Added Features in the Upcoming Polivoks Clone by Alex Pleninger

See this post for an update from Alex Pleninger on the added features in the upcoming Polivoks clone. You'll find two new pics featuring some of the work the discrete work on the circuit board as well.

Pictured left: Alex Pleninger & Mister Vladimir Kuzmin (the creator of the original Polivoks).

Alex Pleninger & co-author of the project Alexey Taber.

Pricing and Availability of the Upcoming Polivoks Clone by Alex Pleninger

Just in via Alex Pleninger.

"The very first run is ready and the price is defined at $2000. After that the price is going to rise up to $2400."

Note this is a sponsored project and the decision for the price increase following the first run is not Alex's. Introductory price discounts are not all uncommon. The official website with ordering details will follow soon. Until then, enjoy the pics and of course be sure to see the Alex Pleninger label at the bottom of this post for video demos.

Update: Some additional info and new pics below in via Alex:

"All units are and will be hand crafted and made. There're no surface mount components inside, all pcbs use trough-hole design which allows to achieve really vintage flavour in sound and behaviour. Almost 85% of components are rare soviet new old stock. Pots and switches are faceplate-mounted thus very reliable and durable.

The following features were added to the original:

LFO frequency mod, routable from MIDI/CV or Filter EG

LFO additional waveforms (two saws and sine)

RING MOD (beautifully sounding XOR) in Mixer section

bipolar attenuators on LFO mod and Filter EG's depth

overall mod indexes are increased, especially in VCA section

PWM on second oscillator, attenuator and source selector (VCA EG or LFO)

EXT INput acts now as an additional positive feedback loop

thank you,
cheers,
Alex"

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Meet The Inventor of The Polivoks - 33rd Anniversary Campaign

Published on Nov 11, 2015 Андрей Старцев

"This is an official video for the Polivoks’ 33rd anniversary crowdfunding campaign at Indiegogo.

Polivoks - Demo by its inventor Vladimir Kuzmin.

Published on Nov 11, 2015

"This is a demo of the famous Soviet synthesizer - Polivoks by its inventor, Vladimir Kuzmin. If you want to get an original CD, a t-shirt and a large poster signed by Vladimir Kuzmin and personalized with your name, contribute our champagne at Indiegogo."

"Thirty-three years ago in 1982, mass production began of Polivoks, the best Russian synthesizer ever. Today, Polivoks is very popular among musicians all over the world for its unique sound, reliability and great features. Many studios and great musicians use it for their work. Among them are Franz Ferdinand, Rammstein, Godfrap and many others.

Now we have started a crowdfunding campaign so we can release a CD celebrating Polivoks’ 33rd anniversary. It is a superb collection of unique tracks recorded by great musicians from many countries. Most of them were recorded especially for this CD. As a perk, you will get an original T-shirt and a large poster personally signed by Vladimir Kuzmin.

Some unknown facts about Polivoks:

Polivoks was manufactured at the “Vector” military plant from 1982 until 1991, a total of approximately 20,000 units.

The retail price was 600 rubels (around $850).

Polivoks was never exported from the USSR, and it achieved its popularity abroad only after the “Iron Curtain” came down.

One of colour variants of the synthesizer was supposed to be “khaki,” but it was never produced in this colour.

All the knobs on the front panel have dots marked with white paint.

The first batch of Polivoks have knobs occasionally marked with fluorescent white paint, which was used for military equipment.

They were not changed, so several Polivokses have knobs that glow in the dark."

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ПОЛИВОКС - POLIVOKS Analog Synthesizer (1982)

Published on Jul 9, 2015 RetroSound

Watch your volume levels. Resonance peak at :35.

"(c) 2015 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

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
The nice filter that can be switched from low pass to bandpass and two envelopes that can be looped over the AD sections.

This is a functional demo. the musical demo coming soon."

THE HARVESTMAN IRON CURTAIN ELECTRONICS SYSTEM (POLIVOKS MODULAR SYSTEM) NOW AVAILABLE

via the harvestman
Brief audio demo posted here.

"IRON CURTAIN ELECTRONICS SYSTEM AVAILABLE NOW - five systems, first come - first serve - direct from The Harvestman Digital Audio Electronics for immediate shipment. Desktop case by Monorocket, power supply by Make Noise.
The Iron Curtain Electronics system is a modular instrument based on the legendary POLIVOKS synthesizer, created in cooperation with the original instrument designer Vladimir Kuzmin. The Polivoks was the first voltage-controlled synthesizer from the Soviet Union, first manufactured in a military radio factory in 1982 from a special selection of components. It later became notorious in the West for its aggressive sonic character. All modules and system components are compliant with the Eurorack format.

The Polivoks modular voice contains temperature-stabilized sawtooth-core VCOs, VCAs, and ADSR envelopes (two each), combined with a noise source, sample-and-hold, LFO, the famous 2-pole filter, and the suboctave circuit from the LIDER guitar effects processor. To preserve the character of the circuits, NOS electronic components from the USSR were used where appropriate.

