I’ve been loaned a Korg Polysix (wow what a sound) with (what i assume) is a first generation Kenton MIDI mod (but maybe wrong…?).
It has an in/out/thru and red push switch on the back next to the From Tape socket.
The unit seems to function well with a few quirks.
The owner hasn’t explored it much beyond triggering the arp.
My issue is following the Kenton guide i can’t get it out of Omni mode.
https://kentonuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kp614112.pdf
It doesn’t return to play mode after any red button -> key assignments.
A reset restarts the mod in omni mode every time rather than storing anything in it’s memory.
Posting here in the hope someone has this and can advise, or at least clarify there might be a problem with the mod. Or i’m referencing the wrong manual. ta.
edit: latest theory is that perhaps the mod uses a battery to store setting in it’s memory and this maybe flat…? but checking if anyone has any experience before opening up as a last resort.
ignore this, i didn’t press “enter” top C after inputting the channel choice. (perhaps a requirement of the earliest versions)
please delete or leave as reference for 0.000000001% or the world population who may stumble across this and it proves useful.
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well I’m glad you figured it out and that you get to experience the Polysix. possibly my favorite vintage poly synth.
i think it’s just a very early version of the Kenton mod; no CC control of filter (or this needs to be set and i haven’t found it yet…) and doesn’t save so needs to set each time it’s powered, which is a minor drag really.
the unison bass sounds are unbelievable.
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my Juno 106 and 909 replica are the same way. the joys of dealing with early midi firmwares…
the Tubbutec mod on my Polysix remembers midi settings, fwiw. I wonder if the Kenton one has upgradeable firmware that stores settings. I don’t know if it’s a battery thing or different design or what. maybe worth asking Kenton?
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bringing this back as now i’m seeking advice for preset data cassettes and tape import.
i’m able to back up the current onboard memory and verify that data with no problems.
recording into ableton at 24bit, 44.1Khz mono, super clean data.
the available preset data recordings online (A+B) are all a dirty 8bit, 11Khz and seem to have the start of the tone leader chopped off, but not sure if this would cause an issue.
when i try to import these (at various volumes) i always get the error notification.
anyone have experience importing these correctly?
or even better a cleaner, higher resolution recording of the Korg POLYSIX preset data cassette?
another bit of internet sweating and hunting and found this. seems pretty clean, but still won’t import for me. the uploader kindly shared some .wav files with me but always get an error. could be my levels going in, but like i mentioned my own back up verifies without issue…