Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts about the synth. So concise. I also really enjoyed your funky jams. I loved the first chord change in your first jam, it conjured up thoughts of a cop TV show from the 70s. Moar vidzeos :)
Thanks a lot pryere, appreciate it! It's easy to just gush about a piece of gear you like, so I wanted to point out the things that weren't ideal from my perspective.
Jeremy, I loved this in depth look at the Arturia POLYBRUTE. It did remind me of the pure joy you had when you got the Yamaha B200 and I enjoyed listening to you explore what the instrument could do creatively as you improved your skills every day. Looks like the same thing your doing with this instrument. I really enjoyed your creativity in the jams demonstrating the capabilities of the Arturia POLYBRUTE. It sounded pretty funky to me! Great Job Jeremy. Dad
Thanks Jay! I'm still just using my iPhone for video, but I just got Davinci Resolve for the editing. I hope to get new camera sometime soon and work more on my lighting...
Great video good sir. I just ordered my PB. I am a amateur player on my best day and this will likely be my forever synth. Some funky playing as well! Ll
Loved this video! Yes, we all enjoy demos full of big warm pad sounds that make us go "Ooh", but it's so great to hear this played by a proper player! I'm not quite at your level but I definitely aspire to play my PolyBrute more like you than the ambient pad demo guys. I currently have my PB sat on top of my Rhodes Mk2 and they sound great together. I'd love to hear you play your PB and Rhodes in a future video!
Thanks a lot for the kind words/feedback! Rhodes and Polybrute, duly noted! Yes, keep working on your stuff and share if you got something you like! Since this video I've made more sounds/compositions that might be up your alley, this one was my ode to 80's funk: ruclips.net/video/dYnU-sCbHCQ/видео.html This was a similar vibe, all Polybrute: soundcloud.com/user-801248952/high-steppin-from-amiga-rescue-part-2?
I feel that the PolyBrute still hasn’t received the recognition it deserves in reviews. Maybe it doesn’t have the best knobs or keyboard finish, but it’s truly capable of creating tons of inspiration. Now, with the new PolyBrute 12, I’m considering an upgrade despite the price. Even though it’s not a “premium brand,” I think its capabilities, combined with its software, are fantastic. thank you!
Yes, I agree, and I'm in the same boat with wanting to upgrade to the Polybrute 12. Between it's new keybed and the 12-note polyphony, I think it's my next synth. Thanks for watching!
Hey Walt! Ah yes, the Korg 05R/W had some good sounds for sure. I still have it, actually and it's on my list to wire into my studio. Hope to use it in a future vid!
@@JeremyParkerMusic awesome! You got to do a video on the MIDI rack side of synthesis! Layer up some awesome pads as well as multi voice space textures! Awesome productions!
@@walterandersonmcse9087 yeah I will do something featuring my old synths for sure. I did make some synth 'space music' for my astrophotography videos: ruclips.net/video/IH2WKu0NULE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/aJ322d11XXI/видео.html
Nice patches and superb playing! On your critiques (if you haven't figured out already): the newer firmware has eight different EQ settings that can be programmed per patch | The VCA can be modulated by the key number, so you can make lower keys louder and higher keys quieter, or vice-versa
Thanks a lot and thanks for watching! Yes, I did download the newer firmware and enjoy some of the improvements Arturia made, like the EQ. Unfortunately, the key number VCA modulation doesn't work to boost the low range of the keyboard. I can get it to cause higher notes to be louder with a positive modulation amount, but a negative modulation amount doesn't seem to have the opposite effect.
@@JeremyParkerMusic it does have to opposite effect, but it’s much more subtle. However, you can repeat it a couple of times in the modulation matrix to emphasise the effect more, because they all add up.
Thanks, I've been really enjoying it, and it has provided such a range of timbres that I didn't previously have access to. Laying down multiple tracks pretty much addresses the 6-voice limitation, so I'm not letting that stop me. :)
Your story is so similar to my own. I too have been thing=king about this instrument for some time. Really good to hear something other than Blade Runner covers and ambient sounds. I would also be using it outside that musical context. Trouble is I’m probably going to have to get one now…..oh well. Great review👍
Hi concerning in order to balance the volume over the range of the keyboard , I think you can already do that with the modulation matrix by assigning the Key/Seq row of the matrix to the output levels of the filters. Thanks for the nice demo.
Yes, I'm looking into that, there was another comment below on this topic. Positive modulation to the VCA can turn down the bass, but negative modulation doesn't seem to work, presumable because I can't turn down the VCA overall level (or I don't yet know how to). Thanks for the tip on turning down the filters, as it doesn't really matter to me where the signal gets turned down. I'll try that... You're welcome!
