Behringer Poly D
What if there were a polyphonic Minimoog? Behringer's Poly D has the answer: rife with huge bass, shimmering chords, and universe-tearing leads, the Poly D is the synth countless people have been waiting for. Expanding the typical Minimoog architecture with a fourth oscillator, distortion, and Juno-style chorus, the Poly D is sure to find its way into countless tunes in the coming years.
Poly D uses an authentic reproduction of the original D-style design (much like their own Model D, down to the matched transistors and JFETs. It boasts the iconic 24dB ladder filter, and adds a fourth oscillator and a dedicated modulation oscillator. This means that the oscillators can be freed up for more important duties...including perhaps the most important aspect of this particular Minimoog variant: polyphony.
Strictly speaking, the Poly D is paraphonic: meaning that each of its oscillators can be linked to different keys, but all share the same envelopes, filter, and VCA. This can be a limitation in some contexts, but with the Poly D's ability for independent waveshape and range selection for each oscillator, it means that an enormous number of interesting textures can be achieved: huge chords, peculiar arpeggiations, and more. Or, of course, all oscillators can be linked together for staggering detuned unisons or simple monophonic operation—the choice is yours.
The Poly D also adds a Juno-style chorus (familiar to those who have used the TC Electronic June 60), adding swirling, shimmering tones to the synth's already huge, lush sound. And of course, an integrated distortion adds grit and weight that take this massive-sounding synth into truly colossal territory.
And of course, there are countless other performance niceties: pitch and mod wheels, sequencer, arpeggiator, tiltable control panel—Behringer has really taken the Minimoog idea and added their own unique twists, creating a synth that covers all the classic leads and basslines you'd expect from a Model D, but still manages to break into vast new territory all its own.
Poly D Features
- Classic Minimoog voice architecture and form factor
- Integrated distortion
- Integrated BBD-based chorus based on the Juno 60
- Four oscillators
- Monophonic, unison, and paraphonic modes: a Minimoog that plays chords
- Integrated 32-step sequencer
- 37-key, full-size keybed with velocity
- 24dB ladder filter
- Arpeggiator with several pattern options
- External audio input
- Extensive MIDI and CV options
- Keys: 37 full-size, synth action
- Inputs: 1x 1/4"
- Outputs: 2x 1/4" main out
- Headphones: 1x 1/4"
- MIDI: In/Out/Thru via 5-pin DIN
The Poly D oscillators have a wide octave range and all of the classic analog waveshapes. The classic transistor ladder filter has a steep rolloff and a dedicated envelope generator. There is and LFO and the fourth oscillator can also be used as a modulation oscillator. The Poly D also has a built in distortion and chorus effect.