Arturia PolyBrute 12 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Arturia Manuals
  4. Synthesizer
  5. PolyBrute 12
  6. User manual

Arturia PolyBrute 12 User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
USER MANUAL
_POLYBRUTE 12

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the PolyBrute 12 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Arturia PolyBrute 12

Summary of Contents for Arturia PolyBrute 12

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL _POLYBRUTE 12...
  • Page 2 Special Thanks DIRECTION Frédéric Brun Kevin Molcard PROJECT MANAGEMENT Bruno Pillet PRODUCT MANAGEMENT Sébastien Rochard (lead) Julien Viannenc ENGINEERING Bruno Pillet Marc Antigny Lionel Ferragut Valentin Lepetit Thierry Chatelain Alexandre Adam Nadine Lantheaume Valentin Foare Thomas Aubert Loris De Marco Nicolas Dubois Osée Rajaiah Kevin Molcard...
  • Page 3 Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use.
  • Page 4 • One IEC AC power cord. Be sure to register your PolyBrute 12 as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit. This is required during the online registration process. You may want to record these elsewhere or take a photo of the sticker in case it becomes damaged.
  • Page 5 The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
  • Page 6 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart or rack is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip- over. Unplug the apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for long periods of time.
  • Page 7 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Arturia PolyBrute 12! The PolyBrute took the world by storm, with its six killer analog voices, two luscious filters, and much, much more. It made a huge number of fans, but there was room to do even more...
  • Page 8 Voice engine • Each voice has two oscillators, plus a sub-oscillator for VCO 2 • Powerful waveform sculpting features, such as variable oscillator sync, wavefolding (i.e. Metalizer) • Two independent filters per voice Steiner: 12dB per octave (continuous multimode), plus our famous ◦...
  • Page 9 That's a huge list, and it adds up to a HUGE sound. We can hardly wait for you to get your hands on this instrument! Prepare for your creativity to be set ablaze by PolyBrute 12. One more thing: Be sure to...

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    The Matrix panel ........................................... 8 1.3. Rear panel ....................................9 1.3.1. Connections ........................................... 10 1.4. About this manual................................10 PolyBrute 12 Basics ..............................11 2.1. User interface ..................................11 2.2. Master controls ..................................11 2.3. Auto-calibrate PolyBrute 12............................12 2.4.
  • Page 11 4.10. FX routing selector ................................. 37 Performance Controls............................38 5.1. Wheels....................................... 38 5.1.1. Pitch..............................................38 5.1.2. Wheel..............................................38 5.2. Octave buttons ..................................39 5.3. Morphée....................................39 5.4. Voice/control mode buttons ............................40 5.4.1. Polyphony ............................................. 40 5.4.2. Timbrality............................................41 5.4.3. Wheel modes ..........................................
  • Page 12 8.3.2. Live edits ............................................61 8.3.3. SEQ home page ........................................63 8.3.4. Play Mode: Seq .......................................... 64 8.3.5. Sequence length ........................................64 8.3.6. Real-time recording ........................................ 65 8.3.7. Step recording ..........................................65 8.3.8. The Modulation tracks......................................66 8.4. Matrix Arpeggiator ................................66 8.4.1.
  • Page 13 11.6. Reverb ...................................... 86 11.6.1. Reverb filter options ........................................ 86 11.7. Effects preset shortcut ..............................87 Settings................................... 88 12.1. Settings overview................................88 12.1.1. Preset settings ..........................................88 12.1.2. Preset > Synth Voice settings ................................... 88 12.1.3. Preset > Out Section settings.................................... 89 12.1.4.
  • Page 14 12.9.3. Misc>Voice auto-tuning ....................................... 119 12.9.4. Misc>Ctrl calibration......................................119 12.9.5. Misc>FW version ........................................121 12.9.6. Misc>LED Brightness......................................121 12.9.7. Misc>Sleep Time........................................121 Specifications................................122 13.1. MIDI Continuous Controller assignments ...................... 123 Legal Information ..............................125 Software License Agreement ........................127...

  • Page 15: Overview

    1. OVERVIEW This chapter provides a quick map of the PolyBrute 12's features, as presented on the front and rear panels. Links are included to many sections for further reading. 1.1. 12-Voice Polyphony As the name implies, PolyBrute features 12 voices of polyphony allowing you to play up to 12 notes concurrently.

