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Polyend Play+ User Manual

Polyend Play+
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I
The Play Notebook : Reference & Guide
Polyend
Play+
Manual
An Ofcial Reference for The Polyend Play+

Table of Contents

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Polyend Play+ Specifications

General IconGeneral
MIDI Tracks8
TypeGroovebox / Sequencer
Sequencer Tracks8
Audio Tracks8
Sample StorageMicroSD card
Sample FormatsWAV
EffectsReverb, Delay, Filter, Bitcrusher
ConnectivityMIDI In/Out, USB MIDI
Audio InputsStereo 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS jack
Audio OutputsStereo 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS jack
PowerUSB-C

Summary

Overview

How to Use This Notebook

Explains how to use the manual, including control conventions like knobs, buttons, and text.

Hardware Overview

Details the physical layout and connections of the Play+ device.

Start Up

Guides on powering on/off the Play+ and initial setup steps.

Display Layout

Explains the structure and information displayed on the Play+ screen.

User Interface Conventions

Details how to interact with parameters using knobs, buttons, and the screen.

QWERTY Keyboard

Explains the use of the on-screen QWERTY keyboard for naming items.

Basic Playback

Covers playing and stopping patterns, and adjusting master volume.

Basic Workflow Commands

Explains quick copy/paste and undo/redo functions for workflow efficiency.

Example Workflow

Provides a step-by-step workflow for creating projects and patterns.

Quick Reference Commands

A quick guide to common functions and their button combinations.

Architecture

Glossary of Terms

Defines key terms and concepts used throughout the manual.

Play+ Audio Structure

Illustrates the signal flow and components of the Play+ audio engine.

SD Card Structure

Explains the required SD card format and default file structure.

Settings Menu Map

Maps out the hierarchy and options within the Play+ settings menu.

Projects & Tracks

First Steps with Projects

Guides on opening an existing project and navigating the project browser.

The Grid Overview

Explains the 8x16 grid's function in different modes and pad colors.

Track Structure Overview

Describes the 16 tracks, their configuration, and control functions.

Track Selection

How to select and edit tracks, including multi-track editing.

Track Step Length

Setting track step length from 1 to 64 steps, using step pages.

Copy / Paste Steps Page and Tracks

Covers copying and pasting step pages and entire tracks.

Mute & Solo Tracks

How to mute or solo tracks for arrangement control.

Master Volume

Explains global master volume control and its use for cutting audio tails.

Introduction to the Master Limiter

Details the master limiter's function and threshold adjustment.

Tempo

Setting global and per-track tempo, including tempo dividers and multipliers.

Swing

Adds shuffle feel to tracks by adjusting swing percentage.

Play Mode

Selecting various play modes to change step playback order.

Exporting Tracks

Options for bouncing audio stems or master files to the SD card.

Parameter Summary

Parameter Overview

Introduces the 15 knobs and their primary/secondary parameters.

Master Volume / Limiter

Details the Master Volume and Limiter controls and their settings.

Tempo / Track Swing

Explains tempo and swing parameters for timing and groove.

Track Length / Play Mode

Covers setting track length and selecting playback modes.

Note / Microtune

Adjusting pitch and micro-tuning for samples and MIDI notes.

Volume / Panning

Controls for sample volume and stereo panning, with MIDI reassignments.

Filter Cutoff / Resonance

Explains filter cutoff and resonance parameters for sound shaping.

Sample / Folder

Selecting samples and navigating sample pool folders.

Sample Start / Sample End

Adjusting sample start and end points for precise slicing.

Sample Attack / Sample Decay

Controls for the sample's envelope attack and decay times.

Reverb Send / Delay Send

Adjusting send levels for Reverb and Delay effects.

Overdrive / Bit Depth

Details distortion effects like overdrive and bit depth for sound character.

Repeat Type / Repeat Grid

Setting step repeat types and density for rhythmic patterns.

Chance / Action

Using chance and action parameters for generative pattern variations.

Randomize / Randomize Type

Applying randomization to parameters for variation and movement.

Move / Micromove

Adjusting step timing with move and micromove functions.

Samples & Synths

Sample Pool

Explains how the sample pool is populated from SD card packs or user samples.

Sample Format

Details supported WAV sample formats and conversion by the audio engine.

Sample Pack

Criteria for Play+ compatible sample packs and their structure.

Sample Selection Overview

The process of picking and placing samples to create patterns.

Sample Related Parameters

Lists parameters directly related to samples, adjustable in the work step.

Synthesizer Options

Introduces the 4 synth models (3 analog, 1 FM) and their macro controls.

Synthesizer Patch Editor Basics

Explains how patches define synth sounds and are managed via the patch editor.

