I registered on this forum just to ask this question before I take the plunge:
I think I have a great understanding of how the Play works.
BUT: If I just want to play or improvise on one of my synths (MIDI keyboad → Play → 9 external synthesizers) and not record anything; just relay MIDI through the Play, will it do that with no fuss?
It will transmit as many notes as I play on the keyboard, pedal, bend, program change, etc?
And since my MIDI keyboard is Polyphonic Aftertouch, I don’t care if the Play can record Poly AT or not, but will it transmit?
The Play and infact most other Polyend devices, don’t feature a proper MIDI Thru functionality.
So your best bet is to add a MIDI Thru Box for your usecase.
Since you mention 9 other external synths (depending on how you have connected them already) you may even wanna go for something like the Kenton MIDI Thru 12.
They are mostly inexpensive but very reliable (and useful at any given time). I personally use the CME WIDI Thru6 BT (in another context, but in conjunction with Polyend gear) and can recommend CME.
Small sidenote: keep in mind that all Polyend gear uses TRS-B MIDI, in case you are going to use TRS MIDI somewhere else in your chain/setup. If you are looking for DIN to TRS-B cables, i can recommend: https://www.thomann.de/intl/befaco_trs_midi_cable_b.htm
I simplified my gear, I have no less than 3 MIDI thru boxes, so MIDI Poly AT keyboard → RK-008 sequencer → 3 MIDI Thru boxes → 9 synthesizers plus a Roland TR-8S drum machine.
The RK-008 is a pretty cool sequencer (pocket calculator sized, based on the Alesis MMT8), and as it support step sequencing it has no pads or lanes, so it is a bit cluncky to use.
Just FYI, you may already be aware:
The RK-008 can record MIDI out to great length while the Play will not record past 64 beat part.
When I’ve compiled a number of Play parts into a song, I can listen and improvise while recording into the RK-008 without getting cut off.
As it happens, I found a Play+ which I’ll get instead. It was only €150 more expensive than the Play. That one has 128 steps, right?
Anyway, I like the RK-008 so I thought i.e. Keyboard → Play+ → RK-008 → Gear so I can use the traditional sequencer when improvising long segments that does not repeat.
It should work out of the box
Edit: That could also mean I could use the Polyend for repeating sequences and the RK-008 for pads/whatever, and sync both units and trigger them together.
Hmmm…
Got mine yesterday and have spent some time with it, watching Youtube tutorial videos.
Lovely unit, going to MIDI it up to my gear downstairs and start making some noise with external synths.
But mine came with a wooden stand included - is it custom or is it available in the Polyend shop?
My Play+ was missing one MIDI to minijack cable (the previous owner couldn’t find it) so I had to order a new one.
I just connected everything together: Korg Keystage AT keyboard → RK-008 sequencer → Play+ → Hydrasynth and Waldorf M (well, several others, but not needed for the example).
I can confirm that Play+ does not transmit polyphonic aftertouch.
How easy would it be to have it on the roadmap for the next firmware?
Regarding implementation. This was requested 2 years ago, but back then declined by Poylend:
If you feel like you want to try it again, we can either open this request up again and see if this rqeuest garners enough votes/traction to make them reconsider it or you could start a new request specific for Poly Aftertouch passthrough.
