Elektron Model:Cycles - Walkthrough and Demo

[@UnfinishedIdeas]

Can we talk about that opening jam? The snare hits like a trashcan thrown from the third floor right into my face.

[@cellardoreproductions]

and?

[@matt-marque]

I've literally been thinking about this comment for two months.

[@FunnyPhisto]

Pure poetry.

[@matt-marque]

Update: I've been thinking about this comment for 4 months now, with no signs of slowing down. If anything, my appreciation for it has only deepened.

[@briannhinton]

@@matt-marque I just want to know more about the trash can. Are we talking a cheap plastic one from a kitchen? Or a heavy duty metal street trash can like Oscar the Grouch lives in?

[@hernandoando]

I just want Elektron to know that I'm going to buy this BECAUSE OF this video.

[@alibahadirzeybek6982]

Mewtwo

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

I considering this myself

[@michaelkonomos]

I’ve owned one of these for more than two years and I still learned a lot from watching this. Nice work!

[@JustinUrban1]

I had and sold my Model Samples and Model Cycles, but decided today to order one of each again. I’ve owned every Elektron device and after I unloaded all my gear I missed these 2 simple boxes the most. They are fun to make lo-fi micro house tunes with.

[@darksentinel082]

You're not cluttering my feed with it - you're the only synth person I watch o.o

[@mundungous]

DarkSentinel Jeremy and @loopop are the only one I bother with now. Both quality content, straight to the point and no bullish!t

[@PeterJnicol]

@@mundungous I agree. I like Ricky Tinez as well. His take is usually less technical and more focussed on live performance. If Benn and Gear has done a review of something then it is always worth it too, but he is not prolific at all.

[@mrbrotherman]

@@mundungous have you watched this guy Ehsan Gelsi

[@mundungous]

Mr Brotherman Hi. I hadn’t before but just had my mind blown sideways by his Model Samples and Model Cycles jam! Amazing! Thanks.

[@joshbotfdsfs]

Cuckoo has good content

[@ДумАтмосферыч]

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful external views of the Electron machines. I am an artist, and for me this design is like a good painting.💜

[@h3llo_wor1d]

This video convinced me I needed to buy it at the beginning of 2023, and I couldn’t afford it at the time, but here I am in February, and I got an amazing deal yesterday. I’m so excited.

[@Xen_13]

The opening jam is sick. Hope you can make a song out of it.

[@lewokejames]

Wanted to comment same!!! And this is coming from a 40 year true real hop hop head! Dope stuff!

[@benhall2235]

You want him to add singing? I prefer it instrumental as it is.

[@dmcinnis23]

As always, an incredible demo. I had the Samples for a year and just got a Cycles. I was surprised at how different they are, and it's kinda wonderful. Thank you for this terrific walk-thorough. It's helped me understand this box quite a bit more.

[@zooblestyx]

My feed was full of Model:Cycles, but I went for yours first. Like, of course, brah. You rock. Deal.

[@sashajedinac9391]

I really love your demos. You bring a unique perspective to all the devices you play with.

[@alecman95]

Dude that first beat was fire 🔥. Like I admire your skills and the way you showcase gear but that intro demo was a legit piece

[@Jason75913]

I'm really not into that sustained effect that sounds like fart effect of sorts. Snare needs tweaking. And more. 🤣

[@Joshuashudson]

The jam at the beginning is so sick. You have the music gift.

[@madguy228]

i was lukewarm on this but after that initial demo i'm entirely sold, almost fills the machinedrum shaped hole in my heart

[@AdamsOlympia]

Really loved the dirty/grungy sounding parts of the opening act! You could really get into NIN or prodigy-like territory with this kit. Can't wait to explore mine whenever it arrives.

[@Jux925]

same :D

[@Hell_Inc]

jesus christ, dude! that's some heavy, awesome industrial right there!! release this as a full song PLEASE!!

[@thinknoir]

"my aesthetic is spinning over here." .... me too, bro, me too.