I've assigned Key/Seq to the filter output levels and to the VCO output levels, all with -100% modulation, and the effect is mild even when all the level knobs are set to halfway. However, +100% has more effect in boosting the treble, so I'm not sure what's going on exactly. I may contact Arturia directly.
Great review, thanks for uploading. I own a Matriarch and sometimes I think about changing it for the Polybrute. I think have different scopes so it is a difficult decision.
Thanks a lot Roberto! I would like to get a Moog eventually, so the Matriarch seems like a very good value to get into the brand. Yes, difficult but fun decisions!
great video! just looking into the poly too. Just want to mension a point when you say it would be nice to have higher vca level on the lows going down to the higher notes. I asume the mod matrix allow you to build that. There is for sure keyboard tracking for the filter cuttoff frequency (as pretty much every synth) is possible to assing that to the vca initial gain? in a negative mod ammount it will bring the effect you are looking for.
Thanks for watching! Yes, it is possible to assign the vca to the "Key/Seq" which in theory should let me gradually increase the vca response for lower notes (using a negative mod amount). However, it doesn't work for some reason. I can get the opposite affect with a positive mod amount, where lower notes on the keyboard become softer, but I would rarely ever want that. I need to reach out to Arturia support.
Tip abut the calibration: The "cold calibration" only happens if the temperature when you swithch it on is lower than the last time it went through this procedure. It is not the same as the calibration in the settings; that one is best run when properly warmed up, i.e. up to an hour after power on. Oh, and that's some cool funky bits! :-D
Ah OK, that's good to know, and explains that first time power-up experience. I guess it was destined to fail though with the original firmware. Thanks a lot!
@@JeremyParkerMusic - I was going to say mine was out of the box was v1.0.5.234 (no update required) so I didn't have any calibration issues (I'm also in the desert so 'cold' temperatures isn't a factor either). I saw your startup screen and the numbers made me go 'uh-oh' (some of the minor issues I've heard seem to spawn from the older firmware - I've had no problems with the latest thus far). For forums, I've found Gearspace beats Arturia quite a bit in activity and people answering questions (but there's a lot of other good ones out there too).
Yes, pretty much. Aside from making sure the PB is awake when I launch Reaper, it seems that there are just certain combinations of Reaper track settings to make PB Connect behave as you would expect it to. For example, when recording the PB MIDI, the track record is necessarily armed and the PB Connect VST is enabled/on. Recording works, and you can hear proper playback, etc. of what you just recorded, and this all seems like expected behavior. But then if you want to record the actual audio from the PB (or any other audio on another track, for example) you need to setup playback in a particular way that isn't intuitive. You need to disarm the track record obviously but also disable the VST and send the track output routing from 'none' to 'Polybrute MIDI'. So this works, and lets me do what I need to, but it's a bit clunky and I need to check with Arturia still on this. In terms of hanging notes, that issue seemed to have disappeared mysteriously. There is no interface, the PB connects directly to my computer with a USB cable for the MIDI/PB Connect functionality. I did bypass my USB hub, so perhaps that made a difference.
@@Heavy_Distortion It didn't have to do with local control, as I recall, but I have local control turned ON for the above description of things. This is convenient for when I'm just playing the PB without my DAW, don't have to go in and change local control back and forth.
@@Heavy_Distortion this was all with the PB Connect VST in Reaper, but works all as described above in my first reply to you. I'm using it now actually in a new video I'm working on.
