Octatrack Mk2 Tutorial - Sampling Made Easy

[@AdamsOlympia]

Loving the format of this tutorial! Nice speed run through so many great musical capabilities of OT without getting stuck in the weeds.

[@ross_ykm]

Love the use of 'hold' sampling for morphing timbre!

[@sock_park]

Thank u, this helped speed up my workflow in the first 2 minutes of watching! 🙏❤️

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Very cool, man! Still figuring out the best way to do live sampling for me. As a total beginner, I’ll have to watch this quite a few times. Again, from a beginners POV, I hear someone on a video say “do this one thing...” then I see their hands do a dozen things that weren’t explained at all! Frustrating for a big dumb noob like me :) Hopefully, I’ll figure out a decent workflow soon enough

[@KennyZhao]

Hey! No worries bein a noob. I'm honestly intimidated by the idea of teaching the basics because I've never been a teacher; I prefer to give lessons that are specific to my experience and let people extrapolate from there. If you're feeling lost, I'd recommend checking out Merlin's Guide to the Octatrack for some basic ideas about how the Octatrack is organized, as well as some basic concepts (merlin's guide on understanding the octatrack) Cuckoo (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPLgYJ9r9Nqgqs) also has a pretty extensive video series on the basics of the MK1, and the MK2 is pretty similar with the exception of a few hotkey shortcuts.

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Kenny Zhao- thanks for the tips! Read Merlin’s guide a couple times, Cuckoo, of course! It’s slowly sinking in :)

[@vonruber]

Hi and thanks for the tutorial. Would you mind to mention the key combination/sequence you press in order to record the beat? You are going à bit too fast for a total beginner like me to understand 😅. Much appreciated 💜

[@RandomNoise]

This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you again and again Kenny :-)

[@KennyZhao]

Glad I could be of assistance! Thanks again for watching :)

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

Wait, at 11:41, how did you just record a new sample into the existing buffer? Did not know this was possible. Seems like, once a specific buffer is selected on a channel for various trigs, anything that is then recorded into that buffer plays instead?

[@gebhardmeilinger8578]

I like the camera standing on a weak tripod nearby the Speakers (picture shakes when the bass-drum is sounding)

[@revel8or]

Yeah, it adds something, eh?

[@Intraverse909]

Cool jam. I use ableton but this does look fun for live sampling instruments

[@dewalta]

For some reason my patterns are not holding sample assignments - so if I save a new pattern and assign new samples in that new pattern they are globally assigned over all patterns. So going back to the earlier pattern won’t change back to the original samples. What am undoing wrong?

[@KennyZhao]

Patterns don’t hold samples - parts do. So if you want to hold a new sample you will want to copy your current part to the next one, and adjust. Or you can change the sample with a p-lock, but I’d recommend using parts to keep things clear.

[@dewalta]

@@KennyZhao awesome, thank you so much! Do banks hold sample assignments? Could I set it up so that a bank corresponds to a track in a live set? Also through parts or can I just use banks to switch to a new song (new samples) without bothering about parts? Also my pickup machine stops playing / working if I click on the track it’s assigned to. Also I can’t stop overdubbing for some reason. It’s whole functionality seems very different than the one from your pickup machine video... How can I get it run like the one you have? Also is it possible to move recorded audio from a pickup machine to a flex or static machine in order to keep it for later, use it?

[@KennyZhao]

@@dewalta Yes, banks hold four parts and 16 patterns each, so you can definitely use that to keep your tracks separate! I actually go over that exact thing in this video, on performing using stems: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epvNnqWahdKfsNE If you're still confused about how banks/parts/patterns are organized, I'd suggest reading through Merlin's Guide to the Octatrack, which has a pretty good overview of how the Octatrack is structured: www.elektronauts.com/t/a-polished-version-of-merlins-ot-guide-here/42860

[@KennyZhao]

@@dewalta As for Pickup machines, I think you should try setting your pickup machine to "one2" on the record setup page 1. You may also want to check out my video on pickup machines, which goes over some of the settings details. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5S0pmyuadOXj5o Pickup machines record to the record buffer of the track they're assigned to, meaning the moment you flip a pickup machine over to a flex machine (and provided it is assigned to its record buffer), it will be ready to playback and slice your most recently recorded loop on that track!

