Items Included
- Elektron Model:Cycles Six-Track FM Based Groovebox
- Power Supply
- Micro-USB Cable
- 2 x 3.5mm to 5-Pin DIN Adapters (MIDI)
- Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- 6 Tracks for Internal Audio or MIDI
- 6 Velocity-Sensitive Pads
- 1 FM-Based Machine per Track
- Four Machine Specific Controls
- 1 Assignable LFO per Track
- 96 Projects + 96 Patterns per Project
- Delay and Reverb Effects Send Per Track
- Elektron Sequencer, 64 Steps, Param Lock
- MIDI In and Out/Thru via 2 x 3.5mm TRS
- 2 x 1/4″ Main Output + 1/4″ Headphone
Building upon the success of the Model:Samples, the Elektron Model:Cycles is an affordable, compact, and lightweight six-track FM based groovebox, offering professional features in a small form factor.
Model:Cycles ships with a ton of professionally designed percussive and melodic synth tones, allowing you to make full and varied compositions. Effortlessly mold rhythm and melody across the digital spectrum using instant, tactile controls. All sounds are easily tweakable thanks to the four core synth controls, that put the tools of sound sculpting right in front of you, altering the behavior of each Machine differently and letting you push them to the limit. With 12 dedicated knobs, you can expect a wide pallet of sounds, only restricted by your imagination.
Step-record or record in real-time using the six onboard velocity-sensitive pads. Each track can also be switched to MIDI for sequencing outboard hardware instruments and effects. Each internal voice includes its own LFO, as well as dedicated delay and reverb effects sends for each sound. Save your sounds and compositions to the internal storage bank, capable of holding up to 60,000 presets.
Like all other performance machines by Elektron, the Model:Cycles offers parameter locks, which allow any sound-shaping function to be sequenced to any point on the sequencer resulting in powerful effects that are accurately timed. What’s more, any parameters that have been adjusted can be undone at the press of a button.
- Six audio tracks (all of which may be used as MIDI tracks as well)
- Six velocity sensitive pads
- Six FM-based machine engines (1 per track)
- Four machine specific controls
- 96 Projects
- 96 Patterns per Project
- Dedicated controls
- One assignable LFO per track
- Delay and reverb send FX
- Elektron sequencer up to 64 steps with unique length and scale settings per track
- Real-time or grid recording of notes and parameters
- Storage space for up to 60,000 presets
- Class compliant USB audio 2.0
- One 1/4″ headphones output
- Two 1/4″ balanced main outputs
- One hi-speed USB 2.0 micro-B port
- One 3.5 mm standard audio minijack (TRS) for MIDI In
- One 3.5 mm standard audio minijack (TRS) for MIDI Out/Thru
- Two slots for attaching Power Handle BP-1 (battery pack to be released at a later date)
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| Patterns | |
| Sequencer | |
| Recording | |
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| Connectors | |
| MIDI Connectors | |
| USB | |
| Power | |
| Dimensions | |
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Ryan –
Like many folks interested in grooveboxes and music production, I’ve followed Elektron’s products for a long time. However, given the relatively high purchase prices ($750 for Digitakt/Digitone – over $1k for Octatrak!) I’ve always been happy to just enjoy the music other folks make with those devices. With Model:Cycles, Elektron has finally produced a device with a reasonable price without compromising on the amazing quality they’re known for.
To spoil the ending, the sequencer is downright amazing. I’ve used a pretty wide array of “cheaper” grooveboxes (pocket operator, volca series, etc) and this sequencer simply blows the others out of the water.
On the synthesis side, Elektron has done a good job of simplifying the control of an FM synth to make it approachable. Most of my FM sound design comes from working in a DAW (Bitwig) where I often spend a very long time meticulously adjusting parameters to get exactly the sound I’m looking for. Drums, in particular, are something that I’ve always found myself resorting to samples for instead, because it’s so difficult to accomplish. So color me surprised when some of the best drum sounds I’ve ever heard are coming out of this box! The presets are amazing, and modifying the default sounds is really quick.
As far as downsides go, there are a few. First, the lack of an arpeggiator. It would be really nice to arp things, but of course it can be done with an external midi device like the keystep. Second, the lack of polyphony especially on the Chord machine. If you connect an external midi keyboard and expect to be able to play multiple keys at once to play chords, you’ll be disappointed. That said, the chord machine is actually really nice to use once you get used to it. Lastly, the lack of a battery or ability to power over usb. I hate being tethered to the wall with this thing! Apparently there’s a battery attachment coming soon, and that will be great.
Awesome device. Most fun I’ve had making music this year.
Ryan –
Anthony –
Hours and hours of fun whizz by when playing this instrument. The famous Elektron sound quality is present and the interface/workflow takes close to no time to get acclimated to. The physical workmanship of the instrument is plastic and lightweight, yet sturdy. The only cons I see are the somewhat limiting 6 track maximum (would have liked to have 8-10) and lack of individual outs. Overall, this product represents a good value for the low price point.
Anthony –
Albert –
Professional quality sounds at an entry level price on this FM synthesis based groovebox with the expected Elektron punch and feature set. Get a couple cheap synths to complement it and you’re good to go.
Albert –
Anderson –
This unit is intuitive and fun to play with. I have spent hours playing with it.
Anderson –