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.
It's really good you show what can be done with this machine and the others you demo. I think a lot of people (me included) tend to buy something new rather than really learning how to use what they have. Recently I have paired down my hardware set up to use Digitakt, Model Cycles and Circuit Mono Station. It has made me learn what these machines can do and the results have been excellent. SO thanks for all your fine work.
Thank you Bo. I've just bought a Model Cycles and this is the best tutorial I've seen. You explain all of the functions really clearly. I'm really excited and looking forward to making some FM music on this fantastic groovebox. 🙏🙏
I was hoping you would make this! I've delved into the Cycles and read the manual but still, seeing it is way much better. Really appreciated Bo, thanks so much!
I've had one of these for a while now and judging from your video I've been using it all wrong (more like a conventional drum machine). I'll be taking it out of my studio and deep dive over the holidays using your video as reference. It is capable of a lot more than I expected when I bought it!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I just received mine and you’ve made the workings of this machine very understandable. I now feel that it is unlocked for me to explore and create.
wow what a great tutorial!! perfect tempo and input- no extra infos we don't need, but directly everything that's important, so just perfect! thank you! also great melodies!!!
Thank you this video was extremely helpful! I took the time to take notes so I could reference them at another time. Must watch video to get a quick understanding of the model cycles. This is my first groovebox and im loving it totally worth it!!!
hi,good day from Italy . I bought mine recently and although I knew enough to get my hands on it because I had watched several videos, I found some difficulty with the sequencer and with the sound design. Sequencer: I have discovered, or perhaps I believe it, that muting the tracks does not actually close the channel but only the trigger. in fact when I set the length of the note to infinity and go to silence it the note continues to play. this also happens with dly and rvrb. another thing, perhaps more important, is the fact that we are dealing with a rather bizarre FM synthesis. on the tone, (I immediately experimented with drones and for now only with tones and chords) how can I have either a long attack or/and an infinite note but which is not triggered every time the sequencer passes over it. I'll give you an example: with the 303 bassline you just need to make a legate and a single note on the sequencer isn't triggered all over again but we get a continuous sound. Sound design: exactly as I was saying, I can't do long attacks, I only have the decadence which when pumped with the appropriate button causes interesting textures, I create the sustain with the length of the note but I can't play long and soft attacks. what a frustration.
Gasing for the Model: Samples over this as I feel itsa bit more versatile, great sequencer on both these synths. I'm currently setting up a smaller demo production setup based on just the Model Samples, a Novation A-Station mono synth and a Boss GX700 Effects unit. I intend to mutlti-track into my DAW with just these 3 units. It will make a complete break away from my larger studio setup and hopefully will be creatively productive using minimalistic limited kit, basically the "Less is More" principle. Just hope Thomann are still shipping during this current Covid19 outbreak and lockdown affecting Europe and the world!
If you’re a producer on a budget, what kind of post-production would Model: Cycles need minimum? Many examples on CZcams sound delightfully ready straight from the device.
either you would record stems (channel by channel) into a daw. Or just main out. I would definitely apply a bit of EQ, multiband compression, limiter... standard stuff... on that master. Basically stuff you can do with most DAW, even the free Lite versions
Hey :) Ihave a question. From minute 4 on you explain how to make variations of patterns. I get that, but not how to save them on the different steps. I somehow can not recreate what you do in your video, do you have a tip for me how to paste the pattern variations on the steps? Thanks for the nice video!
I found this video really helpful however as a beginner I would love a deeper dive into this instrument. Are there any full tutorials for the model cycles?
I have a four page sequence. I want the machine of one of those pages to have a higher pitch, across all 16 steps - just for that page. How do I do this without editing each step indivually?
is there a quicker/simpler way to extend a pattern length than func+page then the second option in that menu? Like is there a simple keystroke to set the active pattern (or better still, all patterns) to 64 steps? Seems an unnecessary bit of menu-diving.
Can you control other synths and daws with its sequencer via MIDI (I mean sending MIDI notes not only MIDI clock) like with Electribe 2 and Novation Circuit? Thanks
If I customise an existing preset but then don't manually change its name, will the Cycles automatically add some sort of "-1" suffix to its filename to differentiate it from the original? Or will it overwrite the original preset?
In my experience: if you save a preset with the same name as another, AND in the same folder = it overwrites it. But you could make a folder named ”My Presets” and save copies there for example.
Hi Bo and everyone else. Is it possible to deactivate the parameter changes after i live recorded them? Or is the temporary save option the only way to get back to previous Parameter status?
i dont seem to be able to find one information anywhere . bo, help me out. is it possible to load tone machine on all 6 tracks to make layers with different tone tracks? thanks :)
does this hardware product only have 6 tracks at the same time or are others added as happens with the roland mc 101? can I use its effects if I add a hardware synth or another drum machine?
Question: can this sequence external gear? I'm looking for a brain of my rig and it probably will be the circuit but I was curious if this had the same kind of power
Think the circuit is better for that. This one is mono only and the midi you send out must be from one of the six tracks, so it can't be indipendent from what the machine plays. Don't know about the circuit specs though but I think it's better suited as a controller.
Hi Bo, more i see the Model: line more i like them ! But i think the model:samples is maybe less limited due to the samples player capabilities. I'd like to complete my little setup and i hesitate between the Model:samples and the microfreak... Thanx for the nice video as always!
Nice overview. Can you set the step length to odd time signatures (7/8 etc.) or is it only multiples of 16? I'm trying to figure this out before I buy it.
You can remove steps from a sequence in order to get weird time signatures. I did a pattern with 3 bars of 3/4 followed by 1 bar of 4/4. I guess those are not that weird, but together they were kind of like a 13/4.
BIG1TOWER - it’s all horses for courses, for me the Elektron sequencer is a real creative tool. If you’re into parameter locks, trigless triggs, sound locks, step sequencers and all that fun stuff the Cycles is a no brainer compared to the MC101 :) The power’s in the sequencer!
![[SFF2020] Masterclass Elektron avec Lying Dalai](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hGQnHU6xEMw/mqdefault.jpg)
Seems like the perfect piece of gear to have in quarantine.
Congues Makes Music - when mine arrives I think I might self isolate.
Right on! Learn the MC-707, Odyssey, Model D, Monologue, Minilogue, Microkorg. You never had the time before.....
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.
Time stamps:
Basic Operation 0:57
CTRL-ALL & Temp Save: 3:02
Loading a preset: 5:35
Parameter locks: 6:32
Sequencer operation: 7:34
Retrig 9:42
Conditional trigs: 10:31
Live recording 11:54
Sound locks 12:55
Tone Machine 'Mini Tutorial 14:23
Live Rec Parameter Changes 18:50
Nudge 19:29
LFO 24:17
Polyrhythms/Polymeter (Track/Pattern Scale) 25:45
Fill 27:44
It's really good you show what can be done with this machine and the others you demo. I think a lot of people (me included) tend to buy something new rather than really learning how to use what they have. Recently I have paired down my hardware set up to use Digitakt, Model Cycles and Circuit Mono Station. It has made me learn what these machines can do and the results have been excellent. SO thanks for all your fine work.
Thank you Bo. I've just bought a Model Cycles and this is the best tutorial I've seen. You explain all of the functions really clearly. I'm really excited and looking forward to making some FM music on this fantastic groovebox. 🙏🙏
Just received mine and the venue I work at has been shut down for the coming six weeks. I’m on paid leave but I’m sure I won’t be bored
This is the best explainer I have seen on this yet and I have watched a LOT of videos on this. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Recently received my Model:Cycles and it's my first piece of Elektron gear. So this is super helpful. Thank you!
How are you finding it now? Still enjoying it?
I was hoping you would make this! I've delved into the Cycles and read the manual but still, seeing it is way much better. Really appreciated Bo, thanks so much!
Easiest video to wrap my head around. Thanks.
had this box all summer. this video is ESSENTIAL!!! thank you BoBeats!
I've had one of these for a while now and judging from your video I've been using it all wrong (more like a conventional drum machine). I'll be taking it out of my studio and deep dive over the holidays using your video as reference. It is capable of a lot more than I expected when I bought it!
