Polyend Tracker Plus First Impressions: A Powerful Beatmaking Workflow That Takes Some Getting Used To
- Sunwarper
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
The Polyend Tracker Plus is an intriguing piece of gear that blends modern hardware capabilities with the classic tracker workflow. For those unfamiliar, trackers use a vertical sequencing layout rather than the traditional piano roll or step sequencer. This workflow can be intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never used a tracker before. But once you get past the initial learning curve, it offers a powerful and efficient way to create music.
🎥 Check out my full first impressions and beatmaking on the Polyend Tracker+ here:
Navigating the UI
At first glance, the Tracker Plus UI can feel overwhelming: There are buttons everywhere, knobs to turn and a per-step-based workflow that looks completely different from traditional beatmaking. But once you understand the core navigation, things start falling into place.
Then it all starts to click - The four colored buttons: Note, Instrument, FX1, and FX2 are the key to everything. Once I realized that, the Tracker workflow became much clearer. Unlike traditional sequencers where tracks are assigned to specific instruments, Tracker "tracks" are flexible—any step can trigger any instrument.
Here’s how it works:
Press the yellow "Instrument" button on a step to assign an instrument (to that step specifically).
Use the "Note" button to set its pitch or sample slice.
The two FX buttons allow per-step adjustments like velocity, pitch, microtiming, or even effects sends.
This per-step control opens up crazy sound design potential, but it also requires a bit of a mental shift if you're coming from a more traditional sequencer.
Setting Up the Project
Starting a new project on the Tracker Plus is straightforward. I set my pattern to 16 steps and started exploring the built-in synths that were added in the Plus version. The selection of synths reminded me of the Polyend Synth, and loading a patch was simple. Once I found a sound I liked, it was time to start programming a sequence.
The step jump feature makes note entry fast and efficient, but you can also play them in live as well.
Sampling and Sound Design
One of the Tracker Plus’ standout features is its sample playback engine, offering modes like: Wavetable, Granular, Slice & Beat Slice
I tested the Beat Slice mode, which automatically chopped up a sample and then I assigned it across the pattern. It worked flawlessly, making it easy to manipulate samples on the fly.
The per-step effects system is another highlight. You can apply volume changes, filtering, and overdrive on a per-step basis. Over in the Sample Editor, I added overdrive to my drums, which turned out to be destructive, meaning once applied, it permanently altered the waveform. But the results? Fantastic. The added grit gave the beat serious character.
Drum Programming and Fine-Tuning
For drums, I assigned a kick and a drum loop to separate tracks, using step jump for quick placement. The Tracker Plus also offers micro-timing adjustments, which are great for adding ghost notes and subtle swing to the beat.
I beat sliced the drum loop to create a jungle/IDM-style breakbeat. High-pass filtering on certain steps helped carve out space in the mix, while bit depth tweaks and saturation added extra texture.
My Thoughts After Making Some Beats with the Polyend Tracker Plus
The Polyend Tracker Plus workflow is unique. It takes some getting used to, but once you get into the flow, it’s an incredibly powerful tool for beatmaking and sound design.
Even after this deep dive, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what the Tracker Plus can do. The combination of sampling, synthesis, and tracker-style sequencing makes it a compelling piece of gear for any electronic music producer looking for a fresh approach.
If you’re interested in experimenting with a tracker-based workflow, the Polyend Tracker Plus is definitely worth exploring.
Have you used a tracker before? Let me know your thoughts!
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