Bad Gear - Elektron Model Cycles - The Anti-80s Machine

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Elektron Model Cycles. Is this modern FM groovebox the Anti-80s Machine? Can this drum machine be the future of FM?
Thanks to Klangfarbe for saving another show:
www.klangfarbe.com/
/ klangfarbewien
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:14 Overview Model:Cycles
05:39 Hate
06:03 Jam 1
06:59 Jam 2
07:54 Finale
08:25 Verdict

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

Seems like "hipster" gear to me 😜

[@ikestoddard2458]

How about testing (or telling me where to look) a machine that sounds like a bodhran (hand drum)? And another unique sound: the very deep taiko drum?

[@Stopinvadingmyhardware]

Nord Drum

[@sralairt]

Really interesting how FM synth makers have trouble finding the Goldilocks region of accessibility. You either have to make it too complex or too simple.

[@mattzr1550]

Nah just use v collection dx7

[@AudioPilz]

TBH, it's not easy...

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

There are two or three synths out there that really nailed it but they are disguised as home keyboards. One of my favorites is the PSS-480 which was sold as a toy. It has 99 of the most common FM shapes saved as presets which can then be adjusted using a dozen of the most common parameters. The DSS-2000 is another one that treats the presets as wavetables that can then be easily edited and stored with a simple button interface and LED display.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Sonicware actually did a pretty good job of finding that balance in the Liven XFM.

[@shaft9000]

I suspect that this is why wavetables became so appealing. You could access a table set up to behave effectively like vectors - "like" modulate-able FM ratios - without the end-user having to target those pesky FM mod indexes.

[@ryN45678]

I ordered one off reverb literally yesterday, seeing this show up on bad gear is the fastest I’ve ever been owned

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@LynxSocial]

Great buy! I love mine

[@williamsmithington3157]

The model cycles is really great. Had mine for around a month and it’s singlehandedly gotten me back into doing music everyday

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, super accessible!!!

[@strelokknoize]

@@AudioPilz And it's the reference when it comes to kicks.

[@seffers007]

Yep - it isn’t bad gear, end of.

[@GB3770]

@@seffers007 i agree...its a great unit...

[@sofiejensen3804]

Hi man- This is a good comment. Since Im really consdering to get my hands on one, since I would like to be able to make / tinker with music a lot more than I do now So.. Thank you

[@emmaessex]

had no clue this thing got so much flak - i love it to bits. i've drafted a lot of tunes on it and the workflow is speedy and flexible enough to make it my go-to portable synth. even as an FM/PM junkie (i've developed my own FM/PM synth), i found the parameter ranges to be amazingly flexible and smartly chosen. it definitely has a "sound" that is hard to get away from, but isn't that the point of many instruments? i'm not so interested in something that bends to your will completely, and rather prefer something that brings a specific flavor to the table that is fun and engaging to work with. there's a collaborative aspect to that which i really enjoy.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed! Pretty sure it's going to be a future classic

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

I love the drum sounds, I wish the snare engine was a little more flexible and I wish there was true polyphony in the two synthesis modes, many of the chord engine’s knobs are dedicated to selecting the chord you want so the chord engine on synth is a lot less flexible sonically than the tone mode.

[@cabbycabby1770]

Well, he’s looks for the bad reviews to make content. Everything has bad reviews if you look hard enough.

[@SianaGearz]

@@cabbycabby1770 things that don't have reviews don't have bad reviews.

[@GB3770]

Yeh i thought this thing was good not bad..

[@maxricemusic656]

This is by far my favorite synth, this thing is a trap BEAST. That kick machine is to die for.

[@AudioPilz]

Elektron stuff is maybe the best hardware for trap!

[@DarnKatarn]

I just ordered one yesterday to pair with the Edge. Love your channel, and thanks for making our community fun!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@alexmousley7213]

I love your videos- educational whilst being amusing and with such incredible attention to detail without ever getting too technical but just technical enough.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@djlocodoc]

Man...that second jam gave me goose bumps! I always wondered how the cycles sounded on a jam. I have a reface dx so it never hit my radar. Great show sir!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@ChamiCh]

Reface DX is super nice! especially if you have an additional controller to improve the parameter interface. Cycles is a pretty different beast though, and both are worthy additions to any FM collection!

[@johnwellingtonwells7639]

I love mine, I use it with a Korg ER1 and Drumbrute impact and find they all sit together pretty nicely. I’m a man with arguably too many drum machines but I keep coming back to this trio. Cool episode as always. Keep it up.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! Nice setup!!!

