What is the problem?
After digging deep into the Tracker+ manual and exploring the architecture in detail, I’ve realized we currently don’t have true per-track sidechaining — likely due to performance limitations. That’s completely understandable, and I genuinely respect the choices you’ve made to keep things running smoothly.
That said, I’d love to propose a feature that could massively enhance the Tracker+ experience — especially for those of us producing hip-hop, lo-fi, and house
What should this feature achieve?
Can we get an external track envelope follower that responds to audio output or note triggers from another track — allowing modulation of parameters like volume or filter?
Here’s a real-world use case:
I place a kick on Track 1 and sample chops on Track 2
I’d like to apply an envelope follower to the sample chops (Track 2) that’s triggered by either:
The audio output of Track 1, or
The note-on event of Track 1
Then I can modulate volume, filter cutoff, or other parameters with attack/release shaping — achieving true rhythmic bounce instead of ducking the entire master
Right now, the master limiter’s sidechain affects the whole mix — which sounds cool sometimes but isn’t always musically useful for this kind of groove-centric production.
An envelope modulator with track-to-track routing — even if only via note triggers — would bring real dynamic interaction between elements in a mix and allow for nuanced, expressive sound design.
Please consider this for a future firmware or Beta update. I truly believe a lot of us would use this daily.
Thanks again for pushing boundaries with Tracker+. You’ve built something special.
Are there any workarounds?
Ways to Fake Sidechaining on the Polyend Tracker+
- Use the Amp Envelope
Go to your sample’s instrument settings.
Set a fast attack, low sustain, and medium decay.
This makes the sample fade in quickly after the kick hits, like ducking.
- Manual Volume FX
On the track with your sample:
Use VOL 20 right before or with the kick to lower the volume.
Use VOL 64 after a few steps to bring it back up.
Do this each time the kick hits to fake the pump.
- Render and Reimport
Render your sample chops as audio.
Reimport them into a new instrument.
Apply a volume LFO or envelope to simulate ducking.
- Use the Master Limiter’s Sidechain
Go to Master Page > Limiter.
Set your kick track as the sidechain source.
All audio ducks when the kick hits.
This affects the whole mix, not just one track.
- External Sidechain Gear
Send Tracker+ audio out to a hardware compressor with sidechain input.
Route the kick as the trigger.
Route the sample as the audio to be ducked.
Any links to related discussions?
Any references to other products?
Sonicware Lofi-12 XT
Master compressor with track-selective sidechain
Choose which tracks are affected
No envelope follower
Ideal for lofi, hip-hop, and bounce-heavy beats
Elektron Analog Rytm MKII
Analog sidechain compressor
Can route kick to duck other voices internally
Analog-style envelope response
Built-in punch with analog warmth
Akai MPC Series (Live, One, X, Key 61)
Digital sidechain compression per track
Sidechain source assignable
Envelope-style control over sidechain shape
DAW-level dynamics inside a standalone unit
Elektron Octatrack MKII
Envelope follower modulation
Assignable to volume, filter, FX, etc.
Scene-based modulation for dynamic “sidechain-like” transitions
No native compressor
Deepest mod engine of all grooveboxes — surgical or experimental
Roland SP-404MKII
Master sidechain compressor
Not per-track, but can be routed creatively via Bus FX
No envelope follower
Great for quick bounce and pulse on a budget
Roland MC-707 / MC-101
Per-track sidechain compressor
Assign trigger and destination parts
No envelope follower
Built for grooves, excellent for house and techno
