I got a model:samples and I like it much more than the RYTM for samples : (

Elektron Gear Analog Rytm
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I love the RYTM mk2, but I use it with samples 85% of the time because frankly I already have synths (snappy vintage monosynths and vintage and modern modular) that make way better analog drum sounds and do them faster. A model:samples came up as a local deal and I grabbed it and I’m shocked at just how much better than the flagship AR it is considering you could buy what, 5 model:samples for the price or an AR mk2?

It’s just so much FASTER than the AR to do everything - the dedicated knobs are so helpful and fast for tweaking, and they just feel better than the AR knobs too, more like pots than encoders. Control all is AMAZING for jamming - you can just totally twist your pattern and then instantly reload it on the downbeat. Being able to do massive turntable style pitch freaks while controlling the cutoff on every sound at the same time and radically shortening the sample length into choppy staccato bursts only to snap back to your groove is GREAT. You can’t do anything like this on the AR without spending a ton of time setting up performance macros and then running out of locks halfway through. It shouldn’t be so much easier, funner, and funkier on a $299 box (that I got for $250 in the box with screen protector still on) but here we are.

Having the 1-16 steps function as chromatic pitch while the pads act as triggers is brilliant - why can’t you do this on the AR instead of having them just be redundant triggers?

Having a dedicated reverse button instead of having to take the time to set the start and end points to reverse is such a quality of life improvement and again - makes work just faster. Fast fast fast at every step.

Gain and subtle overdrive dialed in by track volume sounds better than the AR’s gross, barky overdrive and feels more natural, like working on a mixer and driving channels harder.

Fill works better and is more useful like classic fill on old drum machines.

There are PLENTY of things I wish it did that the AR does - direct pattern jump occupying the exact top of that list, parameter slide a close second, more than six samples at a time (though you can do sound locks to alternate), mute/choke groups, proper ADSR, etc.

I wouldn’t dream of getting rid of my AR, but I sure wish this thing wasn’t SO much better than it at so much when it comes to actually making music and then jamming on the music you make! It really makes me wish that they’d head more in this direction for Mk3 flagship devices - many dedicated knobs, less reliance on screen, fast fast fast fun funky workflow.

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…well…then…resell the rytm…if ur really sure u won’t miss the analog drums…
and get a truu hands on drumsynth instead…the other model…the cycles beast…
and for further sampling…with the budget headrooum u got then…a used ot…
run both models through the ot…use the ot as a mixing hub…
and u gonna have realtime fun and new sonic terretoriy options as never before…

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Why the sad face ? You got a cool device for a fraction of the rytm: :frowning: -> :slight_smile:

I actually sold my Rytm after I bought the Digitakt, so similar story here (I never liked the sound of the Rytm).

Enjoy the model:samples and if after a while you feel the Rytm is useless, get rid of it, lighthearted.

:+1:

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Because it has the far more flexible chromatic pads mode?

Everyone has their own preference, I found DT to be a bit too fiddly to use, but love the Rytm mkII, the CV ins, chromatic mode, analog filters, velocity to start point, etc etc, make it the best sampling drum machine ever made IMHO, but whatever floats your particular boat is always best.

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Individual outs on the Rytm 2 plus overbridge. I could not have a drum machine as my main driver that didnt have those things. Of course the sound of the Rytm is amazing as well. The filters, everything just works for setting the foundation of my music. But thats just me. I had a Digitakt before it.

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Like I said, I wouldn’t dream of dumping the AR! What are you using velocity to sample start for?

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Lots of stuff, only on longer sounds mostly, good on evolving sounds like pads or dialog samples etc.

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Haha… so many different opinions here! Out of interest - How has that upgrade worked out for you?

Personally, I got a 2nd hand Model:Samples (the gateway drug) for very cheap on Ebay, which has lead me down the dark path… pretty soon I had copped a Digitakt when I learned about Overbridge, and here I am lurking in this thread!!! :flushed::grimacing:

(I’m kinda interested in the AR for the velocity pads and drum synthesis, but after reading this thread, not so much!)

It’s a slippery slope!

(Don’t do drugs, kids!)

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I never tried the MS but I use my Rytm most for samples too (except for kick and hi hats) ; it makes me think to replace it for another Octatrack to do the drum duties instead. I’d miss the dedicated FILL button though

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Can’t complain, I love it so far. It’s the center of my production hub.

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I’d advise against it, Rytm is better for drums IMHO, OT is better for loops.

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You can do timestretching on the AR, DT and M:S though. You just have to spend more time setting it up with an lfo. But I get that OT has more functionality in that regard including slicing. But parameter locking a loop to slice it up is also possible on the other machines.
Sorry if you already know all this, but somebody else out there might not :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

Edit: haha 2 years later :sweat_smile:

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I don’t have an M:S for comparison. I’ve found that turning down the LEV on the SRC and/or SMPL pages lets the Overdrive work with much more range and variety.

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Crazy, I was intending on asking what the difference was between RYTM and Samples was. Been playing with the idea of getting a Samples along with my RYTM.

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Can explain a few things here? I’m still learning and curious:

  1. What about chromatic mode mode do you like specifically/use it for?
  2. How do you utilize the cv ins?
  3. What is velocity start point?
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When you say you use the rytm as your main driver for your productions, what do you mean? Also, I know this may sound like a novice question, but why is having individual outs so valuable?

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not my post but

  1. play a melody? :slight_smile:
  2. if you have for example modular it can interface with the rytm
  3. how hard you hit the pad can affect the sample start point
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Have you tried an Octatrack

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I use it like an MPC.

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Chromatic mode for melodies, basslines, tuned percussion etc.
CV ins can be mapped to lots of things, 4 parameters each, so can be used as kind of mini scenes or for tweaking if you make a knob box/use expression pedal, or sequenced modulation if you have any cv sequencers, etc.
Velocity to start is a sampler classic, you can use it to pick parts in a loop or vocal, or use it on say a filter swept or wavetable sound to get timbral movement, etc. You can plock the velocity parameter for precise control, or go nuts on the pad, usually you would want to turn off velocity to amplitude if using velocity to start.

Lots to explore.

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