# Mess came yesterday - first impressions **URL:** \ **Category:** Mess\ **Created:** [August 22, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319 "2025-08-22T16:40:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![music-0856](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/music-0856/32/5499_2.png) [@music-0856](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/music-0856)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/1 "2025-08-22T16:40:44Z")
So yes, I enjoy the Mess. I’m impressed by its sound and the simple UX. My background is in live performance and tweaking synths, and I’m currently using the Mess as an end-of-chain FX unit. Here are a few observations: * * * #### **Hardware** - **Overall build** : I like the build quality; it feels stable. The “Made in Poland” sticker is a nice touch. - **Inputs & screen** : The stereo input is no problem for me. The screen looks good, and overall the device feels modern and solid. - **Missing feature** : I’m missing a dedicated headphones output. * * * #### **Encoders** - **Layout** : The layout of the encoders feels unintuitive, especially in track view. I understand there are two pages—one with basic settings and one for tweaking FX. However, I don’t understand why effect selection is placed on the tweaking page. During performance, it’s far too easy to accidentally change the effect, which can be destructive in a live setting. I see the logic of having FX mix and FX gain on one page, but I think more consideration could have led to a safer, more performance-friendly solution. A software update might help here. - **Main controllers** : The placement of the Mix and Input controls in the middle feels odd. I’d be interested to hear the design decision behind that choice. - **Detents** : The detents on the encoders are a real pity. They break the smooth, direct feel of tweaking. On Elektron devices, encoders have no detents and a soft rubber feel, which allows fine control with just a light touch of a finger. With the Mess, the detents make subtle adjustments harder. The encoders themselves feel solid, but the plastic could have more grip, and the corners are a bit sharp. Not a total dealbreaker, but a pitty. I’m glad the detents click mostly with one step per click. Except of the Effect Gain where it is two clicks per step. this feels odd. * * * #### **Software** - **General feel** : The software already feels well done—clear and snappy. Syncing with the Elektron Digitone 2 works fine, though startup can sometimes feel a bit unstable. - **Mix knob in presets** : I would like the Mix knob to be excluded from presets, or at least have an option for that. In performance, I sometimes set the signal to dry, load a new preset, and then dial in the effect. If the Mix knob is included in the preset, I lose that control and sudden, unintended changes occur. I realise: Turning the Mess off with the center button lets me choose a preset. Turn down the Mix and Turn Mess on again. Then mix in the preset wich works just fine. - **Sequencer behavior** : When the sequencer plays and no step is selected, the FX are silent. I’d prefer a setting where the FX remain active until at least one step is assigned—after that, it could behave as it does now. - **Sequencer Parameter Smoothing:** Yes there are pops from the Steps (P-Locks). A Step smothing setting across the entire sequence would be incredible. You could create long smooth transformative pattern. - **Step editing** : I’d like to be able to shorten a step by directly selecting a step in the row, instead of first shortening the previous step. This would speed up editing. - **Additional wish** : It would be great to have an FX mix available on the filters as well. And also a DJ Style Filter. - **Gain Staging** : Congratulations on that. The FX mix and FX gain give great control. - **FX Parameter:** Well it feels like there should be just a few more and consistent paremeter possiblilitys. * * * ### **Final Thoughts** Thank you again for this really well-produced pedal. Despite the few points above, I’m already enjoying it a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Subtronik](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/subtronik/32/5929_2.png) [@Subtronik](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Subtronik)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2025, 9:54am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/2 "2025-10-28T09:54:36Z")
How’s the sound quality of the effects? I’m considering buying a Mess, but if the sound quality is mediocre then I’m not going to test drive it. ---
**Author:** ![thebigjacuzi](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@thebigjacuzi](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/thebigjacuzi)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2025, 9:13pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/3 "2025-11-01T21:13:20Z")
I’m enjoying the Mess as well, soundquality is good; what goes is comes out. But is the MESS a game changer for me? Not sure yet, I was kind of hoping of it to be somewhere in between a ‘regular’ pedal and a bunch of extra experimental stuff. Which it CAN be, if they iron out the interfacing; the way handling is done now is not my cup of tea. Now I generally let run without the sequencer because of the interfacing. I’ve hooked it up to my Digitakt 2 and Digitone 2 and got it synced up as well. So sometimes it does give me what I expect when it’s synced up, but mostly the handling gets in the way now. I did put up my wishes on the ‘idea-list’, and really hoping for an update anytime soon… ---
**Author:** ![Subtronik](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/subtronik/32/5929_2.png) [@Subtronik](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Subtronik)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/4 "2025-11-02T01:32:36Z")
Does anyone know if the Mess can randomize effect parameters or is it just relegated to randomizing effect arrangement chains? ---
**Author:** ![BROCKSTAR](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/brockstar/32/4220_2.png) [@BROCKSTAR](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/BROCKSTAR)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/5 "2025-12-18T16:03:43Z")
I was wondering this as well. I’m excited for any type of randomizer though but randomizing parameters would be awesome. I have one coming next week. ---
**Author:** ![BROCKSTAR](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/brockstar/32/4220_2.png) [@BROCKSTAR](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/BROCKSTAR)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/mess-came-yesterday-first-impressions/23319/6 "2025-12-19T17:41:22Z")
Anyone have any MESS presets to share or know where any are? Be nice if polyend made some MESS palettes for it.