Behringer Poly D Hidden Sequencer Shortcuts You Need to Know!

Noise Harmony
Mar 12
2 min read

Updated: Aug 18

If you own a Behringer Poly D, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’re breaking down some hidden sequencer functions that will help you discover your synth all over again.

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The Poly D’s built-in sequencer is a great tool for creating groovy basslines, arpeggios, and evolving patterns, but did you know it has some secret tricks that can make your workflow much smoother? Here are the must-know shortcuts:

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Must-Know Shortcuts

Shortcut Name	Shortcut	Description
TEMPO/GATE LENGTH	TEMPO/GATE LENGTH KNOB	Controls sequencer and arpeggio tempo. In step editing, it also controls the GATE length. If SHIFT is held, then the knob also adjusts the SWING.
HOLD/REST	HOLD BUTTON	Allows holding a note during playback or adding a rest during step editing.
RESET/ACCENT	RESET/ACCENT BUTTON	Resets the pattern to step 1 or adds an accent to a step.
ARP (SET END)	ARP + KEYS	Creates an arpeggio; in sequencer mode, it sets a new pattern end.
PATTERN (BANK)	PATTERN + STEP SWITCHES (1-8) OR KYBD/STEP	Changes the pattern or bank number.
SHIFT	SHIFT + OTHER BUTTON	Accesses secondary functions like SET END, BANK, SWING, KYBD, STEP.
PAGE	PAGE BUTTON	Switches between pages of the pattern (each page contains 8 steps).
PLAY/STOP	PLAY/STOP BUTTON	Starts or stops pattern playback; with SHIFT, initiates pattern saving.
REC	REC BUTTON	Begins recording a new pattern. This is also used with SHIFT during the pattern saving procedure
KYBD	SHIFT + KYBD	Changes the sequencer keyboard mode.
STEP	SHIFT + STEP	Changes the sequencer to step mode.
RATCHET	SHIFT + GLIDE KNOB	During step editing, this knob can be used to add a Ratchet by splitting the current step into 1, 2, 3, or 4 parts. Hold down SHIFT and turn the knob to split the current step into the number of parts shown by the LOCATOR LEDs (yellow) 1 to 4.
GLIDE SWITCH	GLIDE SWITCH BUTTON	Does not need to be on for the Ratchet effect to work.

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You might be wondering—what is Ratchet? Simply put, it’s a technique where notes are played at a faster speed while keeping the overall sequence unchanged. For example, if your sequence consists of eighth notes, ratcheting allows you to subdivide some of them into even faster notes, adding more rhythm and movement to your pattern.

Try out these shortcuts and see how much more you can do with your Poly D! Got a favorite Poly D trick? Drop a comment and share your setup!

Be sure to check out our other post, where we’ve shared a special patch settings graphic for the Behringer Poly D!

You can find the Behringer Poly D on Reverb

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