Review: MEDUSA by PolyEnd and Dreadbox: It's all about the GRID

[@alanchamberlain4595]

Would be really interested in seeing an updated demo of this now there are some updates to the firmware and it's much more affordable

[@mraduanemc]

Ah, Loopop. You're always giving the most comprehensive, unbiased reviews around. Whenever I want to learn about the specs of a given piece of gear, I know to look on your channel first.

[@humanbeing_]

Andy Mcvey I wholeheartedly agree with your statement. I've been a producer of electronic music for 17+ years, but never bothered to learn synthesis. However early last year something clicked, and I've engulfed myself in hardware & analog Synths, Eurorack via Free & Opensource VCV Rack, and software analog modeling Synths that are free or have demo versions. I've even went back to Propellerhead Reason and found I'm now able to actually make the sounds I want with Thor (3 DCO'S), Malstrum, (2 DCO graintable) and the new amazing Europa (which is digital, but doesn't resample, rather a 'wave table' synth)! And I've been able to create some cool stuff in GarageBand on my iPhone, then Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live 10 (lite) that came with my Novation Launchkey MKII... And got my Arturia Keystep to control the Behringer Model D I bought as my very first hardware analog Synth. *I mention all this, because one of the first, and now my MAIN 'Go-To' channel is loopop. Every video is straightforward, yet in depth, comprehensive, and easy to follow yet enjoyable to watch.* I don't think there is a better review / tutorial channel on KZbin for Synthesisers & Synthesis. Watching his videos have accelerated my learning 10-fold. AND he consistently replies to his subscribers emails and comments. I often end up watching videos several times, and everytime I end up learning something new or picking up on something I missed the previous time. Ziv knows his stuff!!! _Long comment, but watching this channel has been an integral part of my learning and progress in Synthesis overall._ 😬🤘👍 Cheers!

[@IgnisCygnus147]

100

[@Screenshot1015]

Just bought one for under half of retail! This thing is CRIMINALLY slept on. There simply isn’t anything else like it and I think it’s worth the kinks especially after they’ve updated it

[@mahusonicstorytelling8693]

Ha , I'm "waking up to it" just very recently - the expressiveness in a performances is just unique!

[@mistercheetah9717]

I’m looking at one too… I was telling a friend it has the best elements of a Evolver or Prophet 12, an Elektron and old Hybrid Korgs/Sequentials/Kawais/Ensoniqs/PPGs… and even that comparaison doesn’t quite do it justice!

[@kierenmoore3236]

You would say that … you’re ‘invested’ now, lol …

[@petert7807]

How are you liking it a year later? I have always been interested, but to my ears the sound is always a bit dull.

[@josephwright5921]

It is very cool that the two companies collaborated on this.

[@Projacked1]

wow, I'm quite mindblown with this functionality especially the tone-grid. And you're a great reviewer, technical straight and forward, with a dash of humor.

[@NOLNV1]

The preset position system is brilliant and so clear to the user, so smart!

[@kixxalot]

Yeah, lots of forward thinking here. Obviously replacing the traditional keyboard with a grid is really refreshing as well, and something that I hope to see more often in future products.

[@XanderEwald]

Congrats on the first and probably best Medusa review! Good job.

[@agniabarto8896]

Весьма добрый обзор.

[@AugustorLazzers]

I love the depth and simplicity of the video and the increasing ammount of humour you put in these reviews. Keep it up!

[@AtomkeySinclair]

Man - I've come to your channel so many times for breakdowns. You have, hands down, the best review process for audio tech there is. Finally subscribed. Rock on brother.

[@AmbientMusicStudio]

Lots of helpful and creative innovations in this synth. I love the ability to play parameter changes on the pads. A modulation matrix would be nice, but simplicity is nice too.

[@seanspartan2023]

Wow, what an amazing machine! I love the functionality and versatility of the touch pad inputs. Definitely would purchase one if I didn't already own a Deluge.

