Elektron

The Forefront of Electronic Instrument Design

Ask any experienced electronic artist, performer, or producer who they consider to be in the top-tier of instrument designers: most will mention Elektron. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden since 1998, Elektron is one of the quintessential producers of synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines used by professional musicians around the world. Their already legendary, envelope-pushing legacy products like the Machinedrum, Monomachine, and even the currently-produced Octatrack have cemented a position at the forefront of contemporary electronic music production, be it for dance music, beat-making, or the most experimental of soundscapes.

Powerful Tools for Production and Performance

Each Elektron device takes a distinct and versatile approach to sound production, whether by offering parameters that aren't found on any other instrument of their type or by framing classic concepts—like sampling or FM synthesis—in an entirely new light. But despite their quite distinct sonic possibilities, every Elektron instrument has a notably similar feel and ethos...which is no small feat.

Of course, at the heart of any Elektron product is the powerful sequencer. Not only is it a malleable tool for shaping the pitch and rhythm of musical events, but through a cornerstone Elektron concept known as Locks, it's possible to change parameters and even sounds on a per-step basis. Add in probabilities and conditional triggering, and you've got a uniquely capable way to shape sound, to interact with an instrument, and to create surprising, lively performances.

But performance is only one side of the equation. Elektron instruments have only become more useful as studio tools with the rollout of Overbridge, which streams the individual tracks of compatible devices to your DAW as independent audio tracks. Coupled with a beautiful user-interface which provides clear, immediate access to every aspect of your instrument, Overbridge is yet another thoughtful innovation from the minds of Elektron.

Instruments for Every Musician

Presently, Elektron produces a range of instruments appropriate for nearly any budget or creative workflow. Their flagship line provides extensive digital control over analog circuits: Analog Four provides four tracks of highly-flexible analog synthesis while Analog Rytm pushes eight analog drum voices to their limits (along with sampling capability). And then there's the formidable Octatrack, a one-of-a-kind Dynamic Performance Sampler with the ability to sample, resample, slice, chop, and apply effects to internal and external sounds.

These items' endless flexibility is complemented by the singular focus of the Digi series instruments. From the drum-oriented sampler/sequencer Digitakt to the brilliantly streamlined FM synth Digitone, these strike a powerful balance between extreme flexibility and immediacy. The most recent addition, Syntakt draws from the rich history of Elektron drum machines, using a hybrid analog/digital framework for an astonishing sonic range.

The Model series provides a simplified take on the Elektron workflow at an approachable price point. Streamlined, straightforward, and succinct, these grooveboxes remove the fluff and leave you with an immediate path to making compelling electronic music. Whether you choose the Model:Samples or the evocative, FM-based Model:Cycles, you'll be equipped with a compact powerhouse of a machine that works as well with others as it does independently.