  • Page 16: Left Side

    [p.40] AfterTouch modes Morph control knob [p.45] Glide Adjusts balance between sounds A and B, and adjusts [p.44] Glide amount Voice parameters [p.23] VCOs, Filter FM, Noise, Mixer, VCFs, Envelopes, LFOs Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Overview...

  • Page 17: Right Side

    [p.57], and to manage the Modulation Matrix via the Mods [p.52] button. The Morph [p.75] button accesses the Modulation Matrix with a focus on one or both of the morphing sounds in each patch. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Overview...

  • Page 18: Rear Panel

    5. MIDI In/Out/Thru - Standard 5-pin DIN jacks, used to connect PolyBrute 12 to other MIDI devices. 6. USB - USB Type B port for connecting PolyBrute 12 to a Mac or PC. This lets you use Arturia's PolyBrute Connect software (available from...

  • Page 19: Connections

    PolyBrute as a plug-in synthesizer. You'll still need to set up an audio track in the DAW to record the output of the PolyBrute 12, if you want those tracks to be stored in your DAW project.

  • Page 20: Polybrute 12 Basics

    2. POLYBRUTE 12 BASICS 2.1. User interface Here are some general notes about working with PolyBrute 12. For example: • Press [Settings] to access the Preset/Global option menus. • The display lists options by numbers that correspond to the eight buttons under the display.

  • Page 21: Auto-Calibrate Polybrute 12

    For this reason, when you load a patch, the physical positions of the knobs and sliders may not match the parameter values stored with the patch. But the PolyBrute 12 has three modes that allow you to specify how these controls respond when they are first moved. These settings are available in the software and at Settings >...

  • Page 22: Load A Preset

    To start exploring the presets, press the large [Presets] button. It turns purple when selected. PolyBrute 12 has 8 banks of 96 presets (for a total of 768). Select the banks with [Assign 1-8], then select the presets inside the bank using the 12 rows of 8 buttons in the Matrix panel.

  • Page 23: Try This

    [p.57]. 2.6.3. Move Morph from A to B Part of the reason PolyBrute 12 sounds amazing is because every preset is made up of two parallel sounds (A and B), with constant, complementary modulation going on between the two in most cases. So whatever patch you've selected, be sure to turn the [Morph] knob to check out its component sounds.

  • Page 24: Create A Patch

    Envelopes, LFOs, and other sources are used to alter (modulate) parameters. Modulators can even control other modulators. Speaking of which, one of the main features of the PolyBrute 12 is its Matrix. This is an internal patchbay that can route any modulation source to one or more destinations. Some sources are physical, such as the Morphée controller;...

  • Page 25: Initialize The Patch

    VCO 1 only. In the Mixer section, press the VCO 1 Filter button repeatedly until the "Steiner" LED is lit. VCO 1 is now routed to the Steiner filter. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Create a Patch...
  • Page 26 Adjust the VCO 1 Tune knob up, down, and back to center. This is how to set its basic pitch. 3.2.2.1. VCO 1 waveform mix PolyBrute 12 VCOs constantly generate three basic waveforms (sawtooth, triangle, and square), with two knobs on the bottom row of the VCO module for adjusting the mix between them.

  • Page 27: Vcf 1 (Steiner)

    LP and HP filters work together to remove frequencies in the middle. Resonance emphasizes the corner frequencies. As the filter sweeps through its range, the notch moves up and down through the audio spectrum. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Create a Patch...
  • Page 28 [Series/Para] knob in the VCF 2 (Ladder Filter) section is 50-100% to the left. The sound has a basic tone now, but it needs more of a shape . That's what envelopes do, so we'll cover that next. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Create a Patch...

  • Page 29: Vca Env

    3.2.4. VCA ENV PolyBrute 12 has three envelopes. We'll use the VCA ENV to learn what envelopes do, and describe the other two later. The VCA is the final output stage prior to the Effects, and the VCA ENV is used to shape the amplitude of the VCA.

  • Page 30: Enter The Matrix

    [p.52]. 3.2.5. Enter the Matrix The true power of PolyBrute 12 lies in how its parameters interact. For a glimpse of this we'll set up a couple of modulation routes in the Matrix. But first an overview of the Modulation Matrix: •...

  • Page 31: Add Effects

    Then set the [Morph] knob to the optimal position between A and B and save the revised patch. The position of the [Morph] knob is stored with the patch. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Create a Patch...

  • Page 32: Voice Architecture

    1-3, depending on the desired target. 4.2. Morph basics The morphing aspect of the PolyBrute 12 is an essential part of its voice architecture. In a nutshell, every patch is made up of two sounds (A and B), and PolyBrute 12 can morph seamlessly between them.

