Elektron

Elektron

59

Also known as: Elektron Music Machines

Unclaimed

Elektron is a Swedish manufacturer of electronic music instruments, founded in 1998 by Daniel Hansson, Anders Gärder, and Mikael Räim as a project at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. What began as a mandatory Computer Science course assignment—building a synthesizer around the MOS6581 chip from the Commodore 64—proved commercially viable and became the SidStation, Elektron's fir...

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Elektron is a Swedish manufacturer of electronic music instruments, founded in 1998 by Daniel Hansson, Anders Gärder, and Mikael Räim as a project at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. What began as a mandatory Computer Science course assignment—building a synthesizer around the MOS6581 chip from the Commodore 64—proved commercially viable and became the SidStation, Elektron's first product. All instruments are hand-assembled and exhaustively tested at the company's Gothenburg facility.

The Machinedrum, released in 2001, established Elektron's reputation and introduced "parameter locking"—a sequencing approach that allows individual steps in a pattern to carry unique synthesis parameter values, enabling intricate, evolving rhythmic textures without real-time automation. This technique became a signature feature across the entire product line. Subsequent instruments extended these ideas into new sonic territory: the Monomachine combined multiple synthesis engines in one unit, the Octatrack brought deep sampling and live performance capabilities, and the Analog Four, Analog Rytm, Digitakt, Digitone, and Syntakt each paired distinctive sound engines with Elektron's characteristically deep sequencers. The company also develops Overbridge, a software suite that integrates compatible Elektron hardware with digital audio workstations.

Elektron instruments have attracted a devoted following across electronic, hip-hop, and experimental music. Artists including Thom Yorke, Autechre, The Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Panda Bear, Timbaland, and The Knife have been associated with the brand. The company maintains an active user community through the Elektronauts forum.

Elektron has 43 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Synthesizers, Drum Machines, and Production & Groove. Their gear is featured by 319 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Pop. Notable users include Richard Devine, Thom Yorke, and Andrew Huang. Most Elektron products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.

Artists Who Use Elektron

Richard Devine uses 9 Elektron products

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

Thom Yorke uses 7 Elektron products

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist · Radiohead

Andrew Huang uses 7 Elektron products

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist · First Of October

Fjaak uses 7 Elektron products

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

Dataline uses 7 Elektron products

Dataline

Music Producer

The Bug uses 6 Elektron products

The Bug

Music Producer

Author & Punisher uses 6 Elektron products

Author & Punisher

Singer, Keyboardist

CUCKOO uses 6 Elektron products

CUCKOO

Singer, Keyboardist

SOPHIE uses 5 Elektron products

SOPHIE

Singer, Music Producer

Actress uses 5 Elektron products

Actress

Music Producer

The Field uses 5 Elektron products

The Field

Music Producer

Mujuice uses 5 Elektron products

Mujuice

Neil Landstrumm uses 5 Elektron products

Neil Landstrumm

Music Producer

Dapayk uses 5 Elektron products

Dapayk

Music Producer

John Tejada uses 5 Elektron products

John Tejada

Music Producer

Arthur Robert uses 5 Elektron products

Arthur Robert

Music Producer, DJ

Justin Broadrick uses 4 Elektron products

Justin Broadrick

Singer, Guitarist · Napalm Death

Laurel Halo uses 4 Elektron products

Laurel Halo

Music Producer, DJ

Mathew Jonson uses 4 Elektron products

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer · Cobblestone Jazz

Nosaj Thing uses 4 Elektron products

Nosaj Thing

Music Producer

Community setups featuring Elektron

Show yours
groovizm

groovizm

Gear IQ 533

dystopiansoundscapes

dystopiansoundscapes

Gear IQ 237

leopal

leopal

Gear IQ 144

freezeetch

freezeetch

Gear IQ 1539

klonn_live

klonn_live

Gear IQ 165

navin_kala

navin_kala

Gear IQ 103

P

petertrady

Gear IQ 50

jayk76

jayk76

Gear IQ 102

D

dross

Gear IQ 63

freezeetch

freezeetch

Gear IQ 1539

patrick_richardson

patrick_richardson

Gear IQ 833

peasinafookinpod420

peasinafookinpod420

Gear IQ 2423

theallegoristmusic

theallegoristmusic

Gear IQ 248

sinkingfeeling

sinkingfeeling

Gear IQ 299

N

norbert_baltavari

Gear IQ 79

vangart

vangart

Gear IQ 532

sinkingfeeling

sinkingfeeling

Gear IQ 299

the_party_ambassador

the_party_ambassador

Gear IQ 130

vitali_harmash

vitali_harmash

Gear IQ 111

klonn_live

klonn_live

Gear IQ 165

Gear Guides featuring Elektron

Are you on the Elektron team?

  • Be the first to know when an artist is spotted using Elektron gear
  • Curate the Elektron catalog, images, and product details
  • Respond to community photos and reviews of Elektron gear
  • See how Elektron gear is trending on Equipboard