I’m done with Elektron

The Lounge General Discussion
#262

I hope this doesn’t offend you, and probably not what you’re looking for, but this sounds like you maybe want to consider using a DAW maybe?

Of course, that opens up a whole bag of options and possibilities, but maybe it might work to simply ignore all of those and limit yourself to using it purely as a set of tracks for you to stick pieces of tape on.

Some of the modern DAWs even offer pleasant interfaces that allow you to collapse most panels so that you can focus only on the task of arranging the recordings you made previously:

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#263

Don’t feel bad. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you prefer a certain type of instrument and that Elektron simply doesn’t offer those for you right now.

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#264

Thanks. You absolutely do not offend me. I totally appreciate you caring and engaging with advise and good suggestions.

For that purpose, I’ve dabbled a bit with Cubase on the iPad. It’s not bad. With a proper sound card for the purpose, I can see this working for me.

But as it happens, as this thread went on to live its own life, I picked up an OP-1 from a fellow Elektronaut. I’ve been eyeing the OP-1 for some time anyway, and have heard from different users who’ve had it for awhile, that it might just be the ticket for what I want to do. So I’m gonna give that a shot.

Also, I’ve actually - just cause it’s fun - started to design a hardware porta of my own, for the ages. Essentially, on the drawing board, I now have an idea for a porta recorder inspired by the tactile and physical approach to recording as per the OP-1, but takes the result and processing of it from the Octatrack.

I mean, that’s how the Deluge started, like an idea on paper that Rohan built and then sold to a few friends. I’ve got people around me who can help me build this thing, so I figured, why not?

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#265

@andreasroman Have you ever considered using a midi controller like the BCR2000? It would give you all the knobs you’ll ever need.

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#266

thanks for this, should be in town around May.
I love the Texas Theater, saw Abel Ferrara’s Ms. 45 last time I visited.

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#267

Haven’t, not really, but I appreciate the thought.

I should underline that I’m good with the gear I got now, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything or want anything, when this recording solution falls into place. I’ve got a fairly substantial amount of sequences, sections and loops collected into the sequencers of the Prophet and the Moog, so once I get them all into place, I’ve got a clear idea of what I want to do.

Convenience is a factor, though, due to the somewhat odd layout of my workspace (it’s spread out). Not odd by choice, but by necessity, for now. Which is why the OP-1’s scoring a lot of points on its functional value of just being very easy to carry around, and with battery power to boost.

#268

Got a feeling the OP-1 enthusiasm won’t last unfortunately

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#269

Alright, I got the feeling that perhaps the problem was somewhat of a “unable to see the forest for all the trees”-scenario. I myself ditched the computer because of the endless possibilities, the endless search. I wanted to get away from all the nights I simply was searching and searching for something I didn’t know what it was. I still sometimes get the same feeling with the gear I have today though. So the BCR2000 really helped me ease the feeling. Once set up properly I don’t have to worry about as much gear, as long as I know which presets on the BCR controls which instrument and which of its functions. Just thought that perhaps a dedicated hardware “knob-center” that can control any of your gear would help you out.

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#270

Thanks, that’s very considerate of you. I have just the Prophet-6 and the Moog Mother 32, and the DFAM incoming, and that’s it. They’re all very knobby, so my focus truly is on starting to record and put things together now. But your idea makes sense, a total control unit that becomes your instrument, playing the instruments so to speak, is not a bad idea.

#271

If you’re after something to put together stuff you’ve made on other synths which is portable, maybe look at mpc live? Hasn’t got the synths etc like op-1 but is easier to flesh out tracks with.

I have the op1 and it’s great but I wouldn’t want to arrange stuff on the tape tracks. Its more for coming up with stuff to arrange elsewhere imo.

Regarding the done with elektron thing. I think it depends on mindset, programming Vs playing. I love to play synths live which doesn’t really jive with the elektron way. I often get frustrated with not being able to make complex melodies and harmonies on the elektron gear. At first I thought I could add live playing to the elektron patterns but found that once using the p locks there was no room left in the mix for this.

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#272

I’ve just started with Elektron and there is a lot to learn but really enjoying there products. It’s all about creativity but you have to enjoy using the hardware you own. I also have been playing drums for 30 years and I will never get tired of playing them.

#273

There is and always has been a massive difference between hardware jams and making a complete produced and arranged finished track.

You don’t necessarily choose the same tools for both ways of working.

A lot of the push and pull on gear forums is because of this.

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#274

Wise words … IMO Elektron made if difficult for themself, when they introduced Overbridge. It made many users think that the Elektron boxes would become a kind of hardware-plug-in and fit in the workflow like the usual software. But those machines are designed to be played live as a musical instrument in first place. A hardware wouldn’t need to have p-locks or even a sequencer, if it’s operated by a DAW only.

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#275

Interesting words from @basehead617 and you… But I also, find working with multiple sequencers at the same time inspiring too… P-locks is not really the same a automation-line… it’s more like Note Expression in Bitwig to me… And when working on construction, LIVE takes usually gives us path, section, ideas and it’s very important to unlock that :wink:

And I think if you handle well every techniques it open doors in creativity to work only with the best of both world. (if you get your setup well with not too much machine too…)

Some may agree, some not. (of course)

I think personally the more People and Equipment are open-minded… the Less people struggle or stuck in Loop because Construct a track IS UNLOCKING yourself or the good loop you find to reach another Level.

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#276

This … and try to avoid wrong expectations … take it as is … be creative … have fun.

Is’nt it sad that so many people waste their time to be frustrated about an issue, which could have been avoided mentally?

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#277

“Getting Things Done, the art of stress-free productivity” (a book from David Allen) is a priority management thing and it’s widely adopted for all such of things. When you have a goal you need to know yourself, your priorities in your Life goals (Professional and Personal) and handle all smartly. it’s not so easy as humor, mental and health + collateral damage have a impact on everything.

Finding is own way to be creative and productive as well is “actions” to take and they should be different regarding people as we all different. Some tricks could work on someone and some failed.

Sometimes people reproach things to gears and brand… they may be right in the sense “I almost found the perfect device for me” but also blame it in the sense of ease. I obviously do not judge anyone because in essence it is subjective to everyone.

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#278

That’s an artform of its own

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#279

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Reading this one at the moment… it’s good and is quite the eye opener

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#280

https://goo.gl/images/WWk3xE

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#281

How I love these little links, thanks! OT time it is

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