[@nomadvideomachine]

This thing! Love it! Am I wrong or is this thing a little underrated?

[@roccoharris]

benn jordan did another in-depth vid about exactly that aspect of the medusa... how she's an underrated magical beast who ought to be revered amongst synthheads everywhere. check that out.

[@nomadvideomachine]

@@roccoharris I know, thanks! And I have one for a while! Love it, it is exactly what I was looking for both Sound and Interface wise!!

[@roccoharris]

the medusa is effectively my first hardware synth. such a weird & wonderful place to start. I love her so much!! I'm really glad you do too.

[@jeremjerem]

Thank you for this great review, one of the best if not the best about the Medusa. I was curious about the Medusa, but your review sold me. I bought it, thnx to you ;)

[@blushingfrieza]

Thoughts on it after some time? It's been this and the rev2 for me.

[@jeremjerem]

@@blushingfrieza well i was already very satisfied but the last update IS even great, i really enjoy the Medusa. The only thing that miss is maybee some FX

[@zookiebudeck3428]

By far the best review of this innovative synth in depth and fairness! Congrats! The Grid opportunities are infinitely. Cheers from Germany

[@metabeard3788]

This thing is amazing. The only thing I wish it could do is maybe be able to create independent sequences to control each oscillator independently from each other. Maybe that could be added in a firmware update or something. It's incredible regardless and it's definitely high on my wishlist!.

[@Cesiumswimsuit]

Thank you for this excellent in depth exploration of the Medusa, I actually ordered it mid video and then came back to watch the rest 👌🏻

[@theTerribleFamiliar]

This instrument looks amazing. So much depth that the possibilities seem endless. Thanks for making it easy to digest. Great video as always.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

Great synth just don't look her in the eyes.

[@markbennett2856]

This is incredible - the sheer versatility of that grid is breathtaking. It makes keys seem almost mundane.

[@nathanjames4242]

That little chord progression at the beginning was great.

[@MatheusLeston]

Really amazing review, thank you! I was really looking forward for something like this about the Medusa. And it actually seems to be an amazing synth indeed.

[@Feanarth]

This has become a lot more affordable lately. Could we get an update what has been done since the FW 3.0 update hit? There was criticism about constant calibration, live recording, so new info on this would be great for buyers on the fence like me. Thanks for all your work :)

[@guidedbyechoes]

From the site v3.01 Updates - Config reset added to the flashing process. Fixes - Swing bug eliminated. Changelog: v3.0 Updates - Added LFO random wave (the last position). - Added MIDI Local Off (as a MIDI config option), you can now use the Medusa MPE pads to play another instrument and play the internal synth engine with an external controller at the same time. - Both LFOs and envelopes are now able to send out their native values out as CC (set it up from the MIDI config menu). - Each synth parameter is now displayed with the assigned CC number. The option to use the grid to control other things and play the internal sounds with another controller is a game changer. I think.

[@nathankirklambo1986]

Can’t wait to get mine! It’s coming in the mail. Amazing review!

[@ProckGnosis]

Each "program" in the Medusa is a collection of 1) patch data (for the overall sound) and 2) sequencer/grid data. If you wanted, you could create a program with nothing but grid data (or patch modifying data as the manual calls it), and 64 "little patches" in one program. And you can have up to 128 programs. That gives you basically 8,192 patches (64 grid patches x 128 programs) you can store in the Medusa if you wanted to work it that way.

[@loopop]

Yes and no. In the way it currently works you can only play the overall sound in note mode or the sequencer (in the sequencer - as modified by PM data of course). The trick that I showed in the video is that behavior with a midi keyboard is different than note mode - there indeed you have the potential of 8192 patches. Hopefully this behavior will be applied to note mode in the future and not vice versa

[@ProckGnosis]

True...forgot to clarify that only works with an external keyboard/controller, which is mostly what I used during the testing. And including the base sound (or overall sound) in each program, you'd really have a total of 8192+128...for a whopping 8,320 patch storage options. Great job on the review btw. You succinctly pack a lot of relevant content into a finite space! Cheers...

