Elektron Model Cycles Review, full tutorial and 7 tips and tricks

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TIMELINE:
0:00 Overview
4:00 Preset sounds
6:30 Tone machine
8:50 Chord machine
10:15 Kick machine
11:30 Snare machine
12:30 Metal machine
13:25 Perc machine
14:15 Sound design
14:40 Effects
16:40 LFO options
18:00 Velocity mods
19:50 Sequencing
21:00 Automation
22:50 Cond. trigs
25:35 Preset locks
26:50 Machine locks
27:20 Misc stuff
28:50 TIPS & IDEAS
28:50 Retrig jam
29:35 Attack hack
31:00 LFO groove
31:45 Decay hats
32:10 Jam tips
33:45 MIDI control
34:25 Poly hack
37:15 Pros & cons
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@osvaldovegacasanova3559]

awesome video

[@Rollur1234]

This one resembles Play in outlook at least. Seems very jammable❤❤❤ i want to try this one out

[@pauwels_francois_djset]

I bought this product this afternoon and I just spent more than 4 hours on it making tutorials and learning. Your video finally showed me how to change synth notes. thank you so much for your help with this tutorial! this machine scared me but now it will become my best friend.

[@gammakeraulophon]

You're very good at this.. always appreciate competent and highly organised reviews. Fantastic stuff! Thanks!

[@pegipoi]

I bought this today. Tomorrow is dedicated to this video and learning. 😎👍

[@richardgeiblinger8922]

Your Synth Videos are THE MOST HOLISTIC videos of all. Straight forward, Info, timeline, man! I always turn to your channel when I want to know something about synths. Sad you don't make cooking tutorials too. A+++

[@danhat606]

PLEASE DO THIS!!! Here is the Ostrik Egg Omelette! Quite substantial shell....etc

[@MrJustin8912]

Extremely grateful for this video, the best walk through i've found. Thank you!

[@gleannmhuire]

That’s a masterful introduction to this device. Thank you.

[@petrbursa2666]

Wow Thank you so much! Amazing!

[@transition6559]

Very good job! Thanx for sharing!

[@necrotictrust]

thank you once again for highly useful video!

[@alextrejo307]

Very clear thanks a lot!

[@danielfromyesterday]

great video thank you so much

[@tomlavelle8518]

I am learning so much about the world of acoustic synthesis just by looking at these videos!

[@martindu4]

Very nice and complete review. Just put an order in to add to the collection. Thanks

[@jeremyfox7599]

The best music tech specialist on the internet, by far the greatest on KZbin! Every video is a winner regardless of the equipment being rigorously examined! Superb work as always! Thank you Loopop! Always my first point of call when researching new equipment to acquire for the studio and always great content to watch even just for fun! Always awesome content!

[@loopop]

Thanks - Glad you enjoy it!

[@liqwiz]

That demo tune you treated us with is simply Excellent.

[@DrumhouseMadrid]

Hello, I'm looking for a video that shows how I can include a .wav library in the model cycles. First of all, is it possible to include samples and if so, how and in what format? If it does not include .wav and if syex, how do I transform .wav to syex. Greetings and thank you!!

[@PhatNoizeRecords]

Thanks again for another great review video.

[@BosketBosket]

Amazing job! As always

[@danielhuerta8608]

fucking love being able to see the waves.....really helps to visualize the parameters.

[@interaktiveaudio]

only one problem with your channel...I will be ending broke...... your presentation of new instruments is a work of art by itself cheers mate

[@memorycurse1342]

Love that they went back to machines for this one. I love my machinedrum for that immediate odd prepatching

[@michaelmcglinchey5579]

Really good review. I want one!

[@doctorguava5763]

Thank you!!

[@jimmywheelo]

Looks and sounds great. I've been waiting for something like this. Was about to go for the Volca Drum and was wishing for a Volca Drum type synth/drum machine that had an Elektron sequencer. Good price too. Will definitely buy. The Dataline demo shows how wonderful this is. X

[@riddimfernandez5139]

Great video and awesome track at the end - my type of music.

