Analog Rhythm MK2 or Syntakt?

[Trancer]

I currently have a TR8S and I'm very happy with it.

But, I would like to add another more analog bar / groovebox.

At first I was thinking of the Analog Rhythm MK2, but since the release of Syntakt I have wondered about the relevance of taking the Analog Rhythm MK2.

Since the Syntakt has four analog tracks from the Analog Rhythm MK2.

I suspect that the Syntakt is less powerful and has fewer possibilities.

But the Elektron sound is there and especially their excellent sequencer.

Of course learning is always required at Elektron but with a very nice result.

What do you think ?

Analog Rhythm MK2 or Syntakt?

I do not intend to Live, only studio use.

From a functional point of view, the Syntakt already looks well done with a lot of possibilities.

[cryophonik]

I have both and they’re both excellent, but the RYTM mk2 is my fav of the two. The biggest differences in terms of sound generation is that RYTM has more/deeper analog machines and works with samples but has no digital machines, whereas the Syntakt has 4 analog machines plus all the different digital machines, but no samples.

[Trancer]

Thank you for your feedback and feedback.

Can you tell me if you have a problem of stability with the dual vco with the Analog Rhythm MK2?

The Syntakt is indeed more hybrid while the all-analog Analog Rythm MK2.

No one is guessing of course, the Analog Rhythm MK2 is a bit dated anyway.

A little afraid to invest 1600 euros, isn't Elektron going to release an Analog Rhythm MK3?

The best would obviously be to do a software upgrade of the Analog Rhythm MK2, but I doubt it since nothing has been done for some time.

[cryophonik]

No stability issues here. I wouldn’t call the RYTM mk2 dated. It’s only a few years old and has received a few updates. Elektron is very good about fixing bugs, listening to user requests, and adding new features, like we just got with the Digitakt, Syntakt, and Digitone. But, if the potential of a newer RYTM model being released is your primary concern, then go with the Syntakt, since it’s their latest model. It’s a very deep groovebox that sounds great. I obviously have no idea what Elektron has planned for future Syntakt updates, but a lot of us are hoping they’ll add support for samples, since it has a 1GB drive built into it that is largely unused. That would make it a seriously powerful beast with digital machines, analog machines, and samples all at your disposal, not to mention the ability to sequence other external hardware.

[pdxindy]

The Rytm also has the Analog Stereo Compressor and Distortion...

and because you can use samples with the analog circuits, it gives a huge range of sounds. For example, the Rytm is a great ambient machine too if someone wants that.

What do you mean by stability with the Dual VCO? It doesn't track the keyboard very well in higher octaves. The charm of the Dual VCO is it's wild and untamed character! And when you drive it through the distortion and compressor... well, these gnarly unexpected tone bubble out. There is nothing else like it!

I have 2 Rytm's and a Digitone, so have no interest in the Syntakt. I do not consider the Rytm dated. Elektron has gone quite some time between Rytm updates so there may still be another. Lots of users have lobbied for a various tweaks. Who knows if it will happen. The MK2 addressed some workflow stuff with the MK1. The MK2 is great as is. It has a bit more space around the knobs and buttons, the buttons are more informative, the screen more visible. There is no push from users to update the interface like before. I wouldn't worry about a MK3. Plus the MK1 still gets the same/similar updates as the MK2.

[Trancer]

Thanks for your feedback.

The Analog Rhythm MK2 is a hell of a machine, it's clear that it offers more possibilities and is all analog, whereas the Syntakt has a digital part.

Regarding an MK3 version, it is true that a fear on my part.

On the other hand, your words sound logical and coherent, why release a version 3 of the Analog Rytm when it is very certainly possible by a software upgrade to make it evolve even more.

Thank you for confirming that no problems with the Analog Rhythm MK2, I had read that on the Elektron forum.

Beyond everything Analog of Analog Rhythm.

If I wanted some kind of equivalent, I would have to take Digitakt and Syntakt as no sampler in the latter.

Now if a future update as requested on the Syntakt of a sampler function, the Syntakt could be an alternative to the Analog Rhythm without the outputs and the all Analog of the Analog Rhythm?

The Analog Rythm MK2 is still my first option, but I wonder if the Syntakt might not be the best, a digest of the Digitakt if sampler, of the Analog Rhythm MK2 of course with certain functional restrictions.

Even if not all analog there are still four instruments (tracks
) analogs available on the Syntakt.

[roman.i]

I'm not sure what is the point of this purchase, why you need two drums machines in your setup?
Rytm is a desktop drum machine, you'll probably use TR8S or Rytm, not both in the same track.
Syntakt format is portable, has both drums and synths, you can take it with you to a couch and make a complete jam with headphones, that's the beauty of it.
I own Digitone and Octatrack, and I find myself spending much more with the Digitone because of the portability.
If you want a taste of Elektron workflow, take one of the portable machine, Digitakt, Syntakt, or Digitone.
For desktop, well for desktop you already have the TR8S which is a beast.

