Paracosm has launched Polymer, a MIDI utility which translates MIDI streams from input devices to output devices.

Polymer lets you play your monophonic synths together, like they’re all part of some giant mutant polysynth. And it operates via plain old MIDI, so it’s compatible with almost anything — modulars, samplers, even virtual instruments.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg: alternate notes between different synths in monophonic sequences, layer pads and leads to create songs without leaving the keyboard, or experiment with the outer limits of modular paraphony.

Polymer features

  • Control up to 32 MIDI channels simultaneously, for 32-voice polyphony.
  • MIDI Merge between unlimited MIDI input channels.
  • Velocity, Pitch Bend, and Mod Wheel data are transmitted automatically.
  • Two Algorithms for voice allocation — Static starts at the same voice each time, while Cycle alternates in round-robin fashion.
  • Forward, Backward, and Random Direction options for choosing the next voice.
  • Supports Voice Stealing, allowing for continuous play regardless of available voices.
  • Currently limited to one voice per MIDI channel, even for polyphonic synths.

The app is available for purchase for $19.99 USD. Requires 64-bit Mac with OSX 10.7 or greater.

More information: Polymer