Just got mine today & this has been helpful. Thinking it will pair well with the Minilogue xd!
Thanks
I'm looking at getting the same combo.
Thanks Bo. This is a brilliant intro video, beautifully crafted and paced. 😊
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I just received mine and you’ve made the workings of this machine very understandable.
I now feel that it is unlocked for me to explore and create.
thanks bud! glad you found it useful
Clearest tutorial so far👍🏾
Thank you Bo!
Thanks buddy!
wow what a great tutorial!! perfect tempo and input- no extra infos we don't need, but directly everything that's important, so just perfect! thank you! also great melodies!!!
V60 COFFEE.
bobeats x james hoffman collab when?
Cool! I already love this machine.Just did a new jam with it. Thanks for the tutorial.
Wait… this whole time it’s been Bob Eats and not Bo Beats?!? 🤯
😱😱😱😱😱
Plot twist: it’s been a restaurant review channel this whole time
plot twist: youtube search bob eats 🥶
Wow, very deep but easy to follow tutorial. Thank you, this helps me a lot in understanding and using the cycles! 😊
Thank you this video was extremely helpful! I took the time to take notes so I could reference them at another time. Must watch video to get a quick understanding of the model cycles. This is my first groovebox and im loving it totally worth it!!!
Man the kick on this thumps.
This was super helpful!
Thank you
Hey, Casiopeia!
Thanks a lot! Very handy guide!
hi,good day from Italy .
I bought mine recently and although I knew enough to get my hands on it because I had watched several videos, I found some difficulty with the sequencer and with the sound design.
Sequencer:
I have discovered, or perhaps I believe it, that muting the tracks does not actually close the channel but only the trigger. in fact when I set the length of the note to infinity and go to silence it the note continues to play. this also happens with dly and rvrb.
another thing, perhaps more important, is the fact that we are dealing with a rather bizarre FM synthesis. on the tone, (I immediately experimented with drones and for now only with tones and chords) how can I have either a long attack or/and an infinite note but which is not triggered every time the sequencer passes over it. I'll give you an example: with the 303 bassline you just need to make a legate and a single note on the sequencer isn't triggered all over again but we get a continuous sound.
Sound design:
exactly as I was saying, I can't do long attacks, I only have the decadence which when pumped with the appropriate button causes interesting textures, I create the sustain with the length of the note but I can't play long and soft attacks. what a frustration.
thank you bo. very help.
Gasing for the Model: Samples over this as I feel itsa bit more versatile, great sequencer on both these synths. I'm currently setting up a smaller demo production setup based on just the Model Samples, a Novation A-Station mono synth and a Boss GX700 Effects unit. I intend to mutlti-track into my DAW with just these 3 units. It will make a complete break away from my larger studio setup and hopefully will be creatively productive using minimalistic limited kit, basically the "Less is More" principle. Just hope Thomann are still shipping during this current Covid19 outbreak and lockdown affecting Europe and the world!
This seems like it can do video game music very well. I wish it had a external input but this is very tempting. Great sounds you got out of it!
Thank you! ☺️
Best tuto👌thank you 😉
If you’re a producer on a budget, what kind of post-production would Model: Cycles need minimum? Many examples on CZcams sound delightfully ready straight from the device.
either you would record stems (channel by channel) into a daw. Or just main out. I would definitely apply a bit of EQ, multiband compression, limiter... standard stuff... on that master. Basically stuff you can do with most DAW, even the free Lite versions
Hey :) Ihave a question. From minute 4 on you explain how to make variations of patterns. I get that, but not how to save them on the different steps. I somehow can not recreate what you do in your video, do you have a tip for me how to paste the pattern variations on the steps? Thanks for the nice video!
Very helpful video. Thanks!
very clear thx
Are u able to connect it to fl studios?
i was 5 min in before i realised this is a model:cycles tutorial, not the model:samples tutorial i was looking for /facepalm
Great tutorial!
Bo is this a good starter sequencer for newbies?
