Dirtywave has announced the M8 Tracker Model:02, a hardware refresh for its groovebox with a new design, screen, and built-in mic.
There has been a tracker renaissance in recent years. We got the Polyend Tracker in a standalone device or the NerdSEQ eurorack sequencer from the Dutch-based company XOR Electronics.
Another device in this recent Tracker comeback is the Dirtywave M8—a portable Gameboy-like groovebox based on the Tracker concept. Since its big public announcement in 2021, the community has massively supported it. 3 years later, now in 2024, there is time for a major hardware refresh.
Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02
The new M8 Tracker Model:02 is official. It is the successor to the popular M8 Tracker. Important: unlike a Tracker/groovebox from another company, the engine remains unchanged. Future firmware updates will feature the same functionality for both versions. Thumbs up to this decision.
Only the hardware changes, but it changes significantly. You can immediately see that the M8 Tracker Model:02 looks much more grown-up and rounder from the finish. According to Dirtywave, it comes with a new design made out of machined aluminum.
The CPU remains a Teensy but is now a microcode variant. Confirmed is also that it will come with a bigger 3.5″ IPS TFT display. More precisely, it’s 0,7″ bigger than the original M8.
The internal battery also got a makeover. It now has up to 12 hours of battery life, giving you more mobile music production fun.
Then, it features a new built-in microphone added for live sampling. This is a neat add-on. Great for making field recordings and incorporating them directly into sound design or composing processes.
On the back, the connections remain the same. You get TRS MIDI sockets, stereo audio input/output, and a USB connection. Here the most hated micro USB port was replaced with a new modern USB-C socket.
First Impression
I can’t do much with the device myself. Neither trackers nor grooveboxes fit into music production workflow. A Maschine is a bit of an exception. Nevertheless, Generation 2 of the M8 Tracker looks like an excellent further development. I like the hardware design better than the original. This also costs a little more. $450 + fees vs 614,18€ + fees.
Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02 is available now for pre-order for 614,18€. If you order outside the US, add VAT and import fees to the price. Orders are expected to start shipping in May 2024. The first batch is sold out, a second will available soon.
More information here: Dirtywave
Personally I produce primarily with Trackers going back to 2004. Recently I’ve used primarily the Polyend Tracker and love the workflow. Problem with the M8 for me is the size. If I have to squint to read the display it’s a no-go. Regardless, beautiful design and it’s quality made.
I love Renoise and Redux for tracker workflow. They cost well under 100 EUR and run beautifully on my Macbook, so no need for extra hardware. I don’t understand why I’d want to spend over 500 EUR more for a tiny handheld with a cryptic UI.
there are many musicians who don’t want to spend its spare time also on “traditional computers” 🙂
Sturdy controls alongside a screen that’s similar to the phones we use all day. Shouldn’t be an issue for most people, I suppose. There’s a market for this type of workflow, as we’ve seen the last few years.
I’ve released music made on tracker. So, they do fit into music production workflows 😉
Fine but that’s entirely subjective. Saying weird things like “Trackers and Groove boxes don’t fit into music production workflow is maybe true for you but I know many who disagree including myself.