The Analog Rytm MKII Black from Elektron is a hybrid drum computer with twelve very extensively equipped tracks consisting of specialized, analogue percussion elements and sample tracks. The tracks, which are divided into voices and groups respectively, lead to four very high-quality sounding effects, which are shared by the instruments. In combination with the proven and extremely powerful live sequencer concept, which allows intricate interventions in every detail and even parameter locks, the analog Rytm MKII is a fine-tuned, modern drum machine for all modern styles.
The sound generation of the analogue Rytm MKII is made up of specialized analogue tone generators and samples. The analogue tone generators cover a wide range of electronic percussion sounds and sound round and assertive. Hard dark techno kicks, metallic hihats, wooden rim shots or rattling snares cover only a fraction of the possible analog drums. Added to this is the sample player, which has access to a huge pool of samples. You can not only load the samples into the instrument according to your own taste, but also create them yourself in the device using sampling. The analogue Rytm MKII offers a total of twelve tracks, which, however, share eight voices. This means that the "track partners" RimShot/Clap, MidTom/HiTom, Closen/Open hi-hat and Cymbal/Cowbell always trigger optionally, but never together. Each track is rounded off with an analog distortion and an analog 2-pole multimode filter. The drum kit can then be refined with delay, reverb, Distortion and compressor.
Each voice of the analogue Rytm MKII has an extensively editable LFO. In addition to various trigger modes, which can also be used as a mini envelope depending on the setting, the clock synchronization of the LFO proves to be a great help. Using it to modulate the filter or the pitch is part of the basic craft; selecting the sample with the LFO is a novelty, especially in an experimental context. The two envelopes are designed as ADSR envelopes for the filter and as AHD envelopes for the VCA.
The typical Elektron sequencer is one of the most powerful of its kind. Not only triggers, but also shuffle, accent, slide, microtiming and parameter locks and individual step lengths can be programmed per track. The actual track length is a maximum of 64 steps or four bars; longer patterns can be realized with dividers. The tidy user interface provides direct access to all relevant parameters. The drums can be programmed in the classic TR grid, played in with the pads similar to an MPC
The rear panel looks complete: in addition to the stereo output, there are eight mono outputs for the individual tracks. The two stereo audio inputs fulfill different tasks: Ext In is intended for looping through other sound generators, which should save an additional mixing console channel in smaller setups. Audio In is intended for sampling and audio processing. The MIDI trio can also be used as a DinSync connection on the output side, which is indispensable for synchronizing a TB-303 or TR-606. Two inputs for expression pedals or control voltages make it possible to control the parameters of the analog Rytm MKII externally. This variety is rounded off by a USB connection.
With the or 1.70, Elektron has given its hybrid Über-Drummie an extremely powerful upgrade. In addition to numerous detail improvements and additions, the sequencer has been enhanced with Euclidean Mode, an algorithm-based pattern generator and Page Loop. The latter is very practical if, for example, you only have a trigger for a certain track in the pattern and want to work it out first without having to wait for the next run-through. The five new machines bring the total number of machines to 33, including HH Lab, SY Chip, BD Acoustic, SD
Aside from very rich sound (anything from cold minimal to glitchy ambient), it has amazing performance capabilities!
I especially like that it's possible to record the whole performance into DAW using overbridge (as automations) and then work with it as with a plugin.
I bought this after quite some consideration. Ultimately this is an great sounding instrument, incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different ways. I've used it with Overbridge together with Cubase and it all works and integrates seamlessly. Elektron workflow is deep and well worth the effeotr to dig into it. I don't find it complicated at all, the principles are very similar across all their instruments. Performance and scene modes are stellar. Highly recommended.
I used to have AR MK1, then I sold It. After an half year I decided to try MK2 - and I am very suprised. The quality of build is even beter than mk1 (which was great solid unit). Sound is perfect, especially when you layer 2 samples.
What is great:
- sound, functions (especially sampling is good one)
- workflow
- build quality
- quick perf knob
What can be better
- graphics on display (like digitakt, digitone)
- pads could be less stiff and more ruberized (but It's my own preference)
This is the first Elektron instrument that i purchased. I am writing this review an year after the purchase. This instrument really inspired to get into Elektrons workflow. The whole concept of parameter locks, trig conditions, trigless trigs etc of the Sequencer is very unique to Elektron. The combination of Synth and Sample engines make it possible to produce very unique sound.
Overbridge makes it very easy to record the audio into DAW on individual tracks.
The only con for me is that the effects are on the master track. It would have been great to have the effects on individual tracks which would have given much more independence to modulate them.