TL;DR: Suonobuono has dropped a major free update (v0.30) for its Polyvera hybrid polyphonic wavetable synth and sampler, adding a hybrid analog/digital wavefolder, superwave oscillator, new LFO shapes, and expanded folder/preset storage. The silver edition is also now shipping for $1,699/€1,199 + VAT.
- New hybrid pre-filter wavefolder with drive control and modulation — partly analog, partly digital — adds warm, characterful distortion.
- Superwave oscillator (inspired by Roland JP-8000/8080) enables fat, stacked sounds, plus new sub-oscillator waveform modification.
- LFO waveforms now include modulated wavetable oscillator shapes with sample-and-hold step options, opening up wild modulation possibilities.
- Storage capacity expanded: up to 16 user-sample subfolders, 12 wavetable subfolders, and 8 banks of 128 presets each (1,024 total).
- 101 new presets from sound designers Alessandro Mastroianni, Henrik Johannson, Paulee Bow, and Vincenzo Bellanova are included for free.
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What Is the Polyvera?
Let’s rewind a bit. The Suonobuono Polyvera is a 6-voice hybrid polyphonic synthesizer that pairs digital oscillators with analog filters. Its core consists of two oscillator engines: one is a wavetable oscillator with a sub-oscillator, the other can handle wavetables or sample playback — including user-imported samples and live sampling via external inputs. Think PPG Wave meets Ensoniq Mirage, but with a modern workflow and a Swedish/Italian soul.
The analog filter stage gives it that warm, slightly unpredictable character that digital-only synths often lack. You also get FM, ring modulation, sync, phase re-trigger, noise, and a drift mode for analog-style detuning. It’s a thoughtful design that nods to the hybrid classics of the ’80s without being a museum piece.
The Big Update: Wavefolders, Superwaves, and More
Firmware v0.30 (and the earlier Superbooth 2026 update) adds two headline features that change the Polyvera’s sonic character significantly. First, the hybrid pre-filter wavefolder. This is not your standard digital fold — it’s partly analog, partly digital, and gives you a distortion that’s warm but still has those lovely digital artifacts. There are two types, plus drive control and modulation. It sits as an alternative to the analog filter drive, so you can choose your poison.
Second, the superwave oscillator. Yes, it’s inspired by the Roland JP-8000/8080’s supersaw. But here it’s implemented with wavetables, giving you a thick, detuned wall of sound that can go from lush pads to aggressive leads. The sub-oscillator waveform can now be transposed in steps from -24 to -12, and there’s a new setting that retains wavetable interpolation mode while browsing — so you don’t lose your sound character when switching wavetables. Small UX wins matter.
New LFO waveforms are also in the mix, including the ability to use modulated wavetable oscillator waveforms as LFO shapes. With the sample-and-hold option, you can create stepped modulation sources that are far more interesting than standard square waves. This is the kind of feature that rewards deep patching.
Storage, Presets, and Bonus Content
If you’ve ever hit the wall of a synth’s limited preset memory, you’ll appreciate this: Polyvera now supports up to 16 user-sample subfolders, 12 wavetable subfolders, and 8 banks of 128 presets each. That’s 1,024 slots for your own sounds, plus the factory content. It’s a generous bump that makes the synth more viable for live sets and sound design sessions.
As a bonus, you get 101 new presets from sound designers Alessandro Mastroianni, Henrik Johannson, Paulee Bow, and Vincenzo Bellanova. These cover lush textures, deep basses, and driving sequences — essentially a guided tour of what the Polyvera can do when you push it. New firmware is free for existing users, which is how updates should always be handled.
Silver Edition and Market Context
At Machina Bristronica, Suonobuono unveiled a silver edition of the Polyvera. Same feature set as the black version, but now with a brighter faceplate that will appeal to those who prefer their gear to look like a piece of studio furniture rather than a stealth bomber. It’s shipping now at the same price: $1,699 / €1,199 + VAT.
At that price point, the Polyvera sits in the upper mid-range of hybrid synths. It competes with the Waldorf Iridium, the 3rd Wave, and the more esoteric offerings from companies like Modal and UDO. But the Polyvera’s combination of wavetable synthesis, sampling, and analog filters — plus the rapid pace of firmware updates — gives it a distinct personality. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone; it’s a focused instrument for those who want character over convenience.
The fact that Suonobuono continues to develop the platform with meaningful additions (not just bug fixes) suggests they’re committed to this as a long-term instrument. That’s rare and commendable in an era where many companies release a synth and then move on to the next product.
Who Is It For?
The Polyvera is for the sound designer who wants hybrid textures — wavetable grit, sampled warmth, and analog filter saturation — all in one box. It’s for the live performer who needs polyphony, hands-on control, and the ability to import their own samples and wavetables. It’s for the collector who appreciates the lineage of ’80s hybrids but wants modern stability and a smaller footprint.
It is not for the budget-conscious beginner or the person who wants a simple subtractive synth. The Polyvera rewards exploration. Its UI is deep, and the new firmware adds even more layers. If you’re the type who enjoys reading a manual over coffee and then spending an afternoon coaxing a single patch out of a complex engine, this is your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Polyvera firmware update free?
Yes, the v0.30 update (and all previous updates) is completely free for existing Polyvera owners. You can download it from the Suonobuono website.
Does the Polyvera have a sequencer or arpeggiator?
As of firmware v0.30, the Polyvera does not include a built-in sequencer or arpeggiator. It relies on external sequencing or MIDI. Suonobuono has not announced plans to add one, but given their update track record, it’s not impossible.
Can I use the Polyvera as a standalone sampler?
Yes, the Polyvera can sample directly from its external inputs. You can then map those samples across the keyboard and process them through the analog filter and effects. It’s not a full-fledged sampler like an MPC, but it’s more than capable for live sampling and sound design.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to make another cup of coffee and figure out how to route a wavetable LFO into a wavefolder without melting my brain. The Polyvera update just gave me a new excuse to avoid finishing that track.