Hi,
I am interested in the decisions that people make when purchasing hardware equipment.
If you were going to buy a piece of Elektron gear but had no other hardware equipment and software was out of the question, what would you start with?
Thanks
I would say the closest thing to an all-in-one groovebox is the Analog Rytm, especially with the new DUAL VCO.
If you have NO other hardware, it would be difficult to find source material for the sample based hardware such as Digitakt and Octatrack. You might be able to use IOS apps if you have an iphone/ipad.
Analog four and Digitone offer a lot of flexibility, but it would take more effort to build full songs due to only having four sequencer tracks.
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I have to disagree, while I love my Rytm, the single most valuable piece of gear I own, besides my laptop loaded with Ableton and more synths than I need, is the Octatrack mk2…
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Digitakt or Digitone depending on the type of music you make & what you want out of it.
I say Digitakt, but I love samplers.
I pick the above 2 as I think they have easier workflows, easier to get around, especially if you are new to hardware.
Highway makes a good point tho.
If you have an ipad / sound sources? I say Digitakt.
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The main difficulty here is that OT and DT don’t offer much without other hardware. That changes the workflow drastically.
Rytm MkII allows you synthesis engines as well as internal/external sampling, albeit a slightly different sampling engine than the DT and OT.
Addendum: You could always pair up a Digitakt and Digitone for about the same price if you want something a little different with comparable capabilities.
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What is your experience Jakeub?
Have you used hardware in the past?
Or software?
Do you plan on expanding your set up later?
What is your budget?
Without knowing the above it’s hard to say. I mentioned what I would get, but that’s me.
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The OT stands on its own as long as you can upload samples. It is a really astonishing machine, and I say that after having used RYtm, A4, iPad and ITB before.
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The OT is the last thing I need to complete my collection besides MD and MNM, and it does look really cool. The thing is though, I would be using it as a type of “mixing console” for all of my other stuff.
If OP clarifies about sound sources (iphone/ipad, old records, thriftstore synths, etc.) we might be able to offer better advice.
But if I was stuck on an island with one machine, I’d much rather have something that can synthesize sound AND sample as opposed to one or the other. This isn’t a knock on anyone’s workflow or the OT.
Edit: Maybe if I had a mic with my OT on that island I could do some Reggie Watts style beat boxing accompanied by some handmade wooden instruments.
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Thanks for the response.
I have a modular synth that i use to explore drum synthesis & create odd FX sounds etc, when running midi through it i use it as a bass synth.
I have a TR-08 which was fun to begin with but personally i feel it was a bit of a wasted investment - sounds good though.
I have a few other random hardware percussion modules etc and i use VST’s for polyphony so unsure what direction to move in with the hardware.
I have borrowed a friends Digitakt and i am inspired with the Elektron range & workflow, Hardware is the way forward and i am always expanding.
The plan is to move away from traditional DJing as i spend more time in the studio than DJing - I have years of music that tends to become 12 min DJ tools - If i could take all of this to a live set (and not to just press buttons on Ableton) then personally i feel i would be moving in the right direction.
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Yeah I understand where your coming from, thanks for the response 
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Absolutely!
If you have some modular gear, Digitakt/OT is definitely a good option. It’s nice to have the synth engines on the Rytm, but it will just add confusion (to the sound and the workflow) when you try to start layering it on top of fully formed sounds.
OT might be the way to go since it has a song mode and that makes live performances much easier.
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Digitakt. Best user interface by Elektron so far. Great sound and very musical, if it means anything.
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I went for an OT when I knew next to nothing about any other hardware or sequencers. Once I got over the steeeeeep learning curve I felt like I had struck gold. OT can do so many different things. You’d be able to work with your modular and sample/mangle the f out of it in real time.
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Yeh I have borrowed a friends digitakt and it’s very fun and easy to get the basics !
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I’m thinking OT as well since you already have experience with music production & you also have sound sources.
If you were brand new to production I would suggest something easier to learn, but it sounds like you have some experience 
Digitakt I’m thinking as well since you already have an idea on how to use it & you like it.
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yes, it’s one of those sparkle-in-your-eyes instruments that is most of the time giving you something. Very rewarding.
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Octatrack is my favorite, but I’d recommend DT or DN to start with. I don’t have them.
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The main thing I’ve loved with the digitakt is that i can take myself away from the normal space and sit in the kitchen or garden and still be productive!
What’s the DN short for?
DigitoNe.
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