So, I like the Elektron Analog keys sequencer. Also Roland SH-4d. I can’t get along so well with Mc-707, and many other units I have tried, specially the Electribe.
I’d like another hardware sequencer and I thought that something similar to Elektron A4 workflow would be nice. Any suggestions? can’t be too expensive
thanks
This could be my recency bias on display, but the Oxi One is an awesome and very portable step sequencer with similar worflow to the Elektron boxes. Not sure what your price ceiling is, but if the soon to be released mk2 version is to expensive for you ($900), then you should be able to find a reasonable price for the mk1 version on Reverb or eBay now that so many people are trying to off load the original in favor of the updated version.
Another good hardware sequencer is the Torso T-1. I’ve seen a lot of people use it to sequence their Elektron boxes in lieu of the bulit in sequencer. You could find one for somewhere around $500-$600.
Hapax is another great option, but if you’re looking for something inexpensive then it might be out of your range at over $1,000.
I own all 3 of these sequencers. The Oxi One is the winner for me in terms of portability and instant inspiration. I’ve already pre-ordered the mk2 and the features look to be worth the upgrade price. But, as I mentioned, you may be able to easily find more affordable prices for the mk1 on the used market.
A used OG Digitakt?
If you’re open to tossing a Eurorack sequencer in a small Pod style case, you can get a few interesting ones that do MIDI:
The first one I’d check out is the Westlicht Performer that is very elektron-like with a few interesting twists. It’s intended for modular, but it has MIDI out as well. One of the nice things about it is that it has probability for pretty much everything. And it also has some really handy rhythm and melody generator features.
Another really cool one is the Five12 Vector Sequencer. It’s based on the software sequencer Numerology, and does things very rare in non-eurorack sequencers like editing note duration and repeats, sub-sequencing, and some really cool chance operations. The Mk1 version can be had really cheap these days, though the Mk2 version adds a 2nd set of chance ops which is really cool. Performing with it is very Ableton-esque.
Finally, the Erica Synths Black Sequencer is another really fun one that does MIDI. One of the things I love about it is the step arpeggios that can do sort of strum or trill type sounds that follow a scale. It has really cool randomization features as well.
The cool thing about all these is they’re really compact, and are good at some things that are harder to find in traditional hardware sequencers. Plus if/when you go down the rabbit hole of Eurorack, you’ll be all set.
B-stock Maschine+.
stopped by to say that.
I was highly considering the Squarp Pyramid. That was based on some tutorials I watched. I feel I may get a bit overwhelmed by something like the Hápax and Oxi, but I will take another look at the Oxi now that you said the workflow reminds of the Elektron
I think one of the sequencers I had once was the Apc 40 and also the Mpc2000, I didn’t use them because I can get easily overwhelmed by many pads
One thing that doesn’t put me off is menu diving and screens… so that is it, I am sort of a tech guy that likes diving and displays but do not like pads or things that don’t inspire visually so much… like I can’t face a blank paper to draw 
If you’re into synthesis, DNII is really worth it. It can do it all, FM of course, but also drums, VA, bass, arps, pads, and control external gear (still a bit limited, but sufficient).
If you already know and enjoy Elektron workflow, it’s better IMO to save some money and go for it.
A pure sequencer such as the Oxi or Pyramid/Hapax is real nice, but I think it would rather shine if you have a lot of gear.
I would personally prefer to sell some gear and go for the more compact setup with a powerful format such as the DNII, that still lets you control a bunch of other synths if needed.
you mean Digitone II? I do have the I but haven’t used it much yet
Yes, Digitone II is pretty good already.
16 voices per channel, it lets you name CCs and save MIDI configurations.
On its own it’s a real capable (very-) multitimbral synth.
Try to dig into it, you already have gold in the pocket ^ ^
what specifically do you like about the sequencing? is it the immediacy of having the keys integrated with the hardware, and having the led’s above them? is it being able to hold a trig button and press a key? is it the parameter locking? pattern chaining? song mode? microtiming? independent tracks? … etc. or do you just really like the A4 sound engine/OS design (since you mention liking the workflow)?
also what is “too expensive?”
Oxi One made me feel right at home. Hapax didn’t.
WYSIWYG synths w/o sequencers, arp and midi CC are a plus. Use Elektron as main brains.
Hapax feels a lot better than a push - for me it was the ideal sequencer - and its totally fun to work with. It feels like Abelton with really useful midi generators, and automation lanes is a pure bliss. Even if the price tag is hard to swallow at first - in the long run it was worth every cent.
I wrote wrong, my A4 is not the Keys version. and the Digitone is MKI…
I like the A4 because I can just dial in a sequence. I use the small round keys as a keyboard, but would be willing to use a small Korg nano keyword or such to input…
I just don’t like to get overwhelmed with a blank Cubase, Ableton project, or a bunch of pads, like a Push or APC40, or maybe even a Hapax or OXI… I like to dive into it… one hint is I love the Korg Gadget app for iOS and do some songs now and then on Iphone or Ipad…
I also like the microview that a sequencer provides, in the sense I’ll be able to integrate a bass or rhythm to the beat, instead of trying to play and record such as I’d do on Ableton. or worse even, draw and repeat… (I’d use the Euclidean on the Pyramid but not so much into generative stuff)
as others have said, the Digitone has a very capable sequencer. since you have that, you should give it a shot.
unless you need to sequence something with it that you don’t think it will work well with…?
I don’t understand the question. If you like the Elektron sequencer and it’s important for you to make music, any other Elektron seems to be a good option. Which one depends on what you’re missing/looking for in terms of sound and features. But the sequencer is more or less the same on every modern Elektron.
Squarp Pyramid is kind of similar and more powerful.
I sort of forget what I did on the Elektrons, a bigger visual picture would be nice, like what notes I used and what not.
Not really specifically looking for an Elektron device, something like @Roger said, Pyramid, could be nice… I was pretty set on the Pyramid actually but I’m having second thoughts since there could be something more similar to the Elektron sequencing scheme, but more powerful, so that would be the question
Roland SH 4D is great, especially after brand new update. However, I would not say the sequencer is a strong point or anywhere near the level of Elektron. You will probably be frustrated if you are expecting a Digitone like experience. It really shines as a sound module.