Elektron RYTM mk2 (advice please)

[cryophonik]

I'm pretty new to Elektron drum machines and scooped up some good deals on a Digitakt and Model: Cycles over the past few months (also have a DrumBrute Impact for analog drums). That probably sounds like a killer combo, but it's too many machines and I'd like to consolidate to one unit that can handle both analog drums and samples. More specifically, I'm looking for a drum machine that offers analog drums and the ability to import one shot samples from the billions I already have on my computer. I rarely, if ever, sample directly into drum machines, but it's a nice feature to have, I suppose, just not my preferred way to work. Also, I'm mostly interested in using it as a drum machine in the traditional sense, rather than an all-in-one groovebox.

On paper, the RYTM mk2 seems like a great option, but the demos I'm hearing aren't convincing me that I'd love the analog sounds. I'd like something that would cover everything from classic drum machines (808, 909, LinnDrum, etc.) to chillout stuff to industrial to house/trance, etc., but the demos I'm hearing aren't convincing me. Most of them are pretty experimental and seem to focus more on the synth and sampling side of the RYTM and using it as a groovebox, rather than showing off the range of the various drum engines. Any thoughts on how you think the RYTM would work for my needs?

Oh, and yes I've been checking out the Syntakt demos and it looks awesome, but it really doesn't seem like it fits my needs as closely as the RYTM mk2 does.

[Silaris]

I'm looking for a drum machine that offers analog drums and the ability to import one shot samples from the billions I already have on my computer. I rarely, if ever, sample directly into drum machines

Just be aware that the AR MK2's sample storage capacity is limited to the installed +Drive (about 1 GB).

Also, I'm mostly interested in using it as a drum machine in the traditional sense, rather than an all-in-one groovebox.

While full compositions can be completed on the AR MK2 (depending on genre), the Akai MPC (One or Live 2), NI Maschine+, or Roland MC-707 are more feasible options for an all-in-one groovebox. I own all four items, and find the AR MK2 rather limited without other devices. Furthermore, it is the most expensive of the four grooveboxes.

For your situation, the main shortfall of the MPC, Maschine+, and MC-707 is possibly the lack of true analog sounds. The MPC and Maschine+ have analog drum synth emulations, but they're not the main selling points of either device. If true analog is a strict criteria, definitely the AR MK2 is the way to go.

With that said, I do think the AR MK2 sounds great, especially when mixing the analog machines and samples, and is a lot of fun to operate. However, I prefer to use it in conjunction with one of the aforementioned devices or A4 MK2. YMMV.

[cryophonik]

Thanks for that input, it’s very helpful! I should’ve mentioned that I also have a Maschine mk3 (I’ve owned every version of Maschine since the mk1 was released). I like the Maschine, but I really like having the option to use my drum machines in standalone mode alongside my (currently 14!) hardware synths without being tethered to a computer.

[Silaris]

I have a Maschine MK2, and never used it much for the same reason. With the Maschine+, the MK2 probably never be removed from the box again, as it can work stand-alone or connect to the PC. Best of both worlds, but I only use it in stand-alone mode.

I mainly use the Maschine+ as the main sequencer in my studio for hardware synths. Based on your post, are you aware of the Maschine+? It does not need a PC to operate.

[cryophonik]

Yeah, I'm aware the Maschine+, but it's not something that interests me. I specifically want something that handles both analog drums and samples in one unit. I've been heavily invested in NI for well over a decade (Komplete, Komplete Kontrol, Maschine) but honestly, I'm thinking seriously about doing away with all of it since I find myself using their products less and less over time.

[DMG68]

I really like my AR2. You won’t get the exact 808/909 sounds out of it, but you can get a similar vibe once you put in the programming time. Classic drum samples work great with it, running them through the filter and drive is nice.

It’s an expensive machine though and you won’t know if you like it until you put a good amount of time into programming it, it took me a while. There isn’t much out there for showing how it works for classic sounds though, it is a lot more experimental stuff and you can’t tell what’s samples or the analog engine.

If you want the classic 808/909 sounds maybe think about the Roland TR-8S. Not analog, but it seems to sound great and handles the samples too. If you may want more variety and don’t need those exact sounds then the AR2 is an awesome machine. When you do want an exact 909 kick, or other sound, then you can always use a sample or 3.

[DMG68]

Here’s some stuff I did using the AR2 with more classic type sounds. I’m not pushing my videos, I’m basically done with music production these days anyways, just sharing this for you to hear.

[cryophonik]

I really like my AR2. You won’t get the exact 808/909 sounds out of it, but you can get a similar vibe once you put in the programming time. Classic drum samples work great with it, running them through the filter and drive is nice.

That's actually what I was hoping to hear. I don't necessarily need the exact 808/909 sounds, just something in the same ballpark from the analog engines, and of course supplemented with my own samples from Wave Alchemy, Samples from Mars, etc.

It’s an expensive machine though and you won’t know if you like it until you put a good amount of time into programming it, it took me a while. There isn’t much out there for showing how it works for classic sounds though, it is a lot more experimental stuff and you can’t tell what’s samples or the analog engine.

Yeah, that's been my experience as well - just not many people out there showing off its range in terms of classic drum sounds, so I really appreciate the demos you sent.

If you want the classic 808/909 sounds maybe think about the Roland TR-8S.

Yeah, I've actually given the TR-8S a good look a few times, but the workflow just doesn't seem to interest me as much as the Elektrons do.

Here’s some stuff I did using the AR2 with more classic type sounds. I’m not pushing my videos, I’m basically done with music production these days anyways, just sharing this for you to hear.

Thanks so much, that's exactly the side of the AR2 that I HAVEN'T been hearing from anyone, so it's good to see that end of its range. Are your drums all using the analog engines, or are there samples mixed in there as well?

[DMG68]

Glad those helped give you an idea of the sounds. They are fully analog, the sound effects and percussion type sounds too. If you go for it then keep in mind that you have to use the filter on the kick drums to clean them up, they have too much ‘tone’ otherwise, for me anyways. You can get some good variations just adjusting the filter envelope decay time and depth on the kicks, gotta find the sweet spots.

[cryophonik]

Thanks so much, I'm pretty sure you just pushed me over the edge!

[DMG68]

Well I hope you like it then. It’s a great machine, a few quirks, but all hardware has that. I haven’t regretted the purchase. You can PM me anytime if you have any questions about it. I’d do my best to assist.

[cryophonik]

I appreciate that! Oh, and I know you weren't fishing for compliments, but I really dig your tunes in the demos! Helpful AND entertaining me at work!

[Uncle E]

TR-8S's workflow is a bit strange but then so is the AR2's. MPC, Maschine, and Electribe are much better in this regard, IMO. Sound-wise, Jomox is the best (also Korg Volca Kick for just kicks), followed by Behringer (again, IMO).

[cryophonik]

Yes, lots of great options out there, but the AR2 is the only one I know of that ticks all of my boxes for a standalone machine that covers both analog and samples, and can replace my DrumBrute Impact, Digitakt, and (possibly) Model: Cycles with a single unit. Overbridge is a huge plus, too.




* I say "possibly" for the Cycles, because I may keep that one. I got it dirt cheap and it's compact enough to use it when I'm lounging on the couch, take it on a trip, etc.

[Uncle E]

Just don’t get the Model:Samples. It’s no good.