Elektron Octatrack Dynamic Performance Sampler

Production Gadgets we love here @ Tracktune.net. Today we are reviewing Elektron Octatrack Dynamic Performance Sampler

It’s that time of the week when I take a closer look at some interesting musical hardware for all of you my friends in the music producing, re-mixing, live performing, djing and sound designing industry. Elektron Octatrack Dynamic Performance Sampler, that’s what my attention will be focusing on this week. I personally fell in love with this gadget after reading about its features. Enjoy this week’s publication guys. 

The Elektron Octatrack Dynamic Performance Sampler is intuitive, powerful yet portable hardware designed to deliver flexible sampling, loop manipulation, effects processing and pattern sequencing for producers, remixers, live performances, DJs and more. The Octatrack reads samples from a compact flash card or USB 2.0 device, and features up to 80MB of internal RAM. There are 4 audio inputs for sampling from external audio devices and instruments.

The Octatrack's powerful engine is devised of 4 software "Machines" (Flex, Static, Thru & Neighbour Machines). Easily sync loops and samples to the sequencer's tempo, create swinging grooves, apply micro-timings, add real-time effects to grooves and more. The Octatrack is well suited for live performances, allowing for lengthy samples to be streamed directly from a compact flash card, while allowing for real-time pitch and tempo control.

The Step Sequencer features 8 recording tracks, 16 banks per project, 256 patterns per project, 8 arrangements per project, 4 parts per bank and 16 scenes per part. There are plenty of internal effects that include 12/24dB multi mode filter, 2-band parametric EQ, 2 - 10 stage phaser, flanger, delay, echo and much more. Audio signals from external devices may be routed through the Octatrack's effects engine. In addition Elektron includes a 2GB flash card loaded with a sample library courtesy of Loopmasters.

Octatrack OS 1.25 is a software download for all Octatrack owners that includes three new effects - a stereo image shaping Spatializer, a Spring Reverb, and a smooth and wide Dark Reverb.

The Sequencer

• 8 internal tracks
• 16 banks per project
• 256 patterns per project
• 8 arrangements per project
• 4 parts per bank
• 16 scenes per part
• Supports swing and slide
• Micro timing
• Parameter locks
• Sample locks
• Full real-time control
• 8 track external MIDI sequencer

Track Effects

• Spatializer
• Spring Reverb
• Dark Reverb
• 12/24dB Multi Mode Filter
• 2-band parametric EQ
• DJ-style Kill EQ
• 2-10 Stage Phaser
• Flanger
• 2-5 tap Chorus
• Echo Freeze Delay
• Gatebox Plate Reverb
• Compressor
• Lo-Fi (SRR, BRR, Dist and A.M.)

Hardware

• 128 x 64 pixel backlit LCD
• MIDI In/Out/Thru
• 4 × 1/4" impedance balanced audio
• 4 × 1/4" audio in jacks
• 1 × 1/4" stereo headphone jack
• Advanced triple DSP system
• 44.1kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters
• Flash-EEPROM upgradable OS
• USB 2.0 port
• Compact Flash card reader
• Infinium optical crossfader
• 80MB Flex RAM per project
• Static sample streaming from CF card
• Sample engine reads 24 bit samples

Sequencer	8 internal tracks 16 banks per project 256 patterns per project 8 arrangements per project 4 parts per bank 16 scenes per part Supports swing and slide Microtiming Unlimited parameter locks on each pattern step Full real-time control 8 Track external MIDI sequencer
Software	Machines:  Flex Machines (RAM-based Sample Playback) Static Machines (Streaming Playback from Compact Flash) Thru Machines (External Input Playback) Neighbor Machines (Track Chaining Playback)
Effects	Spatializer Spring Reverb Dark Reverb 12/24dB Multi Mode Filter 2-band Parametric EQ DJ-style Kill EQ 2-10 Stage Phaser Flanger 2-5 Tap Chorus Delay with Repeat Functionality Gatebox Plate Reverb Compressor Comb Filter
Audio Output	Headphones out level: +15dBu Main/cue outputs level: +10dBu Output impedance: 560 Ω unbalanced S/N ratio: 102dBFS (20Hz - 20kHz)
Audio Inputs	Input level: +8dBu maximum Audio input impedance: 9k Ω S/N Ratio: 99dBFS (20Hz - 20kHz)
Connections	MIDI In/Out/Thru 4x 1/4" impedance balanced audio out jacks 4x 1/4" audio in jacks 1x 1/4" stereo headphone jack USB 2.0 port
Hardware	128x64 pixel backlit LCD Compact Flash card reader Infinium optical crossfader 80MB RAM per project Advanced triple DSP system 44.1kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters Flash-EEPROM upgradable OS
Construction	Sturdy steel chassis
Power Supply	Unit power consumption: 8W typical, 18W maximum Recommended power supply: 6 VDC, 3A PSU-2 Electrical Specs: Input voltage range: 100-240V (43-60Hz) Input connector: IEC320-C8 (2 prong) In-rush current: 50A maximum Output voltage: 5.7-6.3 VDC Output current: 3.5A maximum Output connector: 5.5 x 2.5mm DC plug, power at center.
Dimensions (WxDxH)	13.4 x 7 x 2.4" (340 x 181 x 63mm)
Weight	5.2lb (2.4kg)