[@andrewmunsterman1437]

I really want this. I own a digitakt, and had no problem learning it. Is this difficult to learn?

[@KennyZhao]

Andrew Munsterman I think if you’re patient, and already have some knowledge of Elektron workflow, it’s probably not too bad. Still a very deep machine though - I’ve never worked with a Digitakt so I can’t speak from experience

[@dewalta]

its quite a bit harder and more complicated than a Digitakt!

[@amberdean1263]

I've had a Digitakt for about 6 months now and I'm super comfortable with it. Also have an Analog Four mk2 that I don't find too difficult to use. I just got an Octatrack a few days ago though and I'm definitely having a much harder time wrapping my head around it. It's very non-intuitive.

[@iThunNdEr]

Why not use the “mix” button when gain staging your direct input? This could save from using a thru input track and you could add delay to the recording instead of the source.

[@KennyZhao]

Yeah this definitely helps sometimes, but at least so far I've enjoyed having delay and other effects directly on the source. Recently I've been using more outboard FX though so I may switch in the future!

[@disc9096]

Hey Kenny, nice video! Question: I play guitar in a few bands, and recently I added 2 little Yamaha Reface synths to my setup. Now I'm looking for some device to add some percussion/beats/samples that I'll be able to control dynamically throughout the songs. Would it be cool to use an Octatrack and plug in the Yamaha synths, and maybe even my guitar/pedalboard? Will it be practical and useable in a live situation? Or would I be better off with a simpler drumcomputer/sampler and just bring my laptop? I'm trying to figure out the pros/cons, and the actual sounds and layers I would be able to play over the songs with such a setup, but I'm not really sure if it's worth it. edit: Or would the Digitakt be a cheaper solution for that?

[@KennyZhao]

Hey dude! Thanks for watching. Octatrack can do all that and more - so whether you're looking for that extra 80% of features would be my question. For about half the price you can probably get a Digitakt and a mixer. The Digitakt is a very capable sampler and beat machine/sequencer, and you would have a lot more control over levels with a mixer. If you're looking to solve that particular problem I'd recommend checking out that configuration because it might be easier to get up and running

[@disc9096]

@@KennyZhao Thanks alot! I guess I'll do that, the Digitakt with a mixer. Maybe in the next generation of Elektron devices I'll get one of the big boys :) Keep up the good work!

[@KennyZhao]

Di Sc awesome, thanks again for watching! If you do end up wanting to upgrade, I think you’ll find the transition far easier as I’ve heard the workflow is similar. Elektron products also have a decent resale value on Reverb which is nice. Thanks again for watching!

[@nicg7452]

Great material on all your videos ! I have a little question. when I sample my op-1 it records in mono inside my octatrack, is there a way I can hear it in stereo in the OT ? thanks

[@KennyZhao]

Certainly, and thanks for watching! If you're using a headphone-to-stereo 1/4", you may still hear mono if you're using one instrument at a time, because the OP1's individual patches remain in mono. I believe the only things that are in stereo are the FX applied to the master channel, or if you pan within the 4track.

[@KennyZhao]

This is why I use a reverb pedal with my OP1 almost every time - I find it widens the signal and brings a lot of the sounds to life.

[@nicg7452]

@@KennyZhao ok thanks for help, is it the same reason I hear the OP-1 on only one of my speaker when I plug it into my OT ?

[@KennyZhao]

How do you have the OP1 plugged in?

[@nicg7452]

@@KennyZhao never mind it works fine now ! thanks

[@NullStaticVoid]

still have no idea how to sample after watching this video. thumbs down

[@nkeylen]

yeah this is quite dumb, tell us what you're doing but going so quick you can't see the buttons press, nor voicing them. Please redo the video.

[@tihomirvrbanec9537]

Nice! Why does the video shake on rhytm do?

