Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $327
Budget/Beginner
$399
$900+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Elektron Model:Cycles". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds with the Elektron Model:Cycles, a 6-track FM-based groovebox designed to ignite your sonic imagination. Whether you're in the studio or on the go, this lightweight yet powerful instrument empowers you to craft intricate rhythms and melodies with its intuitive, hands-on controls. The heart of Model:Cycles lies in its six unique Machines, each offering a distinct palette of percussive and melodic sounds that can be molded to create rich, full compositions.
Model:Cycles’ interface is streamlined for instant creativity, featuring 12 dedicated knobs that allow for deep sound manipulation. These controls are not just for show—they invite you to explore the outer realms of sound design, offering surprising and delightful results. Stray as far as you dare into sonic exploration, knowing you can always bring it back to harmony. Its robust 64-step sequencer lets you record live or program each note and parameter to perfection, making it an essential tool for both live performances and studio sessions.
The beauty of Model:Cycles is its ability to balance complexity with accessibility, making the world of FM synthesis approachable for both beginners and seasoned pros. With features like velocity-sensitive pads and an assignable LFO per track, this groovebox is as versatile as it is fun.
Key Features:
- 6 FM-based Machine engines for diverse sound creation
- 6 Audio tracks, usable as MIDI tracks as well
- 12 dedicated knobs for intricate sound manipulation
- 4 Machine-specific controls: color, shape, sweep, contour
- 96 Projects and 96 Patterns per project
- Delay and reverb send FX
- Real-time and grid recording of notes and parameters
- Storage for up to 60,000 presets
- Class compliant USB audio 2.0
- Includes power supply, USB cable, and MIDI adapter
Owner's manual
Elektron Model:Cycles User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Synthesizer with Sequencer |
| Internal Sound Engine | Digital FM Synthesis, Assignable LFO |
| Screen | 128 x 64 Pixel LCD |
| Pads | 6 x Velocity-sensitive Pads |
| Sounds | 6 x Engines: Kick, Snare, Metal, Perc, Tone, Chord |
| Presets | 96 x Projects, 96 x Patterns per Project, Up to 60,000 Presets |
| Sequencer | 6-track (audio/MIDI), 64-step |
| Effects | Delay, Reverb |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (main out) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A/B (in), 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A/B (out/thru) |
| Software | Elektron Transfer |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.11 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 SP1 or later |
| Power Source | 5V DC power supply (included) / Battery Expansion Slots (future option) |
| Height | 1.6" |
| Width | 7.1" |
| Depth | 10.7" |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Elektron Model:Cycles use?
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The Elektron Model:Cycles utilizes digital FM synthesis to create a wide range of sounds, from percussive hits to melodic tones, allowing for intricate sound sculpting.
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How many tracks can the Elektron Model:Cycles sequence simultaneously?
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The Elektron Model:Cycles features a 6-track sequencer, enabling users to sequence both audio and MIDI tracks for complex compositions.
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Are the pads on the Elektron Model:Cycles velocity-sensitive?
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Yes, the Elektron Model:Cycles includes 6 velocity-sensitive pads, providing dynamic control over your performance and sound expression.
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What kinds of sound engines are available on the Elektron Model:Cycles?
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The Elektron Model:Cycles offers six unique sound engines: Kick, Snare, Metal, Perc, Tone, and Chord, each designed for creating distinct rhythmic and melodic elements.
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Does the Elektron Model:Cycles include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Elektron Model:Cycles is equipped with built-in delay and reverb effects, enhancing the depth and texture of your sound creations.
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Can the Elektron Model:Cycles be powered by batteries?
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While the Elektron Model:Cycles includes a 5V DC power supply, it also features battery expansion slots for future battery-powered operation.
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Is the Elektron Model:Cycles compatible with both Mac and PC?
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Yes, the Elektron Model:Cycles is compatible with Mac OS X 10.11 or later and Windows 7 SP1 or later, allowing for seamless integration with your computer setup.
