Just recently got my first Elektron devices and realized I need more polyphonic freedom, which is why I got myself a hardware sequencer. This was when I made the mistake of getting a Squarp Pyramid, which has been hellish to pair with the OT especially.
So before I continue making bad decisions I thought I’d ask around: what hardware sequencers do you feel plays best with the Elektron family in terms of workflow and smoothness? I got OT, A4 & DN at the moment, looking to get Syntakt later on.
Can you expand a little bit about you need with regards to ‘polyphonic freedom’? Also, what pairing issues have you experienced with the OT specifically?
Of course, I’m looking 6 note polyphony and want to be able to edit chord notes freely on the sequencer, with micro timings etc. I love the Elektron devices, the only thing I feel I’m missing is the advanced polyphonic step sequencing workflow.
I’ve tried it all basically, from sending PC + Sequencer Restart (35) from Pyra to OT to sending CC69 from OT to Pyra. Every method has it’s issue, so I’ve just been arranging separately on both. As I’ve come to understand, you need an external midi processor to pair them successfully.
for which synth? the only 6+ voice polyphonic one you own right now (that you’ve listed) is the DN. the A4 can be up to 4 voice poly. the OT is monophonic.
well I don’t know the Pyramid so maybe I’m missing something. I’ve never had issues pairing Elektron machines with other sequencers though (soft or hardware). you just need transport and clock shared between them, and all should be good.
I’m wondering if posting your Pyramid/OT woes in this thread might get some Pyramid users to assist:
Most replies I skimmed in there say they work very well together. It might be worth trying to get the Pyramid sorted out rather than looking at another sequencer. I don’t own any Squarp sequencers but my understanding is that they are solid, stable, and powerful.
I’ve lurked into every thread that exists on this and the Squarp forums but haven’t been able to figure it out. Perhaps I’ll go in and ask, thanks! Would love to get it to work since the Pyramid is indeed very awesome
Yeah, it seems wicked and has a great price. Great shout. Only worry I have is the 15 projects limitation. But I’ve been considering it anyway, maybe there are ways to sort different songs in the same project. Have you tried it?
Messed up my previous post, glad you managed to read it beforehand lol. Do you know if people are pairing it successfully with Elektrons? I’m v tempted too, please feel free to share if you do!
I see people using it to sequence elektrons actually, if you go in the Oxi instruments discord server there’s people posting their setup. Also some YouTube videos
Hey there! You might like the Torso T1. Check out Youtube and the T1 thread here on ‘Nauts.
Quite a few of us have them and I think the consensus is they are deep, musical and well suited to polyphony.
I really love my T1 and find I’m rapidly able to programme complex, layered jams using the Deluge, AK, Rytm and Octa.
Buuuut, before succumbing to gear lust; really consider what it is you’re wanting to achieve!
I previously owned a NDLR and spent a few years working out that what I really needed was a better understanding of music theory rather than gear that I hoped would ‘make me sound better’.
I bought Building Blocks and Syntorial by Audible Genius, watched lots of YouTube videos and listened analytically to the music I loved, making notes and trying to effortfully make music rather than having happy accidents.
Hope you find some hardware, software or free ideas that inspire you and help you keep making cool music
Hey dude! Many thanks for your thoughts, will T1 seems really cool. Hadn’t heard of it at all, will defo check it out more.
Wise words about being careful with GAS too – I’ve been making music for a fair amount of years without a single piece of hardware though, so I’m pretty late to the game myself Also got Syntorial, it’s awesome!
Before you go out and buy yet another sequencer in the hope that it will work, it might be useful if you stated what you’re trying to achieve with a particular setup and give a particular example of what you’re trying so that we can try to resolve your issues with the Pyramid.
Since this is your first topic on the forum, start by being as specific as you can with one example of a problem that you would like to solve.
Hey, and thanks for your response. I had given up my attemps but I realize it doesn’t hurt to try with this awesome and helpful community here. Appreciate you all taking your time.
So basically, in my dream scenario, I would like to:
use the Pyramid as the main sequencer and arranger that sends clock/transport data
use the Pyramid to send cc/note data to my polysynths for automations
use the Elektrons to create patterns, P-locks and utilize their awesome sequencers
have the Pyramid tell the Elektrons to change patterns (this is where I’m having issues)
Basically, I want to use the Pyramids advanced polyphonic step sequencing while also utilizing all the awesome Elektron features without having to create two separate arrangements.
In my attemps, I have been close, but either a) had the OT patterns lag, and 2) in the case where OT is master, the first notes of the patterns have been skipped.
Elektron sequencers need to be told early to change patterns (unless just talking to one another). I don’t know how you send that message in Pyramid, but I’d sent it at least one “step” before the end of the bar you want to change after. also remember to send to the Elektron devices the PC on their auto midi channel.
here’s a whole thread on it (which hopefully is relevant, I only skimmed it):
also here’s a video of how to use Pyramid to sync and control DT, including program changes (although the dude kinda looks like a helicopter pilot with that headset haha!):
