Polyend has used NAMM to showcase the next generation of its Tracker hardware: the Tracker Mini. This portable audio workstation offers eight tracks for stereo audio and MIDI sequencing, audio-over-USB, built-in battery and microphone, gamepad quality buttons, and lots of sampling and sound design tools.
The user interface has been improved and it’s even more powerful than the original Tracker, yet is smaller and lighter and great for music-making on the move.
The Mini has lower latency and a more powerful CPU. Many requests from end users have also been incorporated into the new unit including upgraded headroom, easier project management, and a refined signal path for more transparent audio playback.
The company claims the Tracker mini is easy to use, despite the advanced features, although users of the original unit admit there can be a steep learning curve. Trackers in general, going back to the heady days of 8-bit and 16-bit microcomputer music creation, were not always the easiest beasts to learn and master. Incredibly powerful, though.
Technical specifications are as follows:
Ins & Outs
- Stereo Line In
- Stereo Line/Headphones Out MIDI In
- MIDI Out
- USB-C
In the Box
- Polyend Tracker Mini Hard case
- Polyend Tracker Mini Essential References book USB?A power adapter
- USB-C cable (2 m)
- Stereo 3.5 mm to 2x Mono 6.3 mm adapter Minijack to MIDI DIN adapter (Type B)
- 16 GB MicroSD Card
- MicroSD to USB-A Adapter
Size and Weight
- Height (w/buttons): 0.82 inches (2.1 cm)
- Width: 6.70 inches (17 cm)
- Depth: 5.12 inches (13 cm)
- Weight: device: 0.77 lbs, incl. hard case: 1.34 lbs (device: 350 g, incl. hard case: 606 g
A quick comparison overview between the original Tracker and the Tracker Mini:
| Tracker | Tracker Mini | |
| Built-in battery | No | Yes |
| Built-in microphone | No | Yes |
| Extended memory | No | Yes |
| Stereo samples | No | Yes |
| Audio over USB | No | Yes |
| Hard Case included | No | Yes |
| FM Radio | Yes | No |
| Backlit Input pads | Yes | No |
| The Jog-wheel | Yes | No |
The Tracker Mini can be pre-ordered now and is expected to start shipping on July 12 this year, sold directly from Polyend. Pricing to be confirmed.
