The Polyend/Dreadbox Medusa represents a unique collaboration that merges Polyend's digital technology expertise with Dreadbox's renowned analogue synthesis capabilities. This compact tabletop device functions as a hybrid synthesizer, step sequencer, and MIDI controller all in one innovative package.

At its core, the Medusa features a powerful hybrid synthesis engine combining six oscillators (three analogue, three digital) with a distinctive Dreadbox analogue filter. The instrument offers three distinct voice modes, including a "paraphonic plus" mode capable of six-note chords, making it versatile for everything from monophonic bass lines to complex harmonic textures.

The device centers around an 8x8 pad matrix that serves dual purposes: as a performance surface for playing notes with expressive control (X/Y position and pressure sensitivity), and as a grid for storing and triggering complete parameter sets. This Grid mode is perhaps the Medusa's most innovative feature, allowing users to store up to 64 different parameter combinations per patch, essentially creating 64 variations of a sound that can be triggered instantly.

The built-in step sequencer supports up to 64 steps and can record both notes and parameter modifications (called Patch Modifying data), similar to Elektron's Parameter Locks concept. This allows for highly dynamic sequences where each step can have its own unique sonic character.

As a controller, the Medusa supports MPE (polyphonic expression) and can function with DAWs or other synthesizers. The pads transmit velocity, pitch bend (X-axis), mod wheel data (Y-axis), and aftertouch (Z-axis/pressure), making it a capable performance instrument despite its compact 227 x 170mm footprint.

The synthesis engine offers extensive modulation capabilities with five LFOs and five envelopes, all capable of targeting various parameters throughout the system. Digital oscillators feature 20 wavetables with 30 waveforms each, while analogue oscillators provide classic waveforms with sync, PWM, and FM capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Synthesis Engine

Oscillators

• Total Oscillators: 6 (3 analogue + 3 digital)
• Analogue Oscillators:
  • 4 standard waveforms (sawtooth, square, triangle, sine)
  • 3 octave shifting options
  • Additional octave range via Tune knob
  • Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for square waves
  • Hard sync (oscillators 2 & 3 can sync to oscillator 1)
  • Exponential FM (oscillator 3 modulates 1 & 2 and filter cutoff)
• Digital Oscillators:
  • 4 standard waveforms (sawtooth, square, triangle, sine)
  • 20 wavetables with 30 waveforms each
  • Independent wavetable position control per oscillator
  • Graphical waveform display on OLED

Additional Sound Sources

• Noise Generator: Built-in filter morphs from brown to violet noise
• Audio Input: External signal processing through analogue filter (no onboard attenuation)

Filter (Analogue - Dreadbox)

• Types:
  • Low-pass 12dB/octave
  • Low-pass 24dB/octave
  • High-pass 6dB/octave
• Features: Resonance, keyboard tracking
• Character: Warm squelch and fuzziness, resonant peak at extreme settings

Voice Architecture

• Voice Modes: 3 modes
  • Mono: All 6 oscillators stacked
  • P1: 3-voice paraphony (digital + analogue oscillator pairs)
  • P2: 6 separate voices with individual amplitude envelopes
• Voice Priority: Configurable (including round-robin "Next" mode)
• Maximum Polyphony: 6 notes (paraphonic)

Modulation System

• LFOs: 5 total
  • Rate range: 0.01Hz to 30Hz
  • Tempo sync with note values (1/64 to 6 beats)
  • Morphable waveforms (sine through sawtooth via square and triangle)
  • Rate display in Hz
• Envelopes: 5 total
  • Initial delay stage
  • Loop function (during note-on only)
• Modulation Routing: Single source to single destination
• Targets: Most panel controls plus LFO rates, waveforms, and amounts

Effects & Processing

• Glide: Available in Play Mode section
• Parameter Randomization: Random button for synth and grid parameters

