ARTURIA

en

PolyBrute 12

The art of expression

If you thought you knew what a polysynth was capable of - think again. If you thought you knew what the interplay between human touch and analog synthesis could sound like - think again.

PolyBrute 12 takes in-the-moment sonic expression to a whole new level, with a groundbreaking FullTouch® keyboard that brings you into direct and tactile connection with your sound like never before.

A machine as sensitive as it is powerful, embodying a dynamic and expressive sound on par with acoustic instruments.

The next-generation keyboard; the 12-voice architecture; the modulation matrix; the Morphée pad; the ribbon control; the bi-timbral morphing presets - PolyBrute 12 unites them all so you can discover truly breathtaking composition textures.

The future
of analog synthesis

Experience unprecedented tactile control while you play

Conduct an ensemble of parameters with every keystroke, feel the Brute force of PolyBrute’s analog VCO’s, weave a web of envelopes and LFO’s with the modulation matrix - discover a colossal, rich, luminous and infinitely mutable sound that will define a new era of expressive analog synthesis.

FullTouch® MPE keyboard

PolyBrute 12’s FullTouch® keyboard enables polyphonic aftertouch expression across the entire key movement range, inviting incredibly dynamic composition unmatched by any other synth. Choose between regular synth action aftertouch modes and FullTouch® modes for a cascade of modulation at your fingertips.

Limitless sound design

The 12-voice architecture of PolyBrute 12 combined with its analog oscillators, filters, advanced matrix and integrated FX allow for an infinite spectrum of sonic color to be explored. Choose between 480 dynamic presets or advanced end-to-end sound design and discover PolyBrute’s seismic sound.

Morphing & multi-axis control

Morph seamlessly between two states in a single preset and discover PolyBrute’s innovative Morphée controller which allows you to transition between 3 destination parameters. Combined with PolyBrute’s keyboard, discover truly limitless in-the-moment modulation while you play.

Seamless DAW integration

PolyBrute Connect provides a coherent bridge between PolyBrute and your virtual studio projects. Manage your patches and easily import new presets and sound banks. Control PolyBrute in real-time with every parameter change mirrored between synth and software.

Sound
Corner

Feather Wings

Arovane

"Feather Wings" is a dark ambient cinematic track using seven sounds from the Polybrute 12.

Fluttering Away

Jean-Michel Blanchet

"Fluttering_Away" is a downtempo ambient track. All sounds come from the Polybrute 12 except the rim shot percussion. All the expressivity controllers available in the machine (Full Touch modes, Morphee, Ribbon controller) were used for this track.

Fortress of_Feelings

Victor Morello

Fortress of Feelings is a dark cinematic track. All the sounds come from the Polybrute 12 exept the drums and percussions.

Funk Trip

Maxime Desormieres

All in all, 22 presets are used during this demo while playing the poly aftertouch modes, Morphee & Ribbon controller, showing you the true potential of this synthesizer.

Lone Walker

Kuba Sojka

Lone_Walker is a dark psy goa trance track. All the sounds come from the Polybrute 12.

Epic Journey

Michael Geyre

"Epic Journey" is an epic cinematic ambient track. All sounds come from the Polybrute 12.

The most expressive
synthesizer ever

Discover an immense and animate sound that will send shivers up your spine.

At Arturia we believe that technology can enhance the connection between humans and sound. By engineering a machine to be as sensitive as it is powerful, where every subtle nuance and detail of performance is captured - the inner creative voice can be heard with more resolution than ever before.

FullTouch®

A patented keybed architecture that has been years in the making: FullTouch® describes the keyboards’ dynamic aftertouch responsiveness - able to capture the precise position and acceleration of each key across the entire movement range.

With three new aftertouch modes, PolyBrute 12 invites a playing style that evolves and breathes; allowing composers, artists and synthesists alike to express their inner creative voice with unparalleled delicacy and detail - for a sound that can go from incredibly subtle to infinitely expansive in one motion.

12-Voice Polyphony

Create complex and lush harmonic structures, huge unison effects, dynamic sonic layering and split keyboard performances with PolyBrute 12’s expanded voice architecture. Use each hand and finger to command a unique aftertouch input per key for never-before-heard composition textures.

Morphée controller

It does more than just put morphing at your fingertips; you can discreetly map the X and Y touch axes plus the Z pressure axis to bring a new form of control to any destination parameters available in the Mod Matrix. You can even use the Morphée to randomize your sequences or arpeggios with spice, dice, and ratcheting!

The ribbon controller

We’ve resurrected the coveted ribbon controller, once a staple on classic hardware synthesizers. Positioned immediately above the keybed, you can assign it to your chosen modulation destination and glide effortlessly up and down to alter your sound.

Unrivaled
sonic palette

PolyBrute 12’s voices, signature Brute oscillators, dual analog filters and modulation matrix allow for more sonic possibilities than any other synth - from luminous pads to synth-string plucks.

The Oscillators

It all begins with two powerful Brute analog VCOs that generate sawtooth, triangle, and square waves simultaneously. Add edge with the Metalizer and low-end depth with sub-oscillator, as well as having cross-mod & sync controls right at your fingertips.

The Steiner & Ladder Filters

Add color and shape with two classic filter designs, configurable in series, parallel, or continuously variable. The first, a Steiner 12db/octave filter with continuous slope type, enhanced with signature Brute Factor feedback; the second, the legendary 24db/octave Ladder filter for that essential low-pass smoothness, supercharged with biting distortion.

Modulation
matrix & more

Create your own unique web of modulators and dive deeper into your sound design than ever before; the Matrix is where PolyBrute 12’s analog reactivity and digital precision collide.

_1 Presets

Instant access to 480 presets and hundreds of preset slots, including exclusive patches from the greatest sound designers in the world.

_2 Sequencer

A tactile visual interface with everything you need to create dynamic polyphonic sequences, arpeggios, parameter motion recording and more.

_3 Mods

A 96-point digital patchbay with up to 32 destinations - easily route any of your modulation sources and controllers to influence dozens of PolyBrute 12’s parameters at once.

_4 Morph

Adjust the modulation sources and destinations for the A and B states within each preset to deepen your morphing contrast and color.

1

2

3

4

A closer
look

Explore PolyBrute 12’s interface in detail, including its unique voice controls, its advanced Modulation Matrix, and its array of evolved expression tools.

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

VCF 1 (Steiner Filter)

Classic 12db/octave multimode filter updated to be continuously variable between lowpass, highpass, bandpass and notch modes. Crank up the Brute Factor feedback control to add bark and bite as desired.

2

VCF 2 (Ladder Filter)

Legendary 24db/octave lowpass filter inspired by Dr. Bob Moog. Embellishments include distortion overdrive and high-resonance gain compensation.

3

Mixer

Balances the levels of all three sound sources and determines the routing of each through one or both filters.

4

Master Cutoff Control

Big macro control knob for simultaneous control over the cutoff frequencies for both filters. Run PolyBrute 12's two filters in series to create unique filter characteristics, or in parallel for stereo synthesis with different sounds per channel. You can even craft a mix of both modes for yet another signature sound!

5

Filter FM

Dedicated easy-access amount controls for instant hardwired filter modulation. VCF 1 (Steiner) is modulated by VCO 2, and VCF 2 (Ladder) is modulated by the Noise generator.

6

3 Envelope Generators

Dedicated velocity-sensitive ADSR Envelope Generators for VCF and VCA - no Matrix assignment required. The freely assignable third EG complete with added delay stage is ready to shape whatever sonic parameter you want in the Matrix.

7

Keyboard

61-note MPE polyphonic keyboard that tracks position, pressure, and touch of every key. Up to 12-voice polyphony with split, layer and unison capabilities.

8

Multifunction Matrix

• Presets mode: Easily save and recall 768 memory locations - even more with the PolyBrute Connect software. PolyBrute 12 comes with 480 professionally designed patches to inspire you right out of the box. • Mods mode: Route any of PolyBrute 12's modulation sources to one or more destinations - almost any knob or fader - with positive or negative amounts set via the large encoder knob. With up to 32 modulation destinations and 64 total connections, what new sounds will you discover? • Sequencer mode: The Matrix is the perfect medium to visualize creating and editing polyphonic sequences. Button color intuitively represents step status including notes, ties, mutes and other nuances.

9

Ribbon Controller

Touch-sensitive strip immediately above the keyboard ready for you to slip, slide and tap to control pitch, volume or any Matrix destination you want to assign. This rare controller is positioned in such a way that you can even incorporate it in your keyboard fingering!

10

Output Section

Determines stereo placement of voices, overall fine tuning, headphone volume, master volume and more.

11

Digital Effects

This built-in array of high-quality stereo digital effects - chorus, phaser, flanger, delays, reverbs and more can also be modulated via the Matrix to become an integral part of your synth patch designs.

12

Motion Recorder

Simple means to instantly record your real-time performance of a single synth control, then play it back with every subsequent note trigger. Great for easily creating custom envelope curves for most PolyBrute parameters.

13

Sequencer/Arpeggiator

• Sequencer mode: Craft polyphonic sequences of up to 64 steps, including velocity, accents, slides and randomization. Three parallel modulation tracks can automate timbre changes along with triggered notes or serve alone as exotic envelopes. • Arpeggiator mode: Steps through your held notes in a variety of musically useful orders, optionally repeated in higher octaves. Matrix Arpeggiator mode: Advanced sequencer/arpeggiator hybrid that lets you construct a 16-step framework to generate complex arpeggios. This opens up a whole new realm of assisted performance.

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

VCF 1 (Steiner Filter)

Classic 12db/octave multimode filter updated to be continuously variable between lowpass, highpass, bandpass and notch modes. Crank up the Brute Factor feedback control to add bark and bite as desired.

2

VCF 2 (Ladder Filter)

Legendary 24db/octave lowpass filter inspired by Dr. Bob Moog. Embellishments include distortion overdrive and high-resonance gain compensation.

3

Mixer

Balances the levels of all three sound sources and determines the routing of each through one or both filters.

4

Master Cutoff Control

Big macro control knob for simultaneous control over the cutoff frequencies for both filters. Run PolyBrute 12's two filters in series to create unique filter characteristics, or in parallel for stereo synthesis with different sounds per channel. You can even craft a mix of both modes for yet another signature sound!

5

Filter FM

Dedicated easy-access amount controls for instant hardwired filter modulation. VCF 1 (Steiner) is modulated by VCO 2, and VCF 2 (Ladder) is modulated by the Noise generator.

6

3 Envelope Generators

Dedicated velocity-sensitive ADSR Envelope Generators for VCF and VCA - no Matrix assignment required. The freely assignable third EG complete with added delay stage is ready to shape whatever sonic parameter you want in the Matrix.

7

Keyboard

61-note MPE polyphonic keyboard that tracks position, pressure, and touch of every key. Up to 12-voice polyphony with split, layer and unison capabilities.

8

Multifunction Matrix

• Presets mode: Easily save and recall 768 memory locations - even more with the PolyBrute Connect software. PolyBrute 12 comes with 480 professionally designed patches to inspire you right out of the box. • Mods mode: Route any of PolyBrute 12's modulation sources to one or more destinations - almost any knob or fader - with positive or negative amounts set via the large encoder knob. With up to 32 modulation destinations and 64 total connections, what new sounds will you discover? • Sequencer mode: The Matrix is the perfect medium to visualize creating and editing polyphonic sequences. Button color intuitively represents step status including notes, ties, mutes and other nuances.

9

Ribbon Controller

Touch-sensitive strip immediately above the keyboard ready for you to slip, slide and tap to control pitch, volume or any Matrix destination you want to assign. This rare controller is positioned in such a way that you can even incorporate it in your keyboard fingering!

10

Output Section

Determines stereo placement of voices, overall fine tuning, headphone volume, master volume and more.

11

Digital Effects

This built-in array of high-quality stereo digital effects - chorus, phaser, flanger, delays, reverbs and more can also be modulated via the Matrix to become an integral part of your synth patch designs.

12

Motion Recorder

Simple means to instantly record your real-time performance of a single synth control, then play it back with every subsequent note trigger. Great for easily creating custom envelope curves for most PolyBrute parameters.

13

Sequencer/Arpeggiator

• Sequencer mode: Craft polyphonic sequences of up to 64 steps, including velocity, accents, slides and randomization. Three parallel modulation tracks can automate timbre changes along with triggered notes or serve alone as exotic envelopes. • Arpeggiator mode: Steps through your held notes in a variety of musically useful orders, optionally repeated in higher octaves. Matrix Arpeggiator mode: Advanced sequencer/arpeggiator hybrid that lets you construct a 16-step framework to generate complex arpeggios. This opens up a whole new realm of assisted performance.

