Overload Audio has released MOODYSIX, a free 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer inspired by the 1981 Korg Polysix. It is available as a VST3 plugin for Windows and as VST3 and AU for macOS.
A Polysix-Style Synth With the Original Character Intact
MOODYSIX is modeled on the classic Polysix design, so it keeps the core layout simple and focused. Each voice includes one oscillator with saw, pulse width, and PWM waveforms, along with a sub oscillator and an SSM2044-style 4-pole lowpass filter.
Overload Audio also keeps some of the original limitations in place. The synth stays strictly 6-voice and does not respond to velocity, which may not suit every workflow, but it does make sense if the goal is to stay closer to the character of the original hardware.
Three Classic Mod Expansions
What makes MOODYSIX more than a straight clone is the addition of three well-known Polysix hardware mods. NoisySix adds white and pink noise generators, plus an expanded LFO with extra waveform options. Polysex adds pitch envelope modulation and voice spread controls for thicker and more detuned sounds. ModyPoly brings proper portamento and glide across all voice modes.
That combination gives the synth a wider range than a strict vintage emulation. So while the base sound stays rooted in Polysix territory, there is more room for movement, instability, and bigger layered textures.
Filters, Effects, and Performance
The synth includes a 4-pole lowpass filter with resonance, bipolar envelope intensity, and key tracking. It also offers an ADSR envelope for filter and amplitude shaping, along with extra envelope and LFO routing for pitch spread.
One of the bigger attractions here is the effects section. MOODYSIX includes chorus, phaser, and ensemble effects modeled in a triple BBD style, which should appeal to anyone chasing that soft, animated analog texture these synths are known for.
There is also an arpeggiator with several playback modes, octave ranges, and latch, plus hold and chord memory functions for easier performance and sketching.
Features
- Free 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer from Overload Audio
- Inspired by the 1981 Korg Polysix
- Saw, pulse width, and PWM waveforms
- Sub oscillator with 1 or 2 octave options
- SSM2044-style 4-pole lowpass filter
- NoisySix, Polysex, and ModyPoly mod expansions
- Extended LFO and noise options
- Pitch envelope modulation and voice spread controls
- Portamento across all voice modes
- Chorus, phaser, and ensemble effects
- Arpeggiator with latch and octave range options
- Hold and chord memory
- 32 factory presets
Plugin Formats
MOODYSIX is available in VST3 format for Windows and in VST3 and AU formats for macOS. According to Overload Audio, version 1.1 adds Intel Mac support and fixes the pink background issue.
Free Download
MOODYSIX is available as a free download from the Overload Audio Gumroad page.
