I am interested in your opinion on the following situation: I have been transitioning towards an all-Elektron setup with the goal of performing live, half-improvised jams using 2-4 box configurations, focusing on raw and hypnotic techno as well as dub techno. Currently, I own the DT, DN, AR mk1, A4 mk1, OT, and AH mk2. I constantly interchange these boxes in search of the “optimal” setup.
Typically, my “songs” are only one pattern long. I construct variations and different song parts (intros, drops, etc.) by muting and unmuting tracks, filtering sounds in and out, and manipulating sounds on the tracks. I don’t use song modes, etc. Transitions between patterns are achieved by filtering out or muting tracks and changing patterns — one box at a time.
My main question is: do you use your Elektrons in your setups as “one box, one task” (DT and/or AR only for drums, percussions, and drum-loops, and DN and/or A4 only for melodic elements and chords, etc.), or do you adopt a “multitasking” approach? For instance, playing some leads and basses from DT or AR while DN or A4 handles certain percussive tasks (kick, hi-hat, etc.).
Could you share the pros and cons of both approaches based on your experience?
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Imo anything above elektron 2 boxes+ some kind of mixer (possibly OT) is too much to handle. I use ST and DT and there is a lot to cover already, if you want to unmute parts on 3 machines simultaneously this already pushes you into prerecorded patterns with mute states and you’ll lose fluidity. I use each box to it’s strengths. The other option is a “song per box” approach but this way you won’t sound coherent. Dave Mech’s approach with 2 DT and 2 DN is basically two setups that alternate dj style, but he is still using mostly 2 at a time as far as I have observed. And there is Dataline, who threads on 5 boxes at a time, but he is unmatched in skill…
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I think it was Surgeon who said that on a live situation you are twice as stupid as your normal self, so plan for that with what gear you will use.
I’m just a simple hobbyist, not a good artists/musician at all and so I do mostly focus on giving each box (I have a DN, A4, AR and OT) their own role when preparing/playing a live set, if not it’s absolutely impossible for me to keep track of what I’m doing. And I don’t use more than 2-3 of them at the same time, if I have the AR + A4 (or DN) then the OT is simply used as a live looper/transition box, and I prepare a workflow with a controller to arm tracks for recording so I don’t have to deal with jumping into the Recorder sequencer, just press a button and I know it will be on REC[1-8] after it loops 4 bars (I keep rec length fixed on 64 steps).
In summary: simplify, simplify, simplify, it is hard to play multiple Elektron boxes at the same time to their potential… Even using scenes/perf macros gets confusing if you prepare too much in advance, I usually have 2-4 perf macros setup for the A4 or AR at maximum, each for its own role (transition with FX, filter out stuff, etc.) so I don’t get lost. And just a few scenes on the OT, like 2 for A and B.
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I use Syntakt, Digitakt and one extra synth for techno, and I treat the boxes like self-contained track sources, so I’ll have self-contained patterns on each machine and mix those like a dj might, but having all those tracks on ST means there’s plenty space for some extra bits to smooth transitions. I find using those two together is fluid as the firmware is so similar that I don’t have to mentally switch gears, they appear as aspects of the same instrument. That’s me tho, YMMV!
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Octatrack mk2 plus syntakt = techno live for days.
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OT+MM.
I make both machine multitask within limits and as long as it makes sense, not just multitask for the fuck of it. Actually, it’s more like the default is for both machines to do a dedicated task, and multitask when there is a need. I’m flexible but also try to be responsible.
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My own personal experience is to use the AR for drum patterns and bass lines and combine with melodic sequencing from elsewhere (previously Ableton, now the Pioneer Squid). I like the Analog series much more than the DT/DN for live performance, as I find there is much more to do with Scenes and Performance mode, as well as Direct Jump pattern switching. I used to have a DN and found using it along with the DT at the same time was too much for my brain, especially in a live situation. Two Elektron sequencers is a LOT to keep track of. If I were you, I’d try to focus what you use in a live setup so that you develop more muscle memory, get more fluid with the machines, and develop your own sound. It’s harder to do all of those things when switching gear in and out all the time. YMMV, hope that helps.
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