The Elektron Workflow TRAP 

Album made with mostly OT, RYTM, Digitone, and A4 👉 open.spotify.com/album/4dUoRJKGImxeKvPrspIJIZ?si=xQT5fe92QH-GL0PMGj_u-A 🫠 Note to self: Never touch table ever again.

I fell into the elektron trap... I laid out a bed and have been chilling here ever since. im not bouncing around between daws and gear and workflows constantly. just pure jammin'

I'm glad you pointed this out so directly and succinctly. I think in most cases (with a few exceptions) the reason we like leaving the computer or DAW is because the limitations inspire us to create things we otherwise wouldn't have created. Unfortunately, some limitations frustrate us more than they inspire us, and limitations designed to make you buy more things are among the most frustrating. I think you helped me understand why I never really jived well with the Elektron workflow. 🙏🏼

YEAH WELL THE OCTATRACK HAS A SLIDER. *mic drop*

I love my Elektron gear, but this is a perfect description of the “Trap” that they put you in. Trying to manage a live set with 3 Elektron devices is something that you really need to practice. They are all very deep units, and you can do so much with them, but each one has its own learning curve and in my case, using the Digitakt, Syntakt, and Digitone, can really make my brain hurt while trying to put together a set.

The best decision I ever made creatively and financially was watching Elektron workflow tutorials and then working out how to apply those principals to my DAW. Only 8 tracks on the Digitakt? Only gonna let myself make 8 tracks in my DAW. Samples only? Very well, I will only work with samples - no plugins except FX. Only mono samples? Well now, hold on a minute... Who said I had to apply EVERY limitation from the Digitakt? And what if later on I decide I want one more track? What if I want more than two FX return tracks? Hell, what if there's a synth plugin I think would sound really good over my beat? Already got the basic structure down thanks to all the distractions I avoided earlier, and now I can add more to it without having to buy another machine. Limitations, not roadblocks, that's what I say.

I think this happens with all the major brands. Get an Aira - you will want them all, get a Volca, you will want them all. Get a Model Cycles, you will want a Digitone, then Digitakt, then the Four then the Okta… it never ends. lol

Jade wii literally described step by step what happened to me and how I ended up with 5 elektron machines at one point( I ended up returning the octatrak and selling off my analog heat). Now I have the AR, A4, and digitone. Every so often I unplug all but 1 machine to get good at it.

I’ve never had the urge to comment something like “Testify!!!” I appreciate so much that you are honest with your content.

I Couldn’t finish a track until I got my Digitakt more than one year ago. That was after 4 years of making music. That for me says a lot. I work as UX designer and I can tell Elektron has the best devices I’ve tried. You can really notice there is a team taking care of the architecture and user interactions. Also felt the elektron trap but until there I was able to avoid more super expensive gear. Thats forcing me to go deeper into the device I have. Thanks for creating this content, you are very inspiring to me. I’m also creating youtube videos in Spanish about “synth stuff” and you are one of my references since beginning ❤

As an Elektron lover, I love hearing this side of things! A big part of my passion about their gear is I’ve learned that it’s 100% a “this works best for ME” thing not a “this is the best gear” thing. There def is an element of being trapped in the ecosystem though

Same thing I've said for over a year. What Elektron really needs is a workstation synthesizer. I have the RYTM MKII, Analogy IV MKII, and just got the Octarak MKII. I didn't think I would really need the Octatrak. However, it's such an incredible machine (sampler, midi controller, mangler, drum machine, arranger, and so forth). Elektron has the potential to really produce incredible that would be ground breaking, like the Korg M1 workstation, when it first came out. Imagine the following: 1. Sampling capabilities of the Octatrak or Digitak. 2. Pads like the RYTM MKII (just a litte softer). 3 Keys like the Analog IV MKII or a set of 13 keyboard keys. 4. A large screen (10-12 inches) or the capabilities of running a monitor into the synthesizer that runs Overbridge. 5. 16 analog voices and 32 digital voices. 6. That incredible 16 step sequencer. 7. The ability to add your own 2TB (or higher) M.2 SSD. 8. A specialized effects section. 9. Tons of buttons (to lessen the menu diving) What does this? Workstations! I have the Korg Kronos II. I can almost do anything (without questions, it's self contained... no mixer, effects processors, and so forth are needed... it stands on its own). Still one of the greatest Workstations ever built. However, it's Achilles heel is the work flow is far too complex and non-intuitive. Elektron has a UI that once it's learned it's so got damn powerful and intuitive. If Elektron would to ever create such a machine, it would engulf the market. They have the potential to really create something that is powerful and easy of use. People tell me such a UI is impossible. I tell them look at the Waldorf Iridium (I have one). It is by far the most complex synthesizer (not workstation) on the market. Nothing comes close to its capabilities (subtractive synthesis, wave tables, FM synthesis, granular synthesis, and resonator synthesis) and as a beginner I could navigate around it in days without the manual. Dead on, Jada, I swear, at the beginning you were talking about me. I am an Elektron fanboy but I agree with you completely.

