NAMM 2026: Poly Effects previews Hugo, a new Linux-based pedal powerhouse with Bitwig Studio installed, and more.
The NAMM show opens its doors in just under five hours. Even before then, dozens of manufacturers are announcing their latest news. It’s not only a show for new releases, but it’s also a good moment to showcase prototypes and concepts.
For example, Poly Effects, the developers of Beebo and Hector, has a prototype on its booth called Hugo. Loki Davison, the developer, hasn’t shared exact details yet, but there are some initial images from which much can be deduced.
Poly Effects Hugo
Poly Effects’ first products were Beebo and Hector, both of which are based on a modular, patchable sound engine that offers a wide range of possibilities. For example, you’ll find ports of Mutable Instruments modules like Plaits, Clouds, and Rings.
At NAMM 2026, Poly Effects is showcasing Hugo, a pedal that takes modularity several steps forward. From the teaser pictures, we can see a huge pedal powerhouse with a large touchscreen and 10 knobs, which likely also support touch functionality, though we’re not sure.
Looking at the photos more closely, things get really interesting. Among other things, you can see an installed Bitwig Studio as well as the free DJ software app MIXXX and more. A DAW on one pedal, yeah, that’s something to say WTF to.
Both software titles are available on Linux, so it’s quite possible that Hugo runs on a Linux kernel (confirmed by the dev) that supports third-party app installation.
VST Host?
The possibility of running Bitwig Studio on a pedal would be incredibly exciting, especially because it would allow the pedal to be used as a Linux VST host, i.e., for instruments and effects. Alternatively, you could use a Linux VST host, which saves CPU.
Taking your favorite Linux VSTs onto the stage or integrating them into your hardware setup would be neat. Having, for example, Sinevibe’s effects in a live box, not just as plugins, would be awesome.
Of course, one has to wonder about power, stability, licensing (plugin registration…), and latency. A DAW always introduces latency, so we’d have to see how that’s handled here.
The I/O side of the new Poly Effects Hugo appears to be just as impressive. We can see 13 6.3mm sockets, four combo jacks, two XLR sockets, a built-in power supply, and much more. Pretty sure it also supports MIDI.
I hope we get video presentations from NAMM 2026 that give us a better sense of the Hugo pedal. This could be a very exciting project.
Poly Effects previews the Hugo prototype at NAMM 2026 from January 21 – 24, 2026.
More information will follow here: Poly Effects
Whaaaaaat?!!! Bitwig in pedal form would be crazy! I hope the price isn´t crazy too.
they MUST price above $4000.00. I will not pay wimpy, small prices.
please charge a VERY high number.
This would be amazing as a pedal for my NuRad. It all comes down to price.
Very curious about this one. Discount for Bitwig Studio owners?
it’s not an official partnership. You can probably install Bitwig Studio on it
> The possibility of running Bitwig Studio on a pedal would be incredibly exciting, especially because it would allow the pedal to be used as a Linux VST host, i.e., for instruments and effects.
Well… The Linux plugin scene does have some limitations. Sure, there’s been an increase in the sheer number of plugins running on Linux. And, obviously, there are several Free/Libre Open Source ones. At the same time, it’s important to keep such limits in mind.
As a BWS6 user, though, I’d be way more excited about using The Grid on a pedal. Yes, I know there’s a ton of software modulars out there, including a few which do run on Linux distros. It’s just that the Bitwig Grid is such a neat implementation! Which would quite possibly fit on a small screen with a number of physical controls. Sure, it has limitations and quirks. It just makes for such a nice overall experience… Hard to describe without using it and living in it.
Another BWS benefit is in all the modulation/automation options. That part would work really well on a device like this.
It comes with Bitwig Producer. it’s “Linux” in the same way the Push 3 is Linux. It is an official partnership. Poly did another product with Bitwig 10 years ago. It’s got 24 inputs / 24 outs, a load box, audio over ethernet and much more. 10 fknobs.
thanks Loki 🙂
the company did a demo at perfect circuit shop on Wednesday it isn’t a vst host or of this description it is supposed to be performance oriented in relation to bitwig and DJ software it will come yes with this software but not much else so you couldn’t run any thing you choose so sort of pointless at the price of 1999 USD. I don’t know what sample rate it could record at but for the price I would expect it to cover all the areas in one device
Bitwig Studio can host VSTs and it runs on embedded Linux as the developers stats in the comment so it can pretty sure also host Linux VSTs inside Bitwig or it’s a special Bitwig version without this option
I see 😂 how wrong I am I guess I could picture the cost it takes to produce it. I could of sworn I read that it was limited to these only Linux programs such as the DJ software and bitwig.
I’m excited for this merely because it says Linux. I use Arch btw