[@loopop]

Thanks :)

[@rinkobamoto2452]

you say you tested the medusa, will you be posting your findings to youtube?

[@ProckGnosis]

I'll be posting a sequencer tutorial, but not really any reviews. My unit was one of the first batch of prototypes and there were a couple features that weren't full up yet.

[@SammyBP007]

"You just saved yourself a world of hurt" Haaa...best thing I ever heard when it comes to Analog vs Digital. Liked, Subscribed!

[@PspiralifeTutorials]

From this demonstration, should I assume that like the medusa, all digital oscillators will have less high overtone clarity in the lower notes than analogue oscillators do? If thats the case then I finally have a good reason to consider going analogue.

[@JamesRamboPearce]

I'm very surprised these aren't more popular! More Wavetables or user Oscillators could really help it out (don't know if these have been implemented already!)

[@roccoharris]

thanks so much for this video!! this is essentially my first hardware synth. so, I suppose I've picked a unique beast to learn on. I most definitely will have questions. I subscribed on patreon & am reading your book. I love how well you cover so many basics & smoothly move into the more advanced stuff. hopefully I can hit you up as I become more able to better articulate the things I'm puzzled by as I dance with miss medusa. thanks again for the book & all these fantastic videos!!

[@loopop]

Hey just saw this comment and wanted to say thanks :)

[@roccoharris]

@@loopop so funny... I just SO HAPPEN to be watching another of your vids at this very moment. ;-)

[@sayved]

Love your Tutorials. Perfect pace, good structure, informative and very competent.

[@ToyKeeper]

Fascinating little thing, isn't it? Seems like it would be great for live performance.

[@grproteus]

6:48 -> Medusa's Jump Patch

[@loopop]

Damn you're right! Totally unintentional, and yet there it is. The cliche just wants to be there I guess...

[@SyntheticSan]

One of the best Medusa vids so far. Thank you.

[@catvideos3249]

Whoa this device is surprisingly affordable, considering its features.

[@sat5171]

Yes under 700€ now

[@housemachine509]

Love this synth definitely on my wish list. So many options today!!!

[@chsm72]

Excellent review, fantastic production quality, as always clear and easy to follow. Thanks

[@danielkats9045]

I am always scared when someone demonstrates the self oscillating filter :p Great review man! Thank you! I really think this is going to be my third synthesizer.

[@danielkats9045]

@@HotStrange sub 37 and dsi tempest

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Im sure the Medusa has taken yoga lesson. It just seems so so flexible. Well done to the engineers on this one . Fantastic !!!!

[@InkyDaCaT]

But 4/4😂😉😉😉SIR

[@rollonfood]

Is there any way to initialize the patch that you know of @loopop . I just got this beast and can not work out how's to init

[@i.syntaxerror]

It seems the Polyend and Deradbox they took huge effort to polish the Medusa and by this my voice for retake of review of this extraordinary synth. In age of super fast of recycling I have thoughts the Medusa is worth attention. Especially after final "tuning".. Do anybody agree? However, thank you Sir for this and all other honest reviews. My regards.

[@MartinStuertzer]

What a beast! Also an excellent walkthrough of the synth, thanks!

[@jacco1967]

Good review for this unique synth.

[@windship5x5]

Great work,does the midi out enable you to use this as a pad controller for Battery 4?

[@beatnikcafe]

Forgive me, I did somewhat skim through, so I may have missed it if you discussed this, but can you tell me if in P2 mode you can choose different OSC types?

