Polyend Play —  VS  — Sonicware Lofi-12 XT

A Quick Summary

The Polyend Play and the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT are both groovebox samplers that invite creativity and experimentation. The Polyend Play offers a rich feature set for comprehensive music production, while the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT focuses on portability and a unique lo-fi sound palette. Whether you are a studio producer or a live performer, one of these samplers might be the perfect fit for your musical journey.

Groovebox Showdown: Polyend Play vs. Sonicware Lofi-12 XT

If you’re a music lover or a budding producer, you might have come across grooveboxes. These magical devices let you create music on the go, blending the art of sampling with a variety of effects and sequencer options. Today, we’re diving into two exciting grooveboxes: the Polyend Play and the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT. Both are fantastic in their own ways, but which one is right for you? Let’s find out!

Meet the Contenders

Polyend Play

Released in 2022, the Polyend Play is a powerhouse sampler crafted by Polyend. It’s designed as a groovebox that combines creativity with simplicity. With its 16 velocity-sensitive pads and a flexible 64-step sequencer, it’s perfect for both jamming and serious studio work. It boasts features like 30 sample kits, multiple effects, and deep MIDI integration. Whether you’re making beats or entire tracks, the Polyend Play is ready to help you express your musical ideas.

Sonicware Lofi-12 XT

The Sonicware Lofi-12 XT, launched in 2023, is a sleek groovebox designed for lovers of lo-fi music. With its portable build, it’s ideal for capturing crunchy, nostalgic sounds. The Lofi-12 XT offers multiple sampling modes, a rich palette of effects, and real-time time stretching. It might be smaller than the Polyend Play, but it packs a punch with its unique sound design features.

Feature Face-off

Polyphony and Sample Rate

The Polyend Play offers a whopping 64 voices of polyphony. This means you can layer sounds without worrying about running out of voices. It runs at a standard 44.1kHz sample rate, ensuring high-quality audio.

On the other hand, the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT offers 10 voices of polyphony. While this might seem limited compared to the Polyend, it is quite sufficient for lo-fi music, which often benefits from a more minimalistic sound. The Lofi-12 XT offers flexible sample rates of 12kHz, 24kHz, and 48kHz, allowing for a broader range of sound textures.

Pads and Sequencer

The Polyend Play features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, giving you more room to trigger samples and play melodies. It also includes a powerful 64-step sequencer, which is great for arranging complex patterns and sequences.

In contrast, the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT has 8 velocity-sensitive pads. While fewer in number, these pads are still highly responsive and intuitive. The Lofi-12 XT also features a sequencer, although it is more simplified compared to the Polyend Play.

Effects and Connectivity

Both devices come with a variety of effects. The Polyend Play offers multiple effects without specifying exactly which ones, while the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT includes reverb, delay, bit crusher, chorus, and EQ, perfect for creating that lo-fi aesthetic.

In terms of connectivity, the Polyend Play is equipped with MIDI In/Out, USB, and audio in/out ports. The Sonicware Lofi-12 XT also offers MIDI In/Out and USB-C, along with line in/out and a headphone jack.

Screen and Build

The Polyend Play sports an LCD display, which provides clear and detailed information about your tracks and settings. Its build is robust, designed for serious production work.

The Sonicware Lofi-12 XT, meanwhile, features a bright OLED screen, which is easy to read even in dim lighting. Its portable design makes it perfect for on-the-go music-making.

Pros and Cons

Polyend Play

Pros:

• 64 voices of polyphony for complex layering
• 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic performance
• Comprehensive connectivity options
• Robust build suitable for studio and stage
• Flexible 64-step sequencer for intricate arrangements

Cons:

• Higher price point at $1100
• Larger and less portable compared to the Lofi-12 XT

Sonicware Lofi-12 XT

Pros:

• Affordable price at $289
• Portable and easy to carry
• Unique lo-fi sound design capabilities
• Multi-engine sampling modes
• Variety of built-in effects

Cons:

• Limited to 10 voices of polyphony
• Fewer pads for performance
• Simplified sequencer compared to the Polyend Play

Who Are They Best For?

The Polyend Play is best suited for producers who need a comprehensive tool for studio production and live performance. Its extensive features and connectivity options make it ideal for those who want to build complex tracks and perform them on stage.

The Sonicware Lofi-12 XT, with its focus on lo-fi sound and portability, is perfect for musicians who love creating nostalgic, crunchy sounds. It’s great for those who want a portable device that can easily be taken anywhere for spontaneous music-making.

Final Thoughts

Both the Polyend Play and the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT are excellent grooveboxes, each catering to different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile, all-in-one solution with an extensive feature set, the Polyend Play might just be your new best friend. However, if you prefer a more affordable, portable option with a distinct lo-fi flavor, the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT could be the groovebox of your dreams.

Whichever you choose, both of these devices offer endless possibilities for creativity and musical exploration. Happy music-making!