Polyend Drums is a hybrid drum machine unveiled at Superbooth 2026 — the most technically developed instrument in Polyend's history. Eight tracks each accept independent assignment of an analog, digital, or sample-based voice. Four analog voices are built on SSI chips with dual VCOs, a noise source, and an additional digital oscillator per voice — all shaped by a per-voice multimode analog filter and VCA. The enclosure is CNC-machined from a single brick of aluminum with custom metal knobs throughout. List price is $2,699 USD / €2,699, pre-orders open with a refundable $500 deposit, shipping estimated in 3–4 months.
Four SSI analog voices and four digital voices: two architectures in one machine
Each of the four analog voices carries dual VCOs on SSI chips, a dedicated noise source, and an additional digital oscillator available for hybrid layering or FM modulation. A per-voice multimode analog filter and VCA shape dynamics and timbre across the full range from tight, sharp percussion to longer evolving textures. The four digital tracks draw from a library of over 40 instruments, each offering multiple sub-mode mutations — yielding hundreds of practical variations. Samples can be loaded and layered alongside either engine type. Each of the 8 tracks has its own LFO for modulation. Internal audio processing runs at 32-bit floating-point at 96 kHz, with 24-bit/96 kHz DAC and ADC conversion. The effects system operates across three independent chains: send effects shared across tracks, per-track insert effects that are sequenceable per step, and a master chain. Insert effects functioning as sequencer elements per step — rather than a fixed post-processing layer — is a defining architectural feature. A stereo audio input routes external sources directly into the effects processor.
Sequencer with generative tools, X/Y fader and 64-pattern projects
The 8-track sequencer on a 4x16 pad grid supports probability, microtiming, parameter locks, pattern chaining, multiple playback modes, polyrhythms, and generative tools. A single project holds up to 64 patterns, 64 kits, and 48 songs with arrangement options — sufficient for a complete live set. Pattern and kit switching happens without stopping the sequencer. The X/Y fader provides real-time morphing between states and fill triggering. Output complement: 8 individual audio outputs per track, stereo audio input, MIDI IN/OUT/THRU, USB-C, and a headphone output. Available in black and silver, produced in small batches with quality control at each stage.
KEY FEATURES
- 8 tracks: each freely assignable to analog, digital, or sample-based voice
- 4 analog voices (SSI chips): 2 x VCO + noise source + digital oscillator (hybrid/FM) + multimode filter + VCA per voice
- 4 digital voices: library of 40+ instruments with sub-mode mutations (hundreds of sounds in practice)
- Samples: loadable and layerable alongside any voice type
- 8 x LFO (per track)
- Internal audio: 32-bit floating-point, 96 kHz; DAC/ADC 24-bit/96 kHz
- Effects: 3 chains — send (shared), insert (per track, sequenceable per step), master
- Stereo audio input into effects processor
- 8-track sequencer, 4x16 pad grid: probability, microtiming, parameter locks, pattern chaining, generative tools, polyrhythm, live recording
- Project: up to 64 patterns, 64 kits, 48 songs
- X/Y fader for real-time morphing and fill triggering
- Pattern and kit switching without stopping the sequencer
- 8 x individual audio outputs (per track)
- CNC-machined single-piece aluminum enclosure, custom metal knobs; black or silver
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Tracks: 8 (analog / digital / sample, assignable per track)
- Analog voices: 4 x SSI (2 x VCO + noise + digital osc + multimode filter + VCA per voice)
- Digital voices: 4 x (40+ instruments, sub-mode mutations)
- LFOs: 8 x (per track)
- CPU: dual-core main processor + dedicated auxiliary processors
- Internal processing: 32-bit floating-point, 96 kHz
- Converters: DAC/ADC 24-bit/96 kHz
- Effects: send / insert (per-step sequenceable) / master chains
- Audio out: 8 x individual (per track) + stereo mix
- Audio in: stereo (into effects processor)
- Headphone: yes
- MIDI: IN / OUT / THRU
- USB: USB-C
- Project memory: 64 patterns, 64 kits, 48 songs
- Enclosure: CNC-machined aluminum (black or silver), small-batch production