Editing a Synthesizer Patch

Steps for initializing, loading, editing, and previewing synth patches.

Synthesizer Macros

How parameters are assigned to knobs as macros within patches.

Sequencing Patterns

What’s a Pattern?

Defines a pattern as a combination of 8 audio and 8 MIDI/Synth tracks with steps.

The Play+ Grid

Explains the 8x16 grid's functionality in sequencer and pattern modes.

Sequencer Mode

Details how the grid functions in sequencer mode for step sequencing.

Introduction to Pattern Mode

How to manage, chain, and play patterns using the grid in pattern mode.

Pick & Place to Create A Pattern

The process of selecting samples/synths and placing them into sequencer steps.

Work Step Options

How work steps are created, copied, removed, and edited.

Select & Adjust Step Editing

Editing individual steps or blocks of steps, including selection and resetting.

Copying & Pasting Steps

Covers copying and pasting step groups and entire tracks.

Live Recording

How to record notes and parameter changes in real-time.

View Mode

Using the grid as a virtual MIDI keyboard for note entry.

Piano Roll

Using the grid as a piano roll for note and chord input.

Scales

Setting scales and root notes to quantize notes and influence keyboard display.

Using the Fill Tool

Automating step population with intelligent algorithms and sample packs.

Creating Custom Fill Patterns

Guidelines for creating custom beat and melody fill templates.

Arrangements & Variations

Pattern Mode

Managing pattern selection, chaining, and playback within pattern mode.

Managing Patterns

Covers selecting, creating, copying, and deleting patterns.

Playing & Chaining Patterns

How to play patterns individually or chained, and manually switch playback.

Track Variations

Creating and storing variations for each track for arrangement and performance.

Creating / Deleting Variations

Steps for creating, copying, and deleting track variations.

Organic & Generative Arrangements

Using parameters like Chance and Randomize for evolving patterns and arrangements.

Chance

Explains the Chance parameter for probabilistic event execution and Action.

Randomize

Setting randomization strength and type to add variation to patterns.

Perform Mode

Perform Mode

Introduction to Perform Mode for live playing and punch-in effects.

Using Punch-In Effects in Perform Mode

How to trigger and latch punch-in effects using the pad grid.

Punch-In effects

Lists the 8 effect categories and their color coding.

Perform Mode Quick Reference

A quick reference chart for Perform Mode effects and controls.

Effects

Effect Architecture

Overview of the Play+ effects signal flow and components.

Master FX Presets

How to select and choose master FX presets for various effects.

Master FX Custom Parameters

Details custom parameter options available for Reverb, Delay, Sound, and Limiter.

Send Effects

Explains how Delay and Reverb work as send effects, controlled per step or track.

Master Reverb

Details the Reverb effect, its parameters, and how presets work.

Master Delay

Explains the Delay effect, its parameters, and common delay types.

Distortion Effects

Covers Overdrive, Bit Depth, and Saturation effects for sound character.

Limiter

Explains the Limiter's function, parameters, and sidechain capabilities.

MIDI

MIDI Terms

Defines key MIDI terminology and standards relevant to Play+.

Basic MIDI concepts for Play+

Explains switching to MIDI mode and how parameters change.

MIDI Configuration

Accessing and configuring MIDI settings like clock, transport, and notes.

MIDI Quick Start

A quick guide to programming MIDI sequences with notes and CC messages.

Typical MIDI Configurations

Examples of connecting Play+ with other MIDI gear like Digitakt and UNO Drum.

MIDI Mode

How knobs change function in MIDI mode and how tracks are sequenced.

Sequencing MIDI Notes

Principles of sequencing MIDI notes, including polyphony and work steps.

MIDI Fill

Using fill algorithms for MIDI tracks, defining output channels and notes.

Chords & Scales

Applying chords and scales to MIDI tracks using presets.

CC Messages

Explains MIDI Continuous Control Change messages for parameter automation.

CC Mapping

Mapping MIDI CC numbers to knobs for controlling parameters on external devices.

Pitch Bend

Using the Microtune knob for pitch bend control in MIDI mode.

Tracker MIDI Integration

Integrating Play+ with Polyend Tracker for CC control and MIDI sequencing.

System

Audio Output Over USB

Details the 14 stereo or 28 mono audio channels available via USB.

Device Registration

Instructions for registering the device on the Polyend website for support and updates.

Generic Firmware Update

Steps for downloading and installing firmware updates via the SD card.

Emergency Firmware Update

How to perform a firmware reset and update via the rear panel button.

User Interface Style

Customizing grid brightness and knob double-tap behavior.

SD Card Compatibility & Backing Up

Information on SD card compatibility, formatting, and backup procedures.

Official Specifications

Lists the technical specifications and box contents of the Polyend Play+.

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