Play / Play+ Firmware 1.6 / 1.2 – MIDI Perform & Finger Drumming Update

video upload by Polyend

"Firmware updates for Play 1.2 and Play+ 1.6 are now officially out of beta, combining crucial bug fixes, the MIDI performance mode and finger drumming.

Download the firmware and read the changelog here - https://polyend.com/downloads/"

Playing with Novation Peak aSynthesizer and Polyend Play just 4 fun

video upload by James Dyson

"Playing with Novation Peak and Polyend Play just 4 fun"

Polyend Synth: Smart Grid Setup and Instant Chords

video upload by Polyend

"This video guide of the Smart Grid explains how to set up chord and follower modes to play 1 button chords and easily control 3 synths at once."

BAF 2025: Polyend Step Drum Machine

video upload by sonicstate

"At BAF 2025, Polyend introduced Step*, a stereo drum machine in pedal form. *Mitch from Polyend shared insights about this device, designed to facilitate quick and enjoyable beat-making while you play your instrument. The drum machine features a 16-step, 4-track sequencer and operates on a sample-based platform. It allows you to select from over 200 pre-loaded drum kits, with the ability to add and customize your own samples.

Control is made intuitive with a stomp switch, enabling effortless pattern changes and effects customization. You can utilize a tap tempo function for keeping in sync, and manage samples via USB and SD card connections. This pedal is particularly suitable for guitarists and synth players who desire dynamic rhythm accompaniment without interrupting their performance. The stereo playback and processing include panning, reverb, and delay effects. The pedal is now available for shipping at a cost of $499 USD/Euro."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Introducing Polyend Step - A Fully Programmable Drum Machine in Pedal Form

video upload by Polyend

"Polyend Step is the first fully programmable drum machine in pedal form.
Find out more - https://polyend.com/step

Video and editing: Macej Karbowski ‪@NebulaStudioPoland‬"

Polyend Step vs Univox JR-5: Two drum machines made 50 years apart

video upload by David Hilowitz Music

Step is the first fully programmable drum machine in pedal format. It’s an instrument, a co-writer, an accompaniment at a live performance, or a bandmate in an empty studio. Designed with the flexibility to instantly start a unique song but with deep customization options to quickly create fresh beats. Step is for everyone – everyone that isn’t afraid to experiment, take chances, try something new, and create original music.

4 Customizable Drum Tracks
Step is a 4 track drum machine with a complete interface. Easily control all parameters for each of the 16 steps on the face of the pedal, no computer editor needed.

Mix & Match
How about an electronic snare with a jazzy kick? With Step, with a twist of a knob, you can create your sound pack by combining sounds from different Kits.

Instant Drum Beat Generator
Tap in the tempo, turn the Beat and Kit knobs to find your groove and play! There are 300 rhythms and 500 kits – it gives tons of combinations.

Modern Sound
With over 2000 samples, from the sounds of classic analog machines to acoustic drums, anyone can find the sound they
want. And, if you’re going to create your kits, you can easily do it, too.

CLICK FOR MORE »

"Leap" jam with Roland SH-4D, Prophet 6, Osmose, Polyend Play, Keystep Pro.

video upload by Aurélien Vieira Lino

4 jams with the Arturia MiniFreak

video upload by Stazma

"It's been a while I'm sitting on this video and decided to upload it today for no special reason.
I had a lot of fun playing around with the Minifreak that the guys at Arturia kindly sent me when I was asked to do some teaching sessions with it early this year.
Each jam is using another synth / machine to play along or sequence it."

00:00 Karplus Jungle w/ Polyend Tracker Mini
01:38 Drowned Chiptune Arp w/ Make Noise Strega
02:47 Pressur Pads w/ Intellijel System
04:21 Poly Echoes w/ Make Noise Strega

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Play+ Firmware 1.1: PERC drum machine

video upload by Polyend

"Firmware 1.1 adds the PERC drum machine to Play+. Play also receives critical bug fixes with firmware 1.5.
Download the official firmware - https://polyend.com/downloads/
Play the latest open beta features on our forum - https://backstage.polyend.com/t/a-wee..."

Beta Firmware: Play and Play+ MIDI Perform Mode

video upload by Polyend

"Now control your MIDI Devices or built-in Synths with Perform mode.

This open beta firmware is avaialble to install now here - https://backstage.polyend.com/t/beta-..."

Why to Love The Erica Synths Perkons HD 01 Drum Synth

video upload by Miles Away

Review, sound demo and tutorial/walkthrough of the brand new Black Edition of the Erica Synths Perkons, a modern hybrid drum machine synthesizer. Learn how it works and listen to how versatile PERKONS is, from heavy noise techno to beautiful drone jams!

0:00 - intro / what is Perkons?

1:11 - demo song #1 DOOM Industrial

3:46 - why I love Perkons so much vs other drum machines

5:32 - demo song #2 - Melodic Synthwave

7:08 - creating a basic beat, setting tempo

7:54 - the power of a parameter locking sequencer

9:25 - master compressor and creating a more complex pattern

10:19 - voice 1 overview

12:22 - voice 2 overview

12:56 - voice 3 overview and bucket BBD delay

15:42 - voice 4 overview

16:55 - ratchet, odds and probability parameters

18:42 - divide, multiply, groove and play modes

21:34 - modulation LFO section

23:12 - send and return features, using Perkons with external gear

25:04 - bonus feature: Perkons as a drone synth!

