Unleashing
the full power of PolyBrute
Continuing the legacy of its predecessor as one of the most powerful and expressive analog synths ever made, PolyBrute 12 goes a step further.
A multi-faceted tool for musical expression, PolyBrute 12 lets you seamlessly evolve and control any parameters while playing. The input-perfect sensitivity of the keyboard, the bi-timbral morphing presets, the multi-axis Morphée controller, the Ribbon controller - all work in perfect harmony so you can breathe vitality and intricate dynamics into your sound.
PolyBrute’s in-the-moment sonic display would not be possible without the raw energy of its Brute oscillators and dual enhanced classic filters. This, combined with its intuitive interface, elegant modulation Matrix and advanced software companion make PolyBrute 12 a synth for the ages - a matrimony of Brute force and human touch.
Full touch
full control
Discover a next-generation keybed and new aftertouch modes that bring you into a direct and tactile connection with your sound.
PolyBrute’s patented FullTouch® keyboard provides the exact position of every key across the entire range of movement. This not only allows for precise and dynamic aftertouch expression but it also puts versatility at PolyBrute’s core - allowing you to go from regular playing modes to exceptional aftertouch and envelope control at the touch of a button.
You can also use PolyBrute 12 to control any MPE-compatible VST. If you don’t have a MPE compatible DAW, you can still record expressively using MIDI 1.0, although at a lower resolution.
Mono Aftertouch
In this mode, the note is triggered by regular keyboard velocity and the classic aftertouch area corresponds to an assignable aftertouch signal, where all the voices receive the same level and amount of expression. Great for applying a unified modulation effect to a chord or phrase.
Poly Aftertouch
In this mode, the note is triggered by regular keyboard velocity and the classic aftertouch area corresponds to an assignable aftertouch signal, where each note sends its own unique aftertouch amount. Perfect for adding more intricate, note-specific modulation to your performance.
Two Phase Polyphonic Touch
In this mode, named FullTouch® AT, the note is triggered at the top of the key and the full vertical range corresponds to assignable aftertouch. The added sensitivity and extended aftertouch range of this mode allows for exceptional sonic control and dynamic expression.
Three Phase Polyphonic Touch
In this mode, named FullTouch® AT > Z, the note is triggered at the top of the key, the full vertical range corresponds to the aftertouch signal and the classic aftertouch area is assignable to the “Z” modulation source - enabling utterly responsive play and in-the-moment modulation across both key courses.
Pizzicato Envelope Touch
In this mode, named FullTouch® Env > AT, the entire movement range of the key corresponds to the envelope gate, and the envelope and velocity sliders affect signal and transient response - allowing you to go from resonant pizzicato plucks to legato style composition without touching a knob or changing a preset.The classic aftertouch area also corresponds to an assignable aftertouch signal.
Morph
between sonic worlds
Seamlessly blend from one patch to another and find that perfect middle ground
Each preset is made up of two sonic states, A & B. A dedicated Morph knob lets you seamlessly explore a continuum of sound between them. This, combined with the Morphée controller and PolyBrute's keyboard, paves the way for endless patch evolution and expressivity.
Profondeurs
A very wide ambient pad sound. Full Touch adds a lot of depth by gradually opening up brightness and the reverb and chorus effects. Morphee allows you to evolve towards a brighter sound on Layer B.
Murakamis Dinner
A combination of tight envelopes and folding LFO's to create flanging plucks that are continually modulating as they are played. Aftertouch activates filter cutoff. Z elongates notes.
Ambient Ninja
Relaxing EP with solid low end. Push Morphee Z to increase reverb time, and use ribbon to change the cutoff. Go to B for a pad sound.
Tuned
This Marimba and Glockenspiel patch was an experiment in velocity sensitivity and the natural timbres that can be achieved with the Polybrute. The morph knob crossfades between the two instruments and the patch plays very well with the arp off.
