Ten years ago, we launched Polyend, bringing the Perc a few months later. Since then, Polyend has grown in ways I never expected. I’m very proud of the passionate people that have come together around these devices. The spirit behind what we do hasn’t changed, we’ve always desired to design tools that are original, fun, and inspiring. The Tracker Mini has become a big part of that, and this year we wanted to do something a little different to mark the occasion.
We’re excited to share the Tracker Mini 10th Anniversary Edition—a special, limited run in a new all-aluminum design. Same core experience, with a fresh design, available in Black or Silver. It’s built with care and intention, not just as a collector’s version, but as a thank-you to those that requested an aluminium version.
We’re opening pre-orders now until August 1st. It’s a made-to-order run, so we’ll only produce as many as are reserved. If you grab one, thanks for helping us bring these to life. And to our employees, the artists making music, the moderators volunteering their time on our forum, and anyone that has played a Polyend instrument, thanks for being a part of this.
But, I question the decision to release this as a limited edition run vs. just launching as a v2. Are there plans for this to become the default version?
I know software and hardware engineers aren’t swappable, but it seems like there’s a lot more to do on enhancing the existing firmware for Tracker, Play, and Synth vs. taking on limited edition side quests. As a Tracker+ user though, I guess I can’t complain, because more people owning Trackers means more likelihood of continued software evolution.
There are no plans to do another run of this device. We wanted to do something special for 10 years and test our new industrial designers chops as this was the first thing he dreamed up. I think he did great! Also, the design was made specifically for small batch production, without considering the factors and compromises needed to scale up production so no chance this could be a V2.
There aren’t any downsides for Tracker owners here. The hardware creation didn’t take any software dev time, and yes more people owning Trackers does mean the company can afford to put more time into Tracker updates. The firmware is being actively worked on now and a new Tracker+/Mini beta should be ready sometime soon but no exact dates.
Reserved a silver this morning. I’m reading folks mentioning things are greyscale in the UI for these: is the UI a monochrome color for these alu versions? Or will they still have the same exact UI as the standard Tracker+ and Tracker Mini?
I’m thinking of getting the Tracker Mini to complete the collection. But I’m not sure if the aluminum build is a good and practical idea. How does it feel in the hands? Is it actually practical and beautiful?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any real in-depth videos about it.
I believe they’ll all get an update with a new color/theme.
For practicality - same as the regular tracker mini in my opinion, heavier and pretty substantial feeling in your hands - 500 grams instead of 350, here are the dimensions
OG T Mini
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
T Mini Alu
Height (w/buttons): 0.73 inches (1.84 cm)
Width: 6.70 inches (17 cm)
Depth: 5.12 inches (13 cm)
Weight: device: 1.10 lbs, incl. hard case: 1.75 lbs (device: 500 g, incl. hard case: 795 g)
Looks great, and congratulations for the10 years anniversary; but I already have a mini so I don’t see the point in buying it.Maybe the most sensitive thing to do was to make just the case and sell that, so people can swap their mini internals in the new case. I would buy that as it would make sense in that context, to have a limited run case only for the 10 years, that I can use with my existing hardware.
I understand the desire for this, and how that would make sense from looking at the design. However it wouldn’t be possible for a few reasons. The PCB was changed for this design and doesn’t fit.
Also the Tracker Mini wasn’t designed to be disassembled. The screen is taped or glued on, easy to break if forced out, the PCB screws are very easy to strip by hand, and use a precise electronic driver to assemble, etc - I think we would end up with a lot of broken units and frustrating experiences.
The button mechanism looks slightly different — is there a chance they are more ‘clicky’ on this new version? also, the volume buttons look like the two smaller -+ buttons is one rocker back and forth, and the two large - and + buttons are separate. Is that correct?
Will you guys have an official video showcasing / comparing both, before the pre-order period runs out?
In particular, how prone to finger grease the black one is? How resistant both are to dents, scratches, chipping, etc.? Metal / aluminium products always have problems with that, especially the 1st batch and I suspect there won’t be 2nd or 3rd.
The only thing that’s always stopped me from buying the Tracker is the lack of a built-in speaker. I really don’t enjoy using headphones, and in a portable device, that absence feels like a major downside honestly, a pretty significant omission in my view.
That said, I still really want to experience what “ultimate premium quality” feels like and to be honest, I’m always willing to pay for it, not just once every ten years.
You really changed the game, my Tracker and me are inseparable.