  • Page 33: Similar Features

    When the distances are not equal, the pulse wave sounds increasingly thin. At the maximum setting the pulse wave disappears, and so does the sound. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 34: Vco 1

    (hard sync or soft sync), and the two oscillators are either synced or they aren't. But the way PolyBrute 12 does this is unusual: its oscillator sync is continuously variable from no sync to hard sync, progressing through many levels of soft sync on the way.

  • Page 35: Vco 2

    ♪ A high FM 2 > 1 value can heavily affect the pitch. But using it in combination with a high Sync 2 > 1 value can provide steady pitched tones with complex harmonic content. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 36: Noise Generator

    VCOs, and are used as modulation sources to affect other parameters. The PolyBrute 12 LFOs can run as slowly as one cycle every 50 seconds all the way up to 100Hz (the audible range). To be "heard" they must be routed to a destination using the Mod Matrix [p.52].

  • Page 37: Lfos 1 And 2

    & hold, and slewed random. Their images show what to expect: the square wave jumps instantly from low to high, the triangle ramps up and back down, etc. The differences are most obvious at slower rates. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 38: Lfo 3

    Hold an LFO [Sync] button to reveal the Sync Division menu for that LFO. Each LFO can have its own setting: Binary (straight time), Triplet, or Dotted. These take effect when [Sync] is active for an LFO. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 39: Rate Control For Synced Lfos

    The PolyBrute 12 filter modules PolyBrute 12 features two types of Voltage-Controlled Filters (VCFs): a 12 dB/octave Steiner filter and a 24 dB/octave Ladder filter. Each has its own features which will be described separately, but first let's take a look at what they have in common.

  • Page 40: Shared Features

    4.6.1. Shared features Both PolyBrute 12 filter modules have the following controls: Cutoff sets the corner frequency individually for each filter. • Resonance emphasizes the corner frequency. Higher resonance levels can cause • a filter to self-oscillate (create a sound on its own).

  • Page 41: Vcf 1 (Steiner)

    Brute Factor is a proprietary filter feedback circuit that does everything from warming up the low end to creating a monstrous growl. The exact effect depends on its interaction with other settings: Mixer levels, cutoff, resonance, etc. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 42: Vcf 2 (Ladder)

    This design gave the rare Steiner-Parker synthesizers of the 1970s their unique sound, and was the basis for Arturia's Brute filter (which Nyle Steiner helped design)! All of the controls in VCF 2 were described in the Shared features section [p.31]...

  • Page 43: Envelopes

    Envelopes are adjustable modulators that shape voltage over time when a note is triggered. PolyBrute 12 has two 4-stage envelopes (ADSR), plus a third with a delay stage (DADSR). Each envelope has an LED to indicate the current level of the envelope; it changes quickly or slowly depending on the settings.

  • Page 44: Envelope Curves

    ). To set this behavior, hold [Settings] and move the VCA [Sustain] slider. The default is Off (envelopes retrigger from their current level), and setting it On causes envelopes to reset on retriggering. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 45: Stereo Spread

    Voice 11 sends +0,6 value ◦ Voice 12 sends +1 value (maximum positive) ◦ Since the Series/Para parameter is continuous, intermediate settings and crossfades of the first two settings are possible. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 46: Fx Routing Selector

    Note that when the signal is dry (effect levels at zero) the signal path is pure analog.  More routing options are available by pressing the [Settings] button at the same time as the [FX] button. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Voice Architecture...

  • Page 47: Performance Controls

    5. PERFORMANCE CONTROLS One of Arturia's goals for PolyBrute 12 was to place a wide variety of performance options at your fingertips, and we are proud of what we have accomplished; there are dozens of controls and features that respond instantly when inspiration strikes.

  • Page 48: Octave Buttons

    Transposition does not affect the placement of the split point on the keyboard itself. 5.3. Morphée You may never have encountered anything like Arturia's Morphée controller. It's more than an X/Y touchpad; it's also pressure-sensitive, so it operates on the Z axis as well. All three axes are available as sources in the Mod Matrix and can be routed to as many destinations as you like (up to the maximum of 32).

  • Page 49: Voice/Control Mode Buttons

    The top two buttons select Voice modes; the bottom three select Control modes. 5.4.1. Polyphony PolyBrute 12 has three voice modes that are selected using [Polyphony]. Poly (polyphonic) allows all twelve voices to be triggered independently by •...

