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OTHER DISCUSSIONS => General Synthesis => Other Hardware/Software => Topic started by: LoboLives on September 12, 2020, 12:50:37 AM

Title: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 12, 2020, 12:50:37 AM
Came across this....could be fake....but who knows

"Arturia PolyBrute; 6-note polyphonic analog morph synthesizer; 61-key keyboard with velocity-sensitive touch; 2 brute waveshaping oscillators per voice; dual filter design: Steiner Multimode and Dr. Bob Moog's 24db Ladder; Master Filter control and Filter FM; 3 LFOs and 3 envelope generators; Matrix interface for modulation, sequencer and preset control; 64 matrix points for patching in modular style; 2 states per preset seamlessly crossfadeable with morph control Keyboard with split and layer function as well as poly, mono and unison mode; 3-axis morph controller; assignable ribbon controller; pitch and multi-function mod wheel; 64-step sequencer with motion recorder and automation; multi-mode arpeggiator; digital stereo effects reverb, chorus and delay; display; memory protection switch; connectors 2x line output 6. 3 mm jack unbalanced, MIDI in- and output as well as MIDI-Thru, USB MIDI, Sync in- and output 3.5 mm mini jack, 2x Expression Pedal- and 1x Sustain Pedal input 6.3 mm jack; incl. PolyBrute Connect Software (PCMac) for library management; optional Wooden Legs mountable (not included); dimensions: 975 x 130 x 378 mm (WxHxD); weight: 20 kg"
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 12, 2020, 10:33:48 AM
I found this forum post discussing the possibility of its existence.  It seems that it may be in early prototype stages. 
 
https://www.elektronauts.com/t/new-arturia-synths/126036
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 12, 2020, 02:59:15 PM
If it’s real, I’ll try one out for sure. I really love the concept and the look. I do believe the voice count should be at least 8 or 10 if it’s going to be bi timbral though
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Quatschmacher on September 13, 2020, 08:20:23 AM
I really hope this is real. I always imagined they’d eventually do a poly. I’m sure it’ll do well.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 15, 2020, 08:06:31 AM
BOOM!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=168&v=8U9kYCRlVoM&feature=emb_title
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 15, 2020, 09:34:43 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STnUOCMTP3o
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 15, 2020, 09:56:46 AM
Excellent :)

Also noticed that Loopop has a full review-

https://youtu.be/PLpx4YKF3gk
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 15, 2020, 11:17:57 AM
$2899.  Not a bad price.

https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/polybrute/overview
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 15, 2020, 11:26:10 AM
Just listened to the full review by loopop via headphones, I do like the sound of this synth :) My only problem is that I need an extension on my house to keep my synth addiction going. I don’t have the space to have them all in the one room currently so I must resist buying any more :(

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 15, 2020, 11:28:29 AM
Even though it has only 6 voices, it sounds lovely. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on1gP5J0_NA
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 15, 2020, 11:38:18 AM
I just checked my local(ish) music store.  It is the same price as the Summit.  This will be a tough decision.  May still go with the Summit as it has more voices, but who knows.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: creativespiral on September 15, 2020, 11:53:21 AM
Very interesting.  $2499 for six analog VCO voices, dual filters with serial and parallel routing, extremely deep modulation, extensive performance controls, plus a ton of other unique features, and options under the hood. 

I do hope they offer a six voice expander or rack/desk module to polychain to 12 voices in future, but other than that, this looks like its going to be a very cool synth.   

Really interested to see the direction Seq goes with next Flagship Analog Poly Synth.   Moog has set the upper bounds with the One... but overpriced by about 30-35%, IMO.   The Korg Prologue is at the lower bounds, but to me it barely qualifies as a flagship, as it has limited modulation capabilities and options.   This PolyBrute is very interesting in the middle ground - definitely in the "flagship" category with extensive features, deep dive options and modulation.   
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Manbird on September 15, 2020, 11:53:57 AM
I've watched Doty's vid and Arturia's - I appreciate that both videos aren't trying to show off a thousand tricks and tones. Very simple, very satisfying.

I've never had an issue with voice count, either. I learned to play with 5 notes on a P5, and take each synth for what it is.

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on September 15, 2020, 11:54:09 AM
$2,500 at Sweetwater.  That seems like a reasonable price for such an instrument.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 15, 2020, 12:53:23 PM
$2,500 at Sweetwater.  That seems like a reasonable price for such an instrument.

exactly.  I was expecting it to be closer to $3000
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: creativespiral on September 15, 2020, 01:08:12 PM
I've watched Doty's vid and Arturia's - I appreciate that both videos aren't trying to show off a thousand tricks and tones. Very simple, very satisfying.