[@hellohogo]

Meduza 😎 We need an update video

[@AlchemicalAudio]

I just got a Medusa and am still wrapping my head around it. It really is something unique and super powerful. I would love to see another video now that version 4.0 is out. Mostly, I would also love to see a video that uses the Medusa to control external gear, including CC mode where you can send the envelopes and lfos as assignable CCs. As there are no videos that effectively show these capabilities. I am not sure if you are in the United States but if you don’t have a unit to do the video with, I would be happy to lend mine to you for the video, assuming I wouldn’t be without the Medusa for too long😜 Thanks for all you do!!

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

How’s the tuning stability? Do you still like it?

[@AlchemicalAudio]

@@TwinCitiesOxygen I still really like it. Tuning seems to be a problem occasionally, but once it found a stationary place in my studio, and after it gets warmed up, it doesn’t seem to be much of a problem. I have gotten used to using the fine tune knob to tune it on the fly. I have been using the grid as an mpe controller for Ableton as well, which is awesome and really is an incredible bonus feature that the synth and the grid can be decoupled. The FM synth with wavetables is insane. The filters are nice, not what I am used to, as the slope into self oscillation of the resonance can be a bit abrupt but that isn’t really an issue for me as I am usually doing more subtle things than just boosting the resonance into self oscillation. It isn’t a sweet spot, but has soo many places that you can create your own. And it isn’t an instrument that is for the faint of heart. You have to learn how to play it. It is sensitive and dynamic and you have to be willing to reign it in to achieve your desired results. I started playing with wind controllers recently and using breath to control the pitch of the second or third oscillator when they are synced is a trip. I have been playing with assigning the wavetable to the breath as well, and that too creates interesting results. As well as using breath to control the “pitch” (which becomes the ratio) of the second digital oscillator while in FM synth mode. It is crazy and I love it, primarily as an experimenters tool box. Building monophonic “chords” per step is crazy, and is a different way to build sounds than I have ever done and can lead to unexpected progressions and solutions. This was really my first “mono synth” that I ever kept longer than a few months. As I have always been a poly synth person, it was a good cross over piece to give me the access to so many oscillators, with soo much timbral flexibility, to really see the power and usefulness of the mono synth. Now I have a second mono synth, as well. It is a tool that isn’t my primary sound generation device, and I guess it could be but I have a bunch of old gear, that I learned many years ago, so the Medusa only has to excel at what I need it to do. I have been using it recently paired with a Toriaz AS-1 and they seem to sound really nice together. Arps and leads with the as-1. Rhythmic, and melodic textures with the Medusa. Both can get really clear, ranging from gentle tones and bell tones, to intense and crunchy madness. Such a wide range of timbral variation. Some things are a little fiddly, like playing around with the lfo destination, in real-time, I have accidentally bumped it and then can’t remember what it was set to. I kinda wish there was the same type of knob function of making it so you could turn the knob and have it bring up the existing setting before immediately shifting to the next value. You can do this with all of the other functions other than the lfo and envelopes. I have gotten used to it and mostly set my routings prior to a performance or recording session. But sometimes I want to change a destination from wavetable all to a single oscillator and that can lead to it racing to some other variable, like filter fm or pitch and things get crazy really fast. I probably just need to remember to turn down the amount before fucking with the destination… yep… I will start to do that… Thanks for asking, now I have a solution. Simple solutions for simple problems, eh? Have a great day!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Helping to sell second-hand synths is not as profitable an enterprise …

[@WeirdMedicine]

once again, you made the perfect introductory video to a new piece of gear. I preordered one at Sweetwater after watching this. Thank you and see you at Moogfest next year! :-)

[@loopop]

Thanks and looking forward to it!

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Even without owning this synth, still learned a nice technique I quickly applied to my modular setup.

[@SS-hz4jo]

Great review!

[@OmriCohen-Music]

Excellent! So many powerful features in a relatively small package... An arpeggiator would be nice though but I'm sure it will be added in the future

[@Healectro]

I think its first time i see self compare oscillators. 😊

[@rayflux]

Excellent Review! Thank You Loopop.

