Bad Gear - Dreadbox/Polyend Medusa

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Dreadbox/Polyend Medusa. Is this digital/analog hybrid synthesizer and collaboration between two of the hottest European synth manufacturers the ultimate sound design monster? How did it arouse so much controversy that even Benn Jordan felt the need to release a video defending it?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:11 Overview Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa
01:20 Analog Oscillators & Filter
01:45 Digital Oscillators & Wavetables
02:38 Deep Synthesis Features & Oscillator FM
03:12 Modulation
03:37 Monophonic/Paraphonic Modes, 3 OP Frequency Modulation
04:00 Play/Grid Mode
05:01 What else???
05:37 Hate
05:59 Jam 1
07:03 Jam 2
07:57 Finale
08:27 Verdict"

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Polyend / Dreadbox Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer

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New Superbooth Berlin 2021 Presentation Videos

You can use the controls on the bottom left or upper right of the player to skip around.

Playlist:
1. Joranalogue - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

The Belgium Eurorack synth maker Joranalogue presented not one, but three new modules at SUPERBOOTH21: Orbit 3, Enhance 2 and Step 8.

During their Gesprächskonzert at Fuchsbau they not only talked about these new modules, but Alter Fritz also performed a live session with a Joranalogue based Eurorack system.

Driven by an unrelenting passion for analogue circuits, Joranalogue Audio Design offers an expanding series of high-quality Eurorack music synthesizer modules. They're continually introducing new approaches and techniques to the Eurorack platform, making waves in the waters of analogue synthesis. All products are designed and made in Belgium, guided by experiences in both modern hardware engineering and vintage synthesizer servicing.

This year, the Joranalogue crew finally returns to Berlin to present its latest developments. Join designer Joran van Gremberghe and artist Frits Jacobs (Alter Fritz) for a whirlwind ride through the exciting world of these black and silver modules!

2. u-he Wiretap - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert) @SUPERBOOTH21

For this Gesprächskonzert Urs Heckmann, founder of Berlin based company u-he, teamed up with Sebastian Hübert for their performance and presentation at Fuchsbau during SUPERBOOTH21. The former one-man show u-he is now a tightly knit team of employees, active associates and 3rd-party contractors – with ambitious plans.

Famous for very accurate and widely appreciated software synthesizers and effects, u-he showed their first eurorack module at a previous edition of Superbooth – the CVilisation. At SUPERBOOTH21 it was time for another announcement. They took the chance to present their latest development with a Gesprächskonzert, of which you can find the video documentation below.
The module is named Wiretap and it played a major role in creating rhythm during their performance.

Wiretap is a double gate extractor for v/oct signals. It will generate a gate when the voltage goes high, when it goes low, when it's steady, when it moves, when it's higher than the other one and when it's lower. And you can set the gate length and get additional envelope outputs.

3. Bitwig - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Berlin based DAW-makers Bitwig played a Gesprächskonzert on Thursday of SUPERBOOTH21. With the idea of - Less is More - Dave Linnebank showcased Bitwig and its possibilities, concentrating on simple ideas and how to creatively make them more complex. In other words: In this performance Dave starts with some short phrases, and then uses Bitwig Studio to extend them into musical passages. These will then become performance-ready clips by adding Bitwig's Operators for some fuzzy logic, getting the computer to make compositional choices while Dave is busy playing new lines on top.

Dave Linnenbank is a musician, technologist, and teacher. Over the past 20 years, he has crafted musical tools for pop and jazz artists, Broadway musicals, and desktop electronic musicians everywhere. Dave is part of Team Bitwig in Berlin, regularly making YouTube tutorials and more.

4. Verbos Electronics Complete Systems – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

During his Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH21 Mark Verbos is introducing the audience to the newly designed Verbos Electronics System Configurations: Designer Configuration, Performer Configuration, Producer Configuration.

Mark Verbos explains the intended use of each configuration as well as the philosophy behind not only the module selection but also module arrangement. He also plays some examples with all three system to give a musical reference to the explanation of the ideas behind each system. This Gesprächskonzert is a great opportunity to watch and hear all three configurations right next to each other – where else would that be possible? Enjoy the video!

5. Modor DR-2 - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Modor introduced its powerful DR-2 drum machine at SUPERBOOTH21 with a short explanation by Marcel from Modor Music about its most deviant possibilities. This six-channel drum machine is completely digital – a discipline that Modor shines in. The DR- drum synthesizer features a sequencer with 128 steps and a very tidy user interface.

