Vintage Gear Review Of The Elektron Machinedrum

In this video, techno producer Joey Blush, aka Blush Response, shares his take on the Elektron Machinedrum drum machine.

The Elektron Machinedrum was introduced over 20 years ago – in 2001. But its design was far ahead of its time, offering 5 drum synthesis engines, sample playback + synthesis, a flexible effects engine, deep modulation options and more.

Instead of a more traditional review, Blush shares his thoughts while building and completely destroying a beat.

“The Elektron Machinedrum is still untouchable,” says Blush. “Maybe it’s better than the Rytm”.

Is the Machinedrum still untouchable? Share your thoughts in the comments!

24 thoughts on “Vintage Gear Review Of The Elektron Machinedrum

      1. the rotary encoders have 2 positions : “up” for slow parameter steps change, and “push”, ie down for quick parameters change steps. When the encoder is not used, the knob springs up. The problem is that the parameter change steps in up position is too slow, so you either end up turing the knob for ages or you push + turn, which required a certain pressure. As the the top of the encoder is cylindrical (i.e. angled and not rounded), you have an edge in the fingers tips. That + pushing + turning ends up hurting the fingers after a while, or just being unpleasant. I am surprised nobody picked this ergonomic aspect.

        1. you don’t have to “turn the knob for ages”, if you want to have the “least turns” just press and move it to where ever you want it and then release it and fine tune it, also you can just change the knobs, it’s just caps.
          but i never experience any problem with that, i rarely need to press it unless i want to take it to the end points, it doesn’t take much to fully turn it, so the pressing is more like a bonus. also its the same with most of elektron machines.

          1. ‘woof elektron good woof grr!!’
            i wish you stayed at that terrible elektron forum where there are so many of you

            i sold this box for exactly that : excessive knob turning and boring limited effects. analog rhythm same story basicly

            1. i don’t have an account on the elektron forum but it sounds you have experience there…

              the rytm is one of the best modern instrument ever, it’s only drawback its maybe “too much” in only one machine… i wish i had a dedicate midi controller with elektron encoders, they are precise, reliable and easy to use, but seems it’s subjective. you can blame the instrument, or you can take your time and do your home work better, reading, watching, testing multiple times whatever you interested in before you buy. same with your sq64…

              1. yes great argument gadi, i am totally biting.
                btw we know you are not human, but only an algorithmic simulation of a reactive toddler with delusive ideas of competence.

                keep attacking every critical observation here, beats having a life apparently

      1. Fix your comments : you obvioulsly have no experience of ergonomics or are ignoring some user feel subtelties that can end up taking taking a toll on playability and comfort of use,

        1. Gadi’s one of those special Synthtopia fam that we just smile and nod at.

          Don’t let him get to you, he just doesn’t understand humans or opinions.

        2. what is “experience in ergonomic”? experience twisting knobs? watching screens?
          the knobs and screen works just fine, seems to me you got use to something else and try to make it something it’s not. it’s the same with most elektron machines,
          the encoders very precise, easy to get to a specific number, and can be turned very quickly when pressed. the red screen looks great too. so many albums made on it, must be used for countless hours but if you don’t like it many modified it with oled screen and different knobs.

          1. “experience in ergonomics” is just being aware of how your body reacts in certain interactions. I have many machines, and the Elektrons of first generation are a pain to the eye and to the fingers after a while. The encoders are hard to handle, the screens are hard to read. This is what I notice after usage. Period. Sure I can modify, but for the price these machines cost, I don’t have apetite to sink in more money.

            1. for me the encoders are no less than perfect and the machinedrum red screen works great and looks badass but i guess you should be aware your body “reacts” differently” from others since most love and enjoy this encoders characteristics. you can fix your hands (or eyes) if not possible fix the machine or test it better before you buy it so you wouldn’t care about it (like with most machines you don’t know or have)
              if i love an instrument and i find some issue i can fix easily (or upgrade) i will be happy to spend 20$ for a pack of knobs, or 30-50$ for an oled screen.
              actually most will probably find it a very enjoyable and personal experience.

  1. With the Megacommand external sequencer/controller and the new x. firmwares along with it, the machine has been reborn! Bucketloads of bug fixes, advanced sequencer options and lots more, have made it reach the top again! If anyone is interested to learn more about the megacommand, send me a line on foo at gmx dot com 🙂

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