[@Wormsie]

The chord generator doesn't "mimick wavetables"; it's a real wavetable engine, not FM-based. Anyway, like many have pointed out here, the Cycles is really underappreciated. If you use the distortion (or more like saturation) to warm up the sounds, add reverb for sound design, take advantage of the LFO and sequencer, and explore what the different engines really can do (use the Snare machine to make a lead, for example), I don't think people would complain that it sounds "the same". Frequent use of Track+Level takes care of clipping issues.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for the input!!!

[@monotrious]

I'm Still Totally Blown Away With How Well Made Your Videos Really Are . The Amount Of Production , Technique , Editing , Research And Talent Etc Is Incredible . That's Not Even Mentioning Your Knowledge On All The Music Equipment You Have . Absolutely Amazing Every Single Time . I Thoroughly Enjoy Yor Channel . Subscriber For Life .

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@calipto4605]

tHIS iS mY aTTEMPT tO cOUNTERACT yOUR dREADFUL tYPING hABIT.S

[@DigDugger-hg1xb]

Thank you, Hero! :')@@calipto4605

[@prod.bronze]

Jam 2 is so sick. Your jams excited me about this synth more than any other creator I've seen. Cheers

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@pmratpoison]

this video cured my depression and made me pick up my cycles again it's an amazing machine

[@AudioPilz]

Have a nice weekend!

[@singingcookie5945]

Amazing finale! Love starting my Saturday morning with some Bad Gear!!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@blimolhm2790]

love how you switch it up between absolute 90s monsters and modern day units which already exposes the quirky aspects that they'll grow old having. If I ever slip into a coma, I expect this to be strapped to a pole next to my bed and bag of saline, waiting for me to turn it on after my 6 month "dream" of playing an arp2500

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! This one is great for monitoring blood pressure too! ;)

[@Drugscrub27]

I’m an FM junkie & love the versatility of these. The sequencer alone is worth the value but it’s just a bonus. Sometimes i use mine for full tracks or just for toms & cymbal sounds & other times i’ll stick all 6 tracks on one midi input channel for massive monosynth voicing to blend with my analog bass voices.

[@cholling1]

Loved the brief cameo by the Yamaha PSS-680. My first synth and still one of my favorites.

[@AudioPilz]

Classic!

[@darylw-m9549]

Your shows make me smile. Informative and entertaining.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@tedpedersen123]

I love this box! Always a pleasure to see my fav gear on your show. Keep up the great work bro! ✌️🎹🎶🎶

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@DerAykac]

This needs more tha 10 minutes of attention. The times i have to pause for this... This man has become a meme monster.

[@AudioPilz]

It spiralled a bit out of control, I have to admit that;)

[@DJ_TideWave]

Awesome video! 😊👍 This groovebox is perfect for techno/detroit and tech house! After watching this video and several others I am buying one! Can’t wait to make some techno tracks with this one! Later I am going to purchase the Samples version and these two combined make for a perfect combo!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@brainbox9219]

Perfect amount of time to watch this before I clock in at work, thanks 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@quietandpeacefulman]

I fail to see how anyone can criticise a easily useable FM drum machine and synth with an Elektron sequencer with its chance and per step conditions! I have one of these and honestly admit to it being hugely fun to use and capable of a huge range of sounds. Most demos you see on KZbin are of course nasty euro ‘techno’ but it is much richer than this with its 6 channels of polyrhythmic FM. I love the clicky glitchy panning percussive detail it can generate. That said I mostly bought it to make massive klonk bass sounds to work with drums - superb for this alone and great tweakability. I make that 4 bits of my gear you have featured to date - Monologue, BassStation rack, Alesis 3630 and now this. Big fan - keep it up!

[@AudioPilz]

I think a few old school FM aficionados really get pissed when you take the science away;)

[@quietandpeacefulman]

@@AudioPilz Sure they do. While they are sending each other X-rays of circuits and babbling about firmware and operators everyone else is engaged in creating sounds and music

[@xxx7917]

Having recently returned from hospital, I can confirm it looks like it should be saving lives

[@AudioPilz]

It certainly does stuff to my blood pressure;)

[@gardenmice2516]

I bought mine as soon as I could after watching knobs's video on it, and its honestly one the best musical instrument purchases I have ever made. Making self contained beats on it is super fun and easy to show to friends who aren't synth nerds, while also having a ton of really great extra features. I use it as my midi clock as well with a looper and the rest of my gear to make jams on twitch under the name of Lowfty (self promo forgive me). The only thing I wish they had, was more machines available to download.

