Just ahead of Superbooth 2024, Polyend have announced the launch of the Tracker+, a new and improved version of their popular all-in-one sampler, sequencer, synth and drum machine. The new unit boasts a wealth of new features including stereo sampling and playback capabilities, USB audio, eight additional MIDI and sequencer tracks, a collection of new onboard instruments and more.
Sampling & USB Audio
A key feature of the new Tracker+ is support for stereo sampling and playback. The device is capable of capturing stereo samples via its line input, and the built-in synths, samples, wavetables, granular engine and all of the unit’s playback modes also benefit from stereo operation. Thanks to processor and memory upgrades, there’s now around eleven minutes of mono sampling space (or five minutes of stereo).
The USB connection can now be used to manage audio files without the need to remove its SD card, as well as allowing the Tracker+ to function as a multi-channel audio interface. The USB channels include one master track, eight stereo sample tracks and one track per synth engine, along with delay and reverb effects sends.
Drums & Synths
Four new synth engines have been added to the existing collection. Polyend have offered the following descriptions:
- ACD - transports you back to the golden age of electronic music with its recreation of iconic single-oscillator monophonic analog synths.
- FAT - a powerhouse synth engine that epitomises the lush, vintage warmth of classic analogue synthesizers with three virtual-analogue oscillators and an intuitive drift and detune control.
- VAP - Virtual Analog Polysynth, boasting a dual-oscillator architecture and a versatile modulation matrix.
- WTFM - a unique two-operator FM synth engine that utilises wavetable-based oscillators driven by a 3x feedback system.
Editing has been enhanced, too, with a refined grid-based interface offering quick access to over 100 synth parameters, as well as six multi-macro controls that can either be sequenced, or controlled in real time from the Instrument Parameters page.
The drum machine side of the Tracker+ hasn’t been left out, and has gained PERC, a new drum synthesis machine that can be loaded onto one of the eight available Synth voices. It is capable of producing to five unique drum sounds, with a choice of Kick, Snare, Tom, Hi-Hats (open or closed), Cymbal or Perc available for each kit. All of the core drum sounds can be shaped using a set of dedicated control parameters.
Sequencing
The first eight tracks on the Tracker+ are universal, meaning they can operate as either Sample, MIDI or Synth tracks. The latest version of the instrument has also gained an additional eight MIDI/Synth tracks that can be used to sequence MIDI devices or the internal synths and drum machines, offering a total of 16 tracks. Synths can be resampled in stereo and loaded to the Sample tracks, and the instrument’s Song Mode has been expanded to accomodate all 16 tracks.
SOS Reviews
We’ve reviewed both the original Tracker and Tracker Mini here at SOS, check out the links below to find out more.
As you’d imagine, all of the features that made the original units popular are still present in the Tracker+, and the company will be releasing a firmware update for the Tracker Mini that will offer project compatibility with the Tracker+. Currently, the update is planned for summer 2024.
Pricing & Availability
The Tracker+ is available now, priced at $€799.
