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Polyend Tracker: Sequencing POWERHOUSE

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  • čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
  • 5 workflow features that make the @Polyend tracker an amazing sequencer, as well as an awesome brain for controlling a dawless hardware synth setup through midi.
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Komentáře • 163

  • @infesticon
    @infesticon Před 2 lety +14

    So being a 42 year old nerd who started on octamed on the Amiga it's quite fun to see modern CZcamsrs talk about trackers in 2022

  • @kevinbraiden9142
    @kevinbraiden9142 Před 2 lety +35

    TIP: You can also see all tracks with 2 parameters. Just hold down the pattern button and then hit any 2 parameters (note and FX1 for example).

    • @jonwtr
      @jonwtr Před 2 lety

      I was about to comment this too. First time I activated it by accident I was so confused on how I did it. Always rtfm, I know, I should ... 🤓

  • @LightGnome-Records
    @LightGnome-Records Před měsícem +1

    Thank you for this one - I know it's been 2 years since you recorded it but it's still here helping us make decissions. I'm in the moment in my life when it's time to decide what to buy next after my Korg SQ-64 broke month after I bought it.

  • @apostatatheprovost3041
    @apostatatheprovost3041 Před 2 lety +9

    Dude, i love the Tracker. I think, its one of the best creative machines the last years.

  • @Polyend
    @Polyend Před 2 lety +16

    Very cool and informative video. Thank you!

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      Thank you!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌟

    • @Polyend
      @Polyend Před 2 lety +1

      @@MidlifeSynthesist It's just getting better and better with every next view :)

    • @vor946
      @vor946 Před rokem

      but shouldnt you guys already know a fair bit about this device?

  • @aki_gong6271
    @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Super informative ;)
    I got one when price dropped in Thomman and I can't be any happier. Thanks for sharing!

    • @DWatso
      @DWatso Před 3 měsíci +1

      Same, just snapped one up from Anderton's, absolute bargain right now :)

    • @aki_gong6271
      @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@DWatso it is indeed! Such a superb and creative tool, with all what you need in order to make an album, and also with extensive midi capabilities ;)
      I'm still on 1.6 but I'll update soon, as 1.8 seems with some nice additions!

    • @rsa7026
      @rsa7026 Před 3 měsíci +1

      359 US$

    • @aki_gong6271
      @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci

      @@rsa7026 it is a complete bargain

  • @jaysire
    @jaysire Před 3 měsíci +1

    You are on par with many synth CZcamsrs in terms of information, knowledge and such, but you are next level with your sense of detail: In many situation you do exactly the right thing. if you mention how you have to keep re-adjusting the start point when previewing clips on the MPC, it's obvious that the best way to illustrate it is by showing how you do it on the MPC. This requires you to start up the MPC and record a clip of how it works. Not many would go that extra mile.
    You use two cameras and routinely switch eye contact from one camera to the other for cuts. It feels very thought out and I'm thoroughly impressed. You also boil the whole video down to something that contains the same information, but is 50% shorter than other similar Videos on CZcams. thanks for respecting our time.
    Your content is a delight to watch. An expensive delight, because now I'm looking for a Polyend Tracker - mostly to see if the workflow really is as good as it looks. Sample slicing, which is arguably the bread and butter of many producers' workflow, certainly seems to beat the Digitakt by a mile.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Dude, I can’t thank you enough for your kind feedback. Lately I’ve had a huge bout of insecurity and self doubt regarding my videos and this was a shot in the arm. I thank you more than you can imagine, hope to see you again soon🙌🏻

  • @M27UNDERGROUND
    @M27UNDERGROUND Před 2 lety +5

    I was on a sp404 for quite a long time....got a tracker cause I wanted to speed up my flow and clean up and tighten my projects (sp404 is nice for its looseness, but terrible also cause of it).
    Picked up the tracker, was intimidated by it for an hour or so....and then it clicked.
    My time spent fleshing out tracks and tightening up has been cut by way more than half in comparison to the sp404.
    Not only have I fallen in love with the tracker..but i picked up a 2nd, and cleared away alot of extra gear in my room as a result.
    Life has changed cause of this tool..for the better.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      I feel you dude! I was initially drawn to it out of sheer GAS, but now I’ve fallen in love with it. I do hope they continue to perfect the operating system and build upon what is already a great foundation. Thanks for watching and rock on!

  • @brianr5975
    @brianr5975 Před 2 lety +3

    We seem to have very similar tastes in machines. The Tracker is the first unit to really elicit some excitement and creativity within me in several years. The performance mode alone sends me right into tweaking heaven for hours at a time.
    Both the Tracker and your channel are outstanding! Thank you as always for such a balanced and informed presentation.

  • @wickeddubz
    @wickeddubz Před 2 lety +2

    I can watch your gear videos without fearing GAS, your peaceful psychotherapeutic vibe turns down the overhype and gives good points for mild discussion.

  • @krazywabbit
    @krazywabbit Před 17 dny

    Hi from the future. I’ve matured and now ready to track. Thanks for the tips.

  • @JorbLovesGear
    @JorbLovesGear Před 2 lety +2

    The jagermeister bit 😳😳😂
    You brought it around, p-locks + resampling makes sense lol

  • @mauchkimberly
    @mauchkimberly Před 2 lety +12

    Feedback: your videos are always pleasant to watch even if I'm not interested in the gear being discussed (does not apply to tracker. I love this machine). They're informative, absent most nonsense, and the nonsense included is entertaining. Your pacing is also really professional, like you took a minute to decide what you want to say, rather than stumbling through. And I like that there's a variety of content (ie. Top 5, review, little jam, etc.). Anyway, nice job.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +3

      Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate you taking the time to say this and I’ll keep working hard to make the channel get just a little better everytime in each new video🙏🏼 thanks again and have an awesome day my friend! Cheers!

    • @RajMahalMusic
      @RajMahalMusic Před 2 lety

      @@MidlifeSynthesist you da man, man

  • @Gainn
    @Gainn Před 2 lety +3

    I liked mine so much I got a second one.
    And then a Pete Cannon LE just because.

  • @variousdispositions
    @variousdispositions Před 2 lety +1

    Great video! I like that it gives you a bit of both worlds, step sequencing and the visual overview like you can get in a daw. Also the stem export.

  • @pmtoner9852
    @pmtoner9852 Před 3 měsíci

    Great informative, conversation style on the Tracker

  • @MaleInMarchMusic
    @MaleInMarchMusic Před 2 lety +2

    Well done mate🥸📽

  • @7177YT
    @7177YT Před 2 lety +3

    Sure, more tracker content pls!

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for posting! Will most definitely be featuring this bad boy often on the channel! It´s been a really inspiring machine! See you soon! 🥳

  • @desdoeseverything2366
    @desdoeseverything2366 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for the great video! I think I see one of these in my future!!

  • @DylanParisMusic
    @DylanParisMusic Před 2 lety +2

    God that Austin Powers cut was so good, this looks amazing!

  • @vishnudh1216
    @vishnudh1216 Před 2 lety +2

    Polyend Tracker is so much fun for real

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      I know right?! I can’t seem to put it down! Thanks for stopping by! ✌🏻

  • @AliAusAachen
    @AliAusAachen Před 2 lety +2

    I use Korg gadgets to name tunes. It’s a big help. Love this feature for samples on the tracker.

  • @audiolego
    @audiolego Před 2 lety +1

    Wowwwww u have an Amiga Octamed in super box. Dudeeee 👍

  • @philip7505
    @philip7505 Před 2 lety +4

    I used this for MIDI extensively. Unless the newest updates changed things, there is a ceiling to the amount of MIDI information the Tracker can send at a time without the unit lagging.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      Ran into some of the same kinds of issues you did I think. Talked to polyend about some bugs and they suggested I change the power source as some of the adaptors they sent out seemed to be flawed. That immediately made the unit more stable as to glitches and bugs, but I haven´t done a full stress test, though I suspect I will find that ceiling you mention as well. I hope it´s a firmware issue and not a hardware horsepower one, cause I´m really digging the things this box has to offer. Let me know if using another power adaptor helps! Thanks for commeting bro!

  • @sinewaymusic
    @sinewaymusic Před rokem +2

    The more I research trackers, the more I'm starting to warm up on the idea of owning one. You saying that it combines the best of the Digitakt and the SP-404 MKII certainly gets my attention. The ability to see all notes across all tracks per step is clever and can help you clean up a song by avoiding unnecessary overlaps, which avoids mixing headaches down the road. The ability to loop certain parts with ease is clever. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on the Polyend Tracker Mini but hoping to examine some reviews first. Anyway, thanks for this video, it confirmed to me that this may be a better sampler companion to my Syntakt than the SP-404 MKII which I don't gel with at all due to the super clunky workflow.

