Just incase anyone is interested, here is a sound example.
The same pattern using the same samples, obviously no setting adjusted or external processing.
Recorded from the main outs into RME Fireface 802.
8 bars of the Isla followed by 8 bars of the Rytm.
Level matched using Vision 4X plugin in Ableton at -14.1 integrated volume
Something about the envelopes on the Isla seems to make it sound slightly more punchy, especially the snare. It was pretty easy to match and exceed the punch within about 20 seconds on the Rytm though.
just fyi, phase is inverted on one of them, it might give or take some of the punch feeling, and it seems that the Isla has some either shuffle or drag, the kicks are in sync but the hihats/snares have some difference
Wow, yeah just had a look at that on the recordings. So bizarre, there’s no swing or shuffle on the Isla or Rytm.
I’m going to have a look at the original Kick sample and find out which sampler is inverting the phase!
Thanks for that!
looking at the grid rytm’s hihats/snares are tight on the grid but Isla bit after, so there might be some shuffle or something like that…
btw any chance the interface input phase inverted from the software? pretty sure rme has this option to invert from the control panel
you can try recording the isla into the same inputs just to make sure, or same cables, I’m not that good with electronics but pretty sure if a cable wired opposite way it is also reversing phase
Its weird, pattern swing is set to 50% so therefore no swing and there doesn’t seem to be a global setting for it. It might be user error but there’s definitely swing on the 8th notes somehow lol
found this old thing on gearspace, it’s 3yo but could be still unresolved:
I hope ISLA can fix the inverted phase of channel 3&4 either by default changing polarity on digital samples from that channel digitally automatically or if there is a fault on the board change that out with the next revision output board. I don’t know if it also applies to phono in 3&4.
there’s some other talk about the polarity, might find some info there
Good find. To be honest I don’t think I’m going to be keeping it anyway. Got 14 days return and wanted to compare it with the Rytm. I think for my use the benefits of the Rytm win. Its a lovely bit of gear though.
you can always invert it at the audio interface if it’s permanent issue and the connections are also permanent, or just remember to do it in daw… but the shuffle thing, I guess it’s part of the magic?
Yeah.
I get that it might just be an in built shuffle as part of the machines vibe, or it might be a setting I haven’t found. It’s a really nice machine but I think personally the Rytm wins for me. Only compared for two days but everything on the Rytm just seems so much easier even factoring in getting used to a new work flow. This is all my personal opinion for my own use though, like I say it’s a fantastic bit of kit and they are a lovely company. If I was rich I’d keep both ha ha
They’re very different flavours and textures for sample playback. I wouldn’t personally say one is per se “better” than the other, I have and use both. Usually what I’m going for when I reach for the Rytm is very distinct from what I’m going for when I reach for the S2400. For me, they complement rather than replace each other.
Fwiw I prefer how the S2400 glues together samples and am much more likely to record/resample full drum loops from it. I also feel like the Rytm is a bit more limited in terms of its tonal range when playing back samples - it usually sounds huge but I find that it’s sometimes hard to tame it and make it sit nicely in a mix where the Isla invariably cuts through with minimal effort, this might be down to my programming skills though. Obviously the analogue engines give it a whole other dimension and the sequencer is in a different league to the S2400s, but you can say that for most other machines vs. Elektron.
But which you prefer will depend a lot on the context and aesthetic you’re going for, some people won’t have a home for one or the other, or like me will use them in different scenarios. I do feel like straight up playing back the same sample from disk isn’t really a meaningful comparison when in reality the strengths of both boxes only really come out when you start (re)sampling and grunging up on the S2400 and overdriving / p-locking on the Rytm. Of course, the results you get will be radically different from each other when you do that, which is kinda the point.
Would have a tough time trying to pick one or the other - I guess I’m lucky that I don’t have to, got the Rytm MKI years ago for about half of what they’re going for now and got the Isla at the end of their preorder. Definitely wouldn’t have both if I was paying their current prices.
Totally agree with everything in that statement, both fantastic machines. My set up is hybrid and I glue the Rytm tracks post recording anyway. I might look into getting one next year but right now it would mean selling the Rytm. If I was working DAWless I think the Isla would win hands down, especially when the new FX cards are available. Its been a fun couple of days comparing the two of them anyway, I better leave the studio now to actually eat something ha ha ha
the phase thing? easily solvable in so many ways, I for example always have pretty nasty dc offset on rytm because I use distortion symmetry all the time, so I just put a dc filter all the time, just something to be mindful about but not a big deal
the trigs swing though could be a problem if you need tight grid, but maybe it’s a setting somewhere, dunno
