Tracker Mini - couple of questions

[troxx]

So, I didn’t click with the Play/+ workflow when it came to writing tracks, I used to have the OG Tracker and enjoyed that, so thinking of trying the Tracker Mini.

But before I jump head first, I just need some clarification, 1st in regards to usb midi support, I’ve read a few topics with folk having difficulty getting usb midi to work via the usb c connection, what is the score here? does it work? I have an Akai LPK25 Wireless which is battery powered, so doesn’t need to be powered by the tracker usb c connection, will a usb b to usb c cable work? I don’t want to have to spend any more money on a portable keyboard just to use 5pin midi din.

2nd, are the synth engines going to make it onto the Tracker Mini?

[Sandroid]

Hey @troxx , i’ll try to answer your questions:

@troxx

…in regards to usb midi support, I’ve read a few topics with folk having difficulty getting usb midi to work via the usb c connection, what is the score here? does it work?

Status: it’s complicated, see:

• Anyone using external controller to play the Tracker mini
• Sending USB MIDI to Tracker Mini via iPhone
• USB MIDI with Android
• USB MIDI unavailable (possible host/client issue or Android 13)

There is even someone attempting to use the exact keyboard you mention to no avail.

Current consensus seems to be:

• USB MIDI works directly for newer iPads/iPhones and some Android devices
• USB MIDI can generally be achieved by using a USB Host in between (for example: Kenton Midi USB Host).
• Use TRS MIDI if you don’t want any headache

@troxx

…are the synth engines going to make it onto the Tracker Mini?

There is an open wish that is ready to accept votes for synths to make its way to the Mini:

Tracker Mini: Play+ Synth Engines

This wish asks to bring the Synth Engines found on the Play+ to the Polyend Tracker Mini. We assume that the CPU of the Tracker Mini has sufficient resources/headroom to run these synth engines alongside the sample-based tracks currently available. Otherwise stripped down versions, or an implementation where the engine locks multiple tracks to get the necessary resources would be acceptable. What is the problem? Currently the Tracker is only a sample based groovebox. You cannot really …

Considering that Polyend has approved this wish, i’d say chance are pretty good?

[troxx]

Thanks for the clarification mate @Sandroid
Ahh cool, cos the synth engines sound great in the Play+

Do we know if it is the way usb c midi is implemented in the PTM or is this a limitation of the usb c architecture?

As pretty much most 25 key midi keyboards are usb midi based that you’d think this would be non issue when connecting the two via a usb b to usb c cable.

Are Polyend able to recommend a small portable keyboard that works via usb midi?