POLYEND PLAY Review // How it raises the groovebox bar // Top pros, cons, 16 factory songs, tutorial

[@MikolaiStroinski]

Congratulations to Polyend!- each of their product is better than the previous one.

[@Polyend]

Thank you Miki!

[@musicdefinesgravity]

*Don't dislike a review video when you don't like the product! The reviewers (if they are honest like loopop) do not deserve the dislikes as they are not the ones who made the product!*

[@ickebins6948]

Nobody can see the dislikes anyway... So its kinda pointless to like a videos either... For me personally, since the dislike counter is gone I'm more tending to dislike a video which I before wouldnt rate at all... But thats another thing

[@musicdefinesgravity]

@@ickebins6948 It still impacts the algorithm and many people like myself have a chrome plugin that shows the dislikes. Also the creator of the video can see the dislikes

[@ickebins6948]

@@musicdefinesgravity But people are people... They shoot the messenger all the time... Not just on youtube.

[@xn-triq7607]

Like or dislike makes no difference, the algorithm isn't very clever and only understands engagement, good or bad, and now we can't see the ratio it really doesn't matter.

[@fromgreetings]

@@musicdefinesgravity i just disliked your comment. Did your Chrome dislike detector flag up and identify? I hope so.

[@beatfish]

This is not just a great review but also an excellent tutorial and reference. Thanks!

[@namagenshu]

Really enjoyed this video! You made this device look super fun and creative. It’s probably not something I will likely buy, but can see how someone like Bogdan Raczynski would use this in a live setting to make some crazy music

[@seanp2k617]

Just want to say that I love all your videos and reference them all the time as video manuals / how to guides when i’m playing with gear at home. I love how comprehensive these videos are, and they’re so organized + clear about what is happening and why. If I made synths I’d legit pay you to just do what you do with these videos and have that be the actual product manual. Hope you get more into modular in the future too, some modules need this level of documentation :)

[@loopop]

Thanks for taking the time to write :)

[@TheBigLou13]

36:15 is it possible to have an effect only active (temporary) while you're holding the button WITHOUT a long press? Sometimes you don't want an effect to be on for long and when you release the button too early it even stays on... Maybe something like shift+effect or select+effect could work?

[@peaterrepeater4441]

Polyend is awesome and I love my tracker but I wonder why the hell they omitted sampling?

[@halo1579]

Because the tracker samples.

[@intnrmri]

Exactly, only samples but no sampling input. Not sure what their thinking is here.

[@JevinJulianMusic]

now i’m sure to have one, thanks loopop!

[@wgaule]

Oh why did I watch this? Now there's another thing I want!

[@Rollur1234]

it felt like it automapped the analog gear. Just pick a knob and it finds its corresponding parameter on the external gear. Filter came out as filter and resonance came out as resonance when scrolling through 0-127 cc values on the Play.

[@sundance1960]

Thanks!

[@groundswells3715]

Great review. But I think for the money the Roland mc707 is the way forward. Thanks keep up the good work

[@Dolores5000]

Holy hell I need this now! Thanks Loopop !

[@Flying-Roro]

No audio over USB, no battery and no synth engine. Might be expected at this price point but I guess it's not a deluge killer.

[@jean-pierrejoubert6140]

Yeah, also no audio in/sampling or sample transfer over USB.

[@Flying-Roro]

@@jean-pierrejoubert6140 No audio in sampling is to be expected but audio over USB should be implemented in all new releases in my opinion, as more and more people are into hardware setups

[@jean-pierrejoubert6140]

@@Flying-Roro It's funny, I kinda feel the opposite; Even more reason to have both from the get-go. 😉 Seriously, though, seeing as even something like the new AIRA Compacts have audio over USB, it does feel like a pretty big oversight not to include it. Ideally Class-Compliant, too.

[@christianvandalstrom8337]

So its just a sampler with a sequencer?

[@aevin_io]

I would love it to have some synth engine

[@ebgamezzz7193]

Thank you for this video. It shall be my reference when my play arrives. A quick few questions that I hope you might be able to answer. How well does this run off laptop usb? Will it run off a synth usb (I hope to plug it direct by usb into my Jupiter-Xm)? Does it play well as a controller for Ableton? Can I use the midi to sequence my plugin drums? Cheers

[@kidangel101]

Great review!! One question: Does the session save let you save your work in song mode to the card? Similar/same to the way you can in the Tracker?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not sure I understand what you mean by save your work in song mode? Patterns can be stored as part of a project, and you can play a chain of patterns

[@kidangel101]

@@loopop I mean saving a chain of patterns as a "song". You can do it on the Tracker (and a few other units like the Roland MC-505 and the Elektron Analog 4 MK2). Basically saving different pattern chains.

[@loopop]

@@kidangel101 yes you can

[@kidangel101]

@@loopop thank you and thanks for all of your great reviews!

