What Makes the Model:Cycles Unique in 2022

[@UltramarineAfterglow]

I like how it looks like the equipment the doctors use to keep me alive.

[@michaeltrenier]

Indeed 😂

[@treesurgeon2441]

This dialysis machine can make some bangers.

[@mb2776]

U need to check out some older akai samplers like the s6000. Looks indeed like a heart monitor xD

[@michaelkonomos]

OMG yes! I work in healthcare and this is the same color plastic, same texture knobs.

[@lucacycles8623]

Yeah I love it's utilitarian NHS issue look

[@dracul74]

I have both the Cycles and Samples. Super easy to use and I have always liked what I made with them. Never sampled my Cycles… might have to do that. Thx.

[@jakehollomon3676]

The Model:Cycles has become an essential songwriting tool for me now that the Digitakt finally has song mode. I pair it up and use the Digi for sequencing - my end goal is to utilize this for performance where the Model:Cycles handles some ear candy and assorted melodic elements, the Digitakt hands the beat, and I play guitar and sing. It's also worth noting that the Model:Cycles can sound really nice when run through the Elektron Analog Heat.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I have both the Model Cycles, and the Syntakt. Love them both, and will never sell either. Agree the Cycles T1-T6 pads velocity sensitivity, sucks. I opened mine up and did the "tape under the pads" mod, which helps a little. But I just use them at fixed velocity. Cycles is more portable, and has a nice knob per function interface. Syntakt is more deluxe feeling, with lots more features, but less portable. Love them both, for the unique sounds, and Elektron workflow. After a somewhat steep learning curve, I find them both easy to use, and quick to get good results from. Very well designed hardware and software. Have a wonderful day, everyone, and have fun making music 🎶🌎☮❤

[@a2n131]

I sold mine just to buy it again, because I missed it. It's a neat little machine that can create lots of glitchy stuff and all the per step automations are awesome and something you're not finding often. Put a compressor and a bit of distortion after its signal and the sounds are massive. I love the cycles

[@paolofanin]

hi! I have a DIGITONE too but I think that the Model:Cycles has a sort of unique sound on its own. Maybe its limitations are the key, but some devious jams and obscure dark rhythms are easy to achieve. Of course the DIGITONE is more complete BUT it costs also way more. I think they are two differently sounding instruments, just my two cents.

[@martinsouthall]

Borrowed a Digitone for a few months from a friend, and I totally agree. The simplicity + the 2 extra tracks on the Cycles kept bringing me back to it.

[@vaspers]

Elektron Digitone was one of the worst synths I ever owned, worse that Novation Circuit which was total garbage. I think I had a buggy Digitone.

[@hitpointslovecraft5594]

I have watched so many videos on the Cycle and never saw the chord engine utilized holy moly that is a selling point for me right there

[@evedotcom]

Same! Props Gabe

[@rsafreire]

This feels like the Volca FM 2 for me. I have no clue what's going on when I play it but it sounds awesome! I'm getting one.

[@kevinvotaw2916]

it's quite different, but in a good way. not saying you're wrong btw, just wanted to point out the cycles takes a completely different approach to FM than does the volca. the volca is great in its own right, but specifically if you want a fully functional FM synthesis engine in a box. You can't really call the cycles that, because you can't tweak every FM parameter dx7 style. And unlike the digitone, you don't even have advanced FM controls available. Instead, they prepackaged all the various controls into the first seven or eight or so knob per function rotary encoders. instead of algorithms, you have machines which are more intuitive. instead of complicated FM synth parameters, you have more esoteric tone shaping words which you'll master in no time at all. so yea my point being the two approaches to FM couldn't be more different, and while I do enjoy a super deep sound design tool like the volca FM, for a groovebox with dope drum sounds, the intentional and intuitive dumbing down for accessibility and efficiency is at the core of why the cycles rocks

[@rsafreire]

@@kevinvotaw2916 thanks for the detailed reply! I see all that as a plus, real boundaries always push my creativity!

[@antfactor]

I have a Digitone... and honestly... the Cycles looks/seems more fun/approachable to me. Considering selling mine for the Cycles (crazy as that may sound to some).

[@vaaksessions]

Thanks! I bought it because of your reasoned opinion.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Hopefully you enjoy it!