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

VCF 1 (Steiner Filter)

Classic 12db/octave multimode filter updated to be continuously variable between lowpass, highpass, bandpass and notch modes. Crank up the Brute Factor feedback control to add bark and bite as desired.

2

VCF 2 (Ladder Filter)

Legendary 24db/octave lowpass filter inspired by Dr. Bob Moog. Embellishments include distortion overdrive and high-resonance gain compensation.

3

Mixer

Balances the levels of all three sound sources and determines the routing of each through one or both filters.

4

Master Cutoff Control

Big macro control knob for simultaneous control over the cutoff frequencies for both filters. Run PolyBrute 12's two filters in series to create unique filter characteristics, or in parallel for stereo synthesis with different sounds per channel. You can even craft a mix of both modes for yet another signature sound!

5

Filter FM

Dedicated easy-access amount controls for instant hardwired filter modulation. VCF 1 (Steiner) is modulated by VCO 2, and VCF 2 (Ladder) is modulated by the Noise generator.

6

3 Envelope Generators

Dedicated velocity-sensitive ADSR Envelope Generators for VCF and VCA - no Matrix assignment required. The freely assignable third EG complete with added delay stage is ready to shape whatever sonic parameter you want in the Matrix.

7

Keyboard

61-note MPE polyphonic keyboard that tracks position, pressure, and touch of every key. Up to 12-voice polyphony with split, layer and unison capabilities.

8

Multifunction Matrix

• Presets mode: Easily save and recall 768 memory locations - even more with the PolyBrute Connect software. PolyBrute 12 comes with 480 professionally designed patches to inspire you right out of the box. • Mods mode: Route any of PolyBrute 12's modulation sources to one or more destinations - almost any knob or fader - with positive or negative amounts set via the large encoder knob. With up to 32 modulation destinations and 64 total connections, what new sounds will you discover? • Sequencer mode: The Matrix is the perfect medium to visualize creating and editing polyphonic sequences. Button color intuitively represents step status including notes, ties, mutes and other nuances.

9

Ribbon Controller

Touch-sensitive strip immediately above the keyboard ready for you to slip, slide and tap to control pitch, volume or any Matrix destination you want to assign. This rare controller is positioned in such a way that you can even incorporate it in your keyboard fingering!

10

Output Section

Determines stereo placement of voices, overall fine tuning, headphone volume, master volume and more.

11

Digital Effects

This built-in array of high-quality stereo digital effects - chorus, phaser, flanger, delays, reverbs and more can also be modulated via the Matrix to become an integral part of your synth patch designs.

12

Motion Recorder

Simple means to instantly record your real-time performance of a single synth control, then play it back with every subsequent note trigger. Great for easily creating custom envelope curves for most PolyBrute parameters.

13

Sequencer/Arpeggiator

• Sequencer mode: Craft polyphonic sequences of up to 64 steps, including velocity, accents, slides and randomization. Three parallel modulation tracks can automate timbre changes along with triggered notes or serve alone as exotic envelopes. • Arpeggiator mode: Steps through your held notes in a variety of musically useful orders, optionally repeated in higher octaves. Matrix Arpeggiator mode: Advanced sequencer/arpeggiator hybrid that lets you construct a 16-step framework to generate complex arpeggios. This opens up a whole new realm of assisted performance.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

Master out

Capture the full sonic power and width of PolyBrute 12 with stereo audio output.

2

Analog clock

Keep things in sync and mediate timing or tempo between other analog gear and modular rigs with control voltage in/out.

3

Pedals

1 sustain and 2 expression pedal ports enable advanced hands-free modulation.

4

Memory Protection On/Off

When On, prevents the PolyBrute 12's patch memories from being overwritten.

5

MIDI

Connect MIDI In, Out or Thru to get PolyBrute 12 talking to your setup.

6

USB

Connect to your computer for updates, preset management and using PolyBrute 12 with its companion software: PolyBrute Connect.

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

Master out

Capture the full sonic power and width of PolyBrute 12 with stereo audio output.

2

Analog clock

Keep things in sync and mediate timing or tempo between other analog gear and modular rigs with control voltage in/out.