[@Matthewsavant]

My Octatrack is sweating while I’m watching this

[@Confuzius]

haha

[@LostStylus]

Do you have any sound level issues with Volca nuBass? I find my barely usable without drive all the way up

[@loopop]

I didn't notice anything but frankly I didn't test it for that

[@agustinbernal2760]

Hi, great video as always! Just one question, is it necessary that you keep pushing the shift button on the presets, can’t they run automatically? Cheers!

[@loopop]

Thanks yes they can with a short press

[@agustinbernal2760]

@@loopop thanks, you are the best! 😊

[@Nintendj]

"No filter envelope" - WHA?

[@ogulkoker]

So I can't use my own chord voicings?

[@loopop]

Yes you can it will just “cost” you a track per note

[@ogulkoker]

@@loopop Even for MIDI tracks?

[@loopop]

@@ogulkoker yes, there are no chords in the audio tracks anyway

[@descontrolador]

How do you compare it against the Oxi One?

[@loopop]

They're too different for a quick answer but if you watch both videos you'll now what I know

[@distantcomets]

So close... The sequencing is interesting but the sample pool limitations and lack of live sampling kill it for me. In 2022, stream from disk or go home.

[@drconflict629]

Why does this thing not have envelopes and LFO's though? Such a huge deal breaker.

[@Code_Is_Poetry]

loopop based on a lot of comments I'm seeing here, you need to make pros & cons on the top sequencers (~ 1000$) on the market today e.g. Deluge, Hapax, OXI one and the Polyend Play . I can't, decided too much options ...

[@NickVu]

This is the video I need! I'd like to see the Torso T-1 in the comparison. Mostly interested in generative sequencing features.

[@inthefade]

Throw in the Akai Force... It has a lot of software bugs, but if you can work past them it is the best "all-in-one" machine on the market right now; If they stop adding features and just tighten it up, it is unbeatable compared to everything else that is out there right now.

[@cepheid4288]

M8 Tracker makes a solid sequencer in my opinion. Especially for fleshing out entire songs. No performance mode though

[@seanp2k617]

I’ve got the Oxi, play, T-1, MPC X, and Pyramid. They’re all better or worse at different styles. Oxi is great for finding new chords, esp wired up to the three voices on an Acid Rain Chainsaw. T1 makes some interesting rhythms but I tend to end up making the same kinds of things on it. MPC feels the most like a DAW and I end up reading a lot to figure out how to do something. The Pyramid I feel like I haven’t spent enough time with, as the euclidean features are cool but it doesn’t really inspire me. I wish Elektron made a straight sequencer with no internal voices that does what they do but for midi and modular gear. I always end up with something inspiring playing with the Rytm. anyway, get one used and sell it for what you paid if you don’t get on with it after serious attempts to learn and understand it.

[@Digiphex]

The Deluge makes its own sound with several types of synthesis and it samples external gear. Play just plays your samples you have made on the computer and makes no sound of its own, and sequences. Hapax does even less, just sequencing other things and making no sound at all.

[@iamsimonmorris]

Great as always. I love the tracker and this is def something to consider. Disappointing about not being able to sample in....

[@zab666]

And no sample slicing 🙄

[@robertminnis6540]

Firmware? Or am I dumb, is that something that can be done later 😂😅

[@atetraxx]

@@robertminnis6540 it can

[@iansmirna5183]

It is called PLAY not RECORD ;)

[@eriklee909]

Anything aside from a hardware update could be addressed in a future firmware update. Polyend is great at adding new features to their products over the life of them. I'm just happy I can bring my entire sample library into Play and I don't mind having to plug in a USB drive to transfer.

[@cwehden]

Wish it had synth engines.

[@g3cd]

Why? It's not - yet another - synth with "some sequencing" (I already have tons of them), it's a dedicated sequencer, the master brain of your studio.

[@rorz999]

@@g3cd isn't that what the Polyend Seq is intended for though?

[@RPLKTR]

@@rorz999 Play is essentially Seq 2. Look at it.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

@@g3cd well it does play samples, so it’s not just for sequencing i guess

[@Niko80s]

Then it probably cost more, but i feel you, from what i see for now it kinda expands some of PTracker limitations (knobs for automation recording, yay!), but also is crippled (no line-in for sampling), and too bad it doesnt expand in terms of which i found to be more usefull, like more number of tracks or stereo sampling. Other than that - interesting machine, im pretty sure im gonna love it the same way i've instantly fell in love with my PTracker :)

[@TheBigLou13]

45:26 the sidechain option is brilliant! It would be cool if it could be set per pattern - so you don't have to have _sidechain from Track 5_ for the whole project but only for the patterns that actually have a kick in Track 5

[@brainbox9219]

Sidechain is super good on this, those hard kicks can get very punchy ;)

[@shaft9000]

Could be a nice alternative 2nd piece. Korg KARMA did this "generative / probability' sequencing over 20 years ago (!) And it has too many head-scratching limitations to add much my setup of Spectralis2 + Rolands + Korgs. The ever-shrinking I/O trend has got to go...this thing won't even process audio input nor sample...this is unacceptable in any 'groovebox king'.

[@cmscss]

Agreed, a lack of I/O is a constant disappointment.

[@TheBigLou13]

it looks like it could be very useful if you could set a color for the sample you're placing in a pattern. That way you could distinguish multiple different samples in the same track from each other.

[@Ericuf]

Can you not?

[@bahutu802]

It's really amazing to see how Polyend managed to marry the best features from the step-sequencer world with their expertise from engineering the Tracker (fill, randomize, select + copy, undo, perform, ...). I even guess that there are some features on Play which only make sense if you worked with the Tracker before. Which is wonderful, since it adds innovations you wouldn't come up with without that 'niche' Tracker expertise

[@Lokua]

really cool performance features but...mono samples? only FX sends? am I the only one who wants per track everything?

[@chuckvicious]

I think that it's important to note the fact that Loopop mentioned that you can play polyphonic chords per midi track which specifically translates to 30 overlapping midi notes at one time -per track -per clip . Will be great for sequencing external gear.

[@earlsfield]

It is, i am sequencing entire hardware setup (20+different synths, machines and effects) via Polyend Play and Tracker, with little help from the Octatrack. Granted, most of the times I sequence Analog Rytm via Program change messages, so patterns have been programmed on the machine itself, but there is enough place to do sequencing from the Play if I wanted to). With few firmware updates focused on MIDI, this will be , and already is, a monster master sequencer. I hardly use it's audio engine. I think a big deal would be adding few notes (yes there is a chord option and they covered it with tons of variations but still I would like to be able to dial in say, up to 4-5 notes I want in one step, just like OT MIDI). Another super cool thing here is all this generative stuff, Eucledian sequencing etc.

[@zenithjcoke]

@@earlsfield I don't own this device, but am interested in it to sequence external gear. I am not sure I get it, but is there some limitation for midi notes per step, and if so, when? I assume you can record chords played live into one lane/track, or is that not the case? As in, to keep chords in one track per step, do you need to use the predefined chords? If you want to use Chords outside of this, then each note take up a lane/track?

[@earlsfield]

@@zenithjcoke Hi, sorry for the late reply. As of the latest FW version, it is not possible to record multiple notes in ONE step of the track, if you are playing 5 note chord, you will need to enable recording on 5 tracks for that step - however, you can enable "chord" function per step or per track, and you can choose to add any chord from the list into a single step, with inversions and all. However, you cannot record a say, 7 note chord played on external keyboard into one step of the track. However, since PLAY can send multiple notes in chord mode, I am sure that the future FW will allow for multi note input per step. While this may sound limiting, I've been using this for a while now, and rarely have an issue with using chord from the menu vs playing the chords in. I guess it very much depends on the type of music you want to sequence. I use Play with Tracker (which adds extra 8 tracks/notes you can record into) and Octatrack, so these 3 machines are my "sequencer", with that I trigger patterns on OT via program change on Play. Same with Analog Rytm etc, I do not want to loose flexibility of Elektron sequencers - so I combine Play sequencing with Elektron sequencing, and it gets even more generative and unique. Hope this helps.

[@zenithjcoke]

@@earlsfield thank you for a thorough insight, I really appreciate it! My plan is to potentially use a Play in combination with an Akai Force and an MC-707, both of which are less capable when it comes to generative sequencing. In my head I would like the Play to be the main sequencer and send midi to the other devices mostly (I want to keep the workflow easy, especially when going from one track to the other). While the list of chords to pick from seems vast, something about having to pick from a list rather that inputting it via keys just makes it seem less intuitive and fun. Could go the route of sequencing those parts on one of the other units, but that defeats my want for a one-sequencer-solution. I'll keep an eye on FW updates. Thanks again for the info!

[@earlsfield]

@@zenithjcoke As i said, while it might wound limiting, and while I prefer entering my own chords, I actually do so when I want to - I rarely use more than 5 notes in a chord - and also, don't forget - Play's "tracks" are not hard wired, so to speak. So let's have an example - you sequence Akai force and MC-707 via program changes, that's two tracks. In case you want extra hit here or there, you can choose one extra track to trigger random or generative notes on multiple midi tracks, depending where you want to sent those notes. Also, due to micro timing, even if some events overlap, you can always add event on a step prior to the one you want and then "push" it via micro tune (the trick I use on elektron gear all the time). Also, as I said, guys at Polyend are really offering tons of chords, and I don't feel as if my prophet 10, Jupiter 6, Super6, OB6, REV2, Evolver, are loosing any of their poly - powers. Actually i sequence multiple layers of bi-timbral poly synths like Prophet 10 and REV2 using this setup. So, while there are certain sequencers out there than maybe have a feature or two more when it comes to poly input, let's not forget that Play wasn't intended to be only the sequencer - and knowing Polyend and their exp. with sequencing gear, I am sure we will get amazing updates, like record multiple notes, midi performance etc. The device is fairly new and they just have released new FW that is more "general" and "housekeeping", as well as increasing immediacy of use. The main thing to remember here is that any step can be routed to any instrument, so it totally breaks the concept of tracks, IF you want it to. I will soo release a video on this, on how I sequence gear via Play. Will ping you once uploaded.

