Octatrack vs Spectralis

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

Hi,

Im currently considering either getting a radikal spectralis 2 or an octratrack,
and wonder what the thoughts were here.

Mainly I want some hardware for midi sequencing, and second, to perhaps add a bit of backing (drums/rhythm etc). Im particular interest in the ‘live performance’ side, so improv sequencing etc.

Ive a Virus TI which I’m very happy with for synthesis, so the synth side of the Spectralis is a very nice addition rather than a must have.

(more into ambient type beats, than dnb etc, which perhaps is why I’m a little attracted to the spectralis asynth)

2 main use cases:
a) standalone hardware … just because the TI has taught me, sometimes its fun to keep the computer off :slight_smile:
b) integration with computer… because thats fun sometimes too.

so far, my ‘research’ leads me to believe (summary!):
the advantage with the Spectralis are: a synth engine (which has nice filters), slightly more flexible sequencer, BUT appears to be more complex to use (so much so, alot sell it)
the advantage of the Octatrack, are: price… i can get a new one for same price (or less) as a used Spectralis 2. workflow seems simpler, and a bit cleaner, sampling capabilities. size, its a really nice compact unit.

note: Id go for an A4, but it doesnt have external sequencing :frowning:

now I’m not really into sampling, but can see I could use the flex machine, as a simple synth for backing etc, and could have alot of fun with it.
(and perhaps its wise for me to not get distracted with yet another powerful synth!)

Im not overly concerned about the complexity of the octatrack or spectralis, I’m pretty good with complex systems (perhaps because I’m a software developer) and enjoy the challenge, reading manuals, talking to people etc.
so i expect I can cope with either.
however, of course, its still has to have a good workflow… if you have to dive down 12 menus levels to get to what you want, thats not going to be quick, even if you are skilled at it.

i keep to/fro between the two…
I think my head feels like its wants the challenge of the Spectralis, but perhaps my heart says… get an octatrack and focus on the music :slight_smile:

thoughts?
thanks in advance
Mark

also, I see the octatrack is now available to order, is it better to go direct and ensure i get a new machine? or look for a deal somewhere? or even find a used octatrack? (Im in the EU)

2

Its a hard choice, because they are a bit like apples and oranges. I love them both for what they are. Check out the Spectralis tutorial videos Midera made on youtube (his name there is acemonvw). They are really good to get an idea of what the Spectralis is capable of, and how basic operation works.
Its not everybodys cup of tea.

While the Spectralis is a full grown synthesizer with sample loading possibilities (you need to convert them into a Spectralis file format first) and a great Filterbank and many many sequencing and routing possibilities the Octatrack is a performance Sampler with a real nice 8 Track external midi sequencer.

My tip?

Get them both, first the Octatrack, than the Spectrais if you can find a cheap used one.

Jörg Schaaf stated in the Radikal Technologies forum that he stopped the production of the Spectralis until a new Firmware is ready to be released, so i guess there is more to come.But as i said, hard choice, I think I’d watch tons of videos until I’m sort of sure what kind of workflow and setup I’d prefer. I guess it would be the Octatrack if you want midi sequencing and real time sampling.

3

We had both and we sold the Spectralis. As much as we loved the Speckie and it’s got an absolutely amazing sound it really is “incomplete” in terms of manuals, tutorials, and certain functionalities.

This is important because the existing manual kind of sucks and it’s really a difficult piece of gear to wrap your head around intuitively.

Additionally, I just don’t have a lot of faith on Radikal Technologies because it’s been such a difficult development/update situation with the firmware for the Speckie.

If you get an Octatrack or any Elektron box, you will be rocking out right away and have a lot of learning resources immediately.

Conceptually, the Speckie is amazing, but in real world use it’s not the smartest buy UNLESS you are ready to invest a lot of time in figuring it out on your own.

Hell, grab an Octatrack and a small used modular Eurorack synth like the Pittsburgh System 10 or System 90 and you will have a blast with a totally rocking set up! :wink: