Tags: Groovebox

Notes: A uniquely characterful drum machine, based on FM synthesis inspired by early 90s PC soundcards. Six drum voices and four synth parts can be controlled by a built-in step sequencer or MIDI.

Supplier's Notes:
At the heart of BlastBeats is a vintage FM chip called YMF-262 also known as the OPL3 chip & previously found in computer sound cards of the early 90s.

These chips were notoriously hard to program and were rarely used to their full potential. However, they can produce surprisingly rich beautiful and utterly dirty sounds with a bit of exploring...

By putting so many parameters within easy reach BlastBeasts makes it fun and easy to master the signature sound of the DOS era!

Rhythm & Synth

BlastBeats is a 10 voice groove box offering 6 drum voices and 4 synth instruments.

The many faders offer full control over the parameters of the instruments and can be automated and modulated per step

Beats and melodies are a pleasure to program thanks to the high quality illuminated buttons

Dimensions: 29.5cm x 16.5cm x 4.5cm (11.6" x 6.5" x 1.8")

Weight 944 g ( 2 lb)

Notes: Adding synth features to the excellent Play groovebox formula, the Play+ proves to be a fantastically creative instrument, as good for sketching out demo ideas as it is for playing live.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing Play+

16-track Sample and Synth-based groovebox

The original Play set the standard for instant playability. Play+ takes Polyend's unique groovebox experience to new heights with an upgraded internal architecture, which enables a host of new features and enhancements while retaining the same sleek Play form factor. Immerse yourself in richer stereo sounds, delve into multitimbral polyphonic synthesis, and experience seamless audio over USB.

Multitimbral Synthesiser

Choose from many synth engines, each offering a unique character. Every engine includes an extensive library of professionally crafted presets ready to inspire straight out of the box. And when you want to tailor that sound just so? Sculpt and morph with a suite of intuitive multi-macros, making sound design easily accessible to you.

A build-in patch editor, new synth engines, perform mode for Synth and MIDI, and many more new features will be available in the coming updates.

ACD transports you back to the golden age of electronic music with its recreation of iconic single-oscillator monophonic analogue synths. Paying homage to Japanese legends, ACD not only captures the essence of these classics but also propels you into the future with a lightning-fast synthesis experience. It offers a rich palette of options, ranging from faithful monophonic analogue recreations to unique and innovative soundscapes.

FAT is a powerhouse synth engine that epitomizes the lush, vintage warmth of classic analogue synthesizers. At its core, FAT hosts three virtual analogue oscillators and offers an intuitive drift and detune control, ensuring you can effortlessly sculpt iconic massive sounds. The presets contain two distinct flavours of transistor ladder filters inspired by unique analogue classics. It offers a versatile range of sounds, from deep reese basses to ethereal pads, expressive leads, and classic keys.
VAP is a Virtual Analog Polysynth, boasting a dual-oscillator architecture and a versatile modulation matrix. Complete with multiple filter flavours and pulse width modulation, VAP allows you to sculpt intricate patterns. This engine shines when it comes to creating mesmerizing, evolving textures, crafting lush pads, and conjuring up one-of-a-kind sound effects.

WTFM is a unique 2-operator FM synth engine that utilizes WaveTable-based oscillators driven by a 3x feedback system. The operators are based on sweeping wavetables, ranging from fundamental sine waves to harmonically rich timbres, offering a diverse tonal palette. Whether you're sculpting smooth, enveloping pads or crafting cutting-edge metallic tones, WTFM empowers you to achieve unique textures with precision and authenticity.

Stereo Expansion

With Play+, Polyend have delicately transitioned from mono to stereo, allowing for a more nuanced and expansive sonic canvas. Experience your sounds with added depth, capturing the subtleties that make all the difference.

Seamless Audio Over USB

Multi-track your sessions. With Play+, 14 stereo tracks can be sent to your DAW separately, ensuring precision and flexibility in post-production. This isn't just about ease of recording; it's about amplifying your potential in mixing, mastering, and live performances. Add a professional shine to your completed songs, enhance your tracks with external effects, or add depth during a live set - Play+ is built to compliment every stage of your creative process.

