Live jamming, which Elektron to start with?

Hawk45 · 2022-11-26T15:17:50.538Z

I’ve mostly been doing sample stuff, so would like to get more into the synth side to build out sounds by tweaking params.

Starscream · 2022-11-26T15:22:31.053Z

Digitakt, very intuitive.

Octagonist · 2022-11-26T15:58:13.566Z

There is no right answer. They’re all good

The flagship ones have more performance options (scenes, macros, etc). The mid-range ones are super quick. The Models are great value for money and more powerful than they appear. (Based on my experiences with AR, OT, ST and MC).

bodymechanics · 2022-11-26T17:52:13.568Z

The OT is like Ableton Lite in a box.
The rumors that’s is complicated is extremely overhyped. Same with all the comments about the effects being bad.

The OT is the most unique device elektron has ever made, simple to use once you get acclimated to the muscle memory. Extremely simple project management, and it’s the gift that keep on giving.

It also excels as a brain for multiple devices and integrates seamlessly with all other electrons.

Ideally an MKI dark Trinity set up is like having Ableton in a hardware format.
RYTM = Drum Rack
A4 = Synth plug-ins
OT is the multi track routing interface with 6 supirior midi tracks, and the ability to stack effects with neighbor machines give you the ability to create mind blowing effects.
All of them together is a massively powerful performance rig.

However the OT is the best one to start with.
Truly the most fun unique piece of hardware available.
At tge price tge MKIs are going for, it’s unbeatable.

Also, the A4 is an incredible drum machine, with amazing sounds that sit perfectly in the mix.
The RYTM is also a brilliant synth as well as a drum machine.
It’s endless possibilities that can inspire you for years to come

Unifono · 2022-11-26T17:56:24.878Z

chaocrator:

Syntakt if you’re mostly on a synth side or Digitakt if you’re mostly on a sample side.

I agree with this.

bodymechanics · 2022-11-26T18:04:55.517Z

scarfypedia · 2022-11-26T21:24:19.377Z

I mean I only have the Models boxes but they’re both awesome to play live, forces you to be really performative within the limitations given.

Also the M:Cycles is one of my favorite instruments for jamming with other musicians and improving!

Hawk45 · 2022-11-26T21:49:38.293Z

Just watched a RedMeansRecording video on YouTube of him using the Syntakt to make a from scratch Downtempo groove. Was really cool, but man, he can move through that UI quick.

loopdude · 2022-11-26T22:01:28.329Z

From what I’ve read from you, I don’t think OT would be the right choice for you. It’s fun and awesome but I also think syntakt or digitakt would be the right way to go, depending on where you want to go with it.

Watch videos and see if you can connect to one of them. Best would be to go to a store and play with them.

Some don’t click with you. I have rytm and OT, tried digitone in the store and didn’t like it. Even though alot of videos I’ve watched were really cool. But it feel right in my hands.

datarishi · 2022-11-26T22:06:05.868Z

I would’ve picked up the Digitone first. I bought an Octatrack before it, and a Syntakt afterwards. I really wish I’d bought a Digitone years ago; it’s a proper desert-island groovebox for me…

It has huge sonic versatility, and its polyphony and voice-sharing must be taken into account when comparing its seemingly meagre four synth tracks with the Digitakt and Syntakt. Four tracks is of course still a constraint, but I’ve found it to be a healthy one while learning the Elektron sequencer.

It also plays well with others. The four MIDI tracks are really well integrated and also share another eight voices. There’s also an arp, though only for the synth tracks.

I’m sure you’ll have great fun whatever you choose!

cthegranada · 2022-11-27T14:22:08.794Z

+1 Syntakt. I’ve owned all the elektron stuff (besides mono machine and Sid) and for a beginner it is very versatile and simultaneously immediate. Very jam worthy. A4 as a close (albeit more expensive) second imho.

I wouldn’t recommend an octatrack until you’re more comfortable with the elektron workflow. It is a bit of a commitment and might turn you off at first.

Hawk45 · 2022-11-27T14:46:43.385Z

Thanks for all the replies so far!
Do you gain/lose anything going with both the Model Cycles/Samples instead of the single Syntakt box?

djst · 2022-11-27T15:02:45.587Z

Hawk45:

Just watched a RedMeansRecording video on YouTube of him using the Syntakt to make a from scratch Downtempo groove. Was really cool, but man, he can move through that UI quick.

It’s surprisingly easy to learn how to move quickly in my experience. The thing that slows me down is more often than not hesitation, because if you do it wrong, you risk erasing lots of work due to the lack of undo. I func+yes and save very frequently, and even then, I make sure to slow down so I don’t accidentally func+no or save incorrectly.

If proper undo existed, you could be as fast on this thing as in SSFII.

Octagonist · 2022-11-27T15:58:49.100Z

Hawk45:

Do you gain/lose anything going with both the Model Cycles/Samples instead of the single Syntakt box?

You’d gain:

sample playback
a second reverb and delay
simplicity
about £70

You’d lose:

analog machines
external input for mixing in other devices
SY SWARM
flexible fx routing
song mode

djst · 2022-11-27T17:20:29.460Z

You also lose

The ability to conveniently make music in one box in your lap, without lots of cables
Overbridge - per-track stemming/recording into the DAW
The very convenient bigger screen
Proper envelopes (eg the ability to set the attack of a sound)

And you’d gain:

More immediacy (knob-per-function interface)

blaize · 2022-11-27T17:40:51.362Z

I think Digitakt is the best groovebox to start with. It can make every style of music, from hiphop to techno to drum n bass and why not jazz or classical.
Just load your samples and tweak params.
I love the immediacy and the resampling let you go in experimental way with lot of happy accident.
It’s also cheaper in used market, with highly resell value. You don’t take any risk to grab a DT on the used market.

DJSpaceP · 2022-11-27T17:55:41.843Z

Since you want to get into synthesis more than sampling with your first Elektron, I vote Syntakt as well. Digitone is also an option if you’re good with a 4 track/8 voice machine focused on FM, but the Syntakt seems more accessible to me for bread and butter groove/drum/synth duties.

Note that I own and love all three Digi boxes (Digitakt/Digitone/Syntakt). They are all monsters of sound production and in the right hands, any one of them is perfectly capable of incredible, full-sounding music on their own.

I would not get the Octatrack as a first Elektron. The people who love it REALLY love it, but there are also too many stories of people who couldn’t gel with it due to its somewhat complex workflows. Makes for an expensive experiment to see which type you are. However, if you get the Syntakt, love it, and get some Elektron sequencing under your belt, the Octatrack might be worth a look as a second Elektron. A lot of folks are in love with the Syntakt/Octatrack pair as a music making powerhouse.

The Models are an interesting first entry, but as someone whose first Elektron was a Digitone, I can heartily recommend these mid-range Digi boxes as very accessible, with more for you to grow with over time than the Model little siblings.

Hawk45 · 2022-11-27T18:08:49.142Z

@djst thanks for the great breakdown, much appreciated!

Hawk45 · 2022-11-27T18:10:15.204Z

I see the Syntakt is on sale for $800 ($200 off) at most places. And just got $175 in Guitar Center gift certificates. Hummmm… choices.

djst · 2022-11-27T18:22:05.038Z

I just completed @Octagonist’s excellent list. Really the biggest question is how important sample playback is to you. If it’s not, I’d say that the Syntakt is the more versatile and deep box and a fraction more than the Model combo.