  • @jonbirchartist
    @jonbirchartist Před rokem +1

    Great video! I love the Tracker and I believe you've done it justice in your review. I also enjoyed your friendly to camera approach... very engaging. Subbed.

  • @_c_y_p_3
    @_c_y_p_3 Před 2 lety +1

    You did it again, this is a very solid breakdown of this instrument, better for me than Ive seen elsewhere as you think like I do but know how to explain it.. good stuff!

  • @FrankyGun
    @FrankyGun Před 2 lety +3

    Sadly, I won’t be able to watch it live today, but will be there by heart ❤️ and watch the replay later tonight. Love you bro and all the nice and inspiring videos you do 👍 Synth on! 🚀

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +3

      Don’t worry brother! Your amazing vibes are always felt here🙌🏻🙌🏻 lots of love and have an awesome night out❤️🥳

  • @Synth-PatchesCom
    @Synth-PatchesCom Před 2 lety +4

    I find this video useful and entertaining! Thank you! In '90 I did bunch of "albums" using various trackers so now Polyend is on my shortlist...Think about "Poly / Deluge" comparison - that would be interesting to watch.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +3

      Thank you my good friend! It’s definitely on the list of videos I’ll make this year! Along with digitakt vs tracker🤟🏻 cheers and see you soon!!

  • @CNTRRNDM
    @CNTRRNDM Před 2 lety +1

    Super interesting stuff! Thanks for sharing this!!!

  • @alexanderdillon3754
    @alexanderdillon3754 Před 2 lety +2

    this guy rules

  • @Aisjam
    @Aisjam Před 2 lety +1

    Really like your way of showing off an idea. Also to see what others find important on a device. Some of these points aren't touch in my tracker workflow, however it shows how versitile the polyend tracker is. Look forward to seeing your tracker music.

  • @sebp400
    @sebp400 Před 2 lety +9

    the bugs bother me sometimes like clock jitter but as a sequencer for my blofeld, it's perfect. And the performance mode is awesome. I've been looking for something like that for years, so I'm staying with it, trying to contribute to the bug tracking.

    • @infesticon
      @infesticon Před 2 lety +1

      The bugs should be fixed In updates polyend are good for those

  • @rednax3333
    @rednax3333 Před 2 lety +2

    Excellent video bud, really informative 😎👍

  • @mateythegreat1399
    @mateythegreat1399 Před 2 lety +1

    Great stuff as always mate. Nicely done

  • @THEKINGOCAESAR
    @THEKINGOCAESAR Před 2 lety +1

    Still bringing the heat I see good review bro

  • @ropeburn6684
    @ropeburn6684 Před 2 lety +7

    This excellent video just confirms what I've been thinking for a while.
    Polyend, please release a Tracker V2. Simply use a more powerful DSP and more memory, and add more audio outputs and DIN MIDI. Preferably several midi outs. Stereo sample support.
    128 tracks and polyphony. 128 MB of memory or more. That's dirt cheap these days as far as hardware goes. 8 analog outputs. Sell it for 1000 $/€/£.
    That then would be a REAL powerhouse. This machine is easily the greatest release of the last years, but needlessly limited. 8 voices, mono samples, 8 MB of memory? Limitations can be a good thing, but not here. It's much like finding the holy grail, etching off its gold plating, and then copper plating it. Needlessly.
    Please.

    • @bahutu802
      @bahutu802 Před 2 lety +2

      As far as I understand, Polyend intentionally restricted the capabilities of the Tracker, so that we are kind of forced to get creative within those limitations. Due to the heritage of conventional trackers which had the same limitations. And those limitations also lead to certain characteristic sound scapes of productions. For example, the monophonic tracks, which lead to samples cutting each other out, can produce a preferred sound.
      Having said that though, I would prefer to _choose_ those limitations on purpose from time to time, instead of having to live with them forever and not being able to go beyond them (I had an MPC before, which has a - for practical purposes - unlimited amount of tracks, bars, sequences; I would miss that flexibility, and yet, to adapt to the limitations on the Tracker is kind of a nice challenge somehow).

  • @deliciousramyun5980
    @deliciousramyun5980 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thank you for the video! Bit late for the tracker party but still a great instrument

  • @cymbolic_space1832
    @cymbolic_space1832 Před 2 lety +2

    i

  • @laurencevanhelsuwe3052
    @laurencevanhelsuwe3052 Před 2 lety +1

    Any video which includes a Mike Myers clip gets my vote. And no: you won't get me back into GAS Anonymous

  • @mk1st
    @mk1st Před 2 lety +1

    Takes me back to my days with a tracker (name?) on my Amiga but this seems sooooo much mo-better.