[@fabishakenbake1971]

I’m using this now for about 6 months and I’m surprised how you still come up with surprising, new and fresh sounding stuff.

[@JD-xo2wz]

I love grooveboxes, but couldnt justify adding yet another one to my setup. And then this drops, Jeremy blows my face off with a "little jam" at the beginning, and I'm about to buy my first Elektron device. This thing sounds dope, man.

[@t4ttyt3ddyr0ck3r]

RMR never clutters up my feed, it caresses it with it's gentle and gorgeous ability to make me want every piece of gear in the video, yes even those Red and Yellow audio cables, where do you get those from!

[@DUANEYAISER]

There were lots of launch day vids about this one, but your take is the one I want the most.

[@vedabou]

14:54 - little tip: if you push the level encoder while turning it you can change per octave. at least it was this way on the m:s.

[@G8tr1522]

That’s a great tip!

[@rillonautikum]

Listen dude, payday’s just once in a month

[@Titantitan001]

I relate to this lol.

[@SpaceFaceFPV]

Same

[@keeeeerdi]

Holly Trent Reznor, when those distorted drums came in.....

[@kh7955]

Who is Holly Trent Reznor? I've heard of Trent Reznor but not Holly Trent Reznor...just saying lol

[@keeeeerdi]

@@kh7955 god himself

[@kh7955]

@@keeeeerdi I think you mean Holy

[@keeeeerdi]

@@kh7955 I think you have misspelled your name, it sould be "grammar nazi" instead of whatever you have written there

[@keeeeerdi]

@@Claidheambmor just take a moment to think about the steps you took to become what you are today, grammar checking year old replies to coments on youtube. I bet you are so proud buddy.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Awesome walkthrough of the Cycles Jake. Excellent jams! Sounds crips.

[@lonroberry]

This comment isn’t related to the vid (although that intro beat was so dope!), but I wanted to send you a message. I’ve been listening to your Object Permanence album pretty often lately, and I love it. I’m really into the genre-fluidity; not quite knowing where the next track will take you. Any Wonder and Moonbroch are my current favs, but they all create awesome moods in their own ways. You’re well talented, but more importantly, you have cool ideas and execute them nicely. I'm grateful for the music (and the videos). All the knowledge and technique you share is much appreciated. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the inspiration! LB

[@RedMeansRecording]

Thank you so much ❤️👏

[@jamescruz8678]

I've been looking around for months for my first hardware synth. I've looked at Behringer's Crave, Arturia's Brute lineup and their Microfreak, Korg's Volca series, etc. I was almost set on the Drumbrute Impact for its size and price when I found out about the Model:Cycles. And then I came across this video. That intro jam (and the price) pretty much sold me. Just got mine yesterday and it's an absolute blast to play and fiddle around with right out of the box!

[@jevogroni4829]

howd it go

[@jamescruz8678]

@jevogroni4829 I regret every single second after trading it for a Crave. I just wanted an affordable semi-modular but the Crave is so limiting and the sequencer so damn frustrating. On the flip side, I loved how you can easily make a decent track with just the Cycles alone. But it was also kinda paralyzing knowing I have so many options.

[@TroyBlackford]

I thought it was pronounced "model" not "modal," but apparently they pronounce it the "Dig-i-tone," so I can believe this. I just want to be sure. Your music is the best of any KZbin demonstration channels I've ever seen.

[@StormBurnX]

Between Benn & Gear, loopop, and of course Jeremy here, I think a wide enough sampling of strange/interesting is handled while also ensuring nothing gets glossed over too much, I never feel like I'm missing out on details of how things work :) On a side note, the sounds this thing makes remind me in a good way of the Korg MS-10, but with some rather curious avenues of potential thrown in for good measure :)

[@HoryuArthur]

Guys with this hands have 100% chance to make you headbang to eletric noises

[@WasabiNoise]

This is the first video I watch about this so. Numero uno! :)

[@pablopezzano7433]

This guy finds the G spot on every device he touch! Magic!

[@firesailstudios1003]

OMFG ...Uh yeah!! ....You killed it in that opening.

