Side by side
Dirtywave M8 Tracker vs Arturia PolyBrute 12
Dirtywave M8 Tracker
22 positive (85%) · 4 mixed (15%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +82%
AI summary — not a quote
The Dirtywave M8 is a highly portable, handheld tracker-based sequencer and synthesizer that users frequently describe as a 'complete studio in a pocket.' It is praised for its professional-grade power, capable internal synth engines, and its ability to handle full song arrangements, though it relies on a niche workflow that is famously polarizing.
Pros
- Extreme portability, fitting easily into bags for use on planes, trains, or beaches.
- Powerful enough to serve as the 'brain' for an entire hardware setup.
- High build quality and exceptionally responsive developer support.
- All-in-one design featuring a built-in battery, speakers, and headphone output.
Cons
- The tracker-style workflow is niche and can be difficult for some users to learn.
- Less 'immediate' for jamming compared to traditional step sequencers or the Deluge.
- Interface and workflow can be physically or mentally taxing for those not used to the format.
Top excerpts
Dirtywave M8, no doubt. There is some hype, for sure, but it’s still boutique and by far my favorite piece of kit I’ve ever had.
Don't buy an M8 until you know you like the tracker workflow. It's pretty niche, and you either love it or hate it.
omg I didn't know the m8 could sound so good 😩
I just want something M8 shaped that I can write code for.
Based on knowing nothing then, go with the m8. The reason being that it works better as a brain, it’s got better build quality, and it’s still actively supported and updated.
Arturia PolyBrute 12
10 positive (83%) · 2 mixed (17%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +83%
Top excerpts
I’ve got the Polybrute 12 and love it
Polybrute 12
Bottom PolyBrute 12 … A miniFreak is always in sight also .
Parent context: Right. Also why go for the 12 when it doesn’t even have multi timbre or additional features over the 6 other than the voices? Reply: Have you ever used an Osmose or PB12? That keybed (and the gesture controls that make the keybed extra special) is a completely different experience, it's sublime. Everyone should try one.
I tried it out at Sweetwater and was blown away. My only turnoff though is I do a lot of live performing and it is just so big and on top of that a lot my band does is outdoors.