> Step by step
1. Sample pleasures
1 Adding your own samples is what brings the Polyend Tracker to life. In fact, because there aren’t any software instruments, you really have to add them, unless you plan to use the demos forever! Use your favourite software to create and edit samples as 44.1 wav mono file, and use the supplied micro SD card and USB reader to get them into the Tracker. 2 Insert the micro SD card in the rear slot, and power up the Tracker. Press the Sample Loader button, then navigate to the folder containing the samples. Use the Arrow keys or the dial to highlight your first sample, and press the Preview button if you want to check it. Select an empty instrument slot in the right hand column, then press the Import button. 3 You can use the Tracker’s Sample Playback button to view the current sample’s waveform and decide how the sample will play back when triggered. Set the play direction (1-shot, forward loop, backward loop, ping-pong loop), slice it, or apply wavetable or granular synthesis. Now press the Sample Editor button to access the effect-based editing tools. 4 We prefer to crop samples on a computer before loading, but if you haven’t done that, that’s one of the editing options available here. You can also opt to embed audio effects in the sample at this point, if you’re sure you’re ready to commit. Effects include normalisation, delay, bit crusher, chorus and limiter. 5 Press the Pattern button. Use the buttons below the display to choose pattern number, and length. Use the arrows or dial to go to the top of the pattern, and l/r arrows to go to the desired track. Press the Rec button to enable step entry. Press the Note button and turn the dial until your chosen note shows. 6 Keep the Tracker running while you do this, by the way. Use the instrument, fx1 and fx2 buttons to enter values on the step in question. Note that you don’t need to visit each step, and you don’t have to enter values for all four types unless you specifically want them to change. Press the red button again when you’ve finished.