Elektron Model:Samples

than it is, although the build quality
feels robust and solid nonetheless.
While the look might be different,
functionally Model:Samples shares a
lot of traits with Elektron’s mid-level
sampler, Digitakt. Broadly speaking,
the two are effectively the same
instrument, albeit with a drastically
stripped-back feature set here, with
fewer tracks, no onboard sampling
and fewer sample editing options.
What’s left are six identical tracks,
each of which can function as an
audio track for sample playback or
MIDI track for controlling external
gear. In audio mode, samples are
loaded from the browser and can then
be shaped using the Pitch, Decay,
Sample Start and Sample Length
rotaries. These relatively simple
controls are a noticeable step down
from the multistage amp envelopes of
Digitakt, but still provide plenty of
scope for creativity. There are buttons
to engage sample loop and reverse
modes too. Combined with the ability
to modulate and automate all these
parameters, it becomes possible to do
and rate multiplier, meaning that,
although it’s permanently synced to
the master tempo, there’s a huge
variety of speeds on offer, from
ultra-slow to audio rate. There are
seven LFO wave types too, including
a random mode and a one-shot
envelope type – the latter of which
makes up for the lack of a dedicated
fi lter envelope. Assigning LFO
destinations can be done in the LFO
menu, or by simply holding the LFO
button and turning any of the rotaries.
Each track also has a volume
control that can be pushed into
distortion for extra grit. The fi nal
sound-shaping element comes from a
pair of global auxiliary effects – reverb
a lot of creative things from a single
sound source – reversing samples on
one step, looping the sound on
another, with pitch variations
throughout, for example.
Each audio track can also make
use of a resonant, bi-directional fi lter
and synced multi-shape LFO. The
fi lter has both cutoff and resonance
knobs on the front panel, both of
which – as with all front panel rotaries
– can be automated or modulated via
the sequencer or LFO. The cutoff is
bi-directional, allowing the fi lter to act
as either a low- or high-pass
depending on whether cutoff is set in
positive or negative values. The LFO,
meanwhile, controls for both speed
USB CAPABILITIES
While it doesn’t support Elektron’s Overbridge software, Model:Samples can function
like an audio interface in order to stream its stereo output tracks directly into your DAW
via USB. There’s a weird lack of information provided about this though. While the
instrument is referred to as ‘class compliant’ on Elektron’s site, and there are allusions
to sending/receiving audio in the settings section of the manual, nowhere does it
explicitly explain what the audio-over-USB capabilities are and how to take advantage of
them. Given that Model:Samples is designed for the entry/intermediate level of the
market, this lack of clarity
is a baffl ing own goal on
Elektron’s part.
The USB connection
can also be used to
import user samples into
the instrument. This is
done via Elektron’s
simple but effective
Transfer application for
Mac or Windows. This
lets users import sounds
– as mono 16 bit, 48 kHz
fi les – to make use of the
1GB onboard memory. It
also makes a handy
librarian for reordering
and organising sounds.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Elektron Digitakt
£610
Model:Samples’
bigger sibling is
pricier but adds
onboard sampling,
better DAW
integration and
deeper sample
manipulation .
elektron.se
Korg Electribe
Sampler £310
Korg’s similarly-
priced sampler beats
Model:Samples on
track count and
sample shaping, but
lacks the deeper
sequencing tools .
korg.com
Roland TR-8S
£530
Roland’s latest TR
drum machine can
load user samples
alongside its
modeled drum
sounds and offers
surprisingly deep
shaping and
sequencing
capabilities .
roland.com
“Far more streamlined… but
with enough complexity to
bring something new”
Reviews | Elektron Model:Samples
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FMU346.rev_elektron.indd 86 12/06/2019 10:31