Model:Cycles Explained — A Beginners Guide to Elektron Workflow

Check out Model Cycles here:

CONTENT
Introduction 0:00
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

My stuff

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BUSINESS INQUIRY

#groovebox #elektronTutorial #synthesizer

[VouVouVou_music]

Seems like the perfect piece of gear to have in quarantine.

[TheScreamingFrog]

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.

[paulwhiting]

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.

[michaelkonomos]

This is the best explainer I have seen on this yet and I have watched a LOT of videos on this. Thank you!

[Chinhoyi]

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. 🙏🙏

[grawlixes]

Recently received my Model:Cycles and it's my first piece of Elektron gear. So this is super helpful. Thank you!

[hexekatos_]

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!

[joshlane]

Easiest video to wrap my head around. Thanks.

[jujuondabeatbroski]

had this box all summer. this video is ESSENTIAL!!! thank you BoBeats!

[BoBeats]

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

[chahan]

Clearest tutorial so far👍🏾
Thank you Bo!

[JohanWave]

Cool! I already love this machine.Just did a new jam with it. Thanks for the tutorial.

[Lucky]

Just got mine today & this has been helpful. Thinking it will pair well with the Minilogue xd!
Thanks

[haxanlord]

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

[ericvernooij]

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!

[gleannmhuire]

Thanks Bo. This is a brilliant intro video, beautifully crafted and paced. 😊

[rockhead]

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.

[nomielektra]

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!!!

[Charlieboy]

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!!!

[nelio]

Wow, very deep but easy to follow tutorial. Thank you, this helps me a lot in understanding and using the cycles! 😊