I see no issue. Two Octatracks and it's done. Stef Mendesidis is a prime example; he can play 3h+ live sets.

I honestly get everything I need out of my Octatrack, and it’s increased my ability to add more options to my workflow. Never really cared much to sequence synths till I had all the wild options I get with it. I just hope this doesn’t increase the stigma. I can’t stop using that machine and it really gave me a shift in perception. Love these videos you’ve been posting, always enjoy the topics. Mad respect 👊

So… I got my first Elektron device a week ago - pulled the trigger on a Digitakt 2. I didn’t really have a frame of reference the first time I watched this video as I didn’t own any Elektron gear at the time. Now? I couldn’t agree with you more. The interface is SO easy to use, and that most common elements work the same among the different devices is another huge plus. I enjoy working with my Digitakt so much I’m getting ready to order a Syntakt to run alongside it and run audio out from the Digi in to the Syntakt and sync via MIDI. Giving you lots of credit for your consistently good takes on hardware - I pay attention to your channel for exactly that reason. BTW, I may have OP-1 envy. May. ;) Have a great one and thanks for posting this.

what’s “lacking” on the octotrack? sure it’s old, but it’s still a unique beast 13 years later

I think of it this way; With a solid sampler like the Octatrack or Digitakt, you can sample any single sound or loop you want and effectively port down your entire composition to one box. Of course, I don't use my gear as a composition tool, rather I arrange and sample on a computer first, then import custom sets of complimentary loops and sounds to work with. More of a live set tool than anything.

so... the trap is that elektron is basically awesome and you want more. that's not bad. for sure is great for elektron :D but really, an "all in one" machine, there's just one thing that does it and that is your DAW. and if interface is what you need to work it then there's really a bunch of them, from NI Maschine to Push etc. MPC's are another option, but I really dont see Elektron doing an MPC like box and this is also why, I think, so many of us love the Elektron universe, it's exactly that dedicated box that acts like an *instrument* with a very specific set of capacities, behavior etc. and it is really fundamental, not only to the workflow but to the mental(?) connection we make with tools and the way they can work for us.

They don’t make the devices lacking imo. They are just specialized and purpose driven. It’s kinda the point to look at them as modules that all connect together.

I feel as though the MC-707 can do most things sequencing, sampling and digital synth users would need to make music really fast. It has a huge library of internal samples, a bunch of monophonic and polyphonic synth libraries as well as a sophisticated synth engine. Especially with live midi and parameter looping (via mapped channel knobs), you can hook up external synths and keyboards and go really far with a far less expensive option. The drum sequencing is more advanced than it gets credit for as well, with a smaller array of parameter locks then you'd get from something like the Octatrack Mk1 (I own both, bought for around the same price fwiw). Part of the strength of the MC-707 relies on multiple channels with multiple sequencers, whereas Electron Octatrack seems to have one sequencer for every channel, if the difference makes sense. It also has a much larger effects library for your signal chain than the Octatrack. Correct me if I am wrong but the Octatrack can run MIDI and the other machines simultaneously, whereas with the 707 I'm pretty sure you have to sacrifice one channel for synth/sample/drum or MIDI. You do get polyphony but projects have a limit of 128 voices, so if you're making break beat tracks using the Chord mode then you might find voice stealing more quickly. Unfortunately I've had a tougher time sitting down specifically with the OT because I'm using several analog synths with their own key-beds, and live looping is really fast for me to get a bassline down and save a project or a patch.