Analog heart
seismic sound
Saw VCO1 > Triangle VCO1 > Square VCO1 > Sub VCO2 > Metalizer VCO1
PolyBrute’s sound begins with two analog VCOs sharing much of the same sonic architecture that has made the Brute family renowned.
Each oscillator generates sawtooth, triangle and square waves simultaneously, and you can mix between them to shape just the right signal source and timbre.
Dial in VCO 1’s Metalizer wavefolding to escalate from pure to punchy. Bring in VCO 2’s sub-oscillator to add an extra lower octave and some added rumble.
Dial in edgy FM effects by modulating VCO 1’s frequency with VCO 2, or subtly alter a continuous range of harmonics with soft or hard sync.
01
VCO Sync evolving
02
Metalizer evolving from minimum as a triangle waveform to the maximum Metalizer setting
Two filters
at your disposal
Tame the rawness of the Brute oscillators with not one, but two time-honoured filters.
1 VCF 1 Steiner
A 2-pole 12db/octave Steiner filter design with continuous sweepable slope types, as seen across the Brute range. The addition of the proprietary Brute Factor feedback control lets you add anything from subtle warmth to a electrified growl.
An arpeggio with a Steiner filter sweep on the Polybrute 12 Voices.
Simple saw with resonant steiner filter sweep. Lowpass, Highpass, then Bandpass.
2 VCF 1 Ladder
Inspired by Dr. Bob Moog’s legendary 4-pole 24db/octave ladder design. A low-pass classic, with added gain compensation and asymmetrical distortion to add upfront grit to your polyphonic patches.
An arpeggio with a Ladder filter sweep on the Polybrute 12 Voices.
A classic analog key sound using the resonant Ladder filter with different sweep modulations. (Cutoff and Filter Envelope)
Series
In series mode, you combine the strengths of both designs - forming a single unique filter exhibiting two different slopes.
Continuous
In addition to assigning each sound source discretely to the filter of your choice, you can also determine whether the filters run in series, parallel - or a delicious mix of both.
Parallel
In parallel mode, you can route the two different filters separately for discrete stereo synthesis, where the left and right channels can have different evolving sounds.
Modern
modulation sources
Modulation has always been essential in animating synth sounds.
PolyBrute weaves a web of envelopes and LFOs that’s intricate and unpredictable in equal measure - a dynamic display of sonic motion.
Three Envelope Generators
PolyBrute’s VCF and VCA have velocity-sensitive ADSR envelopes hardwired outside the Matrix for instant gratification. The third Envelope Generator features a delay stage (DADSR) and can be assigned to sculpt any Matrix modulation targets. Use the various repeat and loop modes to add complex movement to your patches.
Three LFOs
PolyBrute’s three syncable LFOs span an extremely wide range - facilitating anything from beautiful evolving soundscapes to clangorous audio-range modulation. Options for waveshaping, polarity and retriggering let you take your sound way outside the box. Experiment with Matrix routing and tempo/MIDI sync for hyper-rhythmic effects.
Enter
the matrix
The flexibility of modular patching combined with digital precision and analog richness makes for a transcendent polysynth experience.
32 target parameters, 64 connections in total. Rearrange PolyBrute’s signal chain with the touch of a single button. Dial in positive or negative amounts, intuitively assign one or more destinations via any relevant controls, instantly route PolyBrute’s array of performance controllers and advanced modulation sources to influence just about anything in the instrument’s chain - all without a convoluted array of wires.
But the Matrix doesn’t just take care of PolyBrute’s all-encompassing modulation routing - it’s the centrepiece of every aspect of its architecture. In Presets mode, use the Matrix to select any of the 768 patch memory locations. Morph mode accesses advanced morph state editing. Sequencer mode transforms the Matrix into an intuitive visual pattern editor.
Set your sound
in motion
Engage PolyBrute’s Sequencer & Arpeggiator to animate and automate your sound.
Trigger patterns from the keyboard or use the Hold mode to maintain a progression - freeing your hands to grab controllers, tweak parameters and/or play along.