[@remka2000]

I clicked on this (I love your content Gabe, worry not), and now I am just seeing the bad gear thumbnail on the side. BRB.

[@scarfypedia]

yasss more model cycles love!!!

[@grayola4291]

Thanks for an honest review! I just got it and the pads response is such a let down to the point of questioning whether this thing is actually working properly or not. I wonder how come elektron or anyone else is able to get away with that kind of stuff. Audacity is a blessing I guess. And yes this is still a really nice piece of gear and all, it’s just that the pads are going to wipe the smile off a few faces every now and then 🍂

[@DalePatch]

My model cycles is about to be delivered and I'm so stoked.

[@btraxproject]

Have you ever thought of reviewing the roland jdxi? I own one and I am posting short jam videos on it. Despite the lack of physical controls, it's very capable for it's size.

[@michaelkonomos]

Also I didn’t know the distortion is cumulative…. Makes so much more sense of recent experiences on this…

[@zoned7609]

It's been very slow going with my model cycles ever since I got it a year or so ago. I'm making progress, and I'm starting to like some of the patterns I've made, but I'm far from having it "click" yet. I wish there was a real envelope And I wish there was a separate cutoff knob instead of hiding it in one of the four macros. That being said if you turn the repeats up on the delay, you can get really minimal and ambient. I just can't stand the stock sounds, and I wish there were more modulation options other than motion recording and one limited lfo

[@zoned7609]

Also not a fan of the factory presets to choose from. I dunno. They just seem either too mellow or too harsh and the volume levels between patches is NOT normalized. Ear destruction is common.

[@martinsouthall]

I remember it taking me a good while to get into mine. Once I got my head around the basics on FM, I just had to put in the time until things took off. The Cycles is one of the most affordable ways of getting into the Elektron sequencer, which led to me picking up the Digitakt, which is tons of fun. Totally agree re: the lack of a proper envelope. Coming from a series of subtractive synths, this was a pain to get used to.

[@zoned7609]

@@martinsouthall for me, I was already using dexed and the opsix and other fm synths, fm is kind of my favorite. I guess I wish the controls were less abstracted by the macros and I had more fine control over each parameter

[@martinsouthall]

​@@zoned7609 - I hear ya. The Cycles was my very first foray into FM. I was looking hard at the Opsix, because I really like this way of making sound. And yeah, the macros feel so random, but that might lead to more 'happy accidents'. In a more expensive synth / groovebox, this vagueness would be inexcusable. But with the Cycles being so cheap, I feel like it's not that bad.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

Gabe, you should try to get a hold of Twisted Electrons Blastbeats. its also an FM synth/groovebox/drum machine that's based off the old sound blaster sound cards. its not talked about often but could probably be best compared to the models:cycles, in my opinion.

[@A_Force_Truly_Evil]

Great drum machine!

[@Burritoguy77889]

Gabe you should do a video on the Roland TR 6s now that it's drum synth options have expanded via firmware, though designing sounds without a computer is a lot of menu diving

[@dudeseriously79]

Works for me. I'm more of a "no filter" kind of guy.

[@lucacycles8623]

I had a Cycles for a bit, firstly it is cool and I think it sounds great, and I think with a keyboard I think you can make melodies easily enough. However I just couldn't get along with the workflow, it just always felt arduous to use and it meant that I wouldn't want to use it that much, like I just didn't find it 'fun' to use. Comparatively I got on super well with the Novation Circuit's workflow, but didn't like how it sounded so much. But I get that workflow is an individual thing, and it's quite clear from the comments that lots of people do get on with the Cycles workflow! I do think that it's priced well though and I think that this and the Novation Circuit are ace pieces for lots of reasons, but especially for allowing people to make full tunes as a relatively inexpensive cost.

[@vaspers]

Novation Circuit was the worst synth I ever owned. Horrible sounds and no sound design functionality. Got rid of it.

