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Description

Embrace the retro charm of the Polyend Tracker, a compact standalone workstation set to redefine your music-making experience. Melding the classic tracker's functionality with modern features, this gear is perfect for creatives who love to break the mold.

The Polyend Tracker's vertical timeline, combined with a powerful sequencer and a mechanical keyboard, offers an intuitive way to create and perform. Its lightweight and portable design ensures you can make music wherever your inspiration strikes, be it in your studio, on the go, or at a gig.

The Tracker is furnished with a plethora of sound design tools, granting you the freedom to shape your art. Use your existing sample library, record new ones, or even tap into its built-in FM radio. You're not just playing samples; you're slicing, mashing, and synthesizing them into unique sounds.

Thanks to its bilateral MIDI implementation, the Polyend Tracker not only sequences and controls external gear but can also serve as a sound module controlled by any external MIDI software or hardware.

Key Features:

  • Compact standalone workstation with classic tracker functionality
  • Vertical timeline with a powerful sequencer and mechanical keyboard for intuitive music-making
  • Lightweight and portable, perfect for music creation on the go
  • Equipped with a variety of sound design tools, allowing for extensive sample manipulation
  • Built-in FM radio for capturing unique samples
  • Bilateral MIDI implementation for sequencing and controlling external gear
  • Can serve as a sound module controlled by external MIDI software or hardware
  • Energy-efficient, can be used with any USB power source
  • Sturdy and compact form factor, great for easy portability.

Product specs

Brand Polyend
Model Tracker Standalone Audio Workstation
Finish Black, Silver
Year 2020 - 2025
Categories Grooveboxes
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 48 Pads

FAQs

What is the Polyend Tracker primarily used for?

The Polyend Tracker is a standalone audio workstation designed for music production and performance, featuring a vertical timeline, powerful sequencer, and mechanical keyboard for intuitive music creation.

Does the Polyend Tracker support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Polyend Tracker offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear.

How many pads does the Polyend Tracker have?

The Polyend Tracker features 48 pads, providing extensive control and flexibility for sequencing and live performance.

Is the Polyend Tracker suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Polyend Tracker is designed for both music production and live performance, offering intuitive controls and a comprehensive sequencer for on-the-fly music creation.

Can the Polyend Tracker be used with external synthesizers?

The Polyend Tracker can be connected to external synthesizers via its MIDI I/O, allowing you to control and sequence external gear alongside its internal sound engine.

loopop

loopop

Polyend Tracker // Review and Full Tutorial from Sample to Song

Video thumbnail for Polyend Tracker // Review and Full Tutorial from Sample to Song by loopop

Polyend Tracker // Review and Full Tutorial from Sample to Song

loopop

loopop

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Polyend Tracker by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Polyend Tracker

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Experimental tracking (Polyend Tracker) by Knobs

Experimental tracking (Polyend Tracker)

Knobs

Knobs

Video thumbnail for Introducing Polyend Tracker by Polyend

Introducing Polyend Tracker

Polyend

Polyend

Video thumbnail for Polyend Tracker: Full Release by Red Means Recording

Polyend Tracker: Full Release

Red Means Recording

Red Means Recording

Video thumbnail for Polyend Tracker Quick Guide by Polyend

Polyend Tracker Quick Guide

Polyend

Polyend

Video thumbnail for Polyend Tracker in 20 Minutes // Demo and walkthrough by Starsky Carr

Polyend Tracker in 20 Minutes // Demo and walkthrough

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive and inspiring for different musical workflows

  • Well-built hardware with thoughtful button and control layout

  • Portable with USB power bank compatibility

  • Large, easy-to-read screen

  • Offers unique multi-part, per-step tweaking capabilities

  • Encourages creativity within limitations

  • Strong community support and regular updates

  • Responsive pads and user-friendly GUI

  • Solid design with durable aluminum casing

  • Acts as an excellent gateway into tracker-based music making

CONS

  • Small, less responsive grid pads

  • Mono samples only, mixing can be challenging

  • Jogwheel lubrication issue requires maintenance

  • Experiences software bugs and slow bug-fixing process

  • Limited granular and wavetable synthesis options

  • Requires workaround for certain features

  • Some users report crashes, especially in live settings

  • Learning curve for those new to trackers

  • Limited effect controls and desire for more instrument parameters

  • Inconsistent power grounding causes buzz when off

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Polyend Tracker.

Features and functionality

  • The Polyend Tracker+ includes audio over USB, simplifying track recording by removing the need to record each track individually.

    Source
  • The Tracker+ has added synth engines, though some users prefer sequencing external gear for a richer sound palette.

    Source
  • The OG Tracker received a firmware update allowing for 4 additional MIDI tracks, totaling 12 tracks, enhancing its capability to sequence external gear.

    Source
  • The Polyend Tracker requires working within a mono sampling environment, but the sequencer allows for some stereo processing, with stereo export available for finished tracks.

    Source
  • The big screen and tactile feedback, with clicky buttons, enhance the user interface, distinguishing it from touch-based systems like MPC One.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report frequent firmware updates from Polyend, although bug fixes can take several months to be resolved.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Tracker's intuitive hardware interface, particularly for song tracking and recording notes and effects in real-time.

