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Average Price: $2,089

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$150

$601+

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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII, the ultimate fusion of drum machine and sequencer. This powerhouse of rhythm and sound sculpting offers a playground for DJs and producers alike, providing a unique blend of dynamic 12-bit sampling and versatile drum synthesis. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, let this drum machine be your muse.

The Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII is more than just a rhythm box; it's a comprehensive tool for sound design. With its four distinctive drum synthesis methods, you can craft a wide array of percussive sounds that are as unique as your artistic vision. The onboard sequencer isn't just for arranging beats; it allows for intricate control over both internal sounds and external MIDI gear, making it an invaluable asset for any electronic setup.

Designed with creativity in mind, the Machinedrum boasts an intuitive interface that invites experimentation. The machine's extensive effects system, including resonant multi-mode filters and LFOs, enables endless sound-shaping possibilities. Use the 2.5MB sample memory to inject your own samples into your compositions, adding depth and character to your beats. With its robust MIDI capabilities, the Machinedrum can easily become the heart of your performance, controlling other gear with precision.

For those who live to innovate and push the boundaries of sound, the Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII is your ticket to rhythmic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Four original drum synthesis methods
  • Dynamic 12-bit sampling with 2.5MB sample memory
  • 64-step and 16-track sequencer
  • Extensive MIDI control for external gear
  • 16-part effect system with stereo master effects
  • Six audio outputs and two audio inputs
  • Intuitive interface with a large backlit LCD
  • Full real-time control with parameter locking capabilities

Product specs

Brand Elektron
Model Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII
Finish Silver
Year 2007 - 2010
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

What sound synthesis capabilities does the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII offer?

The Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII features four unique MD synths, providing a wide range of digital drum and percussion sounds. It allows for extensive sound shaping and manipulation, catering to diverse electronic music styles.

How many patterns and songs can the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII store?

The Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII can store up to 128 patterns and 32 songs, enabling complex compositions and extensive live performance setups.

Does the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII support MIDI integration?

Yes, the Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, facilitating seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs.

How many voices of polyphony does the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII have?

The Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII offers 16 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich and layered drum sequences without voice stealing.

What type of effects can be applied to tracks on the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII?

The Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII features five individual track effects, including delay, reverb, and EQ, allowing for dynamic sound processing and creative sound design.

MusicMagTV

MusicMagTV

mmag.ru: Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII video review and demo

Video thumbnail for mmag.ru: Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII video review and demo by MusicMagTV

mmag.ru: Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII video review and demo

MusicMagTV

MusicMagTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique drum synthesis techniques for diverse sound creation

  • Powerful sequencer allows detailed parameter control on each step

  • 16 LFOs per synthesis engine enable deep sound customization

  • Versatile connectivity with external control and internal triggering options

  • Robust construction and design for long-term use

  • CTRL ALL feature offers advanced experimental possibilities

CONS

  • Requires time to learn and master its complex features

  • Synthesizing drum sounds can be time-consuming compared to using samples

  • May require additional tweaking to achieve "FAT" sounds

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII.

Features and functionality

  • The Machinedrum's sequencer is considered limited by some users, requiring extra effort to achieve desirable sounds and often needing external tools like MegaCommand Live.

    Source
  • MK2 offers balanced outputs, improving audio quality over MK1's output configuration.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners view the Machinedrum as unique in sound and believe it will appreciate in value, contrasting with alternatives like the Digitakt for affordability and ease of use.

    Source

User experience

  • The Machinedrum is described as a "massive cave" of potential sounds, requiring extensive exploration to uncover valuable tones, which might not appeal to all users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While the Machinedrum excels in creating experimental sounds, users looking for straightforward techno beats might find it less convenient compared to simpler, more direct alternatives.

    Source
  • The Machinedrum's delay effect is particularly praised, adding value for users seeking strong delay capabilities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners frequently debate selling the Machinedrum due to its high resale value, especially when financial constraints impact gear decisions.

    Source

Build quality

  • MK1 models have taller builds, loose jacks, and inferior buttons compared to MK2, posing potential durability issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • MK2 models feature easily replaceable battery clips, unlike MK1's soldered batteries, simplifying maintenance.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • MK1 supports 64 steps via MegaCMD, enhancing its sequencer capabilities despite original limitations.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 40 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
m_thirteen

Changed the way i worked with drums

I owned this for about 10 years. It was amazing, then i bought a Digitakt to essentially replace it as my central controller machine. I decided that i didn’t have time to synthesise my own drum sounds, preferring to work with samples, though I have also added the MFB Tanzbar 2 to my set up (i swapped the Machinedrum for the Tanzbar 2). The Machinedrum also has some interesting additional controlling features (CTRL ALL etc) which i never got my head around but are supposedly very powerful tools for experimenting.

shaunwinston

Went Shopping for a Pomeranium, Came Out With a Pitbull

Thanks Elektron, for converting my generic desire for a simple drum machine, into an addiction to the drum monster users call: the Machinedrum. The heart of this beast is in the sequencer. Parameter lock any parameter, on any step, and the result is an extremely fluid and and creative drum machine. Just try to take a guess at how many onboard LFOs in this machine... 16 per synthesis engine! Sweet Jesus, what a load of intricate customizations in a single machine. On top of that, there are effects engines, external control, internal triggering, and the list just goes on. Wanna spice things up? Send an LFO out to control anything you can plug your cables into. The Machinedrum is sure to put hair on your chest and increase your shoe size, folks, you'll see not many beat this machine.

