Unveiling Innovations at This Year’s NAMM Trade Show
The annual NAMM trade show is once again in full swing, showcasing a plethora of exciting new musical products. Among the standout items is Polyend’s latest offering: a revolutionary device that merges the capabilities of a traditional guitar pedal with those of a drum machine.
The Polyend Step: A Game Changer for Musicians
Introducing the Polyend Step, described as a “comprehensive and programmable drum machine encased in stompbox form.” This groundbreaking instrument serves as an exceptional companion for guitarists and musicians playing various instruments. It stands out not only as an invaluable practice aid but also as an effective tool for solo artists seeking to perform as one-person bands.
Advanced Features Outshine Traditional Drum Stompboxes
While drum stompboxes have been around for quite some time, the Step elevates the experience to new heights. It boasts access to over 200 diverse drum kits paired with 350 preset rhythm patterns. These rhythms are structured into 16 steps but can be combined innovatively to create complete songs. In fact, users can save in excess of 1,000 distinct compositions on this device.
Create Unique Beats with Each Session
The onboard step sequencer empowers users to craft original drum patterns from scratch across four tracks. Each track offers various customizable options such as swing control, tempo adjustments, step probability tweaks, and velocity modulation among others. There are more than 50 effects available within this system; each song can include up to 16 effects simultaneously. Musicians will find numerous delays and reverb options that can be triggered seamlessly using footswitches during performances.
Seamless Connectivity Options
The connectivity features on the Step are impressively comprehensive—offering MIDI I/O for synchronization purposes alongside standard guitar jacks and stereo input/output options. There’s also a microSD card slot for expanded memory use—a thoughtful addition for expanding musicality without limits.
A Valuable Addition To Your Gear Collection
This innovative pedal is currently retailing at $500—a worthy investment considering its extensive capabilities and features designed specifically with musicians in mind. Polyend has built their reputation on high-quality sequencing tools like the acclaimed Polyend Tracker series—the Tracker Mini included—making them pioneers within this niche market.