[@sotokan5060]

Seems Deluge is still the KING 👑 for me... especially with the new firmware. However, this looks like quite a capable device. If only you could do live sampling...

[@RSKT_music]

Definitely have to agree. This thing looks awesome but I still love my Deluge. Glad to see more devices using a grid layout for sequencing though. It's interesting to see different companies take a unique spin on it.

[@alexwestconsulting]

somehow that hugs lcd seems only the slightest bit more informative

[@Flying-Roro]

Yup, audio over USB would have sold me but Deluge is still the king of the hill, even though I prefer the digitone thanks to overbridge.

[@pietruh13pl]

Isn't it like 300USD + shipping and taxes more expensive? Not really the same league but sure Deluge is better. I feel like Polyend will add a lot with updates as with Tracker and Medusa. Medusa has FM synth so I would love to see the same thing copied to Play :)

[@hungyG]

There may be a few things that this does better, but the Deluge has so much more functionality it's not even a fair comparison.

[@pleggli]

Still only two audio out channels like the tracker, so limiting :(

[@TheBigLou13]

46:28 it would be very useful if the current waveform could be displayed while editing it, so you can visually set the sample-start and sample-end to the actual sample start/end without having to listen for clicks or moments silence. Would be helpful when setting the fading options (fade in / fade out) as well.

[@prod_by_slvg]

yeah, im pretty sure they'd put it but i think it's a c.p.u. problem

[@eternalvoid2678]

Great review! But they made some really weird design choices imo, too many limitations. Why would anyone want only a few minutes of mono samples on a device that exclusively plays samples? Why not follow the midi trs standard? Given how the Poly2 was handled, I wouldn't expect much in terms of firmware updates or customer support from Polyend. Instead of fixing issues like screen burn in, the simply discontinued the product. There are also several reports of them treating customers rudely. It's always good to only buy a product based on what it can do now, rather than hope for firmware updates, but sometimes bug/issues (like screen burn in) show up later on, or are introduced by firmware updates. Polyend has shown that they won't necessarily solve these types of issues, so if buying anything from them at all, I'd wait at least a few months, maybe a year, until it's clear what sort of issues there are.

[@eriklee909]

Do you have an idea of how much time over 5 min of true sample time is? The time is calculated per sample not in real time. I would venture to bet that you would literally never run out of samples while creating an entire hour long performance. Regarding support, Polyend released the Tracker (their current product) in 2020 and they are still supporting it via firmware updates. Additionally, they have warranty support located in the US!

[@nautical_twilight]

@@eriklee909 it's so crazy when people don't understand sampling time lol.... artists made entire tracks with like 10 secs of sample time.

[@eriklee909]

@@nautical_twilight Maybe it's an old schooler thing!

[@shaft9000]

Gen Y&Z'ers are used to previewing entire song-length mixes in ableton as a loop, so anyhing less than a gazillion bytes of sample memory seems restrictive.

[@bahutu802]

I guess the sample length limitation comes from Polyend's Tracker heritage. Over there, it was an intentional design decision to foster a different creative workflow based on restricted capabilities. At least that's how I understand it. And on the Tracker, in my opinion it works out really well in most cases. Given that a step sequencer is more geared towards live performance though, I would be quite concerned to wait up to a minute for a project to load...

[@noahtotten]

This entire comments section is focusing on features over workflow. Super disappointing to see how many people say “So this is basically a worse deluge” or “the digitak came out over 10 years ago and can do almost everything this can”… It’s a device that prioritizes its workflow over having every feature ever. If this were to ONLY be a midi sequencer it would probably still be worth the value… It’s not supposed to be a DAW in a box and that is a genuinely good thing. Enjoy this thing for what it is: an incredibly powerful drum and melodic sequencer that has probably one of the most powerful generative melodic/trig engines of any hardware device on the market. If you like those features, get it, if you’d rather have a synthesis engine or more sampling flexibility, there are hundreds of other options out there.

[@atetraxx]

exactly, the generative capabilities of this thing are unreal. This is why you would buy it, not because its a swiss army knife.

[@noahtotten]

@@atetraxx Based. Super excited to pick one up for sequencing! I feel bad for the polyend guys. They’ve been getting roasted this morning. Their comments on reddit and youtube are being met with replies like “shame on you guys for once again ignoring what we wanted”. The toxicity of this hobby is exhausting sometimes.

[@oyoyoyo7624]

@@noahtotten 💯

[@danpreston564]

I don’t want every feature ever, but I’d quite like for it to have proper 1/4 inch outs and an audio input, and maybe an LFO and some single cycle support.

[@ickebins6948]

@@danpreston564 And there are plenty of boxes that can do this all... I have an MPC Live 2 and it has all the features but I freaking hate the workflow of the thing... because its "oldschool" and as backwards as possible to keep the fanbois happy ...

[@strangersun7721]

I want to love Polyend, but I've never had a clean experience with any of their devices that I've owned. That includes Tracker and Medusa. There have been bugs a plenty in the firmware. As slick as the hardware can be, I had button sticking issues with both the Tracker and Medusa. The included power supply with the Tracker led to hanging issues and after rebooting from one hang, which required disconnecting the power supply, I lost all my projects. There may have been a language barrier, but their technical support was curt and uncaring. They said something to the effect of "Try another power supply. Backup your work more often." After that, I haven't been tempted to try something new from them.

[@intnrmri]

I asked them today what was the reason of not including cv or gate? Answer: what are those … jokingly. Okay. Battery? Use a powerbank. Kind of ignoring you as if you were dumb.

[@jo_ey]

Amazing what of a product specialist and musician loopop is. Always a joy to watch. And very helpful when you buy a product.

[@RonCavagnaro]

ok I just caved. bought a polyend play. checking video again heheh

[@CamberGreber]

Too each there own. I personally think randomization in music sounds like shit.

[@g3cd]

While I really love an upgraded version of the Polyend Seq, I wish it could a) sample directly via audio in and b) do stereo samples. I guess I will wait for the Polyend Play II then before I replace my Seq and my 1010 Blackbox- and hope the Play II also gets a 32 step-interface instead of 16 😉

[@eriklee909]

Forunately, the effects are stero so that should counter some of your concern. Play is a 16 x 64 step sequencer by the way. Additionally, it features timing options both traditional and unique that make it "feel" like much more than 64 steps.

[@cyberoverkill5844]

Just like Novation's circuit tracks+rythm, ima hold out until Polyend can combine the tracker with this.

[@user-iz8pg8zz1b]

Thanks for the great review. Huge disappointment that it can' t sample.

[@_cocoalabs]

This is the best video on using the PLAY that exists! So good that I'm joining the Patreon because of it. Great work as usual! (Enjoyed the syntakt video as well) -- Buying way too much gear because of loopop!

[@loopop]

Thanks very much!

[@justinc9777]

I think this might be my next purchase haha damn they got me again. Pairing this with the tracker might just hold some live performance gold. Overall im excited to see where this Play machine goes with future updates

[@aptudo]

Seems brilliant for programming music and not ideal for a keyboard player who likes using both hands and wants to multitrack different parts played live.

[@prod_by_slvg]

I don't even care if i can't afford any of this, i just love watching your vids, they make me happy just the way you cover everything. thanks for all you do, loopop!!! you're the goat of music tutorials!!!

[@loopop]

Thanks for taking the time to write!

[@compucorder64]

I wonder how the sequencer compares to the Oxi One and especially the Squarp Hapax, on the generative front. I don't need a groovebox, but the sequencer here is interesting, and seems the best aspect of this.

[@ThoughtDeposit]

I’m wondering the same thing as someone who only cares about sequencing and is in for the June Hapax drop.

[@TOMAvatars]

I'm currently looking Play and Hapax videos in loop wondering which one of these I should get. Help!

[@compucorder64]

@@TOMAvatars I've had a hermod. If it's for driving a whole studio, including modular, Hapax is more flexible/powerful. For standalone, groovebox, pattern/ percussion based and instant gratification/fun, Play seems the choice.

[@TOMAvatars]

@@compucorder64 thanks. I'm asking to use it for live. With Bitwig for the moment. I have a story with live, used in the past combos with MPC 1000, so 404/555, push, synths etc... Sold all the gears, and making sequencing nowadays with Reaktor/Bitwig. But I'd like to control things from a machine. It's very hard to decide because both the machines have very interesting sequencing/live features

[@i.syntaxerror]

Yeah! Finally!! An hour later. Thank you sir so much for your deep review. In terms of the pros and cons I'm fully agreed to the end. However I'd like to see one more function like : "learn my style". Anyway after this lecture I have to say I can play on Polyend Play. LOL It's time to pick up one.

[@Deaphdot1]

Lovely as always. This is on the top of my list. It will be great if I can map knobs to my AS-1 for a little more programing access and performance. Thanks as always for your well balanced view.

[@rrrobart9]

Wow! A SiparioX! I just bought the smaller one and I’ve been surprised at how good it is. The Play looks really good. The chance option is a game changer though… if it’s what I think it is. I think the price is actually really competitive. I can’t wait to get one of these. It might be the first piece of “new” gear I’ve purchased in 10 years. I really wish it had Link compatibility. I still have this at the top of my list.