The Octatrack is my mainstay pretty much because I sometimes do make my beats just on that. Lately I’ve been using my MPC Live 2 with the Octatrack exclusively which is unreal. The majority of my music is now made on my MPC but I use my Octatrack for routing, effects, delay control and live looping!

Well, I know I will be called Elektron fanboy for this comment, but I would like to point out a couple of things. I agree that their boxes have limits, and you can view it as "you need to have them all" as some people like are doing. But there is also this issue of having a very dedicated and focus tool. For me, the Elektron workflow is lovely. Yes, I have them all, but I never use more than 3 together, and that is also very rarely. I like to have one of them at a center of a jam and attach other gear to it. As a person with severe ADHD, those devices and their limits help me focus on things, and finally, I'm able to make more music. If I need a one tool workflow, I can use my Akai Force or Ableton Push, but for some reason I'm always gravitating to a setup with Elektron box. Generally, I, personally, prefer more focus tools than all in one box. Also, I think your gear comparison is a bit unfair. Firstly, you're comparing price of instruments from a huge corporation, which by default can make things cheaper which a lot smaller company with a lot shorter history which is also AFAIK producing things in Sweden. Regarding TR8s- I really like to play around with it, but for sound design it is a nightmare, as you have to menu dive for every parameter on a small screen with 1 parameter visible at any time. I think generally comparing two entirely different devices that happen to fill the same role - drum machine - is a bit misleading. Having said all of that, I will agree with the fact, that there is a temptation to get all of them, and they are pricey, but I will argue that this is just because every device is limited, and you have to buy other gear to fill other roles.

Love Elektron, had a Syntakt for about 5 months but decided to sell it for similar reasons. For the price of the Syntakt, I felt I could sell it and use that money to get 2 or 3 devices that collectively could do more. I think you nailed it when you said that companies try to make each device lack something, so we will have to buy another device to fill the void. Agree with all you said.

My entry into Elektron was the Digitone because I wanted to learn FM synthesis. But I quickly learned I'm not a fan of menu diving and the love has cooled down quite a lot. I did a lot of inspiring sound design on it, but... *** dust settles on the Decksaver cover *** I love what it can do but I don't love the process and the frustration I've had with it becomes a barrier to wanting to dive in deep. "I'll do it later." So far, the rewards have not be enough for me to overcome that barrier. Maybe someday I'll turn everything else off, hide all the power cords, put the computer in a closet behind lock and key and then maybe, maybe I'll figure it all out. Or, I'll just turn it on and fire up Overbridge in the DAW. It's fantastic gear! I love hearing and seeing what other people accomplish with it and, yes, if there were an all-in-one Elektron device with greater voice counts and a LOT less menu diving that would be sweet.

And they look pretty and appealing, which is kinda like handbags and shoes. You gotta have this one to match with that one.

I think the question for buyers and individuals is not if elektron should change its design philosophy but, what are their needs as a user and where to get them met? Elektron makes specialized products. they are a great proposition if you are a user seeking a high level of programmed control over a specific taks. Making a do everything workstation hasn’t been Elektron’s agenda since the monomache. For people seeking a more all in-one solution with more of a focus on immediate returns and freer interaction, Elektron’s focus might not be right but I wouldn’t say it’s and issue as it works for others.

Elektron user here, I feel the exact same way from everyhingyou stated un your video. They were used to make amazing devices but it feels that their business strategy is degrading the creativitry of their newer products.

Polyphony remains difficult if you use a step sequencer, unless all the notes start at the same time. On the MC-707 you can edit each note specifically using the screen, but it still feels like a work around.

That segmentation strategy is indeed particularly aggressive since the analog devices. Adding a midi sequencer to the A4 would have been no cost for them. In comparison MDUW is their most generous machine, 16 voices, quite capable for non rythmic sounds, midi sequencing, sampling, external inputs and many outputs. That was a different time when they didn’t have many other gears to sell.