[@ThizOne]

“Forgive this snare please” :D

[@dartist1176]

"A master piece, I'm sure you'll agree" 🤣

[@nohandleJago]

Might be a good thing to pin that the Medusa has been discontinued since April 2021.

[@mrotaveria]

that snare was dope!

[@loopop]

Awwwee thanks ;)

[@robertsyrett1992]

21:45 Holy smokes that knob preset diagram feature is super amazing. I'm thinking synth of the year just for that XD

[@devonhansen7705]

this synth is absolutely nuts

[@mustocarnero8537]

@7:30 It's like the step edit on the korg E2!! Love this concept

[@messer21]

I picked this up when it first came out, few months later I sold it. Repurchased one a few weeks ago, after 2.0 it has made huge improvements, by far my favorite synth.

[@slakk5093]

Is 2.0 a hardware or software revision? Noticed some have a gloss black faceplate where others looked like a matte finish. Was wondering if there was a revision out

[@messer21]

Bokeh 2.0 is a software upgrade. There is a slight cosmetic deference from the first batch that came from Dreadbox vs Polyend. Hardware is the same.

[@slakk5093]

@@messer21 thanks 👍

[@danbaggenstoss]

How about the knobs? I thought they were a bit wobbly with very little resistance when I had my hands on one briefly.

[@messer21]

Dan Baggenstoss They have some play and very smooth. I don’t mind it’s just the build

[@RoseRinged]

Amazing review, never finish 30 minute reviews but this one is so great! 1 question: is the filter analog?

[@loopop]

Thank you and yes

[@francescoquaglierini3197]

...are sequences (1 per patch?) playble triggerable from a midi keyboard changing the pitch as it a was a sort of arpeggio pattern? Maybe to do that you shuold copy the same sound on several locations and compose a different 64 steps sequence each, but at the point could you change patch in time? Thank you very much and congratulations on your job

[@austinbru]

You are one of the best reviewers I've ever seen. Scratch that, probably the best. Subjective, I know - My point is really to encourage you to keep inspiring and educating us pleebs.

[@loopop]

Thanks so much... it’s working :)

[@GuitarManiac1975]

Oooooh, versatile nice machine. As always a very interesting overview. 👍🏻

[@ywenp]

Can the sequencer playback several tracks at the same time? Or should you consider it as just one instrument? I'm hesitating between the Medusa and the Elektron Digitone, which has a 4 track sequencer, onboard effects (reverb, overdrive...) and (I believe) more capable FM synthesis. But OTOH the Medusa's grid looks like a much more pleasant interface, so I'm puzzled ^^

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Your videos are very informative and pleasant to listen to. This looks and sounds like an amazing piece of hardware. I will be keeping my eye on this one. ty : )

[@davidjazay9248]

You explained this best - thank you!

[@arcticsunrise9032]

fantastic video - very well explained - thank you!

[@MadelnMachines]

Seems a really exciting concept. Does it have a live panel mode so you can press a button and the sound reflects all of the knob positions? Shouldn't the pads be on the right hand side so you don't have to play with your left hand? Right hand for playing - left hand for tweaking.

[@loopop]

No live panel mode but since it’s all digital I’m sure they could implement it with enough user demand. Re right or left yeah maybe - I guess they were thinking of it like a guitar where the left hand plays the notes

[@VoodooSage]

I see you have a couple videos covering the Novation Circuit Groovebox and its newer cousin, the Novation Circuit Mono Station. Is it worthwhile to do a Medusa vs MonoStation comparison? Superficially they seem to have some big similarities and I find myself wondering about workflow and capability (one being more than twice the price of the other).

[@loopop]

I probably won’t do a comparison - they’re different enough that watching both videos is probably the best way to go

[@VoodooSage]

loopop thank you for the quick reply. Since they are so distinct in your mind, is there an easy elevator pitch of “go for the Medusa when abc” and “use the MonoStation when xyz” ?

