In this episode of TDL Synthchat, we dive into the world of Soviet-era synthesizers with special guest James Brennan. We explore the legendary Polivoks , a raw and aggressive analog synth known for its powerful filter and Cold War aesthetic. James shares his journey into electronic music, how he acquired his Polivoks from Ukraine, and the quirks that make this synth a unique piece of history.

We also discuss the broader landscape of vintage synth collecting, the resurgence of analog gear, and modern alternatives to the Polivoks . Plus, James gives a live demo of the synth’s brutal sound—despite a few technical hiccups! Whether you’re a synth enthusiast or just love hearing about rare and unusual gear, this episode is packed with deep-dive insights and sonic nostalgia.

00:00 Introduction

03:33 Background on James

07:40 First synth

10:47 Why Polivoks

14:08 Polivoks background

16:48 The look

28:16 Maintenance

35:13 Audio demo

45:05 What’s next for James?

49:20 Dreadbox

Listen Here (download mp3)

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