Synthstrom Deluge vs. Polyend Play+: Which Sampler is Right for You?

Summary: The Synthstrom Deluge and Polyend Play+ are two exciting music devices for creating beats and sounds. While the Deluge offers an all-in-one workstation experience with incredible versatility and rich sound design, the Play+ is a groovebox that’s modern and easy to use, with a focus on live performance. Let’s dive into their features, pros, and cons.

Introduction

Are you a music lover who dreams of creating your own tunes? Maybe you’ve been looking for the perfect sampler to bring your musical ideas to life. Today, we’re exploring two popular gadgets: the Synthstrom Deluge and the Polyend Play+. Each of these devices is packed with features that can help you craft amazing music. But which one is the perfect fit for you? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this comparison will help you decide.

Feature Comparison

Design and Build

The Synthstrom Deluge is a powerhouse in a small package. Released in 2017, it combines a synthesizer, sampler, sequencer, and audio looper into one compact unit. It’s perfect for musicians who want everything in one place. Despite its lack of pads, it uses a keyboard and buttons to help you make music. It’s a self-contained music creation tool that you can carry anywhere.

On the other hand, the Polyend Play+, introduced in 2023, features a sleek modern design. It’s a standalone groovebox sampler with an 8x8 velocity-sensitive pad grid, making it ideal for those who love to tap out beats. The Play+ is designed for electronic producers and live performers who want a modern and portable music workstation.

Polyphony and Sound Quality

When it comes to polyphony, the Deluge shines with 128 voices, allowing for complex and rich compositions. This gives you the freedom to layer sounds without a hitch. The Polyend Play+ offers 8 voices, which is more than sufficient for groove-based music but a bit limiting if you’re aiming for larger, more complex arrangements.

Both devices support a sample rate of 44.1kHz, ensuring great sound quality. However, the Deluge also offers different synth engines like subtractive, wavetable, and FM, providing more options for sound design compared to the Play+.

Sequencing Capabilities

The Deluge offers a robust sequencer with a piano-roll-style interface. It includes advanced features like Euclidean sequencing, probability, and timing options, making it a favorite for those who love experimenting with complex rhythms.

The Play+, however, focuses on pattern-based sequencing across 16 tracks. It offers per-step automation and advanced MIDI sequencing, which is perfect for producers who enjoy a hands-on approach to building tracks.

Effects and Connectivity

Effects can really enhance your music, and the Deluge offers multiple effects to choose from. It also includes extensive connectivity options like MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out, making it versatile for different setups.

The Play+ offers reverb, delay, overdrive, EQ, and master FX. It also has Stereo In/Out and USB-C for easy integration. Its drag-and-drop sample management feature via USB makes it user-friendly when handling samples on your computer.

Display and Software Integration

The Deluge comes with an LCD display, which might feel a bit dated to some users. It doesn’t offer software integration, which means you’ll be working entirely within the hardware.

In contrast, the Play+ features a high-res color display, making it easier to navigate through its features. Its software integration allows for easy sample management, adding convenience to your workflow.

Price

Price is an important factor for many musicians. The Synthstrom Deluge is priced at $1529, which might be a stretch for those on a budget. However, it offers a lot of value with its all-in-one capabilities.

The Polyend Play+ is more affordable at $799, making it accessible for beginners or anyone looking to add a groovebox to their setup without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Synthstrom Deluge

Pros:

• All-in-one music production workstation
• High polyphony with 128 voices
• Extensive connectivity options
• Powerful synth engine with multiple sound design options
• Robust live looping tools

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No pads for drumming
• Lacks modern software integration

Polyend Play+

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Modern design with 8x8 pad grid
• User-friendly with drag-and-drop sample management
• Great for live performances
• High-res color display

Cons:

• Lower polyphony with 8 voices
• Limited sound design options compared to Deluge
• Fewer connectivity options

Conclusion

Both the Synthstrom Deluge and Polyend Play+ are fantastic tools for making music, each with its own strengths. The Deluge is perfect for those who want a comprehensive music workstation with deep sound design capabilities. Meanwhile, the Play+ is ideal for those who prioritize ease of use, modern features, and live performance capabilities.

Final Verdict

For musicians who want everything in one device and don’t mind a steeper price, the Synthstrom Deluge is the best choice. It’s perfect for studio composers and live performers who need versatility and power.

If you’re a beginner or someone who values portability and affordability, the Polyend Play+ is a great pick. It’s excellent for electronic producers and live performers who want a modern and intuitive groovebox.

Whichever you choose, both samplers offer exciting possibilities to explore your musical creativity!