Right after the main release of Tracker+, Polyend has a big update for the little Mini: now with Synth Engines, PERC drum engine, USB mass storage, more MIDI tracks and other improvements. And there’s a big sale going on, this week only.
The Tracker Mini has come a long way. Sequence 1.x improved clock performance and accuracy, but also added major improvements to stereo sampling and workflow. Now 2.0 is all about the new stuff – specifically Synth Engines and that PERC drum synth. This makes it compatible with Tracker+ and Play+, including five synth models and drum synths. The firmware is now available for free download.
Again the engines – I’ll just save time writing other stuff by copying My self in this (although you’re probably smart enough to figure out what ACD means):
- ACD single oscillator monophonic analog synthesis.
- THICK analog 3-oscillator synth with drift and detune. (the Minimoogish one)
- VAP Virtual analog polysynth with dual oscillator architecture and mod matrix.
- WTFM 2-op FM synthesizer with wavetable oscillators and 3x feedback system.
- PERC a drum machine that uses only one synth voice but plays up to five drum sounds at once, including dedicated Kick, Tom, Snare, Hi-Hat, Cymbal and Perc for each kit with lots of editable parameters.
WTFM debuted on Play+ and PERC on Tracker+. The nice thing is that if a handheld is more your speed, the Mini is now a really, really valid option. They have a nice overview video for you:
Tracker Mini download
Don’t have a Tracker Mini yet? It retails for around $549 on the street, a limited weekly sale with about $150 off. (Attractive!)
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Tracker Mini portable sampling workstation [Perfect Circuit]
Polyend Tracker Mini standalone audio workstation [Guitar Center, who are adding an additional 10% in rewards back, too]
Polyend Tracker Mini portable standalone audio workstation [Sweetwater]
Let’s do the whole spec thing. They didn’t retool this Tracker Mini+, but that’s really the point – the Mini brought the architecture that would make the “plus” versions of the Big Momma Tracker+ and Play+ possible. TL:DR version:
- Four exclusive synthetic 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 machine macro control: evolve synth tones over time in step-fx
sequencer or create your own live controls using 6 multi-makers.- More Tracks: Eight additional MIDI and Synth tracks.
- Expanded Song Mode: Song mode now contains 16 tracks.
- Enhanced USB: Expanded connectivity with 14 stereo USB tracks.
- Advanced Mixer: Mixer controls for each synth.
- USB Mass Storage: Easy file management and storage.
- User Interface Optimization: A number of minor UI changes for a smoother workflow.
And everything:
NEW FEATURES
- Pattern extended by 8 additional MIDI tracks (wish)
- MIDI can now be sequenced on a total of 16 tracks
- Synthetic engines can now be sequenced on a total of 16 tracks
- 3 synth instruments with a total of up to 8 synth voices (wish)
- Including 5 models to choose from: ACD, FAT, VAP, WTFM (as featured on Play+) and the new PERC drum synth
- Synth Parameters, Synth Macros pages including patch loader and editor
- Synth Mixer on page 3 of the Master page with independent level control of all three synth engines
- Reverb and Delay sends for the Line In channel have been moved to the dedicated Master Reverb/Delay screens on page 1 of the main page
Performance FX for synthesizers
- Separate FX that includes Delay/Reverb sends and 6 macros for all 3 synths
- Updates to existing Sample Instrument / MIDI are made by FX, mostly cosmetic
USB storage mode
- SD card storage can be accessed via Config > USB
- Configuration for sound via USB
- USB audio settings can also be accessed via Config > USB
CPU overload indicator
- Indicator appears above timer in header when CPU utilization exceeds 85% yellow, 93% orange, 99% red
Added Destination to FX Description dialog
- Also updated all FX descriptions to account for synths
Instrument Synthesizer function (in the Instrument Parameters/Effects screen) renamed to Instrument MIDI Mapping to distinguish it from real Synth instruments
REPAIRS
- Perform Pattern length FX did not work with a value of 128 steps
- Sometimes pattern 0 is loaded when switching patterns or switching between the Perform and Pattern pages
- Track names were not saved with the project after restarting the unit
- Pressing Sample Recorder and then Sample Editor during playback will disable the Cancel screen button
- After applying specific fill note settings/scales, the steps in the pattern disappeared when going through the pattern editor. Additionally, in this state, it was sometimes not possible to manually edit pattern steps, and the Tracker could also freeze completely.
- Render & Load loaded samples in mono (if used immediately after device restart)
- In the Sample Recorder, the Start Point can be moved past the End Point, resulting in a freeze after trimming
If you want something more spacious, of course, check out last month’s Tracker+ edit. So you get a jog wheel, an added grille, more space, a bigger display and most importantly an FM radio – although if none of that matters, the Mini is clearly the winner: