We should talk about the Polyend Synth...

[@krazywabbit]

What you did in the first 2 min and 15 seconds has sold me. This, after me complaining about no internal battery. I complain about the silliest of things. A good night sleep and came back to watch. This is a fun device and will be a great addition to the toy box. Also, thank you again for your time and effort that you put into making the video. Respect sir.

[@novelresponse]

Yes !! I get what you're saying, had I not already just ordered one ; I would've ordered one after the intro section of this video.

[@adk2957]

Out of all the vids out there this is the one that sold me, so thank you for putting this together. A tute of some kind would be very handy and appreciated indeed.

[@martindu4]

💯for a tutorial on the synth.

[@cliftonoquinn1865]

Order placed. Your video nudged me in. At that price, it is a definite winner.

[@stuartcarter7053]

I have a Polyend Tracker and Polyend are still always updating the firmware to add loads more features. Great company. I'd have no hesitation in thinking this synth will grow and grow over time

[@gepardek]

And after 2 years they will release PLUS version and you will be cooked. :

[@epolpier]

@@gepardek How does it change already released devices ? Does it make them non-functional ?

[@bondi5000]

@@gepardekoh let it go mate. Clutching on to one miss-step a small company has made and harping on about it at every given opportunity is no way to lead your best life. Seriously.

[@gepardek]

@@epolpier Radosławie, it doesn't. But it's about being transparent for the community and nothing else. People won't buy next time, waiting for the next, better or "final" version. Polyend said about Synth, that they will not make a plus and I value their newest approach.

[@gepardek]

​@@bondi5000 I did. I love Polyend. And I root for them, so I don't want them to do more Play plus missteps.

[@CiabaMusic]

That's exactly the video I was looking for, with a dive into physical modeling and granular. Thanks for that and I'd love a deeper video on sound design, cause at the moment it's the last thing I'm not so sure about this really original take into synth gear. I'd also enjoy an overview on midi out capabilities. This could be a really really fun instrument for whom like me just want to noodle around, without necessarily use a more beat-oriented groovebox, or at least to expand that into a more structured composition. This machine married with a Digitakt/Syntakt coul be one of the best two piece combo on the market for us hobbyists musician Cheers

[@gatosoul]

I hope HydraSynth Designers and Akai people are Following this, Thank you for sharing

[@ickebins6948]

I don't see any real overlap between the products... They are designed for different uses.

[@muphlus]

I'm thinking this might just be the companion my Hydrasynth Explorer has been patiently waiting for, specially for a minimal but funktional mobile setup. Add a sampler like SP404MkII to that and you have a world of possibilities! Hmmm.. I may actually have to concider this seruoisly, been hoping for something like this to appear, just wish it could run on batteries 🙂 But yeah, both Akai and ASM could/should have made something multitimbral and sequenced by now.

[@edwingarden6878]

Wasn't too convinced about the sound engines watching some of the other reviews, but Oscillator Sink gets some great sounds here. Starting to save up for it now.. 😄

[@MADCAPS101]

squidgy surface alone forced my hand on the preorder hehe great showcase and your presentation is great and if you alluded to considering more extensive edit, thank goodness you saw the light[s] :-D

[@OscillatorSink]

The squidge is hard to resist!

[@internalreality]

god DAMN ive been thinking of my expanding my current setup (digitone + tetsuo noise box) and this thing looks so fun. thanks for this amazin video

[@OscillatorSink]

Thanks for watching. This might make a nice hands on addition to that setup!

[@cyberamus]

For the non-player, this looks both innovative and appealing for creation :) Well done Polyend, you have my attention !

[@Pyroja]

I need Novation to mimic this form factor and give us some sort of souped-up Circuit that combines and expands on the capabilities of the Rhythm and the Tracks.

[@jovwvy]

Interesting sounds. Im more used to the vintage analog synth workflow and sounds but these sounds are amazing. Very scenic.

[@h8f5]

The way multi timbrel works on the grid is SICK

[@the_glove]

This is the first thing they’ve released that has me interested . Reminds me of an Electribe

[@jordanWAH]

dammit, I just love the way Polyend do things. I almost bought the play the first day I saw it. Eventually I knew I had to have it. I didn't gel with the tracker mini, though and sold it before the synth engine update. But this synth really intrigues me. I think the modular functionality and just the way the workflow looks is so creative.

[@sanderschat]

tutorial on a sound design on one of these? Ohh yes please!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@sanderschat noted

[@DickDancers]

@@OscillatorSink That will certainly help to unfold the actual potential of this device. Your in-depth approach is something that's really needed to see whether the Synth is yey or ney =)

[@tilde____]

I join the chorus for a deep dive into sound design. I would also like to learn more about the modulation possibilities of velocity and poly aftertouch.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@tilde____ it's looking like it will happen given the demand (and also it'll be fun). I love your work by the way - your instruments are absolutely, genuinely beautiful.

[@tilde____]

@@OscillatorSink 💚

[@ArdentPhoenix]

I recently ordered the erae touch ii, which is an mpe midi controller that is fully customizable and lets you contol multiple devices/engines from each page. Im really liking this synth one thing i think it could benefit from is a solid livelooper function like the one in the erae touch ii. It just seems very intuitive and jamabble, especially with control of those multi timbre/voices/instrumments. Maybe in a firmware update. Im probably not in the market for a new synth at the moment anyways but this does look pretty sweet to me.

[@OscillatorSink]

I had some hands on time with the Erae at Superbooth and really liked it, the customization and multiple outputs are really great - it also has a nice squidge to it!

[@sandroidmusic]

I've had a grand ol time with the device so far. Had a couple evenings just slip by me, because i've been sitting on it noodling. I fully agree with your take on the filth as well. It needs more filth! Some form of distortion/saturation on top of the engines would be absolutely amazing. You can get around it, depending on what engine you are using and it's source material (WTFM and WAVS/GRAINS for example) Other than that though, very well rounded overview of the device!

[@0xphk]

I was kind of jamming live with you with my Synth while watching the video

[@musicbyethan]

Lots of great synths will be coming out over the next few years guaranteed. ;)

[@OscillatorSink]

A blesséd time to like synths.

[@zoned7609]

right before the world goes to crap. grab em while you can 😅

[@petrusbarbatusberolinensis2102]

Well, it’s not just the low voice count; I frequently experienced the display message „CPU overload“ combined with audio crackles/lapses and laggy input reaction, which is why I’m sending SYNTH back.

[@WxkR]

Well done Polyend! Synth is like the updated Monomachine Elektron never issued but with a more cheerful/friendly/fresh interface.

[@d3tuned378]

This looks worth it even if you only plan to use it as a midi controller! The fact it's got 12 pads per row means five full octaves all with the same relationship to each other! I've been searching for the perfect isomorphic pads with aftertouch. I don't recall if you said poly or channel, but i can live with channel if i have to!

[@OscillatorSink]

For the internal synths it's poly, I haven't tried it as a controller, but I'd *assume* poly there too - but check the manual to confirm!

[@brokengadget7519]

These avatars are brothers from another mother

[@d3tuned378]

@@brokengadget7519 while not intentional, I can't pretend it probably wasn't happening subconsciously when I made this icon :) It's a wave but also an M for my first name

[@eweystewy]

Completely agree on the cpu overload. It shouldn't be happening imo. 8 voice is a shame but id probably end up sampling parts over to the Digitakt and play different parts on this. Its very cool, sounds great and at that price point im very tempted although i just got the Digitone 2. Id love to use this as a midi controller for that too and i currently have no expressive way to play that having sold all my keys

[@aloharay]

I was on the fence about this one, but your noodling around pushed me over. looking forward to what firmware updates will bring with this one.

[@AliAusAachen]

Even if I ever consider any product from this company, I’ll wait one year.

[@zeenagual1962]

I'll wait 10 ! i had a polyend tracker , what a klunk that was ...

[@rodrigolaporte274]

VEEEEEERY cool!

