Polyend invites you to “make an album on the go” with the new Tracker Mini
The smaller yet upgraded version of the original Tracker comes with a built-in microphone that lets you sample as you go
Weighing in at 350g and costing US$699 for pre-order, Polyend’s Tracker Mini comes as an enhancement to its full-sized predecessor — the highly-acclaimed original Tracker.
Boasting a spacious screen, 32 gameplay-grade buttons, an intuitive interface and more memory, Polyend has also refined the Tracker Mini’s signal path, allowing more headroom and immaculate stereo audio playback.
Able to house 48 instruments with 256 patterns and 128 steps per pattern, the miniature module also allows you to upload samples via microSD Card, USB-A to microSD adapter, or through the built-in mic or line input.
Once you’ve got your samples, use Tracker Mini’s extensive toolkit of pitch-shifters, filters, reverbs, envelope generators, reverse and ping-pong modes, plus granular and wavetable synthesis to shape them to your liking. Also loaded are genre-specific sample packs pre-designed by professional artists.
Though it’s missing versatile pads and the FM radio feature, it prides itself in being MIDI-enabled via 3.5mm TRS jacks meaning it easily integrates with other devices. Also, you’ve got an onboard battery that offers up to eight hours of playtime.
If you happen to have pending projects from the studio on the original Tracker, no need to worry since they are fully compatible with the Tracker Mini, meaning you’ll be able to finish your track while on the go.
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With all the necessary tools needed to “make an album on the go” as the official website suggests, purchasing the Tracker Mini also gets you a hard case so you can conveniently and safely bring it along on your travels.
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If you feel like getting your hands on this portable, standalone audio workstation, you can pre-order now for its second batch that ships out in August.
Check out the Tracker Mini in action below and read more about it here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.