  • @abstracttim7428
    @abstracttim7428 Před 2 lety

    Very cool vid thank you. Nice to see when people are unbiased against trackers and appreciate them for what they really are.

  • @Artersa
    @Artersa Před 2 lety +2

    I truly hope you can get your hands on an M8. It sounds like a dream come true and it’s from an independent developer/musician. I feel that Polyend tends to overshadow it in terms of marketing so it’s not so well known yet.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety

      Thank you! I´m trying to get a hold of one and seems it might happen! Fingers crossed!

  • @inkorrekt.k89
    @inkorrekt.k89 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video! I completely agree with the mentioned features, they are such a great addition that I couldn't even imagine using another sampler to sequence ever again. I have owned many samplers in the past and this is by far the most inspiring. I feel it lacks a bit in the effects in the Sample Editor, they seem very low quality and boring compared to other samplers so currently I do a lot of resampling of other synths and grooveboxes, but the sequencing is some of the best I have ever experienced. And as you said, a surprisingly fast workflow.

  • @adeevision1297
    @adeevision1297 Před 17 dny

    I've had one for a few weeks now. I di think song mode could be improved though. The ability to loop patterns by a certain number , to end a song rather than looping back to the start. Also for doing long sets of multiple songs which are in different projects !

  • @davidbanner9001
    @davidbanner9001 Před 2 lety +1

    It's OK, I still have my Amiga 500. Tracker heaven.

  • @Crushcarter
    @Crushcarter Před 2 lety +2

    Through out my adventure of GAS, the tracker is the one device i have trouble with getting rid of because features

  • @CrusaderGeneral
    @CrusaderGeneral Před rokem

    Great summary

  • @VDJ4500
    @VDJ4500 Před 2 lety +1

    a nice review, an actual audio examples that clarify the points would be fantastic though :)

  • @MD_is_me
    @MD_is_me Před 2 lety +1

    I've search but haven't found any examples of what a tracker appears to be perfectly suited for, sound collage. I've not used a tracker so I could be way off here but if each slot on each step can be something completely different...?

  • @BenGeorge77
    @BenGeorge77 Před 2 lety +2

    I really wish this thing had some analog sync for modular, like just regular old 24ppq analog clock out. (Fun fact: I discovered that my Elektron Model: Cycles outputs 24ppq analog clock from its 3.5mm MIDI OUT jack.)

  • @els1f
    @els1f Před 2 lety +1

    I really appreciate how much people love those, but damn trackers are really not for me 🤣 awesome video again man🙌✌️
    Edit: autoname! 🤯😭 Everything needs that!

  • @VIRALBEATS360
    @VIRALBEATS360 Před 2 lety +2

    Deja Vu, haha. They are trying to really compete out here...
    Perfect timing, while the SP404MK2 left a void in the market, and people are looking for alternatives. Thanks for the video. The more I look at this, the more I consider its future in my studio. Maybe. Still no there yet.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks dude! Yes, I agree Polyend are making great use of this void and I see new videos of the tracker popping up all the time lol. I do think it’s cool there’s still space for smaller companies with products that bring something different to the table👍🏼
      Though I don’t think it’s for everyone, I’ve clicked with the tracker immensely and hope to someday try out the M8 and make a comparison. Thanks for watching my friend! Cheers!

  • @rok_koritnik
    @rok_koritnik Před 2 lety +2

    I'm almost sold on the Tracker, but there is one thing that isn't clear to me, yet. Can you do live audio input monitoring for L and R channels separately and apply FX sends and sidechain to each of them differently, like you can do on Circuit Tracks? Thanks.

  • @Death_By_Media
    @Death_By_Media Před 2 lety +4

    I grew up using scream tracker II and Impulse Tracker and have been tempted by this box , but they need to double the track count at least even it was only for midi I’d probably bite .

    • @trevor_mounts_music
      @trevor_mounts_music Před rokem +1

      Yeah 8 tracks in 2023 is kind of ridiculous. Why not a higher track count?

  • @duncan-rmi
    @duncan-rmi Před rokem

    I have a large collection of hw sequencers, going back to the alesis mmt8, doepfer maq, notron, sequentix P3 & cirklon, mpc, octopus/nemo..... the tracker is the one I've been looking for. I love mine.
    what I want to do is leave it in a dark room with my deluge & some strong weed.... 😂

  • @romenpheonixx7005
    @romenpheonixx7005 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice

  • @dinsfire8489
    @dinsfire8489 Před 2 lety

    superb presentation of the instrument. subscribed!