Play to Play+ Upgrade

Loved every moment with Play? Elevate that experience with Play+. You've forged a strong bond with the original groovebox. That's why Polyend offer a smooth upgrade path to Play+. Transition with ease, retaining all the elements of Play you love while unlocking enhanced features. With its backward compatibility, seamlessly bring your Play tracks to Play+ and make more music!

Notes: Wee Noise Makers PGB-1 is an advanced yet portable synthesizer and sequencer that allows you to craft complex musical pieces anywhere. This all-in-one, open-source, customizable device is designed to empower aspiring musicians, seasoned creators, and makers. It isn't just an instrument-it's your gateway to the world of music production and audio synths.

PGB-1 has open-source stock firmware that makes it a playful and powerful groove box. It allows you to craft complex musical pieces with drums, bass, lead, samples, reverb, bitcrusher, overdrive, and others.

Orchestrated by an advanced sequencer with conditional steps, repeats/ratcheting, pattern chaining, chord sequencing, song mode, live sequencing effects, and more.

PGB-1 is Wee Noise Makers' response to the current landscape of entry-level hardware synthesizers and groove boxes. In recent years, we saw a plethora of new electronic instruments marketed as accessible, affordable, and designed for beginners. Yet, often these instruments can feel limited, tying users to a specific sound or ecosystem. These limits sometimes feel artificial, pushing you to combine multiple products of the same line to actually make meaningful music. At the same time leading to frustrating sequencing, connection, and mixing issues that defeat the portability and playfulness of the instruments.

With the PGB-1, Wee Noise Makers wanted to address all these shortcomings, bringing you an instrument that is:

All-in-one: you only need one device to craft complete music pieces
Powerful: Drums, bass, lead, samples, etc. with advanced sequencing features
Truly pocket-size: 10 x 6.6 x 1.5 cm, smaller footprint than a smartphone
Hackable: Designed for customization, open-source firmware, and compatible with several programming languages (including Python)
Creativity should not be limited by the tools you have, but empowered by them. With the PGB-1, Wee Noise Makers are dedicated to creating a platform that encourages innovation and experimentation. Whether you are a musician looking to explore new sounds, a developer eager to create unique software, or a hobbyist who enjoys tweaking and building.

PGB-1 is designed to be customized and modified to your taste. The front panel is a bare PCB, designed with the open-source software Kicad. The production file will be available so that anyone can make its own version with custom graphics and get it manufactured for a few bucks.

PGB-1 is also hackable with CircuitPython, C\C++, and Ada support for programming your own synthesizers, video games, or any audio-based projects.

By making the PGB-1 open source, a sandbox is provided for the audio community. Users can delve into the code, modify existing features, or add entirely new functionalities. This flexibility not only enhances the capabilities of the PGB-1 but also fosters a collaborative environment where users can share their creations and learn from each other.

Additionally, Wee Noise Makers have set up a dedicated Discord server for all PGB-1 users and enthusiasts to discuss, share, and contribute to the growing ecosystem.

Open-source software is not as common in the audio industry, but with this project, the aim is to follow the path of great manufacturers such as Mutable Instruments or Winterbloom.

Features & Specifications

Processor: Raspberry Pi RP2040

16 MB Flash
Audio IC: Cirrus Logic WM8960 (or equivalent)

Up to 32-bit at 48 kHz digital audio link
On-chip Headphone Driver, 1 W Stereo Class D Speaker Driver
Up to 3 stereo Line-in/Microphone interfaces
User Interface

128 x 64 monochrome OLED screen
24 addressable RGB LEDs
30 tactile switches
1 capacitive touch strip
Input & Outputs

1x USB Type-C (Power & Data)
1x 3.5 mm Headphone/Headset
1x 3.5 mm Audio Line-in
1x 3.5 mm MIDI Input (TRS type-A)
1x 3.5 mm MIDI Output (TRS type-A)
Internal microphone