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Polyend Synth Manual

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Polyend
Synth
Manual
An Official Reference for The Polyend Synth
The Play Notebook : Reference & Guide
I

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Summary of Contents for Polyend Synth

  • Page 1 Polyend Synth Manual An Official Reference for The Polyend Synth The Play Notebook : Reference & Guide...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1.5 User Interface Conventions 1.6 QWERTY Keyboard 1.7 Basic Playback 1.8 Example Workflow 1.9 Shortcut Commands 2. Architecture 2.1 Glossary of Terms 2.2 Synth Audio Structure 2.3 SD Card Structure 2.4 Settings Menu Map Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 3 7.4 Arp Overview 5.9 WTFM Synth Voice 7.5 Using the Arpeggiator 5.10 PMD Synth Voice 8. MIDI & Connectivity 5.11 PHZ Synth Voice 8.1 MIDI Terms 5.12 GRAIN Synth Voice 8.2 Basic MIDI concepts for Synth Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 4 8.7 External DAW Control 9. System 9.1 Generic Firmware Update 9.2 Emergency Firmware Update 9.3 Grid Pad Behavior Settings 9.4 USB Storage Mode 9.5 SD Card Compatibility & Backing Up 9.6 Official Specifications 10. Index Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 5: Overview

    Polyend effects. These operate as send effects where Tracker and Play family of devices. Others an amount of the synth audio output is sent are new or inspired by classic synths, to each effect, which is then mixed into the expanding the sonic possibilities even master output.

  • Page 6: How To Use This Notebook

    [Pad] 207 mm Each of the 5x12 pad buttons will be simply represented by [Pad]. These functions will depend on the mode and function selected within Synth. ‘Text’ Any screen menu options and text is indicated with quote marks. Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 7: Start Up

    Intelligent / smart power banks or PC / Mac power may have features Shift that interfere with the continuous supply required by Synth. A USC - C to USB - B The 5 x 12 grid pads are velocity sensitive. All knobs Use [Shift] in conjunction with a control to access a cable is supplied.

  • Page 8: Display & Control Layout

    • The 15 Parameter knobs are touch sensitive, and its parameter is The 3 [Screen] Buttons located under the display represent each of the synth engines 1, 2, 3 by default. In some menus, these buttons will represent the automatically selected when touched. Turn a (Knob) to change its value specific function which is displayed directly above the button.

  • Page 9: Qwerty Keyboard

    The screen displays the QWERTY keyboard and the text string to located in the main menu. Each synth is represented in the user interface edit, while the 5 x 12 pad grid acts as the keyboard’s input. The screen by a designated colour scheme.

  • Page 10: Example Workflow

    1.8 Example Workflow 1.9 Shortcut Commands The workflow adopted with Synth will of course develop to fit your personal approach. To get started Other than the labelled buttons a number of shortcut commands also exist. These are covered here a typical journey is described below which covers the basics of getting started with sound design.

  • Page 11: Architecture

    It is also possible to interface There are so many features that are less Synth with other audio and MIDI devices to obvious to producers who are familiar with expand the system using MIDI. While more more traditional sequencers and DAWs.

  • Page 12: Glossary Of Terms

    Parameter: The individual value of a specific SD Card: A storage device that is used in Synth for associated with these topics, especially Synth, will help unlock its power and performance. It makes function or control element. A parameter can be holding data, samples, project etc.

  • Page 13: Synth Audio Structure

    2.2 Synth Audio Structure 2.3 SD Card Structure NOTES Micro SD Card The Micro SD Card is an integral part of Synth and must be inserted to Patches ChordPacks Samples operate correctly. An alert message is displayed if Synth is powered up...

  • Page 14: Settings Menu Map

    Transport In [MIDI] Clock Out MIDI Wait for Start (Ext Transport In) Allows Synth sequence or Arp to respond to external MIDI transport messages. Wait for Start (Ext Transport In) MIDI Control Change Mapping Utility to display the CC messages mapped for each accessible parameter.
  • Page 15 Scenes can be initialized to create a new scene with default settings. Creating a scene is, therefore, the place to start with Synth, although the previously opened scene will be reopened automatically on start-up. The...

  • Page 16: Scenes

    3.2 Selecting a Scene NOTES NOTES Scenes are the core structural elements of the Polyend Synth. A scene is a Scenes can be managed directly by using the dedicated [Scene] button collection of patches, settings, macros, parameters and sequence data.

  • Page 17: Creating A New Scene

    The parameter settings will be reset to defaults and an scene. The currently highlighted scene in the list will be renamed or instance of the ACD synth will be assigned to each slot. overwritten. Ensure the original scene and name is selected first.

