Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2023 Part 2

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Part 1 here

"2023 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear you got this year? For some, that meant brand new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
00:00 Red Means Recording on the Elektron Syntakt
01:07 Midlife Synthesist on the Akai MPC X SE
03:20 DivKid on the Intellijel Cascadia
06:30 Jorb on the Roland S1
09:13 Bo Beats on the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field
12:45 Trovarsi on the Anti-Kulture Precision Disruptor

Read more about all of this gear on our blog, Signal: https://bit.ly/3MEhpfE"

Livecoding the Elektron Syntakt with ORCA

video upload by EZBOT

"In today's stream we will be using the esoteric livecoding environment ORCA to sequence the Elektron Syntakt. Learn ORCA right here, right now even though I am a bit rusty.

Get 10% Modbang cables with code: EZBOT23
SHOP HERE: https://www.modbang.com/modbang-shop

Get the Techno Performance 1.0.3 Template among all my other templates and sound designs from patreon.com/ezbot and here: https://ko-fi.com/s/49a309043c"

See the ORCA label below for additional posts.

Introducing the e25 Remix Edition // Limited run of Digitakt, Digitone, & Syntakt

video upload by Elektron

"Introducing a ripple of both past and present. The e25 Remix Edition is a limited run of silver-faced Digitakt, Digitone, and Syntakt machines; a time hack to disorientate, reorientate, and deliver you to bliss. Inspired by yesteryear, these boxes are hell-bent on pulling your sounds through the veil of possibility and into reality. In recognition of a quarter century of Elektron existence, and to celebrate everyone we’ve met along the way, we have included a number of special additions to accompany this extra-special edition."

via Elektron

Introducing a time hack to disorientate, reorientate, and deliver you to bliss. In recognition of a quarter century of existence, we have dreamt up the e25 Remix Edition: a limited run of silver-faced units, spread across Digitakt, Digitone, and Syntakt. Inspired by yesteryear, and hell-bent on pulling your sounds through the veil of possibility and into reality.

The e25 Remix Editions don't just come with special versions of already unique music-making machines. We have included a number of other special additions to accompany your extra-special edition.

The instruments themselves are hand-built in stainless steel, individually numbered and bearing laser-etched logos. The box too is unique in its design and build, containing e25 poster versions, and a multiple decade-covering/greatest hits sticker sheet. And the e-shaped cherry on top is a special Remix Edition cassette tape featuring an hour of original and eclectic music from the Elektron Team.

Released in 2017, Digitakt splashed down as a compact sampling drum machine capable of summoning monstrous beats or delicately layered sample-scapes, breaking your creative boundaries wide open. Since then, we have added a succession of new and exciting features to its repertoire, making it even more super-powered year after year.

Digitone followed on the heels of its sibling in 2018, continuing the Digi line with its innovative and accessible take on FM synthesis, and as a prime source of new sounds and timbres. With it, you can create rich and enchanting tones with ease, diving from jagged chaos to mellow sonic suppleness, seemingly emanating from a parallel universe. Regular creativity and performance-focused feature additions have continued Digitone's sonic trajectory.

Coming in 2022, Syntakt may be the youngest of the three but it’s jam-packed with possibilities and loaded with powerful sound-exploring tools. Analog and Digital synthesis. Drum and melody. They're here in full fusion. Syntakt’s various percussive and melodic machines make for an adventurous playground, and even though it’s only been out a little over a year, more machines have already arrived. And more will follow.

All instruments have been handcrafted in stainless steel here in Sverige. The faceplates have been brushed to give them their own unique finish, with no two units identical in appearance, while the logo and limited edition number on the front panel are laser-etched. Each box is adorned with silver foil highlights, created with vintage machinery in the very capable hands of local printers.

We also have a specially produced T-shirt to clothe yourselves in e25 Remix Edition goodness. It’s limited numbers for a limited edition. And available exclusively from our webshop."

Bad Gear - It's really Bad?

