Octatrack Real-Time Sampling with Units - Workflow Questions

Hi everyone,

I watched a YouTube video featuring an Octatrack + Volca combo doing real-time sampling and I’m trying to understand the setup. From what I gathered, here’s the configuration, but I’m confused about a few points. Could you help me out?

Setup:

  • Volca Beats → Octatrack Input A B
  • Volca Bass → Octatrack Input C D

Octatrack Part Configuration:

  • Part 1: THRU machines (for Input A B and C D), real-time FX processing
  • Part 2: Flex machines with recording buffers

Workflow:

  1. Listen to Volcas on Part 1 while adding FX
  2. Capture incoming audio with YES button
  3. Switch to Part 2 and mangle the recorded loop

Now, have I understood this workflow correctly? Are there any errors? Switching between parts is a point that makes it easier, but I can’t get the installation exactly in my head.
By the way, I could not find a clear answer to the question under the headings! If there is one, you can also direct me to that thread.

I want to perform by understanding. I think that using Octatrack to its fullest is to explore these and similar aspects in depth. Thank you for your precious time.

2 Likes

Yes, it’s possible like you described. Just do it.

Most of the time I stick to a single part per bank, especially when using an external controller or for less copy & paste of scenes, but the part switching you described is very useful for what you described.

So „have fun sampling“ is all I have to say :grin:

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The problem is that I can’t get this setup to work properly. The sounds always blend together. I know I’m close, but I can’t figure out where I’m going wrong.

What do you mean blend together ?

Both the signal I sampled is playing and the raw signal I received through the thru is playing. It’s getting messy. In summary, I could not create the workflow in the video above @aurelcast

Do you have this checked?

Screenshot 2025-06-11 144133

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Scene A : Thru monitoring
Scene B : Record playback

Part change is not necessary, unless you want fx or machine types changes…

And part changes take effect only if you have a trig on the track concerned by changes.

So for instance it is possible that your Thru continues to monitor inputs after part change if there is no trig.

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Hi to all,
I finally managed to install exactly the setup in the video. I have to say that working with PARTs changes the colour of the work and adds serious flexibility. Working with PARTs requires a little more key control and extra effort and creates hand-arm confusion, but it is a situation that can be got used to with a little work. In addition, there are still some comments that the capacities of flex memory and flash card are very limited. As long as OctaTrack is operated with this and similar setups, it can be said that the capacities of both memories are much, much larger than necessary, almost infinitely large. It’s really a very capable device. Its design, operating system and all system fiction and logic…there is a response to every demand you want to make with every feature. It acts according to the capacity of the user. Bravo. Thanks to all for your answers @aurelcast @sezare56 @malus_mons @MK7 @

6 Likes

Hi mate, great research! Is there a possibility you upload a template? :wink: