The fantastic and unique sound of the Polivoks Synthesizer

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-22 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

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all synthesizer sounds: Polivoks Synthesizer (USSR 1982)
drums: Simmons SDS-8

The Polivoks is my favorite analog mono synth. Inspiration and Sound on high level.
Here can you find the full Polivoks playlist with a lot single sound demos and one synth demo tracks.


RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since january 2007.
Everything is free. If you like my work, you can also support me with the purchase of my merchandise (shirts, bags, mugs, stickers) Thank you!"

The Polivoks playlist:

New Erica Synths Acidbox II

Erica Synths ACIDBOX II demo

Published on Dec 18, 2015 Erica Synths

"Erica Synths ACIDBOX II sound circuit is built around rare Russian ICs, that were used in the original Polivoks synthesizer back in 80-ties, therefore you get that famous analogue sound, insane resonance sweeps and straight forward, hands on control."

via Erica Synths:

"This is second edition of Erica Synths ACIDBOX that brings you emulation of widely recognized classical Russian synthesizer Polivoks Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF), packed in small desktop unit and enhanced with features for contemporary electronic music performances.

Erica Synths ACIDBOX II sound circuit is built around rare Russian ICs, that were used in the original Polivoks synthesizer back in 80-ties, therefore you get that famous analogue sound, insane resonance sweeps and straight forward, hands on control. ACIDBOX II has significant improvements compared to the first version: redesigned LFO with the new waveforms and audio rate modulation capabilities, built in analogue noise generator, balanced output and many others.

LIMITED OFFER PRE-SALE PRICE TILL DECEMBER 31 - 200EUR

Final price when presale ends - 250EUR

+21% VAT for individual customers in EU without EU VAT registration number
Shipping in EU - 10EUR, elsewhere in the world - 15EUR


Features:

Voltage Controlled Filter inspired by Polivoks VCF architecture
Integrated circuits used in the original Polivoks
Balanced output
Internal white noise generator of unique design
Internal LFO - 6 waveforms and inverted waveforms
Audio rate modulation
TAP tempo
External sync for LFO frequency
Divide and multiply LFO frequency (can multiply/divide ext. sync too!)
Tap tempo and LFO output indication LEDs
Universal power supply included

Technical specs:

Input signal level…………………20V ptp
External CV level………………….20V ptp
LFO frequency…………………..0,1Hz – 60Hz
Audio modulation frequency…….20Hz – 620Hz
Power supply: 110 – 220V
Mass: 0,7kg
Dimensions: 185x140x55mm"

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Moog Minimoog vs. Formanta Polivoks Synthesizer - sound battle

Published on Nov 12, 2015 RetroSound

"(c) 2015 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

the battle ;)
Moog Minimoog (USA 1978) vs. Formanta Polivoks (USSR 1982)

The Polivoks is no Minimoog copy!
The MM has three VCOs and the PV two of them. The PV has a lowpass and a bandpass filter, loop envelopes, auto trigger, a LFO with different waveforms and a lot more features.

This demo video only show the character of the two synths with near indentical sound programs.
I used not VCO3 in the Minimoog and not the bandpass filter in the Polivoks.

Both are fantastic synths with unique sound character."

Harvestman Polivoks VCF Demo via Navs

via Navs:

"I've added a demo of the Harvestman Polivoks VCF to the Patch of the Day thread at the Canecutters' forum.

Two minutes of manual frequency FM with the Polivoks being modulated by a Plan B Model 15 VCO. Very Metal.

Expect a full review in the Modular Lab soon.

Cheers,
Navs
--
LINKS:
MadVlad (Polivoks VCF demo)
Patch of the Day
Modular Lab"

Erica Synths Polivoks Mixer Clone

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

via this auction

"Erica Synths Polivoks MIXER clone module emulates original soviet’s Polivoks MIXER behavior. It is 100% analogue, it has much wider setting range and greater stability. Polivoks MIXER clone module has a factory build by Erica Synths."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland AX7 Gone Russian

via Don Philippo of Heimatkapelle die Darmstädter Hübsch:

"My good friend Reinier Borst introduced me to the beauty of this Russian vintage
synth a few weeks ago. I've been planning to have my beloved AX7 customized for quite a while, but I could never come up with a proper theme until I ran into this Polivoks video.

Although the Soviets had keytars such as the Junost-21, I found the overall design of the Polivoks way more appealing.

To get an idea of what my pimped AX7 would look like, I did some Babelfishing and Photoshopping to come up with the 1982-Soviet-collage. Like the real Polivoks, I want all the print on the casing to be in Russian. At the moment I am getting in touch with some Russian fellow Roland Clan members to help me out translating all the text bits on my AX7's case (link, huge jpeg alert) into proper Russian, since I found out online translation services don't know diddley about keytars.

As for me: My name Don Philippo and I'm in a band called Heimatkapelle die Darmstädter Hübsch (see http://www.hubsch.nl or http://picasaweb.google.com/dphilippo if you don't speak Dutch). The guy who is gonna help me do the makeover is Ernst Fliek. He will (have one of his guys) do the paint job. Some kind of matte black would be nice, but we have to pick a color true to the original Polivoks yet. After that we will try and fit my Kenton Midistream wireless MIDI transmitter unit into the empty spaces inside the AX7 and connect it to the AX7's battery unit. Ernst's decal guy will then turn my AI-files into proper lettering, apply it tho the AX7's body and give it a heavy duty transparent coating.

The project is planned for this summer, although funding issues might push the project towards Christmas;-). I'll let you know of any progress."

Polivoks - Russian Analog Synth From the 80's Demo

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Published on Apr 9, 2013 shane etter·31 videos

"Here is a demo I made of my Polivoks before selling on ebay to demonstrate the functionality. You can also get a feel for the sound, as I have recorded the audio discretely. No effects, compression, or reverb, AS ALL GEAR DEMO'S SHOULD BE"


via this auction

"For sale: recently serviced and upgraded Formanta Polivoks analog mono synth.

This synth works perfectly and has been professionally tuned and calibrated. While it was in the shop, I also had them put in a typical US power supply and 3 prong IEC power cable. The 200V transformer will be included in the sale. It has also been given the CV/Gate update so you can use it with CV converter. The back plate, which covers the CV/gate mod, will be included. It has been tuned here, but it may need tuning when it arrives safely at your home. The outer shell will come with this, but it is not as pristine as the keyboard is. It will ship in its protective case though. There were a few opamps that were replaced, as the noise wasn't working well. Also, OSC2 had issues with the Saw/Tri wave. This was fixed with parts close enough to the original specs. The only issue with the keyboard is that when left on longer than about 20 hours, it doesn't make a sound anymore. Turning it off and on again brings it right back though, so I don't consider this a real issue.

This Polivoks, unlike most I've seen, has still got nearly white keys. A lot of the older ones have yellowed keys. Cosmetically, I would give this an 8 out of 10, for minor dings and scratches, but everything is intact and works perfectly. This is one of the few of these that has made it stateside and is in this condition. As you can see and hear, it sounds like a monster, unlike any synth I've ever had--- and I've had most of them!"

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Waldorf Pulse with Selector + Russian Filter: Demonstration of Function and Polyphony

video upload by Virtual Music

"Selector is our new add-on for the Waldorf Pulse to integrate the Russian Polivoks Filter in a comprehensive way. Now..
- each user program holds its individual filter mode
- the filter mode is selected with the new alternate function of the "Resonance" parameter
(Shift + Rotary Pot #4).
- the display shows the filter mode
- MIDI CC #74 changes filter mode, used for stacking more Pulses or remote MIDI controlling

More information about Selector and the Russian Polivoks Filter: http://www.virtual-music.at/en/waldor...

00:00 Intro: 2x Pulse with Russian Polivoks Lowpass + Alesis DM5
00:12 Change Filter Mode with Rotary Pot (alternate Function “Resonance”)
00:35 Save different Filter Modes to various Programs
01:00 Select various Programs and listen to different Filter Modes immediately
01:13 MIDI remote controls Filter Mode
01:36 Programs with different Filter Modes
01:52 Configure Pulse for Polyphony (3 notes)
02:14 Selector forwards the complete Program (incl. Filter Mode!) to Slave Pulses

Used Equipment for this Video:

Synthesizer: Waldorf Pulse
Filter: Virtual Music´s Russian Polivoks Filter Upgrade
Operating System: Selector V3.0
Effects: Dynacord DRS 78 (Delay) and Alesis Quadraverb (Reverb)
Drums in Intro: Alesis DM5

MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE WORLD: PLEASE MAKE MUSIC – NOT WAR!"

ERICA Polivoks VCF clone teaser

Published on Jan 13, 2014 EricaSynths·2 videos

"ERICA Polivoks VCF clone, using original Russian ICs. Demo by Erica Synths teamrider $KODEK. Sampler (MPC 1K) is playing the beat in background, Gameboy is running LSDJ (music software) wich is filtered trought ERICA POLIVOKS VCF tabletop in first part and eurorack module module in second part of this video.Polivoks filter has very harsh and almost nuclear charteristic to it. It will turn your gameboy, cheap casio kid keyboard or any synth in to monster analog acid mutant in no time. Eurorack version will be available as DIY kit end January, desktop version is in prototyping stage and will be available end February.

www.ericasynths.lv"

Four Waldorf Pulses w/ Polivoks Filter Mod & Stereoping Controller Racked

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

via this auction

"This listing is for 4 Waldorf Pulse, 1 Stereoping Programmer, and 3 new Virtual Music Polivoks Filter kits. Everything works great. All 4 Waldorf Pulse have been upgraded with new final OS 2.01 EPROMs. The 3 Polivoks filter kits have not been installed. These filter kits are made with Russian NOS parts, they will only be in production until parts last. You can polychain these Pulse to make a massive 4 voice polyphonic synthesizer. The Stereoping Programmer can be used to control many other makes of synthesizers not just the Pulse. Stereoping also sells different face plates for the Programmer to match the gear you are controlling.

This link is a interview with the creator. He gives you information about the new updates his filter gives the Pulse. At the very bottom of that link are great sound examples of the Polivoks Pulse in action."

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SOVIET ACID // 2 POLIVOKS VCFs SIDE BY SIDE // ERICA SYNTHS // HARVESTMAN

Published on Apr 27, 2017 LESINDES

"ACID soviet style: 2 POLIVOKS filters for DOEPFER side by side behaving acid like.
ERICA SYNTHS BLACK POLIVOKS VCF and HARVESTMAN POLIVOKS VCF assisted and drive by ARTURIA BeatStep Pro and DrumBrute."

Elta Music Polivoks Filter 2 SN 017

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

via this auction

"Gives the ability to run anything through the legendary Soviet Polivoks Filter and LFO. The Polivoks Filter-2, from Elta Music, utilizes the classic Soviet filter chip for a unique filter tone. This model includes original modula- tor (LFO) block from Polivoks Synth. There is a new controller called Wob Fader. It controls Filter Cutoff Freq using CV. Wob Fader has it’s max values on the sides, and minimum CV is at the centre. It can mimics scratching effects. Thanks to four available Filter modes (LP/BP/HP/Notch) device can dramatically change your source signal. Made in Russia"

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Polivoks VCO, LFO Knob

via this auction

for those with a knob fetish

"The Polivoks synth is rare socialist moog like madness! The sound is fantastic rich and warm – 100% pure analog machine! It was made in period of 1982-1990 and sold in Russia (then USSR).

