The world of synthesizers and drum machines is ever-evolving, with new products constantly redefining what is possible in music production. In this landscape, Elektron’s Model Cycles stands out as a versatile and accessible piece of gear that has captured the attention of both professionals and hobbyists. This article offers a comprehensive review of the Model Cycles, dissecting its features, design, performance, and value for money to give you a clearer picture of what to expect from this device.
As a music production tool, the Model Cycles by Elektron aims to both inspire and challenge its users. It was designed to introduce newcomers to the world of FM synthesis, a way of creating sounds using frequency modulation, and challenge veteran producers with its unique capabilities. With such diverse intentions, the Model Cycles undoubtedly has a lot to offer— but how does it fare under careful scrutiny? We delve into this and more to present an in-depth look at Elektron’s Model Cycles.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon receiving the Elektron Model Cycles, the first thing to note is its minimalistic but sturdy packaging. A high contrast image of the device itself adorns the top, giving a sneak preview of the hardware within.
Unboxing the Model Cycles reveals everything housed efficiently in a snug, well-designed interior space. The package includes the unit, a power adapter, two MIDI adapters, and a quick start guide. There’s nothing superfluous here; Elektron seems keen to let their device do the talking.
On first glance, the Model Cycles is a sight to behold. Its compact size and light weight are immediately apparent, which bodes well for the portability of the device. The aesthetic design looks sophisticated yet user-friendly with its matte grey finish and brightly colored knobs, pads, and buttons.
The build quality feels solid – even the knobs offer a good amount of resistance, indicating that they are built to last. The buttons are evenly spaced, reducing the chance of accidental hits during a passionate jam session.
From a purely visual standpoint, the Model Cycles sports an impressive LED display, highlighting six individual tracks. This is intuitive and should make the learning curve smoother for electronic music production beginners.
Overall, unboxing the Elektron Model Cycles is an enjoyable experience that leaves an excellent first impression. Its sleek and rugged design promises long-term durability and usability, while the thoughtful packing mirrors the brand’s reputation for attention to detail.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| Elektron Protective Lid PL 4 Model | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| Elektron Model Cycles 6 Track Groove | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
Elektron Model Cycles is a unique and compelling piece of electronic music hardware. This instrument is a six-track FM-based groovebox with streamlined control, designed primarily for live performance.
One of the key features of the Model Cycles is its excellent sound engine. The box equips six FM-based Machines, each designed to generate different types of sound — Kick, Snare, Metal, Perc, Tone, and Chord. This gives users a wide array of sonic textures and harmonic content to create from, making it perfect for a broad spectrum of musical styles, from EDM and Hip Hop to Ambient and Experimental.
Perhaps its most defining feature is the Elektron sequencer. Known for its depth and flexibility, this sequencer enables detailed fine-turned control that makes programming patterns and adjusting parameters a breeze. It offers up to 64-step sequencing with ability to chain patterns, making it possible to generate complex musical compositions.
Another standout feature is the ‘Chance’ parameter. By varying this parameter, you can add a touch of unpredictability to your sequences, effectively introducing nuanced variation and keeping your composition sounding fresh.
A fundamental part of the Model Cycles is its hands-on interface, with one knob per function design, giving you direct access to crucial parameters. Alongside this, each track has four customizable parameters that come with their envelopes, opening up even more doors for creative sculpting of your sound.
The Model Cycles also includes a send FX track offering delay and reverb, adding depth and space to your sound production. Furthermore, the groovebox offers parameter locks and conditional triggers, adding a new dimension to the performance and allowing for even more detailed sound design.
In terms of connectivity, the Model Cycles comes ready for integration into any professional music setup. It includes full-sized MIDI In/Out/Thru ports, 3.5mm TRS outputs, and a headphone output. There is also a class-compliant USB port for data transfer and power supply, allowing for flexible and easy integration into your workflow.
Overall, the Elektron Model Cycles is a highly versatile grid music sequencer that provides unprecedented control over sound shaping, making it a valuable tool for beat makers and electronic musicians.
Sound Quality and Performance
When it comes to sound quality and performance, the Elektron Model Cycles doesn’t leave any stone unturned. Its six track FM based groovebox delivers crisp, clear, and punchy sounds that are wide and versatile. This device is known for evoking the exploration of adventurous audio landscapes that deviates from the norms.
The multiple LFO modulation scheme allows for any 12 synthesis parameters per voice to be easily animated, augmenting the ability to create depth and constant change across the soundscape. This offers incredible detail and intricacy when shaping the sounds in real-time or sequence recorded automation.
The machine’s six separate audio tracks give dedicated sequencing per voice, with a controllable pitch, decay and a select parameter, equipping it with unmatched flexibility for an instrument in this class. The product also sports a superb delay and reverb, emulating a broad space spectrum from warm room ambience to extreme cavernous echoes, scientifically crafted for broad palette creation.
The Model Cycles also excels at drum synthesis; capable of creating classic, clean drum tones, as well as wild, otherworldly percussive sounds. The punch and grit of the drum tracks sit perfectly in the mix.
In terms of performance, the Model Cycles offers maximum hands-on control with dedicated knobs for each parameter. The implementation of the sequencer aids in delivering dynamic performances, providing a range of features like parameter locks, conditional triggers, and step-by-step recording.
Comfortable and intuitive workflow is at the center of the Model Cycles, marrying meticulously executed sound design with performance-ready stability. Although the unit may appear daunting for beginners, the user experience is quite delightful once overcome its learning curve.
In sum, the sound quality and performance dimension of the Model Cycles by Elektron is robust and reliable, instigating true and spirited sonic manoeuvres.
Connectivity and Integration
The Elektron Model Cycles boasts impressive connectivity and integration features, making it the heart of your studio or live setup. This robust groovebox comes with class-compliant USB for both audio and MIDI, meaning you can easily connect it to your computer, other MIDI devices or even your phone without needing any drivers. This is incredibly convenient for jamming, recording tracks directly into your DAW, or updating your device’s firmware.
Furthermore, the Model Cycles features individual track outputs through its six separate 3.5mm TRS jack outputs, giving more depth and flexibility to your mixing, and allowing for increased processing and manipulation of sounds post-output. A headphone output is also provided, perfect for those late night jamming sessions.
The Model Cycles also stands out for its integration capabilities. It can easily become part of your larger MIDI setup, with five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru ports, which can send and receive MIDI clock for perfect timing synchronization with other gears. This flexibility makes it possible for it to not just be a standalone device for making beats, but an integral piece of your existing electronic music creation landscape.
Elektron has also introduced the ‘Overbridge’ technology in the Model Cycles, which allows for the device to be fully integrated as a plugin within your DAW. The Overbridge technology brings tight DAW integration to the experience, providing in-box tweaking and automation mapping, streamlined multi-tracking, and a graphical interface to organize your patches.
Overall, the connectivity and integration capabilities of the Model Cycles serve to distinguish it as a fully realized, versatile piece of music hardware that’s designed to fit fluidly into your workflow rather than challenge it. Whether your setup is digital, analog, or a combination of both, the Model Cycles is flexible enough to fit into various music production environments.
Pros and Cons
The Elektron Model Cycles presents a mixed bag of features and performance. Here’s a rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros
- Sound Quality: The Model Cycles is well-regarded for its overall sound quality. Its six FM-based machines (Kick, Snare, Metal, Perc, Tone, and Chord) offer a wide sonic range and deliver a clean, digital feel that’s very ‘Elektron’.
- Interface: The layout is simple and intuitive, making it extremely user-friendly even for those who are new to the world of FM synthesis.
- Portability: The Model Cycles is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for musicians on-the-go. The ability to power it via USB or the included power adapter adds to its convenience.
- Value for Money: Considering the plethora of features being offered, it is reasonably priced. It’s a good entry point into Elektron’s ecosystem or a worthy addition to your existing setup.
- Parameter Locks: Perhaps one of the standout features is the ‘parameter locks’. This function allows for momentary tweaks of any step in the sequence, offering exciting improvisational possibilities.
- Versatility: The Model Cycles can serve multiple roles – from a standalone groovebox, to a drum machine, to an FM sound design tool, to a sequencer for other equipment.
Cons
- No Sampling Capability: The Model Cycles is a purely synthesis-based device, and therefore does not support sampling.
- Limited Polyphony: With only 6 available tracks, one per machine, it’s somewhat limited in terms of polyphony. Complex melodies or chord progressions can quickly take up all available tracks.
- Single Output: The Model Cycles has only one stereo output, which can be limiting for some users.
- Build Quality: Some users have called into question the build quality. It’s made from lightweight plastic and doesn’t feel as robust as some of Elektron’s other products.
