Polyend Poly 2 User manual

Made in Poland
polyend.com
Polyend Poly 2
MIDI to CV Converter

MIDI to CV Converter
Polyend Poly 2
Gate 1-4
MIDI
In
MIDI
Out Host USB
Pitch 1-4
CV 1-4
CV 5-8
CV 9-12
The new version is an excellent entry-level module, and at the same time a real
Swiss army knife. It was made to change the way you interact with your
sequencers, controllers, DAWs, and other MIDI gear. This powerful module
features both MIDI input and output, USB type-A host, and USB type-B inputs
combined with a vast number of configurable CV outputs. By using the Smart
Thru option, you can daisy-chain multiple Poly 2 modules together for even
more voices and outputs.
Inputs and outputs
Introduction
Poly 2 module is a polyphonic MIDI to CV converter with MPE (Multidimen-
sional Polyphonic Expression) support. It's the second version of the legacy
Poly. We have revised it thanks to smart user requests. We have also managed to
make it smaller. The new dimensions are 14HP wide, 24mm deep. Poly 2 is still
intended to be as simple to use as possible. Now equipped with an OLED screen,
paired with a clickable encoder, Poly 2 allows you to change its settings easily
and configure it exactly as you want. It also offers you a way to save and recall
your setting for different usage scenarios.
Poly 2 offers 20 configurable outputs of which 8 are factory calibrated - Pitch1-4
and CV5-8. Their accuracy in the majority of range (excluding the extreme high
and low values) is ranging from 2.5mV to 5mV. The used DAC (digital to
analogue converter) is a 12bit type. That's why the pitch-bend is mapped from
14bit to 12bit. The remaining outputs are not calibrated, but still, their accuracy
is around 20mV.
In terms of outputs, Poly 2 is offering some smart features as well. Its all three
inputs can be used simultaneously at the same time. In a case where three
identical MIDI messages are sent from three independent sources (MIDI
Input/Host/USB), the first one to reach the Poly has the priority.
Voices
Poly 2 can handle up to 8 voices, which are CV Gate and Pitch pairs. If the
number of total voices is higher than 4, then CV1 becomes the 5th Gate and CV5
becomes the 5th Pitch. Analogically CV2 is Gate 6th, CV6 is Pitch 6th, etc.
To choose the number of voices, click the encoder, go to Voices and set the
desired value.

The number of occupied voices determines the remaining configurable outputs.
The system allows you to configure only the non-occupied outputs. For
example, if voices are set to 7, then configurable CVs are CV4, CV8 and CVs from
9-12.
Play modes
Poly 2 can work in four different play modes: First, Next, Channel and Notes.
In the First mode, you can send MIDI values to one or more of outputs. Let's use
a keyboard controller as an example. The first key pressed (the first note sent)
occupies the voice number one. While the first key remains held, the second key
pressed activates the first available voice.
The Next mode works as voices do in most polyphonic synthesisers. When
MIDI note is sent, then the system looks for next non-occupied voice and
triggers it. Each MIDI Note on and off message scrolls through all available
voices.
The Channel mode translates the data received from MIDI Channels 1-16 and
directs them into the corresponding voices. This mode is what the majority of
users utilise to connect DAWs or external sequencers.
If Channel mode is selected, you'll see "Channels" displayed in the menu. In this
setting, you can indicate which voice is triggered with which MIDI Channel.
By default, the number of voice is equal to the number of MIDI Channel.
In the Notes Mode, Poly 2 translates data received from MIDI Notes C through
G and directs them into the corresponding voices (no matter the octave).
This scenario works excellent for triggering drums from drum pads or drum
triggers. When Notes mode is selected, you'll see "Notes" occur in the menu.
In this setting, you can indicate which voice is triggered with which MIDI note.
By the default the first voice is set to C, voice two is C#, voice three is D, voice
four is D# etc.
Custom CVs
Dependently from the number of selected voices, there are several configurable
CVs at your disposal. To set them, go to "Custom CVs" menu and pick the desired
output:
Velocity
MIDI Velocity is related to MIDI Note ON message. Here you can set which voice
is related to the selected Gate output.
CC
There are two options: MIDI Channel or CC number.
• Channel – allows setting which MIDI Channel translates all of the CC
messages. There are several sub-settings:
• Specific – CC messages are transmitted only from the chosen MIDI
Channel,
• All – transmits all CC messages from all MIDI Channels,
• Voice – translates all CCs but only for the chosen voice.
• CC number - allows you to specify CC number from which the values are
transmitted.
Note: Set CC to Voice when you want to use Poly 2 with MPE compatible devices.