I've never had an issue with voice count, either. I learned to play with 5 notes on a P5, and take each synth for what it is.

Yeah, six voices will certainly be capable for synth stabs and other basic chord play with a root in bass, but it's limiting if doing pads, strings, and other longer release sounds... also, considering this synth has a "stack/layer" mode, you're getting just 3 stacked voices.   

I guess I'm just so used to 12-16 voice range now in flagship synths.   

It's not a deal breaker for me though.  I do love my 4-voice PEK, though it also has limited polyphonic uses - I actually end up using the PEK as a lead/melody synth more than anything.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: creativespiral on September 15, 2020, 01:11:53 PM
$2,500 at Sweetwater.  That seems like a reasonable price for such an instrument.

Very reasonable considering the specs and extensive controls and feature set...  Also, the MAP for MxB is $1999... this is only $500 more for a helluva a lot more synth.   

I think I will be bidding farewell to my MxB to make room for this.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 15, 2020, 01:20:04 PM
$2,500 at Sweetwater.  That seems like a reasonable price for such an instrument.

Very reasonable considering the specs and extensive controls and feature set...  Also, the MAP for MxB is $1999... this is only $500 more for a helluva a lot more synth.   

I think I will be bidding farewell to my MxB to make room for this.

In my neck of the woods, the MxB is 3149 where as the PolyBrute is listed at 3399.  Only $250 difference in price.  Makes you wonder if it's even worth buying the MxB anymore. 

I am wondering if the prices for the Matrix Brute will consequently drop up here after the PolyBrute is available in November.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 15, 2020, 02:52:44 PM
I've watched Doty's vid and Arturia's - I appreciate that both videos aren't trying to show off a thousand tricks and tones. Very simple, very satisfying.

I've never had an issue with voice count, either. I learned to play with 5 notes on a P5, and take each synth for what it is.

Yeah, six voices will certainly be capable for synth stabs and other basic chord play with a root in bass, but it's limiting if doing pads, strings, and other longer release sounds... also, considering this synth has a "stack/layer" mode, you're getting just 3 stacked voices.   

I guess I'm just so used to 12-16 voice range now in flagship synths.   

It's not a deal breaker for me though.  I do love my 4-voice PEK, though it also has limited polyphonic uses - I actually end up using the PEK as a lead/melody synth more than anything.

I was speaking to Marc Doty earlier about it. He said that it’s not actually bi timbral. It’s a weird configuration where the parameters of the synth actually change between the patches rather than having two separate engines. He said he never noticed any issues with polyphony. He said with the morphing and the effects you nevertheless notice any note stealing.

To be honest I think 12 to 16 voices on a synth like this would sound awful given the characteristics of the Brute style sound. It would just sound like distorted mud. I think why Sequential synths work well as poly synths is because the oscillators themselves have a bit of a thin sounding character to them but when played against each other it has a pleasing sound....similar to Orchestral brass or strings. The problem with having oscillators that sound massive with a single note is it starts to become too cacophonous. Like a bottleneck effect. I’d you think of brass sections...if you have a total of six French horns it produces a powerful sound but it’s still distinguishable...you can hear each note...now say you have 100 French horns or 200..the natural phasing starts to become overpowering and it starts to become indistinguishable. Too much of a good thing.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 15, 2020, 02:58:26 PM
Not sure why, it’s nothing like either but for some reason it reminds me of the Elka Synthex or Rhodes Chroma. Not sure why.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: creativespiral on September 15, 2020, 10:23:30 PM
I was speaking to Marc Doty earlier about it. He said that it’s not actually bi timbral. It’s a weird configuration where the parameters of the synth actually change between the patches rather than having two separate engines. He said he never noticed any issues with polyphony. He said with the morphing and the effects you nevertheless notice any note stealing.

To be honest I think 12 to 16 voices on a synth like this would sound awful given the characteristics of the Brute style sound. It would just sound like distorted mud. I think why Sequential synths work well as poly synths is because the oscillators themselves have a bit of a thin sounding character to them but when played against each other it has a pleasing sound....similar to Orchestral brass or strings. The problem with having oscillators that sound massive with a single note is it starts to become too cacophonous. Like a bottleneck effect. I’d you think of brass sections...if you have a total of six French horns it produces a powerful sound but it’s still distinguishable...you can hear each note...now say you have 100 French horns or 200..the natural phasing starts to become overpowering and it starts to become indistinguishable. Too much of a good thing.

Interesting... thanks for the tip on bitimbral - just looked this up in the manual.   There is definitely a Layer/Stack mode, but it is unique in its implementation:

Pg 38:  Layer: the keyboard has one zone, with two morphing voices per note. If the Morph control is at zero, sound A is doubled. When it is at maximum, sounds A + B are doubled.

