Octatrack Modular / How to make Music Fast with the Minimal Dawless Setup?

❤️ Support me on Patreon - / ihor
🎛️ Gear in this video
-- Octatrack MK2 - [US bit.ly/3XNoPjC] [EU bit.ly/41hWAwt]
In this video I went over my Elektron Octatrack workflow and how it works with the Minimal Eurorack Modular Setup. I created a template project to be able to reuse it in the future to get things done faster and make music instead of setting up the instruments and studio. And a little Techno Jam at the end!
🎛️ Modular
- Imitor Versio - [ALL bit.ly/3lRMSkv]
- Polaris - [ALL bit.ly/3ntJFrX]
- Basimilus Iteritas Alter - [ALL bit.ly/3zbmeWH]
- Scales - [ALL bit.ly/40broxR]
- Mimetic Digitalis - [ALL bit.ly/40orbr9]
- Clep Diaz - [ALL bit.ly/3FWXJR1]
- Lapsus Os - [ALL bit.ly/40Fl8yb]
- Stereo Line Out 1U - [US bit.ly/3ZshbvQ] [EU bit.ly/3lJjFYO]
- MIDI 1U - [US bit.ly/3Zh6mg4] [EU bit.ly/3yWYQwh]
- Steppy 1U - [US bit.ly/3G0nFuZ] [EU bit.ly/40bZrWE]
- Dual VCA 1U - [US bit.ly/3TNLIDg] [EU bit.ly/3FNzk0i]
- Palette - [US bit.ly/3XSdKhg] [EU bit.ly/3ZvCnSj]
🎹 Gear in my studio
- Favorite Groovebox - [US bit.ly/3ySdhkZ] [EU bit.ly/3n8xfVX]
- Favorite Eurorack Case - [US bit.ly/3TtrApG] [EU bit.ly/3mZNJQd]
- Favorite Drum Machine - [US bit.ly/3JyvzfY] [EU bit.ly/3JwBVwp]
- Favorite Synth - [US bit.ly/3LCNc11] [EU bit.ly/3JPosRP]
- Favorite Sampler - [US bit.ly/3n5rKHQ] [EU bit.ly/3Jt0eeJ]
- Favorite FX Pedal - [US bit.ly/3lqmqhE] [EU bit.ly/40mhg57]
- Favorite Distortion - [US bit.ly/3JT7LoE] [EU bit.ly/40nAPd9]
- Audio Interface - [US bit.ly/3TBv5us] [EU bit.ly/3LCuG9c]
- DJ Mixer - [US bit.ly/3JPOl2X] [EU bit.ly/40nZDlg]
- Studio Monitors - [US bit.ly/3LBZ83d] [EU bit.ly/42kumlj]
- Headphones - [US bit.ly/3FZAQfZ] [EU bit.ly/3LC2gvZ]
👆 If you purchase something using these links I will get a little commission without any extra cost for you! Thank you!
👀 More content from me?
Instagram - / ihor_poplava
Twitch - / ihormusic
Bandcamp - ihormusic.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud - / ihormusic
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:51 Hardware Connection
1:26 New Template Project
2:15 System Settings
3:14 Control Settings
5:00 Pattern Stettings
6:05 Tracks Setup
9:46 Scenes
10:35 MIDI Track
11:23 Template Project
12:19 Demo Start
13:45 Sampling Bass Line
18:21 More from Modular
21:12 Final Thoughts and Outro
🌍 Hello World! My name is Ihor.
This is my channel where I share my experiences, ideas, reviews and tutorials related to Electronic Music Production. I focus mostly on Techno and House music. In my Studio on my Music Production Desk you will find a variety of different gear like: digital and analog synth, eurorack modular, drum machine, sampler, effect, mixer, guitar pedal, MIDI controller. Also software: DAW, Ableton, VST, plugins.
I am myself an engineer and I am quite obsessed with the Music Technology and Sound Design. I like making music without a computer. I like playing Electronic Music Live with my Minimal Dawless Setup. I love Eurorack Modular Techno and always keen to talk about the modular workflow.
I strongly believe that nothing can be better than a good Dawless Techno Jam!
I watched all the Techno Tutorials on KZbin! (I think)
📺 Thanks for watching! And have fun!
✌️ Peace.
#Techno #Modular #Tutorial

[@MDWeezer]

Love the fader throw at the end right before the "have fun" - very boss OT move!