26:47 - closing thoughts / final verdict

27:36 - demo song #3 - live chill techno with LUMI Keys and Polyend Play+

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Polyend - Tracker+

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Mitch from Polyend showcased the new Tracker Plus*, an upgraded version of the original *Tracker with improved hardware and additional MIDI and synth tracks. The Tracker Plus features four synth engines, stereo sampling, and a Perk drum machine, offering users a wide range of creative possibilities. The Play Plus will also receive updates, including the *Perk *drum machine and MIDI perform mode, while the Play will have MIDI perform mode. The all-analog stereo compressor with stereo sidechain through is the first hardware effect from *Polyend*, providing users with versatile compression options.

Mitch demonstrated the capabilities of the drum machine and the refined patch editor, allowing users to easily access and control various parameters. The synth and MIDI side offer users the ability to sequence effects and macros, providing a unique and customizable sound experience. The updates for the Tracker Plus are available now, with additional updates expected to roll out in the summer.

Tracker Plus Price: 799 USD"

See the announcement post here.

Minimal Polyend Play Sequence + Projection Mapping

video upload by Perplex On

"Recently got myself a #PolvendPlay and so far, it's a really inspiring
instrument. This simple sequence is made with one stock sample only, with a pinch of chance and randomness added. Served with projection mapped visuals onto its grid to accompany the smooth minimal feeling. Enjoy."

Play+ Workflow: A Techno Track in 5 Min

video upload by Polyend

"Use the Beat Fill or Melody fill features and Play's unique workflow to create tracks with lightning speed. https://polyend.com/play-plus/

0:00 - Beat Fill
0:23 - Kick Drum Sculpting
0:45 - Drum Selection
1:08 - Bass Fill
1:45 - More Hats
2:25 - Master FX
2:43 - Pads
3:15 - Stabs
3:40 - Claps
4:45 - Perform"

Thinking about the Polyend Play+ // Are its synths worth the extra cost?

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Polyend Play+ has got Synths, Stereo and Audio over USB... but if that's not your bag could you save some cash by buying or sticking with the original ? What do the synths do? how do they work? what do they sound like? are they easy to use?

All answered in here... hopefully!

I look at the synth voices in some depth (not too much I hope) to demo what you can get from them and their overall tone, usefulness and playability. As a synth head I have to say I like them and think they're a worthy addition to Team Play."

0:00 What's This All About
2:36 Using the Synths
10:46 ACD
13:42 FAT
16:41 VAP
21:06 WTFM

Polyend Tracker Mini: Performance Mode Setup and Customization

video upload by Polyend

"A quick tutorial on customizing the performance mode page on the Polyend Tracker Mini.

Don't forget you can also change the pattern playing per track in performance mode by holding one of the 8 track buttons and pressing the D-Pad, each track can play a different pattern."

Polyend Play: Diving into Randomize as idea generator

video upload by Paul Schilling

"One of the funnest features of this little magic machine are the Randomize and Chance functions.

In this video I apply different levels of Randomize to a classic TR-808 pattern and a well-known 70s groove and see what new musical and rhythmic ideas come out.

Really impressed with the Play+, the great sound quality, the carefully considered design decisions, and the overall feel of using it…the playfulness it invites. I’m barely scratching the surface of what this thing is capable of, but you have to start somewhere!"

Jam #1 of 2024: Dreadbox Erebus, Polyend Play+, Korg Volca Keys

video upload by Goth Jocks

"My first submission for #jamuary2024 Polyend Play Plus is providing all drums and sequencing the Korg Volca and Dreadbox Erebus. Also playing a few melodic samples and minimal use of the Play’s internal synths, which you can hear mostly at the beginning and end of the video.

Meris Mercury7 is in the the send of my mixer for some dub swells. Volca Keys is running through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe and a Boss DC-2w chorus"

Dark ambient house w/ Polyend Play+, Critter Guitari Organelle, and Dreadbox Erebus & Nymphes

video upload by Goth Jocks

"Moody dance jam for #jamuary2024 with Dreadbox Erebus Reissue, Nymphes, Critter & Guitari Organelle M, Polyend Play Plus"

Bad Gear - Play Plus

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Polyend Play Plus. Is this updated version of the original Play groovebox and distant cousin to the Polyend Tracker worth the price of the hardware upgrade (which is $399). Is GearTube toxic AF??? Should you just keep the OG Play and add a few synths instead? Are early adopters of Play disappointed for a reason?

Thanks to Polyend for sending me a demo unit as a long term loan.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:47 Overview Play Plus
01:35 Chronology of the Controversy
02:53 Back to the Groovebox
03:01 Play Workflow, Pick and Place
03:20 Filter
03:30 Envelopes, FX
03:39 More Parameters
03:48 Sequencer, Microtiming, Ratches, Chance, Random
04:24 Pattern Length, Polymeters, Play Modes
04:43 Midi Tracks, Chords
05:01 Internal Synthesizers, Polyphony
05:23 Limitations of the Synths
05:41 UI, Knobs, Double Tap, Main Encoder
05:52 Master FX
06:00 Real Time Recording
06:15 Performance Mode
06:26 Pattern, Variation, Mute/Solo
06:33 What else???
06:50 Hate
07:11 Jam 1 (House Solo)
08:06 Jam 2 (DnB Setup)
09:05 Finale (Synth Showcase)
09:37 Verdict"

Is This The Weirdest Groovebox Ever? It's Definitely Fun

video upload by EZBOT

"In today's live stream we take a look at the Polyend Play +. The Play + is a generative sequencer and sample player with a built in 8 voice synthesizer that does things in a very unique way. Polarizing as some of the features may be, there is nothing like it on the market.

I've paired it with my Octatrack for and my performance template to take it for a test run to see how well it can improvise music on the fly.

"Get 10% Modbang cables with code: EZBOT23
SHOP HERE: https://www.modbang.com/modbang-shop

Get the Techno Performance Template among all my other templates and sound designs from patreon.com/ezbot"