Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Polyend Seq. We at Polyend have invested a lot of
our attention, time, and hearts in crafting this instrument in order to make the
experience as creative and enjoyable as possible for you. We must admit that it’s
a rewarding process that gives us a lot of pleasure too. It is our hope that this is
immediately noticeable for the users of our products, and something that you’ll
be able to feel as soon as your new Seq unit is running. We did our best to bring
you a refreshing approach to classic MIDI sequencing in this a state-of-the-art
and modern instrument. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making
it. Have fun!
The Polyend Seq is a polyphonic MIDI step sequencer designed for spontaneous
performance and instant creativity. It was made to be as simple and fun as
possible for its users. Most functions are available instantly from the main front
panel. There are no hidden menus, and all functions on the bright and sharp TFT
screen and are immediately accessible. Seq’s elegant and minimal design is
meant to be welcoming, easy to use, and put all of it’s creative potential right at
your fingertips.
Touch-screens have become ubiquitous in modern times but they often leave
much to be desired. We have strived to make our fully tactile interface easy to
operate while using both hardware and software based setups. Our goal was to
make a dedicated music instrument rather than a general-purpose composition
computer. We’ve created this tool to allow you to get lost in it while still
maintaining overall control at the same time. After you spend some time with
this instrument, you should be able to use it with your eyes closed (or even when
you’re drunk). You will still be able to find your way around. Ok, let us introduce
you to your new sequencer, the Seq!
Sit down, relax, take a deep breath, and smile. Open the box carefully and
examine your unit thoroughly. What you see is what you get! The Seq is a classic
desktop unit. It’s glass-sanded anodized aluminum front panel, knobs, bottom
plates, and handcrafted oak wooden case make Seq rock solid. These materials
are of timeless quality and allowed us to avoid the need for any flashy details,
leaving only elegance and simplicity.
The buttons are made of silicone with specially matched density and firmness.
Their rounded shape, size, and arrangement were chosen carefully to provide an
instant and explicit response. It may take up more room on your desk than
a laptop or tablet, but the way its intuitive interface is designed will reward you.
This probably isn’t the first sequencer or musical device you’ve been using, so
you’ll be able to start fooling around with it in no time! If for any reason you’re
not feeling confident, let us give you some insight on what you’ll be laying your
hands on. Use the provided power adapter or USB cable to turn the Seq on. Start
by simply connecting Seq to your instruments, computer, tablet, modular
system, mobile apps, etc. using one of its inputs and outputs located on the back
panel and get started.
The back panel
The Seq is equipped with a wide array of inputs and outputs. This allows you
to communicate with a wide variety of devices. Seq also lets you feed tracks
with MIDI notes using your other favorite MIDI controllers. While looking at
the back panel, from left to right, you will find:
•
A
Foot-switch
pedal socket for 6.35mm (1/4” jack) which operates as
follows:
•
Single press: Starts and stops playback.
•
Double press: Starts recording .
•
Two independent standard MIDI DIN 5 output female connector sockets,
named
MIDI OUT 1
&
MIDI OUT 2
.
•
One standard MIDI DIN 5 thru female connector socket named
MIDI Thru
.
•
One standard MIDI DIN 5 input female connector socket named MIDI In
which can either sync clock and input MIDI notes and velocity.
•
One
USB
type B socket port for bidirectional MIDI communication for
hardware hosts like computers, tablets, various USB to MIDI converters or
for example our Polyend Poly MIDI to CV Converter which also can host Seq
into the Eurorack modular systems.
•
Hidden firmware update button, which functions in use is explained in
a section named
Firmware update procedure below
.
•
The 5V DC power connector socket.
•
And last but not least, the power switch with on and off positions,
necessary to power up and power down the Seq.
