Side by side
Dirtywave M8 Tracker vs Hydrasynth Explorer
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.
Hydrasynth Explorer
12 positive (92%) · 1 mixed (8%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +90%
Top excerpts
The Hydrasynth Explorer was my first synth purchase in many years... When I first turned it on and listened to its presets, I was blown away and convinced this was the best synth I had ever heard. Then I tried actually using it. Despite all the press and reviews about is unique, easy-access UI layout by module, I still found it hard to program and connect to it.
if you're willing to get a smaller keyboard with just as much range and variety, you could go with the hydrasynth explorer, arturia minifreak, or the behringer deep mind 12. these are all excelent synths
I highly recommend the Hydrasynth Explorer. Build quality is top notch and it sounds super good.
I absolutely loved the Hydrasynth Explorer I ended up spending around 3 hours with it and had a lot of fun just exploring sounds and modulation.
Hydrasynth explorer for deeper sound design and long-term utility