So, in one state, sounds like it acts as a sort of Poly-2 Unison mode, in the other state its a poor man's bi-timbral stack architecture.

The limitation would be that each of the two "layers" in the stack must share the same mod matrix routing arrangement.   I suppose on the A side you could have a bunch of the mod routings just set to 0 value, and same on the B side with non used modulations at 0, which would essentially allow different effective mod routings per layer, but definitely not as straightforward as just designing two different timbres from scratch...  I would expect from a sound design standpoint it will still be possible to pull off a great majority of bi-timbral stack type of sounds though.   (But with the very low, 3-Voice Stack limitation)

Regarding more voices:  I don't really think Sequential oscillators sound thin...  Also, as an owner of MatrixBrute I can say that its quite capable of pulling off extremely subtle, beautiful sounds - soft leads and paraphonic pad type of sounds (same is true of the Pro 3)... and the PolyBrute, with the same sort of architecture should be capable of creating a versatile range of sounds from aggressive / brutish sounds to subtle and smooth tones.   It may have "Brute" in its name, but the filters and overall sound is extremely versatile.   

I would imagine there would only be bonus to having 12 voices instead of six available... and it would just open up the capability for more cinematic type of sounds and other long release patches.     Will have to wait until November to tell for sure :)

       
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 22, 2020, 12:08:14 PM
The full review is now available on Sonicstate.....

https://youtu.be/_kvtvUw4bYo

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 22, 2020, 02:11:27 PM
The full review is now available on Sonicstate.....

https://youtu.be/_kvtvUw4bYo

Excellent. Nice to hear that there is some voice allocation for splits. So essentially you can have one or two voices dedicated to a sequenced bass line on the left hand while the remaining 4-5 voices can be used for poly chords or pads on the right hand side.

It'll be really interesting to see what Sequential do. Now we have advanced VCO poly synths, wavetable synths etc So what can Sequential really do that would stand out?
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on September 22, 2020, 02:24:14 PM
If Sequential doesn't come out with something I would prefer over this by the time Thomann has it in stock, I will buy this thing immediately. I liked the sound in every video that I watched, especially the more musical examples, and it seems to do everything I need in a very easy way.

I was looking at the Prophet 6 for 5 years now, but this seems to be much more for about the same amount of money. If I could afford it, I would like to have both... but since I have to decide I think I will go with this one as soon as possible. I have not been so excited about a synth, since the Rev2 arrived.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Pym on September 22, 2020, 02:30:55 PM
I had morph working in a monophonic context (which is in some ways a more difficult problem to solve) on the Pro3 OS I'm working on. So we have been aware of this stuff for a while =)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 22, 2020, 03:17:59 PM
I had morph working in a monophonic context (which is in some ways a more difficult problem to solve) on the Pro3 OS I'm working on. So we have been aware of this stuff for a while =)

Pym very curious with companies like Expressive E making keybeds now for their Osmose synth and Medelli working on the HydraSynth's PolyTouch would Sequential ever consider switching keybed manufacturers for a synth or is there a contractual obligation to Fatar? I know the whole poly aftertouch/MPE keybeds delema a few years back was no one was making them but it seems companies now are so would this help the possibility of a modern Prophet T8 or something?
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 22, 2020, 03:38:46 PM
If Sequential doesn't come out with something I would prefer over this by the time Thomann has it in stock, I will buy this thing immediately. I liked the sound in every video that I watched, especially the more musical examples, and it seems to do everything I need in a very easy way.

I was looking at the Prophet 6 for 5 years now, but this seems to be much more for about the same amount of money. If I could afford it, I would like to have both... but since I have to decide I think I will go with this one as soon as possible. I have not been so excited about a synth, since the Rev2 arrived.

The only things I can think of would be

1-A successor of sorts to the MophoX4. Just a basic four voice poly synth with a small form factor. Almost like half of the REV2 engine. DCO based and under $1K. I think it would be an interesting move for Sequential. An economical poly synth made in the USA.


2-An expanded VCO based poly synth. The Prophet 6 to the next level...almost a successor to the Prophet 10 or Prophet T8. Even if it's a simply VCO based engine along the lines of the P6...if they partner with a different keyboard manufacturer to make it have Poly Aftertouch it would really stand out.


3-A poly synth based on the Pro 3's architecture. VCO's and Wavetables. Preferably with two Wavetable oscillators instead of just one. I can't see that happening right now.....but maybe next year.


As much as I would love it, I don't think it'll be a new drum machine or standalone sequencer. To be honest, I'd almost prefer it over a new poly synth.


Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Pym on September 23, 2020, 12:05:40 AM
It's all about cost vs. performance. Fatar still has a good response for the cost, we haven't found any other company that really compares in terms of quality for the price but if we did we would certainly consider it

Pym very curious with companies like Expressive E making keybeds now for their Osmose synth and Medelli working on the HydraSynth's PolyTouch would Sequential ever consider switching keybed manufacturers for a synth or is there a contractual obligation to Fatar? I know the whole poly aftertouch/MPE keybeds delema a few years back was no one was making them but it seems companies now are so would this help the possibility of a modern Prophet T8 or something?
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on September 23, 2020, 07:43:21 AM

For those interested in the Polybrute, if the layer morphing is the primary feature that interests you, I'd recommend trying some virtual instruments that have morphing as a feature, to get a feel for how much you might use it in your music.  Depending on the type of music you like to create and your workflow, it's one of those things that might be very important to you, or it could be something you rarely use.  I have never had a hardware synth with this feature, but in software I've always found it to be one of those things I liked the idea of more than I found myself using it.

Then again if you love the sound of the Polybrute, that's another matter entirely.  It hasn't grabbed me yet, but I had the same reaction to the OB-6 in early videos as well (and later videos made me realized it was a must-own for me).  From a sheerly cosmetic perspective I don't care for that wood-laminate look of the morph pad.  Trying to make it match looks weird IMHO.

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: S Y Z Y G Y X on September 23, 2020, 08:02:23 AM
Tell me about it, the look of the Morph pad is ridiculous, even more so is the God awful additional leg stand you can purchase 🤢

Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 23, 2020, 09:56:12 AM
My Montage and MODX do morphing (yes I know they're not analog !!) and up to now I just see that feature as a bit of fun and I've hardly used it. To be honest though, I do need to spend more time playing about with it to see what I can achieve with it :)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on September 23, 2020, 11:27:00 AM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on September 23, 2020, 05:13:12 PM
Tell me about it, the look of the Morph pad is ridiculous, even more so is the God awful additional leg stand you can purchase 🤢

Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I have an eager and empty slot waiting on my 4-tier Jaspers stand -- reserved parking -- just waiting to see what Dave's got for us!  (Although in reality, I will be equally thrilled with a new desktop module, due to the scarcity of said real estate in my small studio.)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 24, 2020, 06:16:15 AM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 24, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
Mylarmelodies has a review on YouTube too, not sure if you’ve all seen it or not?
In my opinion, whist he might not be the best keyboard player out there, his skills at getting great sounds from synths has to be greatly admired. Hopefully I’m not insulting him about his keyboard skills :)

Anyway, I believe this is worth a watch with headphones on to listen to the great sounds this synth makes.

https://youtu.be/VUgKzYfIIIo

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 24, 2020, 03:20:49 PM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D

To be honest I don’t think anything is going to be announced this year from Sequential. I just have a feeling it’s been pushed back until next year.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on September 24, 2020, 04:31:19 PM
I believe the announcement will be fairly soon.  The August release date was updated to September or October, so they're not that far behind.  That was to be expected, under the circumstances.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 24, 2020, 09:15:17 PM
I believe the announcement will be fairly soon.  The August release date was updated to September or October, so they're not that far behind.  That was to be expected, under the circumstances.

For sure but I think the advisement was a bit premature and their original plan and release date wasn’t realistic when it came down to it. Not a huge deal but I think they might have put some unnecessary pressure on themselves with these hints. Would have been nice even if they just have a teaser by now.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on September 24, 2020, 09:44:11 PM
Would have been nice even if they just had a teaser by now.

They don't do that any longer.  There used to be a bit of sport near announcement time, a little bit of fun to wind us up, but no longer.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: shiihs on September 24, 2020, 10:13:24 PM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D

You're not :) But we may still be few...
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 24, 2020, 10:15:28 PM
Would have been nice even if they just had a teaser by now.

They don't do that any longer.  There used to be a bit of sport near announcement time, a little bit of fun to wind us up, but no longer.

Shame. It really got me excited for the PX just by seeing the teaser.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 25, 2020, 02:07:22 AM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D

You're not :) But we may still be few...

Glad there's someone else as well as me :)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on September 25, 2020, 03:14:47 AM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D

You're not :) But we may still be few...

Glad there's someone else as well as me :)

I think we are more that you would believe...  ;) I deleted my account years ago... by now I know my life has much more quality without social media.

And I simply like thread-based forums more than social media streams...
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on September 25, 2020, 03:23:25 AM
Sequential please announce your next product already!!!!  We’re all hungry!

I'd say watch their Facebook account.  That seems to be the place they first announce new instruments these days.

In that case I'm going to have to rely on someone seeing it on there and posting in this thread. I sometimes think I'm the only person in the World who doesn't do facebook and has no interest in doing so  ;D

You're not :) But we may still be few...