  • Page 50: Timbrality

    In Split mode the upper and lower keyboard zones can be transposed independently. • Upper: use [Octave < / >] as normal • Lower: hold [Timbrality] and press [Octave < / >] to transpose the lower half. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Performance Controls...

  • Page 51: Wheel Modes

    ! Because basic vibrato is by far the most common use of the mod wheel on synthesizers, the PolyBrute 12 provides the separate Vibrato LFO so you don't have to waste one of the three main LFOs on just creating vibrato.

  • Page 52: Morphée Modes

    5.4.5. Aftertouch modes The PolyBrute 12 keyboard is sensitive to pressure on the keys after they're played and held, a function known as Aftertouch – but the PolyBrute 12 can use aftertouch to do things no other keyboard can. On most keyboards with aftertouch, there is a single sensor under the entire keybed: if you press hard on any key, aftertouch modulation will be applied to every note you're playing.

  • Page 53: Glide

    [p.94]. 5.5.1. Glide in Split mode When PolyBrute 12 is in Split mode the glide setting is shared between the two zones. But since Split mode assigns the A+B morphing feature to the upper zone, independent glide times are possible: sound A glide time can be zero, and sound B glide time can be non-zero (or vice-versa).

  • Page 54: Morph Knob

    To select them, navigate to Settings > Expression Control > Exp1 Settings (or Exp2 Settings ). The options are identical except for one: Pedal 1 can control the master Volume, and Pedal 2 can be a mod source in the Matrix. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Performance Controls...

  • Page 55: Motion Recorder

    • Master Volume • The Mod amount knob • Buttons And on the "plus" side, the Motion Recorder will capture all three axes of the Morphée controller (X, Y, and Z). Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Performance Controls...

  • Page 56: Voice Allocation Modes

    5.10. Voice allocation modes When a note is triggered the PolyBrute 12 can play as many as twelve voices on a single key. The Voice allocation modes let you define this response for each patch. They are accessed by holding [Settings] and pressing one of the Voice mode buttons [p.40].

  • Page 57: Unison / Mono Allocation

    Legato Off: Every note played retriggers the envelopes. • Legato Glide: If glide is active, playing legato notes glides from one pitch to the • next and also does not retrigger the envelopes. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Performance Controls...

  • Page 58: Working With Presets

    Matrix buttons for the presets in the current bank that belong to that category will light up. 6.2. Snapshots PolyBrute 12 can save up to 5 Snapshots of edited presets for instant comparison. Here's how it works: •...

  • Page 59: Random Patch Generation

    6.3. Random patch generation PolyBrute 12 can generate a random patch for you by choosing sounds A and B from different patches, changing the morph knob value, moving the result to sound A, and then repeating most of that process a random number of times. The generated patch can then be tweaked, saved as a Snapshot, or saved as a new preset.

  • Page 60: Save To Another Location

    Projects feature can organize patches into different groups for live performances and session work. In other words, if you haven't already done so, be sure to install the software and try it out! Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Working with Presets...

  • Page 61: Working With Mods

    7. WORKING WITH MODS The Modulation Matrix is a wireless patch bay that can route the PolyBrute 12's modulation sources to one or more destinations. Almost any parameter with a knob or fader can be a destination, and each can be modulated positively or negatively.

  • Page 62: One Source To Many Destinations / Many Sources To One Destination

    Global Pitch (VCOs 1+2 combined), Filter Pan, and Voice Pan. To view the list, hold [Assign 1-8] and turn [Mod Amount], then release the Assign button when you see the desired destination appear in the appropriate line of the PolyBrute 12 display. Here is a list of the possible destinations:...

  • Page 63: Edit An Existing Modulation

    Press button E2 to connect LFO 2 to mod route 1.F1 and give it an amount. Hold a note: LFO 2 modulates the amount of “LFO 3 > Pitch Global”. Try various settings for LFOs 2 and 3 to make the results more obvious. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Working with Mods...

  • Page 64: Erase All Mod Routes

    Matrix) Ribbon + Y Output voltage of the ribbon controller summed with Morphée axis Y Exp 2 + Z Output voltage of Expression pedal 2 summed with Morphée axis Z Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Working with Mods...

  • Page 65: What Is The Voices Source

    VCA Env: uses the VCA envelope signal for each voice • You can access those different settings through this menu : Settings > Synth Voice > LFO/ Voices > Voices Mod Source Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Working with Mods...