[@IhorMedia]

Hah! I am glad you noticed this one, Matt! I'll try to make them more "fat" in the future. ✌️

[@SexyEarHole]

This setup is also spelled out in the OT manual. Near the back of the manual in the 'Example setups' section. A very powerful setup.

[@RickyTinez]

yyeeesss to the polaris and clep combo at the end!

[@SnakesofRussia]

I’m researching using the Octatrack with my modular cases, this video was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@IhorMedia]

My pleasure! I am glad you fount it useful! Thanks for watching! ✌️

[@cooltigermusic]

Man your videos are always quality. I'm also based in Amsterdam, hope to meet you one day x

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you very much buurman! ✌️ Hopefully this whole crazy shit is going to be over soon and we can start meeting people again!

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@IhorMedia Hey I also live in Amsterdam! can I buy you a beer sometime?

[@IhorMedia]

@@tendingtropic7778 hit me up on instagram 😉

[@scamlikely1442]

I also was an Ihor back in my raver days.

[@grandmasterjo1]

Nice 👍 Super setup saving the recording into the project and using one press to record 👌👍

[@59Perlen]

Your sound is always on point ! So good.

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate it!

[@user-rj8hn1cb1w]

wow you're the first octatrack youtuber who's grooving!!! keep on man! we need more videos showing people having fun with their gear! thats the most important part of making music independently from the machines or DAWs someone's using

[@IhorMedia]

Oh thank you very much! I really appreciate your kind words! Indeed I have a lot of fun making music in DAW or Dawless! I am excited that you find my videos fun too! ✌️

[@SEPTIM_MUSIC]

Thanks for so useful information. Amazing!

[@noir4356]

Ah, the info I needed. It's exactly my setup - ok, I don't have a modular but the Karp Odyssey can do wonders as well 😄

[@cymbolic_space1832]

been watching ihor videos while saving pennies for my OT to pair with my modular and A4. thanks for keeping the love alive 🤠🤙🏼🦊

[@IhorMedia]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate you! ✌️

[@AlexBoffey]

Love the channel Ihor, found it very inspiring and informative for how I can improve my system and how to go about creating and performing with hardware - keep up the good energy ♥️

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you Alex! Your kind words mean a lot to me! I appreciate you! ✌️

[@curtainsinmotion]

Great video! Learned some things here and there! Thanks a lot!

[@IhorMedia]

My pleasure! Glad you found it useful! ✌️

[@tunistdasa6588]

Straight forward tutorial! Thanks for doing that 🙏 Always interesting how other setup's and workflow's are constructed. I think this one would also fit very well for live improvisation.

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you very much! I am glad you liked it! ✌️ I’d play this setup for hours just improvising on the go. ❤️

[@MrMiar94]

Very nice template and explanation, thanks!

[@IhorMedia]

You are welcome! Thank you for hanging here, Mikel! I appreciate it!

[@oltec_modular7048]

Stunning presentation!

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you!

[@neonjams]

Super helpful tips and well explained. Thanks

[@20x25]

thank you for this wonderful tutorial!

[@IhorMedia]

You are always welcome! Thank you for hanging here! ✌️

[@spacey_jones]

Just got mine, this is so helpful! 🙏 Awesome jam too

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you! Glad it is helpful!

[@stephencaines5610]

Such a great helpful video , thank you for this

[@IhorMedia]

My pleasure! ✌️

[@thiarkker2638]

so great. Thanx

[@jolieuke]

Thanks ! Great tutorial and very useful !

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you! ✌️I am glad you found it useful!

[@athaphian]

Awesome, thanks man. I never got around to making a template, but this video shows how powerful they are. I immediately created one. Very nice groove too, keep it up!

[@IhorMedia]

Nice!

[@melkeveienofficial]

I got my OTMK2AE just like yours a couple of months ago, and this tutorial is by far the one that has helped me the most to comfy with it. Thanks alot bro! Greetings from Norway

[@IhorMedia]

My pleasure! Really nice to hear that! ✌️ I'd really like to visit Norway eventually ❤️

[@H3ath]

Excellent love the octatrack love :D

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you! ✌️

[@mofateam1]

Great video. I think I have to go through this again - the OT has such a steep learning curve....

[@robertsyrett1992]

I kept waiting for you to pick up the maraca. Good tutorial!

[@IhorMedia]

I might pick it up eventually! Thank you! ✌️

[@Stue007]

super explained, thx alot

[@IhorMedia]

My pleasure! ✌️

[@not-hank-s]

Nice clean template. It's funny how many people end up using common templates with the Octatrack -- it should just come preloaded with some! I did pick up some nice tips along the way here, like quick record and LFO ducking. Thanks for sharing.

[@IhorMedia]

It would have been great to have some “factory OT templates”! Thanks for watching! I am glad you found some useful tips! ✌️

[@keivkeiv]

Nice tutoring Ihor! Thanks

[@keivkeiv]

I'm still looking around for Scales for sale >_< Hopefully one will pop up soon!

[@IhorMedia]

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate it!

[@anunnakisignal]

thanx bro 😎

[@IhorMedia]

Always welcome! ✌️

[@daisyroberts7401]

Nice Video 🙌

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you, Daisy! ✌️

[@ronsone8373]

As always liked it.... great fun and fast workflow reposted this vid in elektron FB group Must save some cash for a modular rig 😂

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you Rons! I appreciate you here! ✌️ And thanks for reposting!

[@ronsone8373]

Should give you a couple of subs..... I said IT once and will say again you deserve more subs 😉

[@IhorMedia]

@@ronsone8373 it certainly gave me some! thank you very much Rons! ✌️

[@el_dani]

Simple idea, excellent explanation, cool groove; yes please continue these videos! Just don‘t put the headphones on the patched cables anymore 🙈

[@IhorMedia]

Thanks for watching until the end! I appreciate it! Why not on the patched cables tho? 😊

[@el_dani]

@@IhorMedia I fear you could damage an audio jack - my daughter already smashed 2 of these of my rack - other gear I don't fear this

[@IhorMedia]

@@el_dani true. I will try to be more careful ;)

[@EleniEliades_]

Love that deep bass line! Your tutorials are top notch.💡🎛💥🤙

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you very much Eleni! ✌️

[@mit136speichenumdiewelt]

Please more ;-)

[@BlueNoiz]

Thanks for your videos, I like your presentations and how you speak, it's interesting and clear ! I hesitate between AR & Octatrack to complete with MPC X and Force, I can't buy the both for the moment but I think I will take the Octa for the flexibility and to do the link between to the 2 Akai. +1 subscriber :)

[@IhorMedia]

Thanks for your kind feedback! I think you're right, the Octatrack will be much more versatile for your setup. Because it a performance rather/sampler and will give you some room for experimentation 😉 AR tho is an extremely dope drum machine. But it is a drum machine only.

[@BlueNoiz]

@@IhorMedia Thank you for your feedback and for your confirmation in my choice. The Octatrack can really do a lot of things and you're right for a first Elektron device for my use. And I think I will take an AR in a few time to complete my setup ! Thanks for your vids, it's a pleasure :)

[@BlueNoiz]

@@IhorMedia Hi Ihor, I've got the Octatrack (black version) since yesterday and you're right, this is the best choice with my other devices, I already love it :) Many persons say it's very difficult to learn, but I don't find, no more complicated than MPC, it's more logic than a Spectralis. Thank you very much !

[@IhorMedia]

@@BlueNoiz man, glad you like it! It can get as complex as you want it to be. But all the concepts are more or less same, right? I wish you to have fun with it!

[@BlueNoiz]

@@IhorMedia Yes, it's still music and the handling remains the same at the end, we play with knobs on metal (or plastic ^^) boxes !

[@vinylarchaeologist]

You’re like Ricky Tinez from a parallel dimension, down to same camera perspectives, same modular case, use of props, even the room has a similar layout... Uncanny 😅

[@IhorMedia]

I do get a lot of inspiration from Ricky! And I've learned from his videos a lot!✌️Sorry for a weird feeling tho.

[@scarfypedia]

@@IhorMedia lmao I was just thinking this today, european ricky tinez. sick stuff love your techno!

[@jamessusbilla]

haha. never noticed til you mentioned it. i love both peeps. they share their knowledge with passion and humility. thank *YOU* both =)

[@funkytransport]

and it's still better than your channel...

[@UberSynth]

Cool. I like these tutorials. I need more clarification on that ducking technique. What kick is that? Did it come with the Octatrack sound card?

[@IhorMedia]

If I am not mistaken this kick comes from Ethereal Techno 2 sample pack from Sample Magic. The ducking effect on the Octatrack is a BMP synced LFO, inverted exponential waveform, speed 1/4 of a bar, that goes into volume or filter frequency.

[@planktron]

Cool video. I have to digout octatrack and 0-coast from the dusty boxes :)

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you Adam! How dare you putting the OT into the box! 😁

[@planktron]

I lost motivation and moved around a lot so all stuff is always in the boxes but I'll be on it again soon :)

[@IhorMedia]

@@planktron nice that you are planning to get back ;)

[@thomaslann5015]

Great video. Only feedback I would have is to possible have the octatrack display zoomed like a few others do. I can't really read it.

[@IhorMedia]

Thanks Thomas for your feedback! My main idea is to keep my videos kinda light and not too technical or detailed. However I completely get your point here. I might try something in the future.

[@thomaslann5015]

@@IhorMedia Thank you for considering my input.

[@danielpmiller1159]

Love the setup. Question, with the mod case on the left of the Octatrack as scene A, can you set up another mod case on the Right side and have that as scene B? Clock both and crossfade between them like a DJ does with records? and maybe save scenes for each, like changing vinyl/songs on turntables to play a set? Hopefully, that makes sense.

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you, Daniel! ✌️ This is indeed possible and actually easy to setup. And there is always a few ways to do this on the OT. But the idea is to adjust inputs volumes or gain on different scenes. For example Scene A would be: - Input A and B volume max - Input C and D volume min And scene B the opposite: - Input A and B volume min - Input C and D volume max And this will be it for crossfading in between the two synths.

[@danielpmiller1159]

@@IhorMedia Thanks, this gets me one step closer to my end goal. Doing what Octatrack does with A/B scenes. And somehow emulate it in pure Modular Synth setup?

[@IhorMedia]

@@danielpmiller1159 hmmm... that might be a little nerdy patching. I am thinking about attenuverters with offset + 2 VCAs. I think I know how to do it exactly. Let me try...

[@IhorMedia]

@@danielpmiller1159 I actually managed to make crossfade with Lapsus Os and 2 VCAs! It is a little hard to explain in written format. I might record a short vid for Instagram.

[@emin.bayramov]

Круто брат! Благодарю 🙏🏼 только взял окта и конечно не знаю как к нему подойти...

[@IhorMedia]

Спасибо! Рад, что понравилось видео! ✌️ Я бы рекомендовал сначала попробовать ОТ просто как драм машину, чуток натренировать мышечную память, понять что и где. А после продолжить изучать уже глубже.

[@matugrossu]

@@IhorMedia классный совет! Так проще начать

[@tendingtropic7778]

great stuff! some say the octatrack FX and sound is medium/flat. do you agree? what are the compressor settings you use on the master?

[@IhorMedia]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate you. Regarding FX and sound. It is a 10 years old box. So yes, FX are a little "old school". Despite that I like them! I've also heard about the DAC being not too high quality, tho I've never noticed that with my ears. Regarding compressor settings it really depends. I usually twist it until it sounds right. Usually oif we talk about Master track I'd have compressor as a "glue": max threshold, 1/3 ratio, 0 gain, max mix, no changes to attack and release. Then I'll start lowering threshold until I audition the change. Another thing that I often use compressor for is limiting or cutting some transients off, especially if I work with modular: min attack, 1/3 release, max threshold, max ratio, min gain, max mix. Then again lowering the threshold until it starts cutting too much and move it back up a little bit. Compression 101: "twist it until it sounds right". LOL

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@IhorMedia thanks for the reply, I also live in Amsterdam, lets have a beer sometime!

[@IhorMedia]

@@tendingtropic7778 sure! Hit me up on Instagram!

[@mickvdzwan]

Hi Ihor, is there a way to let the Steppy start/stop with the octa? My steppy is always playing.

[@IhorMedia]

Hey Mick! There is! You should send continuous RUN signal into Steppy instead of RESET. For example in my MIDI 1U module it is possible to reconfigure it to do that.

[@clementnguyen9213]

Hello Ihor...Can i do this with an Octatrack Mk1 ! Thanks a lot for your Channel...

[@IhorMedia]

Hey! Most of the things should be possible, but I guess not all of them. However there is not that many things different between MK1 and MK2. That's why I think so. Thanks for kind words!

[@clementnguyen9213]

@@IhorMedia Merci !!

[@emitidy]

What is your modular reverb, I couldn’t tell?

[@IhorMedia]

Desmodus Versio

[@gastawson4398]

Yo Ihor, what patch cables do you use?

[@IhorMedia]

Yo! From Erica Synths mostly. And stackable from Tiptop Audio. ✌️