I know that this probably a question frequently asked, but I am a lacking the real life environment where I could discuss these kinds of questions. I bought a Monomachine last year during the end of production sale. It was my first Elektron synth, and what I really love about this instrument is the Elektron-style sequencer. I have not really gelled with the MnM synthesis, though. The FM+ machines just completely baffle me, I certainly had some happy accidents, but more frequently I end up being frustrated by my lack of grasping FM synthesis. Similarly, the VOC and SID engines don’t really excite, which essentially cuts out ~50% of available synthesis options. Then again, when playing around with some of the pre-set patterns I am always blown away by the sounds this machine can produce…
I recently bought an AR, and to my own surprise I am actually getting into using the sample machines - building sample chains, hunting for good source material, etc. Here in Australia Elektrons are not that easily found on the second hand market, but I just stumbled over an ad by someone wanting to trade his/her OT for an MnM and I am feeling myself tempted to get in touch with the person. On the other hand I am considering selling the MnM, and to just focus on the A4, AR and Minilogue which I have at home…
So, has anyone here been in a similar situation? I know that there are a bunch of people who have repeatedly bought & sold/traded different machines, and it seems to me that MnM and OT are at the top of the list of Elektron synths/samples with a high turn over.
Don’t do it! I traded my MnM for an A4 the end of last year and have regretted it ever sense. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the A4. It does so much and I think the depth of it is equally as deep if not more than the MnM. The crispness is sorely missed. The sounds it can make can’t be matched. The midi abilities are awesome. Best advice I can give you is keep the MnM, save up for the OT and you’ll have both. Yes, I know, you’re lacking in the sampling department. That’s even more inventive to save up faster. I started with ordering one of the last batches of MnM and MDUW’s last year. Traded the MnM for the A4, played with what I have and saved up, just today I ordered an OT and a Heat, should be in hand on thursday! I already preordered the DT but I think I’m going to cancel that and get a AR. Oh, another plus is the ability for you to focus more on the boxes you currently have and explore and learn more about how they function and the different ways to be creative. These boxes are so deep and each can do so many different things, its almost impossible to know every single function. Work within your limitations to overcome the limitations. Besides, MnM’s are starting to get hard to come by since they stopped making them. Good luck!
yeh i noticed that advert on Gumtree - to be honest your not going get that much more sampling than the AR in my view. I prefer the sample engine in the AR compared to OT. I guess, if you are going to sell the mono machine, might want to try out the OT and see if its for you. You could sell the OT pretty quickly if its not for you.
Most of us who have sold on the mm always buy it back - only because, its a wonderful digital synth, that limitless. It does take time to understand: read the tips pdf, look at elektron patterns.
Once you play around with other digitals and/or high-end analogs, you can realize just why the mono is such a wonderful synth.
Its very versatile, so much so with many high end analogs, I’ve been left thinking: is that all you got! thats all you can do! thats rubbish, my bluemoon mono can travel further…
The mm does Buchla and roland well; wave seq scanning, drones, experimental, is very euro modular in its thinking.
Seconded. I much enjoy playing with samples in the AR than the OT. OT used to be cooler to me because slicing capabilities, time stretching, and freeze delay. Anymore when I use samples I like to do odd and interesting things, so I don’t even turn slicing on and just dial in the start/end. The time stretching IS kinda cool, though I’ve heard people not too impressed with the OTs algorithm, also you can achieve a time stretch on the RYTM with an LFO.
Though, there was a time when it was my favorite thing on earth. An avant garde dream. Maybe it’s just me.
You’re missing out on live sampling and FX mainly. I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to live sample off the DT and send the samples to the AR without a computer, and that base is covered on that front.
Actually, if you have an iPad and some zoom field recorder- I just looked up that you can record the audio FROM the inputs/mic to the iPad directly where you can actually edit the audio semi-precisely and send the audio wirelessly to your RYTM with Strom! So there’s a decent workaround for the live sampling!!!
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM
1/ just boxe it, wait, get back to it in few weeks, months, years. You’ll reopened it as if it was a new synth, and rediscover it.
2/ you said it’s hard to find Elektron in Australia, if you sell it, you won’t get another so easily.
3/ take time to save money, during this time play with you AR in solo to really dig and mastered it
4/ buy OT, 2 years of learning
5/ reopen the MnM box, and sample it
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM
Don’t trade your MnM…
Thank you everyone for your great replies, I really appreciate this!
I am pretty convinced by now to just give the Monomachine & myself more time. I probably made a bit of a mistake in buying too much gear in too little time. The Mono certainly is very very deep!
I’m gonna say no. I bought a Monomachine last year around February. Loved it for a bit, but then became disillusioned with it. I bought an OT and then sold the MnM to get an A4. Within a month, I had bought another MnM (like 3 weeks ago). The MnM is very special. Def. keep it and just save up for an OT. You’ll love using them together.
MnM is special, just got one a few days ago (black panel🤓) after regrettably selling it 2 years ago…
Totally unique you can use it in so many ways almost like a little modular in a box or just use as a six mono track groove box
Yo inevitably learned more and more and chances are the Octatrack will baffle you even more
Plus they don’t make them anymore!