gchiaren

That's a great review. What style of music do you make with it? I definitely wanna get a hardware drum machine at some point, you make a good case for this one. I wonder how it compares with the Roland TR-8 though...

shaunwinston

Thanks man. Electro pop is what I like to write, but Machinedrum is the ultimate tool for helping users to create those tough-to-imagine-at-first kind of beats. Dangerous IDM sounds, feedback noise generation, and then everything traditional. I would consider the Machinedrum over any other because it's that one instrument that I have that contains all of its competitors inside and more. The Roland TR sounds can be found in seconds, but machine drum allows you to do much more. Here's a fun video for you, this guy is great at exploring the depth of the Machinedrum: http://youtu.be/LtxX0VEpMSI

shaunwinston

@gchiaren

gchiaren

Ok, good to know, thanks for the comparison to the Roland TR-8. Very cool video, this definitely makes me want one :)

shaunwinston

@gchiaren me too. Just very "different" and capable. Thats what sold me!

noize_guerilla_subalot

Great drum machine/midi controller

Diffrent synthesis types, switchable for all 16 channels + 16 midi channels which can send 3 notes each at a time. I love this machine. One thing I noticed ( as I own the Analog Rytm too) is, that you need some time to tweak the sounds to get them sounding FAT. The opposite to the Analog Rytm where you get instant FAT sounds. But the Machinedrum is a tool I wouldn't want to miss in my productions.

tape_ghost

Superb and flexible drum machine. Capable of far more than any other traditional drum machine

The machinedrum features multiple different drum synthesis techniques and a range of onboard lfos, effects, envelops, and sequencing features that allow for hours and hours of exploration.

patchpierre

Already a classic

One of the best drummachines on the market now...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Elektron

"With the Monomachine and the Machinedrum you can have a drastically different sound per note, yet following a coherent train of thought."

See how Thom Yorke uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via YouTube

Thom Yorke can be seen using the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 in this video of his performance at Big Chill Festival in 2010, during the song "The Gloaming." Right at the start of the video, he looks to be messing with the Machinedrum, which is situated on the right side of the piano.

See how Boys Noize uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Musicradar

"For me, Elektron produces the most futuristic machines. The Machinedrum is my favourite by far! It's so easy and fun to program amazing sounds and patterns that just sound different to all the generic electro house and dubstep beats that I really can’t stand. For example, I love when the kick drum changes within the track, not the sound, more the frequencies or the filter."

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

In an article on Kreativsound titled "Chemical Brothers – Tom Rowlands – In Studio," it is mentioned that The Chemical Brothers used the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII to explore a more instinctive approach in their music production process.

See how Autechre uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Elektronauts

Incredibly lush sound. Digital but warm, deep and very open ended. The Machinedrum has bass, it really delivers. I've made some of the lushest kick drums on it; they really cut through a rig in a live situation. The physical modelling in the Machinedrum is really odd and unique I think. Very useable, way better than the standard set you hear everywhere. I’m also having a lot of fun with the RAM machines in the Machinedrum UserWave. Done tons of stuff with them and I still see loads of potential for new applications. The Machinedrum is also the tightest sequencer we've got in here.

See how Anthony Gonzalez uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Anthony Gonzalez

Guitarist, Composer

M83

...
Verified via Photo

In this promotional article from Elektron's official site, Anthony describes why he loves the Elektron Machinedrum - "Rhythm is very important to my music but different songs require different approaches. Some songs sound better with real drums only, other ones need electronic sounds only and sometimes a combination of the Machinedrum and a real drummer is the best option. I usually play the Machinedrum in real time, tapping the trig keys, and then sequence sounds on top of that rhythm. The EFM machines are my favorites. They have such a clear sound."

See how Richard Devine uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MusicTech Studio Tour video, Richard Devine is seen using the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII at 13:33.

See how Andrew VanWyngarden uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Andrew VanWyngarden

Singer, Guitarist

MGMT

...
Verified via EMusician

Simply, at the bottom of this crazy cool article is a list of gear the used on their self titled album, and the Machindrum is right down in there.

See how Nosaj Thing uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Nosaj Thing

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken from an xlr8r article, you can see Nosaj Thing's Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII.

See how cEvin Key uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

In Subconscious Studios, cEvin Key utilizes the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Vitalic uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Vitalic

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Vitalic Studio Tour with Future Music" video by MusicRadar Tech on YouTube, Vitalic discusses the unique sound of the Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII, describing it as having "its own color."

See how Thomas Gold uses Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII

Thomas Gold

Music Producer

Thomas Gold and Chriss Ortega

...
Verified via YouTube

"When I did the toms, I used the Machinedrum, one of my favorite piece of gear at the moment, and the drums sound like this... and I just used here... you see the buttons? These are the three sounds, and I just tuned them in a certain way so they fit to the bass and they fit together like a melody... and the good thing is you can really go here and tune the single drums... and make them sound like a chord..." (1:41)

Album Usage

The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII 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-1UW MKII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
3
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
2
Genelec 1031A
Genelec 1031A Active & Passive Monitors
2
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
2
Korg MS-20
Korg MS-20 Synthesizers
2
Elektron Analog Four
Elektron Analog Four Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
2

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