Glad there's someone else as well as me :)

I think we are more that you would believe...  ;) I deleted my account years ago... by now I know my life has much more quality without social media.

And I simply like thread-based forums more than social media streams...

:) I do like thread based forums, I visit many daily.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: S Y Z Y G Y X on September 26, 2020, 11:14:42 AM
We absolutely dread social media...if it wasn’t for having to use the platforms for our band we would be far away from it...who gives a turd about what you’re eating for lunch!
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on September 26, 2020, 02:39:44 PM
Ditto x 10.  I despise social media and have no accounts whatsoever.  The only time I look at it is when I'm waiting for Sequential to announce a new instrument.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on September 26, 2020, 03:02:03 PM
I don't have social media accounts and never will, but you can check the Sequential Twitter feed without a login.  Most product vendors will post real news to their Twitter feed as soon as its available.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: megamarkd on September 27, 2020, 02:19:17 AM
What I find interesting is that it will cost less than a MatrixBrute.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 27, 2020, 01:01:38 PM
What I find interesting is that it will cost less than a MatrixBrute.

Give it a bit more time.  my local-ish (it's a 6 hour drive away) music store has recently dropped the price of the Matrixbrute by $500
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 27, 2020, 05:15:47 PM
What I find interesting is that it will cost less than a MatrixBrute.

Give it a bit more time.  my local-ish (it's a 6 hour drive away) music store has recently dropped the price of the Matrixbrute by $500

Same for stores in Toronto.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Soundquest on September 28, 2020, 10:41:35 AM
Lobo Lives,  what you are saying about the sound makes perfect sense.   Maybe they  could add a couple more voices but then they would need an option of a thinning switch for those oscillators ;D   
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on September 28, 2020, 02:49:44 PM
Lobo Lives,  what you are saying about the sound makes perfect sense.   Maybe they  could add a couple more voices but then they would need an option of a thinning switch for those oscillators ;D

Sometimes I think 6 voices is the sweet spot on an analog poly.  I've toyed with the option of adding a P6 desktop to my keyboard for the option of having 12 voices total, but I'm not sure how much I would use it poly chained in an actual track, as much as a second synth.

For those into vintage, the 6 voice limit is actually what gives a lot of 80's music it's signature sound, as that was a common configuration back then.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LoboLives on September 28, 2020, 05:09:17 PM
Lobo Lives,  what you are saying about the sound makes perfect sense.   Maybe they  could add a couple more voices but then they would need an option of a thinning switch for those oscillators ;D

Sometimes I think 6 voices is the sweet spot on an analog poly.  I've toyed with the option of adding a P6 desktop to my keyboard for the option of having 12 voices total, but I'm not sure how much I would use it poly chained in an actual track, as much as a second synth.

For those into vintage, the 6 voice limit is actually what gives a lot of 80's music it's signature sound, as that was a common configuration back then.

For me Polyphony is the difference between a great sound and just a sound. For me stacking 16 voices in Unison and defunding them isn’t a good sound. It’s a loud sound and it’s powerful...but try fitting it in a mix. It’s like wattages and amps....even when I was in a Death Metal band for some reason a little 30 watt amp cranked sounded way better than my 100 watt stack.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on September 30, 2020, 05:45:10 PM
After thinking about it for a couple of days, I preordered one today... estimated delivery in 8-10 weeks.

I like the sound in all videos, and it seems to have everything that kept me from buying a Prophet 6 for five years now (5 octave keybed, more lfos, more envelopes, etc. ...)

I hope it can even throw my Rev2 out of my live setup... I love my Rev2 but I need to use my Strymon effect pedals for a lot of things, because only one effect at a time is sometimes not enough. The integrated effects would save me some trouble with cables and I think 6 voices are enough. That does not mean, that I will sell my Rev2 and effect pedals... but they will stay safe in my home studio.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: narkosys on September 30, 2020, 08:45:03 PM
I can understand that one.  As much as I really want/prefer a 16 voice, especially for what I want to do, there is just something about the Polybrute.  It threw quite the wrench in my decision making process.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on October 01, 2020, 05:41:00 AM
After thinking about it for a couple of days, I preordered one today... estimated delivery in 8-10 weeks.

I like the sound in all videos, and it seems to have everything that kept me from buying a Prophet 6 for five years now (5 octave keybed, more lfos, more envelopes, etc. ...)

I hope it can even throw my Rev2 out of my live setup... I love my Rev2 but I need to use my Strymon effect pedals for a lot of things, because only one effect at a time is sometimes not enough. The integrated effects would save me some trouble with cables and I think 6 voices are enough. That does not mean, that I will sell my Rev2 and effect pedals... but they will stay safe in my home studio.

