AudioPilz vs. Dirtywave M8: The Tracker That Refused to Be Hated

AudioPilz kicks things off with the Dirtywave M8, a hardware tracker that’s got more warning signs than a dodgy kebab shop at 3am. He’s not shy about the red flags: cult-like following, Game Boy nostalgia, and a UI that’s about as inviting as a pub brawl. The M8’s minimalist design—eight clicky buttons and a retro handheld display—looks like it was ripped straight from the fever dream of a synth nerd who spent too much time in the arcade.

But don’t let the lack of knobs and faders fool you. This thing is all cryptic pages, hexadecimal numbers, and monophonic tracks that can be loaded up with chains of 16-step phrases. It’s a tracker through and through, daring you to dive in and get your hands dirty. AudioPilz sets the tone: this isn’t your average groovebox, and it’s not here to make friends.

Despite his best efforts to hate it, AudioPilz finds himself drawn into the M8’s workflow. The interface might look like a relic from the 8-bit wars, but there’s a method to the madness. You get columns for microtiming, slides, vibrato, and even probability—enough to keep any sequencing sadist happy.

Tables add another layer of chaos, letting you bolt on multi-stage envelopes and arpeggiator lunacy. It’s all very tracker, but the M8 does it with a slickness that’s hard to ignore. Underneath the retro veneer, there’s a snappy, mature workflow that’s more addictive than you’d expect. It’s the kind of thing you have to see in action—words barely do it justice.

The M8 isn’t just about sequencing—there’s a full arsenal under the hood. You get 8-bit wavetable synthesis, a macrosynth based on Mutable Instruments Braids, classic FM, and even a hypersynth for mangling saws into chords. Sampling is a doddle, whether you’re using the built-in mic, line-in, or streaming from SD card. Slicing and file handling are basic but effective.

MIDI integration is solid, letting you control external gear and vice versa, though the lack of USB host support is a proper pain. Modulators are easy to set up, and each instrument gets its own EQ—luxury! There’s even a mastering section with OTT, a limiter, and a DJ filter. Still, AudioPilz points out that some features are a bit fiddly, and getting your hands on an M8 outside the US is like trying to find a clean toilet at a squat party.

In the end, even AudioPilz admits it’s hard to hate the Dirtywave M8. Sure, it looks like a lifestyle gadget for couch-bound hipsters, but it’s fast, responsive, and versatile—like a DAW, an Elektron box, and a Polyend all got into a punch-up and the M8 walked away with the best bits. The fact you can build your own headless version on the cheap is a massive plus for the DIY crowd.

But let’s not pretend it’s for everyone. The average synth punter isn’t going to hunt down an original M8, import it at great expense, and learn hex code just for a bit of tracker action. If you’re up for the challenge, though, the M8’s got enough punk spirit to keep you coming back for more. As always, AudioPilz delivers the verdict with a wink and a jab—this one’s a proper troublemaker.