July 20, 2017

Elektron announces MKII revisions

Written by Tom Lewis
Elektron Announces MKII Swedish synthesizer manufacturer Elektron have just announced a long awaited upgrade to their product lineup, in the form of the new MKII range. The machines undergoing a facelift are the Analog Four, Analog RYTM and the Octatrack. Despite looking quite different, there's some very hefty upgrades inside and outside. First model announced is the Octatrack MKII, a redesign of a the highly regarded DPS-1. A performance focused 8 track sampler with very advanced sequencing and editing tools that redefined what a sampler should and could do. Octatrack | KMR Like the rest of the MKII revisions, the Octatrack MKII takes a lot of influence from the Digitakt, with vast improvements including:
  • Crisp OLED screen providing optimal feedback in dimly lit environments
  • Ultra durable back-lit buttons. Rated for 50 million presses
  • Contactless silky smooth performance crossfader
  • Precise, hi-res encoders
  • Increased amount of dedicated buttons enabling quicker workflow
  • Balanced audio inputs with plenty of headroom
  • New grey livery
  • Slanted layout for improved handling
  • Overbridge enabled!
Shipping in September, the Octatrack MKII is now available to pre-order. Next is the Analog Four MKII, a redesign Elektron's first analogue machine. Four analogue synthesizer voices tightly integrated with a superb sequencer, featuring parameter locking and all the bells and whistles the performing musician could ever need. Analog Four MKII The MKII, just like the Octatrack MKII, it features a new look, new screen, improved backlit buttons and much more, including:
  • Dedicated outputs for each voice
  • New synthesis architecture with more low end and hotter output
  • New scale modes for making programming even easier
  • Improved UI and the same OLED display
And last but by no means least is Elektron's flagship drum machine, the Analog RYTM MKII. Now equipped with the same uprated build, OLED display, new chassis and work flow from the other MKII's. Analog RYTM MKII RYTM also sports new pads for enhanced playability and a vastly improved workflow for creating your own percussion tones. The entire MKII range is expected to be available in September 2017, with Octatrack being released slightly earlier than the rest. All of the units are available for pre order from the first UK shipment. For more information get in touch with our Synthesizer Specialist Tom Lewis.