  • Page 66: The Sequencer And Arpeggiator

    The Timbrality you set stays active even when the sequencer is active. PolyBrute 12 doesn't need to be in Sequencer mode to record or play sequences, but you must enter Sequencer mode to edit them. So when you're ready, press the round [Sequencer] mode button to enter Sequencer mode.

  • Page 67: The Home Page

    8.1.1. The Home page Press the [Sequencer] button and the PolyBrute 12 takes you to the top level of Sequencer mode. We'll refer to this as the home page . What the home page shows depends on whether the Sequencer or Arpeggiator is active.

  • Page 68: Transport Controls

    Whatever the Arpeggiator is doing can be converted into a sequence for additional editing in Sequencer mode, or simply to preserve a moment of pure musical magic. Use [Assign 8] to transfer the Arpeggiator output into the Sequencer. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 69: Play Mode: Arp

    Sequences can be recorded in real time, and every step can be entered and edited manually.  ♪ Notes from the sequencer can be used as a modulation source through Matrix row G. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 70: Sequence Playback

    Sld means a slide is active for this step. When active it follows the Glide value. • When off (dark) there is no Glide. The Glide setting must be high enough for a Slide to be heard. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...
  • Page 71 1 second. If you hold the Matrix button for 1+ seconds before turning the Amount knob, the Record light turns red and the Matrix buttons change colors. This means you've entered step edit mode. The full details about step editing are here [p.72]. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 72: Seq Home Page

    When not recording, [Assign 8] can temporarily mute the sequence note data. • While recording, [Assign 8] becomes "Erase Current Step." Hold [Assign 8] and press a step to erase it. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 73: Play Mode: Seq

    • For lengths over 33 steps, press [Assign 2] to access steps 33-64 on the Matrix buttons, then touch any of the three buttons in the last step. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 74: Real-Time Recording

    Turn the Amount knob to scroll through the sequence, or select a step manually for editing. • Use Modulation tracks to capture the movements of up to three controls on specific steps. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 75: The Modulation Tracks

    This mode is a hybrid of the Sequencer and the Arpeggiator. Hold up to six notes, and out of those PolyBrute 12 plays the ones you enable on each step, in a specific octave for each step, for up to 16 steps before repeating.

  • Page 76: Matrix Arp Home Page

    The Matrix Arpeggiator is polyphonic. Here are some things to know about that: • Multiple cells can be enabled in each column. • A long press on a cell will clear the others in the same column. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 77: Approach Notes

    Common features [p.57] apply to Matrix Arpeggiator mode (Home page, Hold, Metro, Time Div, Swing, Rate, Gate, Tap), as do the features specific to Sequencer mode (Play Mode [p.64] length [p.64]). Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 78: Sequence Management

    The note data will not be affected. 8.5.7. Transpose sequence Hold [Sequencer] and press [Assign 7] or [Assign 8] to transpose all the notes from the sequence by -1 semitone or +1 semitone. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Sequencer and Arpeggiator...

  • Page 79: Sequencer Step Record And Step Edit

    9. SEQUENCER STEP RECORD AND STEP EDIT 9.1. What’s the difference? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Here's what they mean in PolyBrute 12: Step recording means entering data. The focus is on creating a sequence. • Step editing means editing an event (i.e., a Step). The focus is one event at a time.

  • Page 80: Enter / Edit One Step

    To erase several steps in a row, touch the first step and press [Tap] repeatedly.  ! When recording while a pattern is playing, holding [Tap] erases the notes and disables all events until [Tap] is released. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Sequencer Step Record and Step Edit...

  • Page 81: Step Edit: Notes

    Pressing a note which is already in the step will light it in red again, and then its length can be changed with the Amount knob. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Sequencer Step Record and Step Edit...

  • Page 82: Change The Duration

    First, stop the pattern (if it's playing), then press the Record button to enter Step record mode. Use [Assign 4] to select Modulation view. You can switch back to Notes view using [Assign 3] at any time. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Sequencer Step Record and Step Edit...

  • Page 83: Enter / Edit One Mod Step

    The next time a new parameter is recorded, the first empty Modulation track is filled.  ♪ With Record Off and the pattern not playing, the assigned Modulation track parameters can be edited without affecting the Modulation tracks. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Sequencer Step Record and Step Edit...