[@loopop]

No sorry ... :/

[@VoodooSage]

loopop ok no problem. Thanks again for the replies.

[@marcbrasse747]

Hi! Great review. A question. That trick you do at 9:54 min. What would happen if one has set up a paraphonic sound and plays a chord? I assume that would be possible because there is only 1 filter and the sequencer will imprint the filter steps on everything that runs through it, monophonic or polyphonic. Am I right?

[@mad.magirus]

Hi Ziv. Do you know if there is a possibility to do ratchets when making sequences? I think Medusa can play sequences on other synths like the Moog mother 32 or the Behringer Crave. Do you know that?

[@loopop]

Hey Marcus, sorry, this review was made so long ago, whatever I know is in the video. As far as I recall there aren't any ratchets, but I very well may be wrong.

[@mfbuisman4135]

I'm glad (and more than a little jealous) that you are one of the first to get a Medusa. Thanks for the video, can't wait to receive mine! Question:This has an audio input. Can it do "filth" like the monostation?

[@loopop]

Thanks - define filth in synth terms...

[@mfbuisman4135]

I guess "Filth" is the squelchy, noisy, saggy stuff Novation did in this series: kzbin.info/aero/PL_kRkcZ1CjijSIgeIxYfvBK-ok2rIKtBr But I suppose that makes heavy use of the distortion and overdrive in Mono Circuit. While we're talking Mono Circuit: could the loopback trick you showed in your Mono Circuit video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2nWY51jgc-VmaMm35s) work with Medusa?

[@loopop]

Yeah I think Novation uses their distortion feature as part of the "filth" (no distortion on Medusa). The other tricks they use would probably produce similar effects. Regarding the loopback trick - yes, I tried it, for some reason it doesn't sound like other synths I've tried this on - much less dramatic effect, but there's definitely something going on there especially if you crank it up

[@DavidDeLuge]

Do the sliders work in the same way as the rotary knobs with regard to them potentially not being in the correct position for the selected envelope?

[@themightychode5666]

At 8:50 you started talking about parameter modifications. You used the top left pad as the pitch then used the other pads to modify it. Do the pads still modify the pitch if it was played on a midi keyboard?

[@brainbox9219]

Already want one after 5 minutes into video

[@Noise-Maker]

I want four of these! So cool!

[@elianalluin1834]

hello, I find your presentation awesome, Your way to make us discover this hardware is very nice and a bit of humor as it should .. This changes sound demos. One question remains in fact two: Do ​​you think to add the review of the firmware update? I will invest in this synth. Since Polyend and Dreadbox are in my opinion "outsiders", this hardware excites me because I want to think outside the box and invest in a more original Synth, seeing a lot of the same references in the studios. Do you just think it's a good buy with a bright future? (By the way the link that leads to Thomann is the lowest price I've found so ..) I would like to see test examples on "audio in" but I think I'll test myself. Sorry for that long prose! Thumbs up from Paris.

[@loopop]

Thanks very much for the kind words. I sort of did a video which includes many of the features in 1.1 (see my CV to MIDI to CV video), and they did add a few things since, but with NAMM coming and the schedule after I probably won't do a 1.1 video as I already covered a lot of it. Hopefully exciting things will come in the next version!

[@manuvre7999]

Great demo. Always so. I love the look and concept of this synth, and the company's output. I've still not heard anything revolutionary or that compelling from this synth yet though. Hopefully I will hear that soon, as it gets shown in a musical context beyond the initial demos...

[@iVardensphere]

Cook video. One question. When the envelopes are in loop mode, do they sync to tempo (like on the sub 37) or are they free running? This is important to my flow. thanks!

[@loopop]

Thanks! No, they don't sync - you can sync the LFOs though

[@markjeffery3237]

Picked one up last week from Juno Records here in the UK. Go direct to their site, click a link requesting their best price, and they'll send you a discount code. Mine was £465 delivered including a nice set of coloured Davies knobs - a flipping bargain. Ziv, you've got to quit with these vids, the wife won't stand for much more!

