WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Polyend has introduced Tracker Mini Firmware 2.0, a major update that offers many new features that transform the Tracker Mini workflow.

The firmware update is Polyend’s most extensive to date. The company says that “Firmware 2.0 elevates the Tracker Mini to new creative heights, addressing user feedback, granting the most popular wishes on the Polyend voter forum, and expanding Mini’s capabilities.”

New in Tracker Mini 2.0:

• Four Exclusive Synth Engines: ACD, FAT, VAP, and WTFM engines provide an exceptional sound experience.
• PERC Drum Synth Engine: Customize seven unique drums per kit.
• Advanced Synth Editor: Full-spectrum sound design control.
• Synth and Drum Engine Macro Control: evolve synth tones over time in the step-fx
• sequencer or create custom live controls with 6 multi-macros.
• More Tracks: Eight additional MIDI and Synth tracks.
• Expanded Song Mode: Song mode now includes 16 tracks.
• Enhanced USB: Expanded connectivity with 14 Stereo USB tracks.
• Expanded Mixer: Mixer controls for each synth engine.
• USB Mass Storage: Effortless file management and storage.
• UI optimization: A host of minor UI changes for a smoother workflow.

Video Demo:

Firmware 2.0 is available now as a free download for all Tracker Mini users. For details visit Polyend website.

Ahead of Superbooth 2024, Polyend has introduced the Tracker+, a Stereo Sampler, 16-track Sequencer, Synthesizer and Drum Machine.

We were big fans of Polyend’s Tracker when it arrived in 2020. Although it draws its inspiration from the somewhat niche world of software trackers, beyond those retro leanings lies a well-equipped and surprisingly approachable sample-based sketchpad.

They say that the Tracker+ improves on the original Tracker in almost every way, adding USB audio, Stereo sampling and playback, Synthesizer and drum machine engines, 8 extra tracks of MIDI and synth engine sequencing, increased sample memory and more.

One of the most significant improvements here is fully stereo sampling and sample playback. On the synthesis, Tracker+ now comes with four different synthesis engines: ACD is a single oscillator virtual analogue monosynth, FAT is a three-oscillator virtual analogue with drift and detune controls, VAP is a virtual analogue polysynth with flexible modulation matrix, while WTFM combines wavetable and FM synthesis. Each Tracker project can be loaded with up-to three synth instances making use of a total of eight voices.

Alongside these synth engines, Tracker+ adds a new drum machine engine, named Perc. This uses up one of the eight available synth voices, but can produce five drum sounds simultaneously, including a range of kick, snare, hat, tom and perc tones.

The distinctive vertical tracker-style sequencer has been expanded here, for a total of 16 tracks. Of these, the first eight are universal and can sequence synths, stereo samples or MIDI, while the latter eight are restricted to sequencing external MIDI or the internal synths or drum machines. Tracker’s song mode has been updated and expanded as well.

The hardware also adds USB audio capabilities, making it easier to get your creations into a DAW environment. To cope with the new functionality, Tracker+ is upgraded with additional processing power and sampling memory.

Tracker+ is available to order now priced at $/€799.

Find out more on Polyend website.

Polyend has released Tracker v1.7, a free update that adds a variety of upgrades to the Tracker’s audio path, user interface and MIDI control.

New in Polyend Tracker v1.7:

• Audio Improvements:
  • Improved EQ, Compressor and Limiter in Sample Editor
  • New Audio Saturation modes for extra bite
  • Extra Headroom feature for additional clarity
  • Snap to Zero function for easier sample looping
• MIDI Improvements:
  • Redesigned ‘Clock sync correction’ parameter in MIDI config
  • Improved Internal and MIDI clock stability and minimized jitter
• User Interface improvements:
  • New Pattern arrangement Config setting: Vertical revolver
  • Pattern step numbering can be set from 0, 1 or hexidecimal
  • Sample Recorder: The physical Rec button starts/stops the recording
• Improved project management
  • Song mode: Possibility to select and change Tempo with arrow buttons (in Rec mode)
  • Song mode: Empty Slot and Copy Pattern functions added
  • Sample Loader: Possibility to select and change the Preview Volume with arrow buttons
  • Changed access to Instrument Synthesizer page: Instrument Parameters > More
  • Updated text instructions in Config > Firmware update page
  • Sample Recorder: The physical Rec button starts/stops the recording

Polyend Tracker v1.7 firmware is available now as a free download.