The Polyvox (Polivoks) is a duophonic analog synthesizer, with a 49-note (13F-E) keyboard. It features two VCOs, a noise generator, one LFO, a filter (low-pass and bandpass), and two ADSR envelope generators. VCO1 can be cross-modulated by VCO2. Each ADSR can be switched to auto-trigger, each with independent rates.The sound is quite rich and somewhat harsh and aggressive. This is more of a space-synth. You can be sure that you will have never heard the sounds this one can produce. It sounds like these old Yamaha CS-30's, but then fat filters like in Moogs. It is built like a rock, pure military technology, contacts will last forewer. The body is solid and the knobs feel nice. It runs on 220V AC. Polivoks (Polyvox) is the most popular vintage Russian synthesizer all over the world. It has inimitable peculiar sound and very powerful aggressive filters outperforming the famous Minimoog! A fat, lush and very analogue sound is achieved through instability and thanks to unique architecture of the Soviet-era components; in addition, highly reliable military technologies were applied in the process of production. The synthesizer may be used for hard electronic music, or for soft ambient/old school projects and for modelling various effects as well."

First Public Performance Featuring the New Upcoming Polivoks Clone by Alex Pleninger

our new Polivoks in the first public appearence

Published on Mar 20, 2016 Alex Pleninger

"Mister Kuzmin [the original Polivoks creator] plays it! others on the stage - Lidia Kavina (Thereminvox) and Evgeny Voronovsky (original Polivoks via LittleGPTracker). the event took place at Art-Aura 2016"

Polivoks Demo

Title link takes you to an MP3 of the Polivoks sent my way via Mr. Array.

"I noticed that some of the comments on the recent Polivoks post were asking for more sound examples. A few years back, I downloaded this Polivoks demo MP3 from the Moog Music forums. I forgot who made this, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's quite catchy!"

Thanks Mr. Array! If anyone knows where this demo is from, feel free to comment.

Erica Synths Limited Edition Acid Simona VCF

via Erica Synths

"Acid Simona VCF is limited edition of Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF celebrating collaboration between Erica Synths and techno opera Spazio Bar.

All money raised from the sales of Acid Simona VCF modules will be donated to Spazio Bar production team.

The project Spazio Bar brings together composer of academic contemporary music Platon Buravicky and author of the electronic soundscapes Leo Līcis, for an unprecedented performance joining together seemingly distant though not incompatible fields of music. 2 violins, a viola, 2 flutes and a bassoon together with live electronics will create a stimulating environment for one’s imagination to immerse the storyline of the techno opera Spazio Bar. For this special occasion Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF obtains a fresh look and preserves its treasured sound as a limited-edition Acid Simona VCF module.

On 26th of November 6 PM CET Erica Synths Garage will create the opportunity to virtually witness the show of Spazio Bar through live broadcast.

Acid Simona VCF (Black Polivoks VCF) is one of the most authentic sounding emulations of the famous Russian synth - the Formanta Radio Factory Polivoks. The original Russian ICs K140UD12 are used in the sound circuit. Several updates were made to adapt the VCF for contemporary modular synth demands. Independently buffered inputs, extended Cutoff knob, eliminated clicks when switching filter modes and output stage added to eliminate signal inversion. As a result much punchier bass sound and very smooth controls are achieved.

Price: 165 EUR
+ 21% VAT for individual customers in EU without EU VAT registration number + shipping"

New ELTA Polivoks M Presented by Vladimir Kuzmin

Published on Aug 18, 2018 vladimir kuzmin

"Video revue of new analog synth with USB MIDI Polivoks-M by Kuzmin/ELTA."

From the creator of the original Polivoks himself.

You can find additional posts including demos featuring the new ELTA Polivoks M here.

Custom Desktop POLIVOKS w/ Modular Performer MIDI CV Breakout Box

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

via this auction

"Unique custom modified desktop analog synthesizer Polivoks with 'Modular performer box' ( Midi-cv/gate and more ) developed and constructed by G-tank laboratory from Kyiv,Ukraine. Velocity/cut off/glide/aftertouch/clock mod can be controlled by midi keyboard(mod weel) or directly by your modular gear. Tested with Akai MPK49 midi keys Orange box can be used as midi to CV converter with other modular gear. Midi in/thru.USB powered or powered by Polivoks (see pics)

This synth is fully serviced.Old electrolytic capacitors replaced. Wood side, front and rear panels installed. Custom rear panel with multiple ins/outs.You'll get Polivoks+box+cables."

CLICK FOR MORE »

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."

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.