We all know and love the Elektron sequencing system.
Most of us like using hardware.
I think there is a space in the market for a hardware MIDI sequencer made by Elektron, because:
-There is already a large user base that is familiar with the Elektron sequencer and many of them have other MIDI gear and like to work without a DAW at least sometimes.
-The Cirklon is too expensive and there is a long waiting list.
-The Pyramid is OK but also too expensive for what it is: The hardware is not up to Elektron standards (rubber buttons). The screen is too small, it has only 5 knobs that do not operate per track, touchpad is unnecessary and a potential point of failure, and its song mode is too limited. Also, Squarp has already jumped on the modular bandwagon which seems like a point of no return 
(I don’t mean to start an argument about Pyramid here folks, please let’s keep it focused)
-The popularity of the Beatstep Pro shows that people are still interested in easy-to-use hardware MIDI sequencing.
Here’s what I imagine:
-The DT/DTN style of having the 16 steps in two rows of 8 is the way to go. But, the larger format (mk2) box will be needed to accomodate a mini keyboard (with octave ± buttons) a-la Analog 4.
-Fully poly sequencing with scales (pentatonic please) and chord input that offers chords based on the scale and root note chosen. (The Zaquencer does this!) Longer notes do not cut off at the next trig. 5 notes per step is probably a good minimum.
Dedicated CHORD page where the individual notes in a chord can be delayed and have their velocity adjusted, for strumming effects.
-At least 8 tracks. Selecting a track and playing the mini keys sends notes out on the channel set for that track.
-Instrument definitions per track: In a track settings menu you can assign a name to the track and assign names to MIDI CCs that show up on the display for the knobs.
-Use the Machinedrum system of CC control where any MIDI CC can be controlled per step… but with the option to freeze the “CC number” knob to avoid accidental changes. And/or , the knobs could be different colours (black and light grey) to easily distinguish the knobs that send CC data. Or, the “CC number” knobs could be moved to a separate page as long as the CC value knobs are labelled as per instrument definition. Saving the “kit” or similar saves the knob values per pattern like in the MD.
-MIDI learn in the track settings menu for quick assignment of CCs.
-Pattern change settings a-la AR (direct jump, etc). Patterns can be triggered from external MIDI notes as well as program changes and will respect the pattern change settings.
-IMPROVED PATTERN SELECTION. Enough with the “press Bank and press a number” thing… Seriously guys, this is a PITA. Hit a button to enter Pattern Select mode. This could use a different colour LED on the buttons and a window on screen to indicate you’re selecting patterns. The tt303 uses a different colour for each bank which is pretty cool.
-Program change knob like in the MD- but only sends the Program Change if not moved for 1-2 seconds.
-Conditional trigs, of course.
-Different pattern length per track.
-Micro-timing
-In step edit mode use different coloured LEDs to indicate visually the pitch or length of notes ?
-Trig Mutes
-Enter p-locks without entering notes. (“trigless trigs”)
-Tempo setting per pattern
-Song mode.
-Pattern chains that can be saved, as an alternative to the full song mode and for creating fill patterns without the awkward method of using the conditional trigs ( it makes it hard to edit the fills). For example, press FUNCTION and FILL to assign a pattern as a fill of the current pattern - OR to enter “fill edit” so only the fill’s trigs are shown.
-Retrigger button that works on steps (hold RETRIGGER and press a step to retrig the step for that track according to a quantization value that can be changed on the fly like in the AR - or press FUNCTION & RETRIGGER & a step to retrigger the step for ALL tracks -for creating stuttering effects on the fly.
-MIDI effects (delays, ratcheting, LFOs, arpeggiator per step that also works with the chosen scale). This could come later as it will need more work - only the LFO has been done by Elektron before as far as I know.
-Realtime recording of notes and pitch bend/ after touch / mod wheel. This could also come later as the focus is on step sequencing.
-Obviously, track mutes.
-Swing and slide. Accent not needed as velocity p-locking is sufficient.
-USB Host port that works with USB hubs
-2-3 MIDI outs
-Optional multi-output CV expansion for the modular users. They can afford to pay extra 
or use the MIDI to CV converters they already have.
-Not as important: The screen could be larger or higher resolution to accomodate longer names for parameters: no more cryptic abbreviations!
-Should be doable for €599-€699 including VAT!!! Since there is no sound engine involved and most of the work on the MIDI sequencer has been done by Elektron already, I don’t think this is too much to ask!?
I have been wishing for something like this for a long time… I am very available for extensive beta testing
Name suggestion : use/make up word related to brain, sequence, time. Or just call it Elektronaut !
Announce and show prototype at NAMM 2019 FTW! 
or are they just grey businessmen in suits?