• Root note – sets the scale root note.
Config
Middle C
Ranges from C3 to C6 and allows you to choose the middle C note convention.
If Poly 2 is converting the incoming MIDI Notes to a different octave than the
ones received, this means that the transmitting device has a different middle C
convention setting. Here you can align the octaves.
Clock
This setting allows you to translate the incoming MIDI Clock signal to the
chosen output.
Note: You can set the value of voltage being sent when MIDI Clock is received
(0-5V or 0-10V) in Config Menu > Gate > Voltage.
• Multiplier – the standard MIDI message send 24PPQN (Pulses per quarter
note). In Eurorack world most module's clock operates on 4PPQN.
The value of Multiply can change the clock conversion rate.
Start/Stop
Sets the chosen output to convert the MIDI Transport values into Gates.
Note: You can set the value of voltage being sent when MIDI Transport message
is received (0-5V or 0-10V) in Config Menu > Gate > Voltage.
Off
It's sometimes useful to turn off the out-coming signal.
Scale
Thanks to the implemented scales filter, Poly 2 outputs only the notes that are
within the scale. If the note is not in the scale, the system looks for the closest
note that fits. It might be helpful to achieve musical results without a degree in
Music Theory.
There are two settings:
• Type – a selection of 39 scales filters. You can find the list of the musical
scales in the appendix.
Load/Save profile
Store and recall all your user settings made for different setups and different
scenarios.
Note: Besides the ability to save and load the parameters, Poly 2 autosaves the
current configuration and recalls it when the module is toggled on.
Note: An excellent example of different Middle C conventions are programs like
Apple Logic and Ableton Live (MIDI Note C2 is not the same value as C2 in Ableton
Live).
Gate
• Voltage – changes the values of the transmitted volts for the Gate, Clock
and Start/Stop parameter.
• Reverse – changes the phase of the Gate outputs voltage.
Pitch
Sets one of the three pitch conventions: V/Oct, Hz/V, Buchla standard
(1.2V/Oct).
MIDI output
• Smart thru – allows you to daisy-chain multiple Poly 2 units to expand the
number of voices and outputs. It passes thru all the information that is not
utilised by the unit within the current setting to the MIDI output.
• Thru – passes all the incoming information to the MIDI output.
Pitch-bend
• Auto – if the transmitting instrument is sending out information about its
MIDI Pitch Bend setting, then the Poly 2 set to Auto automatically adjusts.
• Off – Poly 2 bypasses all the transmitted pitch bend related information.
• +/- 1-6 Oct – if the source instrument isn't sending the Pitch Bend
information by itself, you can set it manually in a range of 6 octaves up and
down.
CC/CV Smoothing
Depending on the setting (Off, Low, Mid, High) all your CV outputs that are
converted from CC messages can be smoothed out.
Gate view
Displays the outgoing triggered voices – beneficial to monitor that messages

