OT, external synths and fxs

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

I’m a very recent Octatrack user. Bought one through this forum and already fell in love with it. Now I’m creating my setup for a live performance and I’m having a conceptual indecision.

I bought the OT also because of the Midi tracks, to program parts for my synths (Mopho + MiniBrute). I’m currently routing them into the OT and I want to apply some effect (mostly reverbs) to them.

The problem is:

  • If I use the DIR parameter in the mixer, I will not be able to put effects on them.
  • If I use one THRU machine, I will not control the effects differently for each synth.
  • If I use two THRU machines, I will loose two sampling channels, and that is quite a lot for me.

What you guys think? What is your approach with external equipment and the OT? Or should I forget the machine’s inputs and use an mixer with a reverb on the fx loop?

2

Not much you can do about. If you want to use OT’s FX, you need to sacrifice audio tracks.

3

a 2nd OT ? …maybe you can rent / borrow one … if too expensive a Korg Kaoss Pad might work? …old ones from ebay come occasionally for under 50 dollars (here in europe) … good luck with the live gig!

4

a 2nd OT ? .[/quote]

That would work. Then again, with the same money, you could get both a Strymon Big Sky and an Eventide Space. That would give (almost) anyone enough quality reverb for a lifetime.

5

Ensoniq DP/ 4 with a mixer that has 4post sends such as a A&H Mixwizard would be the bomb…

6

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I think the way to go is to run the external gear outside de OT. Get a small mixer and some good pedals.

I’m thinking about an Allen&Heath, as cosmosuave said, but instead of a MixWiz, a Zed 14. 4 stereo tracks, 6 mono, 4 aux out (2 pre, 2 pos). Seems to be a good deal. Having pre aux is actually pretty nice to, to be able to mix dry/wet independently.

For effects, as Barfunkel said, I think Strymon is the way to go, but I’m more into the El Capistan. I know it is a delay, but it was a pretty good reverb inside and, well, it is always good to have some tape goodness!

Have someone tried those?