It positively surprised many people when it was introduced, because it is unusual and brings something new to the table. Luckily the DR-2 is not a copy of a classic, but uses modern digital synthesis to create drum sounds. A drum model can be assigned to each of the six channels. You can also assign the same model to several or all channels. The models include: Three bass drum models, three snare models, three cymbal models, claps, two tom models and miscellaneous, the latter divided into three subcategories: rimshot, rattle and cowbell.

This Gesprächskonzert was a very welcome opportunity to hear this rare drum machine in action. Enjoy the video!

6. Polyend Tracker - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Sobutane presents his upcoming album Future Cake using two Trackers and one Medusa durng this Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH21.

After working with the Yamaha RM1x sequencer for 13 years Sobutane discovered the Tracker by Polyend. Originally bought just for drum parts, it revealed itself to be a great live-oriented tool, making him compose music outside his trusty RM1x for the first time in his life. Although the idea of a tracker is not particularly new, the Tracker still feels fresh and inspirational to many musicians. The Tracker brought Sobutane ideas and a new approach to composing his music, so he bought a second one and a Medusa, also made by Polyend. That was the starting point for the creation of the music you hear in his Gesprächskonzert for Polyend. Enjoy!

7. Ploytec Boom Kick - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

This Gesprächskonzert was unusually opened with a steel-guitar performance by DobBroMan, showing the Ploytec Boom Kick (Guitar Pedal).

Ploytec always valued the opportunity of Gesprächskonzerte at Superbooth and so they took the chance to do another one in 2021 this time for a rather unusual product – a guitar pedal that generates a kick drum in sync with the tapped in tempo. Additionally it sends a MIDI clock to other gear. This is useful for simple backing of what the guitarist is playing. The addition of a bass drum completes the otherwise solo guitar and with the MIDI tempo output, other instruments can play in sync – whether these are additional drum machines or synthesizers or whatever.

And there is one special thing to note about the bass drum sound – there are no samples saved to this machine. The drum sound is generated through synthesis and it has a huge range of possible sounds, suitable for pretty much all music genres.

And if you haven’t heard the Superbooth blues yet, watch until the end!

8. LPZW & Tubbutec - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Kai and Tobi (aka LPZW & Tubbutec) probably could have sold every second SUPERBOOTH21 guest a 6mod6, that's how well their first joint product was received. At Fuchsbau the Berlin based manufacturers presented the result of their collaboration: a highly modified homage to the 606.

They were accompanied by an opening performance from Cem Oral a.k.a. Jammin’ Unit in which he used the new module intensively, giving a good idea about what the module sounds like in a musical context.

After the performance Kai and Tobi walked the audience through every sound engine of the module and showed their modifications of the original 606 circuits. Not only with the Gesprächskonzert, they convinced a lot of people that they created a great sounding and very versatile 606 inspired drum module.

Now the wait begins, the first batch of the 6mod6 still has to be built. Let's hope that the chip shortage does not delay the production too much.

9. Erica Synths PĒRKONS - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Erica Synths team of engineers and musicians have been working hard to bring surprise us all with a new instrument that no one expected and everyone wanted. Erica Synths had their booth completely dedicated to their latest product the PĒRKONS HD-01 drum machine.

PĒRKONS features four sonically versatile hybrid voices (digital sound engine + analogue multimode filter with overdrive) and a sequencer with simultaneous control over all four percussion tracks, an internal analogue BBD FX send, parameter automation and much more. This is a modern drum machine with a serious vintage look.

For their Gesprächskonzert they brought not one, but two of these machines and finally explained it and showed what it is capable of. For everyone’s surprise, the demo started with a drone set – yes, it can also do drones. And for the final concert part of this presentation, no other than Kodek entered the stage. Sounds fun? Enjoy the video!

10. Nonlinear Labs C15 – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Stephan Schmitt, the founder of Nonlinear Labs, plays some improvisations on the C15 and shows the enormous tonal possibilities of this instrument and its ability to be played very expressively – with up to four expression pedals and the two large ribbon controllers. The C15 is a puristic and distinct digital synthesizer. Its sounds are generated by elementary algorithms and feedback structures. This opens up new fields for sound design and gives musicians an expressively playable and dynamical behavior, similar to acoustic instruments. The C15 is an instrument that has to be played by hand to unfold its full potential. After the performance Stephan explains what features are new and which special features of the C15 he used.