Congrats on the upcoming Polybrute, and I feel the same way about only one Rev2 effect... exactly why I put a Strymon BigSky on mine...   But even having two built-in FX on both the P6 and OB-6 do not match the overall depth and color the BigSky adds (even though it's technically only a reverb, the actual impact on timbre is much more than reverb).   In fact I would say that even the three simultaneous FX on the Korg Minilogue (which can sound massive with delay+modulation+reverb all fully utilized) might not always sound as big as the Strymon pedal sounds with a raw init patch run through it.  I get what you're saying about less cabling and gear to transport when playing live though.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on October 01, 2020, 11:07:47 AM
After thinking about it for a couple of days, I preordered one today... estimated delivery in 8-10 weeks.

I like the sound in all videos, and it seems to have everything that kept me from buying a Prophet 6 for five years now (5 octave keybed, more lfos, more envelopes, etc. ...)

I hope it can even throw my Rev2 out of my live setup... I love my Rev2 but I need to use my Strymon effect pedals for a lot of things, because only one effect at a time is sometimes not enough. The integrated effects would save me some trouble with cables and I think 6 voices are enough. That does not mean, that I will sell my Rev2 and effect pedals... but they will stay safe in my home studio.

Congrats on the upcoming Polybrute, and I feel the same way about only one Rev2 effect... exactly why I put a Strymon BigSky on mine...   But even having two built-in FX on both the P6 and OB-6 do not match the overall depth and color the BigSky adds (even though it's technically only a reverb, the actual impact on timbre is much more than reverb).   In fact I would say that even the three simultaneous FX on the Korg Minilogue (which can sound massive with delay+modulation+reverb all fully utilized) might not always sound as big as the Strymon pedal sounds with a raw init patch run through it.  I get what you're saying about less cabling and gear to transport when playing live though.

My effects are Strymon, too. I use Rev2 -> Mobius -> Timeline -> BigSky most of the time. That gives me the possibility to use Distortion or HPF on the Rev2 itself. I love the Strymon effects very much. So I can absolutely understand, what you are saying...

But if a synth has a reasonably good chorus, delay and reverb integrated, it suits my needs for most live situations in a rock band. Nobody will be able to tell if its this or that reverb in this context. It is more important to me, to be able to use all three at the same time. For example the PEAK does this quite well. The first reviewers of the Polybrute talked about very good effects, so I keep the fingers crossed, that this synth exactly what I was looking for, for years.

It seems to be like a mixture of a Prophet 6 which I love soundwise very much, and my Rev2 with its endless possibilities.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 17, 2020, 01:05:07 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hROgmReY_-0

Finally a longer musical demonstration of the instrument (apart from the beginning). I think it sounds pretty good. I hope mine will arrive the next 10 days or so, if Thomann does not postpone my pre-order.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: A Thousand Eyes on November 17, 2020, 06:30:17 AM
Personally I'd change my order to a P6 module if that's the quality of sound you're after. You've already got synths that practically do it all. This sounds to me like, well, a poly Brute.

Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 17, 2020, 06:36:57 AM
Personally I'd change my order to a P6 module if that's the quality of sound you're after. You've already got synths that practically do it all. This sounds to me like, well, a poly Brute.

Just my two cents.

I thought about this a lot... even before you posted it. But I like the Polybrute sound for what it is as well. I think it can do a lot that the P6 can do, but certainly not everything. But for my personal needs the Polybrute seems to give me more at the moment. If it turns out to be sound shitty in real I can still give it back within 30 days and buy a P6 module then. There is at least a chance that this could really happen ;-)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Soundquest on November 17, 2020, 07:14:45 AM
Jok3r,

This is like the coolest looking synth since PEK.   I have not studied it much yet- but what I've heard it sounds pretty nice.    That glidy lead you are playing sounds like an arp running in background too.  So how's it make that happen- a split?   

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 17, 2020, 07:43:00 AM
Jok3r,

This is like the coolest looking synth since PEK.   I have not studied it much yet- but what I've heard it sounds pretty nice.    That glidy lead you are playing sounds like an arp running in background too.  So how's it make that happen- a split?

Hi Soundquest,

you got something wrong at some point  ;D ;D ;D

That's not me in the video. It's just a video I found online.  ;D ;D ;D

I don't know exactly how he is doing it, but he wrote in the description that this is a 4-part recording. So I guess he has the arpeggio running on a different track.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 18, 2020, 12:19:43 AM
Personally I'd change my order to a P6 module if that's the quality of sound you're after. You've already got synths that practically do it all. This sounds to me like, well, a poly Brute.

Just my two cents.

