Elektron Musical Instruments

On Wed, 21 Feb 2001, Inform3r wrote:

> Maybe if Elektron didnt hype it up for so long, our expectations
> wouldn't be so high?? Looks like their promotion might have back-fired
> on them.....

I think most of you will like what there is when you get the whole
picture. The cool thing about Machinedrum is that it has new synthesis
methods for percussion sounds. ER-1 also had - but it is limited to _one_
single synthesis engine. It's like one of the Machines in Machinedrum.
(Each synth has several machines) It's also about the way it is allowed to
be controlled. A DX-7 might have a cool sound engine, but it's not
inspiring to use (I think). An 808 is inspiring to use, but the sound
engine is limiting (although what's there is really good).

As for the hyping, it's hard to mediate the whole picture in one big chunk
of information. I rather take it step by step. With a small company of
only 5 people we have to divide the time between development and
marketing. For the Machinedrum we've put most efforts in development which
have made the information rather sparse. But I think the development is
what has been most important so far. For me it's imporant to have a good
product before marketing.

You who have expected a 909-clone with a massive bassdrum as main
attraction might be disappointed. That might have been the most logical
thing looking at the synthesizer market today. But that has never been our
intention. Elektron isn't about improving existing as much as it is about
creating innovative sources sounds. It will not be for everyone, but some
will love it. 

Stay open minded!

Daniel