Side by side
Dirtywave M8 Tracker vs Modwave
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.
Modwave
9 positive (90%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 1 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted: +86%
Top excerpts
Modwave has basically unlimited modulation matrix slots and a lot of modulation sources and destinations (including things like triggering an EG from some value like LFO crossing a threshold), 5 LFOs, 4 EGs plus "kaoss pad" which can work as a sort of LFO or EG.
Korg really knocked it out of the park with the Wavestate/Opsix/Modwave, they're all such deep and unique synth engines with a ton going for them.
I've a modwave as well - and yes, you are right to lust after one.
Especially after adding the Modwave and Opsix—both great tools for sound design—I’m thinking about reselling a few synths.
These days a used Modwave or Multipoly will give you a better UI and more capabilities in most areas than any of the above.