32-Step Arpeggiator
An inspiring multi-mode arpeggiator that lets you spontaneously create ideas, randomize them, or freeze them into sequences to preserve the magic of the moment.
64-Step Polyphonic Sequencer
Use either real-time or step input to record up to 64 steps, each with 12-voice polyphony, and tap in everything from overdubs to accents to slides per step, complete with Matrix-powered editing and sequence management.
FullTouch® Arp Control
When you activate the arp in the FullTouch® envelope mode, the aftertouch will be converted into a velocity signal allowing you to control Filter & VCA modulations. Therefore, you can use the keyboard to control the color of your arp, as it evolves.
Matrix Arpeggiator
If standard arpeggiation isn’t your game, the Matrix Arpeggiator mode combines the best of PolyBrute’s Arpeggiator and Sequencer into yet another innovative creative resource. Map up to 6 held notes for each step and craft melodies and ostinatos intelligently and intuitively.
Motion Recorder
As if there aren’t enough ways to animate your PolyBrute patches, the Motion Recorder instantly captures the movement of almost any knob or controller which can be recorded one at a time. It then automatically plays that motion back with every triggered note.
Integrated
digital effects
PolyBrute incorporates built-in professional-grade digital effects into every patch, with parameters that can be modulated to no end.
These effects include algorithms from our critically acclaimed FX Collection. Choose between 3 types - Modulation, Delay, Reverb - and unlock all manner of immersive textures, from Chorus to BitCrusher, Karplus to BBD delay, Plate to Dreamy reverb.
PolyBrute’s effects are specially designed to take advantage of its complex stereo architecture - you even have the option of inserting them all inline before the output or configuring delay and reverb as a sidechain send.
Modulation
- Flanger
- Phaser 12p
- RingMod
- BitCrusher
- Soft Flanger
- Phase Flanger
- DownSampler
Distortions
- Subtle Tape
- Classic Distortion
- Soft Clip
- Worn Out Tape
- Germanium
- BitCrusher
- DownSample
Delay
- Stereo Delay
- Long Delay
- BBD PingPong
- Karplus
- Stereo Spread
- Parallel
- BBD Spread
Reverb
- Bright Plate
- Room
- Dreamy
- Spring
- Delayed Plate
EQ
- Presence
- Low Boost
- High Boost
- Hi-Fi Loudness
- Mud Remover
- Low Cut
- High Cut
Bi-timbral
morphing presets
The world’s top sound designers pushed PolyBrute 12 to its limit and gave us hundreds of awe-inspiring presets to explore - 480 to be precise
These stunning presets span a multitude of genres and musical timbres, designed by experts in every sonic field and enhanced to bring out the dynamic capabilities of PolyBrute’s expressive features. Each preset is composed of two distinct states, allowing you to morph between an infinite spectrum of sound.
PADS
The Opening
A very wide pad sound on layer A with a slight detune of the voices using the poly unison mode.
Before Creation
Layered and cinematic sound with two sounds playing at once. Aftertouch adds emphasis and sends the sound to a delay.
Mirrors
Atmospheric and airy patch with random filter movements.
BASSES
Digital Power
Nice plucked bass combining sync, FM and the triangle Metalizer, resulting in a very nice digital-like timbre.
808 Mafia
Classic to distorted 808 kick style. You can turn it into a short kick by decreasing VCA envelope decay and sustain.
Let It Roll
Rhythmic bass preset. LFO 3 is making the main movement.
LEADS
Tiqqun
Modern bass lead with a dominant harmonic in C and a low fifth.
Earthquake Lead
Fat unison Lead, could shake your studio if played loud on huge speakers.
Genk
Techno unison lead ready for the dancefloor. Aftertouch adds brightness.
KEYS
Fat Saw
Fat layered keys sound. Aftertouch modifies cutoff, Ribbon adds resonance.
Guky Reguh
Long keys using the mod envelope loop feature.
Fluttering Away
Soft dreamy keys turn into a loud bright bass or poly lead. The fluttering on Part A comes from the noise shaped LFO on the vibrato.
