Limited Edition Black Medusa Synth

US Polyend and Dreadbox hybrid synth gets a front panel facelift and major firmware update      04/05/20

Polyend has announced availability of its Limited Edition Black Medusa a limited-edition of the Medusa hybrid synthesizer  released in 2018 but now with a minimalistic front panel facelift and major firmware update at a reduced price. Here's the story in their own words...

As acknowledged by the tasteful Dreadbox & Polyend Hybrid Synthesizer 'subtitle' set across the Limited Edition Black Medusa's matt black anodised aluminium front panel -- perfectly matching all previous Polyend products -- as part of a minimalistic graphic layout letting the Polish company's distinctive design aesthetics mature, Medusa was originally developed in close collaboration with Greek boutique analogue synthesizers and effects manufacturer Dreadbox as a symbiosis of classic synthesis characteristics and a unique digital controller. Creatively including six oscillators -- three (voltage-controlled) Analog and three Digital (with Wave Table) option -- and a multimode analogue FILTER with L2 (2-pole low-pass), L4 (four-pole low-pass), and HP (one-pole high-pass) settings (based on Dreadbox's Erebus duophonic analogue synthesizer) alongside a 64-step sequencer (inheriting the DNA of Polyend's Seq) and an 8 x 8 grid of pressure-sensitive pads to play the synthesizer and program the sequencer was -- and remains -- a beautiful combination.

Changes to the Limited Edition Black Medusa extend beyond its clear-cut looks, however. Indeed, it also benefits from a major (v3.0) firmware update -- also available to owners of the original Medusa for direct download -- with the following additions: LFO random Wave (selectable via the last position); MIDI Local Off (as a MIDI configuration option) -- allows Medusa's MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) pads to be used to play an external instrument while simultaneously playing its internal synth engine using an external controller; and updated LFO(s) and ENVELOPE(s) -- able to send out their native values as CC (Control Change) messages, so all synth parameters are now displayed with the assigned CC number. Note that the v3.0 firmware update also includes additional presets by Kenny Rakentine -- a.k.a. Angel Dust, an abstract sound/art/drone/noise project from Pittsburgh, PA, USA -- as an added bonus.

Creative collaborations and combinations continue to come into play; Polyend is teaming up with Expressive E to offer the French next-generation musical instruments manufacturer's upcoming Carbon virtual synthesizer -- soon set to become part of its MPE Collection, combining banks of exclusive sounds into a versatile suite, ready to play with any MPE-supporting instrument -- to owners of the Limited Edition Black Medusa and the original Medusa for free via a download weblink on the dedicated webpage when available.

But better still, would-be owners of the original Medusa should surely be tempted by the Limited Edition Black Medusa's pocket-friendlier price of €699 EUR/$799 USD -- all the more so as an even more potent proposition when bundled with Poly 2, Polyend's polyphonic MIDI-to-CV Eurorack module boasting a multitude of connectivity options to play nicely with all manner of sequencers, DAWs, keyboards, apps, and more.

The Limited Edition Black Medusa comes complete with an alternative set of coloured knobs (with which users can optionally replace the standard black ones as an added visual aid), and is available now.

Pricing and Availability:
The Limited Edition Black Medusa is available to purchase through Polyend's network of authorised dealers at an MSRP of €699 EUR/$799 USD or directly from Polyend.

More information:

 


Polyend Social

More From: POLYEND
Even more news...


 


More Videos

Sonic LAB: Baby Audio Atoms - Mass and Spring Sonic LAB: Baby Audio Atoms - Mass and Spring 

Physical modelling instrument


SonicLAB: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review SonicLAB: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review 

A new Studio Reference Headphone?


NAMM24: Korg Re-release the Legendary PS-3300 FS NAMM24: Korg Re-release the Legendary PS-3300 FS 

Blimey. How Much?


Korg -  New NTS-1 MK2 Korg - New NTS-1 MK2 

Still tiny and DIY but impressive though


Hey there, we use Cookies to customize your experience on Sonicstate.com