[@rok_koritnik]

I postponed my Tracker purchase because I thought the new Play could be better for me. I'm getting a Tracker.

[@NegHead]

The main advantages for the Play seem to be that the effects sound nicer and it has a larger sample memory. The Dirtywave M8 is worth considering also.

[@rok_koritnik]

@@NegHead it doesn't sample and I don't find the interface all that inviting.

[@NegHead]

@@rok_koritnik it does sample, but if you're not into the interface that'd be a deal-breaker

[@mojodrum3215]

@@NegHead No it doesn’t sample it only plays samples.

[@NegHead]

@@mojodrum3215 If you're taking about the Polyend Play you're right, but I was taking about the Dirtywave M8 which does have sample recording.

[@hovermotion]

As always great review. If only the Deluge had a similar lcd Display..saying that the Deluge is still a Stella machine.

[@fluim0102]

i was like totally ok with the Deluge not having a screen for actual music making, but for sample browsing and editing it's a PITA would be amazing if you could use an app for this someehow

[@dreamsaremaps]

It does now, as of today! Old models can even be retrofitted but it’s gonna cost $149, plus if you’re not in a couple select countries, will also require shipping it to New Zealand, I think? And if you don’t have the original import paperwork or bought it second hand, you’ll get hit with a (or another) import fee! But an OLED Deluge is finally a reality!

[@flrn84791]

MIDI TRS type B, like why. Why. Type A has been the standard for a a while now. With that size and capabilities I would have expected full size MIDI in/out though, and no audio over USB is a bummer...

[@kaitsu9608]

Agreed, 3,5mm trs midi adapters should definitely be standardized. Came to the conclusion when i accidentally ordered a wrong type

[@hollywood4834]

Really it should be switchable in software on every device.

[@kinnectar820]

TRS-B Midi? WTF? Will the TRS wars never end?

[@brainbox9219]

All it needs it sample slicing and it’s near perfect device imo, don’t get why sample slicing couldn’t be a thing when it has an LCD display, maybe I’m missing something…?

[@truechristianity74]

Y’all must have forgotten about the RM1x now that’s a sequencer

[@index7787]

The variations feature makes this (once programed) an easy, endless, Tecno/dance music source.

[@BenColemanUK]

Am I right in thinking this has no LFOs, and no way to loop samples? For a £700 device that's quite an omission

[@adrianroethlisberger4626]

company xyz sent the product but as always they have no ... (even though they don't want the product back...) ;-)

[@JustinUrban1]

Not being able to send audio per channel into a DAW is the only thing I really see as a negative for the unit.

[@easibroeasibrode6381]

No sampling no fun!

[@danpreston564]

The first couple of minutes I’m thinking it’s a Digitakt killer. Then I see it doesn’t sample and the connectivity, and suddenly I’m less interested. What a shame.

[@AveragePicker]

I honestly don’t get the appeal of the digitakt. To the point that I feel like I’m missing something about it for how popular it is. I was close to buying one but opted to get the 1010 black box instead, on the premise that I had access to borrow a digitakt whenever I wanted…but haven’t felt the need to.

[@danpreston564]

@@AveragePicker I think the sequencing was always the main draw with elektron boxes. They can be a bit weird, a bit esoteric, but if you get into the workflow they can feel like a proper extension of yourself. I’ve done many gigs with the DT controlling everything, and I haven’t found anything I’d change it for…..yet.

[@ickebins6948]

Maybe thats why its called "play"? It's a sequencer and >plays< samples and lets you >play< with them in all different and interesting way? :) Just a little guess ^^

[@kevinbirge2130]

Has there ever been a better time to buy a groovebox? I own the AKAI Force, which I love, but I would own all these machines if I could.

[@wiegraf9009]

Thanks for the review! I have been waiting to buy a groovebox for years, and I think after watching this I'm still gonna go with the Deluge. Their latest update has given me pretty much all the features I want.

[@NicleT]

I’m in the same reflection

[@iamrocketray]

@@NicleT Me 2

[@TimurBatyrshin]

I owned Deluge for a while and its overall manageability seemed horrible to me (I care much more about interface than about features). This one seems to be more manageable, or is it just loopop’s mastery in doing the reviews makes me think so?

[@buildingblocks8287]

Such a great sequencer... Sadly while its a beast for jam and live... my dealbreaker is: once i want to use this gorgeous variations in a production, i couldnt split up the audiotracks or capture my performance... so it does amazing things but i cant integrate them easily in a production... had the same issue with teenage stuff or octatrack... and while loving these machines i found myself not using them and create a workflow in ableton inspired by these machines

[@whoadog8725]

Solo the tracks and record them in individually. This method was used on countless hit records in the 80s & 90s. It’s more work, but music is a craft. Don’t be limited by the workflow psyop.