[@aidanvinum]

Nice. How do you compare the Empress to the onboard reverb?

[@vosyasabesquien]

AdrianVino the reverb engine of the octatrack is now old and limited vs the reverb of the recent gear like the digitakt / digitone. the original octatrack was released like ten years ago and the mkii has the same fx engine. the empress is a dedicated reverb pedal and like the big sky or blue sky, is way more deep, clean and powerful than any of the reverb that comes with the elektron boxes and other synths / machines.

[@aidanvinum]

Thank you. I have owned the Oto Bam, Big Sky, and a few more. Never owned an Empress. I would love to just use Octa live and a vocal processor wit mic. Just wished the reverb was better maybe.

[@KennyZhao]

Yeah, there's pretty much no contest. I'd compare it to the onboard reverb on a synthesizer - serviceable, and there are some cool things you can do with it sequencing-wise (LFO the dry/wet, etc.), but quality-wise the Empress blows it out of the water. Plus, it's MIDI enabled so if you have the additional MIDI box you control it in all kinds of ways with the Octatrack, including selecting presets and mapping automation to the patterns.

[@aidanvinum]

Kenny Zhao feel the same about the delay in the Octa.

[@apocalypseplease19]

how to save the recorded loops in the ot?

[@Fishoilification]

would you say the octatrack is only useful for edm 4 on the floor type stuff? Want to get more freaky with sound and grooves..

[@KennyZhao]

Definitely not! Here's a link to my live-stream today, where I tried to break out of that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5y8epeVjLugeNk This is a pretty ambient improvised set I put together, using basically just the pickup machines kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpu6XpqneNKnfbM And if you're looking for something still somewhat beat-driven, Ivar Tryti does a ton of hip hop beats: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C0kKRjoMmEopo

[@theshillpill6937]

Hey Kenny, great vid! I’ve been interested in the Octatrack for some time. From what most people say, the learning curve is high, but so is the payoff. What is the biggest payoff you see for studio work?

[@KennyZhao]

Traditionally speaking, it's not great for studio. It plays by its own rules, its audio manipulation often leaves artifacts, and it has a characteristically digital sound. But if you don't mind those things (which I don't), it can be a great tool for creating inspiring ideas and sounds! I've found a great deal of starting points for more developed ideas within Ableton. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend it primarily as a supplement to a studio setup. It's so complex that it often works best as the star of the show.

[@EmptyDomoKanti99]

dude what size are you stickers? i’m thinking of grabbing an Octatrack and putting some vinyl stickers on it, and i wanna know a rough size just so i don’t buy something huge and mess it up

[@KennyZhao]

Sazazie pretty small - like 1-2cm. I found them in a store so I just eyeballed it kinda

[@EmptyDomoKanti99]

Kenny Zhao thank you so much!

[@just_pierre9730]

It's going to fast for a tutorial.

[@arjanpetersen]

Perhaps sell your octatrack

[@jazzbeats8168]

😂

[@ShaighJosephson]

Couldn't stand the 1980's interface... Total turn off...

[@JACKOJACKO121]

a months paycheck on the desk there ouch.

[@JohnSAitken]

You’re pressing things just to show off. Tell the people what your pressing the button’s for and stop making moves that distract from the goals you are explaining. I just took delivery (same box) today and I’m looking for help as the manual is not all that good.

[@KennyZhao]

I guess I should make this clearer - my tutorials are not meant to explain the basics of how to use the Octatrack. Most of my videos are more in-depth explorations of what you can do once you have the fundamentals down. I believe Cuckoo does a pretty thorough explanation on how it works from the ground up (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPLgYJ9r9Nqgqs). He's working from the MK1, but the design is still fundamentally the same There's also Merlin's Guide, which goes over a larger picture of how the files are organized, and some beginning suggestions on how to build a set (www.elektronauts.com/t/a-polished-version-of-merlins-ot-guide-here/42860) Beyond that, honestly I'd recommend still reading the manual. It's a deep machine, and there's likely tons of stuff I don't know, even having read the manual cover to cover myself. Best of luck!