[@eirikurc]

I like the way the mod matrix is set up personally..

[@chitlun]

Hmmmm, very interesting indeed… I was hellbent on getting a Digitone 2 but this may have put a spanner in the works! I pretty much do improvised performative stuff, either solo or jamming with mates so this might scratch a very large itch. Great vid man, cheers! Would love to see more on the physical modelling and granular engines. Not necessarily deep dives either, just some performances perhaps.

[@ross_ykm]

Thanks OS, great coverage! Aligns well with ways I’d likely use the machine. If feeding back to Polyend (and tenuously related to adding dirt/processing): separation of the synths in USB-audio (or an alternative export method) would be huuuge. Also interested in possibility of MIDI from each synth (inc arp and MPE!) being transmitted for controller purposes. Wonder too if line-in could be used to capture audio for granular...Already compelling though! Does a lot of what I've strived for through Launchpad Pro custom mappings.

[@tommayo3212]

Hope to see mine from DHL on Monday!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@tommayo3212 enjoy! Try not to spend all day refreshing the tracking info!

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

The Tracker has a pretty awesome drive and a decent limiter so hopefully Polyend can slap that on in post along with the bit depth etc. (The holistic saturation/hard and soft clip/drive options on the tracker are actually the best, that would be nice)

[@valdir7426]

I think there are great performance ideas in this instrument (hold shift; shared keyboard); and I know the play has a great sequencer; so now I'm wondering if polyend shouldn't simply make a sequencer using those ideas, something a bit like the oxi one. curious to see how people use it just as a midi controller for other synths or a DAW. again this shift + hold thing is genius; I'd like to see this on other controllers.

[@bondi5000]

Great review. Just ordered one. And if it’s not as good as I’m expecting it’s ALL YOUR FAULT! 😂

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

Wow the physical modeling synth sounds right outta Jon Hopkins new album

[@OscillatorSink]

The physical modelling is probably worth the price of admission on its own. A synth with that sort of engine and this sort of playing surface is something I've wanted for a while.

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

I just ordered it for this and the granualr engine alone. Great video!

[@pablowentscobar]

I haven't got my hands on one, but from what I've seen and heard the last few days I think Polyend hit it out of the part with this. Sounds great, looks fairly intuitive to navigate and seams like a powerful component, all that for $500. I bet they sell lots of these. I want one, and I hate everything.

[@treschlet]

I would have happily paid an extra $50-$100 to have separate outputs for each of the three timbres. Is it really so hard to add extra outputs?

[@ryanhursh6322]

Every company keeps dropping the ball here. Every multitimbral device should have outputs for each its engine/track/sound… however they describe their device.

[@yannikmarcus9788]

Looks great! Can you record midi and audio into the daw at the same time? Like capturing a performance but still being able to re-work some of these midis after in ableton :D Many thanks if anybody knows more here..

[@Pheonix0114]

I love when you do wierd stuff

[@OscillatorSink]

Me too - the algorithm, not so much!

[@neopac]

Atm I’m pretty much set on buying an Oxi One, mostly for some generative ambient noodling and just having fun with it. After using my Plinky, I’ve really come to love hands-on, layout-focused gear, so your this device really caught my eye. Does it lean into generative, evolving pads with its scenes, or is it more about being instrument- and performance-focused?

[@OscillatorSink]

It wouldn't be my first choice for truly generative stuff as I don't think the mod matrix (and modulation sources) are super deep and the sequencing is (I think intentionally) pretty basic. It feels a lot more of a "direct intention" kind of instrument. That's not to say you can't do some generative practices with it... But yeah, wouldn't be my first choice (in fact I'd choose it's cousin the Play over it).

[@neopac]

​@@OscillatorSink Thanks for the response! I’ll keep an eye on this over the next few weeks, especially to see how they address the CPU load issue in the upcoming firmware patches. It still feels like a remarkable evolution of the playstyle I love from the Plinky.

