Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse Gets Wavetables, Sequencer Modulation, Even Crazier
4,5 / 5,0 | 
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Lambda Synthetics
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Lambda Synthetics
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Gearnews
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Gearnews
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Gearnews
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse · Source: Gearnews
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse is now crazier than ever thanks to a new firmware update that gives it a wavetable engine and the ability to modulate sequencer parameters.
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse
PolyPulse Firmware Update 1.1.0
Not every groovebox is made the same. That’s abundantly clear when you look at Lambda Synthetics’ PolyPulse, a gloriously industrial-looking beast with FM, additive and sampling plus an algorithmic sequencer. And, with this recent firmware update, things are about to get even wilder.
Update 1.1.0 adds wavetable synthesis to the unconventional proceedings. You now get two wavetable oscillators plus a wavetable mini-engine in the quad engine, which combines four different synths/samplers on a single track. You can morph wavetable pitch and position via the touchpad and modulate them with the modulation system. The wavetable engine accepts custom wavetables and you can create your own with Lambda’s browser-based Wavetable Designer.
The sequencer has also gotten a refresh, with most parameters now modulatable. “Add LFO’s, envelopes and randomness to parameters such as note chance, pulse interval, octave and many more parameters!” says Lambda Synthetics.
Additionally, internal resampling has been improved, and you can now view the internal PolyPulse display on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
The update also bestows you with a new selection of samples, wavetables and presets from artist Koarse. You can download the samples and wavetables even if you don’t own a PolyPulse. Find out more on the Lambda Synthetics site.
PolyPulse is available at Thomann*.
Now Available in Stores!
[5 August 2025 written by Robin Vincent] The Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse groovebox is finally available in stores.
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.
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.
[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
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.
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.
- Kickstarter page.
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.
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.
More Information
- Lambda Synthetics website
- All about synthesizers
*Note: This article contains advertising links that help us pay for this site. Don’t worry: the price for you will always be the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This might also interest you
2 responses to “Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse Gets Wavetables, Sequencer Modulation, Even Crazier”
perfect! very interesting and surprising.
#WANT!
Not very interesting!
#Dont Want no, njet, nada nuet.