[@MotokoKusanagi]

this is getting more and more entertaining.. excellent!

[@santyxeorrr]

This is insanely cool and you are very good on this machine (like usual)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Pascha284]

Perfect timing! I want to get a cycles this week!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! It's a fun box

[@skarryprankhunter]

Finally! I was waiting for this! The Model Cycles is indeed very underrated!

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time!!!

[@ForbiddenDuke]

Another majestic episode, much love!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@fjfrancois]

Whatever falls into your hands, you make it sound it awesome, even if just was a simple cowbell. Thanks 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Cowbells are my favorite;)

[@rorz999]

Anything thinking of getting one of these, just save up more and pay the extra for the Digitone. You won't regret it

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, that one's a monster!

[@Gwyn94]

Hopefully this means a Model:Samples feature is coming soon; I love mine to death, but as a sampler without line in sampling capabilities, that thing is prime material for a bad gear episode!

[@EarlyMist]

Now that I can get on dual hate board with. My first sampler, a Zoom Sampletrak had line in sampling. My next samplers, a Yamaha a3000 and a Yamaha SU700 both had line in live sampling. And the line in level and converters, while not providing phantom power, were top notch and well good enough for a dynamic mic or synth/drum machine etc line input. Mind is blow at how many modern samplers dont actually sample, they are only 'sample importers'

[@andrewdanilov3130]

This is most juicy intro-tune I've heard on this show!

[@Cid_Chalzer]

Seriously one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@tflex808]

Top work AudioPilz :) re: volume issue, not sure if this solves it but I have most tracks about half way on the main track volume (set with the data encoder where it displays the vol/pan). Additional tip: experiment with pushing the volume + dist parameter above 100 for additional drive but control the overall level with track volume instead. Also I'm usually running the tracks as two seperate mono channels with tracks hard panned left or right, finds it gives better headroom when the kick is on its own or with one other element like a bassline and everything else on the other channel.

[@Grace_Griffin]

Good tip! I’ve been doing similar… 👍🏻

[@AudioPilz]

Great stuff, thanks!!!

[@DJ_TideWave]

The weekend has finally landed! 😎👍

[@AudioPilz]

TGIF!!!

[@lundsweden]

The Weekend or The Weeknd?

[@odalv7278]

a hillarious video! ... i couldn' resist the Cycles... i never thought FM kicks could sound that massive! ... beyond other sweet stuff on this cute usefull toy!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@JimiLaMort]

Is it just me or does that machine sound incredible? Thanks for working THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH into your video.

[@AudioPilz]

Oh, you're the first to know that film! KUDOS!

[@activelow9297]

Fully in the habit of watching these videos twice.. once to pause them and look at all the memes, and once to actually listen to the content!

[@AudioPilz]

That's the way to do it!!! Thanks for watching!

[@7177YT]

Surprised the cycles makes it on 'bad gear'. To me it's super immediate and quick, ideal for jamming. The sound is pretty distinct, call it character, less than a groovebox, way more than a drum machine. It used to be dirt cheap as well. Cheers!

[@danhectic5629]

this & Samples are pretty neat, i thought about buying one or the other for about 4 days then got a Minibrute 2s & PO-KO instead (love 'em). your jams made it sound classy!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@recycology5468]

I eyeballed this since it came out but finally opted for the Liven Xfm months later. My EM-1 has a FM engine. When I've attempted to watch tutorials on Cycles my right eye would fall asleep and I wouldn't retain any operational knowledge. I learned more on your review, thanks.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@naxoman77]

I had one for a year. I think its a great machine soundwise, and with incredible flexibility on the sequencer side. It was my second synth (owned a Volca Bass before) and I managed to develop muscle memory on it. If you own a sampler, this may be a perfect companion for working out kicks and hats (and Autechre-like snares). I sold mine to buy a Digitakt, and although I'm very happy I still miss the plucky and robotic side of Model Cycles. Gr8 machine.

[@AudioPilz]

Elektron workflow gets pretty fast once you got the hang of it👍

[@timbrechopper]

Great video as always. An alternate viewpoint: This could be the ideal "beginner's" instrument for someone young who wants to try making beats. Either this or the Volca Sample, they both have benefits and drawbacks. You get a wide range of options and modulation in each, and the focus of a single device to work on. The Elektron is doubly intriguing because it's all synth-based. You get to learn some synthesis along with composition. The price of both isn't totally prohibitive (esp. for the Volca). Ironically, the device I learned on: The Boss DR-202.