[@GregorVuga]

I love both physical modelling and granular, so this seemed like an exciting proposition, maybe something to replace my MicroFreak. However your comments about CPU overload are exactly why I stopped making music on the computer. I'm willing to accept the various creative limitations of hardware, but on a machine whose whole deal is that it can do multi-engine, multi-timbral stuff, CPU overload is not a limitation but simply a flaw. It might sound harsh, but I think it's entirely fair to say it "shouldn't be allowed" to even get there. Unfortunate.

[@mynameislinea]

yeah, I'd be very very interested in this without the CPU overload thing but that is precisely what I would be buying this to escape, otherwise I might as well stick with Chromaphone and Kaivo

[@azy6868]

It's early days yet. They are still optimising the engines. Like all of their other gear, they will get there in the end. Give them a few months if you are concerned. Just waiting for delivery of mine now. The driver is 20 minutes away.

[@BrunoWiebelt]

I like it too

[@jasonjayalap]

It's the synth and button/pad version of an arranger keyboard, the one-man-band thing. Performance is its most compelling feature, followed by the variety of engines to noodle around with. Could a polyend Play or tracker record the midi of your performance in its sequencer?

[@dinogoldie9716]

It looks/sounds like a cross between a Microfreak and a Novation Circuit. It looks/souns very interesting. However, accessibility is a deal breaker for me. Can one access everything through surface key combos? or is there any/a lot of menu diving?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@dinogoldie9716 there are a lot of key combos that I didn't learn. I wouldn't say that it's particularly menu-dive heavy outside of the setup type tasks. A lot of paging through screen though.

[@LAZ-org]

I was hoping Arturia would have done something similar w PIGMENTS and their FX. So this will definitely be perfect.

[@LAZ-org]

Also thank you for going over the Physical Modelling engine. RIP Ayodo and their excellent Anyma Phi.

[@simonc8265]

Watch most videos about this. Loved yours because it gets the features and the versality. Serious even the polyend demo on sonic state felt dour. It's been agreed by the chief exec for the Christmas list... Actually Christmas item now... So please consider this a tutorial request. Damn you!

[@OscillatorSink]

@@simonc8265 thanks! And yes I'll have a think about how best to approach a tutorial - there's a lot to it!

[@monomakes]

Are the parameters responsive to MIDI? I'd love to use this with an EWI.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@monomakes there's no midi implementation table available at the moment - polyend have a support forum so it might be worth asking there.

[@monomakes]

@@OscillatorSink thanks mate! I may well do.

[@blaatfanaat]

Thanks great video! Maybe you have some answers to my questions? Does it output arp/chords etc as midi? Can you make your own chord packs? Can you record/make a performance or a song on the device?

[@OscillatorSink]

1. I haven't checked, but I will when I get a moment (I only used it stand alone in my testing) 2. There doesn't seem to be a way to make chord packs right at the moment, but I would very much hope there will be (otherwise I'll set about reverse engineering the format!) 3. No.

[@blaatfanaat]

@@OscillatorSink Thanks 🙂

[@OscillatorSink]

@@blaatfanaat update - I just noticed the firmware they released on release day (after I made the video) does actually come with a way to edit chord packs now! I'll have to have a play!

[@non-sequitur]

Wondering if you can send notes from the Polyend Play sequencer to the Synth? I would hope so, but would like to find out before I smash that buy button

[@OscillatorSink]

@non-sequitur@@non-sequiturI haven't tried sequencing it externally, but you have midi tracks on the Play, and the Synth receives MIDI (Bo Beats shows it being sequenced from a digitakt in his video).

[@non-sequitur]

@@OscillatorSink Oh that's right, I did watch Bo's video. thanks for pointing that out

[@VacancyOfDisco]

So with the polyphony on the grain engine, the actual granular engine is basically like an end of chain effect but the filter is fully articulated polyphony?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@VacancyOfDisco it seems to be weirdly in the middle of those two things - the total number of grains appear to be shared but then grains with a particular note go through their own filters? If the granular effect was end of chain, you wouldn't be able to precisely articulate the filter like you do it's weird. Basically: I'm not 100 percent sure on the actual architecture!