[@VDJ4500]

I love this little machine. It's simple and sounds great. It's easy to send pattern change messages, track mutes etc from DAW so the SONG mode isn't really missing feature here. In fact, once you have it properly set, your DAW tracks and records any parameter changes in CYCLES, so you don't actually need to input them manually. cheers

[@lit3work]

Another great review Ziv! I have digitonekeys and op-z but this looks like loads of fun!

[@emmanueldavd5124]

best reviews on youtube :) thanks loopop

[@Andy8Tran]

I've had M:C for a few days now (in large part due to your video). I'm finding this video very helpful as a resource. Thank you for the content! One thing I love about your videos (amongst all the rest) is the table of contents on the left. I know it would be a good bit of work, but I wish the current "chapter" were highlighted. If you let me know what video editing software you use, I'd be willing to look into writing a script to do that for ya.

[@loopop]

Andy Tran thanks very much! Yeah I’d love that too, it’s just that by the time I’m making the TOC I’m eager to hit publish so indeed doing it manually would be a pain. If you can pull off a script that would be fantastic. I use Premiere (unfortunately...).

[@jktek5299]

Fucking LEGEND! ty

[@JRosevelt]

I'm late to the party....but just got a Cycles yesterday and it's because you're tutorials and reviews are so meticulously detailed and informative that I already knew how to master the device before laying hands on it. Thanks for the awesome review and by the way, to anyone reading this, IMO, the Cycles is a really really great device for one of the more budget friendly options in the Elektron lineup. I highly recommend this to anyone who can't afford the Digitone or Syntakt. However...the capabilities of this device make me hungry to explore the Digitone....I was hoping they would come out with another FM synth though. We will see.

[@audiowanderer]

Just the best KZbin channel for music hardware demos. Period

[@kostantinosmag2986]

Great video !!!!!!!!!

[@sykromsmile6303]

Great video

[@inkajoo]

Best Elektron machine since MD/MM in my opinion. Wonderfully focused and easy to use. And that price! Would be nice to have an additional machine or 2 and some more LFO options, but Elektron seems open to feature requests so it'll be nice to see what gets added!

[@benhall2235]

Have they added anything to these since release? I’ve got the Digitakt and that has had some serious upgrades recently. I’ve a feeling these won’t be updated at all. I’ve ordered one anyway because I love fm percussion sounds and I love ekektron sequencers. It should arrive in a few days. Got it for a steal too. 175 gbp used but boxed as new condition. I’ve spent more than that on a night out.

[@pdlkmusic]

​@@benhall2235They added the ability to change samples on a per-step basis to the model samples so they've probably updated this one or are planning on it at some point.

[@dyscotopia]

Dammit. Based on this I just bought one for $300 Canadian. I'm not good with fm synths but i like experimental percussion and I'm looking to sell my og circuit (I have a circuit rhythm if I want that sweet sequencer) and this tickles my brain cells

[@nebuladus7850]

Thxsomuch loopop🔊🎵u Fantastic💥💥💥💥💥

[@1VperOctave]

Thank you for another excellent review/tutorial. Er, also thanks for triggering the Alien Apocalypse!

[@GeorgeL909]

I love it . It looks like like something you'd find on the Nostromo. I just wanna slap a weyland-yutani sticker on it and make space blips and bloops with the reverb all the way up. If only I could actually find one in stock...

[@charliehale4960]

Seems excellent for composers

[@neonblack211]

Has loopop done a video on how to use vcv racks oscilloscope with hardware?

[@loopop]

not a dedicated video but if you search for my hybrid modular video, it discussed this further

[@neonblack211]

@@loopop thankyou

[@sandyturner1911]

This looks like it would be a good Drum Machine option, for me. With the added bonus, of having other things. I just got a Novation Bass Station 2. These 2 things synced up, looks like it would be fun, without too much of a learning curve. Thanks for the great Demo!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Got one on the way. Love being able to see a Loopop review, while I'm waiting :-) Life is good, with KZbin channels like this, and the helpful dialog, in the comments section. Best wishes to all, stay safe until the Covid Pandemic is over.