    Source
  • Some users note the faster load times on the Tracker+ as a significant improvement, making the upgrade worthwhile for those sensitive to performance speed.

    Source
  • Some owners find the learning curve steep, taking over a year to become comfortable, but creativity and inspiration can still flourish during the learning process.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Dirtywave M8 is highlighted for having more features, such as 8 tracks, assignable EQs, and a touchscreen, outclassing the Polyend Tracker in versatility.

    Source
  • Renoise software is suggested as an alternative for those unsure about the Tracker's workflow, providing a less restricted environment to explore tracker-style music production before committing to hardware.

    Source
  • The Tracker is praised for its simple, tactile interface and is preferred over more complex devices like the Elektron series, which are noted for hidden features and a steeper learning curve.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Polyend Tracker is noted for its portability, allowing users to compose music while traveling, powered by a standard USB powerbank.

    Source
  • The Tracker's sequencer is praised for its simplicity in triggering external gear like the SP-404mk2, offering improved workflow over its internal sequencer.

    Source
  • For those commuting or working outdoors, the Tracker's portability makes it ideal for music creation during camping trips or while relaxing in a hammock.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The OG Tracker is seen as a better value for those on a budget, especially when found at significant discounts, offering a robust feature set despite lacking some upgrades of the Plus.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Polyend Tracker review: A powerful but confounding groovebox

engadget.com

The Polyend Tracker stands out with its robust build and extensive capabilities, allowing for sample recording, editing, and sequencing. However, the unconventional tracker workflow can be a steep learning curve, often feeling more like a chore than creativity. While its sampling and sound design features are impressive for the price, the sequencer can frustrate those unfamiliar with its spreadsheet-like layout. Ultimately, it’s a powerful tool that may not suit everyone’s style, making it a fascinating yet polarizing instrument in the groovebox landscape.

Polyend Tracker review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A sleek, portable hardware sampler that channels old-school tracker vibes, the Polyend Tracker offers a fun and creative sampling experience. Its workflow is engaging, combining classic sampling with granular and wavetable synthesis, all at an attractive price. However, the learning curve is steep; setting up instruments involves navigating multiple menus, and newcomers may find the tracker interface challenging. While the device's features inspire innovation, its quirks can be off-putting for some. Overall, it's a powerful tool that's more accessible than it appears, but patience is required to fully embrace its unique approach.

positive

Polyend Tracker

soundonsound.com

The Polyend Tracker breathes new life into vintage tracker technology with its sleek design and user-friendly interface. Its robust sampling capabilities and unique FM radio feature offer creative avenues for sound design. However, the limited 8MB sample memory and non-velocity-sensitive keys may frustrate some users seeking more depth and expressiveness. Still, for those nostalgic for the tracker format, this device provides an innovative yet familiar experience, merging the old-school charm with modern functionality.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Polyend Tracker

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Polyend

Polyend produced a Legowelt special edition of their Tracker, featuring demo tracks and samples made by Legowelt.

See how Pete Cannon uses Polyend Tracker

Pete Cannon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Pete gives the Polyend Tracker a jungle run-through in this video. As a hardcore Amiga guy, he knows what he wants from tracker-based workflows.

See how Sam Barker uses Polyend Tracker

Sam Barker

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

per this video's title, Sam Barker gives us a demo of his first experiments on Polyend's Tracker

See how goreshit uses Polyend Tracker

goreshit

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post captioned "cookin hard, or hardly cookin? Kanazawa" by goreshit, the artist is seen with Hitori Tori at a train station in Japan, where a Polyend Tracker is visible.

See how Bogdan Raczynski uses Polyend Tracker

Bogdan Raczynski

Music Producer

...
Verified via Polyend

Polyend worked with Bogdan to produce an Artist Edition Tracker with samplers and demo tracks created by Raczynski. An exclusive 4-track EP on vinyl, presumably crafted using the Tracker, also ships with this Artist Edition unit.

See how Robert Lippok uses Polyend Tracker

Robert Lippok

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via K-Devices

In the article "Robert Lippok - The Electronic Pulse of Berlin" by Emanuele Battisti on K-Devices, a photograph from Robert Lippok's studio clearly shows the Polyend Tracker, and the article explicitly mentions the use of this unit.

See how Coin Locker Kid uses Polyend Tracker

Coin Locker Kid

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "C'est la key 5/22/2021" (originally from Instagram), a Polyend Tracker is seen on the floor of Devyn's studio.

See how metaroom uses Polyend Tracker

metaroom

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Polyend tracker is in title + can be seen throughout this tiktok on their channel.

See how arcologies uses Polyend Tracker

arcologies

Music Producer, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter post from Jan 16, 2022, Polyend, maker of the Polyend Tracker, posted a link to promote Arcologies' hour long Polyend Tracker jungle mix on Youtube.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Polyend Tracker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
acid

acid

Gear IQ 393

dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

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Gear Guides

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    pkennethk

    Gear IQ 26711