[@buildingblocks8287]

@@whoadog8725 yes. i do that a lot with my octatrack and op-z... however... often it is the full performance and interactiion of channels that make the difference... but yeah... solo recording is the way to go with a lot of the machines... still love the concept of "play"

[@r2worksee]

Interesting machine but where is all the sampling functionality? Can you view sample wav files for setting start/end points? Can it loop forward/reverse? Does it timestretch?

[@aikighost]

Looks like the sound design options here are minimal, a real missed opportunity.

[@HenningSprang]

an opportunity for great firmware updates ;)

[@aikighost]

@@HenningSprang never buy gear on what they might introduce, if they added more sound design stuff I would consider one for sure though I already have several samplers including an octatrack and the polyend tracker.

[@HenningSprang]

@@aikighost I didnt recommend byung it ;) sure one should not gamble on something getting what one needs sometime later! But it's an oppurtunity for Polyend to add some of that... and not unlikely it might happen... but otherwise one could get the tracker.

[@ajmccarthy3896]

No way to sample directly on a groovebox that touts SAMPLES is really a bizarre decision.

[@James-ip1tc]

I would like to see a comparison between POLYEND PLAY vs Squarp Hapax.

[@TOMAvatars]

Me too

[@RonCavagnaro]

I can make that. they're very very different

[@TOMAvatars]

@@RonCavagnaro I think I'll go with Hapax. I prefer to have more firepower with sequencing over sampling abilities.

[@RonCavagnaro]

@@TOMAvatars Hapax feels pretty much like a standard sequencer to me to write songs. It has extra crazy features but not as crazy as play. Play is a blast live!

[@TOMAvatars]

@@RonCavagnaro but I really like the per step editing of the Play! Still. I'm sure Hapax will be a better investment for my use case.

[@shawnsaul7759]

hey guys i need help between evaluating Polyend Play vs Elektron Digitakt?

[@AD-Dom]

Absolutely my favourite groovebox/sequencer on the market. Gone through quite a few up until this point. The workflow is fun, creative and easy to produce fairly deep songs. The price is right IMO.

[@mojodrum3215]

Do you know what this message from loopop is about l received the same message.

[@rorz999]

@@mojodrum3215 what?

[@mojodrum3215]

@@rorz999 Someone mentioned the message was a scam but it has been removed.

[@vertigev]

Looks pretty amazing but I'm super bummed out that it doesn't have an internal battery 😔

[@ickebins6948]

Just take a powerbank and fitting case... Problem solved. Worked with the tracker aswell

[@vertigev]

@@ickebins6948 That's too much friction, I'll just reach for the Deluge or M8 if I want to do portable jamming.

[@ickebins6948]

@@vertigev Great, so you're not "that bummed out" anymore. You got alternatives :)

[@r4x2]

It’s cool for what it is, but it’s not really a tool I would use. They knocked Tracker out of the park for me, the only real issue I have is lack of stereo sampling. I’ll still have my eyes and ears peeled for Polyend, but I’ll have to sit this one out.

[@gamma_noize]

This box seems damn nice! But i hope, they'll add the wavetable and granular engines of Tracker at some point.

[@kostoglotow]

i was told their github says that wavetable is coming indeed.

[@LostStylus]

better update trackr with stuff from this box.

[@leehu1971]

@@kostoglotow there is no github for play...

[@Zetaphor]

@@leehu1971 It's a private repo. Benn Jordan mentioned seeing changes there in his Q&A

[@gorillamcguilla2275]

Maybe when the price comes down. I have a PE Tracker and I LOVE it, but this unit feels underwhelming. I'm still looking at a Deluge. I don't know, with a Dirtywave M8 coming in the mail Polyend is going to have to up the game to get me to purchase new hardware.

[@Iofflight78]

Ha I have the same thought and the same units. What I like about this over the Deluge is really just the screen. Deluge really would benefit from an OLED screen. It may have started off simple but it's a complicated unit that would benefit from more than that tiny script on the faceplate which is frankly very hard to read. I have the M8 coming and it at least allows a computer screen connection.

[@cresshead]

none of the product links go to the product yet, but searching the internet i found a rrp of $799.

[@LostStylus]

I wish they just updated the tracker with all new generative features and additional 8 midi independent channels. The UI of play with not being able to quickly see notes and parameters of the step is too complicated for being usable for me.

[@fairaintfair1542]

No multiple outs (or something like Overbridge) means this thing is a DAW integration disaster. At the price point...hard pass.

[@Gainn]

This is actually really disappointing. Polyend's refusal to add a programmable 'user chords' option makes this far less interesting.

[@eriklee909]

You can just connect a keyboard and play them yourself.

[@Gainn]

@@eriklee909 the issue with it is that you're using up several tracks if you do it that way. The chord engine just uses one track (same as the Tracker for its midi out chord function).

[@eriklee909]

@@Gainn Actually, that's not true via MIDI mode. Each pad/step can be polyphonic.

