Polyend MESS Is a Multi-Effect Step Sequencer Pedal and it Sounds Fantastic
Over 120 effects to combine and sequence.
4,3 / 5,0 | 
Set your effects in motion with Polyend MESS, a multi-effect pedal with a step sequencer built in for glitchy, tweaky and shimmery sounds.
Polyend MESS
Polyend has done it again. The Polish company continues to impress with MESS, a digital multi-effect step sequencer pedal with a similar form factor to its Step drum machine pedal. Unlike Step, however, MESS is not an instrument but an effects pedal. However, as this is a Polyend product, it’s a little different – and decidedly more forward-thinking – than your run-of-the-mill stompbox.
“With MESS, our aim was to strike a balance between deep flexibility and immediate playability,” said Piotr Raczynski, founder of Polyend. “It’s a new way of thinking about a multi-effect box, a middle ground between your standard multi-effect and a modular-style pedal, including plenty of customization options without requiring that you know how to build a flanger from scratch.”
Polyend MESS of Effects
Let’s start with the multi-effect part of the MESS. Although it has the usual and expected effects like distortions, filters and reverbs, it specializes in more out-there fare. Stuff like granular engines, micro-loopers and spectral processing.
There are more than 120 individual effects organized into 11 categories like Granular Burst, Particle Sampler, and Spectralizer. You get four effect slots to drop them into, with the effects cascading one into the other. You can freely assign effects to the four slots, with multiple copies of the same effects, of course, possible. You can also save presets, up to 1000 of them, and reorder them. It comes pre-loaded with 200 factory patches.
Polyend MESS of Steps
Polyend MESS comes alive (not literally, but it can sound like it sometimes) with the step sequencer. You can sequence all or none of the four effects, and assign dynamic effects to each step.
Polyend MESS also includes per-step chance options to generate evolving sequences, even ones that never repeat. You have control over the speed subdivisions and length of all four sequencers independently to create polyrhythms and polymeters. Tempo is handled either by tapping it in or via MIDI clock.
Polyend MESS of Sets, Connects
Polyend MESS features two potentiometers and four push encoders for setting and adjusting parameters on the color screen. It also has three foot switches: one to turn it on, one to start the sequence, and one for tapping out the tempo.
Around the back, there are stereo out jacks, a single stereo in, an expression pedal port, and MIDI in and out, both 3.5mm mini-jacks. It also offers MIDI over USB-C. Storage is handled by an included 32GB microSD card.
Polyend MESS of Cost, Get
MESS looks like another winner from Polyend, intuitive, beautiful-sounding, and all around fun.
Polyend MESS is now available for preorder from Thomann* for €599. Polyend plans to begin shipping in June 2025.
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2 responses to “Polyend MESS Is a Multi-Effect Step Sequencer Pedal and it Sounds Fantastic”
Wow. Something actually new ?
It’s been a while.
Sí, tendré uno cuando salga 👍