[@theoschlossman1577]

got one coming too! looking forward

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@theoschlossman1577 If you find the Track Pads (T1-T6) are two hard to hit, you might want to try this mod. It involves adding duct tape to the bottom of the Track Pads, and it helps a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kITdn5SDaLWZfpY Be careful, if it is new, as it will void the warrantee. Also, if you have bigger, stronger hands/fingers, you may not find it necessary. Best wishes, and hope you enjoy yours, as much as I enjoy mine :-)

[@FredF78]

Now I understand why I find the model series video more pleasing to watch. The pads are not clicky. They sound, look and feel smooth, and that transitions thru the computer screen and loudspeaker. They should have used this construction on the Takt and Tone.

[@JJW001]

Looks like a modern Korg ER-1. Perfect!!!! :)

[@palmacbeth885]

great video thanks. doing the poly hack through ableton/m4l is also another easy way to do the poly hack and as a poly synth the M:C is great fun. Surely elektron could put a "polysynth" mode in the main config options that makes the M:C do the round robin thing for you as well as default to 'control all' so you can one handed twiddle knobs while playing the external keyboard?

[@thedrumunkey8582]

This is cool... I’d been debating a M:S to sequence my Nord Drum but kinda wanted more controls. This looks like a good alternative.

[@roman2374]

Did you end up doing this? I’m still looking for some way of sequencing my nord drum. There’s a lot of ways to do this via iPad but I always like being able to have a hardware option just based on preferring buttons and knobs over screens...

[@missfroy663]

Great video, thanks! Mine gets here tomorrow. Can't wait. Week off next week to get to know it and get it wired into the modular via the Hermod and blck_noir.

[@earthhuman5448]

what do you think after 3 months?

[@missfroy663]

@@earthhuman5448 Big fan. I started to write a full reply, but decided I had to start a blog again once I made it to the third paragraph... Short story: love it. Great fun, good sounds, not a Digitone, but I would say more fun, more immediate and - now it’s paired with a Digitakt and a TD-3 - I don’t really think I want a Digitone anymore. Given the current situation, I haven’t gigged this yet, but I reckon you could turn up to an open-mic with this and turn out a pretty decent set… When paired with the modular, it gives me a huge amount of confidence that I can quickly and easily return to something 'normal' and in a proper key if I find I've wondered to far away from things with the knob twiddling.

[@earthhuman5448]

@@missfroy663 thanks for the deep insight! ive been diving back into my model samples lately and having so much fun getting bizarre results. differing track lengths & chance. minimal ambient with the included single cycle waveforms. some nature samples. spent the weekend hypnotizing myself. hahaha.

[@remyvegamedia]

Unquantized sequencing + hands on sound design.... I'm legit 100% sold on this for a drum machine out of nowhere haha. I'm getting this. Thank you for this video. It's never easy for me to decide and the simplicity of this relative to the potential depth is perfect.

[@rahulkothari1563]

How to midi connect elektron model cycles to rc 505 boss mk2 I want to use elektron as slave

[@robertfegley2407]

I own Digitakt and have wanted Digitone for a long time now, but with FM sounds without the FM complexity and at less the half the cost, I gotta say this is looking like a much better option for me.

[@inf0tr8r]

same.. model:samples was a better fit for me over Digitakt, don't need resampling and the one knob per function makes it much more fun to use

[@ReasonedWhistle]

Will comment again so this new video will get more traction :) Superb review as always! :)

[@Rollur1234]

Such a lack of accessability to synths where i am. In terms of eurorack modules here are NONE except the ones i import myself 🤠

[@Daphoid]

Having just got one recently and revisiting all my favourite youtubers as video manuals I discovered this preset is in the unit. Not sure if I missed this originally but that was fun to find. Also if folks haven't seen Jeremy (Red Means Recordings) opening jam on this, its a banger.

[@abstral66]

awesome thx EleKtorn

[@limeflashlight4101]

im going to try to get this for my birthday next year. im trying to get into physical and it would be my second synth if i dont get a synth from christmas.

[@MaskedMenace94]

Did you get it?

[@limeflashlight4101]

@@MaskedMenace94 yes :)

[@Bellyheart]

Love it

[@melokit-music]

thx u so ! ❤️

[@DJ-Lazy-Lodger]

you forgot noise in the snare machine and thats quite a big issue.

[@itchyliabdo]

Really nice💜💜💜

[@ginnysindaco810]

Elektron and all the others should give you a royalty for every gear they sell. You made me buy a lot of stuff! Thanks for your great videos!