This isn’t the first Gesprächskonzert by Nonlinear Labs, so be sure to check out the previous editions for more information about this unique instrument.

11. Haken Audio & La Voix du Luthier – SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

Haken Audio and La Voix du Luthier have been presenting together at Superbooth for several years now, showing how well these two companies and their products fit together. This Gesprächskonzert features a Haken Continuum, the all-new Continuum Eurorack Module and the large Pyramid Resonator.
Watch Edmund Eagan passionately talk about his products and enjoy the demonstration and performance of the Continuum Fingerboard by Rob Schwimmer.

The almighty synthesis engine behind all these sounds is the Eagan Matrix, that now is also featured in the Eurorack module. This is a huge opportunity for sound designers and artists to expand their sound palette with very expressive and unique sounds.

12. UDO Audio Super 6 Desktop - SUPERBOOTH21 Gesprächskonzert (lecture concert)

UDO Audio brought the world one of the most interesting poly-synths of the recent years. Very rarely a company achieves such a success with their first ever product – but the Super 6 made it. Now UDO Audio showed the desktop version of this incredible synth. Great looks, ergonomics and the sound of the original Super 6 make this machine a very interesting option for many musicians and studios on the hunt for a capable poly-synth.

In this video George gives a little insight into the development of the company in general and his view on the past two years, since he presented the Super 6 to the world at SUPERBOOTH19.

Polyend Medusa v4.0 Update Adds 6-Voice 3-Operator Digital FM Synth Engine & More

"Polyend launches the official Medusa v4.0 firmware update. It brings some serious features like a gritty 6-voice 3-operator digital FM synth engine!"

Playlist:
Medusa v4.0 Firmare Teaser
Medusa v4.0 Firmware MIDI Program Change
Medusa Synth Digital FM Presets
Polyend Medusa Digital FM Synthesis Tutorial

Details via Polyend:

"Medusa Hybrid synthesizer v4.0 firmware update is now available.

Polyend is happy to announce a major Medusa v4.0 firmware update release which brings some serious feature updates among the general improvements:

– A new, fourth, play mode. A gritty 6-voice 3-operator digital FM synth engine with a 12-bit colored classic vibe. It supports five digital FM Algorithms and an extra analog voice. Comes with a new FM preset bank. Pairs incredibly well with Tracker!

– Improved Channel per Voice mode where each channel is now truly “per voice”, and not “per oscillator” as previously,

– Added MIDI Program Change for better control of the synth,

– Reworked pitch bend and glide for more musical output,

– Full LFO Synchronization with MIDI Clock with increased stability,

– Other fixes"

Polyend Dreadbox Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Upgraded to latest firmware version including the new wavetables from Polyend support. Analog and digital hybrid synth with sequencer + expressive 3-axis grid controller. Grid doubles as MPE controller too"

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Medusa Hybrid Synth - Tape Sound Tutorial

Polyend

"Here's a small hint from Isobutane on how to make the Medusa Hybrid synthesizer sound a bit like an old tape."

Medusa -Polyend with Stereo delay from Pico DSP-Erica Synths

Published on Feb 17, 2020 Dziam Bass

"Hi Guys.
Today another portion of fun with Medusa from Polyend.
in this Patch is 32 steps 3 analog oscillators, later added wavetable 1 oscillator with the addition of delay from Pico DSP Erica Synths effect.
Fun in the EG setting to filter modulation , slightly sustain and a bit of Attack as U see .
Medusa is a Hybrid Synthesizer based on a total of 6 oscillators 3x Analog , 3x Wavetable 5 LFO's EG with Loop and many more ,and sounds really amazing so it is best to see it if you are interested."

Ambient with Medusa-Polyend /sequencer Random mode in chromatic scale

Published on Nov 6, 2019 Dziam Bass

"Hello guys.

Today I have my first movie with the synthesizer Medusa from Polyend.

Now Medusa is at a discounted price, so is also a great opportunity to get yours.!!!

It's a Hybrid Synthesizer with 3 analog oscillators, 3 digital oscillators, 5 loopable envelope and 5 assignable LFOs plus of course a great multi mode filter.

the advantage of course is grid as a sequencer and its touch control, under the pressure of X, Y, Z you can assign modhell or pitch ,lfo's and many other functions.

Here I showed the sound itself in quite ambient music, I set the sequencer to random which it scales on a chromatic scale.

Add effects Reverb from Black Hole DSP from Erica Synths and Euro DDL Delay from Eventide .

more info about medusa here :http://polyend.com
but now I invite you to check this movie.
have a nice day!

