Newbie To Elektron Needing Expert Advice

jpromano78 · 2014-10-11T03:18:03.000Z

Hi folks, newbie Elektron soon to be user here. Just decided to preorder a Analog Rytm and it will be ready for pick up in a few weeks. I wanted to buy an additional machine to compliment it and I’m torn between the OT and the A4. I can only buy one of the two along with the AR. I already own a DSI Mopho Keyboard and used to have a Tempest but sold it, great machine but I feel it was very limiting in terms of sound, nice interface though. I use Ableton live to compose but want to get into hardware again for live performance this is why I’m getting into the Elektron machines. I plan on using my own samples in conjunction to these machines, please give your opinion on whether I should do:

AR + OT

Or

AR + A4

Thanks in advance,

Accent · 2014-10-11T05:29:11.000Z

I’m inclined to suggest the OT. I’ve never used the A4 or AR, so I can’t speak on them much. The OT is a powerhouse and could easily replace most of your DAW workflow, and it will transform any gear you currently own into something entirely new. It put a big stop to my GAS because I began to view everything I already owned in a new light. If I had to sell all of my gear, I would keep the OT and my iPad and never run out of musical options.

That said, learning a single Elektron at a time is preferable, especially if you aren’t already aquatinted with their workflow and idiosyncrasies. This goes double for the OT; I’ve seen too many people on this forum and Elektron-Users throw in the towel after trying to learn the OT alongside another Elektron device. The A4 is probably much more straightforward to learn alongside the RYTM.

They are two very different devices. Do you want a poly analog synth, or a sampler/midi sequencer/sound mangler? Whatever the answer, you’ll probably find yourself buying whatever one you put off sooner than later ;).

jpromano78 · 2014-10-11T06:38:43.000Z

Thanks for the very needed reply Mr. Accent, I guess to answer the question: I’d probably need a Sampler/sequencer more to start with than a Polyphonic Synth, and you may be correct, I might end up wanting to buy the A4 eventually. I can’t justify buying all 3 at once because of the expense and because it also might me too much for my brain to handle at once.