[@rorz999]

Surely the Model:Samples would be better? It's like a combination of both

[@AudioPilz]

Wouldn't a sample-based unit be more rewarding for beginners?

[@timbrechopper]

@@AudioPilz Potentially. I hadn't thought much about the Model Samples when making the post tbh. If it were between the Model Samples and the Volca, probably would recommend the Volca just on price (and the Volca can get very close to p-locking). It's likely synth-nerd bias on my part but the idea of a synth-based (drums and otherwise) groovebox in a learning environment is intriguing to me. In an odd way, it's more limiting than a sample-based palate and would give the user ideas to graduate into something deeper (Octatrack, for instance).

[@timbrechopper]

@@rorz999 Quite possible.

[@mikolasstrajt3874]

@@AudioPilz sample-based unit is simpler when you have very specific sound in mind and just want to use that. You can then just sample it and voila!

[@shawnmuench]

In terms of effort, smart meme use, and excellent music. AND good review content--- this channel wins best geartube awaaard -- congrats

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@su4691]

Damn Dude ! You can make each and every Bad gear sound good !

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@fatkev1983]

Seems like an interesting little box... and looks like they go for not too much money either. I do love seeing gear that I own appearing in your videos... of course the every popular TB3. But, then the Yamaha PSS680, which was my first FM synth. I think I have probably had more fun with the PSS680 than my TX81Z.

[@AudioPilz]

Still not sure which PSS I should put on the show. They are super interesting

[@fatkev1983]

@@AudioPilz I am assuming you mean the FM PSSs... Sample based ones are not worth your time. Mind you, they did a sample one with a funky joystick. I would recommend the 680 or 780 - same thing, different colour. Get PSS Edit to edit and store your patches as the unit only has 5 memory slots.

[@TheRemixGeneration]

Ok this thing is actually insane for the size/price. It's strange to see a machine that truly is ticking all the clockses on bad gear!!

[@AudioPilz]

Yup, remarkable piece of kit!

[@damiensimper]

Mos def the most entertaining review I have seen on gear yet!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@ZiegWarheit]

It is always good to watch an episode that features a piece o gear you own. Especially if it is a very Swedish brick made of recycled materials

[@AudioPilz]

Such sustainable;)

[@SynGirl32]

I want the Volca Modular! I want it now! Still a fun device we have here.

[@AudioPilz]

Hey, all Volcas will finally be on the show!

[@fruitproof115]

I know the TB-3 has it's own "bad gear" episode, however the more I hear it the more it seams to be a real go-to bass machine for every song. And it looks pretty cool as well - especially in contrast to the Elektron :D

[@AudioPilz]

I really wanted to hate it but it's just so damn versatile and easy/fast to use

[@cresshead]

@@AudioPilz another future classic i think!

[@tedpedersen123]

@@AudioPilz agree 100%!

[@xc3n]

The TB-3 would be legendary if they only released a proper editor for it. The engine is quite cool but no access outside of lame presets and flimsy third party tools.

[@mastercylinder1939]

@@xc3n Roland must do better, instead of relying on their past glories. As you’ve stated. If they are going to release an emulator, they should at least provide enough tools and editing capabilities to take it down completely different avenues, if that’s what the user wants to do. For example, the TB-303 was not designed for acid, the users did that. Now, they just give you an acid machine, and that’s basically all it can do!

[@Hell_Inc]

Dude, your jams are legit! 💯

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@streetwisehercules5200]

Earned a like just for the perfectly placed Phil Collins eyebrows! Another great episode.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@RobbekenSynthMusic]

After trying several different ones, this might be my favorite groovebox. Might be because I’m also an incredibly biased Megadrive/Genesis music fan.

[@AudioPilz]

Love gaming console FM!!!

[@AdamsOlympia]

Sounds like the Twisted Electrons MegaFM is made for you.

[@RobbekenSynthMusic]

@@AdamsOlympia those sound really good!

[@robmortimer4150]

I laughed way too hard at the use of the homer and Lenny punch

[@AudioPilz]

Happy to hear that, thanks!

[@nutella571]

This is the most fun gear video I watched!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@frattocchia]

I got mine, I love the workflow and accessibility. I love the sound mostly, and the fact that is not sounding as any other drum machine. I needed to address my lack of fun in the creative process, and this is exactly what this device excels into. But I sent it back for a replacement hoping that my havy metal drummer friend will be able to reach max velocity level with pads next time.

[@AudioPilz]

Definitely need a heavy metal drummer;)

[@robbiewabisabi]

Thank you Florian for another deep dive into gear I own but should become better acquainted with. I ran into some of the same issues with the kick snare and mono synth competing for the same frequencies but I am sure that can be resolved with eq and compression. I admit I was too lazy to twiddle s few knobs and just thought the metal and percussion were crap. I was hoping someone would post a video showing the model:cycles in a positive light and my friend from Austria has done just that. Thanks for posting and see you next time!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@lundsweden]

I actually like this little guy, so hands on, predictable sounds, love it!

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@trevorb8827]

This afternoon my car's AC stopped working and I got real pissed trying to fix it while I baked in the sun - came inside to see a new episode of bad gear, on a groovebox i OWN, no less - all is once again right in the world

[@AudioPilz]

Hey, you got sun;)

[@tsevetgestoorde]

welcome to live 11, it's a great adventure. I love it. Thank you for you video's!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hostipal]

Great episode and as a Model:Samples owner, I wholeheartedly agree about the stickers 😂

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

I loved it but it starts sounding all the same after a while and you just want a Digitone. That's what I did, got a Digitone and found that FM I was looking for. I will say it's amazing. It just really needs to be recognized as one hell of a drum machine. I like the chords and like I said, I loved it. You just feel like it could do more sound design and it comes up to kind of a wall. I hated the buttons too. Yuck.

[@AudioPilz]

Damn, these buttons suck so hard;) Want a Digitone too!!!

[@inkajoo]

I love the specificity of the Cycles. If you want full FM design you get a Digitone or just use a plugin! They are very different sounding machines I found out when I tried the DN! Turns out the Cycles' sound engine was written from scratch and is not just a control-limited version of the DN. Quite a lot is hidden beneath the limited controls.

[@JonasHamill]

I was seriously considering getting a cycles (or samples) when it was relatively new, but after watching a load of videos and reviews this is the exact conclusion I came to. The sounds seemed very limited and every demo sounded pretty much the same. I ended up dropping the extra cash and got a Digitakt.. maybe this was elektron's plan all along

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

That’s probably their goal with the model: series. The model samples as well made me want a digitakt

[@my4trackmachine]

I totally understand this perspective. I also think the limited range can also be useful in the right situation. Sometimes deep synthesis and sound design can be a creativity killer and distract from writing, composing, or jamming. I find having a predictable but decent set of sounds can be useful to help quickly get results and move forward.

[@ToreHansen]

It's Friiiiiidaaaay, cool video and gear!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Have a nice weekend!

[@BarryRowlingsonBaz]

A Yamaha PSS680 in one of the cutaways! I still have mine working from 1988 - I even wrote an editor for it on the Atari ST. My first synth! Gonna go play it now, its ticking all the boxes...

[@timswink6280]

Hey Florian, nice one. I always stayed away from the OP1, it seemed like too much drama. Not sure if you've have but could you consider doing an Alesis MMT8 episode, I'd like your take on it. I purchased 2 different units years ago and they were both broken so I never got to check the workflow. Thanks and keep on rockin in the free world.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks, du du da lu du...

[@brasileironaeuropa]

Muito bom. Abraço de Portugal

[@AudioPilz]

Obrigado!!!

[@ToyKeeper]

That lawn sprinkler though. I died.

[@AudioPilz]

Sprinklers - the sound of trap

[@Gluttonite]

I think Mullie should appear in every show or maybe a spinoff? Excellent as always!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanky you!!!

[@XHALE303]

Indeed it looks like some medical equipment, the metalic sound even sounds like a dentist drill 😋

[@AudioPilz]

There's even a little nod to Marathon Man;)

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@AudioPilz Thanks, now my teeth hurt.

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@The Tired Horizon Lol. If you've ever seen Marathon Man, there's one scene that will stay with you forever!!

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@The Tired Horizon Lol....Touche

[@giacomop.6788]

How can you hate this thing?! I'm actually flirting with the idea of buying one. Awesome job as usual, Florian 🤟😊 Do you edit these videos on your own? They're a blast! As possible candidate for a next video, I suggest the Ensoniq Fizmo (if you can find one). A very hated machine 😸

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Yeah, I'm a one-man army ;) The Fizmo is super rare - really want one of these!