[@lucacycles8623]

​@@vaspers Do you not think if your staring out it's a good option though? I think it's such a good entry to this field, and having a lot of things simplified is perfect for someone starting out (even if you don't have the sound design functionality of a Prophet or many lesser synths!). And for the cost(!) what else is there that compares? Arguably the Model:Cycles, but it's no where near as beginner friendly. It was one of my first pieces of hardware and I'd totally recommend it to someone wondering where to start out. Like I've got a relatively expensive setup now, but it would be mad to START with a multi-synth/drum machine/sampler setup right? I never used it, but there's pretty good sound design capabilities within the software right? But I guess there's an argument that it doesn't count though as this is within the software and not the circuit itself. Anyway I say all this having sold mine as I didn't like how it sounded, so I agree with you to a degree, but I definitely enjoyed it for a bit. Saying that I still think it's sequencer holds up, it was so nice to use and beautifully laid out. I really enjoyed sequencing other synths with it before I sold it. Fair that you didn't get on with it, but it does have some merit even if it wasn't for you.

[@vaspers]

@@lucacycles8623 I was astonished at the demo videos of Novation Circuit. I chose it over the Korg Electribe. Huge mistake. The sounds are tremendously plastic and boring to me.

[@lucacycles8623]

@@vaspers I get you, it's definitely digital. There was one sound pack for it I thought sounded decent called 'Elements', but yeah aside from that the sounds just weren't for me. And yeah it's very different to the Electribe

[@OpenFilmmaker]

Hi Gabe, for EDM, what's a good combination with the Arturia Microfreak? I want to make tracks like Sick by Lucas and Steve or State of mind by Bingo Players. I'm a total N00b, so need something with community support and youtube tutorials :)

[@jaydeepalmer]

Humm, though one, but maybe you'll get the most out of your money with an mc101? A great all in one synth/drum machine/groovebox/sequencer, but you'll have to do a lot of menu diving

[@eduugr]

Very cool video! I was wondering if this device has a similar sequencer to other Elektron's... do you have microtiming adjusting? can you sequence external synths on it via midi? Thank you very much, I may go ahead and grab one to play with... ;)

[@minimal.camera]

Yes and yes! The sequencer goes down to 1/64th resolution, and has microtiming/nudge. Each track can send a monophonic MIDI sequence (notes only, no MIDI CC) to external gear. Same as the Model:Samples. You can also easily layer the internal sounds with the external synth you are sequencing, which is a great way to get into more advanced sound design similar to the Drumlogue or Analog Rytm.

[@gru_day]

With MIDI keyboard it is a real synth. Custom midi maping on LaunchKEY can add a playable drum pads (6 lowes notes are for 6 tracks on m:C) and normal keys + arpegiator (shame that there is no preset tempos on LK, midi host is a must in this case) and second set of knobs for tweaking (two machines at once). Have had many synths but m:C is here to stay.

[@IntangibleMan]

is there a way to sidechain other than velocity?

[@gabsriel]

Liven Xfm too ;-)

[@WrightFlyer1903]

This. I want to see Gabe make a comparison of Sonicware Liven XFM to some other FM+Groovebox machines as I want to know what makes most of them cost double (or more) the $240 that XFM costs?

[@gabsriel]

@@WrightFlyer1903 What I know about the Xfm vs the Cycle is that the sounds of the Cycles are more modern, and the Xfm more like 90's fm, more raw.

[@WrightFlyer1903]

@@gabsriel then I take it you don't actually own XFM? It has a wide palette of complex sounds. I think you are mixing it up with Sonicware Liven 8bit Warps which is deliberately designed for 80/90's style lo-fi 8bit sounds. The XFM is not a bit like that. What's more XFM is the one with the true 4 track sequencer (any of which can control external MIDI) and any of which can be set to any length between 1 and 64 steps. I just want to see the opinion of an expert like Gabe to see how he thinks it compares to other grooveboxes. I have half an idea to also get Circuit Tracks but Id like to know if it's sufficient a "step up" for Santa to justify the additional cost.

[@gabsriel]

@@WrightFlyer1903 I just own a Cycle, and I'm interested in the XFM too. It's just that from what I've heard about Xfm's youtube jams, that I think what I wrote. It's a personal presomption.

[@elek-trick]

This a very unique and fantastic machine, one I will never sell. This is also valid for the Model:Samples to a lesser degree maybe. I've also got a Digitakt and a Digitone but I'm having more fun on the Models. Less thinking, more immediate...

[@domingoleija3436]

Wondering if your SynakT is more Divey then Mod:Cycles. I don't use any hi-hats/metal cause to shrill to improv. I'm 60 and had to practice patience for a year but I finally got familiar enough to milk it's potential.