The Harvestman has added specialized mixer, multiple, and slew limiter modules for patching these classic circuits into this new modular environment. The Iron Curtain modules have a redesigned user interface towards this goal, with extended controls not available on the original keyboard instrument such as individually patchable outputs, advanced envelope controls, and a plethora of attenuverted control voltage inputs. Packaged in a durable, portable desktop cabinet by Monorocket, the modules sit at a pleasant angle to the performer, with a large flat area on the top of the case for additional modular cabinets or other electronic instruments to be stacked above.
More Iron Curtain Electronics modules will be released in 2015, continuing the work of Vladimir Kuzmin with selections from his vast instrument design portfolio.

PRICE: $2000 USD (plus shipping) . Send an email to sales@theharvestman.org to organize a purchase, please include "IRON CURTAIN" in the subject field.

INCLUDED:
2x HMR1983 Polivoks Oscillator
1x HMR1982 Polivoks Filter
2x HMR1985 Polivoks Envelope/VCA
1x HMR1987 Polivoks Modulator
1x HMR1984 Lider Suboctave
1x Multiple Miggs
assorted blank panels
Quickstart manual pages/faceplate translations
Colored patch cables, 3 different lengths (23 cables total)
utterly delightful embroidered Harvestman insignia badge
Case: Monorocket desktop case, black tolex. 104HP, lid included
Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 12 with lid (inches)
Weight: 23 pounds with lid
Power supply: Makenoise MINI-PWR (AC adaptor works worldwide.)
Room for expansion: 27HP, +750mA +12V, -250mA -12V

*** NOTE: These first systems do not include the pictured KING SLENDER mixer/slew module, available in January 2015 with improved performance. The price has been adjusted accordingly, and early adopters may add this module later at a discounted price."

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The Harvestman: Polivoks VCF Eurorack Synthesizer Module

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

via this auction

"The filter is made via a collaboration with the synth's original designer, Vladimir Kuzmin, and Shawn Cleary of Analogue Haven. The filter circuit is identical to the original design and uses the exact same schematic as the Polivoks synthesizer as well as new old stock Soviet integrated circuits (KR140UD1208 and R140UD608, not Western "equivalents"). A signal mixer and bipolar CV multiplier were added in order to use the filter within the modular realm but no other additions are present. This helps to preserve the unique and unstable sound character without compromising signal flow authenticity.

First sold in the USSR in 1982, the Polivoks was the first voltage-controlled Soviet synthesizer. Boasting an impressive set of features comparable to Western designs, the synthesizer was noted for its extremely aggressive sound, particularly within the filter. Easy to overload, unstable at high Q values, and prone to self-oscillation.

Soviet iron smuggled to the harvestman by axon vox."

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New Harvestman Polivoks VCA Eurorack Module Released

via the harvestman digital audio electronics on Facebook

"Polivoks VCA/Envelope will be released tomorrow, available at Analogue Haven, Control, Control Voltage, and Muff Wiggler (USA) with overseas dealers to shortly follow."

Image via Control Synthesizers and Electronic Devices on Facebook

"A new missing link from the Iron Curtain Electronics system series developed by The Harvestman in collaboration with the original Polivoks synth designer Vladimir Kuzmin. The Polivoks Envelope/VCA is now available and In-Stock.

Free USPS Priority Shipping for continental USA.

http://www.ctrl-mod.com/The-Harvestman-Polivoks-Env-VCA-p/the-harvestman-polivoks-vcaenv.htm"

The Harvestman Kuziminorgel Sub Octave Divider

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

via this auction

"Suboctave divider with wet/dry mix and stability control. This circuit, designed by Vladimir Kuzmin, is a special octave divider circuit which tends to preserve the timbral qualities of the input in the divided signal. It freaks out in interesting ways if the input signal is noisy or contains many inharmonic components, so a stability control has been added to finely tune the nature of its freakout. This circuit was originally used in the Lider guitar processor, formerly available in the Soviet Bloc."

The Harvestman: Polivoks VCG

flickr By Analogue Haven

"Finished! Now this is one that we've been waiting for.

Shown here is a production version of the Eurorack Polivoks VCG, aka the oscillator section of the semi-famous Soviet synthesizer of the same name. The module is made via collaboration with the Polivoks' original designer Vladimir Kuzmin and it uses vintage Soviet parts where possible.

Photo credit: Juliana Jaeger.
LINK to more Harvestman-related build content: www.mobypicture.com/user/julianajaeger/.

