Hey guys, I know that this is kinda philosoical question and that it makes no sence in terms of finding the “answer” but maybe I’ll explain my case in more detail so that you’ll be able to suggest me the best option.
I’m a lucky A4 owner for a year now, currently having a need in buying a machine (defo Elektron!) mostly for background beats/arrangement purposes on which the A4 would blossom like a red poppy in a clear field.
Naturally, after AR was released I tended to think this would be the best backbone for future Black Duo of Mine. However, diging through the web and monitoring the subject prior the purchase (how smart I am) I found out that AR firmware is still a bit raw (no live recording of Retrig etcetc).
Another reason of me having doubts is that I can buy the OT used for twice smaller price than AR and frankly I’m more into buying the OT atm.
What you guys would suggest me to move on with? As I was mentioning, from musical perspective I’m expecting my new machine to serve as an extremely powerful rhythmic add-on to my A4 (Autechre/AFX-like glitches, maybe some scapes…) while A4 would be focused on pure synth lead job across all four tracks (harmonies, parts paraphrasing etc.).
ps Obviously, the Black Trinity is a perfect plan of mine, but what if only 1 of these wonderful 2 boxes would exist (OT or AR) - which one you’d suggest for my needs?
autechre have hugely used the monomachine, you could be have a powerfull mono/a4 combo.
do you work on computer? Ot will not have overbridge, AR will. Ot is glitch heaven while AR will bring you modular world interface.
If you like idm monomachine is awesome, if you like sample music/fx wankery, stutter house etc…the octatrack is perfect. If you want “straight” polished “professional” electronic drums AR gives you that plus overbridge.
Of course you can make experimental sounds with any elektron.
Thx a lot rozzbud, I was already thinking of using MNM but what stopped me was that I thought that it’s kinda doesn’t make a lot of sence to buy an instrument which is no longer supporeted and is in “past” for manufacturer. Not even in terms of service but more related to “ideology” and product path field, if you know what I mean. But I agree that would be a great option!
an obvious omission is the AR you’ll learn in a matter of days/weeks. The OT is a mindfuck pleasuredom. It demands quite a devoted learning/practice time consumption.
Many workarounds are needed to get where you want it to go. Also it’s very easy to sound bad or crowded at the beginning.
I don’t think the question is what suits the A4 better, but what suits you better.
I chose the AR when I had the same choice you are considering now. The OT is a bit more complex than I wanted. The AR is fairly straightforward to work with and it sounds gorgeous. It’s almost hard to make something that doesn’t sound good on the Rytm.
They are both great tools. See if you can demo them somewhere… hands on helps to decide.
