Polyend Tracker Mini Manual page 13

2
Architecture
2.1 Glossary of Terms
While you may think this should be hidden at the back of this book, understanding the terminology
associated with these topics and especially the Tracker Mini will help unlock it's power and
performance. It makes sense to become familiar early with the essential terms to help embed into
your workflow
Beta: Pre-release software versions used for
testing purposes. Polyend often release beta
versions of Tracker Mini.
Effects: Refers to the master effects used across
the overall output audio.
Envelope: An envelope is used to modulate and
shape parameters and audio over time. Tracker
Mini has Envelopes which can be assigned
FX: A number of assignable effects are provided to
steps in the pattern. These are not traditional style
effects but more like mini-applications and
automation controls.
Instrument: In Tracker Mini, an instrument starts
with a sample as its source. Various parameter
configurations can be applied including wavetable
or granular synth applications to operate as the
sound within a step. MIDI instruments to set
channel and settings also can be configured.
Instrument List: Also called an instrument pool or
audio pool. This is the internal memory. Samples
and instruments are loaded here to be accessed
by patterns.
LFO: Low frequency oscillator which is not
specifically used for sound generation but to
modulate parameters for sound design and
movement. Tracker Mini has LFO's which can be
assigned.
Looping: The process of replaying audio or a
pattern continuously in a defined cycle e.g. start to
end then start to end.
MIDI: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital
Interface and is a standard protocol used for
communicating between equipment. MIDI is
normally applied using 5 Pin MIDI DIN connections
which in some cases (i.e. with Tracker Mini) are
interfaced via a MIDI 5 Pin to 3.5mm MIDI Dongle.
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Mod File. Legacy tracker files such as .mod and .it
were used in classic trackers. Not compatible with
current Polyend Tracker OS versions.
Mute: Muting offers variations that can be created
by silencing the play out of tracks and patterns for
sound design purposes and especially when
playing live sets.
Note: A musical note assigned to a samples pitch
and assigned to track steps to create a melody or
percussive beat.
OS: Operating System is the core software that
makes Tracker Mini work. It handles how it
operates and periodic updates from Polyend bring
new features into use.
Parameter: The individual value of a specific
function or control element. A parameter can be
adjusted to affect a sound or a functions operation.
Pattern: This is the backbone and core of a
Tracker Mini sequence and contains all steps in a
sequence. Patterns control how steps are played.
Perform: A mode in Tracker Mini that provides an
environment with 12 selectable effects which can
be triggered live and during improvisations.
Power Bank. A portable rechargeable battery
devices used to power or recharge portable
equipment.
Project: The overall structural container for
patterns, samples, instruments etc. A project
should always be loaded to work with Tracker Mini.
RAM Memory: While Tracker Mini operates with
the Micro SD card, on board RAM memory is also
used for instruments and samples in the project.
Polyend Tracker Mini Manual
Render: This is like internal sampling. To internally
capture patterns, tracks or songs into an
exportable audio sample. Sometimes render is
also called 'bounce' in the producer community.
Reset: The process of restarting Tracker Mini by
loading a random OS firmware.
Sample: The basic audio element recorded or
loaded into Tracker Mini and used to create an
instrument.
Sampling: The act (and art) of recording and
capturing audio to be edited and creatively
assembled into a new musical composition.
SD Card: A storage device that is used in Tracker
Mini for holding data, samples, project etc. Tracker
Mini is supplied with a 16GB Micro SD Card.
Solo: The ability to select an individual track to play
alone and effectively mutes other tracks.
Song: A combination of tracks and patterns
combined and structured into a full arrangement.
Step: In Tracker Mini a step is the building block for
creating melodies and beats. Each step contains a
note, instrument and 2 FX slots per track and is
displayed in the track rows.
Track: Tracker Mini contains 8 tracks each which
controls a voice. Tracks are used for structuring the
sequencing of steps. These can be configured with
steps to play a variety of instruments and develop
a complete melody and beat across the 8 tracks.
Tracker: Tracker is a digital audio workstation for
music production. Trackers use a linear top to
bottom sequencing environment where elements
are programmed into lines of Tracker code.
Update: The process of installing the newest
firmware. This brings new features and fixes bugs
associated with previous versions.
Polyend Tracker Mini Manual
2
Architecture
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