  • @segfault-berlin
    @segfault-berlin Před 2 lety +1

    Well I bought a tracker from a store with a generous returns policy, based on your video... I've had it a day and im in love with it.
    Its got two pain points for me coming from a teenage engineering OP-Z:
    1. no battery or speaker makes 5 minute experimentation opportunities harder,
    2. No soft synths? :( I get it but its a feature I'll miss.
    I don't think I will be returning it, this thing is so enjoyable to program.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      I get what you mean!! I don’t know if it’s technically possible but I really hope they develop a few soft synths for the tracker. The M8 has a few and it really sounds amazing.
      Happy your enjoying it my friend! I’m having a blast as well

    • @segfault-berlin
      @segfault-berlin Před 2 lety +1

      @@MidlifeSynthesist I would be surprised if they add that, it looks like they are already pushing the DSP pretty far.
      A workflow i am interested in trying is mapping the 4 synth voices on my OPZ to midi channels 1-4 on the tracker, with that you can get the best of both worlds, somewhat.

    • @aki_gong6271
      @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci

      Resampling and single cycle waves are your way to build your own synhs ;)

  • @richarddufresne2683
    @richarddufresne2683 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video! :-) Looks cool, but... I have enough gear to keep me busy for at least a year now. I was a victim of GAS ! ;-)

  • @jsieb
    @jsieb Před 2 lety +5

    I’m really intrigued by Trackers, having used both Renoise and an M8, so I really want to try out the Polyend Tracker too, more so after this video. If you really want to try out the M8, I could perhaps find a way to let you barrow it! :D

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      Lol! That would be awesome but I might be farther away than you think😅 I’m seriously intrigued by the M8! How’ve you found it’s usability/stability? I’ve run into a few freezes with the tracker when sequencing external gear, but since polyend are constantly releasing firmware updates I hope it will be fixed soon. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the M8!

    • @SylphDS
      @SylphDS Před 2 lety +3

      @@MidlifeSynthesist I've had my tracker for about a year now, and I can say it has definitely become more stable over that time. It's by no means rock solid yet, but it's improving.

    • @jsieb
      @jsieb Před 2 lety +4

      @@MidlifeSynthesist I’m still getting used to it since I was never a LSDJ user, but overall it’s easy to navigate and has plenty of options for sound design. It’s not as immediate as a Digitakt or Deluge, just as powerful. I’ve never had it freeze or crash on me, but everything plays from SD instead of loading into memory like a Digitakt. It saves it’s state, so if you do have an issue, restarting brings you right back to where you left off. Trash80 is very responsive about development and has released updates regularly, adding new features with each release. Half the reason I got it over the Polyend was just to support what he’s doing.

    • @jsieb
      @jsieb Před 2 lety +1

      Jo

    • @michaelkoehler8876
      @michaelkoehler8876 Před 2 lety +4

      ​@@MidlifeSynthesist The M8 has less limitations and bugs. Polyend's is more musical and intuitive

  • @jarkmodels
    @jarkmodels Před 2 lety

    Great review as usual! I've always liked the looks of the Polyend and with the points presented it seems like a no brainer...The problem now is that I want one!...just when I was starting to dive into my recently purchased Live II...I'll blame you for ignating the GAS...😉

  • @shitmandood
    @shitmandood Před 2 lety +2

    I've had one for over a year now. My biggest gripe about it is the limited sample size. I picked a bunch of loop beats to mix/match that was amazing to listen to, but the song memory was quickly filling up with little left I could do. You can render those new beats into their own sample, but then you have to go edit and remove everything you did to replace it with your new sample (or use a new track for them).
    One thing I could've done differently and may try later would be to offload some of the work to other MIDI devices or the PC.
    Other than that, I've had a lot of fun with it the past year and have made different things with it aside from mix/match loops, I've recorded guitar loops onto the MicroSD card and cut those up (like Knobs) and used it for generative sequencing (like Venus Theory). There's quite a bit of interesting applications and I'm sure I've only scratched the surface of it so far.

  • @daneguitarist1
    @daneguitarist1 Před 2 lety +1

    Ricky Tinez is awesome

  • @romenpheonixx7005
    @romenpheonixx7005 Před 2 lety

    Wooooooow!