#polyend #medusasynthesizer #polyendmedusa #hybridsynthesizer #dreadboxpolyend"

Universal Exports & Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer

Published on Feb 8, 2019 Polyend

"Hello. We are Universal Exports. Welcome to our Atelier in Wroclaw, Poland where we create our sounds, meet other musicians and having fun. We are a live electronic duo with a philosophy to play only improvised sets without the pressure of time and space. All we do is streamed online in realtime a few times a month. We love to meet new people as much as playing new devices. This time we decided to build the whole set around the rough sound of Medusa. Each instrument we use runs its own sequencer. We believe that sequencer is the strongest point of Medusa. Each step can store not only notes but also automation of all parameters you’ll need to perform. From nice gentle modulations to highly experimental settings. We adore Medusa for hard bass and FM knob which sounds freaky! A highly recommended piece of gear … especially for experimental oriented musicians or those who need the surprising huge hybrid sound of this black monster"

Medusa Synth techno improvisation by Umba

Published on Dec 28, 2018 Polyend

"Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer is a very versatile instrument. Polish techno scene fellow UMBA is utilizing its six oscillators sequencing them separately from the Polyend Seq. Moody minimalistic trip, enjoy!"

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer Firmware Update v1.1

Published on Dec 21, 2018 Polyend

"We're glad to announce that the Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer firmware update v1.1 is now officially ready and available for download on our website. Please, update your unit. Big thanks to all the beta testers for invaluable aid!

v1.1
Updates
- The Live recording mode is now enabled.
- Redesigned initial and calibration functions.
- Edit the step values while the sequencer is running.
- The Grid MPE functionality is now enabled.
- The Grid pads are now velocity sensitive (with three different velocity curves to choose from - soft, medium and hard).
- New MIDI menu (full bilateral MIDI input/output implementation - including transport, clock, CC communicates & MIDI channels).
- MIDI channel per voice option. Control, play and sequence each of Medusa's voices on a separate MIDI channel form 1 to 6.
- You can now transpose your sequences while they're running by pressing and holding the hold button.
- Two new Grid layouts including the "guitar" layout.
- Shortcuts for targeting the ENV to LFO and LFO to LFO rate, wave and amount.
- Notes and Chords are being transposed in a chosen musical scale.
- Note sustain mode when the Hold button is lit (great for drones).
- The separate OSC tunings in P1 and P2 modes are now unlocked.
- All the beta user reported bugs are now fixed."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer Drones

Published on Dec 5, 2018 Polyend

"The works on new Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa synth firmware are going on full time.
One of the new functions is the option to sustain the notes which turn the Medusa into a great drone generator. Our local music producer Alna took the newest beta firmware for a spin. Please, enjoy this moment of musical meditation.

Music by Alna. Recorded 03.12.2018.
There's a Strymon Big Sky on the Medusa's output."

Sonic LAB: Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synth Review

Published on Oct 5, 2018 sonicstate

"Take two independent manufacturers at the top of their game 0 Dreadbox and Polyend, mash them together and out comes Medusa!
A 6 oscillator hybrid synthesizer with 3 analog, 3 digital oscillators and sequencer with 64 note grid."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Presets Demo

Published on Aug 15, 2018 Polyend

"Just a few raw examples of 32 presets included in Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Seven

Published on Aug 13, 2018 Polyend

"The last one from the series of Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demos. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output. No wavetables were harmed during the shot of this video.

The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend HQ."

Previous demos.

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Six

Published on Aug 8, 2018 Polyend

"One more Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demo. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output. No wavetables were harmed during the shot of this video.


The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend HQ."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Five

Published on Aug 2, 2018 Polyend

"Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demo. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output. No wavetables were harmed during the shot of this video.

The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend HQ."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Three

Published on Jul 31, 2018 Polyend

"Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demo. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output.
No wavetables were harmed during the shot of this video.

Made exclusively for Sonicstate.com (yo Gaz & Nick!).
The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend HQ."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Two

Published on Jul 29, 2018 Polyend

"Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demo. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output.

Made exclusively for Synthtopia.com
The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend Hq."

Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer - Music Demo Four

Published on Jul 25, 2018 Polyend

"Another Dreadbox & Polyend Medusa Hybrid Synthesizer music demo. All sounds besides the drums are made and recorded straight from Medusa's master audio output and properly mixed.

The video, sound design and audio composition by Piotr Raczyński.
Recorded 11.07.2018 in Polyend Hq."