---- Elektron User Topic -----

[Alume]

Hey guys,

As we all know these machines are pretty deep on all fronts. We thought it would be nice to get a collection of Subsekt Elektron users to share their thoughts and findings on these machines. The idea is that you can basically dump everything you find interesting on the webzz right here so that others can make use of these findings.

Think about sharing projects, patches, ideas, workflows and other inspiring techniques.

--------------------------

I'll start off by posting these two ableton templates for the AR and the A4.

AR: http://www.elektronauts.com/topics/view/13860/page:1
For the people using overbridge this is a nice template with some compensation for the master fx bypass. Not sure if I would use abletons sequencer instead of the AR's, anyway it might be heplfull for someone, you can tailor it to your likings of course.

A4: http://www.elektronauts.com/topics/view/21046
This template allows you to automate parameters of the A4. Again it might drag you away from the actual machine but it could be useful if you want to add some extra LFO's or some really smooth automation throughout your track.



I know we have Elektronauts, but I'm sure a lot of us spend more time around here

[Críoch]

Currently on MD duty.

Trying to get reacquainted with it after overdosing on the TR8. I've effectively forgotten everything about it

Never been happy with the kicks from it. The usual story..

[Alume]

Currently on MD duty.

Trying to get reacquainted with it after overdosing on the TR8. I've effectively forgotten everything about it

Never been happy with the kicks from it. The usual story..

Yeah, thats the main reason I sold my TR8. I was using it way more than the MD. Its just so easy and fun.

I kind of have the same with the MD though. I've said it several times on the slack chat but its a love hate thing. I love it for the capabilities and the whole MD kind of saintlike vibe. But it just sounds to cold too me, the kicks are terrible( or atleast I cant synthesize them the way i want to). The only time I really enjoyed it was after loading these packs into it http://www.valerrecords.com/store/

Anyway, I got an AR yesterday and its everything I wanted the MD to be. Its exactly what i've been looking for since I got into hardware. Sure its not as deep as the MD and it has half its voices. But for me it makes up for the sounds and I don't really mind that the OH and the CH share one voice it add some interesting groves sometimes.

[Alume]

So hyped on this topic:)

Background info:
youtu.be/LQcZObUK-Y0

[Críoch]

Aye.. no matter what I do in terms of tuning or layering, nothing seems to satisfy like the TR8 kicks. I think it sounds fucking great. Fun yeah.. but it does a great job too.

Yeah.. I have that Valer 909 pack on the MD.. It was ok. Didn't use it 1/2 as much as I thought I would.

AR? Cool.

Does this Wave Alchemy pack seem representative of the AR's kicks? or is there a lot of post processing magic sprinkled on top?

http://www.wavealchemy.co.uk/blog/free- ... rytm-kicks

^^^^^^^^^

[Alume]

Didnt really click with the 909 either. used the 808 one a lot though.

About those samples. They sound like they could come from the AR for sure, the AR is a bit more classic orientated towards the roland machines etc. The AR kicks are truely monsterous though, they just released 3 new bassdrum engines as well. And I'm sure it can creat far better kicks than a origional 808/909.

I would say there is some compression going on, but to be honest I dont think I'm to skilled to say anything about it too much.

[Mslwte]

there is nothing wrong with the kicks on an MD and probably the rest of the elektron machines (not that i have used any thing else than an MD) . there is nothing wrong with any other kick from any other drum machine. you have to say to yourself that you are going to use it (whatever it is) and make it work. otherwise you may as well be using a 909 sample.

[Mslwte]

change the mindset. we have tr8 and samples for 909 shizzle these days. use the md for something else.

[Alume]

I didnt get the md to do 909/808 stuff. I got it because i was a total HW noob at the time and thought it would be a fun synth. Turned out it was a bit of a struggle in the beginning but i got my head around it eventually. And now that I know more what I want and where my sounds is going the md doesnt make sense.

I want to create warm organic rhythms which i simply cannot get out of the MD without post processing. Its a fantastic machine and had a lot of fun with it but it doesnt add up. Whereas the AR does.

I've got the AR for less than 24 hours and its a total succes for me, its what I hoped the md would be. Not better or worse, just different.

[Mono-xID]

I want a Rytm. Now !!!

[Mslwte]

yes the MD is not warm. it is harsh and brittle, trying to make it sound warm is never going to happen. i struggled with the MD for a while before i let the 808/909 shackles off and went with the flow.

i have looked at the AR as well and nearly pulled the trigger but the only reason i have not bought it is that i am not sure if it will just sound like another analogue drum machine and not offer me anything new and exciting. i have no doubt that it is a superb machine.

