Polyend Play+ - Glossary of Terms

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Polyend Play+ Manual Rev 2
2.1 Glossary of Terms.
While you may think this should be hidden at the back of this book, understanding the terminology
associated with these topics and especially with Play+ will help unlock it’s power and performance. It
makes sense to become familiar early with the essential terms to help embed into your workow
Architecture
2
Beta: A term normally used for pre-release
software versions used for testing purposes.
Polyend often release beta versions of Play+.
Delay: An effect function which creates echo’s and
repeats of the audio signal.
Effects: Refers to the master effects used across
the overall output audio. Also called FX.
Envelope: An envelope is used to modulate and
shape parameters and audio over time. Play+ has
Attack and Decay Envelope control.
Fill: A utility used to creatively and automatically
populate and edit the pattern notes and values.
Function Pad: The last 4 columns of grid pads on
the far right side. Used for specic functional
controls of tracks.
Limiter: A dynamic processing function used to
tame transients and control level limits by adjusting
down the volume when a threshold is exceeded.
Looping: The process of replaying audio or a
pattern continuously in a dened cycle e.g. start to
end then start to end.
MIDI: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital
Interface and is a standard protocol used for
communicating between equipment. MIDI is
normally applied using 5 Pin MIDI DIN connections
which in some cases (i.e. with Play+) are
interfaced via a MIDI 5 Pin to 3.5mm MIDI Dongle.
Mute: Muting offers variations that can be created
by silencing the play out of individual tracks, used
for sound design purposes and especially when
playing live sets.
Note: A musical note assigned to a samples pitch
and assigned to track steps to create a melody or
percussive beat.
OS: Operating System is the core software that
makes Play+ work. It handles how it operates and
periodic updates from Polyend bring new features
into use.
Parameter: The individual value of a specic
function or control element. A parameter can be
adjusted to affect a sound or a functions operation.
Pattern: This is the backbone and core of a Play+
sequence and contains all steps in a sequence.
Patterns operate in series to control how tracks
and associated steps are played.
Pattern Mode: The 8 x 16 grid pads will allow
chaining and arranging of patterns.
Perform: A mode in Play+ that provides an
environment with a wide range of selectable
effects which can be triggered live and during
improvisations.
Play+: Play+ is a groovebox for music production.
Play+ use a sequencing environment similar to a
digital audio workstation and focusses on the ‘in
the box’ immediacy and user experience of the
hands on creative environment.
Power Bank. A portable rechargeable battery
devices used to power or recharge portable
equipment.
Project: The overall structural container for
patterns, samples, etc. A project should always be
loaded to work with Play. Up to 128 patterns can
be contained in a project.
RAM Memory: While Play+ operates with the
Micro SD card, on board RAM memory is also
used for managing samples in the project sample
pool.