A
An awesome FM groovebox if you know what to expect
As a guitar player I needed a drum machine to add some beats to my ambient/minimalist pieces. At first I considered something different but a friend of mine who is quite a synth nerd recommended me this by saying it's more versatile than many others. When checking some Youtube demos I arrived at the same conclusion and ordered it.
To put it shortly, it fully met my expectations. Although some people have said it is quite limited, mainly when it comes to sound synthesis, in my opinion, if used as a drum machine with quite a lot of extra features, it is still quite a versatile instrument! But I'm a guitarist, so what do I know, haha.
The main magic lies in the sequencer, which has quite an extensive array of features. Parameter locking, conditional locking to name just a few. So you can build quite complex arrangements with it.
The unit is made of plastic, but it is quite sturdy. The only things I am a bit worried about are the pads and rubbery buttons, but we'll see.
To end my review I'd like to give my two cents from the blindness perspective. I know we are a tiny minority, but I'm not the only blind person who buys from Thomann, so maybe this part will be useful for some people.
As most of the things are done with knobs and buttons, it can be used quite easily if you remember what each of them does. A nifty trick for that is to make a recording of some sighted person giving you the overview of the layout, so you can reference it later.
The manual is well written and easy to understand.
There is some menu diving, that can get quite confusing for the blind, but unless you go very deep it can be done very easily by referencing the manual.
SO, to conclude this review in one sentence, I'm really happy with my first full fledged drum machine!
To put it shortly, it fully met my expectations. Although some people have said it is quite limited, mainly when it comes to sound synthesis, in my opinion, if used as a drum machine with quite a lot of extra features, it is still quite a versatile instrument! But I'm a guitarist, so what do I know, haha.
The main magic lies in the sequencer, which has quite an extensive array of features. Parameter locking, conditional locking to name just a few. So you can build quite complex arrangements with it.
The unit is made of plastic, but it is quite sturdy. The only things I am a bit worried about are the pads and rubbery buttons, but we'll see.
To end my review I'd like to give my two cents from the blindness perspective. I know we are a tiny minority, but I'm not the only blind person who buys from Thomann, so maybe this part will be useful for some people.
As most of the things are done with knobs and buttons, it can be used quite easily if you remember what each of them does. A nifty trick for that is to make a recording of some sighted person giving you the overview of the layout, so you can reference it later.
The manual is well written and easy to understand.
There is some menu diving, that can get quite confusing for the blind, but unless you go very deep it can be done very easily by referencing the manual.
SO, to conclude this review in one sentence, I'm really happy with my first full fledged drum machine!
63
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DB
A new instrument where the sum is infinitive greater than its parts
Elektron's Model Cycles is not a sum of its parts; with 6 'machines' (sound generators), 6 tracks with 6 accordingly pressure sensitive buttons, 3 fx (2 of them send fx), LFO, repeat function, sound locks (set multiple different simultaneous sounds per track), macro function e.t.c. features a virtually limitless sonic arsenal.
Combined with the top notch Elektron' s sequencing capabilities, it would be an understatement to be considered just another drum machine, groove machine, synthesizer or even worse, Digitone's cut down version, which has a totally different 'produced', clean 'hi-fi-ish' sound.
Cycles is so more than that. An instrument with a unique character of its own. A chameleon of moods, mods and genres, where every tiny parameter change or combination of settings, makes a real difference.
A special 'expansion' tip:
Connect Cycles via usb (using an Apple camera connection kit) to any iOS device (simultaneous midi and audio live connection) and control it within AUM iOS app, randomize its sounds or generate genre specific styles with Tension iOS app and get crazy and ever evolving, controlling Cycles' parametres via CC, with the additonal 16 LFOs (!!) of the mLFO ios app.
Can you stand the madness?
For an around 300 - 340$ street price it's a steal. A no brainer for an amateur, an enthusiast, a sound designer or a professional producer. I'm thinking of getting a second one, to expand my 'digital orchestra' to 12 tracks!