Panic!
Sometimes MIDI information can get stuck, use the Panic! Function to release
all the voices and reset the MIDI information status.
Exemplary scenarios and recipes
Use DAW or hardware step sequencer to operate your modules
Connect your computer/sequencer with a USB cable or MIDI cable using MIDI
interface. Set Play mode to Channel. Now set your sequencer, so each track
sends different MIDI Channel. There you have it, you've just made you Eurorack
groovebox.
Use acoustic drums to trigger your modules
Connect drum triggers to your kit. Connect the kit to Poly 2 with USB or MIDI
cable. Set Play mode to Notes. Set custom CVs to Velocity. Now connect the
module outputs with your Eurorack drum (or non-drum) modules.
Make polyphonic synth with your modular setup
Connect your MIDI keyboard to Poly 2 with MIDI our USB cable. Set Play mode
to Next. Set Custom CVs to Velocity and CC (CC number set to 1 will transmit the
information from Modulation Wheel of your controller).
Play expressively using MPE device with your modules
Among many others, there is an iPhone/iPad app that suits perfectly to the Poly
2. It's called Ribn. Once you have the app downloaded, connect your smart-
phone/tablet to the module using a USB cable (in some cases the Camera
Connection Kit is needed). Then set the Play mode to Channel and Custom CVs
to CC number. In the app set the Channels and CC numbers adequately to Poly 2
settings. The app records and recalls up to 8 values motion that Poly 2 will
convert to the voltages. Great way to liven up your setup.
Control your envelopes and LFOs with your smartphone
Connect your MIDI MPE device to Poly 2 with MIDI or USB cable. Set Play mode
to Next. Set Custom CVs to Velocity and CC (CC number set to 74 will transmit
the information from "the third dimension" of your controller). Set CC to
Channel>Voice.
• 1-4 Gate (0-5V or 0-10V),
Inputs
• MIDI minijack,
• USB type-A Host (+5V),
• USB type-B.
Outputs
Firmware update procedure
+5V is not required unless using the USB type-A host port for connecting power
hungry external gear. In such case, there's a jumper switch on the back panel
which sets the module to receive an additional +5V from your power supply.
The module is using 160mA at +12VDC, 14mA at -12VDC.
Power consumption
• MIDI minijack.
• CV 1-12 (V depending on the setting),
• 1-4 Pitch (0-10V, V/oct, Hz/V, Buchla standard),
To flash the unit with a firmware update, visit the polyend.com website and look
for the right software tool, and proceed with the given instructions.
Important note
When scrolling the menu items, some MIDI information can be lost.
For 100% accuracy while playing, please keep Poly 2 in home screen
(leave the menu).

MIDI and connect the module with MIDI cable.
Kit with a USB cable or use simple MIDI Interface like IK Multimedia iRig
using a USB cable.
Can Poly 2 power my device via host?
There are several options:
Polyend warrants this product, to the original owner, to be free of defects in
materials or construction for one year from the date of purchase. Proof of
purchase is necessary when a warranty claim is made. Malfunctions resulting
from improper power supply voltages, backwards or faulty cable connection,
abuse of the product or any other causes determined by Polyend to be the fault
of the user are not covered by this warranty (normal services rates will be
applied). All defective products will be replaced or repaired at the discretion of
Polyend. Products must be returned directly to Polyend with the customer
paying the shipping cost. Polyend implies and accepts no responsibility for
harm to a person or apparatus through the operation of this product. Please
contact [email protected] for return to manufacturer authorisation, or any
other technical questions/concerns.
Limited warranty
1. Devices with USB host support (Android/iPad Pro) – connect it directly
2. Devices with no USB host support (iPhone) - use the Camera Connection
How can I connect my smartphone to the Poly 2?
FAQ
Yes, it can. If the device is power hungry, you need to switch the jumper on the
back of the unit to EXT. Then Poly 2 draws +5V from your Eurorack power
supply.
Appendix Musical scales chart:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
Chromatic
Minor
Major
Dorian
Lydian
Lydian Minor
Locrian
Phrygian
Phrygian Dominant
Mixolydian
Melodic Minor
Harmonic Minor
BeBop Major
BeBop Dorian
BeBop Mixolydian
Blues Minor
Blues Major
Pentatonic Minor
Pentatonic Major
Hungarian Minor
Ukrainian
Marva
Todi
Whole Tone
Diminished
Super Locrian
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
Hirajoshi
In Sen
Yo
Iwato
Whole Half
Kumoi
Overtone
Double Harmonic
Indian
Gypsy
Neapolitan
Neapolitan Minor
Enigmatic