Menu
Today we have a review of the Arturia PolyBrute polyphonic analog synthesizer, let's see what this device is capable of and talk about its main features. Also, we want to note that the company Arturia continues to please users with its products in alternative design Noir Edition. In early 2023, the French manufacturer released a limited batch of the popular PolyBrute synthesizer, which differs from the original version by its all-black body with a dark wood finish. We haven't introduced this wonderful instrument to our readers yet, and the Noir Edition will be a good reason to tell you about it.
PolyBrute is Arturia's flagship analog synthesizer with the most advanced features available. It inherits the best qualities of its predecessors, while adding new features and advanced controls. The main difference between PolyBrute and other Arturia analog synthesizers is its polyphonic structure. The synthesizer features 6-note polyphony, allowing you to play full chord sequences with authentic analog timbre and a characteristically rich sound. Like MatrixBrute, PolyBrute's rich modulation capabilities are realized through a matrix that conveniently assigns all available parameters. The synthesizer features a full-size keyboard with an aftertouch, and additional controls include a touch strip and the unique Morphee three-axis controller. The synthesizer also features an arpeggiator/sequencer and digital stereo effects, but as usual, let's start our Arturia PolyBrute review with the unit's specifications.
|
Best Price on Arturia PolyBrute Synthesizer
The Arturia PolyBrute is a flagship analog synthesizer that has garnered significant attention for its impressive sound engine, innovative design, and extensive modulation capabilities. |
Classic Package
|
So we've made it to the main "overall build and features" section of our Arturia PolyBrute review. Unlike Arturia's early single-voice analog synthesizers, the PolyBrute synthesizer is fully digitally controlled. This made PolyBrute effortlessly polyphonic, and allowed you to use presets with instant tone switching just like any other digital synthesizer. In addition, thanks to digital control, PolyBrute now has a morphing function that allows you to transform the sound between presets. There's also a virtual version of PolyBrute Connect, which allows you to easily edit all of the synthesizer's settings and successfully use it in your DAW with automation of all adjustable parameters.
So how do you adjust parameters when switching presets or morphing, since the faders and encoders remain in the same position? It's quite simple. Like any other controller that controls virtual instruments, the synthesizer has several initialization options. In Hook mode, the encoder does not start changing a parameter until it reaches the loaded value. In Jump mode, the value changes to the current value as soon as you turn the encoder. Scaled mode also allows you to change the parameter immediately when you move the encoder, but the value does not jump, it adjusts smoothly, scaling the adjustment range. And when the end point is reached, it is already adjusted as it should be.
The synthesizer is equipped with 8 banks of 96 presets each, for a total of 768 titles. Loading and navigation is done with the buttons in the modulation section. The top row of round buttons toggles between banks, while the buttons below select the corresponding preset slots. For ease of use, all presets are grouped into categories and the buttons are highlighted when a specific sound type is selected.
Note that each preset consists of two separate tones. PolyBrute allows you to use them separately or simultaneously. The most effective way, however, is to seamlessly transform one sound into another. For this purpose, the synthesizer has a morphing mode that lets you create incredible transitions between seemingly incompatible timbres. Importantly, morphing doesn't work like a normal crossfader; it transforms the sound as if you were changing all of the synthesizer's parameters at once, smoothly transforming one tone into another.
The PolyBrute is a subtractive synthesizer. It uses two oscillators that constantly create three types of waves (saw, triangle, and meander) and a noise generator as reference oscillators. In addition, the waveform is not fixed, but changes smoothly during the tuning process. In addition to changing the waveform and oscillation frequency, the first oscillator has a setting for saturating the spectrum with harmonics Metalizer and changing the pulse width. The second oscillator replaces the metalizer with a sub-oscillator that produces a sine wave an octave lower. In addition, there is a smooth adjustment of the oscillator synchronization and the possibility of FM modulation of the first oscillator by the second oscillator. The noise generator not only has a spectrum setting, but can also serve as a modulation source for the filter.
There are two types of filters used in the synthesizer. One is familiar with the monophonic Brute synthesizers - it is a Steiner-Parker bipolar filter with a characteristic sound and the trademark Brute Factor saturator. But unlike earlier versions, where the filter only works in one selected mode, in PolyBrute you can switch smoothly from one to the other. The second filter is a conventional ladder filter with 24 dB/octave quality.
The operation of filters in PolyBrute is realized in a very interesting way. They can work sequentially, processing the signal one after the other as if it were a single filter. Or in parallel, with separate processing in the left and right channels. Additional flexibility is provided by the ability to assign the main oscillators to a specific filter. Another incredibly convenient feature is the Master Cutoff control, which allows you to control the cutoff frequency of both filters.
The synthesizer has three LFO oscillators. There are seven fixed waveforms for LFO1 and LFO2, with traditional settings for phase, frequency, and onset. LFO 3 looks different. The sine waveform changes smoothly and has a rising and falling ratio setting. There is also a single playback mode and the ability to further modulate LFO1. All three envelopes can be used in either unipolar or bipolar modulation mode.
The envelopes are three ADSR envelopes that can be assigned to different parameters in the modulation matrix.