I spent about eight years getting into elektron gear, one piece every one or two years, learning them inside and out before getting a new one. I wound up selling the digitone and digitakt, keeping the AR, A4, OT, and Syntakt. My favorite is the Syntakt. I made three albums with just that device running through the OT as an FX processor. If it had an arp and polyphony, it would be my dream gear. As it stands, I currently play the Syntakt + A4 + OT for live gigs. The analog bass tones that I can get out of the Syntakt are incredible. Honestly it might be the best bass synth I've ever heard. And it's so easy to mix all the different analog and digital engines together for a full song. The sounds just sit with each other perfectly.

I feel you, which is why I never pulled the trigger on elektron.. Almost but the specs swayed my decision. Great up load

Appreciate the honesty. All these other gear heads on YT will shill anything for the sake of getting paid for sponsorships.

I owned the Digitakt for a year before I got the Digitone and bough them both used for around $600 each. It took me almost 6 months to master the Elektron workflow and it was not easy. They are still a major part of my setup, but that file management system has never gelled with me from day one. There needs to be a major overhaul aka firmware update to it. Years later I still feel the same way. Point is I wanna be able to swap samples out on the fly from thousands of samples. It’s just the way I like to work and this breeds inspiration for me like when I use my trusty TR-8S or Reason 10.

I agree, they should just build the 'Elektron Deluge' even if it's 3k it will sell. I mean how hard is it 16 voices, sampling + synth engines, 4 drum tracks, 4 synths tracks, polyphony and sequencing, the Syntakt is closer but still makes many compromises, get it done Elektron.

Totally agree! I think my ideal would be something with the full workstation/hub & clip/scene launch aspects of the Akai Force, combined with all the best features of the various Elektron boxes.

I have only one (Syntakt). I really like how it sounds, but it needs other instruments to complete it. For me my Deluge is the ultimate stand alone groove box. It is not perfect so that’s why I have a lot of other gear as well, but if I had to sell everything I could manage with just the Deluge.

Maybe the reason electrons workflow is so good and the hardware is so reliable is because they have not tried to over reach with each device…

I have Machinedrum and that was definetly developed with another vision in mind. Yes, it lacks a lot features, but its still 16 voices of whatever you want. But as you said, TR8/TR8S is much more faster in terms of workflow and you pay just for that.

I liked the Model Samples.. but I sold it and got a proper drum synth. Much happier. 😂

I use a Machinedrum UW, an Analog Four, and a TD-3 MO, along with a couple of external effects and a MIDI controller. I've had other equipment, but I've either gotten rid of them or no longer use them because I've realized that keeping things simple and having certain limitations actually sparks creativity. I'm tempted to buy an Octatrack, but for my way of working, it would complicate things too much, and I prefer to go straight to the computer to produce and perform those types of operations. Nonetheless, I believe that Elektron's range of machines is there for each person to create their ideal setup, and I think having too many devices can be dedundant and overwhelming to manage...

"I'm a paying customer and when things upset me, I like to voice my opinion." This.

I’d definitely pay Elektron prices for a SH4D feature set in an Elektron form… yet I’m still debating whether I really want the SH4D itself

You are speaking to me specifically as someone who has purchased three digitakts, two digitones, and a model samples only to need another bass station, microfeak, etc. I've always wanted to feel content with just the digitakt but while it works amazingly as a sequencer it falls a little short when you are looking for solo inspiration.

I tried to get into Elektron at the beginning of covid and I really made a go of digging in, but it was not to be. TBH, Drambo has "checked all the boxes" as an all in one beat creation center for me. At present I'm using FAC DrumKit, Ruismaker Noir and Pittsburgh Modular for drums, Koala Sample for ... samples, Pittsburgh's Taiga or Beepstreet Zeeon for bass and any AUV3 I want for reverbs and delays. I do have friends that do amazing things with Elektron, but this is so portable, flexible and... modular! Thanks as always for your thoughtful insights.

