The RYTM has the worst implementation of audio-in out of all the Elektron boxes. It’s as if Elektron thought to themselves, “We have very useful audio-ins on every machine we’ve ever created; for the RYTM, let’s try something different, and make it almost useless.”
I would’ve rather had the audio-in completely left off the RYTM in exchange for the ability to modulate more than one parameter at a time using LFOs/envelopes (another feature that only the RYTM lacks out of all the Elektron boxes).
Hi.
One praxis example:
I use the AR analog input for my Pocket Operator Rhythm (yes it has “h”-s).
I can change the output level at the PO Rhythm in 16 steps (step 15, 16 is distorted, so I use 14).
PO Rhythm > AR > Overbridge (Stereo Outputs) > Ableton Live
The level in Live is ~ -25 dB for the single kick drum which is very low.
The problem is the PO Rhythm has no line level and the Rytm has no instrument input or Hi-Z input.
Lab example:
I test it with a sinus tone from the Operator (Ableton FM Synth) and send it via audio interface to the AR input.
Level plan:
Audio Interface - stereo line out @ -10 dBV (pro gear level)
AR Input 0 dB FS sinus @ 1.05 kHz (C5) -> Output via Overbridge = -21 dB
to low! 
Audio Interface - stereo line out @ +4 dBu (consumer gear level)
AR Input 0 dB FS sinus @ 1.05 kHz (C5) -> Output via Overbridge = -12 dB
to low!
Audio Interface - stereo line out @ high gain (extra +6 dB boost)
AR Input 0 dB FS sinus @ 1.05 kHz (C5) -> Output via Overbridge = -8 dB
well it’s okay! 
If you like, use your audio interface as “audio thru” to gain the level, try the high-Z input and the high gain output mode.
You lose a stereo input and output, but you need no extra gear. 
^ have you been measuring OB vs AR with main volume fully open?
-12db is no big of deal, as you generally want that headroom anyway
yes. I made a test with init sounds (kick, snare).
With full open master level on the AR I “measured” - 8 dB (peak) with -10 dBV at the line input.
The analog output level of the AR is absolute not a issue.
The OB delivers -20 dB (internal audio interface) with the default kick and snare master level has, of course, no effects on the level.
You have to use the track levels for a hotter signal.
The AR output is fine, but the input needs a gain.
I think headroom is good, but -12 dB is to much for a 0 dB FS signal at the AR input. This is like a 12 dB pad (or factor 4) when you play back your audio from the PC/MAC in maximum loudness into the AR.
Anyway - let’s make music. 
I really wish they would add some gain options, and perhaps the option to select mono or stereo for the input, with a future update. Would love to be able to run my Minitaur through the Rytm.
…at today, i still think the audio input should have had some controls and not be something that (for me) just sits there and does nothing unless i look for an alternative solution, which means more cables, more devices on the table and and … 
-
it feels a bit like sample import…which is a nice to have feature market-wise, but for the end user is not a nice experience if it doesn’t work as one would expect (regardless of 3rd party software). sure it’s just a sample playback engine that is in there but doesn’t make much sense if one can’t use it straight away. being able to drag and drop samples using either OB or USB drive should have been there from day 1 (day 2 max 
)
what’s the point of having an audio input when you need to get an external device to use it? a bit like buying an FX pedal thinking you’ll just plug the cables and you’ll be all set to have fun, but then find out you need an extra piece of gear (which you may/may not have handy?) to actually hear the effect? 
so yeah, i wish they had planned things differently as i think it would have made the AR even better. btw: i’m still waiting for that backward/ping-pong/random playback for the step sequencer…i know, we got probability for the steps, but still…
yes. I made a test with init sounds (kick, snare).
With full open master level on the AR I “measured” - 8 dB (peak) with -10 dBV at the line input.
The analog output level of the AR is absolute not a issue.
The OB delivers -20 dB (internal audio interface) with the default kick and snare master level has, of course, no effects on the level.
You have to use the track levels for a hotter signal.
The AR output is fine, but the input needs a gain.
I think headroom is good, but -12 dB is to much for a 0 dB FS signal at the AR input. This is like a 12 dB pad (or factor 4) when you play back your audio from the PC/MAC in maximum loudness into the AR.
Anyway - let’s make music. [/quote]
AR input is a fucking joke, indeed
I’ve got my A4 currently running into my AR, and the sound of the A4 is currently being overwhelmed by the drums. Outside of just using Overbridge like a grown up, anybody know how I can better balance the levels of the synth and the drums?
Thanks
I think the only way is to turn your levels up on the a4 and levels down on the rytm. Might be better to do it the other way around, rytm input into a4.
IIRC someone recommended running the A4 into the AR from the headphone output. Try that and see if you get better levels
I ran into the same issue. I wanted to run A4 through the Rytm’s analog comp to mix the two devices together but the A4 was too low next to Rytm sounds even if I turned A4’s level all the way up.
Hmm this sounds crazy. But I’ll give it a go
[moderator action, topics merged]
I suspect the path from analog in into the compressor is fully analog. That means that to control it you would need to implement a digitally controlled analog gain stage. That costs some money - not that much though.
That said, it would have been better if they had some analog gain by default to take into account all scenarios. It’s easy to turn the volume down on your way into the rytm but you can’t turn to 11 on your a4 or a quiet Nord drum 2.
What I suspect is that the input is designed for the optimal level that should arrive at the compressor assuming you’re also hitting it with all the other rytm voices. So indeed the best course of action is to reduce the volume on the rytm voices if you don’t want to run out of analog headroom and turn everything into mush. Unless that’s the sonic aesthetic you’re going for 
That said, I’m not sure how that will effect the snr, depends how nice the design is on the rytm.
did elektron ever updated the input level and fixed the issue, or even has it said that it will ?
thanks
Cmon Elektron fix this. Reading about all these workarounds and adding a pre-amp is ridiculous for people trying to work in hotel rooms while touring. Having an extra piece of gear and more cables just to use a half thought out input? This is an amazing machine but there are many details where I swear people at Elektron were sleeping or just being lazy. This one shortcoming may force me to sell the AR and pick up the Akai live…
Why not do it the other way around?! I’m running the AR into the AK and I have level, pan and master effects at my disposal…
someone mentioned above plugging the minitaur into the rytm and only having mono out of the minitaur… use a 1/8" trs to 1/4" trs from the headphone output of the minitaur in to the rytm.
I found gain staging a bit challenging but when you don’t have aggressive overdrive/compressor settings it’s not too difficult. I run my MD in to the AR with really nice results.
i tend to use the pre’s on my apollo to increase the overall volume of the AR without relying too much on crushing the dynamics with internal overdrive/compression. I’d say the AR dynamics section for sound sculpting is more of a HEAVY broad axe than a fine scalpel like some people expect.
…i’m not sure this will ever happen as already mentioned in other posts, there’s no way that the audio input level can be changed because of the way the machine is designed, so the quick answer i’m afraid is: no 
(i would be happy though if this could be changed at some point as i’m really not using the audio input on the AR at all… 
)