Purchase Octatrack in 2019?

[PeterHanes]

So what am I looking for?

1. no limitation on pattern chaining and song creation
2. no arbitrary limits on number of tracks
3. ability to create polyrhythms and polymetric patterns
4. probabilistic control over events, volume, panning, CC, etc.
5. probabilistic selection of patterns (e.g. choose one of three patterns randomly)
6. easy transfer of projects to/from computer over USB
7. no arbitrary storage limits (SD card)
8. able to stream long samples
9. unsynchronised tracks for ambient sets
10. kits defined independently of patterns (so they can be swapped)

No single hardware sampler will meet your requirements.

I am looking for advice

Determine your non-negotiable requirements, adjust your expectations, be prepared to build your own computer-based solution.

[robin0112358]

No single hardware sampler will meet your requirements.

OK, you confirm my suspicions. An updated Octatrack could easily fill the few gaps missing from my top ten… but we are not going to see one. The Deluge misses out on the stochastic stuff. Dedicated sequencers cost as much again and would require a separate sampler unit (which don’t exist like in the days of the MPC4000).

be prepared to build your own computer-based solution

Done that already. But audiences don’t like looking at computers unless they are in boxes with names like Elektron on them.

[PeterHanes]

audiences don’t like looking at computers unless they are in boxes with names like Elektron on them.

I doubt that this is the problem that you are really trying to solve. But if it were, Organelle, monome grid, or garish blinkenlights MIDI controllers would help you.

[hausland]

I bought one in 2019 and couldn’t be happier with it

But looking at your list, it offends a bunch of the no-go points you have there…with the Octatrack, the whole is more than the sum of its parts though…

[roadmoviemusic]

But audiences don’t like looking at computers unless they are in boxes with names like Elektron on them

Build a huge fake prop with lots of BIG fancy switches and lights, steampunk-style. Do you really think that huge white grand piano on stage is real? It’s just a (lightweight collapsible) prop with a Nord/Yamaha/whatever keyboard built in…

[cold_fashioned]

Option A: If you want an Octatrack, get one.
Option B: If you don’t want an Octatrack, don’t get one.

Judging by your initial post and responses, it seems that you do not want an Octatrack. I recommend option B. You basically described Ableton Live / Max with that list of requirements. The OT can do many things, but it’s not meant to be a complete DAW solution. It’s way more fun than any DAW anyway.

any day now

Comes out Tuesday, right?

[robin0112358]

I doubt that this is the problem that you are really trying to solve. But if it were, Organelle, monome grid, or garish blinkenlights MIDI controllers would help you.

I am eagerly awaiting the Blinkenlite 4000 ™… since the current model sucks.

I have gigged so far from a laptop and realise the optics are important. So it is part of the problem I am trying to solve. Otherwise I wouldn’t be considering hardware when I have a Reaktor system it took ten years to build.

One of these days I may get an Organelle, though I dislike the larger size of the new model. A built-in speaker is the last thing I want!

It does seem as though a very different demogaphic is driving development at the moment. That market segment likes toys. I prefer tools, and am still, despite everything, rather keen on the Octatrack.

[quote=“roadmoviemusic, post:26, topic:100225”]
Build a huge fake prop with lots of BIG fancy switches and lights, steampunk-style. Do you really think that huge white grand piano on stage is real? It’s just a (lightweight collapsible) prop with a Nord/Yamaha/whatever keyboard built in…[/quote]

For full effect, build the stage set using no fewer than four roadies.

[robin0112358]

Option A: If you want an Octatrack, get one.
Option B: If you don’t want an Octatrack, don’t get one.

How fun would forums be with attitudes like that?

I am here to be sure I didn’t miss any facts I should know. And already I have learned one or two things.

So far my number one choice is the Blinkenlite 4000 TM. But the Octatrack is a close second.

[cold_fashioned]

My snarky response was perhaps uncalled for. Your original post made it seem like you were looking for some kind of unicorn machine, then complaining that it didn’t exist, and that the OT was too costly. To wit:

lack of USB transfer

This is incorrect. OT can transfer files via USB (in fact, that’s the recommended practice)

I would buy an Octotrack immediately if it was more reasonably priced.

Try to find a used one, first gen. OT’s are even more affordable and will give you a sense of how well it will work for you.

Or if it was still 2011.

Why? fear of something newer coming along? That’s always a risk.

All the jargon around p-locks and trigs hurts my head.

Spend some time with any Elektron. After a while hands on, it will start to make sense. one of those things that’s hard to explain in words, but easier via demonstration / practice.