[SLiC]

I had a RYTM MK1 and sold it to buy a Syntakt, I had had it since they first came out and had just stooped using it much. It sounded great but I prefer the smaller format and screen on the Syntakt- its also easier to use and has more variety of sounds in one box. It's fun and inspiring which to me is what a groove box should be. There is a lot of the RYTM sound in the Syntakts 4 analogue tracks and that great analogue filter and overdrive, so I have no regrets at all.

[ericj23]

I have an Analog 4, which is great and a RYTM, which took me a long time to like. The 4 has 2 additional LFOs and envelopes per sound. The RYTM has a single LFO. I have often found that frustrating, particularly if using Dual VCO. Another frustration is that some of the models don't seem to track pitch particularly well.

Any of you Syntakt users comment on the joys of second LFOs and/or whether the analog models track more effectively?

[pdxindy]

Regarding an MK3 version, it is true that a fear on my part.

On the other hand, your words sound logical and coherent, why release a version 3 of the Analog Rytm when it is very certainly possible by a software upgrade to make it evolve even more.

Thank you for confirming that no problems with the Analog Rhythm MK2, I had read that on the Elektron forum.

The sound engine from the Mk1 and MK2 is the same. The MK2 can directly sample, but the various machines themselves are the same. The differences are in workflow, not sound.

It is the same with the A4 Mk1, MK2 and Analog Keys (I own the Keys and have also had the MK2 which I gave to a friend). The sound engine is the same between all of them. That is why when there is a firmware update for one, there is a firmware update for all. Same for the Rytm, when there is a firmware update for MK2, there is also a new MK1 update as well.

I own both Rytm MK1 and MK2... I find the workflow improvements significant between them, but the sound is the same. At this point, I think it would be hard to significantly improve the MK2 so I think a MK3 is unlikely. Some people still prefer the MK1 because it is smaller and more portable. If they did release a MK3, maybe it would have some slight differences, maybe new colors, or maybe they make a smaller version again. IMO, it would be highly unlikely that they change the actual functionality.

Some users really want a Rytm firmware update that adds a second LFO. I'd welcome it if it happens and if it does it would be added to the MK1 as well.


There is something lovely about the sound of the samples through the analog circuits...

[Trancer]

Thank you for your answers and opinions.

Why another BAR and good for having a more punchy analog sound with a more specific sound footprint than the TR8S.

The Syntakt is a good hybrid digital and analog alternative, but the big highlight for my use of the Analog Rhythm MK2 is purely all analog.

Now the Syntakt has four analog instruments / tracks and it already offers some great sounds.

Now maybe an idea on my part, but it seems to me that the Analog Rhythm MK2 has more punch, more dynamics than the Syntakt.

A simple impression from me where there is a real difference?

Interesting that no regrets taking the Syntakt.

After your comments and experiences, there is little chance of an MK3 version, but it would indeed be more logical to have new updates.

[nachenko]

Interesting that no regrets taking the Syntakt.

I do regret getting a Syntakt. I sold it a week ago. It's a joy to use, interface is great, it's rock solid, incredibly fun... But its sound is not that great. The kick machines sound great, both digital and analogue. The rest of them are just meh. They lack quality and variety. The wavetable synth (the chord machine) is a national embarrassment and the interface makes a pain in the ass to make chord progressions. Waves quality is questionable at best, you go down one octave and you start losing detail on the high end.

Just to make sure I was wrong regarding sound quality, I compared the synth engines against Dune 3 using only features available in the Syntakt. No FX, no unison, etc. Just raw sound quality, Syntakt vs DUNE 3. I wanted to prove myself that Syntakt sounded just as good as a top class soft synth.

Boy, I was so wrong.

DUNE 3 ate Syntakt for breakfast, including the analog machines. Even using one oscillator and no effects, DUNE sounded better, richer, more detailed.

That's what you get for over 900€.

[stash98]

Whats so odd about the Syntakt is that the Model Cycles to me sounds better even though it uses the same engines. Better chords, better drums.

OP, The RYTM is the way to go. The sampling gives you a lot more sonic flexibility.

[Trancer]

Thank you for your answers.

the sample part does not really interest me to tell the truth.

I just intend to use the sounds installed in the machine.

Compared to the workflow, are there more manipulations to be carried out with the Analog Rythm Mk2 or with the Syntakt?

I ask this question, since the workflow has been improved on the MK2 version.

A difference also, the Syntakt does not have kits (sounds).

Does this pose a real problem?

On the other hand, the Syntakt has a song mode.

[cryophonik]

Compared to the workflow, are there more manipulations to be carried out with the Analog Rythm Mk2 or with the Syntakt?

In terms of the analog machines, the RYTM has more and deeper abilities than the Syntakt’s four engines. However, the Syntakt sort of balances that by having all the digital machines.

A difference also, the Syntakt does not have kits (sounds).

Does this pose a real problem?

I don’t see the lack of kits being a major “problem” for Syntakt, but it is certainly convenient and a big advantage of the RYTM, so a lot of us wish the Syntakt had kits as well.

On the other hand, the Syntakt has a song mode.

RYTM and Syntakt both have song mode. I haven’t used it very extensively yet on Syntakt, but it’s less immediate than the RYTM’s song mode.