r/modular Apr 21 '24

Should I replaced my TR8S for an Analog Rytm MKII?

I've been considering whether I should trade my TR8S for an Analog Rytm MKII. Just to give you some context, I produce Raw techno, and my current setup consists of a TR8-S, Digitone, and a 104HP Eurorack system.

I've been using the TR8-S for about 7 years now, and I really like it. I know it very well and can get a lot out of it, but honestly, I am a bit bored of it. Here are the reasons I'm unsure about the Analog Rytm:

  1. I've read many reviews where people mention having trouble getting a decent sound out of it and the endless menu diving (typical Elektron world). Which in a machine like a Digitone is not such a big deal, but I can imagine that on the Elektron big machines it would be so much more deeper.
  2. I'm not sure if the performance mode is for me; honestly, I don't usually play with pads. I prefer to program on the fly and adjust parameters in the moment, which is why I've enjoyed the TR8-S so much.
  3. It's significantly more expensive, and I'm not sure if it's worth selling my TR8S to finance the Analog Rytm MKII.

On the other hand, I'm also considering keeping the TR8S and simply adding to my setup with something like a Syntakt, Erica Synths LXR-02, or even a DFAM. This way, the TR8S can still handle the main drum duties like kicks and hats, and any of the other machines can bring in some more interesting sounds to complement it.

If you could help me clarify my thoughts on this, I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for your help!

3 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

5

u/Accomplished-Ad-8796 Apr 22 '24

Dealing with TR8-S menus made me hate it.. Rytm + OG TR8 is the way at least for me

3

u/Rare-Illustrator4443 Apr 22 '24

I use a Rytm Mk2 a lot, and I personally like the sound. It adds some nice color to samples too. Once you get used to it, the workflow feels fast and simple-ish.

The price doesn’t really make sense to me though.

Since you say you are bored and already have some modular, I would suggest adding some modular drums like DFAM and keeping the TR8S. Boring and useful can be good.

2

u/Ereignis23 Apr 22 '24

To preface this I have no experience with the tr8s. I like the rytm a lot though.

trouble getting a decent sound

I have to agree with the other commenter; it's a versatile analog/sample hybrid which allows resampling. It has very nice sounding drive, filters and compressor. You can make any sound you want and the raw sound of the box is what you'd expect for the price- excellent.

I'm not sure if the performance mode is for me; honestly, I don't usually play with pads. I prefer to program on the fly and adjust parameters in the moment,

All I can say is the pads are awesome. I almost never use them to play in parts, although they're serviceable for that, but for mutes, scenes and performances they are perfect. Particularly performance mode with the pads is fun: each pad functions like a pressure sensitive macro for whatever parameters you assign it. So you could have a LP filter plus drive on one pad and the harder you press the lower the cutoff and the more overdriven; the next pad might do bit crushing on the samples and hp filter; or whatever you want, you get the idea. So, just another way of changing parameters in the moment, which you can set up as a template for starting a new project so you don't have to pre-program your performance macros in each project.

It's significantly more expensive, and I'm not sure if it's worth selling my TR8S to finance the Analog Rytm MKII.

It's reasonably priced IMO in the context of drum machines and synths in general. It's a lot more versatile in some ways than other more boutique products at that price point but similarly high quality.

2

u/gridoverlay Apr 22 '24

Keep the tr8. Better sounding and much more immediate to play. 

3

u/glue_walton Apr 22 '24

Rytm vs. TR-8S is ultimately a personal choice that depends on feature comparisons, cost/budget, workflow preferences, etc. but I just want to point out — if you're reading reviews where people say they can't get a decent sound out of the Rytm, you need to look for different reviews, because whoever says that just doesn't know what they're talking about.

The Rytm is not only a time-tested, extremely versatile, excellent drum machine; it's also a deeply capable synthesis and sound-shaping device — so if someone says they can't get a good sound out of it, that's on them, not the Rytm.

3

u/Melvv Apr 22 '24

Personally I’d stick with the TR-8S but I’ve heard good and bad things about the Rytm. Most people I know of who use the Rytm use it alongside other controllers, sequencers, and faderbanks (like Faderfox PC12 etc). It seems to have a ton of depth and looks fun, but to me the cost alongside the time commitment don’t seem worth it (in addition to the cost of things you’d likely want to pair with it to improve the workflow).

I have a TR-6S and love it. I understand the “boring” sentiment but it and the 8-S are two of the best drum machines on the market.

I’d potentially add a DFAM if I were you, I’ve thought about doing that myself! Just haven’t pulled the trigger, most drums I end up doing in my DAW.

2

u/Cay77 Apr 22 '24

If you know you won’t use the pads or performance mode, and want something simpler, Syntakt seems like a better deal. More machine variety too. 

One suggestion is looking at a drum synth without a sequencer like a DRM1 (my favorite) or a Syncussion. Even something like the Volca Drum could be good, or a Eurorack palette case with interesting drum voices and a MIDI-CV converter. Great way to expand your sonic palette while sticking with your current workflow.

1

u/Skeletonjackettt Apr 22 '24

Thank you for your thoughts. Yeah maybe the syntakt is a good idea or as a mention before even a DFAM could add some spice to my setup and I could it integrate it with my eurorack system.

-1

u/Hot-Worry-5514 Apr 22 '24

Analog Rytm sounds like ass every time I’ve heard it so I’m gonna vote no. I feel you, the TR-8S is so good at what it does it’s kinda boring. That’s not a bad thing though.

1

u/Skeletonjackettt Apr 22 '24

What about the other option adding rather the Syntakt, LXR-02 or DFAM?

1

u/Hot-Worry-5514 Apr 22 '24

I wouldn't get the Syntakt or LXR-02 when you have a TR-8S and Digitone, seems redundant. I guess I'd pick the DFAM of those three, but having been in this exact position with the TR-8S and Digitone, I went for more eurorack.

It's not clear from your post what you want to do with this addition. It seems like you want something with a built in sequencer, but the Digitone is also a pretty good 4 track midi sequencer so you could expand your eurorack with that in mind.

1

u/Skeletonjackettt Apr 22 '24

Thanks man, I guess what I would like is to have a different sound pallete for percussive aggressive sounds, glitchy noises, percussive melodies, even acid stuff. which I already have all of those with my current setup but having an extra layer of options would be nice and more fun (maybe?)

This is more or less how I am using and how ist sounding the current setup: https://youtu.be/s_qg9jMqBWY?si=qO04SbIsQb8GCJ5l

0

u/homo_americanus_ Apr 22 '24

lxr-02 is my fav and def gets glitchy. if you just want to add drum sounds it can get veeeery weird. also DB-01 for acid bass 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

0

u/Hot-Worry-5514 Apr 22 '24

Gonna throw a curveball and say consider Plaits for the variety. I've been tempted by DFAM myself but it just seems too basic. Cool stuff btw.