3

Pedals

1 sustain and 2 expression pedal ports enable advanced hands-free modulation.

4

Memory Protection On/Off

When On, prevents the PolyBrute 12's patch memories from being overwritten.

5

MIDI

Connect MIDI In, Out or Thru to get PolyBrute 12 talking to your setup.

6

USB

Connect to your computer for updates, preset management and using PolyBrute 12 with its companion software: PolyBrute Connect.

Overview

PolyBrute 12

1

Master out

Capture the full sonic power and width of PolyBrute 12 with stereo audio output.

2

Analog clock

Keep things in sync and mediate timing or tempo between other analog gear and modular rigs with control voltage in/out.

3

Pedals

1 sustain and 2 expression pedal ports enable advanced hands-free modulation.

4

Memory Protection On/Off

When On, prevents the PolyBrute 12's patch memories from being overwritten.

5

MIDI

Connect MIDI In, Out or Thru to get PolyBrute 12 talking to your setup.

6

USB

Connect to your computer for updates, preset management and using PolyBrute 12 with its companion software: PolyBrute Connect.

1

2

3

4

5

6

The most advanced
studio integration

Combining the tactility of analog hardware with the convenience of virtual instrument flexibility, PolyBrute Connect replicates the entire front panel as a standalone Mac/PC app and a plugin for all major DAWs.

Craft sound

Explore the depths of PolyBrute’s advanced features with a like-for-like virtual interface.

Control in real-time

Every parameter change, either on synth or software, is mirrored by the other.

Manage your patches

Organize your favorite sounds with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and easily import new presets & sound banks.

Preview sounds from the store

Discover new sonic territories with the Sound Store and preview sound banks directly on PolyBrute.

Donato Dozzy

Worlds between the waves with PolyBrute 12

We traveled to the source of Donato’s sonic inspiration and gained unique insight into his creative process.

Distinction
in design

PolyBrute 12 represents a leap forward in analog synthesis, while remaining firmly rooted in synth design heritage.

PolyBrute enters a new era with its groundbreaking FullTouch® MPE keyboard combined with the same controls, buttons, and expressive components that are a delight to use. Crafted with the finest materials, including walnut wood and a striking aluminum exterior - PolyBrute 12 is designed to meet the demands of professional musicians as well as appeal to the enthusiasts. Its not just for looks either, the vents at the back provide passive cooling so PolyBrute can operate in complete silence.

Press
Clippings

Gearnews

On PolyBrute 12

"The immediacy, the connection and the performance make this, in my very humble opinion, one of the greatest polyphonic analogue synthesizers of all time."

Sound On Sound

On PolyBrute 12

"You’ll discover sounds and ways of expressing them that cannot be obtained on any other instrument."

Music Radar

On PolyBrute 12

"The PolyBrute was already a fantastic synth, but this update puts it up there with the best – and most forward-thinking – synths on the market"

Audio Fanzine

On PolyBrute 12

"This is a high-end polyphonic analog synth designed for the most elitist studios and stages"

Gearspace

On PolyBrute 12

"It’s a beast, and capable of sounds across the board"

Amazona

On PolyBrute 12

"This synthesizer is fun and offers a whole host of sounds that can now be performed even more expressively."

Gallery

polybrute12-01
polybrute12-02
polybrute12-03
polybrute12-04
polybrute12-05
polybrute12-06
polybrute12-07
polybrute12-08
polybrute12-09
polybrute12-10
polybrute12-11
polybrute12-12
polybrute12-13
polybrute-12-audiofanzine-valeursure-2024polybrute-12-musictech-choice-2024polybrute-12-musictech-innovation-2024polybrute-12-music-radar-music-gear-of-the-year-2024polybrute-12-gearnews-best-hardware-synth-2024polybrute-12-gearnews-best-big-synth-2024polybrute-12-audiofanzine-top-gear-2024polybrute-12-music-tech-best-polyphonic-synth-2024

Main 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

What’s in the box

Box content

  • PolyBrute 12 Unit

  • Power Cord

  • User Manual

  • Registration Card

Size & weight

  • Size (mm): 972 x 380 x 157 mm

  • Size (in): 38.27 x 14.96 x 6.18 in

  • Weight (kg): 22.8 kg

  • Weight (lb): 50.27 lb

All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.