  • Page 84: Morph Mode

    10. MORPH MODE 10.1. What is Morph Mode? Every PolyBrute 12 preset is made up of two sounds (A and B) that are available at the same time. Both the [Morph] knob and Morphée controller are able to crossfade seamlessly between the two sounds, each of which can have entirely different settings for the filters, envelopes, and LFOs, to name a few things.

  • Page 85: The [Morph] Knob

    Morphée is swept to upper right, you will hear sound B, but a knob or fader movement will only affect sound A. For more information about the Morphée controller, read this section [p.39] in the Performance controls chapter. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...

  • Page 86: Morph And Mod Routes

    Turn the [Morph] knob from A to B: the filter routing does not change. • Change the filter routing to the Steiner filter and turn the [Morph] knob again: the filter routing does not change. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...
  • Page 87 ♪ When In Edit A or Edit B you can access independent settings using the Settings button or Settings shortcuts. For example, you can cause parts A and B to have different pitch bend ranges. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...

  • Page 88: Morph Utilities

    A now. Swap A and B; now your sound B resides in sound A. Now you can search for another complementary sound using the Pick B function again. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...

  • Page 89: What Can Morph

    10.6. What can morph? Nearly every PolyBrute 12 parameter can morph between its settings for sounds A and B. These include the filters, the VCOs, the Envelopes, and the LFOs. Even some unusual parameters like Sync and Noise Colour can be morphed.

  • Page 90: Lfo 1 / Lfo 2 Waveforms

    When the Sync Division parameter is between 0 and 33% the division is Binary, from 33% to 66% it is Triplet, and from 66% to 100% it is Dotted. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...

  • Page 91: Lfo 3 Single

    With X LFO 1 trigger from 0% to 99%, LFO 3 will be retriggered by LFO 1 from 0 to 32 times in a row. With X LFO 1 trigger at 100%, LFO 3 will be continuously retriggered by LFO 1. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Morph Mode...

  • Page 92: The Effects

    11. THE EFFECTS PolyBrute 12 features a digital Effects section with all the classic effect types: Modulation: chorus, phaser, flanger, and lots of other interesting pitch-based • effects. Delay: everything from quick slapback, ping pong, and stereo delays are at your •...

  • Page 93: Modulation Effects

    If you return to Alt, your last choice of Alt Modulation FX will be remembered. If you store a patch, both your last Alt Modulation and last Distortion choices will be stored, although only one is active at a time. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Effects...

  • Page 94: Delay

    The Modulation section contains a hidden EQ, which may be used alongside the modulation effects at the same time. It is accessed by holding [Settings] and turning the [Intensity] knob. This will bring up a menu with eight options to impart an EQ curve to the PolyBrute 12’s sound: Bypass: No EQ.

  • Page 95: Delay Sync Options

    11.6.1. Reverb filter options Hold [Settings] and turn Damping to view the “Reverb HP Filter” menu. Use [Assign 1-4] to select the HP filter cutoff: Bypass, Low, Mid, or High. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Effects...

  • Page 96: Effects Preset Shortcut

    The Modulation, Delay, and Reverb effects all feature a shortcut to bring up their respective Alternate presets. Simply hold the [Type] button in any section to bring up a menu of that section’s Alt presets. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - The Effects...

  • Page 97: Settings

    Sub level Mode MOD Env Curves LFO 2 Sync Division Unison Voice Count Morph pitch quantize All Env Reset LFO 3 Sync Division Unison Detune Glide Settings Voices Mod Source Analog Accuracy Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 98: Preset > Out Section Settings

    3 Semitones Range: 7 semi Scan 4 Semitones Range: 12 semi Hold Scan 5 Semitones Source: LFO1 7 Semitones Source: Sine Slow 12 Semitones Source: Sine Mid 24 Semitones Source: Sine Fast Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 99: Preset > Preset Settings

    Output Dest Voice Auto-Tuning Tempo Load Knob Catch Arp/Seq MIDI Out Ctrl Calibration Clock Send Local Control FW version Transport Send Program Change LED Brightness Transport Receive Enable CC on Knobs Sleep Time Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 100: Preset>Synth Voice

    These define the response when VCO 1 is a mod destination. It does not affect the VCO 1 Tune knob. • Use [Assign 1-2] to select Continuous (smooth) or Chromatic. • [Assign 3-8] select preset scales the VCO will follow when modulated. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 101 [Assign 5-8] define how VCO 2 responds when it is a mod source destination.  You can also access VCO2 Tune Mod using this shortcut: Hold the [Settings] button, and turn the VCO2 [Tune] knob. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 102 Crossfade is the behavior described in the Sub section. • Level is a mode where only the sub level is affected by the knob ; the VCO 2 waveform mix remains unaffected Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 103 Use [Assign 5-6] to specify whether the glide will be smooth or follow the chromatic scale. Continuous: Glide smoothly changes pitches with no “steps” between notes. • Chromatic: Glide changes pitches in chromatic steps along the 12-note scale, like • a glissando. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 104: Synth Voice>Envelopes