Elektron really does need to make a fully featured flagship product monomachine was one of the most powerful they did, syntakt is close one of the biggest issues with modern elektron is the lack of effects, having even one per track optional effect would go a long way rather than sends for chorus, delay, reverb. Syntakt gets really close with a bunch of machine options and 12 total voices but its still a small scale unit and has many limitations, some sort of "full power" elektron unit would be killer maybe something with some syntakt machines, digitone, engine, one or two other digital synth engines 8-12 voices, fx per track, I don't care if it costs more, just want one power machine

I dont feel like its lacking, i feel like: its possible. There is where the creativitiy comes and where my drums on an a4 sounds different to roland standard drum kit. Some people make music with science and radio equip, so i think the „lack“ you describe is more of a „i am now a grown up musician, i dont need creativ workarounds, i know my style“, every classical trained artist would agree, but i think electronic music lives from the experiment with the machine and dies in full grown perfect instrument.

My personal solution is; Digitone connected to my phone via USB running koala sampler. Koala kicks the digitakts arse honestly, and kinda the 404 too.

They didn`t handicap their machines, they crammed as much in as they could for the price point. They could make one big all singing all dancing machine and it would cost the combined price of them all to get your hands on.

Thank you sooooo much that is the exact problem I have, you have to buy 2-3 boxes to really be able to COMFORTABLY make music with it. I recently got into the Elektron world first with the heat and then digitone+Digitakt and I love making music on them but I always get angry about the purposefully implemented limitations like the mono sampling on the DT even tho it got stereo inputs. For the same price as only the DT new I got a MPC live 2 with which I can make MOST of the stuff I can do with all Elektron gear together and more but there I lack the creative things as actually useful lfos or random triggers or the track all parameter manipulation. Working with Elektron devices is so frustrating because you know the machines could be able to be so much more but they aren’t because of greed and that really fucks me up in a way I already thought about selling all their stuff just to not support some BS like that. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I don't get it - Do you *really* want a one stop music box that you can press "play" and there your track goes? I If I wanted that- I use the DAW. It's easy to say; why don't they add a "sampler" engine to the Syntakt - Just another "engine" right? Why not just add a "MIDI" button to the Digi, and free up the bottom row for synth engines? I'm not sure how easy this would be from an engineering perspective. Personally I think that each box servers a "main" function, and I'm not looking for "one square box to rule them all". Lately, I have been hooking up my Eurorack to the Octatrack, My Moog Semis to the Syntakt, And the Digi boxes also play very well with external gear.

Thats one reason why im now selling my Rytm MKII after almost never using it for a year. The digitone i'll keep for now, but we will see...

I don’t think it’s a trap though because they sequence themselves and other gear simultaneously. So for instance. Buy any Elektron sampler and then pair it with another synth from any manufacturer and you got your “groovebox” I run my Octatrack with my Access Virus and have limitless possibilities.

all your requirements you noticed lead to MPC 1 or Machine +, or Ableton push... a lot of seperate tracks it's not about the Elektron at all. Sence of the musical instruments of this company is in its limitations too. And workflow that complete other than DAW workflow... it inspires the creation of pure self-contained musical lines. four voices of A4 (for example) - this is more than enough for a full-fledged saturated track that will not require mixing later at all. because your mix will automatically be as thoughtful as possible, transparent and self-sufficient. also it is usually not necessary more than 4 voices to sound at the same time if we are talking about a clear punchy sound... but if your mindset is classical? DAW like, layer-based - so you chose DAW like growebox - easy) but who am I telling all this)

That's the whole point - so you have to buy more, as you said. They're never going to create something that does everything, and if they did, it would cost $5,000 and nobody would buy it. And I also agree with you on the file management. We just need something straight forward with a lot of memory.

I like the way elektron does it. I don't need an everything device when I have an array of devices, then I just end up with a bunch of overlap. I have an octatrack and a rytm, got em for 900 and 1100 respectively, and for 2000 in I feel I'm getting an incredible value. I've owned a tr-8 and it's fun as fuck, but it's so limited. It's a fking blast to jam on and I agree with everything you said about the tr-8, but yeah, elektron having devices focused for specific tasks is really wise imo. Could never buy a new MKII but then again I don't buy a new anything XD

Whatever works. I found modular to be the sampling/looping beat station for me to enjoy. I'm happy for anyone who vibes with an Electron device, though, they look incredibly powerful.

