Elektron Musical Instruments

Once upon a time, james.d.stark wrote:

jds> I'm interested in getting one, but I have a few concerns. Here goes:

Hi James, hope I can help.

jds> - Max 32 songs, max 64? kits, max patterns? Can these be backed
jds> up and saved somehow, and loaded back in? I have an electribes
jds> ES-1 which I've already filled up over 2 machines worth of
jds> patterns. I can do this because it can load pattern/song data
jds> from memory card.

Yes, I also own the Electribe ES-1, and an EA-1.  MachineDrum does not
back up to SmartCard like the ES-1 does, but it *does* handle backups
via SysEx like the EA-1 does.

In fact, I have created an Emagic SoundDiver Adaptation to handle
slot-specific save and restore functionality, if you use that
application as a MIDI librarian. Also, with the help of Elektron's
incredible support staff, I am also in the process of developing a
standalone editor for MachineDrum that will be even more flexible and
useful when it comes to backing up your data.


jds> - Any shaker/tamb/organic sounds? I know this is a digital synth
jds> machine, but are there any good shaker or tamborine sounds? I use
jds> those quite regularly and it would be a shame to have to use
jds> outboard gear for them.

I like the tamb in the E-12 kit, but usually end up mangling the
track into something alien!  Shakers are plentiful between the E12 and
PI machines, especially with the amount of tweaking you can do to each
of the machine tracks.

To an outsider reading the available names of "sounds" in the
MachineDrum, it may seem as if this thign is limited in what it can
produce.  However, once you try it out and see how far you can push
each individual machine with the parameters available, you will
understand the full potential of this machine.


jds>  Also good non-digital sounding snares are
jds> hard to come by. I know it wasn't designed to make these sounds,
jds> but maybe the physical modeling or SP12 synth has some?

The MachineDrum has the best of both worlds. But, like you said - this
is a digital synth, not a sample-playback device. If you are looking
for true real-world sounds, I would suggest a good sample library to
compliment the MD. That's not to say that you wouldn't be happy with
JUST an MD, but it sounds like you also want access to some sounds
that might just not be to your liking with a synth-based module.


jds> -Effects what the hell is a 1-band eq, is it parametric? If so
jds> why not call it that?

Because its better than just allowing you to specify a frequency
bypass. It also allows adjustment to the notch width and Q of the
filter. Kind of like a combo filter / EQ.  Its nice.

jds> I've heard the reverb is poor quality, i
jds> hope this isn't true. One of the reasons I don't like my
jds> electribes because the reverb effect is the absolute worst i've
jds> ever used, and I've used a lot.

If you want a true-life reverb, invest in the Waves TrueVerb or
AltiVerb software plugins... or even similar high-end hardware
counterparts like the Lexicon line.

I personally love the Electribe Reverb, simply because of it's
'other-worldly' sound...  but I wouldn't use it for all of my drum
sound, for sure.  Same goes with the MachineDrum...  its Reverb
algorithm is unique to the Machine.  Granted, it is not the end-all
be-all of reverbs, but it is very nice in certain situations.

When I want an ultra-realistic reverb, I usually just route one or
more of the tracks out the MachineDrum's multiple outputs into Logic
via a Live Input, and apply Waves TrueVerb.


jds> -Illumination In the past the displays appear orange. Now on the
jds> elektron the display appears to be red.

They are red.  Could be a photo quality issue, like you suggested -
but I only own, and have only seen, 1 unit...! :)


jds> I think thats all my concerns for now. Unless someone knows where
jds> i can get a good deal on a used one!

Try Ebay, though its only rarely I have seen one for sale there.
Also, keep an eye on this list - there have been a few for sale over
the past months.

Frankly, I can't see why anyone wouldn't love this machine.  It's one
of the most innovative pieces of rhythm hardware I have ever laid
hands on.  There isn't a time when I have used it that I haven't gone,
"Wow, that's awesome!"

I know I sound like an advertisement - but this device is really that
cool. Best of luck to you. If you want more info, just say the word...



----
Best regards,
Adam Watson

soundwithin
www.soundwithin.net