fathand's Reviews
9 reviews Back to fathand's Equipboard
71
May I ask if you have since tried adding the Korg SQ-1 to your Minibrute? Just wondering how well they sync via cv/gate or midi? Thanks.
185
Hey, not been on here in a while so just saw your comment. I have not actually, only just picked up an SQ-1 the other week. Unfortunately the audio outputs of my Brute are broken so needing to get it fixed before testing. In the past I had a success with syncing via CV with Doepfer Dark Energy.
325
THEY DO! and the SQ-1 sings such a sweet song with its dual CV. I pair it with an SQ-8 and go nuts. Yes, it works great! I promise!
185
So deep you can make new sounds for ever
I have had this synth for approaching ten years now and it finds new locations within my set up as I changes styles and approaches to writing and performing. Very deep programming that you can take as far as you want or get inspired by the thousands of patches designed by some masterful sound designers. It is well worth checking out.
At the moment I am using the Octatrack midi sequencer to control the Polar in my live performances. These two instruments alone are a very powerful combination.
185
Go to synth for live performance
Along with the OT and Rytm, the A4 forms the core of my set up. It has deep programming that is accessed via a menu system on the LCD screen. While some people have issues with menu diving and prefer to have more controls laid out on the synth I like it because it packs in a lot of power to a small footprint and makes it portable for live performance. You soon become familiar where to find each parameter and realise that they are logically planned out.
All of the Elektron machines are the same size and have screw holes on the side which allows you to stack them using side panel stands.
For those with modular/semi modular gear, the A4 has CV sequencer which I believe is pretty diverse and can be set to V/Oct or Hz/V. This is something that I haven't used yet.
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185
A solid feature packed analogue drum machine with pads.
The Analog Rytm is another well conceived instrument from Elektron. I have only had it a short time but so far I am finding that it really does pack a punch. With 8 analogue voices that are optimised for drum sounds and the ability to upload samples of any type along with a range of effects and processing the possibilities are only as small as your imagination. Depressing when the lowest common denominator is your own ability!
Some really cool performance controls using aftertouch on the pads and scene mode helps you easily create variations.
One of my favourite features of the black series of Elektron machines is their sequencer. I love how it allows you to get into micro timing of patterns which on the Rytm can get some wonky beats flowing. This intricacy is something you miss on the machine drum when you go back to it.
This is yet another deep instrument that is hard to review concisely! Worth trying one out if you can.
185
An amazing instrument that is the brain of my hardware set up.
The Octatrack took me several months to get my head around. As my first step sequencer, first sampler and first piece of Elektron gear it was probably not the easiest one to start with but once I cracked the work flow it quickly became the backbone of what is now my hardware only live electronic set up. The sampler element of the machine has a deep set of features that allow you to take recorded sounds to very interesting places you might not go with other machines or even with software. On top of the crazy sample mangling ability of this machine it also has an 8 track midi sequencer that allows you to programme any other hardware that you may own.
As I use the OT along with quite a few other pieces of equipment, including other Elektron boxes, I have developed a workflow that doesn't require me to dig too deep when performing. All of my needs are met and more with the current feature set of the OT however I understand those more advanced users have features that they would love for Elektron to implement. Knowing the company though I am sure that over time they will continue to develop this classy machine.
2532
Great review, and welcome to Equipboard!
I've been considering the OT for a while now, but I'm worried I won't get on with the Elektron workflow. You mention that you use other Elektron boxes as well; would you recommend any of them as a better starting point for their gear?
185
Thanks simfonik!
I found learning the OT initially a very frustrating process to go through but I did it like a 5 year old who didn't need/read the instructions. Once I got past loading samples, setting up projects, setting up the midi options and understanding the differences between the different machines I started flying and coming up with really cool jams. It really informs the style of writing now. There are some amazing tutorial videos from a bunch of helpful super users that are worth watching before you make the decision. Also worth checking out http://www.elektronauts.com/ for other user opinions.
In terms of other elektron gear, if you have modular stuff then I'd recommend the Analog 4 so you can use the CV sequencer. It is also a really capable 4 track anaolgue synth, each one can be sequenced separately or you can play it as a 4 note polyphonic synth. I love it in combination with the OT.
2532
I tend to get acquainted with new gear in that same way, just jumping in and seeing where I can go. From the little time I spent with a Machinedrum at a shop, I got the impression that I'd need to get pretty intimate with the manual before fully understanding its capabilities (and having fun with it). It seemed like the OT would probably be the same kind of learning curve, which isn't necessarily a turn off. Of the people I've talked to who have one, they've pretty much echoed what you said about it informing their writing style. That's good to know.
The Analog 4 looks amazing, especially with the CV sequencer. I didn't know you could sequence it as a 4 track (assuming multitimbral?) synth – that's really attractive!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these!