Presenting the Polyend Synth: A Revolutionary Multi-Engine Polyphonic Synthesizer

video upload by sonicstate

Update: new videos & pics below. Check with dealers on the right for availability.

"The Polyend Synth is a multi-engine polyphonic synthesizer that allows for real-time performance, featuring 8 synth engines and 3 effects engines. With capabilities like comprehensive FM synthesis, virtual analog sounds, and intricate grids for dynamic chord progressions, it provides musicians with a versatile soundcrafting tool.
Priced at $499"

Key Moments:
00:00:00 start
00:01:58 Engines
00:09:19 Presets
00:14:14 Encoders
00:22:28 Pad layouts
00:25:59 MIDI

We should talk about the Polyend Synth...
video upload by Oscillator Sink

"'The Polyend "Synth'is a Polyphonic, Multi-Engine and Multi-Timbrel synthesizer paired with a squidgy playing surface that is responsive both to velocity and aftertouch. The sounds range from basic virtual analogue engines, through digital FM and phase distortion and more unusual synthesis methods such as granular and (my favourite!) physical modelling. It also has an interesting way to customize the layout of the playing surface for each engine and define how they interact as leaders and followers as you play.

In this video I'll explore the Synth's general functionality and then deep-dive into the more esoteric physical modelling and granular engines as well as discussing what I like about it, and what I think it could do better.

Transparency Notice: Polyend kindly sent Synth to me for free for the purposes of making videos. They have not been granted, nor have they asked for any editorial oversight into the content of this video.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:19 What is Synth? (the vital statistics)
03:27 Scenes
04:57 The Engines and editing patches
08:38 Macros (including velocity and aftertouch)
09:25 The mod matrix
10:01 The Mixer and FX
14:07 Chord Modes
15:40 The Physical Modelling Engine - Performance
16:58 The Physical Modelling Engine - Discussion
28:39 The Granular Engine - Performance
29:35 The Granular Engine - Discussion
40:21 Criticisms
50:38 Who is it for?
52:05 Outro"

8 Synths in 1 Box // Polyend Synth Review and Demo

video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 Intro Jam
1:57 Overview - there’s a lot in here
7:06 Navigating the interface
15:15 ACD.. SH101?
16:33 FAT 3 detuned supersaw superpulse
18:12 WAV Wavetables - Waldorf stylie
19:44 VAP Virtual Polysynth Prophet 5 ish?
21:07 Adding Modulating
21:54 WTFM Wavetable FM
23:29 PDM physical modelling - MI Elements?
24:57 PDZ Phaze Distortion - Casio CZ?
25:58 GRAIN Granular synth

Polyend Synth Demo (Preview) with Custom and Factory Presets for Ambient, Techno and Electronica

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Granular Pads
1:38 Dub Chords
3:19 Factory Presets (Eraldo Bernocchi Transmissions)
4:13 Gimbri (Physical Modelling)

Polyend Synth Demo (no talking) with Factory Presets

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Polyend Synth: Just The Sounds

video upload by Polyend

"Just the sounds of the Polyend Synth. Polyend Synth is a unique multi-engine synthesizer with 8 engines to choose from. Up to 3 Synth patches can be played on a single grid at once."

The Liminal

video upload by Polyend



Polyend's Synth is a grid-based instrument that gives you access to three simultaneous synth engines boasting several grid layouts and performance scenes that allow for robust productions. Featuring eight different synth engine types that can be arranged across a playable illuminated grid, you can be sure that your sonic needs will be met and serendipity will enter. Their ACD and FAT synth engines give you vintage inspired tones with the ACD taking its cues from a certain classic Japanese synth from the 80s. The FAT synth focuses on three virtual analog synth voices that can be lusciously detuned and transformed with analog inspired ladder filters. VAP is their virtual analog polysynth engine and it gives the two waveshape options that blend together however you see fit, thanks to a Mix control. Independent wave shaping opens up nearly endless possibilities.

Virtual analog devices are great, but the Synth has classic and recently beloved digital synth engines as well. The WTFM is a two operator FM synth voice that is ideal for harsher or more glassy tones but can also dial in some rich bass, or just about anything you'd expect from a DX7. WAVS is a wavetable synth that lets you blend two different wavetables with a Mix option. Each wavetable has independent position and warping options. PHZ is a phase diction synth with two different oscillator shapes that can be independently modulated with X and Y variables.

Our final two synth voices are some of the most unique. Starting with the GRAINS, you get a granular synth that can load up your own samples or choose from an impressive list of sound objects, tonal hits, and foley to start creating delicate, unique textures. PMD is a Mutable Instruments Elements port that gives you their classic physical modeling with easy to adjust parameters and its signature sound. Across these 8 devices you're sure to find the exact collection of sounds you're looking for and with easy to load Scenes, you can change entire synth voices with ease.

Aside from the incredible synth voices, the interface is a familiar clickable capacitive encoder and mechanical keyboard situation that yearns for human touch. Each synth has the option to have independent arpeggiators and sequences along with their own Mod matrix. The 5x12 grid playing surface is shared by all three devices and can be configured in squares, rows, asymmetrically, or focused on just a single synth engine. Always play in key thanks to the bevy of tonal quantization with no shortage of scales. There's a very handy Chord mode that will automatically generate chords in the selected key and scale along with a Follow option for each synth engine which will adjust the grid's note layout to fit the played chord.

Polyend has been making these rectangular be-gridded devices for years and with their Synth, it might just be the most playable and interactive devices they've designed. Sound design, composition and performance can be had in just one box, but of course, it pairs beautifully with their whole lineup.


SYNTH FEATURES

8-voice grid-based synthesizer
8 Distinct synth engines: ACD, FAT, VAP, WTFM, PHZ, PMD, WAVS, GRAINS
Scene-based production that quickly loads an entire new 3 engine setup
Sequencer and Arpeggiator for each voice
Different grid configurations for customizable playing experience
Chord mode and customizable chord voicings
Built-in mixer with delay, reverb and modulation