SFX
Rytmicon Organ
Chord sound with a delicate rhythm in the background. Full Touch brightens the sound and adds noise.
Abyss
This sound should be played on low octaves! Enjoy that abyssal 8Hz tone, or play higher for a more classic pad.
The Lost Still Chant
Voices and machinery resonate in an abandoned factory.
SEQUENCES
Hostile Desert
You are alone in a vast desert. Danger lurks all around.
EDM Seq
EDM supersaw sequence. Aftertouch opens the filter, while Part B adds a sub.
Tidal Split
A split sound using a long flowing sequence with a soft momentum on the left hand, allowing the right hand to solo.
Essential
I/O
PolyBrute 12 is equal parts standalone synth behemoth and studio family member - simple connectivity is key.
Play an entire set or compose an entire soundtrack from start to finish, with no other gear. Or, connect to your existing rig for a seamless musical experience.
A selection of MIDI, expression, audio, and sync connections at its rear make it a team player that can add polyphonic power to any setup. A home modular system, a touring keyboard rig, a studio staple - PolyBrute fits right in.
Designing
a flagship
PolyBrute is undoubtedly a beast - but there’s beauty in its design too.
Not only is its layout logical and intuitive, but its striking design combines the best of vintage synth heritage and cutting-edge modernity. Timeless angles, smooth surfaces, and a sleek overall feel make it stand out in any studio and on any stage. Its calculated & rugged metal frame and alluring old-school color scheme make for an irresistibly inviting aesthetic.
Wooden legs
Better still, PolyBrute’s chassis is fully compatible with our Wooden Legs companion. The Wooden legs offer a professional ergonomic solution, with a timeless beechwood construction, built for studio and stage that’s as reliable as it is stylish - enjoy an unhindered performing experience with class.
Discover Wooden LegsMain Features
Analog Morphing Synthesizer
- 12 voices of Polyphony
- Mono, Unison, Poly voicing
- Single, Split, Layer modes
61-keys with FullTouch® MPE Technology keyboard
Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Ribbon controllers
Morphée touch and pressure sensitive 3D controller
Osc and Noise Mixer with Filter routing
12dB/Oct Steiner Parker Filter
- Continuous LP>Notch>HP>BP morphing
- Cutoff, Resonance, Brute Factor
24dB/Oct Ladder Filter with Distortion
Three Envelopes
- Looping capability
- Two ADSR
- One DADSR
Three stereo digital effects
- Modulation FX : Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulation
- Delay : 9 algorithms including BBD, Digital delay
- Reverb : 9 algorithms including Hall, Plate, Spring, Shimmer
- Distortions : Subtle Tape, Classic Distortion, Soft Clip, Worn Out Tape, Germanium, BitCrusher, DownSampler
Arpeggiator, Matrix Arpeggiator, Sequencer
Stereo audio output
2 expression and 1 sustain pedal inputs
Two Analog VCO's
- Saw
- Triangle + Metalizer
- Square + Pulse Width
- Sub
- Linear FM
- Hard Sync
Noise Generator
- Continuous tone from rumble noise to white noise
Three LFOs
- LFO1 and LFO2 with waveform selection
- LFO3 with waveform shaping using Shape and Symmetry
- Rate control & Tempo Sync
- Various retrig options
480 presets and 768 preset slots
12x32 Modulation Matrix
- Notes, Accent, Slide per step
- 3 tracks of automation
MIDI and USB i/o + analog clock i/o
Platform specifications
Windows
- Win 10+ (64bit)
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
- ARM processors not supported on Windows
Required configuration
- Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit.
Apple
- Mac OS 11+
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Work with ASC
- An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.
What’s in the box
Box content
- PolyBrute 12 Unit
- Power Cord
- User Manual
- Registration Card
Instrument dimensions
- Size : 38.3 x 17.1 x 6.1 inches (972 x 435 x 156mm)
- Weight : 50.7lbs (23kg)