EMS Polyvox

Designed by the Urals Vector Plant, and manufactured at the Formanta Radio Factory, the EMS Polyvox was one of the most popular analog synthesizers across the Soviet Union throughout the 1980s. The Polyvox was designed to mimic popular American and Japanese synthesizers from companies such as Moog, Roland, and Korg. In 1984 the Polyvox cost  ₽920, or $1176 Canadian, which is around $2800 CAD today. It is a duophonic (able to play two notes at once) analog synthesizer, with a 49-note (F-E) keyboard. In total, the instrument has 31 knobs and switches. Even today, the Polyvox maintains a small, but dedicated following, and was even used heavily in indie-rock band Franz Ferdinand’s 2009 album Tonight: Franz Ferdinand.