I just got a gently used OT Mk2 - I’m both very excited and very intimidated by it. I’ve been using a DT2 and DN2 for a while, getting pretty comfortable with them, and using the DT2 to send MIDI to a Moog. Currently, both Elektron boxes and the Moog route audio to my audio interface; I do almost everything with the boxes, but I do use Ableton to record, for sample processing, and occasionally for effects. At least for now, I think I have most of the advantages of the DAWless setup (minimal screen time), but still get the convenience of the computer for parts of the workflow.
I’ve only been doing electronic music production for ~14 months; the setup and routing is still far from intuitive. I know that OT + DT + DN/ST isn’t that uncommon a setup, and I’m guessing that many other people also have this routed through an audio interface to a DAW.
Can anybody give me advice on how to wire up the OT with the two other boxes, the external synth, and my audio interface? I’m thinking maybe have the Audio Out from DN and DT going into the A/B and C/D Audio In on the OT, and the Audio Out from the OT going into my audio interface. But would that make it difficult to just use the DN and DT without also messing with the OT?
I’m planning to use the OT entirely in my home office/studio (no plans for live performance any time soon), and mostly for transitions, playing with effects on the crossfader, maybe automating fx with the custom LFO creator. (I also think that the OT can do things that I can’t even imagine.) I’m hoping there’s a way to set this all up once so that I’m not constantly plugging things in and out to be able to make a song.
Sounds to me, based on what you just described, that you already have a good idea as to how you could connect the gear together. As for the external synth, you could just route that into the DN or DT’s inputs and control it via midi from either box (or even the OT if you wanted)
I suppose that if you wanted to just use the DT/DN in isolation while still connected to the OT, you could use them via Overbridge with your DAW , but otherwise I suspect you would have to disconnect them and re-wire accordingly, but then you lose out on the OT FX.
Might be worthwhile to checkout EZBOT’s YT channel for lots of great tutorials and live sessions, which will provide a large amount of ideas, techniques, tips and tricks, etc, along with OT FX templates for various types of setups.
The setups you’re describing are totally possible — you can route your DT/DN into the OT, apply effects, mess with the crossfader, use the LFOs, record loops, etc. etc. — but like you said, it can be kind of intimidating to approach the OT this way right out the gate.
So I just wanted to recommend maybe starting slowly, maybe try using the OT on its own for a little while, learn your way around the tracks and the architecture so you feel comfortable with the workflow. I remember getting some advice early on to focus on learning one thing at a time, like each time you sit down just try to add one new trick to your arsenal. Pretty soon you’ll be flying.
The OT is not as hard as its reputation makes it out to be, it’s just kind of… particular. Once you get a feel for the structure and the way you like to use it, it’s super fun and fast. Hope you enjoy the learning process.
I’ve been using Overbridge for a while, but my direct interfacing with it is mostly for sample management on the DT- I forgot that it actually sends audio signal to the computer as well.
And that sounds like sage advice for learning the OT. I imagine it’ll take some time to learn, but if I went from non-musician to facile with the DT (not sure I’m there yet with the DN) in a year, I’m pretty sure it’ll work out.
Sounds straight-forward to plug them both into the OT’s inputs like you described. The main question is how to setup things inside the OT.
Suggestion to start with: T1 THRU A/B, T5 THRU C/D, Tracks 2 and 6 neighbor tracks, T8 master track, T7 resampling T8, T3 & T4 resampling via the input buttons. You could also let T2 resample T1, T6 resample T5, and T3 & T4 left blank for whatever you might need them for later on.