[@VacancyOfDisco]

@OscillatorSink interesting. Thanks for the explanation!

[@Danolboy]

Sounds good on a demo, can imagine these sounds getting quite old fast though

[@mister-shifter]

It’s a synth, not a rompler. Just program more sounds.

[@martindu4]

What about the sequencer, i have not seen anyone discuss this so far. Superb video as always.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@martindu4 Bo touched on it on his video I think - it's a pretty basic step sequencer, but it has the groove templates from the arpeggiator which is good. It also adheres to the scale when you transpose it and can do the follower thing. Bo describes it as "programmable arpeggiator" in the way you use it, and I'm inclined to agree.

[@martindu4]

@ Thanks for that. Someone (on Elektronauts) mention potentially using this as a MIDI controller where each grid zone would output to a different MIDI channel. Is that possible? That would be very interesting and almost a must buy. Especially in chord modes.

[@hionhifi2]

@@martindu4 yes it can output to separate midi channels. Vulture Culture showed this off in the beginning of his live review with it. kzbin.infod_oJImU_iLk?si=cnsqqvEQQK9OsmuX

[@longshotkdb]

It's not at all unusual when you live on waves to imagine you are indeed some kind of synth. Playing the sails against the wind. ∆ it's not* the tracker. Ignore the previous comment. Ok. ∆

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

is it possible to show off what the ports look like? i'm having a really really hard time seeing what the midi port situation looks like : ( Thank you for the awesome content! liked and subscribed!

[@OscillatorSink]

Stereo mini jack output, mini trs midi in and out, USB C for power/midi/file transfer. Welcome to the channel!

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

@OscillatorSink Awesome! Thank you so much, some videos were talking about midi for the 3 different synths and I was worried there were 3 different midi ports for each synth. Sounds like there's just 1 and it's split by channels.

[@zivoskyjoseig1381]

I'd love to see a more indepth video. Did it limit you to not really know which pad to play for a certain notes?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@zivoskyjoseig1381 I think you get pretty quick at recognising degrees of the scale between the brighter root notes actually - I think it can sometimes feel limiting to not be able to play notes outside of the scale though, and the chromatic mode is definitely a little harder to navigate. It'd be interesting to see if there were other grid layouts that polyend could come up with that provide a different level of understanding...

[@ozzelot3349]

That's a lot of synth.

[@relative_vie]

Tutorial indeed :)

[@GB3770]

12 buttons across is a major design flaw, 16 is what it should be.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Future comment to any criticism of ployend's ever limited polyphony: "Limitations are great! They make you more creative." 🙄 Polyend = release product, add tons of upgrades that should have been there, then discontinue it.

[@soundscapematrix]

Yes

[@OscillatorSink]

@@soundscapematrix Yes

[@CoincoinBleu]

Is the screen the same as with the Play+? As in, the Play+ could potentially have the same graphics in thr future?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@CoincoinBleu I'm not sure, sorry. I have an original Play and this screen seems better than that at least.

[@CoincoinBleu]

@OscillatorSink it seems a step up from the Play+. That'd be amazing though!

does anyone ever dislike gear the manufacturer sends them? seriously. i don't mean "pros & cons" bcuz that's a cop-out. post the links in your reply.

[@OscillatorSink]

I think, to a degree there's confirmation bias in there. First, most legitimate companies aren't putting out actual trash because they wouldn't survive long, and most people in this space tend to pass on stuff they think is actually *bad*. Even if it isn't to someone's taste people doing reviews tend to be objective and can separate the idea of personal preference and actual flaws. Bo Beats' review of this instrument was actually critical about a bunch of stuff, as it goes, but you can still find value in something that is flawed. But as you asked: Aeroband got roundly panned by anyone that was sent one (and threatened to sue over bad reviews). Here's an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaDLaWuPicukrsUsi=2jylRJQb1VpBP77l

[@blenderbuch]

Wow, packed and that well! (Can I trade in my Lemondrop?!) :)

[@theinvisibleman-e8v]

Missed a trick not having MPE, seems it doesn’t have enough CPU power also.

