Polyend Tracker+ - 2.1 Glossary of Terms

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Polyend Tracker+ Manual
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 will help unlock it’s power and performance.
It makes sense to become familiar early with the essential terms to help embed into your workow
Architecture
2
Beta: A term normally used for pre-release
software versions used for testing purposes.
Polyend often release beta versions of Tracker.
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+
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+, an instrument starts with a
sample or synth as its source. Various parameter
congurations 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 congured.
Instrument List: Also called an instrument pool or
audio pool. This is the internal memory. Synths,
samples and instruments are loaded here to be
accessed by patterns.
LFO: Low frequency oscillator which is not
specically used for sound generation but more so
to modulate parameters for sound design and
movement. Tracker+ has LFO’s which can be
assigned.
Looping: The process of replaying audio or a
pattern continuously in a dened 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+) are
interfaced via a MIDI 5 Pin to 3.5mm MIDI Dongle.
Mod File. Legacy tracker les such as .mod and .it
were used in classic trackers. Beta feature in the
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+ work. It handles how it operates
and periodic updates from Polyend bring new
features into use.
Parameter: The individual value of a specic
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 sequence and contains all steps in a
sequence. Patterns control how steps are played.
Perform: A mode in Tracker+ 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+.
RAM Memory: While Tracker+ operates with the
Micro SD card, on board RAM memory is also
used for instruments and samples in the project.