Question: Since you actually play the synth as opposed to so many who can hardly play anything, isn't the 6 poly just bit too little for you? Because you play your bass line and chords all at once, there's got to be some finger techniques adjustments, right Speaking for myself, I would rather use other synth to play the bass and use the full 6 poly capacity on the PolyBrute (or other similar poly 6 synth like OB-6 or even workstations to the likes of Korg OASYS. This is actually how I am setting up my system where I try to stay away from one instrument only due to their VCO sound footprint, if you will, so the final product is truly a blend of different oscillator sound colors. I partially took that idea from years of listening to and being a huge fan of synth wizard Josef Skrzek. When he was at the top of his game with his band SBB in later 70's, he took keyboard playing to a different level. To this day, I can't get enough of how he took different synths and keyboards and used their specific sound coloring capabilities to blend them into absolutely gorgeous, highly aggressive but very melodic dynamic music that I have never heard before or after. To me, to use a blend of different synths to play or record is equal to a guitar player using variety of guitar pedals and guitars as well because of their rather typical sound for each brand. Each time some very capable synth was released, people would say often that "this is the only synth you will ever need", and of course, many others sold some of their synths and bought the new flavor of the month, only to realize later they miss it because no matter what, their new synth, while it could do tons of things, could not reproduce their favorite patch or tone they created with the one they got rid off. I am looking at this synth and I really like what I see. Different and attractive functionality, gorgeous design, and it sounds great even on my smart phone headset. You've probably made a very wise choice, and I am glad you love it, but if you have a chance or opportunity to reply to my comment, I would really appreciate it. Your presentation is so much different from all the technical gibberish and it's much more focused on playability than the technical stuff which I really welcome. Thank You
Thanks for your thoughtful question/comments! I would say that 6 note polyphony is 'just enough' for typical bass line plus rhythm chords (like for comping). It only feels limiting if I want to play a big two-handed chord, or have some notes that I want to sustain more, like a piano would. I'm not really finding myself having to adjust my technique when playing things like in my video. Maybe eventually Arturia will make a PB with 12 note polyphony? Wow I will have to check out Josef Skrzek, I am not familiar with him. But I too didn't want to be 'limited' to just one sound with this purchase, even though many synths that just do 'one thing' are really great in their own right. For example, the PB won't be exactly equal to a Juno or Prophet or a Moog, but I do feel like I can get those kinds of sounds, PLUS all these other possibilities due to the unique architecture, mod matrix and morphing functions. My only slight regret is that I didn't consider digital synths at all in my comparisons, somehow thinking that analog will always be better, but that's not necessarily true. Overall, I am very happy with the Polybrute, and especially have enjoyed the recent V2.0 firmware update, where Arturia added some cool features and improvements (even added some output EQ presets, like I was asking for in my video). I really think the range of possible sounds, ease of use, playability/interaction with sounds, and integration with my DAW are all keeping me very engaged with the instrument. Hope this is helpful... Jeremy
@@JeremyParkerMusic Thank you for fast reply. With SBB record library, however, you must know which albums to choose because some are not good at all. So if I may recommend, here is the short list: (album Titles) - SBB 3 (n Polish) - Wolanyie O Brzekl Skla or Slovenian Girls - 2 different titles but same music - Welcome (in English) - Follow My Dream (in English) Those are their best records - they were at their peak, and synths are dominaby there. The rest of their discography is rather not very good for whatever reason. I myself am a keyboard player but I really don't like many records where synths are featured as dominant instrument. But these four albums are simply phenomenal and ideal example of how synths can be used in their full capacity.. I will follow your channel. TY
Thanks for the recommendations, been listening to Wołanie O Brzęk Szkła, great textures and timbres from the synths, and of course top-level playing on all instruments. Very cool compositions too, unique and sometimes reminiscent of Jan Hammer, Billy Cobham etc. Poland has some serious players here!
When you said Falcetti Music my ears perked up. Then the picture of the Holyoke Mall..Lol Went there constantly as a kid and still live close by. I have a MAtrixBrute and it also has a TON of noise. Even if the unit is powered off, if the line input on my mixer is turned up to normal levels I hear a lot of noise..Makes no sense...
Haha that's cool! Yeah, Falcetti Music and the mall were exciting places to me as a kid, and such strong nostalgia now. Huh, does the noise get worse when the MatrixBrute is off, or stay the same? I haven't tested this on the PolyBrute, but I could imagine when the unit is off, and the output circuitry is no longer active and low-impedance, it could 'appear' noisier as the output becomes higher impedance. Or it could be your mixer. One way to find out the mixer noise contribution is to short the other end of the cable (without touching it with it your hand though), or better yet use a 1/4" connector that you intentionally short and plug into the channel input. That would tell you how quiet your mixer could be with a noiseless source with 0 ohms output impedance.
@@JeremyParkerMusic I've tried plugging the MB directly into my Audio Interface and I get the same result. I have a Mackie 1202VLZ4 Mixer and it's not the quietest of mixers but the MB is by far the noisiest synth I have. Sometimes I get some noise when using the USB connected to my other synths, but I've tried the MB also with no USB. I just think there is something going on with the circuitry Arturia used. When I finish building a new desk I plan on getting some power conditioners and will see if that makes any difference in the noise floor.
Thanks haha, yeah the macs have a strong resemblance I have to say! I mostly have the Polybrute Connect thing worked out, it's a matter of enabling/disabling the VST, and routing/not-routing the MIDI on the track in Reaper to 'Polybrute MIDI' to get the correct behavoir. It's a bit confusing, but I am able to record MIDI using the Polybrute, then record it to audio tracks, then open another instance of the VST, etc. in order to layer multiple sounds.
