music section with internationally renowned musicians including

Benge
Doug Lynner
Illusion of Safety

thanks to the partnership with Modulisme.info together with the artists of
Torino Modulare
Milano Modulare
Genova Modulare
Sideshape Recordings

https://www.soundmit.com

Vladimir Kuzmin on the Maestro Soviet Synthesizer

vladimir kuzmin

The creator himself. As most of you know Vladimir Kuzmin was the man behind the Polivoks. Click here for additional posts featuring his name.

PutinTheBall

Published on Mar 14, 2020 vladimir kuzmin

"In 2018 there was World Football Championship in Russia and several matches were held here in Ekaterinburg . One day one man asked my friend to come to me to see Polivoks and that man was from Costa Rica. I thought he was latinos but I was surprised to see european man more over he was Belgian. He was sound engineer invited to organize sound translation from our arena. Well I show him Polivoks, saw his rounded eyes then he simply took Polivoks in the hotel (it was Saturday) and on Monday he sent to me audio file with the track Putin The Ball that he recorded in the hotel. This Belgian is Jeff Claeys and he is engineer and producer at Elstudio in Costa Rica www.elstudiocr.com and of coarse composer and musician. In this track you hear Polivoks, effects, voice. I like this track. And now this Polivoks lives in this studio among Moogs, Prophets, Hammods and ohers."

Formanta POLIVOKS. Soviet synthesizer 1982. Bass Line. Modified

Published on Mar 4, 2020 oRangeOfSound

"Formanta POLIVOKS. Soviet synthesizer 1982. Bass Line. Modified

All sounds
made by Formanta POLIVOKS.
*Expect Drums
**Music by oRangeOfSound

#Formanta #POLIVOKS is a monophonic analog synthesizer created by Vladimir Kuzmin in 1982.
* #modified :
- midi
- 2 sub-oscillators per oscillator (vol., normal/inverted phase, -12/-24 semi.)"

Vladimir Kuzmin Master Class on the Polivoks Synthesizer

MasterClassEnglish Published on Mar 2, 2020 vladimir kuzmin

"Original video Master Class was created 3 years ago and was in Russian. All this time I got request from many English speaking people to repeat it in English because they want to know more about the Polivoks. So this is my responce. But to create absolutely new video is not good vecause that original video is as full as possible in details. So I decided to record new sound track with both original speech and my version of English text. This is better (may be not) then to write sub titles. Waiting for your responce. Thank you."

Polivoks VCF from Industrial Music Electronics (fka The Harvestman)

Published on Mar 1, 2020 CatSynth TV

"Explore the Polivoks VCF, part of the Iron Curtain Electronics series from Industrial Music Electronics (formerly known as The Harvestman).

0:00 Intro and history
0:34 Basic functionality
1:42 CV control (After Later Audio Pique envelope)
3:00 Extended jam with Ableton Live (CV Tools + drums) into Polivoks VCF

Additional modules used:
Sputnik Dual Oscillator
After Later Audio pique (bouncing-ball envelope mode)
Noise Engineering Sinc Bucina (VCA)
Expert Sleepers ES-8 (audio and CV from Ableton Live)
Mordax DATA

For more information, please visit http://www.industrialmusicelectronics...

'A legendary analog filter design available at last in your modular system,the original circuit from a classic Russian analog synthesizer designed in cooperation with its inventor Vladimir Kuzmin.Tthe 2-pole filter circuit now has simultaneously available low- and band-pass outputs. From the pleasant saturation of bass frequencies when overdriven, to the satisfyingly unstable self-oscillation, this filter design is utterly unique. A 2-input audio mixer and some modulation inputs have been included for patching convenience.'"

Mini Polivoks Modular (5 Eurorack modules from The Harvestman)

Published on Jan 22, 2020 poorness studios

"It took me a few years to find all these modules on the used market, but I managed to put together a Eurorack Polivoks clone. All 5 modules are from The Harvestman (Industrial Music Electronics) and were designed by Scott Jaeger in conjunction with Vladimir Kuzmin (the designer of the original Polivoks synthesizer). This modules are housed in a 4MS Pod48X. The original Polivoks synthesizers were made from 1982-1990 by the Formanta radio factory in Russia. They are sought after for their unique sound that came from the Soviet-made electronic components."

ПОЛИВОКС синтезатор POLIVOKS Synthesizer (1982) *Мишка в плохом настроении*

Published on Dec 15, 2019 RetroSound

"(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer track by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

all synthesizer sounds: #Polivoks Analog #Synthesizer (1982)
drums: E-MU Emax samples
recording: multi-track
fx: reverb and delay

Polivoks Duophonic Analog Synthesizer
Made in #USSR 1982-1990

Designed by Vladimir Kuzmin and produced at the Formanta Radio Factory in Kachkanar
2 VCOs, FM, 2 ADSR, Glide, 2 LFOs, ADSR loop function,
The nice filter that can be switched from low pass to bandpass and two envelopes that can be looped over the AD sections."

POLIVOKS VINTAGE DUOPHONIC USSR SOVIET ANALOG LEGENDARY SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Polivoks (also occasionally referred to as the Polyvox; Russian: Поливокс) is a duophonic, analog synthesizer manufactured and marketed in the Soviet Union between 1982 and 1990. It is arguably the most popular and well-known Soviet synthesizer in the West, likely due to the uniqueness of both its appearance and sound.

The Polivoks was designed at the Urals Vector plant, but actual production was handled at the Formanta Radio Factory in Kachkanar, Russian SFSR. It was intended to appear and sound similar to American and Japanese synthesizers from companies such as Roland, Moog, and Korg. The Polivoks was engineered by circuit designer Vladimir Kuzmin with the appearance of the instrument influenced by his wife Olimpiada,[2] who took inspiration from the design of Soviet military radios. Its retail price upon release was 920 rubles and over its lifetime around 100,000 Polivoks were manufactured - sometimes with a production rate of up to 1,000 units a month. But accordingly to information shared by Vladimir Kuzmin only 200-300 Polvokses were produced per month. It means that total number cannot be more than 32000.

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ПОЛИВОКС синтезатор POLIVOKS Synthesizer (1982) *Мишка*

Published on Oct 28, 2019 RetroSound

(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer track by RetroSound

all synthesizer sounds: #Polivoks Analog #Synthesizer (1982)
drums: E-MU Emax samples
recording: multi-track
fx: reverb and delay

Polivoks Duophonic Analog Synthesizer
Made in #USSR 1982-1990

Designed by Vladimir Kuzmin and produced at the Formanta Radio Factory in Kachkanar
2 VCOs, FM, 2 ADSR, Glide, 2 LFOs, ADSR loop function,
The nice filter that can be switched from low pass to bandpass and two envelopes that can be looped over the AD sections.