[@Ho0chie]

tried the same and got £610

[@LorenzoFarfisa]

Finally a complete demo of this misterious monster! At the start of the video there is an external reverb, isn't it? No erebus echo in medusa?

[@loopop]

Yes, there’s a touch of reverb on the intro jam - no other effects applied in the video and no fx in the synth unfortunately. The Erebus echo would be nice!

[@AS-rc1lv]

Thank you a lot for your great review and this full tutorial. I always love to watch your videos. You really focus on the point and not on gadgets. ;-) Quick question on the scope displaying the wave curves (e.g at 17:00). What is it? Thanks!

[@loopop]

A S Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle

[@solaryzer]

Great demo and lovely piece of gear .

[@neonblack211]

You are the best synth reviewer... the only person who compares is badgear

[@buddhaspalm170]

you mentioned something about an LFO tips and tricks video. I went looking, but didn't find the video you were referring to. Do you happen to have a link?

[@loopop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX6nn32PfJaHnZY

[@VJFranzK]

I liked the drum synth part. Would it be possible to have some OSC continue with synth notes while others produced drums? ( as with Analog Four, for example. )

[@loopop]

It’s not as easy as the analog four which has dedicated filters for each voice, but it’s doable with a certain about of effort and limitation of having one filter. But I would consider that more of a workaround than a feasible workflow

[@8bitheroes86]

I need this in my life.

[@joegrant413]

For the holidays, I'm thinking of getting something like the op1 as my second piece of hardware. Already have a minibrute. Would the Medusa compete with the op1? Or is this comparing apples and oranges? I want something to have an intuitive workflow for creating songs, and possibly performing.

[@loopop]

Complete more than compete - they are very different... op-1 is a great all in one jack of many trades controlled by on-off switches. Medusa dives deep into expressive control and synth features

[@joegrant413]

Hi, a privilege to hear from you! I'm sensing the Medusa has a greater learning curve to get a basic track together. Probably the OP1 is closer to my musical journey needs as a song-sketching tool. BTW, best of luck on your new Patreon channel.

[@loopop]

My pleasure and thanks!

[@schtickkicker]

Thank you for covering the encoder position behavior! Are they panel or pcb mounted?

[@loopop]

yeah it's pretty simple and useful. re mounting I don't know... perhaps the manufacturer could comment if they see this

[@ikkini]

This encoder position feature is even more intuitive on my good old Moog Little Phatty ! ;)

[@stepone76]

this is a must have

[@PhilBusby]

Great device, but I was so impressed with the review/reviewer, that I watched the whole video without intending to. Thank you. How did you create the inset fft/wave displays that you use on some of the shots?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I overlay scopes by Melda

[@JansKanaal]

Great review, as always. Thanks! Just wondering what reverb was used at the beginning? Sounds gorgeous on the Medusa!

[@loopop]

Thanks! A touch of Valhalla Shimmer

[@lying-dalai]

What other effects have you added ? It sounds really nice indeed. May I suggest to keep most of your demo with the dry sound of the device, and only add FX in the end ? I believe it’s being more honest about the sound as is. Brilliant demo, still :)

[@loopop]

as I said above - I used Valhalla shimmer on the intro only, and no other effects. Aside from that, 24 out of the 26 minutes of the video are totally dry so I think that's a pretty honest ratio...

[@n_o_]

8:28 demo of what this all sounds like to our significant others

[@leepeha6830]

Hey loopop this is an awesome video. Coming from the circuit monostation how is editing presets while they are sequenced on the grid? Can you manipulate one preset while the others play through the sequence? Does one parameter control edit all the presets as you play through the sequence? Thanks!