[ML]

You might want a bretzel before pulling out the plug … But carefull, it’s salty

[roadmoviemusic]

For full effect, build the stage set using no fewer than four roadies.

Have an inflatable one made in China

[LyingDalai]

1. no limitation on pattern chaining and song creation
2. no arbitrary limits on number of tracks
3. ability to create polyrhythms and polymetric patterns
4. probabilistic control over events, volume, panning, CC, etc.
5. probabilistic selection of patterns (e.g. choose one of three patterns randomly)
6. easy transfer of projects to/from computer over USB
7. no arbitrary storage limits (SD card)
8. able to stream long samples
9. unsynchronised tracks for ambient sets
10. kits defined independently of patterns (so they can be swapped)

3,4,6,7,8,9,10 are checked with OT.
The rest might be feasible with workarounds…

Get yourself an OT second hand: if you don’t like it you resell it
Prepare yourself, you’ll need dedicated time!

[jason_so_ny]

I have a 4 months old OT MK2 for sale at the price of 940€. It’s even listed in Elektronauts Marketplace
I’ve had it on sale for almost a month now, but doesn’t really seems like many people are interested in it. I had one buyer who jumped ship and a second one who wasn’t sure either. So I think that many people are asking themselves a similar question as yours maybe. I’ve done so myself at least. But we have payday Tomorrow, so who knows?
I’m selling because I’m using it in a similar way as I would use a DT. I thought that I could do with 4 mono outs, but not really. I actually find it annoying when I want to record in 8 tracks at once where several of them are stereo, while tweaking live but I can’t. So I record a track in at a time without much tweaking. I end up fiddling around for an hour to make the timings right again (I don’t know how to record in time with the daw). Not fun if you have used swing haha.
I use mono samples most of the times anyways and make them stereo in the unit. It’s nice that OT has multiple choices of insert fx, but I mainly just use filter and delay anyways, because I’m not a fan of how the fx sounds. They can be useful though when used in smaller amounts.
3 lfo’s per track is also great, but I have a DN, so I can use 8 lfo’s more via midi on the DT. I’m not using OT for the intended performance use either. I’m using it as sketch pad in the studio. Turn on the computer when finished and record it in to Ableton, where I will mangle and edit further. So I don’t really need it. I just got a DT 2nd hand for an affordable price instead

[konputa]

Just a quick note, track count and polyphony limits aren’t arbitrary. Do you think devices like this should be powered by a data center for a mere $1000? Of course not. Scratch those flying requirements from your list.

And yes, I would buy it again in 2019 or 2025.

[Castor]

Option A: If you want an Octatrack, get one.
Option B: If you don’t want an Octatrack, get one.

fixt

[sezare56]

You mean the MK3 thats just around the corner.

Why ? If it has new lcd screen / round grey buttons / grey knobs / complicated shortcuts / black color, 6 strings, I’m in.

[spazzickagent]

have you considered a squarp pyramid sequencer

[tnussb]

Just a few (random) thoughts:

Or if it was still 2011.

In a sense IT IS still 2011, because there is still nowhere a competitor which could deliver the OTs feature set (not even near). I’m thinking here on all the dynamic features like being a mixer, a live mangler, looper, effects unit etc.pp. …

• low sample memory (128 samples in 80 MB)
• use of legacy CF card
• lack of USB transfer
• no MIDI over USB

• With its streaming from CF card capabilities 80MB is normally okay (until you want to record longer stems on it … streaming to CF card would be phantastic here, but well …).
• What’s the problem with CF cards? Put a 64GB card in once and you have never to remove it again (see next point).
• There is no lack of USB transfer. That’s one of the strong points of the Octatrack: it’s simple USB drive mode. Copy & Paste + Drag & Drop. It can’t be easier. And with a tool like OctaEdit (can modify the project files of the OT) some otherwise cumbersome tasks become easy and quick.
• I haven’t missed MIDI over USB on the Octatrack yet. Btw, do you know that MIDI timing (jitter) is worse when using MIDI over USB? That’s the reason why all highly accurate MIDI clocks are using DIN MIDI and computers aren’t as accurate, because almost all DIN MIDI connections out of a computer are channelled through USB now-a-days (no real serialport hardware anymore).

[NamedUser]

But bear in mind (others have said this) you need literally days to get traction on the OT, so don’t expect to know if the device is right for you after an hour. Better to borrow one for a week if possible. I’m a total gear nerd so I like that learning the OT is a challenge.

[tnussb]

Go to a shop if you can try one out.

I just imagine someone who meets the OT the very first time without any previous knowledge and the OT is set on a completely new project. How long will it take to get the first sound out of it?

(the clicky sounds of the buttons don’t count)