    Single runs the envelope once. The Repeat options run the envelope 2 or 3 times. • Looping runs the envelope indefinitely. When Sustain is at a non-zero value, the Repeats and Loops include the Release stage. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 105: Synth Voice > Lfo/Voices

    This setting only affects the rising part of the curve; the falling part is left untouched. The Inverted option thus makes it possible to have an exponential rise and a logarithmic fall. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 106: Synth Voice>Voicing

    Poly Unison plays the first note using voice 1, stacks voices 2-6 on the second • note played, leaves voice 2 on note 2 and stacks voices 3-6 on the third note played, etc. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 107 These settings are the same for the upper and lower zones so they are described together. They define how PolyBrute 12 behaves when the zone [Polyphony] setting is Unison or Mono. Note that the Lower settings are only active when [Timbrality] is set to Split.
  • Page 108 A little can help create a fat sound; a lot can be annoying. The PolyBrute 12 lets you decide just how much of it you’d like. This menu can also be accessed by holding the Settings button and wiggling the [Fine Tune] knob.

  • Page 109: Preset>Out Section

    You're given eight options to apply an EQ curve to the PolyBrute's sound. The eight options are: Bypass: No EQ. • Presence: Midrange boost. • Low boost: Boost of bass frequencies. • Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 110: Modulation Settings

    Use [Assign 1-2] to select the kind of effect to use on the Mod FX when Mod Alt is selected. Use [Assign 3-4] to choose the insert/send routing of your Mod FX. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 111: Out>Delay Settings

    Time knob is turned. 12.3.5.2. Delay Filters 12.3.5.3. Delay Alt Preset Use [Assign 1-7] to select the kind of effect to use on the Delay FX when the Alt Type is selected. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 112: Out>Reverb Settings

    Edit the Reverb Alt Preset. These five variations are the ones that can be selected for (and saved with) the patch you're creating: Bright Plate ◦ Room ◦ Dreamy ◦ Springy ◦ Delayed Plate ◦ Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 113: Preset>Expression Control

    Use [Assign 5-8] to select the Vibrato source: LFO 1, or a dedicated LFO with three preset speeds. 12.4.3. Expression>Keyboard The PolyBrute 12 offers a keyboard that can provide multiple forms of aftertouch. These can be chosen with the [Assign] buttons. To understand how these different aftertouch modes work, it's necessary to introduce a...
  • Page 114 If you want to modulate other parameters through the matrix, here is the rules: • FullTouch range modulate parameters through the “VCF Env” matrix source modulation • Classic Aftertouch range modulates parameters through the “Aftertouch” matrix source modulation. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 115 Slide (CC74) FullTouch Aftertouch Channel Slide (CC74) Lower Zone FullTouch Classic (Poly) Pressure Channel 1 Channel FullTouch Pressure Aftertouch Slide (CC74) Lower Zone FullTouch + Z (Poly) Channel 1 Classic Slide (CC74) Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 116: Expression>Morphée Modes

    Use [Assign 1-4] to define the Morphée response. Tap: Absolute, Instant return to 0. • Hold: Absolute, Never return to 0. • Scan: Scaled, Fast return to 0. • Hold Scan: Scaled, Never return to 0. • Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 117: Expression>Ribbon Modes

    Instant return to 0, Never return to 0, Fast return to 0: See descriptions in the • Expression: Morphée section above. Slow return to 0: Same as Fast return to 0, but slower. • Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 118: Expression: Exp1, Exp2

    PB Duophonic: Pitch bend works as described above over the entire keyboard. • PB Duo Upper Split: Duophonic pitch bend only on the Upper zone. • PB Duo Lower Split: Duophonic pitch bend only on the Lower zone. • Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 119: Preset>Preset

    Preset view: 12.5.4. Preset info>Edit Sound designer Use [Assign 2-7] to enter the name of the sound designer for the current patch. The process is described here [p.51]. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 120: Global>Sync