  • Page 18: Notes & Chords

    Notes & Chords The grid pad in Synth is the primary means chords can be used with Synth. These are of generating notes and chords. It is also managed through the application of Chord possible to connect an external MIDI Packs.

  • Page 19: Grid Layout

    4.1 Grid Layout NOTES NOTES Synth user interface is based in a 5 x 12 pad grid which is used for playing Grid Layout synth presets. The grid is customisable to match your preferred style and also to take advantage of using all 3 synth engines at the same time. The The layout format for the 3 synths can be selected in the grid sub-menu of the main menu.
  • Page 20 Polyphony: Remember to configure a synth’s voices when using chords. For example a triad would need 3 voices to play the chord. This setup is in the main menu under ‘synths’.

  • Page 21: Playing Notes On The Grid

    4.3 Polyphony & Voices NOTES The pads will be lit to represent the colour for each synth. Synth 1, Blue, Synth 2, Yellow and Synth Synth is a multi-engine polyphonic synthesizer. Polyphony is the ability to 3, Purple. The root notes will also be identified for each pad. All pads will represent a note based on play multiple notes at the same time, each generating its own pitch.

  • Page 22: Chords & Smart Grid

    NOTES NOTES The synth pads can be setup not only to play generic chords, but also to The grid page, found in the main menu, offers a number of options to set play a group of specifically assigned chords. This allows a selection of how the grid will be used to play back notes or chords.The smart grid...
  • Page 23 Ending, upper note in the chord played. The chord is spread across the range. Back More 3. Select a grid pad chord to edit Example Chord Pack Configuration Synth 2 - Yellow Chord Editor Major C Major 4. Open the Chord Editor...

  • Page 24: Synths

    Synths At the heart of Polyend Synth is a collection synthesis design. Granular, Wavetable, and of 8 synth engines, each with a unique Phase Distortion Synthesis engines are also style and character. The synth engine is included in the available engine models. In...

  • Page 25: Synth Engine Overview

    5.2 Synth Preset Overview NOTES A collection of synth engines are available, each with a different style and character. Synth has 3 synthesizer slots each of which contains a synth preset. A preset defines the precise sound based on its assigned engine and associated parameter settings.

  • Page 26: Synth Parameter Options

    3. In a synth parameter page, the 3 Display screen buttons can be used to select a Synth. For this example, Press the left side ‘Blue’ button to select [Synth 1] for editing.
  • Page 27 NOTES 4. Select a synth preset from the library. Navigate menu options by turning While each synth preset can be edited to design a sound per synth, a set of (Screen) and select menu options by pressing (Screen) Knob. general ‘Synth’ configurations is also available in the main menu, which should be considered at the outset, especially the polyphony option •...

  • Page 28: Acd Synth Voice

    The Cutoff Resonance Type synth voice preset using the ACD Engine consists of a single oscillator with Frequency: 20Hz - 20kHz Amount: 0-150% Filter Model variable pulse width and pitch, 2 envelopes (amp and filter) and 2 LFOs.

  • Page 29: Fat Synth Voice

    5.6 FAT Synth Voice NOTES NOTES FAT is a 3 Oscillator subtractive synth engine which offers thick sounds ideal for big leads, lush soundscapes, pads, drones and bass. The virtual analog model includes vintage ladder style LFO 1 - Page 1...
  • Page 30 Time for audio to reach max Time between max time to while note is still on. level. the sustain level. Release Time: 0.00-10 Sec Filter envelope release time. Time from note off to silent. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 31: Wavs Synth Voice

    Synths Synths 5.7 WAVS Synth Voice NOTES NOTES WAVS is a 2 oscillator wavetable synthesizer. The wave stage output acting as the oscillator section. Wave file positions are scanned and the wave is stretched and morphed. The application of a filter Engine Oscillator - Page 2 stage also affects the audio output.
  • Page 32 The Auxiliary Envelope and the two LFOs are not pre-patched into the WAVS engine by Filter envelope release time. default. They can be patched in the Mod page. Time from note off to silent. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 33: Vap Synth Voice

    Volume Models • The synth will automatically establish the number of waves in the file, but the size of the wave has to be given in its name, prefixed with a Shape 2 dash, for instance "epiano-1024.wav". If no number is provided in the...
  • Page 34 Aux envelope release time. Amount: -100% to +100% Amount: -200% to +200% Time from note off to silent. Amount of envelope applied Amount of modulation to the filter. applied based on the pitch of the note played. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 35: Wtfm Synth Voice

