Sharing my first noodling with the Dirtywave M8 Tracker – the "render" function is also great for cable-free videos 😉

May 8, 2026 3 min read

FREE

Available via youtu.be

TL;DR: A free first-look video just dropped showing the Dirtywave M8 Tracker in action — including a clever workflow tip: use the built-in render function to capture audio without cables, perfect for clean demo videos. The M8 Tracker hardware is priced at $199. Watch the free video here.

What Is the Dirtywave M8 Tracker?

The Dirtywave M8 is a handheld music tracker and synthesizer designed for producers who want a fully self-contained, portable creative tool. Built by Dirtywave, it packs a sequencer, multiple synthesis engines, and sample playback into a palm-sized device with a small display. The M8 runs on battery power, making it genuinely portable — no laptop, no DAW required.

The M8 has built a dedicated following in the hardware synth and lo-fi music communities for its deep feature set in an ultracompact form factor.

Key Features

Tracker-style sequencer — Classic step-sequencer workflow familiar to fans of classic trackers like FastTracker and Impulse Tracker, adapted for modern hardware
Multiple synthesis engines — Includes FM synthesis, wavetable, and sample-based playback in a single device
Built-in render function — Records audio internally to the device, eliminating the need for external recording rigs or audio interfaces
Battery-powered portability — Fully self-contained operation, no power cable required during use
USB connectivity — Connects to a computer for file management and firmware updates
Compact form factor — Designed to fit in a pocket, enabling on-the-go music production

Who Is It For?

Portable producers — Designed for creators who want to make music away from a desk, without carrying a laptop or audio interface
Tracker enthusiasts — Producers with a background in classic tracker software will find the workflow immediately familiar
Video content creators — The render function means audio is captured internally, making it straightforward to film cable-free performance videos without a separate recording chain
Experimental and lo-fi artists — The M8’s synthesis engines and sequencer are well-suited to experimental, chiptune, and lo-fi genres

Pricing & Deal Details

Regular Price	Deal Price	You Save
$199	FREE (video demo)	Free insight into the workflow

The free video at the link below covers a first noodling session with the M8 and demonstrates the render function for cable-free recording. The hardware itself is separately priced — verify current pricing on the product page, as deals can change.

Watch the free M8 demo video →

Alternatives at a Glance

Name	Price	Key Difference
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field	~$1,999	More synthesis engines and radio, significantly higher price
Elektron Model:Cycles	~$399	FM-focused groovebox with Elektron’s step sequencer, no built-in render function
Polyend Tracker Mini	~$299	Larger screen and pads, sample-focused rather than synthesis-focused

If portability and self-contained recording (including the render-to-device workflow) are priorities, the M8 covers that ground at a lower price than most competitors. If you need a larger screen or a more sample-forward workflow, the Polyend Tracker Mini is worth comparing.

FAQ

Q: What is the M8 Tracker’s render function? A: The render function records audio directly onto the M8’s internal storage without requiring a cable connection to an external recorder or audio interface. This makes it particularly useful for filming performance videos cleanly.

Q: Does the Dirtywave M8 require a computer to use? A: No — the M8 is designed for standalone, cable-free operation. A computer connection is available for file management and firmware updates but is not required to compose or perform.

Q: Where can I buy the Dirtywave M8? A: Check the official Dirtywave website for current availability and pricing. The M8 has historically sold through direct sales and occasional restocks.

Q: Is the free video suitable for beginners? A: The video linked here is a first-noodling demo, making it accessible for anyone curious about how the M8 sounds and handles in practice. Watch it free here.

Get the Deal

A free video demo of the Dirtywave M8 Tracker — including the cable-free render workflow — is available right now at no cost. If you’ve been curious about the M8, this is a zero-risk way to see it in action before committing to the hardware.

Watch the free Dirtywave M8 demo →

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

See our buying guides

Best Synth Plugins 2026 →

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.