I thought about this a lot... even before you posted it. But I like the Polybrute sound for what it is as well. I think it can do a lot that the P6 can do, but certainly not everything. But for my personal needs the Polybrute seems to give me more at the moment. If it turns out to be sound shitty in real I can still give it back within 30 days and buy a P6 module then. There is at least a chance that this could really happen ;-)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand my pre-order got postponed for another 5 weeks. The probability for canceling it and buying a P6 instead just increased a lot. Perhaps I really should finally buy a P6 and wait another year to decide if I still want to have a Polybrute by then.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Soundquest on November 19, 2020, 11:22:50 AM
Jok3r,

This is like the coolest looking synth since PEK.   I have not studied it much yet- but what I've heard it sounds pretty nice.    That glidy lead you are playing sounds like an arp running in background too.  So how's it make that happen- a split?

Hi Soundquest,

you got something wrong at some point  ;D ;D ;D

That's not me in the video. It's just a video I found online.  ;D ;D ;D

I don't know exactly how he is doing it, but he wrote in the description that this is a 4-part recording. So I guess he has the arpeggio running on a different track.

Oh Ok  got it  :)   
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 23, 2020, 02:04:58 PM
Sometimes priorities are changing unexpected. Since it was too cold to practice for church services on the pipe organ even wearing thermo underware, I canceled my pre-order and buyed a Viscount midi pedal (we discussed that in another thread some time ago). Now I can practice at home and that makes me as happy as a new synth ;-)

Now I can wait until all the synth I'm interested in are actually available and perhaps I have the money together by then again. But for now I think the midi pedal was the purchase that really helps me the most.

Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on November 23, 2020, 06:05:48 PM
Beautiful!  Congratulations on that magnificent pedal instrument.  What will be your sound source?

I well remember practicing for years in freezing cold churches late at night during the winter months, all while wearing cut-off garden gloves and half the clothing I owned.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jok3r on November 24, 2020, 02:44:03 AM
Beautiful!  Congratulations on that magnificent pedal instrument.  What will be your sound source?

I well remember practicing for years in freezing cold churches late at night during the winter months, all while wearing cut-off garden gloves and half the clothing I owned.

For my first tests and hours of play yesterday, I used my Kronos as sound source and plugged in an AKAI midi keyboard as second manual. Playing this setup is really fun... especially when using other sounds than pipe organs. I recognized that the Kronos doesn't have much pipe sounds at all. Most of them are sounding very unnatural and the few usable sounds are all tutti-registrations. Either I have to find some more good pipe organ samples to put on my Kronos, or I will have to find another sound source for this setup. I think my Kurzweil might have more detailed samples with single stops so I could map them on different layers an use the sliders as draw bars.

Or perhaps I will try Hauptwerk (hauptwerk.com) and use my laptop as a source. I think this could be the best sounding option. But I have no experience with that software. I only know it from Youtube Videos until now. Hauptwerk + 2x midi controller + bass pedal... this would also reduce the required space in my living room, compared to the Kronos 88 that I would put back in my office/studio room. There is a 14-day trial of Hauptwerk. I will try this first, since the prices then are pretty high in my opinion. A free solution seems to be GrandOrgue. Perhaps I should try that first...

I can report to you per PM after my testing is done, if you like.

The last years I didn't play in church very much, so in the winter month I simply didn't practice very much. But because of the covid things I play church services regularly now and I don't want to only play chorales that don't need much preparation. I always play classic organ pieces at the beginning and the end and that needs a lot of practice since I'm not a professional. And now after 30 minutes I'm frozen. So I needed a solution for practicing at home. For a little more money I could have purchased a second hand electric "pipe" organ, but I wanted to have the hole system as portable as possible. If there are ever gigs with my band again, I could use this pedal on stage, too. It's heavy, but not too heavy. I don't have specs in my head now, but carrying both around yesterday I would guess it is not heavier than my Kronos. So I went with the pedal and can now practice all day and night in the warmth of my house.

I went with the 27 straight one, since it is most similar to the pedals in the church where I am living. We have a very old organ from about 1850 with completely pneumatic control (ohhh the lag).... I guess the bigger radiating concave pedals were not invented by then ;-)

@all others... sorry for being so off topic ;-)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on November 24, 2020, 09:05:32 AM
We have a very old organ from about 1850 with completely pneumatic control (ohhh the lag).... I guess the bigger radiating concave pedals were not invented by then ;-)

The lag!  Now there's a problem only a pipe organist knows about.  It requires just a little bit of mental derangement and a slight detachment to one's relationship with time to lead a dragging congregation in hymn singing while the sound that one is triggering on keyboards and a pedalboard is actually behind that triggering by half a second.  And if you're also singing and simultaneously following the service in a mirror, all the more interesting.

