Which one is better? // Polyend TRACKER+ & MINI Comparison

Review & Comparison of the Polyend Tracker + and Tracker Mini after the 2.0 UPDATE featuring the new DRUM SYNTH engine and 4 other synths. These are serious alternatives to Grooveboxes like MPCs or Elektron Digitakt.
Let's look at which of these 2 Grooveboxes is right for you!
00:00 Intro
00:33 my FAVORITE!
01:20 the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE
09:40 the DRUM SYNTH
17:30 other SYNTHS
26:25 SAMPLES functions
30:05 MASTER section
34:45 FUTURE UPDATES!!!!
35:40 summary
‪@Polyend‬

[@Garethduffy707]

I own a Tracker OG, Mini, Tracker plus, and previously owned an M8. When I compare them across workflow, machine capability and sonic potential, the Tracker plus is by far the most inspiring for me. It’s an incredible machine when used properly and to its full potential. Great video too… thank you!

[@SONWU]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes, the Tracker+ is incredibly powerful, the synths sound so nice :)

[@Garethduffy707]

@@SONWU 100%

[@SeanKearney]

Thank you for sharing this comparison, @SonWu! I have the original polygon tracker and really love it. I was super excited to get the mini and pre-ordered. I agree with your assessment that it’s incredibly convenient and powerful but the workflow with those buttons is definitely much more challenging. I’m able to work much much faster with the Dirtywave M8. so I really appreciate you taking the time to put this together. It’s really inspired me to off my Tracker and reacquainted myself with what I loved about it in the first place.

[@SONWU]

Hi Sean, I'm glad this was helpful! I didn't know you have the M8 :) I'll have one on preorder as well, so I'll be able to compare this whole tracker generation…hopefully soon.

[@krazywabbit]

Very nice breakdown and comparison. I asked others which they liked of the three Polyend Trackers and majority are saying Tracker +.

[@krazywabbit]

This is the first time I've heard anyone say an alt to the MPC. I struggled with MPC and sold it. Interesting thought.

[@SONWU]

Thanks! Yeah Tracker+ is the one :) In comparison with MPC, I am referring to the simplicity of sampling & sequencing. The pads make this workflow very appealing and the look and feel of the device has a retrovibe just like old MPCs…but is a little more capable than they were.

[@twiglet2214]

Have another slice of carrot cake - mouth watering sampler so checking the vibe between mini and + - + is winning for me at the mo Wabbit.

[@CrescentRollCarl]

I have the mini, and have been a part of the 2.0 beta. Really nice nice new features here. The one feature I was really hoping for is still not there and may never be, and that is a chorus send. The M8 has the chorus send, and its a feature I use a ton. If I had to chose one I'd still choose the M8.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Great breakdown

[@SONWU]

Thanks!

[@johnnymidnight2982]

Does the Plus multisample? I know that (at least the early firmware) of the original Tracker involved a lot of DAW prep to multisample, but does the Plus do it automatically?

[@SONWU]

Not that I know of.

[@VinylWave11]

I have the Tracker Mini. It is a very fun device that I love because I can take it with me. The MPX is my main sampler and groove machine. I have multiple samplers and groove and drum machines. I always go back to my MPC. So, I use all of my other devices with my MPC X SE, because it just feels and sounds right.

[@indigosnow_]

Is the tracker + worth upgrading for if you have the OG tracker? In your opinion

[@SONWU]

In my opinion yes, 100%. Unless of course you are happy with the OG, and don't need synths, stereo samples, or multi-track audio interface capability (I think the OG doesn't have that, right?).

[@matthewdavis473]

I wish they would make a function where the 8 buttons at the top of the mini could temporarily function like the pads on the big one to play in chops, etc

[@SONWU]

Would be nice, but they are taken up by other functions…we'll see!

[@Swenglish]

@@SONWU I don't have any version of Polyend Tracker myself (I'm somewhat thirsting after the +), but I see that there is a Shift button. That probably means button combinations are a thing, which means the developers (if they wanted to) probably could add in a button combination that switches those functions for triggers, and switches back to those functions. I'm not a programmer, so maybe it's easier said than done, but it would surprise me if there's no way of making that work.

[@SONWU]

@@Swenglish Yeah, there is a shift button, but it's not a good idea to get it in hope that there will be a certain function in future…overall the experience on the fullsized Tracker+ is MUCH better. I think most people that have used both will confirm that.

[@Swenglish]

@@SONWU Yeah, I have no intention of getting a Mini myself, but it would be nice for those who already have one to get such a workflow upgrade. Personally, I'd get the + if anything. The one thing I'm not sure about is the price. I did tell myself when the original came out that I'd wait for the inevitable stereo version, and the lack of triggers was the reason I didn't get the Mini. However, I have bought other sampling grooveboxes, and now I'm like...how many do I need vs how much do I need the money?

[@kassie2k4]

thankyou so much for this review and comparison; i know i will have to get the fullsize one if i give trackers a try again.. i have serious damage in my thumbs so i can't handle much stiff buttons a shame because the tracker mini is on sale right now for a considerable discount at some stores.. but even if i didnt have that issue the slower workflow of the mini would be frustrating im sure

[@SONWU]

Sorry to hear about your thumbs. I am glad I could spare you the disappointment though. I guess the M8 could suit you, as you can exchange the switches on it and just choose the lightest possible.

[@BIG1TOWER]

I have the tracker mini and love it.

[@SONWU]

Happy to hear it works for you!

[@0e0]

i was totally thinking abou tthis exact thing today ha

[@chambre466]

my Polyend mini after the update won t restart. it is frozen on opening the last project screen

[@SONWU]

Sorry to hear that, that's a case for customer service I guess.

