Polyend are well known for their Tracker and Play groovebox ranges, and they recently added an analogue compressor to their line-up in the form of Press. But although the various Tracker and Play units feature built-in synth engines, until now, there was no sign of a standalone synth in the Polyend family. That’s no longer the case, though, as they’ve just announced the launch of just such a device, and it’s simply called the Synth!
Eight Synth Engines
Visually, the Synth is very much a Polyend instrument, sporting a similar look to the Play and Play+ thanks to the grid of RGB-backlit pads that occupy the lower half of its top panel. It boasts a total of eight onboard synth engines that have been designed to offer a versatile collection of modern and classic sounds. A PHZ engine draws inspiration from the Casio CZ-101, while a Roland SH-101-inspired ACD engine delivers some classic acid tones, and a VAP engine sets its sights on the sought-after tones of the Sequential Prophet-6. Yet more vintage-inspired tones are provided by FAT, a three-oscillator virtual-analogue engine.
As for more modern sounds, there’s some physical modelling courtesy of PMD, an engine that’s based on techniques developed by Muteable Instruments, and a GRAIN engine that promises to take granular synthesis to new heights using user-loaded samples and a unique Burst mode designed to create dynamic rhythms. WAVS then delivers a two-oscillator synth capable of loading custom wavetables, and offers a Retro mode that introduces some vintage-inspired aliasing. WFTM combines wavetable and FM synthesis, delivering a wide variety of sounds that range from mellow to metallic. The Synth features eight voices and is capable of running three of its engines simultaneously, with paraphonic options in GRAIN offering some additional voices.
Filter, Effects & Performance Features
The Synth’s filter offers a choice of low-, high- and band-pass modes (each with four variations) and a pair of notch options, and there’s a healthy selection of onboard effects that include five delay modes, three reverbs and four modulation processors. As you’d expect from Polyend, the instrument packs in some powerful sequencing capabilities, with three independent 64-step sequencers/arpeggiators each offering pad playback and customisable Swing, Groove, Humanization, Rate and Gate Length parameters. It’s possible to assign all three loaded synth engines with their own sequencers/arpeggiator.
As well as offering customisable velocity sensitivity, the instrument’s pads are capable of generating polyphonic aftertouch, which can be assigned to up to five parameters per synth engine. A selection of different grid modes make it possible to trigger the three loaded synth engines all together, or split them across the pads and play them separately. Additional hands-on control is provided by a selection of rotary encoders and function buttons, while a colour screen displays visual feedback of parameter values as well as providing access to system menus.
Connectivity
A trio of TRS mini-jacks provide a stereo audio output and MIDI I/O (DIN adapters are provided), with storage taken care of by a MicroSD card slot. The Synth is powered via a USB-C port.
Pricing & Availability
The Synth is available now, priced at $€499.
