This post isn’t a demand—just some thoughts on my experience working with the tracker. I really love this device, and I’d like to see it evolve further into the sampler it was meant to be (or at least, how I imagine it was intended). Now that we have a Polyend Synth, it can grow as a sound-generating tool on its own.
But for the tracker, I’d prefer a stronger focus on sample manipulation. Here’s what I’d like to see in an advanced sampler mode:
Automatic pitch-to-tempo matching (repitch) – A simple mathematical function with no complex algorithms needed. This would make chopping breaks and drum loops much more intuitive, especially in slice mode with even divisions.
More modulation options – Multiple envelopes (like the Polyend Synth or Dirtywave M8), and crucially, pitch modulation—a feature that’s sorely missing.
Seamless loop crossfading – A built-in crossfader for smooth transitions, which would be perfect for atmospheric pads and evolving textures.
Slice looping in chop mode – The ability to loop individual slices, with options for forward/reverse/ping-pong playback (similar to standard sample mode). Renoise is a great reference for this.
Polyrhythmic support – Letting tracks have independent lengths in pattern would open up so many creative possibilities.
nice sentiment but theyd rather charge you for a new device. they dont code for free! either that or they would say ‘its not within our vision’ or something. i think tracker is done. but the new one is available!
Great post. This is the way to go; focusing on sample manipulation and sampling machines.
It would be great to have live sampling and buffer recordings ala elektron machinedrum or Octatrack.
Real time stretching. Or just add in some more options for the granular loop mode.
All of this could be offered via a clouds port. Even if it’s reworked and stripped down a little bit, clouds could bolster the tracker in so many ways.
It’s sad if this is true. However, I still have hope.
It seems to me that even from a marketing point of view, it would be more logical to make the tracker a modern sampler with advanced functions for working with audio files. At the same time, it is possible to leave only the PERC engine in it, and SYNTH and PLAY focus on synth engines.
In this case, there will be a clear division by functionality: each device will have its own specialization, and users will want to buy all three. At the same time, their capabilities will practically not be duplicated.
This is just my opinion, I can’t impose it on you or the developer
I’d really like to see more advanced sampling options as well. Porting the more advanced granular options from the synth over to the tracker is another one on my wish list. There’s probably some CPU constraints that might limit it being a full granular synth like dedicated granular platforms, but being able to do swarms with some advanced modulation options would be amazing.
Also I did a wishlist that I think just never went anywhere where I’d like to also see a “glide” modulation FX option. It’s too limiting to only be able to use LFOs and envelopes to do smooth modulation. I’d love to have an FX command to combine with every other FX command (as an example) to allow a smooth sweep from point A to point B. EDIT: here’s the link FX Parameter Glide
And I know this will never happen as I think it’s been asked and shot down, but tracker tables would be an amazing manipulation/automation creativity option for sampler effects.
That’s one thing i absolutely adore on the PT+
and its my workflow with a wall of hardware synths.
Use PT+ as the main sequencer to control all the gear with midi tracks (notes, cc, pc). Then select single synths on the console and send them to a bus group. It goes to the patchbay and to the stereo line in of the tracker from there.
Go to sample recorder and record your entire midi pattern of the selected synth into the tracker with all analog processing while the tracker is sequencing. Reimport the recording and resample, layer, etc. Its just soo easy with a flick of a switch! No other sequencer can do this, at least in my setup…advanced sampling.
I’ve spent the evening kicking around buying a tracker mini and it’s exactly the stuff in the OP that means I’ve let it slide for now. Especially repitch and polyrhythms. Or just as good - maybe even better - phrases as in Renoise. I feel like Tracker is so close to being essential for me, but needs just a few tweaks to the sampler.
Repitch and polyrythms are great ideas. if I could make each lane an independant length that would be fantastic. Just more assignable LFOs/a mod matrix would be great.
Personally for now my biggest gripe about my tracker + is that it cannot re-sample a selection though the perform FX, for me that would be a great boon.
Sure it can. You can sequence midi tracks while recording through line in. Clever design. I use this all the time to save my hardware devices in projects.
Sample based tracks and synths can be rendered to tracks, so no real need for loopback recording.
Thanks for the info. It seems that this is the same idea as - record sample and import/load right away into a track. It is not ‘real time’ sampling though because the tracker sequencer must be stopped. I’m not sure why it would be such a big deal to implement real time sampling. Same with recording into the tracker from performance.
Please make Tracker great again! The Tracker is a unique and powerful platform, but it feels like development has slowed down. Even adding the DWA engine would be a huge step forward for sampling features in this device! It is very sad to see that it is starting to get moldy…
Please don’t let the Tracker become legacy hardware — it deserves to grow and evolve. I truly hope you’ll continue to support and enhance it.