[@loopop]

When the sequence isn't playing you can choose and change any step to anything you want; while the sequence is playing changes will apply to the current playing step

[@goodboid]

Finally a Medusa video that didn't make me want to pull out tufts of hair in frustration. I'm a bit confused though, so are there presets for the digital part of the synth? Not having an arp seems very shortsighted. Also what does the delay do at the top of the envelop? The sounds seem a bit meh, especially coming from dreadbox. A digital reverb would have helped things a bit. This seems a very "first gen" product, as if both parties were holding back. Reminded me of Canon dumbing down their mirrorless camera offerings. Thank you for a lovely walkthrough though.

[@loopop]

Thanks for the compliments. Presets apply to everything - all the analog and digital components. The delay is another "stage" in the envelope, letting you hold off on the other stages a bit. Agree with you on fx - always nice to have those built in. Re sound obviously that's subjective but I believe it's exactly the same engine as the Erebus. Wouldn't call this dumbing down, more there's a lot of new stuff that can definitely be expanded

[@goodboid]

My apologies if I came across a bit harsh in my assessment. I was very excited when I saw the product featured at Namm, but every subsequent presentation has left me a bit underwhelmed. At it's price point I wanted something that would compete effectively with the Deluge.

[@mfbuisman4135]

Polyend is working on the grid as a seperate product. You could get an Erebus v3 soon and add a grid when it comes out. You'll miss out on digital oscs and the chance to support great and possibly legendary collaboration from day one. Medusa and Deluge are rather different products, both from a small and passionate group of people, at a fairly reasonable price. It's cheaper than an iPhone. And I agree that this much awesome potential for sound design is just begging for some equally awesome sound design demos. Surely soon some usual suspects will sell presets for this...

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Mf Buisman only if the new erebus has full midi response. Dreadbox synths usually only respond with pitch and gate via midi

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

clear and useful as usual, thank you

[@monomakes]

6:50 Carnival music becomes 'Jump!'

[@haroldmcfarlane4160]

Solid box tool for hardware heads

[@Plonkuss5]

Hi just a general question are there any grid based midi controllers that can do the scale thing and run stand alone? I really like the Medusa but it's out of my price but excited about the way the grid is used.

[@loopop]

Plonkuss launchpads have similar scale modes but no x/y expressive control (some models have velocity sensitivity - not sure about aftertouch). The linnstrument has grid control and even finer expressive features but costs as much as this

[@buyukberber]

Hi, I am visually impaired and I am wondering how much of the functionality requires seeing the screens? Or in other words, how limited of a use it would be to pretty much ignore those screens? Thanks!

[@loopop]

Oguz Buyukberber a lot of this synth is knob per function but the screen isn’t the only element with visual feedback. The pads light up in 3 levels based on their content and many buttons light up to indicate their state

[@nj1255]

I need this in my life!

[@RegebroRepairs]

Damn, a grid pad with XYZ touch controls? They need to release that separately.

[@dans.8198]

Check the Launchpad Pro.

[@loopop]

Launchpad Pro is only Z (pressure) sensitive, not XY. Linnstrument is XYZ though

[@RegebroRepairs]

@@loopop And twice the price of the Medusa as a whole. Seems like a market opportunity. ;-) Also, Linnstrument seems more directed to be a main expressive keyboard. The Medusa grid as a Launchpad style thing, but with XYZ expressions would be pretty cool. But I guess it would be hard to get it down to the same price as a Launchpad, so it might be a tough sell anyway.

[@dans.8198]

Thanks, I stand corrected. The Roli Lightpad Block M could work in “Note Grid” mode, with X=pitch_bend, Y=assignable_CC, Z=pressure. Unfortunately, X and Z are not assignable to custom CC, the pad is small, and the standard app allows up to 5x5 grid. An SDK is available, though ;-)

[@markjeffery3237]

The latest firmware beta (v.2.05)has a 'MIDI Local Off' control, which separates the pad from the synth engine. Grid can be used to control external/MPE gear, whilst the synth can be controlled by a MIDI input.