Elektron Octatrack DPS1 Sampler
"The Elektron Machinedrum, Elektron Octatrack and the [Roland] Jupiter-6 are my favourite hardware machines." "...right now, also, one... more
"The Elektron stuff is always on and always getting some action, particulary the Octatrack wich is (...) probably one of the most revolut... more
Richard Devine has the Elektron Octatrack on the floor of his Euro rack modular synth corner of his North Carolina-based studio. An image... more
“I do love the Octatrack. I’m not a big fan of using a laptop on stage myself. I’m not opposed to it, I just never felt like I could figu... more
Reviews
Trusted musician and artist reviews for Elektron Octatrack DPS1 Sampler
Based on 16 Reviews
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.
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?
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.
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!
Best bit of kit I own!!!
It's great for making crazy techno loops and gave my synths a new lease of life when I started sequencing them with it. And it capable of so so much, it's the centre of my setup.
Really getting into it.
wow... i've had this thing for several years and didn't really like it too much. But now really opening it up and getting into it. Massive capabilities.
Unnecessary complexity leads to unfathomable outcomes.
This thing sat on my desk, testing my patience for a year and a half. I just could not wrap my head around even the basics of this thing. So I gave it one more try before throwing it in the ocean. 6 weeks later I had about 40 song ideas. I still have almost no idea how some aspects of it work and honestly I see no reason why anyone would make something so unnecessarily counter-intuitive. I'm really big on simplicity and in that department this is a total disaster. However: it is very powerful and allows you to do things that I've never seen anywhere else except Ableton, so... I love it I hate it. *If you buy one search reddit for the "Merlin guide to Octatrack".
One of the best pieces of equipment you can own.
The Octatrack is a beast. You can sample/loop/effect/mangle audio to your heart's content with this box. You can use it as the heart of your live setup, you can use it in the studio to create music, you can use it as a live looper. The Octatrack is definitely worth its high price of entry.
Sound From Space
When you take the time to really delve into this magical box you'll see it holds layers upon layers of crazyness. Only thing I'd say I would've liked to see added is the extension of more midi parts per bank. With only 8 (audio) tracks it would be nice to have 16 parts to accompany the 16 patterns per bank. It's the hart of my 'Analog Kitchen' live setup and also the hub for my Minitaur basslines. It also serves as a Mono to Stereo in/out for the Minitaur by adding some fx and routing it to the cue outs.
Best!
Bestest sampler that i know... MIDI sequencer... Real live performance machine - real time effects, parameter locks...
The best at what it does
pre-ordered as my first Elektron box and got it in 2011, and was not disappointed. I actually don't like sampling with it all that much, but prefer to mangle my existing sample library with it and use it as a central mixing station and hub to route audio between my other gear.
Elektron Octatrack DPS1 Sampler
just got one a few weeks ago and still thinking its one of the best Elektron Octatrack DPS1 Sampler
It's the future! Omg ths sampler is awesome! Great tool for recording(synth lines) on the fly while live-setting and messing up samples BIG TIME.
Great Sampler. the possibilities are sheer endless, I got basslines out of snare samples which make your nosewalls flatter. Very creative tool, but in my opinion it took the most time of all elektron instruments to get used to, as it is so diffrent. 4 inputs which I myself use in livesets (Analog Rytm takes 2 ins, + 2 mono synths). When you have a few synths this can really multiply your possibilities in a logarythmic way... chorus,delay,flanger,bitcrusher,distortion ... all those effects can be used with the octatrack... on the inputs or on the internal tracks. The delay is very nice.