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Ikkini « The nerve center of my config »
Published on 08/19/11 at 03:45The OT has a stereo output jack (6.35 x 2), a cue output jack (6.35 x 2), a headphone jack, four jack inputs in 6.35, a MIDI input and output and a USB connection to transfer data on the card.
It is a very versatile machine that is both sampler (rythmes and loops), sequencer (internal and MIDI), digital mixer with effects.
The machine has eight audio tracks for each of these tracks you can choose to use the built-in sampler or audio input. There are two effects per track. The eighth track can be used as a master. It also has eight MIDI tracks to sequence plugins (notes, control changes, program change ...), and a powerful arpeggiator for each track.
The MIDI sequencer is polyphonic up to four vocals, we can also sequence any parameter, or use the LFO (up to 3 tracks, including eight fully editable) to control any parameter (Control change, arpeggiator ...).
The sampler for each track is monophonic, but again, we can sequence any parameters, apply up to 3 LFO. A lot of creative possibilities.
The LFOs can also control the effect parameters, really crazy when we begin to touch that!
UTILIZATION
The configuration is relatively simple given the opportunity. Reading the manual (or even two readings) will be essential to understand the logic of Elektron (unless you are already using the Machinedrum or Monomachine).
The manual is clear enough, it goes to the heart of the matter without repetition, so that's why we find ourselves revisiting the beginning several times.
A crossfader allows very fast access to all functional parameters. For live, it is essential to rely on it. It's a habit that I did not have, but once I got used to it, I can't do without!
Otherwise, access to parameters is rather simple in spite of the limited buttons and knobs. For interpretation, however, is much more difficult. In order to control each parameter, navigate to it ... When using the mixer page for Muter tracks, it becomes very cumbersome to change a setting. It was then that the use of the crossfader becomes indispensable.
SOUNDS
The machine sounds, no worries on that side. Be careful it does not address the samples in 24 bits, so a little cleaning in your old library will be indispensable!
The effects are of excellent workmanship. I was really surprised by the quality of filters and EQ ... This is not a toy, this machine sounds amazingly well.
No latency audio inputs, I use the OT to mix my synth hardware, a real treat!
OVERALL OPINION
I use the OT for 8 months, but I really got into it with the arrival of OS 1.0, it allowed me to familiarize myself with the machine and logic before heavy use. After the first time to get my bearings, I compose now very easy with it.
In my setup, it is central to everything. I use it as a drum machine with samples, I can add sound loops when I need it. I sequence my hardware synths with MIDI and I'm back in the audio mix for the machine internally. I have only one left / right to send the console to my lives. The dream!
Of course the machine can be improved and we are always aware that we are missing the little things ... For my part I would like to automate tempo changes or program changes ... But the Elektron team is listening to users and offers regular updates.
I bought this machine after it's debut in hardware (with RM1X as a sequencer), I spent quite a few years from a software sequencer (initially M Cycling 74 and Ableton Live), I wanted to return to a hardware configuration. I have extensively studied the issue and no brands offered a machine that matched all my expectations with the ability to do the same things (sampler, sequencer, mixer).
Now that I control the machine, I can't imagine parting with it. There are still some youth defects, but I am sure they will soon disappear!
It is a very versatile machine that is both sampler (rythmes and loops), sequencer (internal and MIDI), digital mixer with effects.
The machine has eight audio tracks for each of these tracks you can choose to use the built-in sampler or audio input. There are two effects per track. The eighth track can be used as a master. It also has eight MIDI tracks to sequence plugins (notes, control changes, program change ...), and a powerful arpeggiator for each track.
The MIDI sequencer is polyphonic up to four vocals, we can also sequence any parameter, or use the LFO (up to 3 tracks, including eight fully editable) to control any parameter (Control change, arpeggiator ...).
The sampler for each track is monophonic, but again, we can sequence any parameters, apply up to 3 LFO. A lot of creative possibilities.
The LFOs can also control the effect parameters, really crazy when we begin to touch that!
UTILIZATION
The configuration is relatively simple given the opportunity. Reading the manual (or even two readings) will be essential to understand the logic of Elektron (unless you are already using the Machinedrum or Monomachine).
The manual is clear enough, it goes to the heart of the matter without repetition, so that's why we find ourselves revisiting the beginning several times.
A crossfader allows very fast access to all functional parameters. For live, it is essential to rely on it. It's a habit that I did not have, but once I got used to it, I can't do without!
Otherwise, access to parameters is rather simple in spite of the limited buttons and knobs. For interpretation, however, is much more difficult. In order to control each parameter, navigate to it ... When using the mixer page for Muter tracks, it becomes very cumbersome to change a setting. It was then that the use of the crossfader becomes indispensable.
SOUNDS
The machine sounds, no worries on that side. Be careful it does not address the samples in 24 bits, so a little cleaning in your old library will be indispensable!
The effects are of excellent workmanship. I was really surprised by the quality of filters and EQ ... This is not a toy, this machine sounds amazingly well.
No latency audio inputs, I use the OT to mix my synth hardware, a real treat!
OVERALL OPINION
I use the OT for 8 months, but I really got into it with the arrival of OS 1.0, it allowed me to familiarize myself with the machine and logic before heavy use. After the first time to get my bearings, I compose now very easy with it.
In my setup, it is central to everything. I use it as a drum machine with samples, I can add sound loops when I need it. I sequence my hardware synths with MIDI and I'm back in the audio mix for the machine internally. I have only one left / right to send the console to my lives. The dream!
Of course the machine can be improved and we are always aware that we are missing the little things ... For my part I would like to automate tempo changes or program changes ... But the Elektron team is listening to users and offers regular updates.
I bought this machine after it's debut in hardware (with RM1X as a sequencer), I spent quite a few years from a software sequencer (initially M Cycling 74 and Ableton Live), I wanted to return to a hardware configuration. I have extensively studied the issue and no brands offered a machine that matched all my expectations with the ability to do the same things (sampler, sequencer, mixer).
Now that I control the machine, I can't imagine parting with it. There are still some youth defects, but I am sure they will soon disappear!