E-RM Polygogo Oscillator
With its tidy and chic black surface, the Polygogo is a real eye-catcher, also without the animation of the waveform in the display, which gives practical information about the waveform and its frequency.
The sound generation is officially based on a „digital stereo oscillator with brand new polygon synthesis technology, based on a complex two-dimensional amplitude shaping of sine waves“. This reads highly complex (and maybe technically it is), but the output is related to FM synthesis, but much easier to learn and use than the usual approach with several operators interacting with each other.
The sound design of the Polygogo is mainly done with six parameters like order, teeth or roll, each with its own fader for the basic setting, as well as a CV input with intensity control for external modulations. There are also dedicated inputs for pitch modulation and fold to properly tweak the basic waveform, resulting in much harsher sounds. That‘s about it, the module has no hidden options or submenus, everything is on the surface and demands to be touched.
The basic sound is FM-typically cool and digital. Bells à la DX7 from deep to glassy glittering, basses from softly booming to the ultimate Neurobass monster, sawing screeching lead sounds, crisp FM bongos or even endlessly varying drones and textures are all no problem for the module and moreover created in no time. Thanks to the abstract parameters, the sound design procedure is not as targeted at first as with other synthesizers with familiar properties, but ultimately the sound generation remains simple and is quickly internalized. The only deficit: the supposed stereo oscillator only delivers a pseudo-stereo instead of real wide sounds.
Verdict
Polygogo is not a bargain, but if you are looking for an oscillator that is as versatile as it is uncomplicated and that can produce pretty much any conceivable sound well and powerfully with its unconventional approach, you will find what you are looking for here. Lots of screwing fun included.