Polyend Play

I paid for a new Polyend Play and NOT...

for a previously used/opened/returned item. This should be listed as 'b-stock'. The problem for retailers is so many folk take advantage of the return policy. They see a new product they want without looking at the specs, or simply just want to make YouTube content, then ship it back for the retailer to take a hit on it. Of course then the retailer pumps it out again as new. The final, true customer takes the final blow. Thankfully everything works fine, but I'm just tired and frustrated of this sadly common procedure. It's a great instrument though.

A groovebox designed for live and studio use

I have been testing this machine for a week and it is a piece of art. Its design, options and portability make it an ideal machine for live or creation anywhere, and it can be powered by a powerbank. The performance functions are super useful and allow to integrate it into a live performance with an efficient workflow. On the other hand, its parameters lock and sequencer make it a very fast machine for creation and having fresh ideas.

Being able to export patterns by stems directly to file is amazing to me. I'm totally delighted with it!

It has great potential but needs to wait

I’m using Play as a brain of all my synths, but sometimes it makes me crazy. I’ve been using this for a long time, and I can say that the midi part is a disaster and still the same after updates. I’m pretty sure polyend will fix them one day, but I worry about their speed on software updates. And it’s funny, but if you don’t care about midi, it’s a perfect machine with some minor bugs. I feel like it’s still a pre-production machine. I think the potential for Play with firmware makes it a better buy over Hapax in the future but not right now, unfortunately.

Very fun box with great potential

I order the Play almost impulsively and I haven't regret it. It is very fun and has a great range of possibilities to explore.

First of all, the sequencing capabilities are unmatched. There are so many things to do in a pattern that is almost overwhelming. The different approach of pick and place needs a little time to get used to, but once you get it, pattern construction becomes really quick. The midi sequencer is fantastic and you could make this box the center of your setup.

The included sounds are really good and it seems that they are meticulously curated. Randomize and chance functions are a very nice addition and the performance mode is very fun. I wish there was a performance mode in midi too.

In terms of sound design you get a very basic toolset since Play doesn't have LFOs or Envelopes, nevertheless it sounds really good. It would be nice if Polyend would incorporate some of their Tracker sound design capabilities to Play.

This device is at its very first version of firmware right now but if you consider how much Polyend are invested in their products development I believe that Play will be an even better and stronger groovebox in the future.