Arturia’s PolyBrute 12: Donato Dozzy and the Art of Sonic Storytelling

Central to the PolyBrute 12’s appeal are its dual analog oscillators, which Donato describes as powerful and reminiscent of classic machines. Yet, what sets this synth apart is its blend of analog warmth with digital flexibility, offering a palette that’s both familiar and full of new possibilities. The video highlights how Donato leverages these oscillators to sculpt pads and textures, using subtle modulation to keep sounds evolving over time.

The filter section is another standout, featuring both Steiner and Ladder circuits that can be combined for nuanced tonal shaping. Donato demonstrates the ease of morphing between filter types and controlling the master cutoff, emphasizing how these features enable expressive, hands-on sound design. The Morphi function, in particular, is singled out for its ability to inject variety and movement into patches, making the PolyBrute 12 a versatile tool for those who thrive on modulation and timbral exploration.

Donato places strong emphasis on the creative workflows unlocked by the PolyBrute 12’s arpeggiator and sequencer. He demonstrates how these tools can be combined to generate complex, evolving sequences that serve as the backbone for both ambient excursions and more rhythmically driven material. The interplay between arpeggiator patterns and sequenced modulation is shown to be a fertile ground for experimentation.

What stands out is the instrument’s responsiveness to touch and performance gestures. Donato notes how the PolyBrute 12’s keyboard responds dynamically to different playing styles, allowing for subtle variations in attack, intensity, and timbre. This tactile immediacy, paired with the sequencer’s flexibility, encourages a workflow where improvisation and structure coexist—a boon for live performers and studio tinkerers alike.

For Donato, music is more than a craft—it’s a form of therapy and a means of personal storytelling. He reflects on how each sound, each patch, is shaped by his experiences and emotions, with the PolyBrute 12 serving as a medium for this ongoing narrative. The act of creating music becomes a way to process life’s changes, relationships, and memories, with each sonic gesture carrying its own emotional weight.

The video closes with Donato likening music-making to storytelling, emphasizing the spontaneity and uniqueness of each session. The PolyBrute 12, with its blend of analog immediacy and digital depth, is portrayed as the ideal companion for this journey—enabling artists to capture fleeting moments and transform them into lasting sonic tales.