@@JeremyParkerMusic Halleluiah, PB VST in Ableton worked first time for me today since I got it! Started DAW when PB is up. Then power went off for few hours (well-duh), laptop was on power, but magically PB was connecting well. I was able to change presets and hook automation to a Filter. I guess power cycling helped. Still not able to connect a second instance, but at least one instance working is already cool! I was using PB as standalone before, but being able to automate PB hardware from Live is cool already.
@@samprock oh nice! My first issue was just making sure the PB was awake when I started up Reaper. Yeah it's so powerful being able to automate PB parameters after you play in the MIDI notes, for example. It won't allow a second instance to be active unless, you 'activate' it, which it is supposed to prompt you on.
@@JeremyParkerMusic Yeah, second instance prompts but not able to connect. Preset is not returning when I activate back onto "good" instance. today is not a good day at, not connecting. I hope Arturia (or DAW makers) will fix a bug someday for VST. Because standalone app works anytime, every time.
Yeah I did cut them some slack at the end of the video, but if somebody wants to send me a Moog One or Prophet 5, I'll happily make some comparative measurements! :D
I hope I wasn't being too harsh, just was disappointed in a couple things. That said, they have just released firmware 2.0 and made some nice improvements, including adding some EQ presets (maybe they saw this video?!). Overall I am really happy with the synth FWIW...
I ordered it back in April before it was in stock at Sweetwater, so hence the delay. Yes, I too have ordered plenty of gear over the years from Sweetwater, much of it arriving next-day. ;-)
@@JeremyParkerMusic Nah - get some presets into your PolyBrute banks. Secrets Vol 1 from GeoSynths is one great set of 96, and over 120 can be had in the Fundamentals Sound set from Creative Spiral. They have a lot of 'classic synths' and 'performer favs' as well as templates, sequences etc. Both libraries are previewable here on RUclips. That doesn't include the free expansion banks available from Arturia which are also nice. Suffice it to say, the sound design community is HOT for the PolyBrute right now. It's got a lot of support going for it right out of the gate, and well into the future.
I have a weird love hate relationship with this thing - I absolutely adore the sound. But for a synth action it's not very good, at least to my tastes, wobbles way too much side to side like a cheap midi controller (feels pretty much the same as their cheaper keylab) Although, it's something I never noticed until I tried a moog sub37, P6. But it's something I can't unfeel now
I wonder if there's some variation in that from unit to unit, I'm usually sensitive to the excessive side-to-side wobble. I guess it's been OK for me, but I definitely like the action of some of my other synths better, like the reissue miniKorg 700fs and even my D-50. Yes I have felt the sub37 and it is very nice as well. In practice, my biggest frustration with the Polybrute has been the 6-note polyphony (which I totally understand being an analog synth), which is fine for studio work but limiting for live performing due to my typical playing style.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for the review, very insightful. I've had a Polybrute for 4 months now and I am absolutely loving the experience.
You're very welcome, glad to share. Very nice, that's about how long I've had the PolyBrute as well, and it's been inspiring to play.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts about the synth. So concise. I also really enjoyed your funky jams. I loved the first chord change in your first jam, it conjured up thoughts of a cop TV show from the 70s. Moar vidzeos :)
Simon thanks so much for your feedback and compliments! Glad to share it and hope to be making more synth videos soon!
You are a great player and this was a nice honest review of this monster machine.
Thanks a lot pryere, appreciate it! It's easy to just gush about a piece of gear you like, so I wanted to point out the things that weren't ideal from my perspective.
Well thought out and a joy to watch and listen too. Thank you for your take on this instrument.
Thanks Eric, appreciate the kind words!
Jeremy, I loved this in depth look at the Arturia POLYBRUTE. It did remind me of the pure joy you had when you got the Yamaha B200 and I enjoyed listening to you explore what the instrument could do creatively as you improved your skills every day. Looks like the same thing your doing with this instrument. I really enjoyed your creativity in the jams demonstrating the capabilities of the Arturia POLYBRUTE. It sounded pretty funky to me! Great Job Jeremy.
Dad
Thanks Dad! Those years with the B200 and Amiga were some fond memories!
Nice job Jamo - love the level of production you've been attaining with these!
Thanks Jay! I'm still just using my iPhone for video, but I just got Davinci Resolve for the editing. I hope to get new camera sometime soon and work more on my lighting...
Thanks for the review. The PB is on top of my wish list, and, hoping it shows up soon.
