PolyendMedusa Paraphonic Hybrid Synthesizer (Black)

Polyend Medusa

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Medusa, a collaboration between Dreadbox and Polyend, won't freeze you on sight, but captures your attention with its alluring interface. Bringing together the best parts of analog and digital, Medusa is split into two sections, a synthesizer voice section and a pad interface that functions as a sequencer and multi-dimensional touch surface.

The synthesizer section features three analog oscillators with classic wave forms and three digital wavetable oscillators. Medusa can function in three different modes, monophonic, three voice paraphony, or six voice paraphony. A shapeable analog noise source is also present to be mixed in with the oscillator waveforms. The filter is an analog filter that features three filter types, two-pole low pass, four-pole low pass, and high pass. External audio can also be brought into the Medusa to be processed in tandem with the internal audio sources. The analog oscillators and filter are configured to allow for their own frequency modulation options. Medusa features five independent LFOs that have a selection of waveforms and destinations, as well as the ability to sync to the clock of the sequencer. In terms of envelopes, Medusa has five loopable DADSR envelopes, (delay/attack/decay/sustain/release) that can be sent to a variety of destinations.

The grid of pads is the command center of Medusa, allowing comprehensive hands on control of the synthesizer section. It consists of a 64-pad grid of responsive pads with three-dimensions of expression. These can be assigned to different scales and layouts, with any modulation parameter assigned to the X,Y, and Z pressure axis. The sequencer can be set to one of three sequencing modes, step, live, and incremental. It can store up to 128 presets of voice, chords, sequences, and modulation routings. In addition to melodies, modulation or synth voice presets can be set on a per-step basis. Although it has many options for hands on control and sequencing, Medusa also features a randomizer for adding unpredictability to sequences, voices, or modulation. Medusa provides hands on control over its parameters and powerful sequencing, routing, and modulation options that will surely be a source of happy accidents.

Medusa Features

• Hybrid analog/digital paraphonic synthesizer
• Three analog oscillators and three digital wavetable oscillators
• Multi-mode analog filter with external audio input
• 64-pad grid interface with multidimensional control
• 128 presets of voices, modulation, sequencing, and chord memory
• Randomization options for sequencing
• Step, live, and incremental sequencing modes
• Two OLED displays
• Shapeable analog noise generator
• Seven channel mixer for oscillators and noise
• Five LFOs
• Five DADSR envelopes
• Per step sequencing of presets, notes, parameter locks, or modulation
• Includes colored knob set for use with V2+ firmware