Hello!
Been researching the MD, OT and AR extensively and currently have the funds for two of them. My setup as is solely consists of my computer, a scarlet focus rite external sound card, and the MOOG minitaur. I’m really interested in tech house/deep house (Disclosure, dense + pika, richie haw tin, etc.), and looking MAINLY to up my drum and groove game. Should i go with the AR? (I also really like techno, though i’m fairly certain the MD will do that just fine!)
EDIT: I should add that I mainly use soft-synths for pads, leads, etc all routed through ableton.
Thanks in advance!
Both will probably suit you. I use the MD for these genres all the time and am completely happy with it.
It’s hard to say which will ultimately fit you better because the AR is so new. First adopters are still feeling it out and I suspect it will be some time before the OS is mature. And each instrument has features the other lacks that at some point you may decide you want. MIDI sequencing, direct sampling, scenes … best have a look at the manuals and at least give a thought to this.
In particular, if you’re into multitrack recording, you may want to wait a few months if you decide on the AR, as Overbridge will be a feature you’ll likely want … it won’t be ready till the end of the year however.
dimi3
3
Head to head I feel the bass end of the AR is very full. the MD is a great machine but you get more bits in the AR, Does that matter? no but I feel there is more sound expansion in the sound coming off of it.
The other benefit is the work flow of the AR is like the A4 and close to the OT the MD stand farther apart so if you decide to add more elektron stuff over time you might be happier with the learning curve.
with samling and the FM machines, the AR gets back to the MD but it can go farther. I have both and the AR is an addictive rhythmic device. the MD I feel like I am building and not playing.
maybe get a used Mk 1 MD (non UW non+drive = much cheaper) to see how she feels, it should be 1/3 of the price of the AR, and you could sell it on for a little less than you bought it, maybe 50 Bucks, then it might be worth it …
hands on experience is probably better than comments in the forum (even though this forum rocks!)
when it comes to pads, which u use a soft synth for, then the AR really shines! with its sampling and chromatic abilities … with the MD and UW (user waves) the MD almost chatches up (imho) … but the MD rocks with its built in extra machines to change the sounds (and EQ), retrigs, compressor, and some routing methods for individual tracks …
where r u located? i am selling my MD uw+
hope this helps a bit
Thanks for all the replies guys!
I’m not too fussed about multitrack recording - I’m mainly just looking for something to help me streamline beat making and give me punchy, raw sounds that I can tailor to different situations. I’m leaning towards the rytm on the basis of the analog drum bit…
Synthesis -wise, is the MD much more powerful?
TrabanT - I’m in Vancouver, BC.
I had an md and now the AR. To be honest, the md feels a bit outdated right now. I felt the md had a few sweet spots, but the rest of the sounds were not useable to me or sounding thin. The only useful machines were the tr and fm machines on the md, and those are covered with the AR and sound alot better to me.
The pads from the AR also help to make your sequences more organic.
Also the sequencer and performance features is missing alot of functionality compared to the AR. No usb on the md either. No overbridge in the future. There is over 10 years of innovation between the two and it shows.
took the plunge on the AR. pretty excited!!