The modulation matrix in PolyBrute is designed in the same way as in the MatrixBrute synthesizer. It is a very flexible and extremely effective tool for creating modulation relationships. It makes it very easy to create the most complex configurations and still see the big picture. It works like this. The Synthesizer has 12 modulation sources. They are all labeled on the left side of the buttons (A - L) and correspond to the horizontal direction. The modulation assignment parameters are shown in the display, corresponding to the vertical rows in the matrix. To assign a modulation, simply select the desired intersection and press the key that indicates the desired amount of modulation.
In PolyBrute, you can assign almost all of the controls that are on board the synthesizer. There are only 8 parameters on the display at any one time, so the screen will scroll four times to the next 8 parameters as needed. To avoid having to search the entire list for the desired parameter, you can assign it to the desired row yourself. To do this, simply press the round button of the vertical row and rotate the necessary knob. In addition, the Matrix allows you to assign an already modulated parameter to an additional source, allowing you to create long, complex, dynamically evolving modulation chains.
The synthesizer has special touch controllers for controlling a wide range of parameters. These are a Touch Strip above the keyboard and a three-axis Morphée controller.
In the factory presets, the parameters that change the sound the most are assigned to the Touch Strip. This makes using the controller look very impressive, and adds an element of artistry and spectacle to your synthesizer performance.
Using the Arturia Morphée controller doesn't look as impressive from the outside, but it is more advanced in terms of functionality. In fact, in addition to the touch surface, the controller pad is recessed into the housing when pressed. This allows you to read data in three axes, allowing you to be creative in modulating and assigning a variety of control parameters. In particular, morphing allows you to transform the timbre in a more flexible and selective way.
The sequencer and arpeggiator in PolyBrute are implemented in the same way as in the MatrixBrute synthesizer. However, unlike the MatrixBrute, PolyBrute's sequencer and arpeggiator are polyphonic and have a number of unique features. Unfortunately, we won't be going into detail about its features in our Arturia PolyBrute review. Suffice it to say that the sequencer allows you to create polyphonic sequences of up to 64 beats. The buttons in the modulation matrix serve as a display that shows the notes involved, allowing you to easily modify and edit a sequence or arpeggio. The Matrix Arpeggiator looks interesting. This is an advanced arpeggiator with sequencer capabilities, allowing you to create more complex rhythmic patterns. It is also polyphonic and very easy to use thanks to the visual display of all the arpeggio elements used.
As mentioned in the beginning, PolyBrute uses a digital effects unit. This gives the synthesizer a variety of high-quality effects. There are three types of processing (modulation, delay and reverb) that can be used simultaneously. The processing algorithms are selected by toggling the Type button. As you can see, there are only three modes. However, there are many more effects. In order not to clutter the control panel with unnecessary elements, the manufacturer decided to limit it to two fixed effects and an alternative mode "Alt". In this mode, you can already select a third type of effect. In the Modulation section, these are Flanger, Phaser 12p, RingMod, BitCrusher, Soft Flanger, Phase Flanger, DownSampler and Ensemble. Stereo Delay, Long Delay, BBD, PingPong, Karplus, Stereo Spread, Parallel, BBD Spread are available for the Delay. The reverb section offers Bright Plate, Room, Dreamy, Springy, and Delayed Plate. In addition, there is a hidden equalization block that can be accessed from the menu.
For lovers of unprocessed analog sound, there is a mode that completely disables all effects, allowing the signal to bypass all digital processing and go to the line output.
The synthesizer's line output is on TRS connectors. The headphone output is conveniently located on the front panel and can be adjusted separately from the line output. PolyBrute allows you to connect two expression pedals and a sustain pedal. Full DIN jacks are provided for connecting external MIDI devices. To work with other devices, the synthesizer has a separate clock synchronization interface. The USB port is used for interaction between the synthesizer and a computer via the proprietary PolyBrute Connect application.
Of course, in our Arturia PolyBrute review, we couldn't pass up the PolyBrute Connect software program. PolyBrute Connect is a program that works as a VST/AU/AAX plug-in or as a standalone application on your computer. PolyBrute Connect provides two-way communication with the synthesizer, allowing you to synchronize all settings and controls in real-time. PolyBrute Connect is not a virtual version of the synthesizer; it is simply a graphical shell that controls the synthesizer. But implemented as a plug-in in your DAW, with all the editing and automation benefits of a virtual instrument. As with any iron synthesizer, tracks in the DAW must be recorded through a sound card. Note that multiple copies of the plug-in can be used in a project with different settings, but only one can be active at a time.
Examples of the Arturia PolyBrute synthesizer sound can be found on the manufacturer's website.
Now that our Arturia PolyBrute review is over, it's time to summarize the results. The emergence of a polyphonic instrument among Arturia's analog synthesizers can hardly be overestimated. The flagship PolyBrute synthesizer from the French wizards is extremely interesting. It combines the authenticity of analog synthesis with modern controls, making the PolyBrute a great instrument that is extremely easy to use. Whether it's for meticulous studio work, creative experimentation, or stage performance. It is no coincidence that the PolyBrute is made by musicians for musicians!
We hope you enjoyed our Arturia PolyBrute review. leave your questions, comments, and suggestions in the section below. We'll be happy to answer them all. We also recommend reading our reviews of other synthesizers from Arturia and other manufacturers in the Keys & Synthesizers category.
Pros
|
Cons
|
9.8
/10
Our Score
|