[@loopop]

Thanks :) I don't take money from companies but the store affiliate links pay a commission regardless of what you buy

[@ginnysindaco810]

@@loopop i was only joking. But thanks again for teaching difficult subjects in a such light and enjoyable way.

[@victorroberts4637]

After solidly playing with the M:S for a week, I’m def converted to the “elektron way” I just wish they added Func+Decay=Attack and Func + sample start and end = loop point start and end for better tonal sounds. Seems these same options should be on the M:C - the missing attack parameter - and I think the chord types and inversions should be a on a Func+knob - that way leaving 4 knobs to control the timbre of the chord. Either way - I’ll def be buying this - it’s the portable composing groove box I’ve been waiting for

[@supernovasimulations]

Man, those osciloscopes/spectroscopes, seem absurdly useful, can i get what exactly are they?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@supernovasimulations]

Thanks mate, that was fast

[@13jonx]

Another good review. Is it possible to have multiple tracks with different sequence lengths to do Euclidean rhythms/polyrhythms? Thanks!

[@arturmpuga]

Recently bought a Torso T1 thanks to your review on it. If I understood you correctly, it seems I can use it to sequence the Model Cycles, right? Thanks for your incredible videos, always a real pleasure to watch!

[@ElisNefaria]

Hi, many thanks for the discussion! If you use a part to sequence an external synth, can you use a keyboard to enter the notes and trigger the external synth, like on the digitakt? Does it have the "auto channel" functionality so that I can use one midi cannel on the controller keyboard to play/record whichever part is currently selected?

[@TristanBaldi]

About the poly hack, if you want to change the sound of a track and don't want to use the function "ctr all", you can just modify one track, and then copy and paste the new sound to other tracks with this command : [Track] + [Cpy] and then [Track] + [Paste], which copies only the sound and not the trigs

[@stereosaur]

I want it just for the tone it made at @33:31 That was a sick wobble.

[@bramdewinter]

I also noticed that one, it got me thinkin'of byjng the MC :-)

[@DopamineOverload]

Superb vid as always, sir. Anyone know how to program this thing to get some interesting presets, like the built-in ones? I cannot figure out how to make the magic happen, haha. Testing this thing out for a student of mine, trying to learn it so I can show them. Thx!

[@2mbst1]

The cycles is great and everything. But dang I want that midihub! (repeating the comment from the first uploading)

[@bflash77]

Fun looking machine. Cheers to Elektron for making "entry level" gear; and to Loopop, for the great review

[@firesailstudios1003]

Nicely done! If this thing could send midi cc's with the automation recording along with notes via midi, it would be worth it for that by itself... still pretty awesome for $300. It also makes me laugh about back when it was said for the more flagship elektron boxes that sending midi out was an impossible firmware update. What a great time to be a music maker!

[@Tony2dH]

I would buy it in a heartbeat if it did that! But I'll probably have to save for a Digitakt instead

[@VDJ4500]

@@Tony2dH wished Digitakt looked like Cycles...

[@Tony2dH]

@@VDJ4500 I personally prefer the Digitakt look and feel. I actually bought the Cycles but returned it and recently got the Digitakt instead and very pleased with it :) to each their own!

[@quietandpeacefulman]

It does send CC messages out when turning knobs etc. And these can be recorded in your DAW or whatever and basically play back a performance

[@xXkupsuXx]

hi this model sam...cycles😬. no offeense. you know i love your stuff. great content as always.

[@scottsweatshirt9753]

Can this be synced to the DFAM Advance Clock In, similar to how you can do with the Volca series?

[@spacekid5609]

Can you control other synths and daws with its sequencer via MIDI (I mean sending MIDI notes not only MIDI clock) like with Electribe 2 and Novation Circuit? Thanks

[@sp3ct3rsd3mos]

i wanna be you when i grow up, you are having too much fun.

[@jacopoV1984]

Can I sync this via USB to my DAW (Logic X) and and do MIDI and sounds editing?

[@knwohwo9737]

yes

[@mmmmigs]

that outro track was hittin.

[@peaterrepeater4441]

is there no more autochannel? it was used on the old machines for external control, so you could control the selected track via midi but without changing channels on the midikeyboard.

