Got a used Mk2 a couple of days ago and love it! My first Elektron device and so far the learning curve isn’t bad so far, I’m having tons of fun already!
My use case is mainly adding layers to DJ-ing. So drum samples, loops, some FX, sync (MIDI from mixer) and mixing and control of external gear (at least a TB-03 for acid basslines, maybe more later). In my previous set-up I also used a Roland TR-6S (only for its drum sounds) and MC-101 (to loop/timestretch, and some light synthesis), as well as an MX-1 to tie all that Roland gear together.
In my mind the Octatrack would reduce clutter and at least replace the MX-1, but I also justified getting it by thinking it would overlap enough with the 6S and/or 101 so I could sell those. But now I realise the Octa could be a good controller for them, freeing up tracks no longer needed for samples in the process.
I’m more inclined now to keep the 6S as I love its sound (ACB instead of the Zencore in the 101) and would free up 4+ tracks I’d otherwise need for drum samples. At the same time, to add some basic melodies, the 101 would be nice to keep. I’m keeping the TB-03 for sure, so that’s 1-3 Roland devices to control from and mix with the Octatrack depending on where I end up.
In the Elektron world most people I assume opt for Digitone, Digitakt and/or Syntakt to add drums and melodies to their Octatrack, but if there’s anyone here that’s using the TR-6S and/or MC-101 and has some tips or experiences to share, I’d love to learn more! Or should I sell the 6S and 101 and (eventually) get a Syntakt instead, as that seems to tick most boxes?
Learn your new device and have fun. If it’s missing some things bring some of your existing stuff in, but don’t start buying stuff until you’ve really understood what you’ve bought.
Octatrack plus two stereo sound sources is like hand in glove. That’s pretty much my live rig though my two complimentary boxes are different ones than yours. Keep them at least until you’ve learnt every which way to use them with OT.
You have 2 really good units to use and feed into the OT there in the MC101 and TR6S.
Work with those and bring in other gear down the line when you KNOW the issues you want to address.
Until then, you could make several albums just with those 3 pieces.
Thanks everyone, it’s clear. I’ll first dive in the Octatrack as deep as I can, keep my other gear for now, experiment with bringing some of it in over time.
As a quick test last night I hooked everything up and I got it all working together nicely and in sync - Xone PX5 MIDI to Octatrack MIDI in, Octa MIDI out and audio in to MX-1, and then MX-1 to TB-03, TR-6S and MC-101 via USB for both audio and MIDI. So it could indeed very well be a very future proof setup after all.
so you are not feeding any of the instruments into the inputs of the OT? Personally I think the live sampling capabilities of the OT are unparalleled and one of its best features
The MC101 will be a good sound source for making loops to feed the OT. It can cover your bases for non-synth duties (pianos, strings, brass, etc), as well as giving you high polyphony for synth sounds (Juno, Jupiter, etc). The scatter may also be useful as a sound source (or maybe not, it is divisive). Your digital 303 will play well going into the OT as an instrument for live tweaking.
I agree with other posters. You’ve got a nice setup. Make some music with it and see what the limitations/redundancies are before adding/selling anything else.
I am - in my testing yesterday I had the Roland sources linked to the MX-1 and audio out of the MX-1 to AB in on the Octa track. I’m still figuring out if I want to use the CD inputs for the TB-03 or to hook that one up to the FX send of the One PX5, so I can easily sample to the Octa from my records etc.
Sounds great! My experience with the OT in my own setup is that you wanna keep it somewhat simple and permanent at first until you are familiar & comfortable with the more advanced functions & tricks on the OT.
The synergy between the crossfader, the scenes, p-locking and the live looping functionalities is one of the great innovations in sampler tech to this today.
