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Average Price: $1,193
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Description
The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI stands as a celebrated relic in the world of electronic music production, seamlessly bridging the gap between digital precision and analog warmth. Built with the versatility to cater to both aspiring producers and seasoned veterans, this drum machine offers a quadruple-threat of percussion synthesizers. With its intuitive interface, the Machinedrum allows artists to explore a vast sonic landscape, from the iconic TRX engine that emulates the legendary 808 and 909 drum machines, to the PI engine that brings acoustic drum models to life.
This machine's eight real-time control knobs put the power of sound sculpting in your hands, while the built-in sequencer, featuring both Classic and Extended modes, offers seamless control over your rhythms. Whether you're crafting complex patterns or experimenting with new sounds, the Machinedrum's robust capabilities make it an indispensable tool in any setup. Its enduring appeal has won the hearts of influential artists like The Knife and Chemical Brothers, ensuring its legacy in the annals of electronic music.
Indulge in the nostalgia of this discontinued masterpiece and elevate your productions with a piece of music history. The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI is more than just a drum machine; it's a gateway to creative exploration.
Key Features:
- Four individual percussion synthesizers
- TRX engine for classic 808 and 909 sounds
- PI engine for physical modeling of acoustic drums
- Eight real-time control knobs
- Built-in sequencer with Classic and Extended modes
- Widely used by iconic artists in the electronic music scene
Product specs
| Brand | Elektron |
| Model | Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2001 - 2007 |
| Categories | Drum Machines, Sequencers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
| Polyphony | 16 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI use?
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The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI utilizes digital synthesis to produce its drum sounds, offering a wide range of electronic percussion options.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI support?
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The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI supports 16 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered drum patterns.
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Does the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible gear.
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How many pads are available on the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI?
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The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI is equipped with 16 pads, providing a versatile interface for programming drum sequences.
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Is the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its robust sequencing capabilities and real-time control options, the Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI is well-suited for live electronic music performances.
Videos
VoltageCtrlRtv
Elektron Machinedrum MK1 | Sketch 02 & 03
Elektron Machinedrum MK1 | Sketch 02 & 03
VoltageCtrlRtv
Elektron Machinedrum MK1 | Sketch 00 - 01 | IDM // TECHNO
VoltageCtrlRtv
Reviews
PROS
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Revolutionary parameter locks enhance creativity
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Ctrl-All feature offers unparalleled control
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Sampling capability with UW version for audio mangling
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Highly unique and endlessly tweakable drum machines
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Versatile drum synthesis with 4 distinct chips, including Roland TR series emulation
CONS
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Limited to 2 Bars in each pattern on MKI version
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Sound can be a bit digital, especially for kick drums
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI.
Use cases and applications
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The MKI excels in studio environments where live drum part mixing with mute channels and MIDI out is crucial.
Source
User experience
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The MK1 power supply issues are noted, with general aging concerns affecting reliability over time.
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Owners find the MK1's sounds polarizing; some appreciate its flexibility while others feel the sounds quickly become stale.
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Pattern chaining and song mode can mitigate the 32-step limitation for users familiar with sequencing workarounds.
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The MKI is noted to be particularly sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), requiring careful handling.
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Comparisons
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The MK1's delay effect is praised for its quality, contrasting with critiques of its overall sound flexibility.
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Sampling on the MKII UW+ is 12 bits mono, ideal for gritty textures rather than transparent sampling, better suited for an Octatrack or MPC.
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The MKII offers additional features like 64 steps, UW sampling, and +Drive, making it a more versatile option than the MKI for a slightly higher price.
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Features and functionality
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With MegaCMD, the MK1's step limitation can be expanded, transforming it into a more versatile groove box.
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Balanced outputs on the MK1 are a significant hardware advantage, enhancing audio quality and studio use.
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The MD's filter settings, modulation, and parameter locks provide extensive sound-shaping opportunities, requiring time and experimentation for optimal results.
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The Machinedrum's 6 outputs offer significant flexibility for studio mixing, despite losing some FX capabilities.
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The MKI's 32-step sequencer is limiting compared to the MKII's 64 steps, affecting sequencing possibilities and creative flexibility.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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MK1 models may have looser jacks and are taller than other Elektron devices, which could impact portability and integration into existing setups.
Source
Mods and upgrades
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings
283
Game Changer!
This was my first piece of Elektron gear and it got me hooked. It's probably the most creative and inspiring piece of gear I own. The parameter locks were revolutionary at the time (and still is) and the actual drum machines are incredibly unique and fascinating, and endlessly tweakable. The Ctrl-All machine/effect is insane. Like, there's nothing like it on any other piece of equipment (except on the Monomachine). Also I have the UW version of this which meant it was capable of sampling and mangling audio too kind of like a early version of the Octatrack. The only downside of the MKI version was the limit to 2 Bars in each pattern, as opposed to the MKII's 4 Bar patterns. Other than that, this is truly an amazing drum machine.
3582
Machinedrum was the best Drummachine
The best drum machine I ever owned, at least until I bought a Analog Rytm. Expensive but it opened up a complete new world to me at the time. The idea of dedicated "machines" combined with parameter locks per step was great. The sound was at times bit digital, especially for kicks but perfectly fine for higher pitched sounds (snares, hihats...). The inclusion of User Waves (UW) and more memory made it even slightly better. Buying second hand, I'd look out for a UW Mk-II version... If only they would add these machines back into the Analog Rytm!
231
best drumsynth ever
highly versatile drumsynth with 4 different chips to create drums with, roland's tr series included
Artist usage
Add artist
Philip Selway is confirmed to use the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI, as evidenced by a photo from the King of Limbs newspaper where he is seen playing it, suggesting its use on that album. Additionally, a late-2006 photo from the recording of "In Rainbows" also shows a Machinedrum, which may be the same unit. This is distinct from the SPS-1 UW model that Thom Yorke has used since around 2010.
In the article, she states: "Es sieht zu Beginn meistens so aus dass ich mich an den ARP setze und Holger irgendein ein anderes Gerät bedient und wir zu Beats der Elektron Machinedrum oder der TR-808 verschiedene Lines ausprobieren und improvisieren." The article dates from 2002, the SPS1 MkI was released in 2001.
"So if we jump forward to the present day, to inaugurate Elektron’s Grammofon label you’ve created a three-track EP using the Analog Rytm. How did that come about? Were you already using Elektron gear or did they approach you?
Andy: We’re friends with one of the Elektron guys and he suggested it.
Ed: We’d used Machinedrums years ago but the Analog range really appealed to offset our completely digital setup, especially live. We were honoured to be asked – they are incredible instruments."
The Elektron Machinedrum has great sounds and feel. I use it all the time. I enjoy the control of individual sounds.
Use it both live and studio as main drum machine
their core gear is still limited to only a few key elements: Steinberg Cubase, the Swedish-made Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1, Native Instruments FM7 soft synth, Casio RP-1 Rapman synth, Roland SH-101 synth and the Boss Voice Transformer. That voice transformer adds the gender-bending effects to Karin's voice that has become a trademark for the act
Album Usage
The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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