Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 —  VS  — Polyend Tracker

# Polyend Tracker vs. Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3: Which Sampler Suits Your Style?

**Summary:** The Polyend Tracker and the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 are two fantastic music-making devices. Each has its unique features that cater to different music creators. This blog post will explore their differences, pros, and cons, helping you decide which is best for you.

## Welcome to the World of Samplers!

Making music is like painting with sounds. Just like artists need brushes, musicians need tools that help them create their masterpieces. Today, we're looking at two exciting music tools: the [Polyend Tracker](/polyend/polyend-tracker) and the [Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3](/native-instruments/native-instruments-maschine-micro-mk3). These devices are like magic boxes that help musicians create amazing songs. Let's dive in and see what makes each one special!

## Meet the Contenders

### Polyend Tracker

The Polyend Tracker is a powerful workstation designed for music creation. Released in 2020 by Polyend, it's known for its compact size, which makes it perfect for creating music on the go. With a 64-voice polyphony and a sample rate of 44.1kHz, it offers a high-quality sound experience. This device uses a MicroSD card for storage and features a unique tracker-style sequencer with buttons for input instead of pads.

### Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3

The Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 came out in 2017 and is a trusted tool for many music producers. It has 128-voice polyphony, meaning it can play more sounds at the same time than the Polyend Tracker. It also has a sample rate of 44.1kHz and comes with internal storage. The Maschine Mikro Mk3 is a controller with 16 large, velocity-sensitive pads, making it easy to tap out beats and melodies. It integrates seamlessly with the Maschine Software and other popular music production programs.

## Feature Face-Off

### Sound Quality and Polyphony

Both samplers offer a sample rate of 44.1kHz, which is standard for high-quality audio. However, the Maschine Mikro Mk3 stands out with its 128-voice polyphony compared to the Tracker's 64 voices. This means the Maschine Mikro Mk3 can handle more complex compositions with more simultaneous sounds, making it ideal for intricate music projects.

### Input and Control

The Polyend Tracker uses buttons for input, which is different from the Maschine Mikro Mk3's 16 pads. These pads are large and sensitive to how hard you press them, allowing for dynamic drumming and melody-making. If you enjoy a tactile experience and playing with beats, the Maschine Mikro Mk3 might be more your style. Meanwhile, the Tracker's button interface is perfect for those who appreciate a more traditional tracker-style workflow, focusing on sequencing and precision.

### Sequencing and Effects

Both devices come with built-in sequencers. The Tracker's sequencer is tracker-style, offering a linear and detailed approach to arranging music. It also includes multiple effects, allowing you to shape your sounds creatively. The Maschine Mikro Mk3, on the other hand, features effects like EQ, reverb, and delay, which are great for adding depth and texture to your music.

### Connectivity and Integration

Both samplers support MIDI In/Out and USB connections. The Polyend Tracker also includes an Audio In/Out, making it versatile for various audio setups. However, it does not integrate with music software, which might be a drawback for some. The Maschine Mikro Mk3, conversely, is designed to work seamlessly with the Maschine Software and other major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, making it a strong choice for those who work extensively with computer-based music production.

### Build and Portability

The Polyend Tracker is a standalone device, meaning it doesn't need to be connected to a computer to make music, making it perfect for on-the-go creativity. It's lightweight and compact, fitting easily into a backpack. The Maschine Mikro Mk3, while also compact, is a controller and requires a computer to function, which might limit its portability unless you're set up to travel with a laptop.

## Pros and Cons

### Polyend Tracker

**Pros:**

- Standalone music creation
- Compact and portable
- Multiple effects and robust sequencer
- Ideal for detailed sequencing

**Cons:**

- No software integration
- No pads, which may not suit all playing styles

### Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3

**Pros:**

- Seamless software integration
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic control
- More polyphony for complex compositions
- Wide range of built-in sounds

**Cons:**

- Requires a computer to function
- Less portable as a standalone device

## Who Should Choose Which?

In the end, your choice depends on how you like to make music. If you're someone who loves creating music without needing a computer and enjoys a hands-on approach with a simple setup, the [Polyend Tracker](/polyend/polyend-tracker) could be your best friend. It's perfect for those who value portability and a unique way of constructing songs.

On the other hand, if you are deeply integrated into the digital music production world and love playing with pads to make beats and melodies, the [Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3](/native-instruments/native-instruments-maschine-micro-mk3) is a fantastic option. It's great for producers who want to leverage powerful software tools and enjoy a tactile music-making experience.

## Final Verdict

Both the Polyend Tracker and the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 are excellent devices, each with its strengths. The Tracker is ideal for portable music creation and those who prefer a detailed, standalone experience. The Maschine Mikro Mk3 is best for producers who want to integrate their hardware with powerful software and enjoy playing with pads. Whichever you choose, you're sure to have a great time making music!

For more details on these amazing samplers, check out their respective pages: [Polyend Tracker](/polyend/polyend-tracker) and [Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3](/native-instruments/native-instruments-maschine-micro-mk3).