[@FlorianRachor1]

Wow, one thing absolutely slaps about this machine though: The sound. First tunes of the intro I already thought: That‘s going to be a nice one.

[@AudioPilz]

Yup, Elektron really got their FM sorted out;)

[@josesoto2342]

Content aside, what a fantastic video. Content in mind, what a fantastic video.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@chrisnightingale5529]

Cronenbergien - what a great term for 80s tech - long live the new synths

[@AudioPilz]

That word is actually in the dictionary;) Thanks!

[@RobertKnutzen]

The model cycles is dope I don't get the hate. It's 300 bucks. That's dirt cheap for what you get and it sounds awesome and has a great sequencer

[@auberginemachine567]

Brilliant as always. You're hilarious, and a very good musician.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@thedemyex9223]

Honestly in love this piece of tec Made a track with my pal lately and the analog jaming power is just beyond me

[@AudioPilz]

Great tool for jams

[@DoctorNemmo]

I got mine ! Couldn't resist the low price. It's a fun thingamagig, wouldn't quit it.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!

[@timpayne7676]

Good damn it. I was going to buy one of those. Now the price is going to double.

[@AudioPilz]

You're overestimating the reach of this show;)

[@danielleohallisey4218]

One of the best things about moving to California is that I can watch Bad Gear over my second cup of coffee in the morning...

[@AudioPilz]

Cheers!!! Love Cali!!!

[@mochreach]

The intro sounded great on the Model:Cycles!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@tomskley8864]

I think the Cycles has a really „modern“ sound, it brings back the old vibes, but in a clean modern way. Sounds amazing.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, they totally got rid of that corny 80s FM flavor

[@bakerbakerbaker305]

it sounds news

[@elek-trick]

I bought both Models, I absolutely love the Cycles, its simplicity, immediacy and incredible sound range makes it one of my very favorite instruments even though I now badly want a Digitone... On the other hand, I find the Model:Samples very boring, I never found the magic I immediately got as I turned on the Model:Cycles for the first time so it's back in its box and gently waits for a new owner who will hopefully find it more appealing than I do...

[@AudioPilz]

I've yet to try the Samples but huge Digitakt fan here

[@leftmono1016]

My tip: if you get a Digitone keep the Cycles as a drum machine. I should have kept mine.

[@elek-trick]

It's wonderful to see how quickly and how completely I could change my mind about the M:S. I was able to finally discover and enjoy the Model:Samples which, like its sibling the Model:Cycles, is also a pure marvel

[@cesarvalerio4292]

Great gear! Great vídeo as usual! Greetings from Brasil!

[@AudioPilz]

Obrigado!!!

[@cesarvalerio4292]

@@AudioPilz De nada! I got a Korg volca FM, great little toy.

[@FRMTHREE]

Been waiting for this one

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for your patience!!!

[@FRMTHREE]

@@AudioPilz any chance on the keystep pro making an appearance?

[@dinogoldie9716]

This was one of my pandemic purchases (the others being: an acoustic guitar, the new Circuits, Korg Volca Modular and, Sonicware's Liven XFM). It's the only one of my pandemic purchases I have thus far sold on eBay. I LOVED it but I also HATED it. I LOVED the sounds, the sound design, the sequencer and the general form factor. I HATED the inaccessible menu-diving (retrigs, project management, etc) and the fact it took Elektron nearly 2 years to release the power-handle thingy. The EMC is covered in knobs and buttons so there was no real excuse at all for any menu-diving. I'm also not a fan of the videogame-esque need to constantly set undo-points (as opposed to the conventional method of actively saving changes to your work). Also, those pads were not at all responsive - it felt like punching a wall.Also, Sonicware's Liven XFM is a far better FM groovebox that can handle both percussive and melodic patches.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, it's truly marmite;)

[@BartWronsk]

I got one around launch time and while I loved most of it, super fun instrument - even as standalone quirky groovebox - except for the abysmal snare sound, toyish and weird - sometimes interesting, but lacking bread-and-butter versatility... Sold it a few months later only because of that.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, the snare is an acquired taste

[@lowestXform]

I find you can get a wide range of snare and clap sounds from the other engines, especially chord, by using the very high speed lfos... even quite 'real' ones. The snare engine is def the least valuable one for me tho, I wish it could go pure noise.

[@old_romans]

Damn! the script was better than the editing today. lol, thanks for that. A11 looks like a righthand oriented Reaper

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@hiding_my_name]

I dont know about that. I really enjoyed that cut to the Cronenberg classic eXistenz.

[@odalv7278]

kicks are absolutely amazing on this little machine!!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!

[@t0xcn253]

Honestly I'm surprised that you didn't cover this thing's evil twin, the model: samples. I have to wonder how well these functions would translate to a sampler considering the rhythm and structure would be so restricted. Then again it can't be any more limited than my Pocket Operator T.K.O. and I still have a blast with that.

[@AudioPilz]

Should I? ;)

[@jonathanmcgregor6297]

@@AudioPilz yes please!!

[@Roboprogs]

One trick on the Samples is that you can alter the start point of the sample to get a wave table kind of effect, if you have a sample with a tone that modulates over time. It takes a lot of time to set things up, though.

[@t0xcn253]

@@Roboprogs That sounds really cool! Actually I have a couple of synths that use wavetable engines and am finding them extremely useful for the kind of music I produce. This definitely puts the samples back on my radar as a potential buy someday, thanks for letting me know!

[@Roboprogs]

@@t0xcn253 I don't think I can post external links on KZbin, but check out section 9 of the M:S manual online. Section 9.2 explains setting the sample start and length, and 9.4 discusses looping to hold a tone while the attack-decay envelope controls the volume.

[@adamkrasneski3679]

I ragged on this little guy a bit when it released for not having more features than a korg er1 from 20yrs ago. But seeing that theyre about the same price now... Still kills me when drum machines/grooveboxes dont have multiple outs tho.

[@AudioPilz]

There are indeed some similarities to the ER-1 - love that box!

[@flowbius]

As allways it was fun to watch your video an listen to yet another nice track with a weird name. ...😁🤙 Immer gut für die Stimmung!

[@AudioPilz]

Besten Dank!

[@delcanprobably]

Not sure if anyone else has said it yet, but to fix the levelling issues you were having with volume automation in place, you can use the track mix volume (idk what it's actually called). Basically, with the track selected you can turn the blue knob and it adjusts a segmented volume bar on the screen, this is separate from the volume knob and it seems to apply after the distortion phase.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@gamma_noize]

The Model:Cycles is currently one of my favorite "drumies". 😁 Bought it together with my Korg OpSix, cause FM all the way! The M:C delivers the goods and sounds refreshingly different to other drum machines / grooveboxes. And i've got a suggestion for another synth: The UNO Synth Pro Desktop (or Keyboard, if you like)! As a finale to the UNO series. 😀 I've bought one about two month ago and i'm completely blown away by it. It has it's own sound and also sound f***ing huuuge! Although it still has a few quirks within the envelopes and LFOs, but IK fixed a lot of issues the original UNO had, but i reckon, you'll still find enough "hate" about it. It has AUX Power-USB, so no more strange noises, 5-Pin MIDI I/O and 6,3 mm jacks for audio out. It might still have some noise issues, if you use the USB-MIDI-Port, but who does that, when there are 5-Pin ports to use? 😂 And the synth engine really ticks all the boxes: 3 VCOs with continually morphing waves, 2 different filter with serial and parallel routings, complex arpeggiator, 4 bar sequencer with parameter automation, freaking nice overdrive distortion, stereo modulation fx, stereo delay and stereo reverb, paraphony, hard sync, FM and RM, a mod matrix and no need for the software editor.

[@AudioPilz]

Hey Erika, great idea!!! Thanks!

[@fohdeesha]

Fun fact: the model samples and model cycles are identical PCBs internally, I was able to flash my samples into a cycles, albeit using flash programming hardware. Haven't had the time to dig through the checksum / model ID verification in their sysex fw flashing routine to be able to crossflash them right over USB, but I suppose I'm not very motivated to do this either as Elektron seems like a very nice small company and I don't want to potentially take sales from them by publishing such a tool

[@AudioPilz]

Interesting!!! Thanks for posting!

[@coztfu]

Could you help me do the same? I'm thinking about buying the samples but id like to experiment it first. Maybe its wiser to wait for a digitakt. Anyway any information would be lovely

[@sapiotone]

7:45 - I NEED that Dawless jamming on a t-shirt!

[@AudioPilz]

That one really triggered me;)

[@AlienHomesick]

0:54 I knew you seemed familiar Welcome back Moby