Question about Elektron analog series

I am interested Elektron Analog series, like the analog four, the analog octatrack and the analog rithm.

2 reasons:
#1 I may be able to take away my computer
#2 I think I can do all I want to do.

But a question.... is this stuff really ANALOG? or is it like my Xone DB4 Digital... but totally standalone?

 

by writing this post, I found the correct words to search in google... so it's a combination of digital and analog.

really cool...I think

I would like to know if people have experience with it and what people think about this stuff.

 

The interface seems a little fiddly, but the potential and the flexibility is excellent, particularly the step sequencer with its "parameter locks" ie, its a multi channel step sequencer.. so you have hands on manual control over many different things..
I often use a step sequencer in a DAW to do the same type of thing and so an electron box very well may be my next box purchase though I am torn between the A4, Rytm and Octatrack...

for me they get a thumbs up

 

Haven't used one (I own a DSI Tempest) but there's plenty of happy Elektron users over at the DSI forums.

The main criticism of their products seems to be that they can be a bit fiddly to use, ie that you 'program' them more than 'play' them if that makes sense - and they're not as tactile as something like the Tempest. The counter to that is that the sequencers on all of them are supposed to be very solid and very flexible (especially the Octatrack).

Personally I'd find the lack of multiple outputs on the A4 and Octa a PITA.

Take a look at the new DSI Pro 2 - it's a mono synth with what looks like a great onboard sequencer. More expensive than the Elektron gear but looks killer, esp if you're thinking about getting additional hardware you can control with CV. Currently torn between one of these and a Sub 37...

cheers

 

Some nice Sonicstate Reviews/Presentations:

 

I am a littlebit afraid of this. I love the workflow in Maschine, bit want to get ri of my computer

 

+1,000,000 I am in the same boat. I truly want both of these but sadly can't get either now!

 

I am ok with the workflow of Maschine, but find in particular that its sequencer, and the step sequencing limitations to be very restrictive... If you don't have any hardware synths then I would suggest the A4.. If you are solid drum fan then the rtym, but if you have gear and want the flexibility of the elektron sequencing then the octatrack would be the best choice... though it (the OT) is also the deepest and hence the largest learning curve.

 

by searching this 'Chino', I found an overview page of Elektron videos.

http://www.elektronauts.com/topics/view/5278

Most people use Octatrack
No one Rytm (while I thought I was most attracted to this one)

 

I think I want to use my Xone DB4 and my Theramin with one or two Elektron Analog things.... and sell NI stuff to take away my computer from my setup. (I love NI, but hate my computer)

my only interest right now is 'live sets'. I don't care about studio... maybe later

I thought of starting with Rytm (like a groove box) and then when I like it, sell stuff and buy A4. But I have no idea yet. Don't understand the difference between octatrack and rytm

You think Octatrack has the steepest learning curve?
And does it feel like making music, or more like programming your stuff?
For me it is important to have the feeling to play an instrument. Also when I start from scratch....

 

Doesn't this fix that issue and then some?

http://www.elektron.se/news/announcing-overbridge-computer-integration-for-analog

-multiple Elektron voices over USB.

EDIT: Although, you would still need a computer to use this feature.

 

rytm is in essence a drum synth. it has specialized synths for kick snare and hihat and you can layer a sample on top of the (say) kick to increase its impact, or of course to change it completely...its sequencer is an internal step/pattern sequencer.

A4 is a 4 voice 4 part synth again with its internal step/pattern sequencer.

The octatrack is not a synth. it is a sampler, looper & audio manipulation device and (importantly) has a decent sequencer that can be used to sequence eternal gear. Worth checking out all the videos on this.

I agree that for you the Rytm would be a great start.

 

It does if you're running into a DAW - not much use for integrating with other hardware. Looks very cool though.

I am running into a DAW as it happens - shame the Octatrack's not on that list as it's the only Elektron product I'm really interested in at this point - there's too much crossover for me with the other products and the Tempest.

Anyway, what I'm finding most enjoyable about my limited collection of analog hardware (other than the way it sounds) is the whole tactile 'hands on' thing which is why I'm gravitating much more towards (almost) one knob-per function products like the Pro2 and Sub 37 rather than those that requires a lot of menu diving. The Elektron products look to be the latter. I did download and read the entire Octatrack manual before I bought my Tempest and got put off it's complexity/button combos.

 

When i look at the video's, many people play the pads of the rytm with their right hand. The hardware looks like it s made for left handed people

 

I think this is very cool about the combinatoir of digital and analog.

 

I bought a rytm today, and i hope it Will defeat my maschine

 

look forward to a mini review!

 

Please share us your experiences! I am a happy owner of A4 and I am really tempted of Rytm. I am gonna wait for that overbridge update first though. If Elektron is providing a way to export HW patterns as midi to DAW then I really would purchase Rytm.

 

Take note:
If you put a piano note sample on the Octatrack, and want to play chords, which I believe is a basic feature of any modern sampler, well... YOU CAN'T. I had one for test from a friend and I didn't liked it. It's good for playing loops and mangling FX realtime, but It doesn't even compare to Maschine.

Same for drums. Slice a loop, and play the slices, but you can't play a Kick + Open Hihat simultaneously.