I know the A4 doesn’t put sequence MIDI Out like the MnM, but is it just a matter of software? Would it be possible for an OS update to do MIDI Out sequencing? If so, I’d trade my MnM in a heartbeat.
It has previously been stated by Elektron that this is not possible in a future software update.
The answer is in the question. Everyone would buy fewer devices.
It’s possible, just not probable … it strikes me that it has nothing to do with the conspiracy theories, it’s more to do with streamlining and specialising … it’s a design choice, not a cynical omission
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Oh well. Guess I’ll keep searching for a replacement.
Out of interest, what makes you say it is possible when Elektron have stated before that it isn’t?
Because it is eminently possible, and they haven’t ever said it wasn’t possible, it was merely explained to be somewhat more than a matter of porting over old code. The internal workings of the sequencer may well be slightly different but there is absolutely no conceivable obstacle to adding that imho.
Where I stand on this is that it is a perfectly understandable choice, it’s not always better to offer options as much as we’d all like them, look at the OT … IMHO it’s simply not as pleasurable to interact with in comparison to the later analog series and I do know from discussions that this evolution is not a coincidence, this is a policy to get just the right balance of features and interaction
I wouldn’t be shocked or disappointed if it was added one day, in a basic implementation, but I would be quite surprised
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Yes, that is partly true. MIDI sequencing was never intended. It is also a matter of how the internal sequencer functions - it is not built for MIDI. It is far from trivial to add it, and there are other factors such as program memory and processor cycles that inhibits it.
To sum up: It is not a planned addition and has never been an advertised feature.
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This “we would be selling fewer products” -business is awkward as now there is no solution for transposing your sequence live.
Should the AK/4 would sequence a couple of midi tracks, it could work as your central sequencer. I don’t like switching focus between several different devices and taking their different sequencing capabilities into consideration.
The lack of midi sequencing “helped” me with another purchase, not Octatrack though, but Push 2.
Overbridge is also to blame that I opened up to the idea of sequencing with Ableton.
I’m not sure if it’s the best business decision, omitting flexibility when there is strong competition.
I’m also not sure where the people who want it propose it go in terms of pages, controls etc.
For basic midi out of note and velocity there would be no UI changes needed at all. I think nobody expects a full suite of CC LFOs and whatnot. The A4/Keys does send midi after all, just when recording to trigs it gets blocked magically.
But there is no point discussing it as Elektron made it clear that it’s not going to happen.
It already sends note out and velocity. What we’re talking about is sending MIDI from the sequencer. That would require whole new MIDI pages a la the OT, MM and MD to be useable.
That’s what I’m talking about as well. Why would you need new midi pages just to send the same midi from the sequencer that is already being sent when manually playing the pads. I only see the need for a system option to enable or disable output of midi notes from the sequencer.
Why would you need a page or physical control for it? It seems like all you would need is a check box or track selector to select which voices MIDI comes out of the OUT port.
I personally think it’s completely lame as an omission. They gave the RYTM simple sample playback and people are still buying OTs. A barebones MIDI out wouldn’t touch the OT’s overall control. On top of that, all Elektron boxes use to sequence with MIDI (maybe not the Sid). Now the only way to get this amazing sequencer to output is to buy a 5 year old complicated box.
It makes no sense to me. Especially when you look at how much Elektron is trying to tout OB. The OT doesnt even have that and has already been “discontinued” in terms of updates/features.
At this point I’m hoping a third party might figure something out much like Void fixing Elektrons weakass attempt at sample transfer.
Maybe someone can figure out how to tap into the sequencers data and via software or, even better, a little hardware box that could translate it into MIDI.
I own the AR and frankly it’s quite amazing but this MIDI out as well as the straight up stupid implementation of the AR’s input (ridiculously high gain needed and only the compressor can be used???) has led me to believe that Elektron is either just plain greedy or they are stupid as the competition is creeping up fast!! One of their biggest strengths in the market is their insanely awesome sequencer and they haven’t released anproduct in 5 years that can use it externally. I was personally blown away that they didn’t release a sequencer with MIDI out recently but opted for a very expensive distortion/filter box. If they would’ve added even a one track sequencer into it I would be the first of many that would be on the waiting list.
In summary, if an OT2 doesnt make it to market in the next year WITH MIDI OUT, then they are in fact stupid and the competition will eat them alive. Hardware is the new black and people are wanting flexible sequencers. Read the writing on the wall Elektron.
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OK, we are evidently talking at cross purposes. I am talking about sequencing external MIDI gear using the Analog boxes. For that you would need a page where you specified the MIDI channel, CC’s you wanted to send etc., just like on the MM, MD and OT, or else it would hardly be useful.
If all you want is to send the existing voices out through the sequencer as MIDI then… not sure what that would be especially useful for, or why it’s such a huge omission… but to each their own.
What’s the big deal with sending the existing voices out through the sequencer as MIDI? I can sort of see why some might carp about not being able to sequence external gear (for which you would need extra pages for config), but simply sending out MIDI sequences? Why? Sounds like what you need is to go ITB.
There isn’t going to be an OT2 I doubt. You show me a hardware box that isn’t hampered by some limitation(s) or other and I’ll show you a penguin who speaks fluent Dutch.
Because the A4/K makes a big deal sequencing CV/gate gear and it works great for that. Many synths got no CV/gate inputs though, only midi, for example Elektrons own SidStation, so it would be natural to use the same functionality with midi, especially since the AK is marketed as a midi controller and works great for that as well but then stops at the sequencer.
With the Rytm, it doesn’t send midi at all so it’s ok I guess. Still would be nice to simply mirror the notes to midi out to be able to layer it with other drum machines or record to DAW (like about every other drum machine). I can’t see how anyone with more than 1 synth isn’t bugged by that, unless you got Octatrack, but that’s the point I guess.
I can’t see why anyone would buy the RYTM and then be bugged by the fact it doesn’t sequence MIDI gear. You may as well buy a pizza then be bugged by the fact it isn’t a burrito.
The Beatstep Pro is pretty cheap and is a great MIDI/CV sequencer for hardware. Might want to look into that. You can sync it from the RYTM/A4/AK.