Which of these do you think might be the best combo for techno (and some house) music making…?
This will be my first elektron device.
Thanks for chiming in!
What does the Force do / what do you like it best for? (Is it a sampler?)
Akai Force - It’s like a DAW in a box. No computer needed. And yes, it’s a sampler. Syncs with my Denon DJ gear via Ableton Link which is awesome. Can do A LOT, but just doesn’t have that same Elektron sound. I’m wanting that and the Elektron sequencer, p-locks, etc.
Do you wanna go really quick, but perhaps have less range of sound to work with?
How comfy are you with synthesis?
Do you want another sampler?
Techno’s fairly broad. What types of sounds, tempos and moods do you want to work with?
All the Elektrons sound quite different, to me. What’s the commonality you hear?
Appreciate your detailed questions! Not sure I have all the answers…
Thank you @Octagonist !
I have an OT Mk2 and an AK, previously had an OT Mk1 and A4. I would not recommend either the OT or A4/AK as a first Elektron box unless you feel very strongly that they provide sounds or functionality that you really want. They require a fair amount of effort to learn and use effectively, but that effort is well rewarded.
I don’t have any of the smaller Elektrons, but I suspect either the Digitone or Syntakt would be great for you. I really like 4-Op FM, whether it’s Ableton’s Operator or the Reface DX, but the process is more of a random walk. The Syntakt seems like it would be ideal for you and they are starting to show up on the used market.
Another option would be to look for a more knob-per-function synth. The Korg MS2000 was my first new synth, and it was amazing. I followed it up with a SuperNova II Keyboard, and that was even better. Korg has a lot of really great stuff that should pair nicely with your Force, and help you get familiar with synthesis.
Thanks @obscurerobot. I think that’s where my head’s at.
If I get a syntakt, do you think getting an A4 down the road would be a little redundant? Or if I’m really excited about an A4 would that pair better with digitone, and that’s a better place to start? I’ve also looked into the M:C as poor man’s A4 for some of that sound.
Best wishes,
dolph
I wouldn’t plan that far out.
I may also be the wrong (or right!) person to ask because when I got into FM, I bought a TG77, TX802, TX81z and a DX200 in quick succession. And then got an amazing deal on a FS1r so of course had to have that. There was a ton of overlap among those machines, but that allowed me to compare the overlap and the unique areas.
Get what is going to advance your music or learning most today. If you grow bored of it, Elektrons are easy to sell.
I have a MD, MnM, OT Mk2 and AK. But also a Virus TI and Blofeld (the overlap there is nearly a circle). My TR-8s overlaps with the MD, but each has it’s unique strengths as well. Depending on your personal preferences, available room and of course budget you may want to do things differently.
I think the M:C is more of a poor man’s Digitone than an A4, isn’t it an FM box too?
I’d like to buy all of the little Elektrons (M:C, M:S, DN, DT, ST and Heat), but I’m in no rush since they are all still in production and the Syntrx is still plenty inspiring.
I’m curious to hear what @Octagonist has to say, but I suspect that all of your options will work well for you. It’s tough to recommend a best or even better choice because your own preferences and vibe strongly influence what will work best for you. Even the OT wouldn’t be a bad choice, it just might take longer than the others to pay off for you.
Elektron Octatrack with Analog 4 if space an issue and also my 4u modular setup.
More for the drum aspect capability. At least that’s what someone had told me so it stuck in my head. 
Really like the sound of that little M:C!
Again, really appreciate your thoughtful responses @obscurerobot.
Have a great weekend.
Not to deviate you from the elektron route, but for techno, better get a DFAM or a M32, the Force already can do much more than the elektrons. Maybe down the road, get an A4 or a ST.
Currently working on a set with these fellas:
OT
Virus Ti
Boum
Keeping it minimal, 2 hands = 2 boxes.
Prepped samples chaines and loops using TR8S, DFAM, Nord Drum, Ventris reverb, Echosystem.
All patches on the Ti from a custom init patch.
Will be rocking the house next weekend in Landau for Ma’ Ma’ Analog. 
I’d say go with Syntakt, no need to think beyond that already. I’m currently making full tracks with just ST. Add a Force to it and you can do sooo much. For me (and lots of people in this “what’s your techno setup” thread) móre boxes doesn’t equal better. There’s a sweet spot for many of us with a small amount of gear. ST does a lot but makes it super quick and easy.
AWESOME. That’s what I needed to hear.
Now to find an affordable used one… Don’t have member status level yet to access the marketplace, but hopefully soon. Some options on Reverb though.
Really appreciate your insights!
Just to repeat, if you have the Force, you don’t need an Octatrack right now.
Do bear in mind though that most people here have bought, sold, rebought more than once. What feels right on paper may not deliver, at least when you first unbox it. I’ve been underwhelmed on more than one occasion and have sold on quickly, only to buy again a few months later. You need to put the time in and resist the urge to sell.
I should heed my own advice, could have saved me 
.
I’ve used mine for about 2hrs so far. It’s so new that I shouldn’t enthuse too much. But I want to!’ It’s great! Wide range of sounds/machines; drums and monosynths all close at hand; the non-standard tone shaping parameters/macros are approachable and explorable; it’s quick to get something going, but plenty tweakable when you ear tells you to go detailed. Plus all the usual Elektron sequencer goodness.
I think it makes a great companion to a sampler, a good first Elektron, or for someone fairly new to synthesis, or for the more experienced it’s just a nice capable groovebox.
I haven’t used either a DN or A4 but reading around and having used many other synths before, I’m confident both would take more work to get a good sketch going, but would let you go deeper when you wanted.
Thank you! Have you used the M:C before? Thinking of doing both Syntakt and Model Cycles (since its FM which the Syntakt lacks, and makes some awesome beats) - but that may be overkill at first.
There’s a Model:Cycles inside the Syntakt.
