Never seen the Electra One. I’m assuming it makes it much easier to program within the mod matrix?
How do you go about using yours?
@uija how do you find sequencing duties when you compare OT vs MPC one. I have a TI2 desktop with OT and SP16. I am thinking of the MPC One but that might make either the OT or the SP16 redundant. Program and patch changes are flawless in the OT but I would like more than 8 channels of midi. SP16 could do it but I haven’t tried yet and don’t know off the top of my head how it handles external synth bank and preset changes.
I keep checking on the electra one site to see when they open up for new orders It looks like a beast !
@dickmalibu the SP16 has only 16 steps, if i’m correct. That is limited, I think.
The Octatrack looks like a good companion for the TI2. 8 midi tracks, arpeggiator, midi cc controls. And over that, 8 audio channels.
@Uija which device is better, or you like more? The OT or the MPC One for sequencing the TI2?
I use the OT as well to sequence the TI. At times I use an Akai Force which opens up alot of other options such as chord progressions, etc.
1 Like
The workflow between both is completely different. On the OT, I program the sequences 100%. And I like it, but I miss some features (Like chords with different length and velocity per note. Also I really really miss playback options like backwards and random on the OT) and sometimes longer parts. You are limited to 4 noted (without workarounds like using 2 tracks with the same instrument).
On the MPC (for me personally) programming melodic sequences is a total pain, because you have to use the 4x4 pads without pitch (all C) and no chords, or you use the Touch-Screen, that either shows way to less information, or everything is too small do draw correctly on it with the fingers. So on the MPC I play the music either on the pads or on an external device.
While I Programm CC on the trigs on the OT (or use the Midi LFOs), I record or draw automation in the MPC. MPC has no MIDI LFOs and the Arp on the OT is way better!
I love the MPC for its portability, as I can run it stand alone (or with my MM2) on a power bank. I could do the same on the OT, but misses the synth voices.
At the end the resulting music is different on both devices.
I testes so many sequencers, even started to build my own. At the end, OT is the favorite of what I used up to now, but definitely not the optimum. I still hope that the Cirklon will be it, but that will take another year or so, until I can see 
Oh: One more thing: The MPC is a better drum machine, than the OT (in my opinion) because the possibilities with 4 Sample-Layers per pad, played layered, looped, random or by velocity, is really really awesome. I love to layer kicks and use different sounding Hihats that are played randomly etc. Only thing I miss is the conditional trigs. But: While I use the MPC standalone or with one synth connected, I use the OT together with my Analog Rytm, and I really love that beast You have to find a way to make good performances on the MPC as there is no screen where you can mute Pads AND Tracks at the same time.
Another one: I use both as “mixers”. I connect the synth to the Input of both. What you can do with resampling and FX with the Fader on the Master track on the Octatrack beats the MPC by far, if it comes to performances.
3 Likes
OT is awesome for sequencing a TI. Only downside: you can only have 8 tracks on the TI via Midi.
But hey, 8 tracks is more then enough!
Another thing to remember: Patches on the Ti have to be saved manually BEFORE switching patterns or banks and programs on the OT.
Lost several awesome sounds while down in the rabit hole…
2 Likes
Thanks for all the replies. Appreciate it!
I am a ‘Elektron’ workflow lover, so I think I won’t go wrong with a Octatrack.
1 Like
I’ve had the Electra One (E1) for some months now, and enjoy it very much. It allowed me to create a full editor for the Virus TI, all parameters, and it works like a charm. All options visible in a very nice way, all LFO’s and all Matrix Slots at my disposal. Even the ARP’s step options only editable before by the now (in my case, Mac) defunct VST plugin. Hardware only with the benefits of all controls being shown, and those are reflecting actual state (as oposed by the controls on the Virus TI itself).
It even inspired me to have all my hardware accessable through it, and write some custom NodeJS midi pattern generateor using the E1 as its surface: brilliant. 
I love it.
Electra One: https://electra.one
(search for “Access Virus TI” in the Preset Library to see/download the preset)
2 Likes
@Peter118 Hi !
SP has 64 steps like the OT. (16 steps x 4 pages) and each pad is a sample track or midi track. So I can have and=y combination of track types for a total of 16. for example 5 pads for drums/samples and 11 midi tracks.
The more I am writing I am leaning more towards using the SP-16 for sequencing LOL
1 Like
@Uija
I have had every MPC except the 3000 and MPC One. For drums in my opinion there is nothing better when it comes to straight forward sequencing and midi connectivity.
My plan is to use the OT as a mixer too and take longer versions of the samples I have in the SP-16 for mangling and creative sequencing.
I just took the SP-16 out and connected it to the virus as I started to post on the thread. So far while not as 'powerful" as the OT the SP-16 strength is in it’s ease of use. It does have a limited form of step editing a la OT and parameter locking among a few other things.
Was more thinking of the MPC One as midi hub with the bonus of having a full sampler on board.
@joris.roling
I rarely used TI plugin when I owned my first TI. I have a MacBook Pro that is still running MacOs Mojave so for now I can wait until ElectraOne’s are available but once they are I am buying asap !
1 Like
I don’t understand this, have you not used pad Performance mode on the MPC One?
I no longer have an OT but I definitely find that the MPC is far better for inputting melodic sequences and chords and it is now pretty much my goto device for sequencing my Virus.
1 Like
I am patiently waiting for the day when the new Access Virus TI3 arrives with a better user interface and modern sequencer.
That is exactly what I wrote. I record the notes on the MPC while I program them on the OT. the thing is: I am not able to play 145bpm 16th notes licks 
So while I just program it quite fast on the OT, I have to fix up tons of stuff after bad recording on the MPC.
I’m curious what you think is wrong with the interface? Personally I think it’s a great design with a good selection of knobs.
The only negatives for me are no dedicated init button and not being able to edit the user ARP from the hardware.
When I had my Octa and TI2 keyboard I used Virus track 16 (with no sound selected) set to the Octa Autochannel.
This way you can use the Virus keyboard to quickly play the first 8 Virus channels via the Octa MIDI tracks and record into the sequencer.
Powerful combo.
3 Likes
I doubt I can play 16th notes licks at 145 bpm so I would set the recording tempo a lot lower than the playback tempo.
Could anyone give me a quick tutorial on causing a program change on the virus using an Octatrack? I’m struggling to get it to work…
I think the tricky part is program changes are tied to parts (4 parts per bank of 16 patterns). Other than that it’s just making sure you set the PC on the settings of the midi track for each part, and making sure PC are outgoing within the midi settings page.
1 Like
Quick question - as an owner of a Virus B, I find programming it really quite awkward. I love it to death but find I use presets more than make my own patches. Is the C or TI or TI2 easier to program from the front panel? I’m thinking of upgrading not for the sound, additional voices or improved effects but just because I think it might be easier to program. Is this the case or do I just need to ‘git gud’?