  • @bahutu802
    @bahutu802 Před 2 lety

    Reading the term 'MIDI powerhouse' in the thumbnail: When talking about actual MIDI (controlling external gear via MIDI, not triggering in-device samples), I have to say that I have a love and hate relationship towards it on the Tracker. The process is logical, but kind of awkward, because you have to program both the MIDI note *and* the _note_ _off_ / _fade_ / _cut_ command. For each and every note... While this opens up the possibility to get very detailed and precise with regards to note length etc., it is quite a tedious process. For example, to program in 4 notes, you have to enter 8 events (4 for the notes, 4 for the OFF commands). I'd love if there was an option in settings where you could set a 'default note length' or so, so each time you input a MIDI note, it would enter a note off command x steps later.

  • @wireheadinstruments
    @wireheadinstruments Před 2 lety +4

    Thanks for the vid. 👍🏻 I am interested in your thoughts on how it compares to the digitakt - DOS-based trackers were my entry to electronic music (in The Past 😂) and when I found the digitakt it was a natural fit! I love the look of polyend’s implementation, but can’t really see a reason to put one next to my digitakt (except GAS).

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +7

      Thank you for stopping by my friend! It’s funny cause I think they are extremely similar, or at least very comparable. I’m working on a sampler war vid featuring those two going head to head, probably be up in late February so stay tuned! Cheers!

    • @wireheadinstruments
      @wireheadinstruments Před 2 lety +2

      @@MidlifeSynthesist sounds good!!

    • @harveytherobot
      @harveytherobot Před 2 lety +1

      I have both and the workflow just feels so different to me, even though specs wise they are so similar. I guess the song mode and the limiter and the export on the tracker is a nice bonus although I haven’t used them yet. Overall though, the Tracker does feel a little more computer-y to me with that big screen compared to the Digitakt, which has a bit more of a traditional drum machine/xox box feel. But that’s just my take on feel and is hardly objective.

  • @johnnymidnight2982
    @johnnymidnight2982 Před rokem

    I am looking for a song compositor. A studio "brain." Trackers are great. I have the NerdSeq (my studio is almost 100% eurorack), and I love that thing. From all of the off-rack gear I've seen that can control and sample, this workflow looks like the most enjoyable to me. The MPCs seem to be too much of "hip-hop in a box" and the Elektron stuff (now with Song Mode!) seem more like instruments than central controllers. The music I create is noise, experimental, post-rock and no wave stuff. Like Tortoise, US Maple, Gastr Del Sol and Bastro. But electronic. Tracker looks like it can compose to my likings - and perfectly, but my big fears are it might be too underpowered in processing. Another thing that worries me is that Polyend tends to forget about their products and after a couple of years abandons the gear and is on to bigger and better things (cough-cough Polyend Play). Shoot, I'm thinking about using both, but I want a long-term investment with the Tracker and not a mercurial relationship. I really intend to rely on this thing and all of its updates.

  • @samprock
    @samprock Před 2 lety +2

    If it would have "regularly" visualized sequencer with note names or poly seq/arp module (like ANA2) in the same box I would love it! too much numbers running, too harming for my programmer brain :)

  • @NoxBoxdy
    @NoxBoxdy Před 2 lety

    Darnit... You trying to get me into trackers?... ;-) Great vid, man.

  • @alexiwiedemann
    @alexiwiedemann Před 2 lety +1

    Waiting for a comparison between this and the deluge. What is your winner?

  • @insektgod
    @insektgod Před 2 lety +3

    You totally neglected "Performance Mode" the single feature that pushed me over the edge... from G.A.S. to gratification. The Granular, Wavetable, and Single Cycle Waveform, are super nice especially now that you have the ability to export and save instruments (albeit with PC interloping).

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      I agree the performance mode is awesome, but this video was a focus on the trackers sequencer buffs and not performance, FX or synth engines👍🏼 don’t worry, I’ll be sure to cover those in the long term review😉 thanks for watching!

    • @aki_gong6271
      @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci

      And the possibility of sampling the radio ;)

  • @briannhinton
    @briannhinton Před 2 lety +3

    The m8 is great and I definitely loved it. But I actually sold mine. It’s was just too small of a screen for my eyes.

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      The m8 gives me serious GAS, especially since it reminds me of a portable console, so it triggers my inner gamer as well. Being very near sighted, I also fear the small screen will be a deal breaker, but still I hope to try one out someday!

