Imagine a synth workstation so compact it slips into your backpack, yet packs Elektron's largest sequencer ever at 256 steps, turning raw samples into polyphonic percussion playgrounds.
At its core, this digital beast blends sample-based and granular synthesis across 16 tracks—eight audio sources with selectable machines like Single Player for pitched loops, Multi Player for polyphonic playback, and innovative Subtracks that nest an eight-sample drum machine inside one track for beats on beats. Each audio track wields 8 voices (up to 64 total), dual multimode filters including a base-width one, dedicated amp and mod envelopes, plus two per-voice LFOs and two FX LFOs feeding into wild inserts like Frequency Warper or Phaser, with sends to reverb, delay, and more. The sequencer shines with parameter locking, micro-timing, probability, arpeggiator, and chord modes, all controllable via a mini keyboard, poly aftertouch pads, mod wheel, and 16 assignable CCs; route freely through four buses, three sends, and a mix track, with 2 audio ins, 4 outs, MIDI DIN trio, USB-C, and SD card in a sleek 286 x 176 x 63 mm aluminum chassis weighing just 1.85 kg.
Early users love how the Auto Sampler effortlessly captures multi-sampled instruments from external gear with velocity layers, making it a breeze to build hybrid kits, though some note the two external inputs limit mega-rack setups compared to dreams of four. It's already carving a niche as Elektron's portable percussion powerhouse, bridging their analog Machines with deep sampling workflows.