New to Octatrack Mk2 need some advice!

Elektron Gear Octatrack
#1

Hello ppl. So i have ordered the MK2 and im a beginner.

So my setup is:
Roland SE-02
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Sec gen(wich is malfunctioning i get way to much noise when trying to play thru it)
Ableton
PC And Mac
Keystation Mini32
Korg Volca Keys
DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm

Now i have no clue what sound interface to use or if i can use the mk2’s soundcard? And dont know what external stuff i might need to best experience the mk2. (like cables, mac or pc, headphones or speaker, midi controllers, CV in CV out etc.)

Any advice regarding best experience with sound and cables etc?

Peace

#2

The OT does not have an onboard soundcard. First step is to just put everything to the side, plug your OT on with headphones and start learning. There are some good recent posts on here about where to focus that learning in the beginning. YouTube learning channels and reading the manual is a must.

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#3

yeah i get that, how about memory cards and how to transfer samples? as i said im a total noob

#4

The OT comes with a compact flash in the box so just use that to get started. It also ships with loopmaster samples to get you started. It also comes with USB cable to transfer to and from your computer.

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#5

I see, cool, thank you!

#6

The only indispensable item for me besides the OT itself and MIDI cables is a MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru (or bigger) box. Excellent device to eliminate huge daisy chains that might interrupt a quick practice session.

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#7

cool man, ill look into that thnx (y)

#8

…print out the manual…actual version to be found at the elektron site…
…be ready to feel stupid from time to time…u got a steep mountain to climb right in front of u…
don’t go cheap when it comes to cf cards…next investment…2!!! cf cards with not more than 32 gigs of spece…those fast and solid pro ones for pro photographers…because thats ur backbone of that whole ot universe…u better always keep them identical…one is just the back up card, a copy of that u always have in use and a back up folder on ur computer…a must…
enjoy, explore, dare to ask…but read the fucking manual first…and no, ur not the only one who had to read this manual at least three times end of the day…another good lecture is merlins guide/thoughts on the ot…gives u a nice overview and background knowledge to that little box of sonic miracles ur about to discover…

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#9

Yeah im aware of the deepness and thats the reason why its going to be my first serious buy. Thank you for the advice very helpfull, and the way i see it learning one tool seems better than buying alot of stuff having to read several manuals (y) :sunny:

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#10

It’s an awesome machine congrats on your purchase.

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#11

Yeah like they said, do like 2-3 weeks of OT by itself. Once you’re comfortable in that environment, you’ll be able to implement it in your rig with less headaches and more deliberateness. Patience! It’s honestly a joy to learn this instrument.

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#12

Then, you can do all sorts of stuff. Abe starting OT via midi, OT controlling Volca and Roland, audio going back into Abe via an interface

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#13

OT starter kit:

  • OT
  • Manual (on Tablet or printed)
  • Brain (yep, really needed, just button mashing brings you nowhere)
  • quite some Time (and then some more)
  • Web Browser to access the vast Knowledge Base of the Guild of OT Wizardry (Elektronauts)
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#14

truth

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#15

Suggestion: FedEx has an online printing service. You can attach the manual PDF and choose paper and binding.

I had mine spiral bound. Makes it easy to flip to specific sections.

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#16

A diary. Write down what you change as you go along. Its so simple to forget something youve changed and then ask for help here to jog your memory.

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#17

cool :smile:

#18

Im getting it new from the store, doesnt it come with it? anyway im sure ill be fine cus the forum here seems to have all info there is (y)

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#19

There is only the Quick Start Guide included. The manual is accessible only online as PDF here.

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#20

Yeah, read the manual. Take it to the crapper with you, read it in bed, read it with your morning coffee and read it while you are using the OT. Good tip from @carvingcode on the fedex printing service. I’m going to have to try that out!

edit: Fedex having a 25% printing services sale for the month of May :+1:t3:

Also, your interface may not be broken. In my experience, the OT outputs are really hot and can cause clipping in a lot of setups. I usually reduce the main output to at least -11 (FUNC + Level knob), sometimes -30 even, depending on what I’m running into.

1 Like