P.S. I've put 4 stars in 'features score', not because it lacks in the field, but not to get Elektron too comfortable and push them to keep developing Cycles' features.
Combined with the top notch Elektron' s sequencing capabilities, it would be an understatement to be considered just another drum machine, groove machine, synthesizer or even worse, Digitone's cut down version, which has a totally different 'produced', clean 'hi-fi-ish' sound.
Cycles is so more than that. An instrument with a unique character of its own. A chameleon of moods, mods and genres, where every tiny parameter change or combination of settings, makes a real difference.
A special 'expansion' tip:
Connect Cycles via usb (using an Apple camera connection kit) to any iOS device (simultaneous midi and audio live connection) and control it within AUM iOS app, randomize its sounds or generate genre specific styles with Tension iOS app and get crazy and ever evolving, controlling Cycles' parametres via CC, with the additonal 16 LFOs (!!) of the mLFO ios app.
Can you stand the madness?
For an around 300 - 340$ street price it's a steal. A no brainer for an amateur, an enthusiast, a sound designer or a professional producer. I'm thinking of getting a second one, to expand my 'digital orchestra' to 12 tracks!
P.S. I've put 4 stars in 'features score', not because it lacks in the field, but not to get Elektron too comfortable and push them to keep developing Cycles' features.
10
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Z
An intuitive and simple machine
I was afraid of diving into FM synthesis straightaway and wanted to get this as sort of an "entry-level Digitone", and I'm having so much fun with it. It can be a powerful drum machine or even a melodic synth if you want it to be. Of course the famous Elektron sequencer makes it even more powerful with the trig conditions and the ability to record parameter automations. It's made of plastic, but feels sturdy. Highly recommended for beginners!
3
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D
Holy s***!!!
It took me a couple of hours to be confortable with the basics of the workflow, but it should be noted that my experience with any of this digital world was nonexistent until I got the Cycles. Started out just trying to make simple 16-step sequences, and went from there. At the end of my first session I found myself making a couple of Nine Inch Nails covers and having a blast!
It's got it's own sound, and I feel like you either like it or not. It's certainly not as aggresive-sounding as some of my favourite electronic pieces, like Aphex Twin and Autechre, but when playing that kind of stuff, it fills it with it's own vibe, and I definitely love it. Coupled with some pedals makes it pop out even more, and I can honestly say that maybe Elektron is charging too little for this box.
Build quality is great, and all that, but... Come on. The sounds matter most, especially in this price range. And there isn't really anything that I wish was different. It has a powerful sequencer, great FM sounds, easy controls, and a fluid workflow.
Basically, if you're on the fence, just get it!
It's got it's own sound, and I feel like you either like it or not. It's certainly not as aggresive-sounding as some of my favourite electronic pieces, like Aphex Twin and Autechre, but when playing that kind of stuff, it fills it with it's own vibe, and I definitely love it. Coupled with some pedals makes it pop out even more, and I can honestly say that maybe Elektron is charging too little for this box.
Build quality is great, and all that, but... Come on. The sounds matter most, especially in this price range. And there isn't really anything that I wish was different. It has a powerful sequencer, great FM sounds, easy controls, and a fluid workflow.
Basically, if you're on the fence, just get it!
4
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O
FM Groovebox with 6 tracks of audio & midi
This is my first elektron box, and i really happy to have this machine! Love the limitation the cycles have, make you go in different and sometimes unknown territories.
Its has great power inside and the elektron sequencer makes it a beast, but not to forget the fm ghosts that live inside the machines...great work Elektron and Ess : )
I will never sell my model cycles :D
Its has great power inside and the elektron sequencer makes it a beast, but not to forget the fm ghosts that live inside the machines...great work Elektron and Ess : )
I will never sell my model cycles :D
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o
Hands down the best fm synthesis drum machine
The quality for the price is insane
Nice build nice feel
The sound is too electronic but it has great character to it . The reverb and delay effect is very usefull. Nice sounds great variety for percusion: bass drums snares cymbals toms and metalic sounds. You can build a very detailed sound . The options you have are unlimited . I just got mine and i am trying to learn it but it sounds amazing
Nice build nice feel
The sound is too electronic but it has great character to it . The reverb and delay effect is very usefull. Nice sounds great variety for percusion: bass drums snares cymbals toms and metalic sounds. You can build a very detailed sound . The options you have are unlimited . I just got mine and i am trying to learn it but it sounds amazing
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I
Groovebox drum machine
I have used this for awhile now. It is quite good machine for it's price.
Words to describe this small box: beginner friendly, high build quality, lot of features, groovebox and drum machine in one box. Possible to make high quality impressive things.
One thing i do not like so much: the buttons and features needed lot of tweaking initially to get workflow better. Default option choices are not good. So first i was a little bit disappointed about this but later i tweaked all the things in options menu i got it worked how it should.
Words to describe this small box: beginner friendly, high build quality, lot of features, groovebox and drum machine in one box. Possible to make high quality impressive things.
One thing i do not like so much: the buttons and features needed lot of tweaking initially to get workflow better. Default option choices are not good. So first i was a little bit disappointed about this but later i tweaked all the things in options menu i got it worked how it should.
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M
Macht Spass, klingt toll!
Nach vielen Test-Videos und Produktreviews die ich mir angeschaut habe. Ist das das erste Elektron Gerät, dass ich mir kaufen wollte. Quasi zum Einstieg. Tolles Ding, einfach, klingt super (FM Synthese).
Stabiles Plastikgehäuse. Wirkt wertig.
Womit ich ein wenig Probleme habe ist das Einbinden in Ableton. Midi und Export funktioniert für mich nicht ideal.
Aber sonst, Kaufempfehlung!
Stabiles Plastikgehäuse. Wirkt wertig.
Womit ich ein wenig Probleme habe ist das Einbinden in Ableton. Midi und Export funktioniert für mich nicht ideal.
Aber sonst, Kaufempfehlung!
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M
Nice
I'm having a blast with the Elektron Model:Cycles! The sequencer is surprisingly deep, and I love how easy it is to experiment with different sounds. It's got a really unique vibe, and it's become my go-to for quick inspiration. Plus, it's a fantastic entry point into the world of Elektron. It gives you a taste of their powerful sequencing and sound design philosophy without being overwhelming. If you're curious about Elektron gear and looking for a fun and affordable groovebox, definitely give the Model:Cycles a try.
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Q
This thing is VERY FUN to play with, period.
This thing is VERY FUN to play with, period.
I'm very happy to have finally acquired it.
There is not a thing I dislike from it.
I went for hours on an FM trip the first time, just trying to comprehend it while reading the manual (you have to download it; it is not included as a paper version in the box). I had the missing time experience you have after an alien abduction.
The fact that every machine is not a static sound and can be morphed in distinct but curated ways is delightful.
Control all and parameter locks are my favorite superpowers of this device.
Very much suited for contemporary genres like techno, ambient and IDM. Would not recommend if you are chasing a different path; I'm sure you would drop it.
I really encourage you to read the manual to understand everything that this thing is capable of. There is more than meets the eye.
In love with it, highly recommended.
I'm very happy to have finally acquired it.
There is not a thing I dislike from it.
I went for hours on an FM trip the first time, just trying to comprehend it while reading the manual (you have to download it; it is not included as a paper version in the box). I had the missing time experience you have after an alien abduction.
The fact that every machine is not a static sound and can be morphed in distinct but curated ways is delightful.
Control all and parameter locks are my favorite superpowers of this device.
Very much suited for contemporary genres like techno, ambient and IDM. Would not recommend if you are chasing a different path; I'm sure you would drop it.
I really encourage you to read the manual to understand everything that this thing is capable of. There is more than meets the eye.
In love with it, highly recommended.
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