This 100%.
I posted in the Model Samples Only Music thread, and each one of the patterns I’ve made has usually been about a 30-60 minute affair.
It isn’t difficult to get around at all, and you get used to the quirks quickly. The muscle memory you get from the knobby interface is developed quickly.
Now that it’s been a few weeks, I’d like to address the things that I thought would take some getting used to.
I’ve recorded a few phrases at higher pitches in my DAW, pitching them down to -12 or-24 has given me that graininess back. Not something I can automate, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
This took no time. The more I use it, the faster I am with it. Also, I LFO the filter a lot with the start phase tweaked to overcome lack of attack parameter (plus altering the start point)
I just use the LFO on pan if the LFO is otherwise unused. Helps with hats.
I bought an EHX platform for the stage, and it’s great.
In the studio I usually use the USB digital output on the M:S and use Ableton’s glue compressor. Not a big deal, and the vol/dist compresses somewhat.
I have my pattern save + project save routine down well. Totally used to the encoder now.
Otherwise, yea, this is probably my favorite Elektron. Reminds me of my old (20 years ago) MPC2000XL days of just working with wavs from single shots or recorded phrases, and doing what I can with the tools it has.
CTRL-ALL and Chance are huge for performance, I typically work out of a single pattern. I don’t feel limited in a bad way by the 6 tracks. But rather limited in a good way that makes me focus on the core elements of the tune. I don’t use sound locks much, just use OH Samples and being the decay down to make CH and OH on the same track.
The immediacy and portability fits my lifestyle. I can knock out a beat quickly and get some satisfaction, all I need is my M:S and my Beyer open back headphones.
Above all I’m glad this thing has me making techno again.