PS-3300 is an exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the colossal and ultra-rare semi-modular analog polyphonic synthesizer released by Korg in 1977. Cherry Audio has pulled out all the stops to accurately recreate and update this mythical monster synth
from its massive stacked sonic character and signature multiple?resonator sweeps to the considerable patching capabilities that distinguished the PS-3300 from all other polysynths of the era.
Big in Japan... and everywhere else
Before releasing its renowned line of MS monosynths
Keio Electronic Laboratories (under the KORG brand name) introduced its Polyphonic Series of analog synthesizers. The largest and most expensive was the massive PS-3300
a legendary synthesizer produced between 1977 and 1981. It is widely considered one of the most rare analog synthesizers ever made
with around 50 units produced. With its semi-modular design
flexible architecture
and a propensity for rich
sonically evolving timbres
the PS-3300 is often regarded as the holy grail of polyphonic analog synths. PS-3300's unique architecture set it apart from the handful of polysynths available at the time. It had three independent "signal generator" panels
each essentially a complete polyphonic synthesizer. Each of these synth panels included 12 independently tunable divide-down oscillator banks as well as independent discrete VCFs
envelope generators
and VCAs for every note. This enabled all 48 keys of the external keyboard to be simultaneously played with independent articulation. Dual LFOs and triple voltage?controllable resonators for each generator further shaped its signature tone. A dedicated master panel featured a mixer with VCAs for each of the three voice panels
sample & hold
an additional envelope generator
and two control voltage processors. It also delivered extensive modulation possibilities through an astounding 67 front-panel input/output jacks. Taken as a whole
the PS-3300 was so powerful and revolutionary that even Bob Moog was impressed
stating that it was
"the best synthesizer for fat sounds." The PS-3300's high production cost meant that only the wealthiest musicians could afford it
thus adding to its rarity and mystique. Its broad and bold sound
described as an orchestra of synthesizers
has made it a highly sought-after instrument by professional musicians and collectors alike. Its adoption by groundbreaking artists such as Vangelis
Jean-Michel Jarre
Aphex Twin
Kraftwerk
Klaus Schulze
and Keith Emerson has further bolstered its popularity over the decades. Korg introduced the PS-3300 at $7
500 in 1977
and it is now so rare and coveted that one sold for nearly $100
000 in 2021!
Features:
Exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the semi-modular analog polyphonic synthesizer released by Korg in 1977
Three independent "signal generator" panels
each with an oscillator
lowpass filter
three-peak resonators
envelope with velocity
amp
two mod generator LFOs
and per-note tuning:
3X VCOs with six waveforms: triangle
saw
rectangle (square)
two preset pulse waves (with different widths)
and PWM (variable-width pulse)
3X VCOs with six waveforms: triangle
saw
rectangle (square)
two preset pulse waves (with different widths)
and PWM (variable-width pulse)
3X three modulatable "resonators": 12 dB/oct bandpass filters to produce vowel and phasing tones
3X discreet ADSR-type envelope modulators with velocity control
and amplitude modulation
3X two syncable "mod generators" (LFOs) with output jacks: one with triangle
saw
ramp
rectangle
pink noise
and white noise
and the other with triangle waveform
3X temperament section with individual tuning knobs for the 12 chromatic notes
and temperament presets for Equal Tempered
Mean Tone System
Hepatonal System
and Just Intonation
3X temperament section with individual tuning knobs for the 12 chromatic notes
and temperament presets for Equal Tempered
Mean Tone System
Hepatonal System
and Just Intonation
Polyphonic mode with up to 24 voices of polyphony and three monophonic modes: last
low
and high note priority
Semi-modular synthesizer with virtual jack and cable system
featuring unlimited mults per jack and customizable (color
transparency
animation) cables
Master signal mixer panel with sample & hold
general envelope generator
and two control voltage (CV) processors
Individual channel panning
User-selectable bend range and master tune
Studio-quality integrated effects: chorus
echo with sync
and three types of reverb (spring
plate
and Galactic)
Over 360 professionally designed presets in a dozen categories. These include a bonus Legacy collection of basic presets based on the patch sheets in the original PS-3300 Owner's Manual
a 3100-based Glissando patch
and a 432 Hz Equal Temperament patch