The Korg EX-800 is a powerful analog synthesizer expander module released by Korg in 1984, several months after the Poly-800. It features three voltage-controlled oscillators, two low-frequency oscillators, and an analog ring modulator. It also features an adjustable noise generator and three envelope generators with variable attack and decay. The EX-800 is capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from thick and rich pads to wild and unique sound effects. It is equipped with a built-in step sequencer and a vocoder which allows the user to create unique sequences of sounds and manipulate them in real-time. Additionally, the EX-800 offers a variety of control parameters and modulation sources, allowing for complex sound design. The EX-800 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile analog synthesizer.

Full description

The Korg EX-800 is a compact desktop/ rackmount synthesizer module that packs the sound-making, memory, and sequencer sections of the Korg Poly 800 into a box about the size of A4 paper pack. Unlike the Poly 800, the EX800 does not have a keyboard; instead, it is designed to be connected to a main keyboard via MIDI.

Expanders like the EX800 were quite popular at their time, allowing users to enhance the sound of their existing MIDI-equipped keyboard synthesizers or provide a sound source for sequencers and composers using MIDI software on computers.

The EX-800 is housed in a slim, oblong black box with the control panel facing upwards. Electronically, it is nearly identical to the Poly 800, featuring two digital oscillators, two digital envelope generators, modulation, noise, and VCF sections. It has only one filter for all eight notes, similar to the original synth. The EX-800 offers single or multiple triggering options, affecting how new notes are played in relation to held chords.

A notable feature of the EX-800 is its two 6-stage (ADBSSR) digital envelope generators, which allow for precise specification of decay and sustain points, and independent behavior of the two oscillators. This capability is rare among analogue synthesizers.

The EX-800 boasts 64 memories, a 256-note step-time sequencer, and memory selection and editing functions accessible via eight push buttons. These buttons are larger and more user-friendly compared to the Poly 800's smaller switches. In program mode, the buttons dial in memory numbers, while in parameter mode, they call up specific synth sections. Each parameter has an identifying number and graphic explanation on the panel.

The EX-800 was preloaded with the Poly-800's voices and included a cassette with two additional batches of 64 voices. Its MIDI capabilities have been enhanced, allowing for memory selection from its own bank or synchronization with the Poly 800. The synthesizer can send and receive information on any of the 16 MIDI channels and can receive parameter instructions from a MIDI-interfaced computer or another EX800.

One of the standout features is the ability to set different bend rates for the EX800 and the Poly 800, creating unique and distinctive pitch bends. When used together, the EX800 and Poly 800 can produce layered sounds, such as two string sounds, piano and harpsichord, or brass and bass line. The best effects come from combining entirely different memory settings, adding dynamic interest and variety to the sounds.

Overall, the Korg EX800 offered a cost-effective and powerful expansion option for Poly-800 owners or those looking to enhance their MIDI setup in the mid-80's.

Tech Specs List

Form Factor: Compact synthesizer module

Connectivity: MIDI

Sound Engine:

• 2 Digital Oscillators
• 2 Digital Envelope Generators
• Mod, Noise, and VCF sections
• Single or Multiple Triggering
• Layering capabilities for enhanced sound creation

Memory: 64 preset voices. Compatible with Poly 800 voices and includes additional voice patches on cassette

Sequencer: 256-note step-time sequencer

Controls: 8 push buttons for memory selection and editing

Display: Red LED readouts for parameter values

MIDI Channels: 16 channels for sending and receiving information

Housing: Slim, oblong black box with control panel facing upwards