  • @nomdeplore7604
    @nomdeplore7604 Před 2 lety +3

    but, it is a daw in a hardware form...like, Impulse tracker was an early daw....

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +1

      It´s funny, but I actually felt like using Ableton again after using the Deluge 😅 What I think makes it amazing is the dedicated buttons and interface. This is why I keep saying we need a standalone ABLETON PUSH to rule both worlds🤣

  • @digiboydesign
    @digiboydesign Před měsícem

    Hey really great video. Question, if you’re sequencing external hardware is there a way of using more than 2 fx tracks to control an external synth with midi cc values?
    So like 4 fx tracks?

  • @nomad1517
    @nomad1517 Před 8 dny

    What are your thoughts on the sp404mk2 as a brain for live performance? Do you think the tracker reigns supreme?

  • @ShawnyDsMusic
    @ShawnyDsMusic Před 2 lety +1

    Awesome video! I have a pre-order on the sp404 mkII but have always been on the fence with this tracker. Never used either but have always envied the sound scape available on the sp404s. Decisions decisions. Really curious on your thoughts as a user of both.

  • @X-101
    @X-101 Před 2 lety +1

    Still dont get why midi shares the tracks with the sampler

  • @BendApparatus
    @BendApparatus Před 2 lety +2

    🤔
    Seems to me the Digitakt and SP404 didn't have a monogamous relationship...feels like Squarp's Pyramid had a fling somewhere in there as well...

  • @joaobosepintodiaz7832
    @joaobosepintodiaz7832 Před 2 lety +1

    Hello guys!
    Recently I've very temped to get the Tracker, I have this feeling it would really serve my setup, however I not completely sure if what I want to do is completely possible.
    So, in my main setup I use the digitakt as my main device and the digitone, Minilogue XD, Microcosm, tb-03 and a few volcas from time to time as side devices.
    For the digitone, I have mutes on my digitakt and synced pattern changes, the rest is controlled by MIDI from my digitakt.
    I want to get the tracker to increase my sample voice number from 8 to 16! but I still want to have some kind of control from the digitakt.
    Do you think is possible to sync pattern changes from the digitakt to the tracker the way I do it with the digitone? I do not know how this works outside the realm of the elektron boxes.
    Thank in advance!

  • @sinepilot
    @sinepilot Před 2 lety +2

    Somebody please help me understand the difference between a tracker and a sequencer…

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      No worries my friend! A tracker is a type of sequencer. Like an apple is a type of fruit. For example, deluge and tracker are both sequencers (aside from samplers and synths), just that they get the job done in very different ways. Hope that was helpful!

    • @sinepilot
      @sinepilot Před 2 lety

      @@MidlifeSynthesist Thank you for the response! I understand they are similar in function, but it's those "very different ways" I'm curious about. Could the Deluge's Arranger Mode be considered a tracker for example? I think of a traditional sequencer as something that creates music vertically, adding & subtracting looping layers, and I think of Arranger Mode as something that creates music horizontally or linearly...part A, then part B, then part A, then part C, etc. Would it be accurate to say this is the difference between a tracker and a sequencer or am I getting off "track"? P.S. I gave you a mention in my latest video, I'd be honored if you checked it out! 🙂

  • @jefgibbons
    @jefgibbons Před 2 lety +1

    Great vid!! What you said at 3:10 about starting in the middle of a pattern... love how they work with this!
    This is a related aside, but I'm desperately trying to get to terms with Ableton (and the Push2) and this is the thing that makes me throw my arms up in frustration! Working in Session view, it's actually impossible to start in the middle of a pattern to edit something without all of the other clips restarting... I just can't handle that so I head over to Arrangement view, and you can hit shift start to start from where you just stopped, but there's no shift start on the Push 2! It always goes back to the insert marker... and there's no way to drop the insert marker with the Push 2... and there's no rewind!!! I'm just wondering how Live users overcome all of these things that seem so integral to the editing workflow... any tips?? Sorry for all of the ellipses....

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety

      Hey brother! Leaving a comment so hopefully someone sheds some might here! I’d love to learn more Ableton tips. This has got to be one of the most frustrating things in music production, especially when the clock is ticking! The ability to easily start anywhere or preview a segment has a lifesaver on the tracker! Lots of love Jef❤️🤟🏻

    • @jefgibbons
      @jefgibbons Před 2 lety

      @@MidlifeSynthesist I have a solution! Working on a vid now!

