Korg Volca Sample —  VS  — Polyend Tracker+

Korg Volca Sample vs. Polyend Tracker+: Which Sampler is Right for You?

Summary: Discover the magic of two great samplers! The Korg Volca Sample and the Polyend Tracker+ are both amazing tools for making music. While the Volca Sample is perfect for beginners and those who love portability, the Tracker+ offers advanced features for serious music creators.

Introduction

Hey there, music gear enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of samplers with two exciting gadgets: the Korg Volca Sample and the Polyend Tracker+. These devices allow you to create, tweak, and play music in unique ways. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, understanding the features and differences of these samplers can help you choose the right one for your music-making journey.

Feature Comparisons

Sound and Polyphony

First, let’s talk about sound. Both the Korg Volca Sample and the Polyend Tracker+ offer a 44.1kHz sample rate, which means you’ll get clear and crisp sound quality. However, when it comes to polyphony, which is the number of sounds you can play at once, there’s a big difference. The Volca Sample gives you 16 voices of polyphony, which is decent for creating layered beats and grooves. On the other hand, the Tracker+ offers a whopping 64 voices! This higher polyphony is great if you want to create complex compositions with many layers of sound.

Storage and Sample Management

Storage is another area where these two samplers differ significantly. The Korg Volca Sample uses internal memory to store your sounds. This is convenient because it keeps everything in one place, but it might limit how many samples you can have ready at any time. Plus, loading new samples required a special iOS app, which could be a hassle for some users.

In contrast, the Polyend Tracker+ uses a MicroSD card for storage. This means you can have a practically unlimited number of samples at your fingertips, just by swapping out cards. For musicians who love having a large library of sounds, the Tracker+ is the way to go.

Sequencer and Effects

Both samplers come with built-in sequencers, but they work a little differently. The Korg Volca Sample has a straightforward sequencer that’s perfect for beginners. It’s fun and easy to use, allowing you to build beats and grooves quickly. You can add motion effects and even reverse samples for more creative control.

The Polyend Tracker+, however, takes sequencing to the next level with a 16-track sequencer. This gives you more room to create full songs, using both instrument tracks and MIDI tracks. It also comes with multiple effects, offering more sound manipulation possibilities than the Volca Sample’s reverb and delay.

Build and Portability

When it comes to size and portability, the Korg Volca Sample shines. It’s designed to be a portable little box that you can take anywhere. However, it doesn’t have pads, so you’ll be using buttons to input your sounds and sequences.

The Polyend Tracker+ has a larger build, designed in a tracker style. While it’s still relatively portable, it’s not as pocket-friendly as the Volca Sample. But it makes up for this with a beautiful LCD display that gives you a clear view of your music-making process.

Connectivity and Integration

Finally, let’s look at connectivity and integration. The Korg Volca Sample has MIDI In and Audio Out, which are enough for basic setups. It doesn’t have software integration, which means you can’t directly connect it to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on your computer.

The Polyend Tracker+ offers more connectivity options, including Stereo Line In, Stereo Line/Headphones Out, MIDI In/Out, and USB-C. Plus, it integrates with your DAW, allowing you to use 14 tracks via USB. This makes it a fantastic choice for musicians who want to combine hardware and software in their music production.

Pros and Cons

Korg Volca Sample

Pros:

• Affordable price at $149
• Portable and easy to take anywhere
• Simple sequencer that’s great for beginners
• Built-in effects like reverb and delay

Cons:

• Limited storage with internal memory
• Requires a special iOS app to load new samples
• No software integration with DAWs

Polyend Tracker+

Pros:

• High polyphony with 64 voices
• Flexible storage with MicroSD card
• 16-track sequencer for complex compositions
• Multiple effects and DAW integration

Cons:

• Higher price at $799
• Larger and less portable than the Volca Sample

Final Verdict

So, which sampler should you choose? If you’re just starting out or want a fun, portable device to create beats on the go, the Korg Volca Sample is a fantastic choice. It’s affordable and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners and hobbyists.

On the other hand, if you’re a serious music producer looking for a powerful tool with advanced features, the Polyend Tracker+ is the way to go. Its high polyphony, extensive storage, and DAW integration make it ideal for creating complex compositions.

Whichever you choose, both samplers offer exciting possibilities for making music. Happy creating!