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Roland SH-4d. Is this groovebox and multitimbral synthesizer based on subtractive synthesis, wavetable, FM synthesis, ring modulation and vintage synths like the Roland SH-101 or Roland Juno-106 the missing link between synth and drum machine. Can it keep up with competitors like the Elektron Syntakt or Teenage Engineering OP-1? Does it play in the same league like the new Roland Jupiter-X or even its conceptual predecessor, the Roland SH-32? It's really Bad?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:59 Overview Roland SH4d
02:15 Synth Engines, 4D, Fat, 3D, Sync
02:47 Vintage Emulations (Roland SH101, Roland Juno106)
02:56 FM/Cross Mod, Ring Mod, Wavetables, Chord, Draw
03:18 Sample Player & Limitations
03:30 Filter, Envelopes, LFO
03:46 Drum Section
04:08 Tone Parameters (Analog Feel,...), Mod Matrix
04:26 FX (EQ, Reverb, Delay, Modulation, Multi FX)
04:48 Groovebox Functionality, Sequencer
05:12 Arpeggiator, D-Motion, Visual Arpeggiator
05:45 Limitations (many, many Limitations)
06:27 What Else??? (Features, Pricing, Thanks)
06:52 Hate
07:17 Jam 1 (Tech House)
08:17 Jam 2 (Downtempo)
09:20 Finale (Epic Synthwave)
09:50 Verdict"

Elektron Syntakt Dancy Vibes

video upload by Jake Wagner

"Hello there. It's been a minute. Here's some Elektron Syntakt goodness."

Don't Fear the Tracker Workflow: Sequencer Comparisons

video upload by Polyend

"While trackers may initially appear intimidating with their vertical workflow, rest assured that the intuitive and visual interface of the Polyend Tracker simplifies complex sequencing tasks, offering a user-friendly experience that eliminates the barriers of use often associated with other grooveboxes."

The Elektron Syntakt is featured as well.

How to: make it rain w/ Elektron SYNTAKT

video upload by DATABROTH

https://www.databroth.com

00:00 intro
01:22 tutorial

Vanderson - The Bells - Elektron Syntakt psychill/downtempo

video upload by ॐ Vanderson ॐ

"next short track, made using only Elektron Syntakt groovebox :)"

Elektron Analog Four & Syntakt Presets by Anton Anru

Elektron Analog Four/Keys Presets: Pads Strings Textures

video upload by Anton Anru

"Vintage Pads" is a collection of 64 sounds for Elektron Analog Four/MK2/Keys.
It includes: 21 Pads, 16 Strings, 15 Textures, 12 Drones.
The bank of presets features various tones: warm and soft, cold and distant, bright and dark, static and evolving, detuned, noisy, lo-fi...
💽 Get the soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/elektron/"

Elektron Analog Four/Keys Bass Presets. Sound Demo. No Talk

"'Bass Machine' is a collection of 64 sounds for Elektron Analog Four/MK2/Keys.
The bank of presets features various tones: soft, hard, metallic, vintage, modern, deep, bright, aggressive, epic, acid, sub...

💽 Get the soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/elektron/"

Elektron Syntakt: 64 Bass Presets. Sounds Demo. No Talking


"Elektron Syntakt 'Base of Bass' is a collection of 64 bass presets:
- 32 presets for digital tracks/machines (1-8)
- 32 presets for analog tracks/machines (9-11)
It features a variety of bass tones: soft, hard, metallic, vintage, modern, deep, bright, aggressive, epic, FM...

💽 Get the soundset: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/elektron/"

Elektron Syntakt w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via SYNTH CITY Reverb

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Tested in great working condition, includes original box and power supply. Unit has minor blemishes but is in great shape over all (screen protector still in place)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Amorphic Process of Hardware Songwriting

video upload by EZBOT

"In this video, we dive into the unique and ever-evolving process of music creation. Don't be fooled, complexity isn't always the key to a hit track. Embrace the basics, keep it simple and let the music tell its story. Remember, there's no need to fear the basic ideas. Simple concepts can often turn into your greatest hits! Your need for complexity shouldn't ruin a good song. Remember, there's no need to fear the basic ideas. Simple concepts can often turn into your greatest hits! Your need for complexity shouldn't ruin a good song. Working with a rich lineup of hardware including the Elektron Octatrack (w/ FX template), Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt, the Roland VT-4 vocoder, and the Roland TB-03, we explore how the 'limitations' of these tools can actually enhance the songwriting process.

→ Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack FX Template 1.1.3 and the NEW Ultimate Performance Mixer 2FF 1.1.6 here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www.ko-fi.com/ezbot
→ I love to teach! Step up your game with 1 on 1 lessons: https://www.ezbot.live/"

When Every Track Has A Different Step Length // Writing An Electronica Beat

video upload by EZBOT

"In this stream, we are going to use a different track scale length to write a track from scratch using the Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt, and the Octatrack MK2.