Okay, back on topic.
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: Soundquest on March 31, 2021, 10:21:36 AM
I wish these were around  so I could play with that morph control that allows blending two patches on the Polybrute.   I've heard that its an original concept on a hardware synth so I guess this is just a onboard version of what is done on some of the editors out there.  PO8 had the morph on the Soundtower software, but it was stepped, not continuous.  Nord Lead 4 has this on-board, but also stepped.   Deepmind 12 has it on their editor where you can blend up to 4 patches continuous.   I would imagine Arturia set off to  make like a vector synth thing, but with all parameters, not just waveshapes.  I'm just having a hard time understanding how this will translate to the ear soundwise versus doing audio fade from patch to patch.   The videos haven't shown a lot of that.   I've noticed almost no video makes use of the slide strip.   
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on June 25, 2021, 02:19:52 AM
@creativespiral - I see you've created some patches for this synth. What's your opinion of it compared to the Rev2 for example?
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: creativespiral on July 22, 2021, 09:24:00 AM
@creativespiral - I see you've created some patches for this synth. What's your opinion of it compared to the Rev2 for example?

Sorry for the delay on response... just saw this. 

Rev2 - I find Rev2 to be easier/quicker to design sounds on... part of it might just be familiarity and time spent on Rev2 - but Polybrute does have a couple weird limitations with basic sound design operations (ie: easily setting osc octaves and fine tuning)  The true bi-timbral sound engine makes Rev2 a deeper synth... and 16 voices vs 6 makes a big difference with big cinematic pads, or layered sounds.    And I prefer the mod sequencer on Rev2 (even though it has a couple annoying bugs)   

Polybrute - I really like the dual serial/parallel routing for filters... nice to be able to have per voice HP and LP option.  The filters sound great.. prefer the 2-pole Steiner to Rev2's 2-pole filter sound.   The matrix-arp mode is awesome for quickly creating interesting arp patterns, and the mod matrix style is really great for deep modular style sound design... it can do some really deep Voice Modeling with all the matrix slots it has - and doesn't take away from any sound design real estate.   I thought I was gonna really like the Morphee/Touche, but after spending some time with it, I find that I prefer additional axis of mod control like the sliders on Prophet X / Pro 3... with latch button and led feedback... I find that to be a superior interface to have a couple of those side by side... you get finer control, and with latch option and led feedback, you can leave a modulation in a specific fine tuned setting, and then resume control from there.   

If I had to choose only one, I would keep my Rev2... but it would be really close... both are amazing/awesome poly synths.   
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: jg666 on July 22, 2021, 11:05:04 AM
@creativespiral - I see you've created some patches for this synth. What's your opinion of it compared to the Rev2 for example?

Sorry for the delay on response... just saw this. 

Rev2 - I find Rev2 to be easier/quicker to design sounds on... part of it might just be familiarity and time spent on Rev2 - but Polybrute does have a couple weird limitations with basic sound design operations (ie: easily setting osc octaves and fine tuning)  The true bi-timbral sound engine makes Rev2 a deeper synth... and 16 voices vs 6 makes a big difference with big cinematic pads, or layered sounds.    And I prefer the mod sequencer on Rev2 (even though it has a couple annoying bugs)   

Polybrute - I really like the dual serial/parallel routing for filters... nice to be able to have per voice HP and LP option.  The filters sound great.. prefer the 2-pole Steiner to Rev2's 2-pole filter sound.   The matrix-arp mode is awesome for quickly creating interesting arp patterns, and the mod matrix style is really great for deep modular style sound design... it can do some really deep Voice Modeling with all the matrix slots it has - and doesn't take away from any sound design real estate.   I thought I was gonna really like the Morphee/Touche, but after spending some time with it, I find that I prefer additional axis of mod control like the sliders on Prophet X / Pro 3... with latch button and led feedback... I find that to be a superior interface to have a couple of those side by side... you get finer control, and with latch option and led feedback, you can leave a modulation in a specific fine tuned setting, and then resume control from there.   

If I had to choose only one, I would keep my Rev2... but it would be really close... both are amazing/awesome poly synths.   

Excellent reply, many thanks for taking the time to do this :)
Title: Re: Artuira Polybrute?
Post by: LPF83 on February 12, 2023, 04:12:49 PM
Anyone here have one of these?  If so I'm curious how it has held up and how you regard it's sound and overall usefulness?
Cosmetically the new Noir edition appeals to me more than the original, and the price is not the worst in the world.

I seem to recall lots of folks reporting issues -- I'm wondering if it is one of those synths that's "too option rich".  Too many possibilities results in too many test cases and thus getting it all working reliably becomes a pipe dream.

.. or have they gotten it all working through updates?