[@chambre466]

@@SONWU I got it? sorry to botter with that, I exchanged the sd card and the machine restarted

[@444levels9]

so exactly what is the difference between the tracker plus and the original tracker, I would like to see that comparison?

[@SONWU]

OG doesn’t have: -stereo samples -synth engines -multitrack audio interface (as far as I am aware) also the OG has less RAM for samples, meaning less sample space per project.

[@Iggxzy]

I'm considering selling my Syntakt and Digitakt to get the Tracker Mini and free some money for something else. Mainly for portability and couchability. Any thoughts?

[@SONWU]

Not a good idea in my opinion. If anything get the Tracker+ and a battery pack. Either way, there will be some downsides to this trade, as the Elektron parameter locks allow you to do a lot of stuff. In the tracker you can have less of those active per step.

[@eldontyrellcorp]

My main issue with the mini was the impossibility to directly enter notes. But there is a workaround, which is a good tradeoff I think : install a midi keyboard app on your phone and connect your phone to the mini using the midi cable. Then we can have the best of both worlds. (I have yet to receive my midi cable and connect it but I'm pretty sure it will work)

[@SONWU]

grey background yay or nay?

[@krazywabbit]

kinda popped. like it.

[@SONWU]

@@krazywabbit 🙏

[@OrangeDrinkMusic]

i prefer the blue background, but switching it up makes your video page look more fun

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

They should add a randomized option on the synth to help speed up the sound design

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Another note is an IPhone 15 Pro Max can power the regular size tracker. So those that say you have to carry a battery your right…the phone in your pocket. 😆 Another note is the newer tracker export sounds via the same UsB-C and you can record them into your phone.

[@SONWU]

Good points! Powering with a phone is a great idea :)

[@alecsbuga]

Can any of these engines play chords ?

[@SONWU]

Yes, using the arp/chord effect you can play chords.

[@Monsterism]

M8 or nothing for me

[@SONWU]

I haven't tested it yet, but soon!

[@J-Hz]

Thats cool

[@vertigev]

Really wish with the Tracker + had an internal battery.

[@SONWU]

Agreed

[@Digiphex]

You read the manual? I probably should. Sounds like you found an easter egg in there!

[@SONWU]

Haven't properly read it yet, but had a look at the synth engines :)

[@-keihinmaterial1278]

Thank you for very nice comparison, but I’m afraid that the sound of TRACKER + is severely out of phase. Your voice is fine.

[@SONWU]

My pleasure! Are you listening on a mono speaker? Because I noticed it too, when I listened on my Mac speaker, but when listening on proper stereo speakers or headphones, it’s ok.

[@depaffect]

​@@SONWU yeah one side is out of phase. so in mono, it disappears - but in stereo it just sounds.. well, out of phase haha. slightly annoying but won't prevent me from watching this vid :) hopefully not a problem with your tracker+ !!

[@-keihinmaterial1278]

@@SONWU I was listening with an iPad Pro which has stereo speakers.

[@undefinierbar]

@@SONWU Hi, also an normal stereo speakers: Check the audio!

[@CoopsMcPoops]

While I understand why you’d be inclined to compare each devices “button clicks per function”, but I find it to be a pretty pointless comparison. Any device of this size is going to inherently have some more menu diving compared to a full size alternative. That trade off is part of the appeal of having something this powerful portable enough for a roadtrip or plane flight.

[@PsychologyAcademia]

Do people still do road trips and fly?

[@redboycaptures]

agree- unless you carry a power brick around - doesnt make sense to carry the full form tracker around(as much as I love mine).. Fact is mini is just an excellent portable field device you can keep in your backpack and jam out whenever inspiration strikes.

[@redboycaptures]

to add- he is comparing a laptop and an iphone and suggesting its always better to have a laptop because "hardware keyboard"

[@SONWU]

I think the difference in operation (especially not having the pads) is significant enough to point out to someone deciding between the two devices.

[@redboycaptures]

@@SONWU appreciate it Son Wu- big fan of your work buddy. Please keep it up. Hoping you can do a couple more videos in your typical style for a standalone view of mini 🙏🏼

[@humankapital2000]

I did try out the Mini but found build quality and haptics to be exceptionally bad. I hope those soft touch surfaces do not get sticky after some time.

[@SONWU]

I hope that too 🫤

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

It might be me but the volume on the actual sound from the tracker sounds scrabble

[@SONWU]

You might be listening on a mono speaker, right? I heard it too, when listening on my Mac mini…but with stereo speakers, it's alright.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@SONWU maybe I had one ear piece in…thank you

[@thsithks]

Your left and right inputs for the Tracker are out of phase, it makes this video really painful to watch. This is really basic stuff to get right for any audio channel.

[@Thirolls]

Still prefer M8 from Dirtywave... by far

[@SONWU]

I haven't tested it yet, but soon!

[@J-Hz]

Thats cool

[@Thirolls]

@@J-Hz 😉

[@202xcic]

Lol, the M8 is just a bunch of open-source junk repackaged. Doesn't even have original synths, their just the MI stuff.

[@Thirolls]

@@202xcic You say shit lol. The M8 takes over the ergonomics of LSDJ trackers, but is still different in its interface. For synthesizer engines, the only open source engine is the Macrosynth, which is taken from the Braids of Mutable instruments. All other motors are specific to the M8 such as : the wavsynth which is an 8-bit chiptune engine, the fm synth with 4 operators, or the hypersynth, which is a polyphonic synthesizer. You have to tried Polyend and Dirtywave trackers to get an opinion, which is my case. I will pass the sample engine, because the ability to stream directly from the sd card without limit on the samples definitively burys Polyend's specs at this level.