Stimming presents modern classics: Elektron Octatrack MKII

For this latest episode of our modern classics review series, host Stimming takes a look at the Octatrack by Swedish manufactured Elektron. This cult classic performance sampler features eight stereo audio tracks and eight midi tracks, real time pitch shifting and time stretching, pitch shift and stereo sampling amongst many more features. The machine’s versatility for nuanced experimentation make it a mighty performance tool and it’s had a place in Stimming’s setup for many years now. In this video our esteemed host will walk us through all of the things he likes and dislikes about the Octatrack’s various uses, check it out to discover for yourself this unique piece of gear and what it’s capable of.

We use affiliate links to finance our YT activity. If you use these, you support this channel. Thanks!

#stimming #review #octatrack #elektron

@MStimming

[MStimming]

four things I need to clarify:
- in 19:13 the loop doesnt sound clean because I had the timestretch on the bassdrum active - when its off, its clean.
- sorry I didnt show the sound of the timestretch on my little 8-bar composition, would have been interesting as its quite good but definitely audible.
- my math example at around 28min leads to a 2bar loop, you would have to multiply by seven to get the one-bar loop
- my complaint about the sound quality and comparing it with a 5year old mid-range smartphone might be a bit rude, I admit, but to be more precise the sound quality reminds me of the steinberg ur22 interface which I used for the "beats on a budget" series. so, the sound-quality in my opinion is comparable to an entry level usb soundcard from 5 years ago.

[net-work-error]

I could never wrap my head around the Octatrack workflow but I like watching people use them

[justinsaunders]

Thank you again sir, I don’t think I’ve seen a single review that mentioned the bad converter quality. I love that you call it out. You saved me a bunch of time!

[MStimming]

its interesting that no one mentions me forgetting the arranger - I thought quite a lot of people are using it and its the only thing I forgot in the review. so: there's an arranger list which seems to be quite easy to use and is equivalent to a "song" mode but I never actually use it thats why I forgot. I never use song-modes in hardware.

[rundtomrasmus]

When Stimming laughs he sounds like a friendly grinch or something - love it <3

[IgnacioChavez]

Don't obsess about the converters, if the track is good nobody will care. You wouldn't believe how many popular tracks were made with crappy equipment.
Spend 10 years looking for perfect equipment or make a good track now

[glidecast]

I would like to point out that in the audio settings of the project you can change the bit depth from 16 to 24. After this discovery the sound of the machine is really ok in my personal opinion. Thank you Stimming for the inspiration, a year ago after seeing your performance at Phare de Cordouan I decided to invest in this machine and today I am very happy with the choice :)

[BigPlasticPlant]

Stimming just ejecting that flash card like it's nothing, playing with fire.

[izehare]

you my friend are so authentically you, it’s so great to watch someone not give a f*ck

[DanielD.mp]

you’re a brave man for trying to summarize the octatrack :)

[Stickitthamon]

newest update provides LED brightness settings :)

The OT is now NightClub approved

[FourTetTrack]

I hope to get one in the next few months... such a wonderful little joyful machine.

[markmi]

Bro... you are so fun... and funny... and genuine. Thank you! Bravo!!!

[FinnSloss]

"Ouch, ok that hurt." @20:30 - I'm dying on the floor laughing - I have done this also! Bloody love your videos!

[donaldpriola]

Your joy is infectious, and reminds me of why making music is supposed to be fun. Thanks for your work.

[RaelThomas]

It hurts, in the eye.

If i had a dollar. Great video, as ever. Cheers stimmo!

[tsuriranpu]

Oh I was lowkey waiting for this one. Let me grab some popcorn :)

[smartti]

thank you for the only true constructive critical reviews on Ytb... 🙂

[bobule]

Your style of presentation is very enjoyable. Thumbs up

[robertsyrett]

Honestly, learning the ins and outs of the OT was like learning a really arcane RPG. It was annoying at first but then really fun. And like a good RPG occasionally another player will tell me something about the OT and I will say, "Woah, I had no idea that was in there."

Best sampler ever.