Check out Model Cycles here:
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/486110?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/vXDbj
What's your setup so you are able to record video and audio from the Cycles simultaneously?
I do like how the chord colour lets decide the level of Audi ...always need more Audi ....
Hey Bo, how should I choose between cycles and samples? Thanks for the great content!
Cycles is the better groovebox. Samples is more a fun sample player. So see which you want more
BoBeats Ok thanks! I think I’ll get the cycles then, since I have a MPC
I found this video really helpful however as a beginner I would love a deeper dive into this instrument. Are there any full tutorials for the model cycles?
I have a four page sequence. I want the machine of one of those pages to have a higher pitch, across all 16 steps - just for that page. How do I do this without editing each step indivually?
Can someone tell me what you need to plug this into?
is there a quicker/simpler way to extend a pattern length than func+page then the second option in that menu? Like is there a simple keystroke to set the active pattern (or better still, all patterns) to 64 steps? Seems an unnecessary bit of menu-diving.
Can you control other synths and daws with its sequencer via MIDI (I mean sending MIDI notes not only MIDI clock) like with Electribe 2 and Novation Circuit? Thanks
If I customise an existing preset but then don't manually change its name, will the Cycles automatically add some sort of "-1" suffix to its filename to differentiate it from the original? Or will it overwrite the original preset?
In my experience: if you save a preset with the same name as another, AND in the same folder = it overwrites it. But you could make a folder named ”My Presets” and save copies there for example.
love it btw!
Hi Bo and everyone else. Is it possible to deactivate the parameter changes after i live recorded them? Or is the temporary save option the only way to get back to previous Parameter status?
Hello Bob how lucky you are and so talented, can you put some of your music on here please?
Is there any way to capture the final performance on board (song mode) ?
i dont seem to be able to find one information anywhere . bo, help me out. is it possible to load tone machine on all 6 tracks to make layers with different tone tracks?
thanks :)
does this hardware product only have 6 tracks at the same time or are others added as happens with the roland mc 101?
can I use its effects if I add a hardware synth or another drum machine?
Nice demo bo can you sync cycles to korg volcas.👍
But will my local shop have these in stock before the world ends? I'll complain if they haven't.....
#BoBeats Another great video!
how can you make beats from scratch with this? my machine only lets me play the preset patterns and beats
RTFM and open a new project
Question: can this sequence external gear? I'm looking for a brain of my rig and it probably will be the circuit but I was curious if this had the same kind of power
Think the circuit is better for that. This one is mono only and the midi you send out must be from one of the six tracks, so it can't be indipendent from what the machine plays. Don't know about the circuit specs though but I think it's better suited as a controller.
Hi Bo, more i see the Model: line more i like them ! But i think the model:samples is maybe less limited due to the samples player capabilities. I'd like to complete my little setup and i hesitate between the Model:samples and the microfreak... Thanx for the nice video as always!
I actually prefer Cycles to Samples
Evening, Super-teacher☺😜
Why such a loaf of bass drum on this groovebox. That's all good, but the beat not such as older Elektron brother's?😳😔
Is this thing worthy of using on an album or is it too generic sounding
another greatvideo- very helpful for making purchasing decisions ! like and subscribe
Nice overview. Can you set the step length to odd time signatures (7/8 etc.) or is it only multiples of 16? I'm trying to figure this out before I buy it.
You can remove steps from a sequence in order to get weird time signatures. I did a pattern with 3 bars of 3/4 followed by 1 bar of 4/4. I guess those are not that weird, but together they were kind of like a 13/4.
As much as these interest me the worflow just seems too tedious and reminds me why i hate volcas.
if i buy 2 , will it be a bicycle ? lol
yes
I like the cycles but I think the mc 101 is a better buy.
BIG1TOWER - it’s all horses for courses, for me the Elektron sequencer is a real creative tool. If you’re into parameter locks, trigless triggs, sound locks, step sequencers and all that fun stuff the Cycles is a no brainer compared to the MC101 :) The power’s in the sequencer!
This operating system is worst than the infamous ensoniq mirage’s
Garbage like the ikea furniture
random melody is annoying dude