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Re: OT: elektron machinedrum -- groovebox issues
At 12:04 AM 3/10/2003 +0000, jimfowler wrote:
>anybody have experience with elektron's machinedrum? apparently, it's a
>pretty powerful drum machine, but that's about all i can tell...not too
>many users, it seems.
Jim,
I've been an Elektron user for a few years now (Sidstation), so while I
don't actually own a Machinedrum, I've been keeping up with it since it
went into Beta. If you're really into percussion synthesis, it's a great
box, with 4 different 'machines' (synthesis architectures) emulating
analog
synthesis, sample-playback, and even simple FM.
Its sequencing is an extension of the programming interface found on
classic Roland drumboxes like the TR-909/808/606 series. That may be a
good thing or a bad thing depending on your personal preferences. There
are, however, some known issues (read: bugs) regarding controlling and
sequencing other equipment from it. Also, I've heard of some glitches
while syncing MTC. I don't think I'd rely on it to lock with an EDP or
Repeater.
You can find plenty of people who will evangelize to you ad infinitum over
on the Elektron-Users list at Yahoo Groups (check the archives for some
more detail on those bugs). Personally, I've some reservations. When
Elektron first began offering it, they opened ti up at a reduced price of
$800 to their previous customers. I scrambled like crazy to come up with
the cash, but couldn't make the deadline. Now the price is up to ~$1200
($1100 + customs duty). For $800, I'd consider grabbing it for the
synthesis engines alone. At one-&-a-half times that price, however, the
value-proposition has gone out the window for me. As always, though, YMMV.
-c-
_____
"i want to reach my hand into the dark and *feel* what reaches back"
-recoil