[@Gainn]

@@eriklee909 Not what Polyend have said.

[@eriklee909]

@@Gainn Sorry, that's not correct. I'm not sure where you're getting that. It 100% does do polyphony per step in MIDI mode. I just confirmed this with them. 7-Voice Polyphony per step: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpPQdKh7nqd3e7c

[@gctechs]

It's a Polyend Play, but not Polyend Record :) Too expensive imo.

[@Algoritmarte]

No stereo samples ... year 2022 ....?!?!

[@connorcarbon]

yeah this is the last straw for my impressions of Polyend. was annoyed Tracker didn't have stereo and it seems like they're obsessed with stupid limitations. I'm over them

[@ap0ria]

It, uh, raised the groovebox bar until it shipped with an obscene amount of bugs even for a Polyend product.

[@averagepainter]

eurorack noob here. would this work as a control unit for eurorack with let's say the polyend poly 2? i mean could it take care of a basimilus, a piston honda and some other stuff in this combination? if so, would you recommend the combo?

[@doverbeachxyz]

I'll Stick with Hapax.

[@inanesilence]

They are different sequencers, but if you can choose only one Torso TC1 or this unit? I think they have similar features in terms of sequencer.

[@donit.]

this is absolutely fantastic in my opinion. the generative features seems like a lot of fun!

[@tendingtropic7778]

I really dig the performance mode, too bad it not there yet for the midi channels (yet). Thats probably the main selling point here. Also like the sample folder organisation in combination with the beat generator. But only 16 bit mono samples, no waveform view, and no looping options really limit the sample capabilities of the device. so its a very simple drummachine basically if you don't connect other synths to it. No multitrack recording, very limited I/O. Too bad. lots of missed opportunity here imo.

[@lwalto]

I'd like to have thst screen on my deluge, but I probably don't need it.

[@subiesojourner777]

I've watched a slew of your videos, and how you remember all this stuff is mind boggling to me.

[@Ferrous_Bueller]

He uses a script; it’s one of the main things that separates good KZbin channels from bad

[@rorz999]

It seems really strange that they chose not to include a line-in for sampling. If this was a synth-based groovebox that could also play samples, as many were expecting, I could it understand it, but given it's a sample sequencer/player, it seems a strange omission. I'm sure they have their reasons, although I can't think of any good ones. I don't think the addition of sampling would have cannibalised the sales of the Tracker or vice-versa

[@GregDixson]

Yea, I think it's a glaring omission, and at this price point too. I wonder what people are going to use to prep and import their samples? Just thinking there's room for Polyend to make a companion software sample editor and transfer, in dream land of course !

[@matthewstein1110]

Exactly, the tracker isn’t just a groove box, it’s an entirely different workflow. Interesting nonetheless

[@kostoglotow]

unbelievable really. look , I'm not greedy, wouldn't complain about no synth engine or whatever. but making it sample based and then omitting line-in and a basic sampler functionality... like, wtf. When the vid was starting I was expecting to see some waveforms on that display soon, but nope. how was sampling on the Tracker btw? Maybe they can add it via Fw... price feels steep with the current feature set, but that's probably the macro econ environment factoring in too... still looks like it would be fun to make some beats on this for sure.

[@milk_bath]

Or at least have stereo playback of samples…

[@rorz999]

@@kostoglotow sampling on the Tracker is great, and it's been there since the start, it's not a new feature they added via FW. Everything is sampled to mono but that's never bothered me as I mostly work in mono anyway

[@MinPlanck]

Just recently recieved a used Medusa in immaculate condition and it sounds and feels amazing. This unit isn't really for me, but if has been designed and built anything like the Medusa then I'm sure it will be amazing for the people it is for. Great review and demo as always. Cheers!

[@haydnr1631]

Congrats - the Medusa is awesome despite the bad press. Even nicer paired with a Tracker. Have fun!

[@saint_yossarian]

Are the MIDI tracks polyphonic, can you sequence/record more than one note on the same step?

[@Sledger721]

~57:25 Reminds me of The Flashbulb/Benn Jordan's album Flexing Habitual.

[@dejanskenderovic]

Does this beauty cover the generative features torsoelectronics T-1 has?

[@jazzuald0]

(I write this question here, for it seems, this is your latest video). Will you make a video on Erica Synths Percons HD 01?

[@loopop]

That’s the plan but I don’t have it yet

[@djangomixify]

USB multichannel audio out or stem export would have made it so useful. As is it's an expanded model:samples or super MIDI sequencer

[@carstendaembkes]

They don't get it. They never will. Just another hipster toy..

[@aradder]

Stem export was added in a FW update, in case anyone is still looking!

[@arieljonah1059]

Does anybody knows if there is a possibility to use Play as a Eurorack brain sequencer that can send recorded automation as cv to the eurorack?

[@Polyend]

Sure