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The Octatrack can be amazing as a live performance instrument. I’ve used it on it’s own to play shows, and in combination with a multitimbral synth module.

My way of performing with it is to build a lot of scenes for each song. Those form the structure of the composition, leaving a lot of room for improvising using the crossfader and encoders. This involves some work up front, but then if you practice it feels very intuitive and fluid to perform with.

The onboard FX I use (dark reverb, delay, filter, compressor, comb filter) are great. Filter and compressor are really outstanding I think.

The Octatrack is definitely a strange and wonderful animal. I usually start with an idea and the OT takes me somewhere I never expected. Somewhere very surprising and cool, that I would never have got to otherwise You have to collaborate with it, rather than order it around.

It’s an EXCELLENT MIDI sequencer too, I must say.

I think if you dedicate your time to learning and practicing with it, it’ll reward you like any true instrument.

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