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Elektron Model:Cycles 6-track FM Based Groovebox

6-track FM-based Groovebox Synth Module with 6 Machines, 12 Dedicated Knobs, and 64-Step Sequencer
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Elektron Model:Cycles 6-track FM Based Groovebox
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Explore New Sonic Worlds with Elektron’s 6-Track FM Groovebox

Elektron’s Model:Cycles is a 6-track groovebox based on digital FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis. Under the hood of Model:Cycles are six sound engines (“Machines”) that bear little in common with traditional 6-operator FM synthesizers. And unlike vintage FM synths, Model:Cycles is easy to use, underpinned by an architecture that’s clearly laid out with an intuitive control set that facilitates and encourages exploration and extensive sound sculpting. With Model:Cycles, you can easily morph melodies and rhythm using immediate, hands-on controls.

Sounds and rhythms that will bring your music to life

The six Machines that make up Model:Cycles’ digital FM sound engine are totally unique in the world of FM synthesis. Containing both percussive and melodic synths, the Machines make it effortless to build fully fleshed out and highly varied compositions. Four core Synth Controls put powerful sound sculpting right at your fingertips, changing the behavior of each Machine differently and letting you push them to achieve some really wild results that will make your music come to life!

Celebrate the exploratory side of your creativity

Model:Cycles’ six velocity-sensitive pads and 12 dedicated knobs facilitate programming mischief, letting you twist and bend each Machine to elicit happy accidents that will absolutely delight your ears. Strayed too far into sonic malfeasance? Knowing that at any time you can snap back to sanity, the only restriction on creativity becomes your imagination. Elektron’s robust 64-step sequencer gives you the freedom to record every move live or step-input the sounds and parameters for your composition — the choice is yours. Sweetwater’s take: In the studio or on-the-go, Elektron Model:Cycles brings out the exploratory side of your creativity. It's tons of fun!

Elektron Model:Cycles 6-track FM-based Groovebox Features:

  • 6 Audio tracks (may also be used as MIDI tracks)
  • 6 Velocity-sensitive pads
  • 6 FM-based Machine engines
  • 4 Machine specific controls
  • 96 Projects
  • 96 Patterns per Project
  • 1 Assignable LFO per track
  • Delay and reverb send FX
  • Elektron sequencer up to 64 steps with unique length and scale settings per track
  • Real-time or grid recording of notes and parameters
  • Storage space for up to 60,000 presets
  • Class compliant USB audio 2.0
  • 1 x 1/4″ Headphones output
  • 2 x 1/4″ Balanced main outputs
  • 1 High-speed USB 2.0 Micro B port
  • 1 x 3.5 mm standard audio TRS for MIDI In
  • 1 x 3.5 mm standard audio TRS for MIDI Out/Thru
  • 2 slots for attaching Power Handle BP-1 (battery pack to be released at a later date)
  • Included Power Supply PSU-4, Micro USB Cable USB-2, 2 MIDI adapters (5-pin DIN to 3.5mm TRS)
  • 3-year Elektron warranty

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Synthesizer with Sequencer
  • Internal Sound Engine: Digital FM Synthesis, Assignable LFO
  • Screen: 128 x 64 Pixel LCD
  • Pads: 6 x Velocity-sensitive Pads
  • Sounds: 6 x Engines: Kick, Snare, Metal, Perc, Tone, Chord
  • Presets: 96 x Projects, 96 x Patterns per Project, Up to 60,000 Presets
  • Sequencer: 6-track (audio/MIDI), 64-step
  • Effects: Delay, Reverb
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (main out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • MIDI I/O: 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A/B (in), 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A/B (out/thru)
  • Software: Elektron Transfer
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.11 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Power Source: 5V DC power supply (included) / Battery Expansion Slots (future option)
  • Height: 1.6"
  • Width: 7.1"
  • Depth: 10.7"
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 117006

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

extremely addictive

I have to admit, even as a huge digitakt fan, it's been a funny journey with this machine. it arrived, I was excited to try it and... well initially I hated it and was pissed off haha. but, like everything elektron, you start realizing all these different layers, alongside many of the elektron sequencing powerful options like parameter locks, probability and so forth. now I'm completely addicted to it.

there is really just 1 major thing I don't like and that's the "Metal" machine. I cannot stand the limitations of that one, and that it sounds like it's going through a hi pass filter or something, it's just painfully useless compared to the others. the others are all hugely useful in comparison, but that leaves you five machine types instead of six, which in one way isn't that big of a deal, but I sincerely think elektron owes us one more machine type in this device or something.

also yes, you can connect it to ipad and transmit/receive audio and midi. I utilized the included usb cable and an apple camera adapter (not sure why it's called that, but that's an extremely useful adapter). this can make for a super powerful portable setup, especially if they ever release that powerbank handle attachment for this device and it's reasonably priced.

so ultimately if you want a nice fm drum synth and don't compare it to digitone, and don't plan to have a digitone, this is a 100% solid and amazing machine at this price point. only speaking of the sound itself, I don't know anything else like it anywhere near this price. it pairs amazingly with whatever I throw at it - digitakt, korg er1, or my 303 clone especially!

it's so awesome I literally bothered to come here and write a review, and I never do that.
Music background: idm and breakcore dude
Rated 5/5

Awesome Little Machine

It's pretty sweet. I've mostly been using it like a sketch pad for songwriting and it's changed my world. The sounds are super cool, and the ability to manipulate them then instantly snap back to your preset is killer. The transitions between patterns are pretty neat too.
Rated 5/5

Excellent synthesizer, excellent groovebox, excellent $300 pricetag

Preface : I've owned every modern Elektron box. I find this and the Digitone to be the most enjoyable for my musical tastes, though this paired with an Octatrack is next level. OT can perform utilizing song mode, and simple crossfades, while you tweak the living daylights out of the Model:Cycles and smash those drum pads.

This is one of the most fun instruments out there. Doesn't matter if you have no gear or $10,000 in synths alone, or even Elektron gear alone. This is hands down an absolute blast.
Rated 5/5

Delightful break from the computer

I wanted to buy some versatile hardware on a slim budget, so I chose this and the Aira S1. I like how the Cycles fills a sonic gap in my plugins since it's a drum synth. It's sort of like a lovechild between a JoMoX Xbase and a Waldorf Microwave with a gen Z workflow. It's a fun and intuitive product. I use it for noodling, playing guitar with, and eventually in combo with the computer. I got it on sale for $ and although I might not have bought it for $ at the time, now that I have it, I would've been content with it at $. If it had 4 voice polyphony on the tone or chord engines it would be a slam dunk even at $. Does the Digitone ever go on sale? lol
Music background: Hobbyist
Rated 5/5

Best $ ever spent

This thing is cool. Just do yourself a favor and buy it (assuming you don't already have it's more expensive cousins). It's easy to learn. Sounds great. Very usable for serious projects. This is not just a useless toy. The snare sound alone makes this worth it.
Music background: Pro Artist / Engineer

Hear from a Sales Engineer

What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Jay Diehl

Elektron Model:Cycles is a drum machine, sampler and groovebox that invites creative tweaking. It also sounds great! The layout creates a simple, intuitive interface; but underneath the hood is a complex list of controls that stay easy to navigate. I loved how easy it is to program a kick pattern, add some chords and then manipulate each step with granular control over each part. Effects are easy to control with just a simple button press and some knob tweaks. Reverb and Delay can be added to each instrument part, which I found helpful for designing sounds. This is a great instrument for music producers who are looking to have a portable rhythmic composition tool that is easy and fun to create on.
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