[@Mode-7]

Best demo video I've seen for it. Great sounds.

[@strangersun7721]

$300? SOLD! I will now have purchased a Digitakt and then a Model:Samples a year later AND a Digitione and now a Model: Cycles a year later. The knob-per-function on the Samples and it's class compliant USB audio has me using it much more often than the Digitakt.

[@dominicstocker5144]

But the Digitakt supports audio of USB too, right?

[@okeribok]

You make me want to buy *all* the elektrons! Even though I already have a digitôné. This seems like a fun buddy for it.

[@BlueprintsForHeadaches]

Just picked one of these myself . First drum machine ever and I’m loving it. Appreciate the upload 👏

[@Beans_in_toasts]

I only started looking at drum machines for the first time yesterday, but I'm buying this one. My search ends here. I want this thing in front of me immediately.

[@jurassicpork765]

Korg: [Sweats Nervously]

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Yeah, feels like its been a while since they released a more budget friendly rhythm box. I was just mentioning how this machine reminds me of a korg er-1 from the mid 2000s.

[@WARDISWARD]

NO they don't ,

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Korg just launched all their high end reissues, new wavetable synth and the volcas are already dominating the entry level markets. This is more like Elektron having a broader entry level line up. I love it! Never wanted to travel with my other elektron gear but this is fun.

[@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq-q]

@@adamkrasneski3679 100% agree, thought for sure they'd have a new electribe/more advanced volca at NAMM this year

[@renton74]

@@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq-q I've wanting something like a Drumalogue for a while - especially after the release of the Volca Drum as its got such a great sound engine, i went through the 16 patch memory in no time :(

[@ChanseMacabre]

Dataline's video had me interested, but that first pattern has me SOLD. Extremely impressive demo, very well done. :)

[@austingandy2650]

That intro jam was insane. Thanks so much for this!

[@G8tr1522]

2:42 I’d add that this machine seems like a fully fleshed out PO-32 Tonic. All it needs is individual track outs (which would solve the lack of fx functionality), and that’d be the machine I’ve been dreaming of for years. I suppose a workaround is to step lock the panning.

[@DenHeuvelProductions]

I thought about the lack of individual outs and it kind of makes sense that there are none, as each step can be parameter-locked to have a different machine than the one the track has assigned, so it kind of defeats the purpose. That said, would still be a great addition, especially if you don't change machines per step.

[@G8tr1522]

Jan Hendrik Vink yeah, but then you could get more flexibility with external fx. Especially since you have midi out. You could use the native M:C sequencer to control external fx.

[@c137medina]

Damn. When I saw the Elektron announcement today, I was like, "womp wommpppp". Now, I kinda want one... Watching your channel is getting expensive.

[@tweakmygroovebox608]

Thanks for your clear tutorial- I have just got a (second hand) Model Cycles to add to my Digitakt, TD3, Crave, Analog Four and Volca set up. I love the Elektron workflow but wanted something more immediate than the Digitone with less of a learning curve. I think the Model range gets the essence of the more complex Elektron gear without the sometimes confusing depth of the bigger machines.

[@picturesofaneighbourhood5950]

Jesus, you really on some hard as shit with this first pattern. Would love some heavy vocals over that

[@RedMeansRecording]

i really wanna throw some distorted vocals over it tooooooo

[@TotallyNotFunny]

@@RedMeansRecording you need MC Ride on this bad boy

[@xiZark]

It reminds me of something Gorillaz would use more recently

[@americanjunky]

@@RedMeansRecording INDUSTRIAL AF!! :)

[@superdooper50]

@@TotallyNotFunny NOISHE

[@connerdacus1344]

Dude holy shit what….the is so insanely good. Such an epic song I’m blown away!

[@mallek1989]

I just bought one, so I’m watching all these videos to get me hyped before it gets here. This thing is crazy for the price. Wish they had 2 stereo outs and 4 mono outs as well as the master stereo, but I can still do some damage with that stereo out! I can’t wait to play with this!

[@adriansmith5958]

Good work man! Always makes me excited to see one of your vids in my feed. I'm sure this year will turn out to be a good one. Keep crunchin it daddio.

[@gheedough]

Holy shit, that thing goes hard!

[@jamescruz8678]

Traded my Model:Cycles years ago for a Crave and I came across this video again. I want it back now. 😢

[@haxanlord]

Great explanation with good sound design. Immediately bought it.

[@MrGameFly]

That thing sounds absolutely massive!!

[@SuperMegaWoofer3000]

Opening song is SICK!

[@SteveMc870]

The ‘lurching, uncertain breakdown’ at 22:30 is great!

[@RedMeansRecording]

the chance knob with control all is really dope

[@jemangedeschats]

now that's what I call a (great) demo !

[@GrahndDorkus]

FM drums done right!

[@peace85587]

that opening jam crazy

[@grandmasterjo1]

The best presentation of cycles 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@messer21]

I know I already said this but after watching that opening track I hit purchase... That was just sick.

[@stevenxw]

absolutely convinced me on this device, christ that opening track goes so hard hahaha

[@free2muse]

Always learn so much from your vids man. Thx so much.

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I’ve never been into the whole“FM” synth thing but I gotta say this box looks and sounds very appealing! And your video is the best one I’ve seen so far, I’d thank you but I think you’re gonna cost me some cash!!!

[@KnightMirkoYo]

Oh my gosh, the first pattern would make an insane track. I'd bop to it!

[@avrilcadabra]

CAT CAT CAT! not just a little digitone, it's pretty neat

[@petri..]

Great walkthrough! Got mine today, now it’s just the long wait, where is that mail?! 😄

[@synthxplayer]

Bruhhhhh, did you write that opening pattern!? I’m getting one of these for sure now

[@atmajpasalkar9225]

The first beat man that was so sick This thing looked like a toy at first but boy is it dope

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Great intro jam. Thanks for the post.

[@bobbyhalick]

Fucking sick intro jam, honestly that alone might convince me this thing is for me.

[@TheSlowGrowth]

Hallelujah it’s got scale per track!

[@RedMeansRecording]

its fantastic

[@0Fdigital]

Can you please share the snare patch from the intro jam? It's amazing! Is it two channels at once?

[@Soundwrecker]

Looks like fun. If I didn't already own a bunch of higher-end Elektron boxes (including a DTone) this would make a fine entry point. Not much here for the already converted though, imo.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Likewise. Nothing new here for me but it does look like a good starter Elektron for the newbies.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I've had mine for a few weeks now, and I can confirm that the T1-T6 Track Pad velocity sensitivity is not good. (on the other hand, the 16 Trigger pads, though not velocity sensitive, have a nice light touch). Hitting the T1-T6 Track Pads, hard enough to get a sound out of them, makes my finger and wrist joints, hurt after a short while (quick way to get carpal tunnel syndrome). The minimum threshold, for just getting them to trigger at all, is way to high for me. I have developed a few workarounds for this... 1) Go into the Pad/Vel Menu, and leave the Fix-OFF, then turn the VDep, all the way down to 0. This keeps the volume of each track pad hit, loud, while still allowing the modulation destination, to respond to velocity. (NOTE: if you set Fix to a number, then the modulation destination, no longer responds to velocity). (NOTE: Pad settings only effect the T1-T6 Track Pads, and have no effect on the 16 Trigger Pads, the 16 Trigger Pads always send max velocity). 2)If you want to use the Track Pads for velocity, use a yarn/felt covered marimba mallet, or some other soft, heavy item, to smash the Track Pads with. 3) Forget about Velocity on the Track Pads, and only use them for selecting the active track. Then use the 16 Trigger Pads, for recording your hits. This has three advantages: First, it will save your finger and wrist joints. Second, it allows you to vary the pitch of your triggers. And Last, all your triggers will sound a max velocity, even with a light touch (you can change the volume of each hit manually afterword). Until (if ever) Elektron releases a firmware update to address this problem, I hope these workarounds help.