Videos
loopop
Elektron Model Cycles Review, full tutorial and 7 tips and tricks
Reviews
PROS
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Incredibly fun and intuitive, encourages live performance tweaking
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Unique sound generation capabilities, offering a wide sonic palette
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Powerful Elektron sequencing with features like parameter locks and probability
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Versatile connectivity, including iPad integration for expanded functionality
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Solid build quality, despite being made of plastic
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Highly portable, potentially enhancing with future powerbank handle attachment
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Excellent for both beginners and professionals due to its deep yet accessible features
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Can serve as a drum machine, melodic synth, and ambient sound generator
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Encourages creativity with limitations that foster outside-the-box thinking
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Offers great value for its price, providing features found in more expensive units
CONS
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Some users find the "Metal" machine sound generator limited and less useful
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Certain knobs and pads may have inconsistent feel or quality across units
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Learning curve present, with a necessity to explore to uncover its full potential
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Sound may be too digital and metallic for some tastes, particularly the snares
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Interface and sequencing might be initially complex for new users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elektron Model:Cycles.
User experience
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Owners appreciate the streamlined interface for creating FM-ish sounds and drums, but some plan to upgrade to a Syntakt for more features.
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Owners report that slowing down Loopop's tutorial videos helps understand button functions, aiding in mastering the Model:Cycles' complex operations.
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Some owners find the Cycles' pads hard to trigger and miss having keyboard hints, which could improve playability.
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Use cases and applications
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Arthur Fauveau, a noted producer, offers Model:Cycles project files on Patreon, which are valuable for deconstructive learning, especially for Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada covers.
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Users find it challenging to achieve satisfactory hi-hat and snare sounds, preferring to focus on kicks, percussion, and tone machines for unique soundscapes.
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Users find the Cycles effective for adding unique noises and FM sounds to setups, particularly when combined with other gear like the MPC One.
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Owners have successfully created music akin to Radiohead and Aphex Twin, particularly noting the drum possibilities.
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Features and functionality
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The live recording feature is praised for its highly accurate MIDI note capture, enhancing sequencing workflow.
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The Model:Cycles operates without a separate controller and contains built-in sounds, focusing on FM synthesis rather than sampling.
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The Cycles heavily relies on its sequencer; less ideal for those seeking advanced FM synthesis but excellent for quick sound creation.
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Each of the six channels can be assigned different sound types, allowing flexibility in sound assignment and step changes per track.
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Software and compatibility
Value and pricing
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It's reported that the Model:Cycles can be acquired used for as low as $150-$250 USD, offering a cost-effective entry point into Elektron gear.
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Comparisons
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The Model:Cycles is described as a good introductory synth, especially for those seeking a knob-per-function layout, though it may present challenges for beginners.
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The Elektron Model:Cycles is less complex than the Digitone, with only 2 operators for FM synthesis, making it less suitable for deep FM sound design.
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The Model:Cycles offers a unique sound character with its FM engine, while the Model:Samples is more versatile due to sample loading capabilities.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings
1539
Bonkers FM groovebox
Have been curious about Elektron gear for a long time and actually owned an Analog Four for a second, but had to return it immediately because I realized what a huge financial mistake I made, so didn't get much time with it. That being said, they're finally making entry-level gear with the "Model:" series, and for $300 (or less, if you can find a used one), this has insane bang for your buck value and has me itching to upgrade to it's big brother, the Digitone - not because this is insufficient, but just because it sounds so great! It makes FM synthesis a breeze to program, and although you do run into certain limitations, they're not deal-breaker limitations and more like limitations that encourage you to think outside the box. My programming style is maybe not as ultra-complex as others', but the combination of Elektron's advanced sequencer and incredibly versatile sound can definitely be pushed to outrageous limits. On a unit this affordable it's a godsend, especially when I live in a house with a family where my studio is rather isolated from them in the basement, and something portable I can be creative with in other areas of the house is a necessity... Parts of the house with, you know, windows... and less sewage odor wafting up from the drain... and people...
26711
These things are only $300?!?
Fun and immediately satisfying groove box
Elektron sequencing is incredibly fun. It's very intuitive and encourages performance tweaking. This little box does a ton for little money if you learn how to use it. I wish the screen was a little bigger and it had some higher quality knobs, but for the price it's hard to beat. You could do a whole gig with just this box.
77
An amazing groovebox for the price.
Seemingly limitless options on this thanks to the tweakability of each individual instrument and the ability to layer monophonic and polyphonic synths. Easy effortless live recording and quantization. Wildly tone dynamic for a drum machine of any kind, this is more like a drum machine and a synth had a baby and everyone loves it.
Artist usage
Add artist
Richard Devine shows off some of his sequences with the Elektron Model Cycles on launch day.
You can tell that it's a model:cycles due to the fact that the knob to the left of the screen is blue. If this were a model:samples, that knob would've been orange.
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 Model:Cycles, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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