    Filters are the normal domain for subtractive synthesis, sometimes referred to as East Coast synthesis. However, Polyend Synth does include a filter in the audio chain to offer a more unique and interesting synth engine.
  • Page 36 0.00 - 3 Secs 0-200% Time from note off to silent. Slide between notes: Time of slide between notes. Volume level of oscillator Always, Overlap, Legato i.e. voice Envelopes are not triggered, Legato Overlap Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 37: Pmd Synth Voice

    5.10 PMD Synth Voice NOTES NOTES PMD is a Physical Modelling Synth that recreates, through synthesis, real-world instrument sounds and dynamics. The core concept covers two parts. The Exciter is how or with what an instrument is Envelope Aux - Page 3 played, e.g., a stick or pluck.
  • Page 38 Time for audio to reach max Time between max time to while note is still on. level. the sustain level. Release Time: 0.00 - 8 Sec Exciter envelope release time. Time from note off to silent. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 39: Phz Synth Voice

    At the heart of PHZ is a creative X-Y modulation matrix function adding movement to sound designs Engine Oscillator - Page 2 as well as a filter inspired by classic synth filter models. Reset 1 Reset 2...
  • Page 40 Aux envelope release time. The Auxiliary Envelope and the two LFO’s are not pre-patched into the PHZ engine by Time from note off to silent. default. They can be patched in the Mod page. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 41: Grain Synth Voice

    Synths 5.12 GRAIN Synth Voice NOTES NOTES Additional Notes for PHZ Synth Engine. GRAIN is a granular synthesizer which scans the audio file and generates small grains of audio which can be manipulated and Models tuned in the engine. Great for creating rich textures and ambient backdrop The oscillators are modulated by a selectable model each of which pads and sounds.
  • Page 42 The voicing when using a GAIN engine can be optimised by using Paraphonic mode. Filter envelope release time. This will allow chords to be played when only 1 voice is allocated to the synth. Time from note off to silent.

  • Page 43: Macros

    When changing the macro Time: 0.00-10 Sec knob, the parameters of the currently selected synth are edited. Aux envelope release time. Time from note off to silent. In addition the C1, C2 and C3 knobs can be used to control a macro combination of all common parameters for multiple synths.
  • Page 44 ‘Motion’ Name can be edited - ‘Edit Name’ option 3. The 5 Parameter slots per macro can be assigned to a parameter in the synth voice. For example synth engine or filter parameters etc. It is also Bipolar Knob range possible to edit the macro name or change the bipolar Behavior here 20.00%...

  • Page 45: Filter

    NOTES NOTES Most Synth voices operate with a filter section. A variety of filter models and Other than the PMD Synth model, the filter parameters follow a similar applications exist. Polyend Synth is inspired by many classic filters as well setup within each engine.

  • Page 46: Envelopes

    NOTES NOTES The general principle is that a set of envelopes are available in Synth which The dedicated [ADSR] button is used to access the Envelope options, each can be used for modulation patching but are also have some default allocated to an ADSR page.

  • Page 47: Effects & Modulation

    The Synth engines will operates as a send/return model. An determine envelope amount of audio is sent from each Synth to configurations and the availability of the the common effect, and the effect audio is parameters to modulate.

  • Page 48: Effect Structure

    This means that a controllable own page of parameters and can be configured generically. The amount of amount of audio from each synth's primary signal path can be sent to the audio sent to the effect is controlled in the Mixer page.

  • Page 49: Mod Effect

    This configuration better serves time-based applications such as chorus, phaser, and flanger. Input Delay Line Output Connecting the output to the input creates feedback and increases the delay ‘events’. Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...

  • Page 50: Rev Effect

    The sound will bounce and reflect between the to the effect.

  • Page 51: Mixer Page

    The mixer page will be frequently visited while adjusting the synth balance of the synth voices during the sound design process. It will also be used to finalise the output mix when the patch and scene are close to completion.

  • Page 52: Applying Modulation

    Going back and forth to ensure the output is loud The source can be either an LFO or the Aux Envelope. Based on the synth enough to be appropriate while avoiding the audio being too ‘hot’ where engine and configuration currently selected, a variety of parameter clipping distorts the signal.

  • Page 53: Sequencer & Arp

    Sequencer & Arp Two functions that automate pattern and the arp, which consists of 11 style generation are available for each Synth. templates that apply note sequences and The sequencer is a utility that records a rests to create…. well… a groove. The...

  • Page 54: Sequencer & Arp Overview

    NOTES Synth has a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator per engine slot. The Synth has a built in sequencer and arpeggiator. The sequencer can record sequencer page has options to record and playback note patterns and set up to 64 notes and then play back the recorded note patterns. There are the sequencer's behavior.

  • Page 55: Using The Sequencer

    Step 1 Step 16 5. Play the Pads of the selected Synth. Each pad will record the respective note into the sequencer pattern. Steps will automatically increment up to Notes are recorded in ‘Rec’ Mode using the Synth Pads. Notes a maximum of 64 notes.

  • Page 56: Arp Overview

    NOTES NOTES Synth’s arpeggiator can loop a series of individual notes taken from a The Arp does not record notes, but breaks a chord or note group down into played chord or collection of notes into an arpeggio. Several parameter discrete patterns while being played.

  • Page 57: Creating An Arpeggio

    Arp parameters can be adjusted. ▌ CREATING AN ARPEGGIO 1. Select the Synth to edit. Press the screen button for the selected Synth. 2. Open the Arp page. Press [Seq] to cycle to the Seq Page 2. Alternatively in the Sequencer page, Turn the first parameter knob to select between Off, Arp, Seq On.

  • Page 58: Midi & Connectivity

    Almost all sections to this point have ability to map up to 8 specific presets for concentrated on using Synth inside the each loaded Synth to an incoming MIDI PC box. It is, after all, a self-contained, multi- Message. This offers an exciting and engine polyphonic synthesizer.

  • Page 59: Midi Terms

    To clarify some of the generic terminology and technology around MIDI, a Synth has a MIDI USB plus a MIDI TRS Input and Output in order to summary of key definitions is provided. Synth uses a Type B, TRS to MIDI connect between compatible devices.

  • Page 60: Midi Configuration

    Knob. These will dictate if Synth leads on functions like clock and transport the Synth by MIDI, either using the USB or via the MIDI TRS / 5 Pin MIDI adapter. Notes can be controlled from an external keyboard to play the or if it acts as a secondary follower, responding to control and synchronisation from another primary device control.
  • Page 61 Preset Tempo Shift Pitchbend 2. Ensure the Synth to control is set to the same MIDI Channel as the Main Menu > MIDI > Control Change Mapping external device. Press (Screen) to open the Main Menu. Navigate to the ‘Synths’ menu and Press (Screen). Use the parameter knobs to set the Env Filter ‘Midi Channel’...
  • Page 62 NOTES The synth can receive PC Program Change messages to switch presets PC messaging is set up in Synth at the Scene level. There is only one map remotely. PC control introduces a creative dimension, especially useful for for all PC changes, and these will apply preset switching to the 3 loaded live performances.
  • Page 63 The ability to connect to a PC or Mac via a MIDI connection is possible, which can allow software DAW’s, sequencers and plug-ins to control Synth. Synth will need a hub or will need to be powered by the PC / Mac as the USB connection is also the source of power for Synth.
  • Page 64 Synth. However, there are all for topics not covered elsewhere in this also some essential administrative duties to manual.

  • Page 65: Firmware Update

    /Firmware The reset option is useful if any lock ups or freezing occurs on Synth. It is not necessary in these situations to download a new OS. It is advised to keep a series of official, known good, firmware releases in the /firmware Synth_v1.0.0.psf...
  • Page 66 Press (Screen) to select. the option desired. Normal is default. Press (Screen) to select desired 5. The SD Card installed in Synth is now accessible from the PC or Mac option. file manager. This will be accessed the same way as an external drive.
  • Page 67 ‘Synth Backup’ Folder in your documents folder and create a • Synth uses the SD card in real time and will not function without the SD sub folder for each backup i.e. ‘Original SD Aug24’, ‘Backup1 SD card being installed. A ‘bad’ folder / file structure on the SD card may May25’.
  • Page 68 1x Stereo 3.5 mm jack to 2x 6.3 mm jack adapter. • 1x MIDI Type B, 3.5 mm jack to DIN adapter. • 16GB Micro SD Card. • Micro SD to USB-A dongle adapter. • Warranty & Safety and Polyend Play+ Essential information brochures Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 69 Index Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 70 Sends 99 Groove 107,  110–111 Sequencer 106–107 Pad 17 Settings 26 DAW 124 Hardware 11 Pan 100 Shift 12 Delay 95,  97 Shortcuts 19 Destination 101 Humanize 107,  110 Parameter Knobs 12,  15 PHZ 48,  76,  80 Specifications 134 Display 14 Pitchbend 12 Swing 12,  107,  110 Level 100,  103 Synth Engine 48 LFO 101 Effect 94 Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 71 Index Index Tempo 12 USB Power 11,  13 USB Storage Mode 131 VAP 48,  65 Velocity 130 Voices 41 Volume 17 WAV files 64 Wavetable 64 WAVS 48,  60 WTFM 48,  69 Aftertouch 128 Polyend Synth Manual Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 72 Produced in the United Kingdom November 2024 - Synth OS 1.0.1 c www.synthdawg.com Synthdawg Polyend Synth Manual...
  • Page 73 Polyend Synth Manual...
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