Honestly, I bought the crummy akai Tomcat years back for under $100 with shipping. No bells or whistles, does what it says on the tin and I couldn’t be happier. Never vibed with the rythm.

Plenty of other companies make all-on-one machines. You can just use Live and a controller if that’s what you’re after. Elektron’s higher expense tier goes into having machines built like tanks AND not to mention their support… cool features being added often. Well, not so much the Octatrack 😮 I just love the Elektron workflow and yeah the textures I can make on that gear is very different than some of my other gear. It also plays great with everything else I own.

Ended up here cause i m’considering a syntakt ...or a digitakt , idealy a mix of both ....and you nailed it ...the real deal for me is the perfect integration in software so the total recall of complex set up ( project and midi) , if it wasn t for that , i would have gone korg or roland tr 8s ....but overbridge is just superb ... now the problem is those boxes , they could have done 2 boxes one syntakt digitakt merge and one serious synth /sequencer .... Now to pondarate , i came to the conlucion that those box are a part of the set up , problem begins whne you want your set uo to be lade of elektron boxes witch i don t ....i will handle samples via midi trig in daw pr maschine as usual ...i already have hw synths ect ...but all your points are spot on . At the end , the problem is not elektron , but people mastering thier craft and having a clear vision of their needs and a critical look at their workflow and artistic direction ...

I’m glad that my first Elektron machine was the Syntakt. For what I play it has provided a very nice palette of features to work from. Yes, I lack sampling, but I’ve made the lack of sampling a part of my current sound. In a very perverse way, it’s been good that they are all so bloody expensive, it’s stopped me from buying any more Elektron gear. I have my Syntakt as the core of my live setup, and I have other much cheaper synths for the rest of my sounds.

It's business. Roland, Korg, they all do it except with their workstations. So what you may be inadvertently asking elektron for is a workstation.

Was thinking the same thing.. would be awesome if they made one device with 16 tracks. Just one groovebox thank you. The SH-4D is definitely interesting device. You´ve got 4 synth tracks + rythm section with 26 tracks/instruments = 30 tracks! Pretty cool

Yes Elektron is the pokemon of the music gear world, they definitely leave out functionality from their devices on purpose. Gotta buy em all!!! :) These days I use an MPC live as my core device but Octatrack, Digitone & Syntakt as extra sound sources.

I've done whole albums on digitakt I think that's the only one that really slays on its own. I now pair it with the model cycles to free up space

If they made an Elektron version of something like the Korg EMX1 or Roland MC707, I would be all over it. Put a Machinedrum and Monomachine into a single box with some updated features or whatever. :)

if you want a full blown machine, get a laptop. besides, the devices are used in a hybrid format with a laptop imo. however, i think the digitakt is the best all around device with its sampling and ability to be a more than functional monosynth.

We need something like an Op-1, but with Elektron sequencer and Roland digital synth engine, at a reasonable price point.

I got a lot more out of my Roland MC707, TR8s and Akai Live then I ever got out of my Elektron setup. My Elektron gear had neat sounds, but nothing I couldn't get out of the gear and samplers I already have.

There is some truth in this video: when you start to buy one, you want more: because the workflow, hardware quality and quick results are amazing - sure the Rytm is "only" a drum machine - it doesn't want to be more, actually it's "just" the best drum machine ever made. and what about Overbridge, decennial product support?

elektron trap is chill if you go down not up - model:cycles and samples are dream dawless - knob per function! - afterall we do dawless for the constraints

In the year 2046 we'll get a Sytnakt, Digitone, and Digitakt all in one box with a switch between the modes for any track. It will have a rechargeable battery that lasts about 24 hours, weigh less than a pound, and be about 1/4 inch thick minus the knobs. Also kits and stereo samples on the Digitakt mode, and an arp the respects the selected scale on the Digitone mode.