The Harvestman just shipped a batch of these modules to us. We expect stock before the New Year. LINK for more info: www.analoguehaven.com/theharvestman/polivoksvcg/."

the harvestman polivoks VCG R-1983 in the flesh

polivoks VCG R-1983

"Sawtooth-core VCO with 1V/octave tracking, manual octave switch, voltage-controllable pulse width modulation, and both linear and exponential frequency modulation. This is a Eurorack packaging of the Polivoks Generator circuit, authorized by the instrument inventor Vladimir Kuzmin. The exponential converter and temperature compensation circuits use original NOS Soviet integrated circuits. The hard sync is very sharp and the distortion on the triangle output is nice."

Pics via Facebook

http://theharvestman.org/

Soviet MAESTRO

via this auction

"It was made in Soviet Union (Russia) by well-known Formanta plant in Kachkanar city. This instrument was created by Polivoks founder Vladimir Kuzmin. Synth has 20 patches in memory, vibrato, chorus, analog filter and arpegiator. There is joystick for pitch/vibrato control. Additional midi input and midi sync for arpegiator were installed."

CLICK FOR MORE »

the harvestman polivoks VCG

via the harvestman

"Sawtooth-core VCO with 1V/octave tracking, manual octave switch, voltage-controllable pulse width modulation, and both linear and exponential frequency modulation. This is a Eurorack packaging of the Polivoks Generator circuit, authorized by the instrument inventor Vladimir Kuzmin. The exponential converter and temperature compensation circuits use original NOS Soviet integrated circuits. The hard sync is very sharp and the distortion on the triangle output is nice."

POLIVOKS Soviet Minimoog Analog synth

via this auction
"Polivoks was designed by an engineering team lead by Vladimir Kuzmin from the Urals Vector Company later built by Formanta Radio Plant in the early 80's.
• This auction synth was made in July 1988 in USSR. Serial Number: 0788009
• Polivoks is one of the most popular vintage synths today because of its history and extraordinary industrial look. Many consider its sound capabilities to be comparable to a MiniMoog.
• POLIVOKS is a polyphonic 2 OSC analog synthesizer. It features a unique set of electronic parts, reliable keyboard (49 notes F–E) made in magnetically controlled contacts; synthesis modules consist of independent boards, which is convenient for maintenance.
• The synthesizer has 2-voices polyphony; each oscillator works with a keyboard note independently.
• Polivoks is housed in an original body of uncommon design with handy controls.
• Two types of filters – bandpass/lowpass and external input for cutoff control.
• Connection on the rear panel : on/off switch, OUTPUT on standard 1/4''jack, INPUT and Pedal input with 5-Din connectors, PHONES with 5-Din connector, power wire connection (220V), fuse (0,5A) ."

POLIVOKS (aka POLYVOX, POLIVOX, POLYVOKS) - Interviews

"For many years Russian Federation has been an isolated economy. Ministry of Culture, for example, wouldn't allow import of foreign instruments and Soviet musicians at the time didn't have a musical instrument that would offer capabilities and sounds of the equipment available to the rest of the world. This had triggered creation of a completely new and unique instrument.

Polivoks was designed by an engineering team lead by Vladimir Kuzmin from the Urals Vector Company later built by Formanta Radio Plant in the early 80's. First commercially available Polivoks was sold in 1982 with the last unit sold in 1990. Polivoks is one of the most popular vintage synths today because of its history and extraordinary industrial look. Many consider its sound capabilities to be comparable to a MiniMoog."

click here for more including two interviews. via Kevin in the comments of this post.

Introducing The Harvestman Polivoks VCF

The mystery module (scroll) revealed.
Now in-stock and ready for shipment from Analogue Haven.
"The Harvestman is proud to present the first widely available modular release of the Polivoks filter circuit. The filter is made via a collaboration with the synth's original designer, Vladimir Kuzmin, and Shawn Cleary of Analogue Haven. The filter circuit is identical to the original design and uses the exact same schematic as the Polivoks synthesizer as well as new old stock Soviet integrated circuits (KR140UD1208 and KR140UD608, not Western "equivalents"). A signal mixer and bipolar CV multiplier were added in order to use the filter within the modular realm but no other additions are present. This helps to preserve the unique and unstable sound character without compromising signal flow authenticity.

First sold in the USSR in 1982, the Polivoks was the first voltage-controlled Soviet synthesizer. Boasting an impressive set of features comparable to Western designs, the synthesizer was noted for its extremely aggressive sound, particularly within the filter. Easy to overload, unstable at high Q values, and self-oscillating with a dirty pulse.



Specifications:
Made in cooperation with Vladimir Kuzmin
Manual and voltage-controlled cutoff frequency
Manual control of resonance
Bipolar CV input multiplier
2-input signal mixer (easily overdrives filter)
Low- and bandpass outputs
Original Soviet integrated circuits - no capacitors used in the design!
Panel size: 10HP"

Click here for more info. via Scott Sebastian Jaeger of The Harvestman as well as bbob.
For more info on the legendary russian synthesizer, the Polivoks, see these posts (be sure to scroll).