Polyend Drums: The TR-1000 Meets its Match
Polyend Launches a Truly Impressive Analog and Digital Drum Machine
4,8 / 5,0 | 
Polyend Drums has everything: analog and digital synthesis, samples, a state-of-the-art sequencer, loads of performance functions, and effects. A worthy competitor to the mighty TR-1000?
Polyend Drums
Polyend Drums is without a doubt the most exciting new drum machine at Superbooth 26. The most advanced drum machine since the launch of Roland’s TR-1000 last year, Polyend Drums has a little bit of everything: analog and digital synthesis, samples, and a powerful, performance-ready sequencer.
Drums offers 8 tracks, each of which can be assigned to an analog or digital sound source or a sample-based instrument. There are four analog voices based on modern SSI chips. Per voice, you get two analog VCOs, a noise source, and an additional digital oscillator for hybrid sounds or FM. Each analog voice also offers a multi-mode filter and VCA.
In addition, Drums offers various digital synthesis methods and sample-based instruments. Each track also has its own LFO for modulation. The included library consists of over 40 instruments, each offering several “sub-mode mutations”.
According to Polyend, Drums features the most advanced sequencer the manufacturer has ever developed. It’s got everything a modern performance sequencer should have, including probability, micro timing, parameter locks, pattern chaining, various playback modes, and even generative tools. A single project can consist of up to 64 patterns, 64 kits, and 48 songs – more than enough for a typical live set.
Speaking of live: Polyend Drums was designed with live performance in mind. You can switch patterns and kits on the fly without stopping the sequencer, and all important parameters are always within reach. The X0Y fader even lets you morph continuously between different versions of a kit or pattern – sweet! There’s also a comprehensive effects section with inserts, sends, and master effects.
Besides a stereo output and eight individual outputs, Polyend Drums offers a stereo input for running external gear through the effects, although apparently not for recording samples. In addition, there are MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB-C.
Price and Availability
You can now reserve Polyend Drums on the manufacturer’s website by putting down a refundable $500 deposit. The final price is $2,699 / €2,699 – on par with the TR-1000. As of today, Polyend hasn’t said when the drum machine will ship.
More Information
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2 responses to “Polyend Drums: The TR-1000 Meets its Match”
What a design. Absolutely gorgeous.
Very well streamlined. Great aesthetics and controls (No sliders is a bold choice but that can be added via Midi if one wants that).
I love the compact yet tactile nature of the product and the possibilities in terms of sound and design.
Priced to compete with the TR1000. They both have their pros and cons, but I love the way this is flat & compact so much easier to take to a gig, stick on a shelf/tray
I wish them the best with it.
I can’t help noticing the fact that Polyend Synth nearly doubled in price lately. I wonder is that temporary and does it mean Polyend Drum might become much cheaper when RAM and processor costs eventually come down?…
financial segregation of creativity. $2600 for a drum box. does it look good? yep. $2600 good? nope.