[@michaeltrenier]

I’m trying NOT to splurge on Digitakt but I want to test out elektron. That sound is pretty tasty to me lol would this be a good starter for elektron just to get the “feel” ? I sold my MPC One. For the life of me no matter what when that thing bounced stems they NEVER sound as good as IN the box so to speak. Maschine and Fantom are my go to. Great vid per usual Gabe!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I'd say so, it was my first introduction to the Elektron feel and I've enjoyed it for that. If you're down to go FM sounds rather than samples that is.

[@michaeltrenier]

@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah I’d prefer the FM. I have enough samples between Maschine and Fantom. Thx Gabe!

[@gru_day]

Do u still have/use it?

[@inkajoo]

Modern classic

[@koskey06]

This or the samples?? I dont know what one should be my FIRST introduction into music making....

[@PRODUCEDBYAD]

Honestly I wouldn't recommend either as first machines unless you really want to learn sound design

[@elek-trick]

Those 2 were my first pieces of gear. I absolutely love them both with a little preference for the Model:Cycles. I have tried and learned using both of them. They're simple enough that you have a lot of fun playing, experimenting, learning and never get disappointed to the point where you just stop using them and abandon the whole music making you were so keen to explore in the first place. Since then, I've bought other machines but I am still playing the M:C & the M:S on a daily basis with as much pleasure today as I had the day I bought them. Just go for it my friend, pick the M:S if you're into samples or the M:C if you're more into sound design and FM synthesis. Just, go for it, you'll love it.

[@michaelkonomos]

Man you are SO right on every point you make. As MC owner I concur on all of it. Snare is dinky. Kick is great. Pads suck. Sound design is fun. i will add that the MC is GREAT for ambient music, just for gentle tones and noise washes. Also, running the MC through distortion or fuzz pedals, especially the snare, and really wake it up and turn it into a powerful industrial machine. I don’t feel like it’s a drum machine. It’s got some real weaknesses, but every time I think about selling it, I just can’t. I’ve used it on a lot of tracks.

[@kingabdolbig4306]

Awesome abnd perfectly explaination as always but dear gabe could you introduce standalone stuff ? . personaly i hate connecting everything to the DAW😇 thank you 🌹

[@GabeMillerMusic]

This *is* standalone! Any of the grooveboxes I talk about are standalone, you only have to connect them to DAWs if you want to. Or, with some of them, you just have to connect them to a computer to load in sounds, although that's not necessary with the Model:Cycles.

[@kingabdolbig4306]

@@GabeMillerMusic appreciated 🌹

[@ndguardian]

You didn't show the thing that makes me HATE that chord track so much. The chord type and inversions are actually a separate trig lock that has to be set on a per-step basis unless you want to keep using the same chord type over and over. For example, if you record two notes in on the chord track and the default chord type is a minor chord and you want one to be a major chord, you have to go to the note you want to be a major chord and set a trig lock to make it major after the fact. I want to love the Model:Cycles since I do like the sound engine, but the chord engine just fills me with rage.

[@jaydeepalmer]

It's cool, but i wish it had polyphony...and the ability to have both midi out and thru, like on the mc101 😔 But i guess we gotta love it fore what it is: a dumbed down fm machine ❤️ Edit: fun hack: plug this into the nts-1 with the cathedral reverb and you get a totally different sound 😋 Edit 2: i just saw that the "new" firmware makes it possible to use both midi out and thru, gonna make the update rn and see if it works Edit 3: it works!! Makes wayyy more sense 😊

[@jaydeepalmer]

@@ringtangting oooh really!! Well this cable seems to be a must have, i've heard it made the volca keys have 6 voices and the volca bass be playable polyphonically 😅 It's the miracle cable lol For real, if i can play the cycles with polyphony, i won't need a volca fm 2 haha

[@xn-triq7607]

Are you wearing a wig or is your hair made out of Lego 😁

[@user82938]

This is probably the least interesting Elektron box, to me.

[@neutralistrecordss]

Price matches quality but yea

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah fair enough! It's unique, but because of that, niche.

[@elek-trick]

You've probably never tried one then

[@leftmono1016]

I’ve got a DT, DTone, AR and A4. Sold an OT and the Cycles. I miss the Cycles, great drum machine and some nice bass sounds. Will get another one day.

[@marcosrotllan]

Cycles is a portable techno workhorse.