I love teaching the Elektron workflow (among other gear) so please don't hesitate to step up your game with 1-on-1 online lessons, plus you get to keep an HD recording afterwards. It's a load of fun: https://ezbot.live

Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack FX Template 1.1.3 and The Ultimate Octatrack Template 2FF template here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www/ko-fi.com/ezbot

Get the Elektron Riser'd here: https://www.modbang.com/modbang-shop/..."

What This Music Genre Needs Is.. Restraint

video upload by EZBOT

"Today, we're embarking on an adventure of sonic exploration, using some of the most iconic hardware from Elektron: the Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt, and Octatrack.

This journey is not just about the destination - the creation of a track - but also about my personal challenge to master the minimalist ethos of techno: the principle that 'less is more'. As someone who typically gets swept away by the allure of complex melodies, the stripped-back nature of minimal techno has always been an enigma, a puzzle that I've long wanted to solve.

In this video, you'll see my attempt at channelling restraint, focusing on simplicity over complexity, and discovering the depth that lies in subtlety. This is more than a step-by-step guide; it's an honest portrayal of my struggle and growth as a music producer. So, whether you're an experienced beatmaker, an aspiring artist, or just curious about the process of minimal techno creation, I hope you'll join me on this challenging, yet exciting, exploration of sound.

Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack FX Template 1.1.3 here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www/ko-fi.com/ezbot"

Roland SH-4d + Elektron Syntakt | Playing an ambient minimal tune

video upload by Malvinus Music

"Trying to change pattern via MIDI from the Elektron Syntakt to the Roland SH-4d I came up with this ambient tune. Enjoy, peace!"

Roland SH-4d + Elektron Syntakt | Tutorial


00:00 Intro
00:27 Changing pattern via MIDI issue
02:06 Setting the kick on Syntakt
02:44 Setting a pluck line on SH-4d
03:13 Setting a rim short on Syntakt
03:28 Setting a bass on Syntakt
03:55 Setting a random part on SH-4d
04:15 The groove!
04:48 Outro

Creating Menacing Beats with Hardware Synths

video upload by EZBOT

"In today's electrifying episode, we're wielding the power of the Syntakt to conjure up sounds from the netherworld. Alongside the Syntakt, we've armed ourselves with the Digitone, spitting out searing leads, the Digitakt producing earth-shattering, compressed drums, and the Octatrack, loaded with my latest FX template for live performances. Join us on this thrilling journey, as we craft a track from the void, all in a matter of minutes!
Video Edited by Looma http://loomamusic.com

I love teaching the Elektron workflow (among other gear) so please don't hesitate to step up your game with 1-on-1 online lessons, plus you get to keep an HD recording afterwards. It's a load of fun: https://ezbot.live

Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack Performance FX Template 1.1.3 here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www/ko-fi.com/ezbot"

Industrial Track From Scratch on the Holy Trinity of Elektron

video upload by EZBOT

"In this stream, we use the Digitakt, Digitone, and especially the Syntakt by Elektron to make something evil and delicious from scratch. Accompanying these tyrannical devices will be the Elektron Octatrack loaded with my newest Performance Mixer template.

I love teaching the Elektron workflow (among other gear) so please don't hesitate to step up your game with 1-on-1 online lessons, plus you get to keep an HD recording afterwards. It's a load of fun: https://ezbot.live

Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack FX Template 1.1.3 here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www/ko-fi.com/ezbot"

Find Your Sample and Build The Groove

video upload by EZBOT

0:00 It's the Mood MK2 and the OP-1 Field
0:58 Sampling A Evolving Chord
1:26 Assigning A Random LFO to the Filter
2:01 Laying Down Some Drums
3:26 Sampling From The Vocoder
4:32 Layering A Second Bass
5:05 Performing The Pattern
7:59 Secret Tasty Mood MK2 Sounds

"There's nothing more inspiring than sampling a great sound to get your creative juices flowing when you're in the studio. In this video, we use the new MOOD MKII to process the OP-1 Field and sample that into the Elektron Digitakt. Once we have a solid foundation, we turn to the Digitone and Syntakt to drive us home with warm and full bass. Of course, the Octatrack MKII and the Analog Heat are there to make sure we can transition and process our tasty pattern in real-time. In the end our delicious ingredients cooked up some Dub Techno, enjoy! Video Edited by Looma http://loomamusic.com

Get the NEW Ultimate Octatrack FX Template 1.1.3 here with continuous updates: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot and here if you want a one-time download: https://www/ko-fi.com/ezbot"

Music: https://soundcloud.com/ezbotmusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ezbotmusic/

Bad Gear - Elektron Syntakt

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Elektron Syntakt. Is this member of the Elektron Dark Trinity just a rehash of recycled technologies taken from instruments like the Digitakt, Digitone, Model:Cycles, Octatrack, Analog Rytm and Analog Four? Does it provide real innovation?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:07 Overview Elektron Syntakt
01:27 Analog vs. Digital Voices
01:36 Analog Voices 1-3, Synth Functionality
02:15 Analog HiHats/Cymbals/Metallic Stuff
02:25 Analog Filter
02:36 Digital Engines (Drums, Claps, Percussion, FM, Chords)
03:07 Polyphony (or lack thereof)
03:15 Workarounds
03:32 Analog FX Block
03:46 LFOs, Envelopes
04:01 Reverb, Delay
04:06 Workflow, Philosophy
04:17 Probability, Parameter Locks, Retrigger, Fills
04:44 Song Mode, Unquantized Rec, Microtiming, Trigger Modifiers
05:04 UI, Lack of Velocity, Outputs, Overbridge
05:18 Midi
05:26 What else??? Pricing! Thanks!!!
05:56 Hate
06:23 Jam 1 (Downtempo)
07:19 Jam 2 (Hard Synthwave)
08:20 Finale (Tech House)
08:50 Verdict"

Syntakt Ambient, Tips, Tricks, and Technique // Track From Scratch

video upload by EZBOT

"Turn your Elektron Syntakt into ambient bliss with this simple tutorial. In this live stream I share several techniques for making ambient tracks with Elektron gear. We make a full ambient track from scratch. Then we went a bit further.

Get the Octatrack Performance Template with regular updates: https://patreon.com/ezbot for folks who like to get in and out, there's Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/s/4f3a692375

Sign up with DistroKid and get 7% off with this link: http://distrokid.com/vip/ezbot (definitely do this)

Step up your game with 1 on 1 lessons: https://www.ezbot.live/
Get my Octatrack Performance Template with regular updates (among other rewards) by joining my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot

Music: https://soundcloud.com/ezbotmusic
Store: https://www.modbang.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ezbotmusic/

0:00 Intro
02:09 Tutorial Starts
02:46 Ocean Waves Tutorial
11:19 Fake Arp Technique Pt. 1
18:18 Drone Pad
00:59:51 Ambient Track Is Finished"

DRUM MACHINE Review and Buyers Guide Part 1

video upload by Noisegate

"Drum machines have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. If you think about the first fully programmable drum machines such as the Roland legendary TR-808, that was only a little over 40 years ago. Roland’s first MIDI drum machine, the House and Techno queen that is the TR-909 was manufactured in 1982. It’s nice to reminisce about the 1980s when drum machines became popular, although there’s been some modern classics during this millennium including the Elektron MachineDrum from 2001 and Dave Smith Tempest from 2011. Today there are a plethora of new drum machines all with amazing new features. Yes, many manufacturers these days politely provide a nod to the classics such as the 808, 909 and LinnDrum through to the modern classic in their designs. Here is our mega drum machine guide for the current drum machines that are being manufactured. This project became so big, that we had to split it into two parts, so here is part 1:

Check out the specs and the bits we love from each of these drum machines here: https://noisegate.com.au/drum-machine...

If you think that was mega, we’ve still got plenty more. We’ll be covering the Roland TR-8s, Korg Drumlogue, Erica Synths Perkons and more in part 2...!!

00:00 Intro from Dr. Honeysmack
01:13 Soma Pulsar23
05:07 Behringer RD-8 MkII
10:14 Behringer RD-9
14:58 Roland TR-6S
22:03 Elektron Syntakt
26:06 Korg Volca Beats
29:57 Korg Volca Drum
35:11 Arturia Drumbrute Impact
39:35 Behringer RD-6
40:51 Roland T-8
46:48 Outro and wait for PART 2!"