- Learning Curve: While the interface is generally user-friendly, mastering FM synthesis and understanding Elektron’s distinctive approach to sequencing can still pose a steep learning curve for beginners.
Comparisons with Other Synthesizers
The Elektron Model Cycles brings with it some unique features that differentiates it from other competitors in the market.
Compared to the Korg Volca series, the Elektron Model Cycles is a step up in terms of versatility and sound manipulation. Where the Korg Volca series features intuitive controls and a simple user interface, the Model Cycles offers advanced synthesis capabilities and a sequencer that is packed with features, providing a greater sound design potential.
When placed next to Roland’s MC-101 Groovebox, the Model Cycles still holds its own. The MC-101 is a four-track sampler and sequencer with a good amount of musical potential and a plethora of built-in sounds. However, what the Model Cycles lacks in quantity, it makes up with its quality. The six machine digital FM synth engine provides distinct sounding channels that allow for detailed sculpting and processing.
The Arturia MicroFreak is another competitor that offers a digital oscillator with multiple synthesis engines and a built-in sequencer. Although the MicroFreak does have a broader range of synthesizer engines and a more experimental approach, the clear layout and sequencer features of the Model Cycles offers a more straightforward workflow for some producers.
Novation Circuit also offers a standalone groovebox with similar two-part synthesizer and four-part drum machine set up. However, the Model Cycles differentiates itself with six tracks that can be either synth or percussion, and by its focus on FM synthesis.
Comparatively, Elektron Model Cycles might not have the vast range of sounds as some of these other machines, but it excels in providing an engaging, hands-on FM synthesis experience, supported by a deep and feature-rich sequencer. It stands out as a synth focused on creating unique sounding sequences and patterns, making it an exciting tool for electronic producers.
Price Point and Value for Money
The Elektron Model Cycles is priced competitively, positioning itself as a middle-tier option in the expansive domain of digital synthesizers and drum machines. It brings a bundle of sophisticated features, innovative design, and excellent sound quality, available at a price that many enthusiasts and professionals can afford.
At its price point, Model Cycles tends to punch above its weight. The six track FM based groovebox that it comes with offers tremendous value for the price paid. Elektron is known for its high-quality musical instruments, and Model Cycles is no exception.
For many users, the appeal lies in its approachable design and functionality, making it suitable for beginners who are experimenting with digital music production. However, it also packs enough depth and versatility to satisfy experienced producers. The affordability, coupled with such flexibility and depth, dramatically enhances its value-for-money quotient.
The onboard effects, such as delay and reverb, offer excellent convenience and added layer for music explorations, further augmenting the value proposition. Additionally, the sound-shaping capabilities are phenomenal for a synth in this price range. From crisp percussions and deep basses to ethereal pads and sharp leads, Model Cycles can generate a whole spectrum of sounds.
Its sturdy build quality, user-friendly interface, and wealth of features make the Elektron Model Cycles an absolute bargain at its price point. Therefore, whether you’re a beginner producer seeking an entry-level digital synth or a more seasoned musician looking for a reliable, portable tool for composition, the Model Cycles offers excellent value for money.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Elektron Model Cycles successfully showcases itself as a flexible and functional music creation machine. With a dedicated panel of easy-to-use controls and rich sonic capabilities, it has etched itself as an essential companion for music producers, regardless of their expertise level.
The Model Cycles presents an impressive simplicity, concerning sequence construction and tweaking individual synth parameters. Users will appreciate the fact that these easy-to-use features do not come at the expense of depth. The device has a lot to offer for those willing to go ‘down the rabbit hole’ and experiment thoroughly.
One delightful aspect of Model Cycles is its unique ability to cross-modulate the voices in an intricate web of evolving rhythms. This feature, together with its excellent FM synthesis engine, allows you to create complex and rich soundscapes.
There are, however, a couple of minor points to consider. Lacking a sampling capability means that it will not be able to directly incorporate pre-existing audio elements or external sounds into your compositions. Additionally, Elektron’s decision to omit a song mode might put off some users who prefer a more linear way of arranging their tracks.
Despite these minor limitations, Model Cycles represents a sublime balance of functionality, flexibility, and price. For both beginners looking for a user-friendly entry into FM synthesis and established producers seeking a portable and capable groove box, Elektron’s Model Cycles comes highly recommended. Its price point serves as the icing on the cake, making it a truly viable option for most.