Introducing Polyend Drums

General
1

Introducing Polyend Drums

We’ve been working on this one for a long time, and we’re excited to finally share Drums with you. If you are at Superbooth come check it out at booth #W320.

Black&Silver
Black&Silver1920×1339 509 KB

Drums is a new analog + digital drum machine built around features we want in a drum based instrument: hands-on control, strong sound, and a workflow that stays smooth. It brings together four true analog voices, digital synthesis, sample-based instruments, and a new sequencer we’ve been refining over the past few years.

Each analog voice is built on modern SSI chips and includes dual VCOs, noise, and a digital oscillator for layering or FM. Everything runs through a multimode analog filter and VCA, so it can handle tight drum sounds but also go into more tonal territory when you push it.

On top of that, there are 40+ instruments (analog, digital, and sample-based), each with sub-modes, plus 8 LFOs for modulation. The idea wasn’t to overload it, but to give enough range so you can stay in one machine and keep exploring.

The sequencer is probably the biggest step forward for us. It’s still very much “Polyend,” but more direct and performance-focused. You’ve got 8 tracks, parameter locks, probability, micro-timing, generative tools, different play modes, and per-track control over how things evolve. Projects can hold up to 64 patterns, 64 kits, and 48 songs, so it can go from quick sketches to full sets.

We also spent a lot of time on performance. Pattern switching is instant, kits can change without stopping, and the X0Y fader lets you morph between different states in real time. Fills, randomization, and quick access to key controls are all there to keep things playable.

Effects are split into send, insert, and master groups. Inserts can be sequenced per track similar to Mess, so they behave more like part of the rhythm than a static effect. You can get pretty deep here if you want to.

In terms of hardware, it’s built from a single-piece aluminum body with custom metal knobs, assembled in small batches here in Olsztyn. We wanted it to feel like a true instrument with a solid weight.

Connectivity-wise, you’ve got 8 individual outputs, a stereo input for processing external audio, TRS MIDI, and a headphones out. Internally, it’s running 32-bit / 96 kHz processing.

Preorders are open now with a refundable deposit. The first batch will be made in a limited quantity.

Happy to answer questions here.

The Polyend Team

11 Likes
2

Do you plan on making a less premium version? Without solid aluminum and metal knobs.

And congratulations! :partying_face:

3

Thanks, there are no plans to make any kind of Drums plus or Drums minus.

2 Likes
4

lol at Drums Minus

3 Likes
5

Yeah I hesitate to say it that way cause I’m sooo bored with the + jokes at this point.

2 Likes
6
  1. Can Drums sample external audio input via line in?
  2. Can Drums act as an audio interface and send all channels via USB-C like your other products?
  3. I see there is no SD card, so I assume internal storage? What is the size of the internal storage?
  4. Is there a chromatic/pitch layout for inputting basic melodies? TR-1000 famously doesn’t have one and requires you to use their snapshot system to do so reliably.
  5. I am impressed with the sound kits instantly changing on the fly. Does that apply to every kit/sound or do they need to be preloaded into some global memory pool first?
7

Thanks for the questions

  1. Line in is just for running input into effects, no sampling.
  2. No USB Audio, USB is just for project/storage mgmt.
  3. There is 32 GB of internal storage.
  4. Yes, the pitch knob will display the chromatic pitch or Hz frequencies, depending on the instrument.
  5. Instruments should change instantly per kit. Samples might be an exception here.
5 Likes
8

32Gigs!?! That is wild!!

1 Like
9

With that much storage, I’m assuming that user-samples can be imported?

10

Any ability to load own sample files?

11

Yes, USB-C is for sample and project mgmt and sample management @scotsolida @andrewbradbury you can load your own.

4 Likes
12

That’s terrific news. Thanks.

13

Curious to learn about MIDI integration, especially with the Tracker and Play sending MIDI to the Drum.

3 Likes
15

Same here, a solid MIDI CC mapping would definitely be a selling point to me.

Also wondering if all voices are controlled on the same channel or if they can be configured for their own. There’s definitely pros/cons for either - if they’re all on the same channel, the Tracker is gonna need more than 6 CC sends :wink: If they are separate, there goes 8 channels on your network … Maybe mix and match?

Either way, excited by this news. Gratz Polyend :partying_face:

16

I hope the USB hardware can support audio streaming even if it isn’t available on day one.

17

Can line-in audio flow through both insert and send effects?

18

Did I miss it, or can this sequence external MIDI devices, too? I love using the Play to sequence the old Perc drumming devices. It would be fantastic to be able to be able to do that from the Drums, consolidating all of my percussion needs into one machine.

19

I believe it can since the preview video showed tracks can have MIDI.

1 Like
20

I’m also curious if the insert effects can be stacked?