Polyend Tracker — VS — Synthstrom Deluge
Polyend Tracker
Polyend Tracker is a powerful, easy-to-use music workstation that helps you create and perform your own songs. It's compact, lightweight, and built for making music anywhere—at home, in the studio, or on the go. You can load in your own samples, record new ones with a mic or even from the built-in FM radio, then slice, shape, and play them your way. It has a simple layout, a strong sequencer, and tools like filters and effects to build full tracks. You can also connect it to other gear using MIDI. It's made for creative people who want a fresh, hands-on way to make music.
Synthstrom Deluge
The Synthstrom Deluge is a powerful all-in-one music production workstation that combines a synthesizer, sampler, sequencer, and audio looper in a compact, portable design. Featuring a versatile internal synth engine (subtractive, wavetable, and FM), deep modulation capabilities, and MPE support, it allows for rich sound design and expressive control. Its 128-pad interface enables piano-roll-style sequencing, live performance, and arranging with features like Euclidean sequencing, probability, and advanced timing options. The Deluge streams samples directly from SD, supports multisampling and resampling, and includes robust live looping tools with seamless overdubbing. With extensive connectivity (CV/gate, MIDI, USB), a built-in mic and speaker, and a rechargeable battery for standalone operation, the Deluge is a fully self-contained music creation tool designed for both studio composition and live performance.
| Spec | Polyend Tracker | Synthstrom Deluge |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Polyend | Synthstrom Audible |
| Year Released | 2020 | 2017 |
| Polyphony | 64 | 128 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz | 44.1kHz |
| Storage | MicroSD card | MicroSD card |
| Pads | No pads, buttons for input | No pads, uses buttons and keyboard |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Multiple effects | Multiple effects |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out, USB, Audio In/Out | MIDI In/Out, USB, Audio In/Out |
| Screen | LCD display | LCD display |
| Software Integration | No | No |
| Build | Tracker-style sampler | Standalone sampler/synth/sequencer |
| Price | $599 | $1529 |
| More about | Details | Details |
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Summary
In the world of music production, the Polyend Tracker and the Synthstrom Deluge stand out as powerful tools for music creation. Both devices offer unique features and capabilities, but they cater to different types of musicians. Let’s dive into what makes each of these samplers special.
Introduction
Music production is like painting with sounds. The tools you use can shape the way your music turns out. For electronic music enthusiasts, samplers are essential. They help you create, mix, and manipulate sounds in exciting ways. Today, we’re comparing two popular samplers: the Polyend Tracker and the Synthstrom Deluge. Both are fantastic, but they each offer something different. Let’s see what makes them tick!
Feature Comparisons
Year of Release and Manufacturer
The Polyend Tracker was released in 2020 by Polyend, while the Synthstrom Deluge came out in 2017 from Synthstrom Audible. Even though the Deluge is a bit older, it still packs a punch with its robust features.
Polyphony and Sound Quality
Polyphony refers to how many sounds a device can play at once. The Polyend Tracker offers 64 voices of polyphony, which is quite impressive. However, the Synthstrom Deluge takes it up a notch with 128 voices. Both devices use a sample rate of 44.1kHz, ensuring high-quality sound production.
Storage and Input Methods
Both samplers use MicroSD cards for storage, making it easy to save and transfer your projects. As for input, neither device has pads. Instead, they rely on buttons for the Polyend Tracker, and a combination of buttons and a keyboard for the Synthstrom Deluge. This setup is different from traditional pad-based samplers but offers its own unique workflow.
Sequencer and Effects
Both the Polyend Tracker and the Synthstrom Deluge come with built-in sequencers, allowing you to arrange and edit your music directly on the device. They also include multiple effects to enhance your sounds, from reverb to delay and more. This makes both devices versatile for different music genres.
Connectivity and Screen
In terms of connectivity, both devices feature MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out. This makes them compatible with a variety of other music gear. They both also have an LCD display, providing clear navigation through your projects.
Software Integration and Build
Neither the Polyend Tracker nor the Synthstrom Deluge offers software integration. This means they are designed to work as standalone devices, giving you the freedom to create without a computer. The Polyend Tracker is a tracker-style sampler, while the Synthstrom Deluge is a more comprehensive standalone sampler, synth, and sequencer.
Price
Price can be a key factor in choosing a music tool. The Polyend Tracker comes in at around $1200, whereas the Synthstrom Deluge is priced at $2000. The difference in price reflects the Deluge’s broader feature set.
Pros and Cons
Polyend Tracker
Pros:
- Unique tracker-style workflow
- High-quality sound with 64 voices of polyphony
- Affordable compared to other high-end samplers
- Compact and portable design
Cons:
- No built-in pads for input
- Lacks software integration
- Limited polyphony compared to the Deluge
Synthstrom Deluge
Pros:
- Extensive polyphony with 128 voices
- Combines sampler, synth, and sequencer in one device
- Rich connectivity options
- Comprehensive feature set for advanced users
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No dedicated pads
- Older design might feel less modern
Final Verdict
Both the Polyend Tracker and the Synthstrom Deluge are fantastic tools for music creation, but they serve different purposes. The Polyend Tracker is perfect for musicians who love the tracker-style workflow and are looking for a portable and affordable option. It’s great for beginners and those who enjoy a straightforward approach to music-making.
On the other hand, the Synthstrom Deluge is ideal for advanced users who want a powerful all-in-one device. Its extensive features and higher polyphony make it suitable for complex compositions and live performances. However, this comes at a higher price.
In conclusion, your choice between the Polyend Tracker and the Synthstrom Deluge depends on your budget, needs, and music production style. Both devices offer a unique way to express your creativity, so pick the one that resonates with your musical journey!