Sequencer

Basic Specifications

• Steps: 1-64 steps per pattern
• Resolution: Fixed 16th-note resolution
• Patterns: One sequence per patch (no chaining or song mode)
• Directions: Forward, Backward, Pingpong, Random
• Tempo: Menu-adjustable with swing
• Recording Modes:
  • Notes mode (notes and chords only, maximum velocity)
  • Grid mode (notes plus Parameter Modifying data)

Grid Mode Features

• Parameter Storage: Up to 64 parameter modification sets per patch
• Visual Feedback: Variable brightness indicates data type
  • No data: Dim
  • Note data: Medium
  • PM data: Different brightness
  • Note + PM data: Brightest
• Parameter Recording: Real-time or step-by-step parameter capture

Performance Features

Pad Functionality

• Modes: Notes mode and Grid mode
• Expression Data:
  • X-axis: Pitch bend (side-to-side movement)
  • Y-axis: Mod wheel (up-and-down movement)
  • Z-axis: Channel aftertouch (pressure)
  • Velocity: Added in recent firmware update
• Touch Sensitivity: Small pads require precise touch, occasional missed hits with light touch

Scales & Layouts

• Scales: 40 scales and modes including exotic options (Marva, Hirajoshi, Iwato, Yo, Enigmatic)
• Layouts: 8 numbered layouts plus Guitar layout (fretboard-style)
• Root Note: User-selectable
• Visual Feedback: Root notes indicated by lit squares

Performance Controls

• Hold Button: Sustains last triggered note or chord
• Transpose: Hold + pad during playback
• Mode Switching: Real-time switching between Notes and Grid modes

Memory & Storage

• Patches: 128 total (64 in Bank A, 64 in Bank B)
• Patch Content: Synth parameters, sequence data, and grid data
• Patch Naming: Not supported (numerical selection only)
• Calibration: Manual calibration required for analogue oscillator drift

Control Interface

• Pads: 8x8 silicone pad matrix (64 pads total)
• Displays: Two compact OLED screens
• Controls: Multiple knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Control Feel: Knobs have slight wobble, round white buttons lack responsiveness

Connectivity

Audio Connections (all 1/4" jacks)

• Audio Output: Single mono output
• Audio Input: For external signal processing
• Headphone Output: Dedicated headphone jack

MIDI Connections

• 5-pin MIDI: In, Out, Thru
• USB MIDI: Bidirectional MIDI plus firmware updates
• MIDI Channels: User-assignable
• MPE Support: Yes (polyphonic expression)
• Multitimbral: Limited 6-oscillator independent addressing via fixed MIDI channels
• Program Change: Not supported
• Standard MIDI Issues: CC7 (volume) reassigned to oscillator 1 tuning

Computer Integration

• Firmware Updates: Via USB
• Patch Management: MedusaTool application (Mac/Windows compatibility issues noted)
• SysEx: No standard SysEx patch dump/restore capability

Software & Firmware

• Updates: Regular firmware updates adding features
• Configuration Options:
  • Panel control behavior (instant vs. value-pass-through)
  • MIDI routing (5-pin vs. USB)
  • Voice priority settings
  • Performance parameter assignments

Controller Functionality

• DAW Integration: General MIDI controller duties
• Expression Transmission: X/Y/Z data plus velocity
• MPE Compatibility: Full polyphonic expression support
• External Synth Control: Can control other synthesizers

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 227 x 170mm (compact tabletop format)
• Construction: Low-profile metal enclosure, black and white aesthetic
• Weight: Not specified
• Power: External 15V adapter

Limitations & Considerations

• No Master Tune: Master tuning adjustment not available
• Basic Sequencer: Limited resolution and menu-dependent operation
• Small Pads: Challenging for precise performance
• Shared Controls: Less immediate access than dedicated controls
• No Color Coding: Monochrome pad feedback limits visual information
• MIDI Implementation: Incomplete standard MIDI support
• No Patch Names: Numerical identification only