No problem, glad it was helpful and hope you get it soon!
Great video good sir. I just ordered my PB. I am a amateur player on my best day and this will likely be my forever synth. Some funky playing as well!
Ll
Thanks very much! Glad to hear, and I think you'll enjoy the PB for a long time (I'm still enjoying mine.)
Great job, valuable unbiased observations, and nice jamming! ;-)
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this video! Yes, we all enjoy demos full of big warm pad sounds that make us go "Ooh", but it's so great to hear this played by a proper player! I'm not quite at your level but I definitely aspire to play my PolyBrute more like you than the ambient pad demo guys. I currently have my PB sat on top of my Rhodes Mk2 and they sound great together. I'd love to hear you play your PB and Rhodes in a future video!
Thanks a lot for the kind words/feedback! Rhodes and Polybrute, duly noted! Yes, keep working on your stuff and share if you got something you like! Since this video I've made more sounds/compositions that might be up your alley, this one was my ode to 80's funk: ruclips.net/video/dYnU-sCbHCQ/видео.html
This was a similar vibe, all Polybrute: soundcloud.com/user-801248952/high-steppin-from-amiga-rescue-part-2?
Excellent video. Love the funk. Subbed
Thank you so much, appreciate the kind words and sub!
Great vid, nice work
Thanks Ben, glad you enjoyed it!
I feel that the PolyBrute still hasn’t received the recognition it deserves in reviews. Maybe it doesn’t have the best knobs or keyboard finish, but it’s truly capable of creating tons of inspiration. Now, with the new PolyBrute 12, I’m considering an upgrade despite the price. Even though it’s not a “premium brand,” I think its capabilities, combined with its software, are fantastic.
thank you!
Yes, I agree, and I'm in the same boat with wanting to upgrade to the Polybrute 12. Between it's new keybed and the 12-note polyphony, I think it's my next synth. Thanks for watching!
liked this "fresh" approach of MB, more a musicien point of vue than a technician. This is what makes it so interesting.
Thank you coyotesynth, glad you enjoyed it!
You've done a man's job sir!
haha thank you!
Hey Jeremy you didn't lose your way- the Korg 01W rack was the best module you had at UMass Lowell! Great memories!
Hey Walt! Ah yes, the Korg 05R/W had some good sounds for sure. I still have it, actually and it's on my list to wire into my studio. Hope to use it in a future vid!
@@JeremyParkerMusic awesome! You got to do a video on the MIDI rack side of synthesis! Layer up some awesome pads as well as multi voice space textures! Awesome productions!
@@walterandersonmcse9087 yeah I will do something featuring my old synths for sure. I did make some synth 'space music' for my astrophotography videos:
ruclips.net/video/IH2WKu0NULE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/aJ322d11XXI/видео.html
Nice patches and superb playing!
On your critiques (if you haven't figured out already): the newer firmware has eight different EQ settings that can be programmed per patch | The VCA can be modulated by the key number, so you can make lower keys louder and higher keys quieter, or vice-versa
Thanks a lot and thanks for watching! Yes, I did download the newer firmware and enjoy some of the improvements Arturia made, like the EQ. Unfortunately, the key number VCA modulation doesn't work to boost the low range of the keyboard. I can get it to cause higher notes to be louder with a positive modulation amount, but a negative modulation amount doesn't seem to have the opposite effect.
@@JeremyParkerMusic it does have to opposite effect, but it’s much more subtle. However, you can repeat it a couple of times in the modulation matrix to emphasise the effect more, because they all add up.
OK, that's a good idea to repeat the modulation, I will try that. Thanks!
I think you made a good choice with the Polybrute. It has fewer voices than some of the competitors, but the overall package is... well, sound.
Thanks, I've been really enjoying it, and it has provided such a range of timbres that I didn't previously have access to. Laying down multiple tracks pretty much addresses the 6-voice limitation, so I'm not letting that stop me. :)
And thanks for the subscription Toumal!
Your story is so similar to my own. I too have been thing=king about this instrument for some time. Really good to hear something other than Blade Runner covers and ambient sounds. I would also be using it outside that musical context. Trouble is I’m probably going to have to get one now…..oh well. Great review👍
That's great to hear, because I did want to give a different perspective than the other reviews/demos. Haha, yeah sorry about that!
Hi concerning in order to balance the volume over the range of the keyboard , I think you can already do that with the modulation matrix by assigning the Key/Seq row of the matrix to the output levels of the filters. Thanks for the nice demo.
