I’m getting something else to go with my OT, and can’t decide whether to use the OT for drums/one shots/perc loops and get a synth, or get a drum machine and use the OT for musical elements. I know there are a million variables here, and eventually I’ll use the OT for whatever will benefit from it, but I’m wondering what experiences others have had. I have a mono lancet already and plenty of VSTi’s, so I have no shortage of sound sources, but definitely want more hardware - working on the OT has been a revelation.
I was all set to buy an AR but I keep getting the feeling it would be redundant when I have an OT. Thoughts?
OT and A4 were made for each other.
I like the OT’s percussion and sound design capabilities married with the A4 for melodic work and analog percussion.
It’s nice having that separation.
You can definitely use the A4 for drums and synth lines and the OT can record all of it and use it in limitless ways.
It’s a win/win.
The flexibility of that combo can’t be touched by any other two Elektron machines.
Well, maybe the MnM and OT or MD UW and an A4 or MnM, but, in your case, you’d definitely be covered.
In fact, I think it’s pretty clear, given your specification. OT is great for many things, but it’s not actually all that well suited for melodic stuff, if you start to warp whatever you put in the box. The more sensitive to harmonics your sound is, the more OT:s algoritms (algorhytms, OH SNAP) will be all over it. It pitches and time stretches well, but bring in anything played in a C, tune it up or down and you’ll soon start to notice.
My experience is that the more oriented towards harmonics you are, the less you like what the OT does to scales, chords, single notes and whatnot when you start to work with transpose, stretch and pitching.
Since the OT shines at everything else, I think the choice is clear - go for a synth, and specifically the A4. It’ll look great on your desk, too.
I could add, actually, that the only time I feel really frustrated by my OT + AR combo, is when I look for more complex harmonics, or if I just want to play a more groovy bass line.
The AR is better at this than the OT, but its twelve pads with no scales are a joke compared to other pad-oriented instruments (I’m spoiled by the Tempest).
Connect a keyboard to the AR, that’s another thing. Then you’ve got options.
But it’s still nothing, compared to the musical beauty of an A4.
You can sequence the synth with the OT MIDI sequencer which is very powerful and use the OT for drums perc. Good for one shot stuff and loop manipulation.
[quote="“Dapifer” date=“2015-06-23 10:41:06"”]
I’ve never used the A4 but I def didn’t find the AR redundant already owning an OT.
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Neither did I but, I still think the OT + a synth is a better option. That way you can sample single hits, have drum loops playing and with better melodic options.
An A4 or something like a Tempest would be the best bet for me. The AR is a lot of fun and, for me at least, freed up the OT for more mayhem, but if looking for a two box combo you’re better suited with something else.
Neither did I but, I still think the OT + a synth is a better option. That way you can sample single hits, have drum loops playing and with better melodic options.
An A4 or something like a Tempest would be the best bet for me. The AR is a lot of fun and, for me at least, freed up the OT for more mayhem, but if looking for a two box combo you’re better suited with something else. [/quote]
I’ve used the Tempest + OT combo on and off, still do from time to time.
The Tempest is a tricky instrument, though. Rarely sounds good from the box, requires much before it does what you want it to do, and has sort of an old school vibe to the sequencer. I’ve left the instrument on my desk with disgust, feeling violated and abused by my own inability to make something good with it. Then, I’ve come back, and turned the dials right and it just sounds great. And we’re the best of friends for awhile, until I fail again.
But when you get it right, the Tempest swings like nothing else and it sounds like awesome defined.
I like this solution, as it comes with loads of voices. And the 4 inputs on the OT is inviting for a pair of external instruments.
Of course, I also like the A4, as well. A4’s drum synthesis is top shelf. My Rytm even has sampled A4 drums kicking around inside.
A4 with Nord Drum 1 on the CV track is no slouch, either.
Ok, thanks everyone. A4 ordered after an intense video watching session (£ 895 from Juno ) along with various cables and midi thru/merge devices to make sure everything is hooked up as it needs to be. I also spent hours last night messing around with perc one shots and loops in the OT; it certainly excels at this - I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get something good going.
the OT is optimized for drum & loop, but not for melody : it is hard to tune your sample to C, you can enter pitch sequence but not note, audio tracks are not transposable in the arranger, you cannot play chord, you can play your sample only over ± octave ,…
So if you want to do melodic tune, chord, … you have better to take a synth.
But in any case, keep in mind that the OT can be a powerful drum machine : just make sample chain with your favorite drum samples, and then play them as slice. It makes it so easy to find the right sound. I have made some sample chain organized by type of sound (i.e snare,kick,…) and by drum machine (909, 808,…).
Moreover, using scene you can crossfade between different loop, or between a loop and some drum tracks, which also a way to find new grooves.
OT + A4 is a good option but depending on what you have OT + older Virus (Virus B or C) is a fantastic option. More voices, outputs, and effects. Virus also has pretty descent drum sounds as well.
With 3 pairs of stereo outputs and multi timbre mode, it gives you better flexibility as far as using it as a drum module. I’ve seen them go for ~$400 on ebay which is pretty cheap for a great sounding synth.
Late to this as well but will say after owning OT A4 and AR if I had to give one up it would be the AR. I love the AR and it is super easy to get a great beat out of it but the same ground can be covered by A4/OT.
I think you made a good choice. Make sure you explore A4’s ability to do polyphony as well. It elevates it so much.