#263

Just cutting and pasting my reply from the Elektronauts board as it’s not totally impossible to do:

There is a way, it’s just a little different. Here’s how:

  • Create patterns with multiple lengths. For example, make pattern 1 = 1 step length, pattern 2 = 2 step length, pattern 3 = 3 step length, etc
  • Program sequences in each track in each pattern, maybe each track is a different sound in a drum kit for example.
  • Hit play and go into Perform Mode. Then hold down a black key under one of the track names and use either the wheel or the arrow keys to select a different pattern for each track (hot tip: up/down changes the pattern right away, left/right changes the pattern at the end of the pattern once you release the key)
  • This way you have each track can be playing from a pattern with a different length. So, that’s polyrhythm but not polymeter (or is it the other way around, I always forget).

You can’t really use this with Song mode or with render options, and the polyrhythm stops as soon as you leave the Perform window, so it’s make programming sequences for each track a little odd, but it’s still pretty fun to play with after you do a little setup.

I was secretly hoping that tempo FX would only apply to each track so you could have each track playing at a different tempo, but it’s still global, but pretty wacky things start to happen when you throw tempo fx in different patterns on different steps.

#264

I guess one solution for asynchronous track lengths would be an FX command that jumps to a specific line for the track in question, but I think any solution is going to break the spreadsheet tracker paradigm that says on line 12, these specific events are going to happen across the board (whereas on a Digitakt, for example, it’s easier to think of the eight tracks as independent creatures reacting to the same starter’s pistol). It’d also make a mess of the render feature, and probably a few more besides.

I think modern sequencers have almost spoiled us in terms of features, but also it’s nice to have something like the Tracker than requires a different perspective, and offers different rewards.

Now, a question: am I right in thinking there’s no recording management on board? i.e. if I record and save a sample from the radio, that sample is on the card until I hook it up to to a computer? I can’t see a delete function on the Tracker itself, but I would like to be able to manage that kind of stuff in the box.

1 Like
#265

thanks, i will try that out… sounds interesting…

yes, tempo FX are very interesting! and per track would be really fantastic…

#266

Signal Sounds, up here in Bonnie Scotland have current stock, why is it always before pay day?

No affiliation wit dem…

1 Like
#267

I ordered a Tracker that should arrive in the next couple of weeks. One thing I have not wrapped my head around completely is the instrument automation. Am I correct that you get an lfo and env per instrument for modulation in addition to the two fx tracks of per-step automation?

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#268

You get an LFO and an envelope per effect per track - ie for filter, volume, etc.

3 Likes
#269

In the instrument parameters section, you can automate amp, filter, panning, as well as other parameters with either an LFO or an envelope. This is per instrument, naturally.

In the pattern view, you can effect the the LFOs using the FX lanes. Can’t recall if it’s in addition to the LFOs, or if it replaces the instrument LFO.

2 Likes
#270

trying to understand, does the MTP implementation mean USB file transferring is enabled? or have they just implemented that for the sd card somehow

#271

Caveat that I haven’t actually tried it yet, but Polyend mentioned in a comment somewhere that the intention was so that you can keep the SD card in the Tracker at all times without needing to remove it. So yes, I believe you can just transfer files to the SD card by connecting the Tracker via USB to a computer now.

Edit: here you go, from the manual:

USB Type–C port – 5V 1A power input from any USB power source (included Polyend AC adapter/USB port/power bank).

Provides bidirectional MIDI class-compliant communication.
Serves for MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) which allows browsing the files and folders stored on the SD card from a computer level. In order to use it, activate the File Transfer mode in the Config menu. On Windows 10 the card will mount as a new drive. On macOS, you need to use the Android File Transfer application. Some hubs and adapters may cause connection issues. Use straight connections only or quality adapter kits if necessary.

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#272

I temporarily had two Polyend trackers. On the photo you can see the difference of the buttons. The newer trackers have higher buttons (front PT). The new buttons remind me of the Digitakt Buttons. The sound when pressed is duller and not as loud as the first version of the tracker.

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3 Likes
#273

Definitely gives it a more “old mechanical keyboard” style, it might not look quite as slick though but it makes me feel like it might be more enjoyable while using it. Do you have any personnal preference? It seems like a minor tweak, but I found it’s the kind of things that can impact more than you think they would.

2 Likes
#274

The new buttons feel more like a classic mechanical keyboard. I like that a lot, because you get a better feedback from the machine. On the other hand, the first version of the buttons seem more stable, but that can be deceptive. However, I tend to the new buttons.

1 Like
#275

It’s interesting they’re making such a large tweak / rapid iteration to the design without apparent change of revision number or similar. Would be interesting to try out the new button design - if it’s a classic mech keyboard type action instead of the shorter travel super clicky one that mine has.

There was also a mention about some kind of mute relay in the FAQ: https://help.polyend.com/961797-Turning-on-and-off-the-device-causes-a-mechanical-clicking-sound-somewhere-in-the-device-other-than-the-click-from-the-power-button-is-this-normal … Does anyone’s Tracker have this one? My first batch preorder one doesn’t, and that would be solve one of the minor hardware nags with the unit (loud pop in headphones when turning the unit on or off).

#276

I have a Tracker with the taller, rounded buttons and there is a definite relay click during power up and shut down. It happens about 1-2 seconds after pressing the power button.

#277

Thanks! Seems like those improvements / changes might have been added simultaneously. Possibly so that the very first batch of preorderers have an unit with the flatter buttons and no mute relay, and later production batches have those tweaks added.

I wonder if there’s anything else that’s changed in the hardware meanwhile, that isn’t documented - maybe just worth asking Polyend directly as they’ve been super responsive with all the product and support queries so far.

#278

There’s another addition I didn’t see mentioned: the older batch only accepted USB-C to USB-A for power, whereas the new batch accepts that as well as USB-C to USB-C. Makes no difference for me, might for others.

#279

Good catch. That would make things just a bit more convenient for me, but not a huge difference in any case.

#280

I am very excited to test this beta version. And very impressive how fast new features are added.

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10 Likes
#281

thanks for the heads up, looks fantastic!

#282

Nice! I hope the “live audio” feature means / will eventually mean, that you can keep a song with MIDI notes playing, and run line input sampling in the sample recording screen at the same time. I know Polyend have specifically said that isn’t what they’re aiming for at all, as classic trackers didn’t do that either - and it might be that there are hardware limitations as well. But that would mean one wouldn’t have to have another recorder handy for “sequence a MIDI synth with Tracker, then sample the sequence as audio” type of workflow - you could just record the audio directly to the device, trim it to a loop, and start sequencing the next part.

Way back in the first preorder phase I was asking the Polyend people about whether they’re planning to update some stuff to Medusa, as I have one and there are some deceptively simple things that would make it even more fun. Back then they said they’re a small team and it’s unlikely there will be very large updates to Medusa for a while as they are focusing on the Tracker until they get it to a point they want to. Let’s say that focus does show, in a good way as a Tracker user!