by Robin Vincent | 4,5 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 3 Minutes
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Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse  ·  Source: Lambda Synthetics

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse  ·  Source: Gearnews

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse  ·  Source: Gearnews

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse  ·  Source: Gearnews

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse  ·  Source: Gearnews

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[6 August 2025] The Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse groovebox is finally available in stores.

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Now Available

Back in 2023, we told you about the Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse, an “algorithmic groovebox” with FM and additive synthesis plus sampling. The five-track sequencing instrument has an unusual look, with chunky adding machine-style buttons and a design that wouldn’t look out of place on an old Apollo Mission control panel. It debuted at Superbooth that year and later had a successful Kickstarter run.

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Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse is now available · Source: Lambda Synthetics

If you missed your chance to get one before, you’re in luck, as the PolyPulse is now available at Thomann*. It’s on the pricey side, for sure, but with its many hardware controls, including five touch panels, it’s more than just your usual budget rhythm machine. Check out the lengthy demo video below to hear it in action.

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[24 October 2023] PolyPulse is a live performance workstation with unconventional algorithmic and polyrhythmic sequencing of digital FM and additive synthesis and sampling. 

Now on Kickstarter

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We first saw the unique groovebox back at Superbooth in May, and now it’s been launched on Kickstarter. Lambda has set a very modest goal and has smashed through that with only 19 backers. It certainly appears to have captured the imagination of enough people with a spare €2,000 to drop on an untested groovebox.

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The PolyPulse is a mismatch of clanky buttons, encoders, touchpads, and knobs that doesn’t look very beautiful to me. But there’s something in the unusualness that could be innovative; there’s something exciting going on here. Maybe this five-track algorithmic sequencer has a playfulness that’s difficult to find.

Delivery is not expected until September 2024.

PolyPulse (original post from Superbooth)

The PolyPulse is a five-track device that you can see is represented by the five black squares on the front panel. Within a track, you have a polyphonic sequencer and a choice of sound engines. Currently, it has FM, additive, and several forms of sampling. Lambda is aiming to expand this over time.

Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Gearnews

The sequencers are polyrhythmic, leading to complex rhythms and melodies within each track. The controls for sequencing appear to be the 16 knobs on the left, whereas the 16 knobs on the right comprise the synthesis. The black squares are actually touchpad controllers that you can use to blend sounds. You can store sounds in the corners of the touchpad to give you vector-style sound mixing. Although I think it’s actually changing sound parameters rather than mixing. So it’s more of a morph!

Each track has a touchpad, so you’ll be able to get fully immersed in live performance sound morphing.

The Polypulse interface is quite interesting. We’re very fond of the clacky keyboard-style keys. There’s both a data entry pad and a two-octave musical keyboard.

PolyPulse is currently at the production prototype stage and still requires a lot of work on the software, but the hardware is essentially done. One to watch, I think, as the demo wasn’t exactly stunning, but there seems to be a load of potential in here.

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One response to “Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse Algorithmic Groovebox: Now Available in Stores!”

    dr-w says:
    1

    perfect! very interesting and surprising.
    #WANT!

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