Superbooth 2026: 40 years after it was originally introduced, the Commodore Amiga is getting a brand new groovebox, QuadTrack.
Pink Parrot QuadTrack is a standalone 4-track dynamic performance sequencer, based on the classic Commodore Amiga computer architecture and sound. While the platform is 40 years old, QuadTrack offers trig functions and randomization features that are closer to modern Elektron machines.
The developers say that the limitations of Amiga system have been “carefully converted into a creative and unique rhythmical playground, to bring the forgotten charm & sound of retro home computers to modern systems.”
If you don’t have an Amiga, you can run it on Linux, Mac and Windows, via emulation – no special installation or setup required.
Here’s a deep dive, via Mr Dataline (Cenk Sayinli), who many readers may recognize from his days at Elektron:
Audio Demos:
Features:
4 Track Sample Sequencer with individual Step Length, Divisions and Playback Direction
At Superbooth 2026, Polish developer Polyend has introduced Drums, a hybrid drum machine that blends analog voice design, digital synthesis, sample playback, advanced sequencing, and flexible I/O in a performance-oriented hardware instrument.
Polyend Drums is a hybrid analog and digital drum machine, designed to offer both classic percussive tone and modern production flexibility.
Built into a single-piece aluminum chassis with custom metal knobs, its four analogue drum voices are based on modern SSI chips that produce two VCOs, an additional noise source and a third digital oscillator that can be used for creating layered sounds or set up for frequency modulation. Each analogue voice also packs a multimode VCF and envelope-controlled VCA.
The remaining voices can make use of a variety of digital synthesis engines or samples. According to Polyend, options include “more than forty instruments, each with its own sub-mode mutations, giving users hundreds of sound options to choose from.” These digital tracks also have access to eight individual LFOs to provide modulation.
For sequencing, Drums makes use of what Polyend calls its “most intuitive sequencing system so far.” This involves a combination of fills, probability, micro-timing, parameter locks, pattern chaining, generative tools and multiple track play modes. Drums can also save and recall up-to 64 patterns, 64 drum kits and 48 song arrangements.
The instrument features an advanced eight-track sequencer, with deep per-track control and generative tools, a performance-ready control surface including an XOY fader for real-time morphing, and integrated effects arranged in send, insert, and master chains, in the words of Polyend, “effects part of the rhythm rather than something added only at the end of the signal chain.”
Connectivity includes individual audio outputs for channel separation, stereo audio inputs for external processing, multiple MIDI ports, USB-C, and a dedicated headphone output. It is available in both black and silver designs.
Under-the-hood, Drums makes use of a dual-core main CPU with auxiliary processors handling peripherals and analogue control. Audio processing is 32-bit floating point at 96 kHz, with 24-bit/96 kHz DAC and ADC conversion for audio input and output.
“Drums is a return to the fundamentals that defined Polyend from the beginning,” says Polyend CEO Piotr Raczyński. “We wanted to build the drum machine we would want to use and own ourselves. Something uncompromising in sound, materials, and workflow. Like our earliest instruments, Drums is made in small batches, with close attention to every detail, and built to stay relevant for decades.”
Features:
Eight independent sequencer tracks with deep per-track control, probability, micro-timing, parameter locks, pattern chaining, and generative sequencing tools
Four analog voices based on modern SSI chips, each combining dual analog VCOs, a dedicated noise source, and a digital oscillator for hybrid layering or precise FM
Multimode analog filters and VCAs shaping each analog voice for percussion or tonal sounds
Multiple digital synthesis methods alongside sample-based instruments
An instrument library containing over forty instruments with individual sub-mode mutations
Eight independent LFOs for modulation
Integrated performance tools including kit switching without stopping playback and the X0Y fader for real-time morphing between states
Three groups of effects: shared send effects, track-specific insert effects, and a master effects chain
Eight individual audio outputs for separate track processing
Stereo audio inputs that feed the effects processor for external sound shaping
MIDI In, Out, and Thru jacks plus USB-C for MIDI and system connectivity
Dedicated headphone output for monitoring
Dual-core main CPU with auxiliary processors handling peripherals and analog control
32-bit floating point internal audio processing at 96 kHz with 24-bit/96 kHz DAC/ADC conversion
Single-piece aluminum body with custom metal knobs and precision-built hardware
Capacity for storing up to 64 patterns, 64 sound kits, and 48 songs with arrangement options
Drums is available for reservation now via a refundable $500 deposit, with the first run of units due to ship in around three or four months. The retail price will be €/$2,699, and Polyend says there will be quantities available at launch.
ARTinoise has launched a Kickstarter for Trillo, compact digital wind instrument.
They say that Trillo is small enough to fit in your pocket and powerful enough to become your everyday instrument.”
Features:
Multi-engine sound generation including drum, synth, and granular playback
Compact hardware form factor optimized for portability
Pad-based input surface for triggering and performance
Physical knobs and controls for real-time parameter manipulation
Sequencing modes for pattern creation and live performance
Multiple sound engines selectable per performance context
User-programmable presets and pattern storage capabilities
Audio output designed for direct connection to speakers or mixers
USB connectivity for power and possible data interfacing
Rechargeable battery power for untethered use
Production of Trillo is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign, with pricing starting at about $82 USD. The campaign has already reached its funding goal.
*Note: Crowdfunding projects involve risk. See the project site for details.
