Elektron purchase headache

aldro · 2015-04-03T12:27:28.000Z

Hello Elektron team,

Currently i m a Korg Volkies owner for one year now and i m considering to buy an Elektron gear soon.
Volkies are great and kept me away from PC for weeks and weeks but now i think that i need smthg that i can write a song, add some effects, have more fun, escaping to another world for hours.

Was thinking and watching and reading numerous videos, forums threads, reviews, presentations about almost all Elektron gear and now i am in a crossroad that i have to choose which of them will keep me company in my trips (i travel a lot)

My list is:

A4
AR
OT

But since i dont have any experience of this gear i feel a little bit confused.

What would be your advise?

*Consider that i travel a lot and most probably a second elektron gear will be added as soon as i learn the fisrt well enough and raise some money for the second piece so as to pair them.

**I didnt know where to register that topic so i decided to put it on A4 category so as to avoid the AR hype since its quite new and everybody seem a little bit overexcited.
I believe here its ok since the A4 is quite older than AR and their users are more matured on its character so i bet for a well balanced answer/advise

Thank you,

G0n35y · 2015-04-03T12:36:14.000Z

I have all 3. For me it is a toss up between A4 and OT. That isn’t to say I don’t like the AR, I just think that if taken a box on travels and for a first Elektron I’d go with an A4 or OT.

The question is do you want as much immediacy as possible (A4 is a joy to use) or do you want heaps of potential, something that will bamboozle for a long time until eventually it all clicks and then you’re only limited by your imagination (OT)?

I found the OT a baw ache for the best part of a year though to be honest. It took getting an A4 for things to come together and now I absolutely love the thing. I don’t use any of my gear as much as I’d like but I don’t think I could ever part with my OT if it ever came to it.

Both have depth but for me, one is more immediate while the other is an instrument to really learn, Also depends how you feel dealing with samples and things.

benwadub · 2015-04-03T12:38:18.000Z

i think AR could be a good first purchase because you got drums synth engine and you could feed it with samples for chords, leads…
i m an happy AR owner, but others people will say you can make drums on a4 too and other will tell you thate octa will be nice to sample your volcas and other plugins.
to conclude if i was you i would start with the AR that is the best machine i ve ever own

TokyoDisco · 2015-04-03T12:44:12.000Z

It seems the way you have them listed is the order I would go.

A4 - Its portable, sounds great, and yes, you can make a complete song (simple anyway).

2nd AR - (I opted for the monomachine but thats just because I like the MM sound) but the AR would be a great 2nd choice to pair with the A4 especially for song creation.

Yeah 3rd OT - I think you would want it eventually to tie the pieces together and plus morph and mangle them. In short get the A4 first (I got the AK first too) you will want them all someday

AdamJay · 2015-04-03T13:38:36.000Z

Tough call on which to get first. I’m not an OT fan, so my recommendation sways between A4 and Rytm.

A4:
It is true that you can make drums on A4, but unless you like real short autechrey kicks with hardly any decay, the kick is going to need its own track most of the time. Good thing is, it’s a fiercely nice sounding kick from the A4
When dedicating a Volca beats or sample for your drum work, you can make the A4 go really far with those 4 tracks. I’m consistently pleased with A4 when I let it spread its wings and not handicap its synth capabilities by losing a track or two to drums.

Rytm:
It can do great bass lines and leads from single cycle waveform samples, and has a solid compressor for a good finished sound. You have 8 voices over 12 tracks. These parts alone can make a complete song. There are limitations with doing more evolving atmospheric sounds or pads on the Rytm, due to the single LFO. I feel the Rytm get’s closer to that “complete” song in one box capability. However, my music is mostly rhythm oriented techno (and I purchased the Rytm before purchasing the A4). The combination of both scene and performance modes make it a very fun box to perform and compose live on. I can just hit record on my recorder or DAW and spend 5 minutes jamming on a main pattern with a few variations and at the end of it I have a song I can be proud of.

It probably comes down to the type of music you write, more than anything else.

Is it synth driven, with the occasional need for long evolving and atmospheric sounds, and a rich sound scape? If so, look to the A4

Is it drum & sample driven, with a need for the most realtime control of variations, and a nice finished sound? If so, look to the Rytm.

Best of luck!

Abhoth · 2015-04-03T13:54:27.000Z

I have the OT and A4, and feel the OT works really well on its own, the A4 less so. That being said, I haven’t had the A4 as long as the OT, so I might just not be proficient enough with it yet.

aldro · 2015-04-03T15:58:14.000Z

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Regarding your comments i must say that i m not a analog/synth/drumachine champion but i have time and always try hard

I layed my eyes on a sequencer and synth for first time in Volcas, but i found them really easy and fun so i decided to go for Elektron which i have already realised that will be much more digging than Volcas.

For AR i understand that is a box on steroids and can be also further boosted up by the mighty Strom app.
On the other hand is Elektron’s latest rocket and i m wondering if that will be a maze for my head and often find myself in places that is not yet time to be there.