I'm a fanboy but when you're right you're right. The RYTM comes the closest to the thing you are describing between its samples + synthesis architecture, twelve pads, and onboard reverb and delay. But it's only eight real voices. I enjoy trying to hack it to do more (chord samples and other prep work go a long way) but it's pretty absurd that at current prices it doesn't literally do EVERY SINGLE THING the awesome DIgitakt does now (timestretch, slices, 2nd-LFO, base width filter, additional midi channels, etc...). One day they'll make the super instrument for us and it'll cost $2500 and RU-vidrs will flog it but we'll buy it anyway. Lots to look forward to.

My cunning plan is to pair up an Elektron item (The Samples) with non elektron gear. Avoid the trap and expand the workflow in different directions.

For me I see the various Elektron machines more as different flavours. The way I approach the creation process changes with my mood basically. So it's nice to have options. I never sit down and try to get all the Elektron gear to work together. I've also had all of the units except the SID. All didn't stay long but I always want to get my hands on and feel the instrument and not decide based on what a tube video suggests. Started out on the digitone and really took my time to learn the elektron magic, because yes, there is a magic vibe to the workflow when the coin drops. Even released an all Digitone single (A crockett state of mind). Then I jumped in and got the AR MKII and A4 MKII for a change of flavour. During the pandemic I started going dawless and into eurorack modular and naturally I found that the Octa MKII was a perfect match for that haha. But for me it's a mood thing. Sometimes you just wake up and want that BANG of FM-love that the Digitone delivers and other days I feel like mangling samples in the digitakt or octa. All tracks no matter where they are made end up going the the Analog heat MKII just to sprinkle some oumpf and sparkles on it. Do I want one box to rule them all? Yes it would be awesome but it would probably be annoyingly deep. I made a serious effort with the MC-101 and MC-707 as well but they are frustratingly slow to create on. Very confusing intefaces. So what ever Elektron did they unlocked a logic that just sits right. At least with me. That said, you are not wrong in the video.

Indeed, MO Elektrons Mo Problems I also don't like to have Midi cables, Tele cables, adapters going in everywhere.. I use max 2 Elektron's at the time. My favorite is the MD MK2+ It is a beast! MnM as well. I think you are a Digitakt fan 💜

That's why appreciate Synthstrom Audible so much. One device: no artificial limitations...

IMHO, Elektron devices are fundamentally inadequate as fully standalone grooveboxes for a different reason. It's their sequencers and architecture. The fact that a "pattern" is not just a sequence of notes for one voice/track, it's a sequence for ALL tracks at once. If you want to progress one voice to the next section of a song, ALL voices must change. You can't stagger progressions or overlap the sequences played by the different voices. Everything HAS to change all at once. Unless you have two separate boxes running their sequencers independently. Yeah, you can do some elaborate trickery to simulate this by programming a transition pattern that happens to match the previous pattern on some tracks but does something new on other tracks, but you burn through your available pattern slots real quick if you try to stagger your progressions with an approach like that. And it requires pretty rigid track length restrictions. [Edit] I'm basing this on my experience with the Analog Rhythm and Digitone. If other Elektron boxes don't have this limitation, please correct me, but afaik the setup of "each pattern encompasses the sound settings and step sequences for all tracks" is their standard architecture.

I hate my octatrack…but I also love it and can’t live without it. The digitone is ‘easier’ to understand but that isn’t saying much😂but I do love them and couldn’t perform without them

Great to have more people chime in on this issue.

Whoever invented the guitar really limited us by not including a stereo sampler and multitimbrality.

This is what happens in general, every piece of gear has limitations

Im looking at getting a digitakt or syntakt to pair with my mpc live? Any suggestions?

Honestly I love the way they split everything in different devices, it’s so good when it comes to production. When I need polyphony for example I rather go to my prophet 6, when I need to make interesting drums I mess up with my analog rythm and the modular, when I need to sample I use the octatrack. And I record everything into ableton, so I don’t need to make everything at once. Ofcs they do it for the money but without the money the wouldn’t be the research for new products as deep as they do. They cost more than Roland but they give you more features wise cause the market is bigger.

Hey Jade, :) I hope you doing well!!! Btw, you nailed it!!!! Really cool to hear/see someone laying down all the cards without hiccups !!!! I would compare Elektron with Apple with their great marketing business TRAP!!! Nevertheless it's a great machine. Keep shooting your production videos, they have a really cool approach and vibe!!!

