Hi all. Here’s my question - do I need an octatrack?? My current set up is an A4 and an AR. I also have an ableton push 2 but to be honest, I hardly use it. I have developed somewhat of an aversion of working with the computer and I enjoy the simplicity of working with my hardware (I just turn it on and play)! I also kind of like going direct from the elektron boxes to the monitors… However, I am starting to feel like it would be nice to be able to play a few loops and samples along with my compositions. So my question is, should I just use the equipment I have (push 2) or would I satisfy my sample and loop needs with an octatrack?
Does the AR not meet your needs for playing a few loops and samples?
If not, there are many other instruments that are much cheaper than an OT and might meet your needs, from dedicated loopers, to effects units like Kaoss Pads, to cheap grooveboxes like Electribes.
2 Likes
If it is just a few loop and samples, it may be an overkill.
Does it have to be an Octatrack?
Other sampler/looper are available: MPC, SP, Looper with memory…
Note: answered in the same time as PeterHanes…with a similar point.
Don’t want to use computer and you have other elektron gear , get the octatrack .
it does external midi as well as sampling.
if your are not going in-depth with looping and just want some samples to play you could just plug a iPhone/android sampler into the inputs of one of the elektrons.
2 Likes
The octatrack is also a performance mixer, it goes very well with the RYTM /A4.
Yes playing samples is one part - but you can do complete productions without the computer - record straigth to a DAW, and it just sounds good.
With OT scenes, you can blend in a sample while you cross fade to a different section in your track. It allows very long jams. The midi sequencer can also send performance macros to the other machines, which is very handy.
Yes for pureley playing samples its overkill - but seen as a live hub, its absolutley awesome.
First thing I thought was, YES get one.
As others have stated though, there’s plenty of options.
Having all 3 is great but a lot of times I wonder which one I could do without.
With the new OS updates I’ve kinda lost that notion, but it still lingers.
The thing with having all 3 is managing them.
It definitely spreads your attention out, leaving you less focused on each device.
I find that I don’t use each one to it’s fullest potential, but that also leaves a lot of room to grow into.
Sometimes I think having just 2, might be more gratifying.
For example, if I didn’t have the A4, I would use a lot more single cycle wave samples one the RYTM, which sounds incredible, along with perf/scene/mute modes. I’d maybe break out the Kick and Snare from the main mix to individually effect them in the OT.
Currently, I use the OT mainly as a mixer/effects box for the A4 and RYTM, with a track or two for samples.
1 Like
Octatrack is keys to the city.
2 Likes
^^ What he or she said
1 Like
Thanks for the replies. I got one!
3 Likes
In the first week after getting one I was about to return it two or three times, hang in there, you’re not alone!
2 Likes
I did the same… Push 2 out, octatrack in. I’m very happy!
If you go pro, you may get a 2nd one 
His FX box is also pretty rad, its a very thoughtfull setup.
Old thread, but I’m in a similar boat right now. Reality with Push 2 is - it’s 3 boxes already - push + laptop + audio interface. Octatrack = 3 birds 1 stone. Also for some reason I don’t use it as much. I think, I may move away and use the Ocatrack. Of course Ableton is my daw of choice for production, but Push, I mean, I really can’t wait for the day it is a standalone box with ins and outs, independent of the computer (if that ever happens). Maybe then I will jump back in. But I found a good deal for a OT locally, think I’m gonna snap it up and sell the Push. One of the things I really want on the AR is a cross fader, being able to transition between patterns, the OT is really interesting to me for realtime sampling and switching between tracks.
Out of interest @Grate_expectations , what did you end up doing ?
If you use Ableton for composing music, octatrack is a great thing to have. Just create some loops (melodic and bass lines, pads etc.) in Ableton and copy them to OT, turn off your laptop, apply some magic of this machine (effects, scenes, slices, arranger, resampling and so on) and you probably will be happy.
But be ready to invest your time to learn this complicated but very fun machine.
1 Like
If you just need a few samples and loops (with fx) along with your analog devices, OT would be overkill IMO. A Boss SP series sampler would easily fill that gap for much less dough…
OTOH if you want something deep that goes waay beyond triggering recorded samples and applying fx to them, get the OT.
1 Like
See you in about 3 years once you’ve finished exploring its possibilities!
2 Likes
Gotta say i’m kinda surprised how familiar it is getting around after coming from AR and A4… mucked around in demo mode tonight. Tomoro for manual printing and to figure out recording!
1 Like
About recording: if you’re into recording your own loops, the easiest way to do IMO is to use one-shot trigs on recording tracks.
Forget “quick recording” path, work on one-shot record trigs first.
4 Likes
Second that. Get a hang of one shot recordings. Tap your source bpm and enable triggers. You will be time travelling.
1 Like