For A4 i can understand the limitations of tracks, abilities in live performing comparing to AR, lack of a real drum synthesis etc
On the other hand though, maybe i can fit myself better inside it’s “tight” space and get more compact results for a noob.

OT is smthg else and i feel that would be more like a decision for the future in order to be a companion for AR or A4.

Just thoughts, wish i had experienced the environment of each machine.

AdamJay · 2015-04-03T16:04:43.000Z

""aldro"":

Just thoughts, wish i had experienced the environment of each machine.

Check out Cuckoo’s A4 and Rytm tutorial videos on youtube.
They’ll give you the best virtual, realtime sense of workflow without ever touching the machine. The pace is good for getting a sense of how everything works, and where to locate import functions.

Watch them each more than once and you’ll have a real feel for how they work.

Zymos · 2015-04-03T16:15:03.000Z

I would urge you to NOT get an OT as your first Elektron box, unless sampling is a way bigger priority than anything else.

I agree with others, the order you mentioned them is what I’d go for.

aldro · 2015-04-03T16:24:11.000Z

""AdamJay"":

[quote=“aldro”]Just thoughts, wish i had experienced the environment of each machine.

Check out Cuckoo’s A4 and Rytm tutorial videos on youtube.
They’ll give you the best virtual, realtime sense of workflow without ever touching the machine. The pace is good for getting a sense of how everything works, and where to locate import functions.

Watch them each more than once and you’ll have a real feel for how they work.[/quote]
Oh yeah! i have checked them already, i found Rytm quite extensive but also tons of fun although i didnt understand some parts fully.
Dont know, i could also buy them both but i believe that i ll lose my focus.
I want to go step by step.

The music i like in terms of “structure” is this:

AdamJay · 2015-04-03T17:52:47.000Z

""aldro"":

Oh yeah! i have checked them already, i found Rytm quite extensive but also tons of fun although i didnt understand some parts fully.
Dont know, i could also buy them both but i believe that i ll lose my focus.
I want to go step by step.

The music i like in terms of “structure” is this:

Stream I Kicked A Cloud Once - B Runner by Greased Up Records | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

I highly suggest getting only one and learning it to the point you are very comfortable with it, and then getting the other.

The song you linked, Rytm could easily make that track on its own with a bit of sample prep. Lots of use of compression as an effect in that track, too, so another point for Rytm. The “Hit” function on Rytm’s compressor side chain EQ would put you in close proximity to that effect.

That song would be tough for A4. It sounds almost entirely sample based. Do you have the Volca Sample? It could take care of the drums and sampled fx bits in that song, and the A4 for recreating the sampled synth bits. But you’d need a compressor to round it all out.

aldro · 2015-04-03T21:15:41.000Z

""AdamJay"":

[quote=“aldro”]Oh yeah! i have checked them already, i found Rytm quite extensive but also tons of fun although i didnt understand some parts fully.
Dont know, i could also buy them both but i believe that i ll lose my focus.
I want to go step by step.

The music i like in terms of “structure” is this:

Stream I Kicked A Cloud Once - B Runner by Greased Up Records | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

I highly suggest getting only one and learning it to the point you are very comfortable with it, and then getting the other.

The song you linked, Rytm could easily make that track on its own with a bit of sample prep. Lots of use of compression as an effect in that track, too, so another point for Rytm. The “Hit” function on Rytm’s compressor side chain EQ would put you in close proximity to that effect.

That song would be tough for A4. It sounds almost entirely sample based. Do you have the Volca Sample? It could take care of the drums and sampled fx bits in that song, and the A4 for recreating the sampled synth bits. But you’d need a compressor to round it all out.
[/quote]
No, i do not own the white Sample buddy.

I think that in the end will be a last minute call for the Rytm or the A4 !

Thanks a lot !

Rabbitfrog · 2015-04-03T21:36:18.000Z

Octatrack!!!

Here is what it can do.
-8 tracks to load or record ANY sound including synth and drum sounds on one track.
-process external gear with effects (good use for your Volcas)
-MIDI control on 8 tracks (including your Volcas) any other synth
-extremely powerful sample engine that comes really close to a synth
-effects like bitcrush, filter, delay,reverse, pitch etc…
-add effects to any incoming audio
-turn your Octatrack into a dj mixer (4 inputs and crossfader)
-turn your Octarack into 2 dj players and mixer (load up entire CDs and mix them with effects using tracks and the crossfader)
-turn your OT into a song production station without ever powering up your PC, kicks, pads,bass (as long as you have them sampled)
-turn your OT into a sound recorder, plug your video games, CD player or vinyl player and sample and remix and edit your favorite tracks to draw inspiration without needing a computer.