[@theswampling]

Please Please Please dig in deeper. i would like to see a deep Sounddesign Video from you.

[@user82938]

Why is no one able to match the Virus TI2 in 2024?

[@alphanumeric1529]

Are you trying to make this thing sound like my mid 80's casio keyboard?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@alphanumeric1529 one of the engines uses phase distortion, which is what the CZ series of Casio synths used... So maybe?

[@OscillatorSink]

And if you mean at the start then, explicitly yes, it was a scene specifically intended to evoke the 80s - I even named it "80s Explosion". So thank you for the vote of confidence!

[@FormulaXFD]

Oof. And here I was thinking of picking up a Play next month...

[@OscillatorSink]

They are very different in what they set out to do - the Play has a far more powerful sequencer, as in, it's not even comparable. On the other hand, the Synth is a lot more playable/jam-able and much more versatile and expressive in what you can do with the sounds (although samples can sound like whatever you want on the Play, obviously, it's not as expressive).

[@Snatchatorygape]

Tutorial please!!

[@schmapps1]

It seems like a super interesting and rather unique product. But it just baffles me as to why, in 2024 with the tech available to us, they would release a multi-timbral synth with only 8 voices to share and CPU overloads happening. C'mon.

[@azy6868]

It's early days yet. They are still optimising the engines. Like all of their other gear, they will get there in the end. Give them a few months if you are concerned. Just waiting for delivery of mine now. The driver is 20 minutes away.

[@schmapps1]

@ nice! That’s exciting

[@johnd7564]

I guess I'm wondering why this isn't an update to Play+.

[@OscillatorSink]

There were some updates for that released yesterday I think?

[@johnd7564]

@@OscillatorSink Not sure on timing, but most recently they added PERC synth model. Everyone's pretty much waiting for them to enable Performance Mode on MIDI tracks. The SYNTH product SEEMS to be built on the same platform as Play+, and I guess my reaction is just that they could have added most or all of this to Play+. They don't OWE it to us, but with the blowback they got on the Play / Play+ situation, I would have hoped they'd want to overdeliver on Play+. Even some messaging "Hey, Play+ owners, we haven't forgotten you! You can expect XXX XXX and XX in the next few months" would have been awesome. If the SYNTH product has a different processor and the new engines / performance features could not be done on the Play+ hardware, I get it. But given the price points and how new the Play+ is, I doubt that. I do hope they'll be extending these new synth models to Play+, and some of the (pretty cool) performance stuff you were showing. To be fair, we have seen similar seeming misses from others. I think with the insane value and pace of additions to the MicroFreak, lots of us assumed Arturia would shower similar largesse on the MiniFreak. But though it's got more more capable hardware and is expensive, MiniFreak has not gotten the same improvements and still lacks much that makes the MicroFreak awesome.

[@KCCamper]

I’m bummed that the sequencer is a step sequencer and not a grid based sequencer. It’s the only thing holding me back from buying one.

[@James-Deep]

Think I'd rather have this than the microkorg2.

[@ColossusBall]

Why do they keep releasing the same boxes with different software? I feel like they could put most of their hardware into a singular powerful unit... Im really not a fan of this model.

[@OscillatorSink]

The playing surface on the Synth is quite different to the Play/Play+, even if the box itself appears to be the same.

[@RonCavagnaro]

Imagine it as medusa 2.0.. these synth engines are actually awesome on p+ and t+. I think synth is cool for people that might not want play or tracker.

[@mauriziomauricone]

Yet another “noodling” device.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@mauriziomauricone nothing wrong with that in my eyes. Playing for yourself, for the enjoyment of the process of making music and sounds in the moment is totally valid.

[@the_glove]

Name one device that isn’t a noodling device

[@mauriziomauricone]

@@the_glove What about any MIDI sequencer or standalone DAW which allows for actual creating a track or a song?

[@the_glove]

@ you know you have a sequencer between your ears right ?

[@mauriziomauricone]

@@the_glove Send me the WAV 😁