Yes, I'm looking into that, there was another comment below on this topic. Positive modulation to the VCA can turn down the bass, but negative modulation doesn't seem to work, presumable because I can't turn down the VCA overall level (or I don't yet know how to). Thanks for the tip on turning down the filters, as it doesn't really matter to me where the signal gets turned down. I'll try that... You're welcome!
I've assigned Key/Seq to the filter output levels and to the VCO output levels, all with -100% modulation, and the effect is mild even when all the level knobs are set to halfway. However, +100% has more effect in boosting the treble, so I'm not sure what's going on exactly. I may contact Arturia directly.
Great review, thanks for uploading. I own a Matriarch and sometimes I think about changing it for the Polybrute. I think have different scopes so it is a difficult decision.
Thanks a lot Roberto! I would like to get a Moog eventually, so the Matriarch seems like a very good value to get into the brand. Yes, difficult but fun decisions!
great video! just looking into the poly too. Just want to mension a point when you say it would be nice to have higher vca level on the lows going down to the higher notes. I asume the mod matrix allow you to build that. There is for sure keyboard tracking for the filter cuttoff frequency (as pretty much every synth) is possible to assing that to the vca initial gain? in a negative mod ammount it will bring the effect you are looking for.
Thanks for watching! Yes, it is possible to assign the vca to the "Key/Seq" which in theory should let me gradually increase the vca response for lower notes (using a negative mod amount). However, it doesn't work for some reason. I can get the opposite affect with a positive mod amount, where lower notes on the keyboard become softer, but I would rarely ever want that. I need to reach out to Arturia support.
Tip abut the calibration: The "cold calibration" only happens if the temperature when you swithch it on is lower than the last time it went through this procedure. It is not the same as the calibration in the settings; that one is best run when properly warmed up, i.e. up to an hour after power on. Oh, and that's some cool funky bits! :-D
Ah OK, that's good to know, and explains that first time power-up experience. I guess it was destined to fail though with the original firmware. Thanks a lot!
@@JeremyParkerMusic - I was going to say mine was out of the box was v1.0.5.234 (no update required) so I didn't have any calibration issues (I'm also in the desert so 'cold' temperatures isn't a factor either). I saw your startup screen and the numbers made me go 'uh-oh' (some of the minor issues I've heard seem to spawn from the older firmware - I've had no problems with the latest thus far). For forums, I've found Gearspace beats Arturia quite a bit in activity and people answering questions (but there's a lot of other good ones out there too).
Interesting. OK, thanks for the tip, I will check out Gearspace too!
Did you get midi issue resolved? Using an older interface - 12 years? Midi hub? Passive hub with long cable?
Yes, pretty much. Aside from making sure the PB is awake when I launch Reaper, it seems that there are just certain combinations of Reaper track settings to make PB Connect behave as you would expect it to. For example, when recording the PB MIDI, the track record is necessarily armed and the PB Connect VST is enabled/on. Recording works, and you can hear proper playback, etc. of what you just recorded, and this all seems like expected behavior. But then if you want to record the actual audio from the PB (or any other audio on another track, for example) you need to setup playback in a particular way that isn't intuitive. You need to disarm the track record obviously but also disable the VST and send the track output routing from 'none' to 'Polybrute MIDI'. So this works, and lets me do what I need to, but it's a bit clunky and I need to check with Arturia still on this. In terms of hanging notes, that issue seemed to have disappeared mysteriously. There is no interface, the PB connects directly to my computer with a USB cable for the MIDI/PB Connect functionality. I did bypass my USB hub, so perhaps that made a difference.
@@JeremyParkerMusicToggle PB local control on/off? If local on then stuck notes due to midi loop. Arming midi track with local on might cause loop.
Wonder if PB Connect VST might cause issues. Try not using it in a new project?
@@Heavy_Distortion It didn't have to do with local control, as I recall, but I have local control turned ON for the above description of things. This is convenient for when I'm just playing the PB without my DAW, don't have to go in and change local control back and forth.
@@Heavy_Distortion this was all with the PB Connect VST in Reaper, but works all as described above in my first reply to you. I'm using it now actually in a new video I'm working on.
Question:
Since you actually play the synth as opposed to so many who can hardly play anything, isn't the 6 poly just bit too little for you?
Because you play your bass line and chords all at once, there's got to be some finger techniques adjustments, right
Speaking for myself, I would rather use other synth to play the bass and use the full 6 poly capacity on the PolyBrute (or other similar poly 6 synth like OB-6 or even workstations to the likes of Korg OASYS. This is actually how I am setting up my system where I try to stay away from one instrument only due to their VCO sound footprint, if you will, so the final product is truly a blend of different oscillator sound colors.