[@roninheart_music]

Gosh I wait for this thing so badly...

[@bjamiork]

That opening beat was like some Turok: The Dinosaur Hunter in the future shit. Wow.......

[@HumanMotives]

That first demo is SO sick haha. Love it ✌️🤟

[@ludotex]

The best part is the wipeout looking graphics for each voice

[@zhexum]

Thanks for this! Your level of expertise on this is mind blowing! Curious, how much of this is because you’re already familiar with the Elektron workflow, and how much is because you read the crap out of the manual? Or is it both?

[@RedMeansRecording]

Both!

[@emrob31]

Awesome vid. Learned a lot thanks

[@brianreilly6545]

Great review, thx! Like what they did here. Completely different but has design similartities to arturias impact. Great idea for those who dislike scrolling sample lists.

[@chadsix4838]

Dude that opening jam was hard AF, I dig it! Is the box a lot easier to learn that digitakt and digitone? It looks easier.

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Definitely easier. Less flexible but the price reflects that. Nice little machine.

[@chadsix4838]

@@adamkrasneski3679 Cool, thanks for the info!

[@johntrask8779]

Chedarjackknife through clutter butter, pairs well with the microfreak.

[@christianspringer4363]

Looks awesome thanks Jeremy! Hope you put that 2020 funk into some more tunes for us :)

[@keithedwinsmith9416]

4:14 “my aesthetic is spinning” Needs to go on a T-shirt🤪

[@zhexum]

One follow up, how do you clear just one track? I’ve terrifyingly erased entire patterns trying to just clear an individual track. Can’t figure it out from the manual either…

[@zhexum]

Derp, as soon I posted that I figured out that function and clear when in step record will do it. Hooray.

[@redsquares]

A bit late here, but thats a damn wicked intro beat :D

[@carmeloscozzola6472]

Damn it. Now I want one. Before watching this video I was convinced that M:C was not capable of delivering strong dirty sounds. I was wrong. Sorry Drumbrute Impact...

[@RedMeansRecording]

Oh it's dirty as heck

[@tritus3680]

Consider reviewing the model:samples

[@RedMeansRecording]

i want to!

[@jurassicpork765]

@@RedMeansRecording I got a notification for this video yesterday (because KZbin) and I thought that's what you were doing. I just sold my Volca samples/FM last week to get a model:samples. The irony.

[@tsuobachi]

I bet you got those ketchup and mustard 1/4" cables on Amazon because I have the same ones. They come with green and blue and purple as well iirc.

[@koboss_]

maaaan that doom moment was epic

[@busyak]

just ordered one. better be good, Jeremy, or else! just kidding. you're great!

[@Titantitan001]

You say model weird, I like it. Also is this a standalone piece of gear? I don’t need a daw or plugins? I feel like I just heard someone in a video saying you need to hook model:samples up to computer.

[@RedMeansRecording]

No computer needed

[@sam_millen]

Great work as always. Love the video presentation.

[@proteanprojects]

Great Demo and walkthrough!

[@richardbuckley4881]

Awesome as ever!

[@lopodyr]

Oh yeah baby. Beige plastic boxes of electronics are back to kick yer butt. This aesthetic really works for me 🥰 Is it even plastic? I guess so because of the weight but I could not find the information online.

[@jamescruz8678]

lopodyr Can confirm, it's plastic but it's pretty sturdy.

[@KoltronZer0]

Damn that thing sounds rich

[@jimmywheelo]

Great review. Covered it all.

[@jevogroni4829]

i reslly think i would rock out with one of these

[@G8tr1522]

Got my unit, and there are several cons, but I'm hashing out beats left and right, so i cant complain. Big question: is there a way to remove locks for a single parameter? Eg, i have pitch and delay locked at step 3, but i want to remove the delay lock only. I've been having to remove all locks and re-add the ones i wanted to keep. Super annoying.

[@G8tr1522]

So , I figured out you can remove specific parameter locks on a step/trig by wiggling the parameter you want to unlock, and then pressing [play].