  • @galganael
    @galganael Před 2 lety +2

    If only polyend had a midi sequencer… oh wait, they do! Polyend Seq was $1200 and no longer supported!

  • @SlaserX
    @SlaserX Před 2 lety

    The only thing stopping me from getting one, I don't know if you can play another instrument and record the midi data directly into the tracker. It's basic for a DAW, but I don't know if the tracker can do it

  • @fuentessetneuf
    @fuentessetneuf Před 2 lety +1

    I’m thinking about getting this but worried that my Model: Cycles will be neglected afterwards.

    • @harveytherobot
      @harveytherobot Před 2 lety +1

      Oh I bet you could have a good time synching them and running the audio from the Cycles to sample or just play through. At the very least, it will be a great FM sampling source since the Tracker isn’t an FM synth.

  • @vertigev
    @vertigev Před 2 lety +1

    This might be a dumb question but does it come with samples or do you need to add your own?

    • @shitmandood
      @shitmandood Před 2 lety

      It comes with some samples and tunes made by other artists. You can add your own directly in the audio connection or the microSD card.

    • @vertigev
      @vertigev Před 2 lety +1

      @@shitmandood Cool, thanks

  • @GuillaumeLudwig
    @GuillaumeLudwig Před 2 lety +1

    Biggest problem I have with it : you can't live record legato notes on a solo track.

  • @BacaBaconi
    @BacaBaconi Před 2 lety

    Hello 🤗 Great video 👏 I have a question regarding the choice of device. I am hesitant between Polyend Tracker and Roland SP404 mkii. I'm wondering which of these two devices would suit me better. I would like to experiment with samples, create new sounds and generally experiment with rhythms. As far as I've been informed so far I think Polyend Tracker would suit me better so I would like to ask you if you think this is a good decision for me considering why I need it. 🤔
    Thanks

  • @gertumlauf5471
    @gertumlauf5471 Před 2 lety +1

    Waiting for the Review after honeymoon in a view months

    • @omnifvck2596
      @omnifvck2596 Před 2 lety +1

      Ive had the preorder for a year and a half and I love it to death!

  • @knightstemplar738
    @knightstemplar738 Před 2 lety

    You should try Renoise software😊

  • @tychohallsen
    @tychohallsen Před 2 lety +1

    sometimes hilarious, sometimes disturbing names ... 8:58

  • @bbingtube
    @bbingtube Před rokem

    Fkn nerds 💙

  • @LostStylus
    @LostStylus Před 2 lety

    What I hate is that it reserves polyphony per track to the right of the current one. If you're on track 8, you cannot play polyphonically even with midi instruments. That is just stupid.

  • @4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse

    You get “neural fatigue” from givin a track a working title?! 😂💀

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety +2

      I have two kids under 3 years old and pretty much haven´t slept for about two years, so yes, EVERYTHING give me neural fatigue 🤣

  • @ElpakoMUSIC
    @ElpakoMUSIC Před 2 lety +1

    try MPC and forget about tracker...

    • @MidlifeSynthesist
      @MidlifeSynthesist  Před 2 lety

      Lol, hi bro! I’m guessing you haven’t seen other videos of mine but yeah, huge MPC fan and longtime user as well🤟🏻 that being said, Tracker brings something fresh to the table, so it’s interesting to use both if you can👍🏼
      Peace!

  • @DominicJacksonFilm
    @DominicJacksonFilm Před 2 lety

    Do you have to understand hexadecimal? Because that shite makes no sense

  • @aiekmeeisnhdye
    @aiekmeeisnhdye Před rokem

    Great to control, terrible to be controlled

  • @DominicJacksonFilm
    @DominicJacksonFilm Před 2 lety

    Your head keeps nodding like a car wobble toy

  • @AngryAndy_
    @AngryAndy_ Před 2 lety +1

    They just took renoise and put it in a box .... the Dirtywave M8 is much better imo

    • @MrXamanX
      @MrXamanX Před 2 lety +3

      It really depends what you want.I love PT's big screen and granular. And since PT has bottuns for different modes(recording,editing ect) it makes tracking easy and fun for non-tracker users.M8 has original tracker workflow and yes it is more powerfull but just so(3 fx collum,fm synthesis,osciloscope).

    • @aki_gong6271
      @aki_gong6271 Před 3 měsíci

      Just needs adding a game boy magnifying glass 🥂

  • @blackradowan8465
    @blackradowan8465 Před 4 měsíci

    Lot of talking but zero example?