The Value of Elektron’s Model Series for Aspiring Electronic Musicians
When starting your journey in electronic music production, the first question often arises: what gear should you buy? For many, I recommend Elektron’s budget-friendly Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes. While they may not make headlines like Teenage Engineering’s products or the Telepathic Instruments Orchid, these devices hold significant value, especially when compared to more expensive offerings from Elektron, such as the Digitakt or Octatrack. Despite the allure of more complex instruments, I continually find myself returning to the simplicity and effectiveness of the Model series.
Newcomers to grooveboxes often gravitate towards well-known brands like Korg or Roland, and platforms like Reddit frequently champion options like the Novation Circuit Tracks, which I personally find less intuitive. Part of this popularity stems from the perception that Elektron devices are complicated. However, seasoned musicians looking for more advanced features might opt for products like the Digitone or Syntakt, leaving the Models in an overlooked category that deserves more attention.
Understanding the Models: FM Synthesis vs. Samples
The primary distinction between the two Model instruments is that the Model:Cycles utilizes FM synthesis, while the Model:Samples focuses on playing samples. It’s worth noting that the Model:Samples isn’t a traditional sampler since it lacks the capacity to record samples—users need to load them via USB.
Connectivity isn’t the Model:Cycles’ strong suit. Photo: Terrence O’Brien / The Verge
Core Features and Fun Factor
One of the Model:Cycles’ standout features is its FM synthesis engine, which is a simplified version of what you find in the Digitone, a highly-regarded synth. This modern FM engine can create everything from the nostalgic cold bells and icy pads reminiscent of the Yamaha DX7, to contemporary glassy keys and punchy EDM bass lines.
Both models are six-track grooveboxes equipped with velocity-sensitive pads and an array of knobs for hands-on control. They closely resemble each other in appearance and, crucially, both leverage Elektron’s renowned step sequencer that feels far less daunting compared to the more intricate interfaces of their advanced counterparts.
The sequencer revolves around “trigs” and “locks.” Trigs act as event triggers, typically for notes, while locks denote step-specific settings. Though it may sound straightforward, this organizational structure enhances the capability of the devices more than what is apparent at first glance.
While having six tracks may seem limited—where a kick, snare, and hi-hat can quickly fill three of those slots—Elektron’s sound locks allow users to change presets or samples at the per-step level. This flexibility is key: by ensuring that sounds don’t play simultaneously, users can share tracks creatively between drums and melodic elements without overcrowding the sequencer.
There’s plenty of hands-on controls for jamming. Photo: Terrence O’Brien / The Verge
Moreover, the Models are designed for enjoyment. Unlike many more high-end Elektron devices that necessitate extensive menu navigation, the Model:Samples and Model:Cycles are user-friendly and optimized for live performances. For instance, you can instantly trigger a drum fill with a button press or adjust the filter on your bass with a simple knob twist.
Among their most exhilarating features is Control-all, allowing simultaneous control of all tracks. Imagine submerging your entire composition in reverb while boosting distortion and lowering the pitch of every sample. With the press of a button, you can revert everything back in an instant. This capability encourages spontaneous jamming—something that many electronic music tools fail to inspire.
Considerations and Conclusion
However, it’s important to acknowledge the downsides. The pads could use improvement, and the inability to record samples directly can be limiting. Moreover, the lack of polyphony means each sequencer track can only play one note at a time. Nevertheless, priced at $349, these limitations are minor, particularly when considering the option to purchase used models for as low as $200 on platforms like Reverb or Craigslist.
In summary, Elektron’s Model:Samples and Model:Cycles represent some of the best value in music hardware today. They are excellent entry points for those looking to delve into electronic music production, making them a worthwhile investment on your artistic journey.
You can find more about these models and their features Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