[@MLochMusic]

Hi, thanks great review. Can you apply ballance. So have say Metal only coming from left for a wild EG

[@dinogoldie9716]

When loading from factory fresh, the touch-sensitive pads are ridiculously quiet. Subsequently I have to hit them REALLY hard or fix velocity (hold FUNC+BACK) to get a decent level of sound out of them. How/where do I change global pad settings so that they're still touch-sensitive but within a far more usable range?

[@mrrafsk]

looking for a performance based drum machine to pair with my deluge.. is this what i am looking for. A couple of q’s... if anyone knows. Does the separate headphone have the clock only? How easy is it to sequence half or one bar fills and flams, in the middle of another sequence?

[@pluckingthespectrum]

thanks for this, very detailed as usual - any idea if it can sync pattern changing with the Analogue 4 mk2 - change patterns on both with 1 button press?

[@kultofstinkor5792]

I must be missing something, but is there a way to edit a preset after you've saved it, without deleting/resaving? Thanks so much for this video, learned a ton!

[@dinogoldie9716]

Is it possible to set different retrigger rates for each of the six tracks? Or is it a send effect with one global rate? To which of the parameter knobs (colour, shape, contour etc) should I assign the LFO to achieve wub-wub filter modulation when using the tone or chord machines?

[@dinogoldie9716]

Can you apply conditionality to automation/sound design (e.g. change preset every 3rd play through)? Or does conditionality apply only to whether a step sounds on/off?

[@smangalang]

What does the button with the boxing glove icon do?

[@guentertaube]

btw a faster way to change an lfo is to just hold the lfo-button and wiggle the knob of the parameter you want to be influenced by the lfo ;)

[@schwing69]

TY

[@kunstssst]

Cool. Thanks.

[@Zorro-zg1xk]

Yoo, good look

[@chiya7]

The symbols on my quantize and click buttons are different and my 'preset menu' button is instead 'swing all'

[@jasonbrogan4703]

What frequency analyzer tool are you using in this video? Thanks!

[@phex777]

loopop What frequency analyzer tool are you using in this video? Thanks!

[@ChrisRalphHoward]

sbmphr or you could tell them

[@virus2003]

Here's what he's said: "I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they're free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I'll use scopes by VCV."

[@EricEustace]

@sbmphr a nice twist on an old classic. This should be Google's motto 👍🏽

[@micahtron5000]

This might finally be a reason to sell my novation circuit

[@livinproof718]

I was thinking the same ... but I think I’m going to keep mine ... because it can hold samples

[@gazpacho22]

So cool for a french guy to understand everything you say. You're a really good pedagogue. It's a great kiff to learn so much in such a few time. Excuse my english

[@kubaswiercz]

Great review!! How did you grab the oscilloscipe graphs? Was is some hardware osc or ios (and if yes- how did you do the input to the ios device)?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@kubaswiercz]

Thanks! ❤

[@acdnrg]

Great demo as always! Can you switch patterns by MIDI? Didn´t find any info on that in the manual. If not, do other elektrons offer that?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I think so but haven’t tried it and my only source would be the manual

[@klmberezina274]

You reuploaded it! Hands down! ;)

[@eddieslab]

Is it possible to load one kind of machine on multiple tracks? Eg. Track 1,2,3 set to snare, and track 4,5,6 to chords. I suppose that's what you have done to achieve the poliphony at the end, right?

[@loopop]

Yes indeed it is

[@JustinThomasProducer]

I want a neuro link to your brain please . Just long enough to finishing learning the Hydranth Explorer, Minilougue XD, The EX Fantom upgrade, Electron Model cycle and the double thumb technique on the bass . How fast do you figure out all this gear ? Do you still have time to make music ? If so I would love to hear it . IQ off the charts !

[@loopop]

Your wish is granted - everything I know is in my videos and I covered all of those :) There are links to my music in the description, new album coming soon.

[@JustinThomasProducer]

@@loopop I was thinking the same thing as I watched the video ^^^ :) I just bought it. Idk how it flew under my radar for a few years . Its truly my dream rhythmic glitch machine. The product designer made a max for live version of this called Opal by Fors or Forc . The Swedish word for force . Check it out . Im curious to see if it will control the M4L version;) ✌❤✌️

[@Bloody_Slime]

cool synth! i have!