I partially took that idea from years of listening to and being a huge fan of synth wizard Josef Skrzek. When he was at the top of his game with his band SBB in later 70's, he took keyboard playing to a different level. To this day, I can't get enough of how he took different synths and keyboards and used their specific sound coloring capabilities to blend them into absolutely gorgeous, highly aggressive but very melodic dynamic music that I have never heard before or after.
To me, to use a blend of different synths to play or record is equal to a guitar player using variety of guitar pedals and guitars as well because of their rather typical sound for each brand.
Each time some very capable synth was released, people would say often that "this is the only synth you will ever need", and of course, many others sold some of their synths and bought the new flavor of the month, only to realize later they miss it because no matter what, their new synth, while it could do tons of things, could not reproduce their favorite patch or tone they created with the one they got rid off.
I am looking at this synth and I really like what I see. Different and attractive functionality, gorgeous design, and it sounds great even on my smart phone headset.
You've probably made a very wise choice, and I am glad you love it, but if you have a chance or opportunity to reply to my comment, I would really appreciate it. Your presentation is so much different from all the technical gibberish and it's much more focused on playability than the technical stuff which I really welcome.
Thank You
Thanks for your thoughtful question/comments! I would say that 6 note polyphony is 'just enough' for typical bass line plus rhythm chords (like for comping). It only feels limiting if I want to play a big two-handed chord, or have some notes that I want to sustain more, like a piano would. I'm not really finding myself having to adjust my technique when playing things like in my video. Maybe eventually Arturia will make a PB with 12 note polyphony?
Wow I will have to check out Josef Skrzek, I am not familiar with him. But I too didn't want to be 'limited' to just one sound with this purchase, even though many synths that just do 'one thing' are really great in their own right. For example, the PB won't be exactly equal to a Juno or Prophet or a Moog, but I do feel like I can get those kinds of sounds, PLUS all these other possibilities due to the unique architecture, mod matrix and morphing functions.
My only slight regret is that I didn't consider digital synths at all in my comparisons, somehow thinking that analog will always be better, but that's not necessarily true.
Overall, I am very happy with the Polybrute, and especially have enjoyed the recent V2.0 firmware update, where Arturia added some cool features and improvements (even added some output EQ presets, like I was asking for in my video). I really think the range of possible sounds, ease of use, playability/interaction with sounds, and integration with my DAW are all keeping me very engaged with the instrument. Hope this is helpful...
Jeremy
@@JeremyParkerMusic Thank you for fast reply.
With SBB record library, however, you must know which albums to choose because some are not good at all.
So if I may recommend, here is the short list: (album Titles)
- SBB 3 (n Polish)
- Wolanyie O Brzekl Skla or Slovenian Girls - 2 different titles but same music
- Welcome (in English)
- Follow My Dream (in English)
Those are their best records - they were at their peak, and synths are dominaby there.
The rest of their discography is rather not very good for whatever reason.
I myself am a keyboard player but I really don't like many records where synths are featured as dominant instrument. But these four albums are simply phenomenal and ideal example of how synths can be used in their full capacity..
I will follow your channel.
TY
Thanks for the recommendations, been listening to Wołanie O Brzęk Szkła, great textures and timbres from the synths, and of course top-level playing on all instruments. Very cool compositions too, unique and sometimes reminiscent of Jan Hammer, Billy Cobham etc. Poland has some serious players here!
When you said Falcetti Music my ears perked up. Then the picture of the Holyoke Mall..Lol Went there constantly as a kid and still live close by. I have a MAtrixBrute and it also has a TON of noise. Even if the unit is powered off, if the line input on my mixer is turned up to normal levels I hear a lot of noise..Makes no sense...
Haha that's cool! Yeah, Falcetti Music and the mall were exciting places to me as a kid, and such strong nostalgia now. Huh, does the noise get worse when the MatrixBrute is off, or stay the same? I haven't tested this on the PolyBrute, but I could imagine when the unit is off, and the output circuitry is no longer active and low-impedance, it could 'appear' noisier as the output becomes higher impedance. Or it could be your mixer. One way to find out the mixer noise contribution is to short the other end of the cable (without touching it with it your hand though), or better yet use a 1/4" connector that you intentionally short and plug into the channel input. That would tell you how quiet your mixer could be with a noiseless source with 0 ohms output impedance.
@@JeremyParkerMusic I've tried plugging the MB directly into my Audio Interface and I get the same result. I have a Mackie 1202VLZ4 Mixer and it's not the quietest of mixers but the MB is by far the noisiest synth I have. Sometimes I get some noise when using the USB connected to my other synths, but I've tried the MB also with no USB. I just think there is something going on with the circuitry Arturia used. When I finish building a new desk I plan on getting some power conditioners and will see if that makes any difference in the noise floor.