I only got mine a few months ago and I love it. I also had A4 and AR before. I threw my A4 and AR in the trash, if you want them they are somewhere rotting away…

P.S. The reason I am suggesting OT is because you HAVE other synths to sample and record from, plus you can get samples anywhere these days. I think Volcas are great and Octatrack would ADD to them while AR and A4 will REPLACE them, my philosophy is to keep good stuff and only add to it and replace when the time comes.

TrabanT · 2015-04-03T21:48:40.000Z

get a used A4 or OT first… what doesnt gel will get out … in the end go for AR (fewest second hand models, hence higher prices)

I bet in the end you will end up loving all of them…

aldro · 2015-04-04T14:39:54.000Z

""TrabanT"":

get a used A4 or OT first… what doesnt gel will get out … in the end go for AR (fewest second hand models, hence higher prices)

I bet in the end you will end up loving all of them…

That’s for sure!

Definately thay all shine, i just want to choose the one that will provide me a smooth transition from the entry level Volkies to smthg more sophisticated.

The main reason i choose to buy an Elektron is also the sequencer which is so inspirational tool. Even in Volkies, i spent most of my time jiggling the sequencer to come up with new ideas. But volca’s seq is limited.

One other aspect that i take into consideration is the vast number of tutorials / tips / how to’s that are available online for the A4 and AR ( AR will have also more in the future)

For the volkies i was struggling to find smthg maybe because were too simple for someone to publish any instruction. And that is true.

Abhoth · 2015-04-04T16:14:17.000Z

I use my OT as a kind of hardware DAW. Basically it replaced a PC with Cubase. So to me the OT is the most important piece of my setup. The A4 is more ‘specialized’ imo, doing a specific task very well. So where to start is probably very much a question of what you want to do. I personally think the OT is incredibly fun and the logical device to start with. I’m actually a bit surprised to be in the minority here, even if we are in the A4 section of the forum. I don’t think you can go terribly wrong either way, though. You’re in for a ton of fun whatever device you go for.

I don’t think it is easy to ‘transition’ to the OT from other gear, though. It is a unique device that require patience to get the hang of. I don’t agree with those claiming it is complicated, it is just … different. The A4 is simpler in this respect. Particularly if you already know your way around synths in general. I don’t know the AR.

Rabbitfrog · 2015-04-04T16:25:31.000Z

You know, you say you can afford 2 machines. If I were you I would get a MonoMachine and a Machinedrum UW.

The Machinedrum UW offers sample recording unlike AR and a lot more sample manipulation. So right there you have a solid mix between AR and OT.

Monomachine offers a TON of sonic flexibility, you get similar analog sounding engines without it being of course analog plus wavetable, Sid, FM. It’s not a purist’s analog but at least you won’t go digging elsewhere when you need some variety in sound. And plus it allows to upload user waves for the wavetable synthesis.

With these two machines someone would have to really twist your arm to get more gear for a while.

Of course it all depends how you feel about this whole analog vs digital business. But I tell you if someone offered me MD UW and a MM for my A4 and AR I would not hesitate to trade.

AdamJay · 2015-04-04T17:51:45.000Z

""aldro"":

[quote=“TrabanT”]get a used A4 or OT first… what doesnt gel will get out … in the end go for AR (fewest second hand models, hence higher prices)

I bet in the end you will end up loving all of them…

That’s for sure!

Definately thay all shine, i just want to choose the one that will provide me a smooth transition from the entry level Volkies to smthg more sophisticated.

The main reason i choose to buy an Elektron is also the sequencer which is so inspirational tool. Even in Volkies, i spent most of my time jiggling the sequencer to come up with new ideas. But volca’s seq is limited.

One other aspect that i take into consideration is the vast number of tutorials / tips / how to’s that are available online for the A4 and AR ( AR will have also more in the future)

For the volkies i was struggling to find smthg maybe because were too simple for someone to publish any instruction. And that is true. [/quote]
Considering you have no sampler, I would go with a machine that has some sample playback capabilities first. i.e. AR, OT, MDUW

KOTARE · 2015-04-05T09:53:52.000Z

Based on the track you linked here, an AR - no doubt.

You’ll still need to use your computer for editing (sidechaining by individual track gain is not an option on the AR COMP, only by global EQ band), but once you hear your samples inside and on top of the analog drum synthesis, with the FX and DIST, you’ll be one happy motherfucker.

Don’t get an A4 - everything will sound samey. In my experience, owning an OT, AK, and AR, and having owned an MD and MM, you want an AR. Second option would be an OT, but you will lose girth and raw power (which is what I hear in this song anyways)

My $0.02.

KOTARE · 2015-04-05T09:57:02.000Z

A VERY good 2nd option, now that I think of it, would be an OT and a 404sx. I use that combo and it is fucking badass - the 404 crisp sound (a staple in the track style you linked) with the OT’s sequencer, FX, and mixing ability (not to mention looping and recording abilities…)

You won’t get those analog balls but maybe you work towards a separate piece later on with OT as your brain/hub?