    Roland DIN sync. 48PPQ sends and receives forty-eight pulses per quarter-note. • 12.6.3. Sync>Metronome Use [Assign 1-4] to set the Metronome level. Use [Assign 5-6] to enable/disable the Count-in feature. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 121: Sync>Tempo Load

    12.6.6. Sync>Transport Send Use [Assign 1–2] to turn MIDI Transport Message (Send) transmission on (default) or off. 12.6.7. Sync>Transport Receive Use [Assign 1–2] to turn MIDI Transport Message transmission (Receive) on (default) or off. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 122: Global>Keyboard

    — up to about the midpoint. After that it responds more gradually to increasing finger force. It is best to experiment with each to find the curve that you feel makes your aftertouch the most expressive. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 123: Keyboard>Aftertouch Max Sens

    3] auto-detects the pedal polarity, which can be especially useful because who really remembers the polarity of each of the sustain/switch pedals they’ve accumulated? 12.7.4. Keyboard>Knob catch Use [Assign 1-3] to make a selection. These control responses are defined here [p.12]. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 124: Global>Midi

    The pages for the upper and lower zones are identical, so both are described here. Use [Assign 2] to return to the previous menu. Use [Assign 3-6] or turn the Mod Amount knob to select the desired MIDI channel. Use [Assign 7] to confirm the choice. Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 125: Midi>Input Src

    MIDI Program Change and Bank Select messages. 12.8.7. MIDI>Enable CC on Knobs Use [Assign 1-2] to make a selection. ON enables the PolyBrute 12 to send and receive MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages when almost any knob is turned, via either USB MIDI or the 5-pin MIDI port.

  • Page 126: Midi>Mpe

    Bend Range: Controls the reference range of MPE pitch bending (in semitones) • for send and receive. This is ideal when controlling the PolyBrute 12 with alternative controllers that allow smooth bends for independent notes. Values include: 2, 12, 24, 36, 48 (default), 60, 72, 96.
  • Page 127 MPE Bend Range rather than the keyboard's, and Slide (CC74) is routed depending on the Aftertouch mode selected.  ! When sending MPE, PolyBrute 12 sends mono aftertouch (Channel Pressure) and Slide (CC74) on multiple channels (one per note). ...

  • Page 128: Global>Misc

    Use [Assign 7] to disable specific Morphée gestures according to the following options: Disable None: All Morphée gestures will produce results. • X Axis: The horizontal (X) axis of the Morphée is disabled. • Disable All: No Morphée gestures will produce results. • Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...
  • Page 129 [Assign 2] to define the minimum Z axis modulation point. • Use [Assign 3] to set the sensitivity of the Morphée’s spring-loaded Z axis. The options are: Default ◦ Very High ◦ High ◦ ◦ Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Settings...

  • Page 130: Misc>Fw Version

    (except for the Matrix LEDs). The options are: Full (the default), Dim, Very Dim. 12.9.7. Misc>Sleep Time Use the [Assign 1-3] buttons to select the time it takes for the PolyBrute 12 to go into a power- saving sleep mode. The options are: •...

  • Page 131: Specifications

    ◦ MIDI In/Out/Thru connectors ◦ Clock In/Out for integration with modular systems ◦ USB type B connector for use with DAWs and PolyBrute Connect ◦ Headphone jack with independent level control ◦ Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Specifications...

  • Page 132: Midi Continuous Controller Assignments

    Decay Decay Decay Sustain Sustain Sustain Release Release Release LFO 1 Parameter MIDI CC LFO 2 Parameter MIDI CC LFO 3 Parameter MIDI CC Phase Fade In Curve Rate Rate Symmetry Rate Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Specifications...
  • Page 133 MIDI CC SEQUENCER MIDI FILTERS COMMON MIDI Parameter Parameter Mod Intensity Rate Master Cutoff Delay Level Gate Key Track Delay Time Motion Rec Rate Delay Regeneration Reverb Level Reverb Time Reverb Damping Stereo Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Specifications...

  • Page 134: Legal Information

    Important notice: DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirement. Modifications not expressly approved by Arturia may avoid your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
  • Page 135 Arturia - User Manual PolyBrute 12 - Legal Information...

  • Page 136: Software License Agreement

    The License is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE. 2. Grant of License Arturia grants you a non-exclusive license for the use of the software according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You may not lease, loan or sub- license the software.
  • Page 137 (a) return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the Limited Warranty and which is returned to Arturia with a copy of your receipt. This limited Warranty is void if failure of the software has resulted from accident, abuse, modification, or misapplication.

This manual is also suitable for:

551002

Table of Contents