Get Reason+ bro - it will work flawlessly 11:14 Very 80's NIght Court NY Funkin Jazz - You're gonna have a great time brother. Still tho- get Reason+
Reason+, OK will check that out. Nice, I remember Night Court, yeah I can hear that! Thanks man...
@@JeremyParkerMusic You bet! You picked a great synth- I cant wait to see more!
Have the same issue with Ableton ... i can't afford that overpriced cheese grater LOL good one!
Thanks haha, yeah the macs have a strong resemblance I have to say! I mostly have the Polybrute Connect thing worked out, it's a matter of enabling/disabling the VST, and routing/not-routing the MIDI on the track in Reaper to 'Polybrute MIDI' to get the correct behavoir. It's a bit confusing, but I am able to record MIDI using the Polybrute, then record it to audio tracks, then open another instance of the VST, etc. in order to layer multiple sounds.
@@JeremyParkerMusic Halleluiah, PB VST in Ableton worked first time for me today since I got it! Started DAW when PB is up. Then power went off for few hours (well-duh), laptop was on power, but magically PB was connecting well. I was able to change presets and hook automation to a Filter. I guess power cycling helped. Still not able to connect a second instance, but at least one instance working is already cool! I was using PB as standalone before, but being able to automate PB hardware from Live is cool already.
@@samprock oh nice! My first issue was just making sure the PB was awake when I started up Reaper. Yeah it's so powerful being able to automate PB parameters after you play in the MIDI notes, for example. It won't allow a second instance to be active unless, you 'activate' it, which it is supposed to prompt you on.
@@JeremyParkerMusic Yeah, second instance prompts but not able to connect. Preset is not returning when I activate back onto "good" instance. today is not a good day at, not connecting. I hope Arturia (or DAW makers) will fix a bug someday for VST. Because standalone app works anytime, every time.
Well, this is full-analog synthesizer, there is a lot of electronics here, so it's more noisy than digital synth.
Yeah I did cut them some slack at the end of the video, but if somebody wants to send me a Moog One or Prophet 5, I'll happily make some comparative measurements! :D
Thanks for the heads up, apparently this company has taken the Bill Gates approach to putting out product.
I hope I wasn't being too harsh, just was disappointed in a couple things. That said, they have just released firmware 2.0 and made some nice improvements, including adding some EQ presets (maybe they saw this video?!). Overall I am really happy with the synth FWIW...
Summit novation x ever
That was a contender, should have mentioned it with the others...
you bought from sweetwater. Orders show up at my door next day for me, not "a few weeks later" ;-)
I ordered it back in April before it was in stock at Sweetwater, so hence the delay. Yes, I too have ordered plenty of gear over the years from Sweetwater, much of it arriving next-day. ;-)
great sounds and demo, by the way. Subscribed
Thanks a lot, appreciate it!
Get yourself ACCESS VIRUS TI2
thanks I will have to check that out, heard about it. Pretty sure I'm going have to get another synth...
@@JeremyParkerMusic Nah - get some presets into your PolyBrute banks. Secrets Vol 1 from GeoSynths is one great set of 96, and over 120 can be had in the Fundamentals Sound set from Creative Spiral. They have a lot of 'classic synths' and 'performer favs' as well as templates, sequences etc. Both libraries are previewable here on RUclips. That doesn't include the free expansion banks available from Arturia which are also nice. Suffice it to say, the sound design community is HOT for the PolyBrute right now. It's got a lot of support going for it right out of the gate, and well into the future.
I did hear those GeoSynths patches, they seem really nice. I'll have to check Creative Spiral.
I have a weird love hate relationship with this thing - I absolutely adore the sound. But for a synth action it's not very good, at least to my tastes, wobbles way too much side to side like a cheap midi controller (feels pretty much the same as their cheaper keylab)
Although, it's something I never noticed until I tried a moog sub37, P6. But it's something I can't unfeel now
I wonder if there's some variation in that from unit to unit, I'm usually sensitive to the excessive side-to-side wobble. I guess it's been OK for me, but I definitely like the action of some of my other synths better, like the reissue miniKorg 700fs and even my D-50. Yes I have felt the sub37 and it is very nice as well. In practice, my biggest frustration with the Polybrute has been the 6-note polyphony (which I totally understand being an analog synth), which is fine for studio work but limiting for live performing due to my typical playing style.