Solid thoughts here. I have several elektrons, digitakt is my main sequencer, dont use the sampler as much as I thought. Rytm and A4 ended up as live ammo, almost never used them on a release. Had a digitone and ok ... but again ended up only being used live and barely on a record. Replaced it with a Cycles that turns out to be my most used in studio of them all, being the cheaper. So my 2 cents here ... my hi end elektron gear ended being my live band, not bad at all... but far less than I expected when I bought them. We definitely need more videos like this to make people think what is really important at the end ...get music done.

I'm 100% with this. Here's another victim of the Elektron flow. But what about the Syntakt? I have it, and it's more like the "definitive" Elektron device

Aphex Twin also tried to make music on limited gear.. till he got sick of it! 😂

i've had basically all the elektron stuff too. the monomachine+ is the only one left and not going anywhere. very versatile synth and capable midi sequencer. a version with polyphonic tracks would be the final boss

It is good marketing for sure. But I think how "satisfied" or "content" you are with one device is what is going to push you to decide whether or not to purchase more of their devices. I have purchased most! Like I said, great Marketing! But it was more because I just wanted the differences of those devices. But you are so correct indeed, they have an amazing workflow. I even love the workflow over something as flexible as Ableton. Way easier to make music work flow wise in Ableton.. Way more flexible.. But I think it is all of the "Limitations" of each device that pushes me to make better music! Which is really why I personally love the elektron flow! Pushing through self imposed boundaries to make the machines do something different and beyond my understanding.

Btw… u ever own a mc 707… sounds like perfect kit for you. Has the same sounds as your new Roland kit, but with ability to have lots of performance variation. I own one, doesn’t get used all the time, but I do like it. Has probability and can nudge off the grid. Stream 8 tracks to pc too is great way to start a song. I often sample from it or send midi from daw to it and use the sounds too.

Great video! I just bought a Rytm after having the Octatrack for a few years and falling in love with it and the workflow. Paired with my Virus TI I can't foresee needing any other gear, Elektron or otherwise, for a longgg time. Maybe a delay/reverb pedal wouldn't hurt...

I totally agree with you on the TR8, it is so inmmediate that I will always keep it…I have a Tempest too, it sounds great but you need to dive into it…and I have an A4 mki and that makes the best kick drum of them all…

Elektron= very expensive. But I find some of the products ... compelling. The Digitakt is a swiss army knife, and the Octatrakt is amazing, but way too complex. To me, the big "failure" (not really a failure), is that they never updated the workflow. The UI is clunky. They have the best song mode, tbh.

I feel like for the price the RYTM should do it all. YES to them hiring you! Absolutely nailing the shortcomings here.

Valid points you make, it's easy to want more when you're having fun. I think the Syntakt address a lot of what you mention here, 12 voices is nice to have in one device with a combo of digital and analog. The FX track also opens new possibilities and depth. Part of the fun for me and one of the reasons I went with elektron gear is wanting limitation after being lost in the limitless DAW. It's quick and easy as you mentioned to get something going and there are creative ways to get where you want to go. Currently, a lot of my inspiration comes from hearing other music and thinking, how would I do this in the Elektron framework? This sparks my creativity in trying workarounds and often broadens my general use with them.

I just got ARmk2 as the upgrade from a Model Cycles, and I recently made a similar video griping about the file structure. I have lost work on the AR and it’s annoying. I intend to keep the model cycles to use more for voices, and out source the drums to AR.

syntakt favorite

Every synthesizer of every brand is a specialized machine. I don’t see the problem. Elektron machines are among the most complete machines in themselves and with almost any one of them you can create a whole track. Try to create a complete track with only a Moog matriarch of a prophet 6 without a daw or a multitrack recorder. What you want is a daw in a box, or a mpc.

Damm,,, you know how to tell it like it is..i can appreciate that...Keepin it real. Enjoyed your Vid.....

I quite like a quirky workflow it forces you to be more creative sometimes. I used to use the Roland R70 and that was a pain. I now miss it when working on some of their current machines.