Polyend have announced Drums, a new hybrid analogue and digital drum machine that combines synthesis, sampling, sequencing and performance controls in a single hardware instrument.
Housed in an aluminium chassis with custom metal controls, Drums features eight tracks designed for creating percussion using analogue voices, digital synthesis methods or sample-based instruments. Four analogue voices based on modern SSI chips combine dual analog VCOs, noise generation, a digital oscillator, multimode analogue filtering and VCAs, while the digital engine adds multiple synthesis methods, sample playback and eight independent LFOs for modulation.
Polyend Drums is available in a choice of silver or black colour schemes.
Polyend say the instrument includes more than 40 instruments with additional sub-mode variations, alongside an advanced sequencer offering parameter locks, probability, micro-timing, pattern chaining, generative tools and multiple track play modes. Projects can store up to 64 patterns, 64 kits and 48 songs.
Performance features include instant pattern switching, real-time parameter editing and the X0Y fader, which allows users to morph between different kit or pattern states during playback. Effects are divided into send, insert and master sections, with insert effects able to be sequenced per track.
Connectivity includes eight individual audio outputs, stereo audio input, MIDI over TRS and a dedicated headphone output. Internally, Drums operates with 32-bit floating-point processing at 96kHz and 24-bit/96kHz DAC and ADC conversion.
Key Features
- 8-track analogue and digital drum machine
- Four analogue voices built on modern SSI chips
- Dual analogue VCOs, noise source, digital oscillator, multimode analog filter, and VCA per analogue voice
- Digital synthesis methods and sample-based instruments
- More than 40 instruments with sub-mode mutations
- Eight independent LFOs
- 8-track sequencer with up to 64 steps per pattern
- 64 patterns, 64 sound kits, and 48 songs with arrangement options
- Probability, micro-timing, parameter locks, pattern chaining, generative tools, live recording, polyrhythms and multiple track play modes
- X0Y fader for morphing between three kit states
- Instant pattern and sound kit switching
- Send effects, sequenced insert effects, and master effects
- Eight individual audio outputs
- Stereo audio input for external processing
- MIDI over TRS
- Dedicated headphone output
- Dual-core main CPU with auxiliary processors for peripherals and analog control
- 32-bit floating point internal processing at 96 kHz
- 24-bit/96 kHz DAC and ADC conversion
Pricing & Availability
Polyend Drums will be available to reserve with a fully refundable $500 deposit. The final retail price will be $2,699€2,699, with limited quantities available at launch.
