Elektron Musical Instruments

> I'm contemplating a Machinedrum, but I have a couple questions:
> 
> 1. When recording parameter locks, can you do realtime
> recording so that you can turn a knob 
> while the pattern plays and record a series of pattern lock values?

Yes


> 2. How well does the Machinedrum work as a sound source when
> controlled by MIDI controllers? 
> For example, how much can you control via note velocity?

It works fairly well. There is room for improvement here, particularly
in the area of playing the machinedrum from drum pads. Right now, for
example, the velocity to volume ratio is fixed, and there's no way to
assign velocity to pitch. Likewise you also can't use an external
hihat's CC controls to modify the decay on a hat.

> 3. Has anyone done a comparison between the Machinedrum and
> the Waldorf Rack Attack?

Yes. Apples and oranges. The machinedrum has a much more lively organic
sound, feel, and function. It's pattern system is the best. You'll be up
and making cool sounds in less than a day. But the RackAttack offers a
mod matrix, and a very high degree of programmability. It has more
variety of effects, but they can not be connected serially (distortion
at the filter stage though). Actually, together, the two units would
make a great combination. It's really a coin toss as to which is better
for your first. 

It's actually very simple: if you want a machinedrum, you'll have no
choice but to buy the Elektron!

-m@