[xonetacular]

Does this Wave Alchemy pack seem representative of the AR's kicks? or is there a lot of post processing magic sprinkled on top?

http://www.wavealchemy.co.uk/blog/free- ... rytm-kicks

^^^^^^^^^

yeah that seems accurate with no processing. the rytm can make some pretty fat kicks. it can get close to jomox levels of savagery

[Alume]

Yeah, well you're right. For sure.

I dont use the worlds most interesting kicks. I have to admit I've turned my workflow around 180 going almost fully OTB to kill the formula that worked for me ITB. I noticed I was repeating my procedures so I threw everything around after a 3/4 year block

So im pretty new to hardware in general, hope to make some tracks soon though.

[wormcode]

The only piece of Elektron gear I still have is one of the original sidstations. Definitely interested in the new Analog line of products though.
Anyone else have one? I used to run a site for it many years back trying to share some knowledge but the user base is spread so wide considering its rarity I guess, so it's difficult to swap info/patches/tips etc with people.

[bram2000]

I got an AR a few weeks ago after borrowing one from a friend. It's my first hardware drum machine (unless you count electribe 2) but I'm totally loving it. It sounds incredible and is a lot of fun to use. It just oozes techno once you get into it; the master distortion and compressor are sweet.

Wish I'd got a 'proper' machine years ago now!

[HaikoNahm]

Got the octatrack and its an absolute dream if you want to go all hardware...fast & precice sampling, nice effects, a lot of lfo action for movement (found out how to use the lfos for a sidechain effect), plus a really good midi sequencer...its the center of my setup, ableton in a box truly....need the rythm next

[Críoch]

I got an AR a few weeks ago after borrowing one from a friend. It's my first hardware drum machine (unless you count electribe 2) but I'm totally loving it. It sounds incredible and is a lot of fun to use. It just oozes techno once you get into it; the master distortion and compressor are sweet.

Wish I'd got a 'proper' machine years ago now!

Have you got any vids or tracks with the AR yet Bram? I've enjoyed watching / listening to what you've posted online.

[bram2000]

Have you got any vids or tracks with the AR yet Bram? I've enjoyed watching / listening to what you've posted online.

Afraid not. My mate and I are currently working on a live PA with the Rytm (or two!) at the heart, so haven't been focussed on creating tracks much lately.

On friday I got an FMR RNLA for our master bus (for about £130 delivered off ebay). That thing rocks!

[yentz]

using a4, ar and md. i am happy with all of the machines but use the md mainly for percussion and electronic one shots whereas the ar is used for classic drums.
i am still on holiday so i cant comment on the update yet but i am really happy with the machines. the ar was lacking in hihat and cymbal synthesis (beforethe update) as well as with its toms.
had a tanzmaus standing next to it and the sounds out of the ar were way punchier.
the analog four seems a little weak on the bottom end so that you have to use the second filter either as peak or hipass with high resonance and tracking to make up for the missing bass foundation. in terms of synthesis it is really complex and i must admit that i mainly take presets as a starting point and go from there.
the sequencers are awesome but I am missing to be able to groovequantize. wanted to try groovequantizing the clicktrack for the clockgenerator the machines sync to. not sure if this will work though.
even if the machines are really cool and fun using a synth with a knob per parameter is another experience.
I would definitely buy the ar again. probably the others as well.
samples through the ar sound awesome with analogue overdrive and filter. the basstom is good the other toms are usually used for samples. if i had more money i would even consider getting a second ar just for extra Porc and more samples becausé they do sound beautiful.
had an octatrack as well which i sold again as there is no way to use .rex or .rcy files and there is no optin toget sliced samples and midi files into the sequencer without a lot of work. having done d&b before chopping up loops is essentially and was a dealbreaker for the octatrack for me. also four mono outs just arent enough when you are working with a computer anyway and have ableton and push for your sample duties.
the ot is very deep and i am sure i just scratched the surface but it just wasnt for me. maybe there will bé a mk2 at ine point. i like the idea of sequencing with hardware.
ohhh. support at elektron isnt particulary good. you can file tickets but it takes ages for them to reply and i did not get really good replies.
there is a very active forum called elektronauts which is handy when it comes to problems.
so all in all great gear. theoretically you could do tracks or whole sets using just one machine.
having a seperate amp eg for a drumsynth plus the standard decay parameter for example, using sound locks and a very flexible internal architecture are probably some of the reasona why the machines are on the upper range pricewise.
overbridge is working well with a mtt hub ob my macbbok air 2013. had problems withthe updated beta but hoping for the best after the recent update. i dropped syncing on overbridge as this was nit too relieable and sending midiclock through midi from a erm multiclock which works very well.

edit: might get a rnla as well. apparently those go extremely well with he machines and they are cheap.

[WOLF!]

You cunts make me wanna buy a AR.
I'm doubting for a long time because of the tiny screen and the menu diving.
Do you think the OS is easy and logical to understand when you allready have a bit of experience with other hardware?