The Polymoog was based on divide-down oscillator technology similar to electronic organs and string synthesizers of the time.

The user can adjust the instrument's sounds, and it offers presets named "strings", "piano", "organ", "harpsichord", "funk", "clav", "vibes", and "brass".

Unlike later 1970s polyphonic synthesizers, such as the Yamaha CS-80 and Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, the Polymoog cannot create each voice from individual oscillators and filters, or store sounds programmed by the user.

[4] Although criticized for its limited programmability, high purchase price of $5295 and reliability issues, the Polymoog Synthesizer was popular with musicians of the period, and its unlimited polyphony was considered revolutionary upon its initial release.

Control over these presets is limited to octave balance, envelope attack, and LFO modulation depth and rate.

It allows the user to switch between single and multiple triggering of envelopes, and controls for pitch, filter, and sustain.

[11] A Polymoog is shown in his music video for "Cars" as well as in live performances on Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test.