Elektron unveils Analog Rytm MK2 analog drum machine with sampling
Elektron went ahead and updated its analog drum machine, the Analog Rytm. The biggest news in regards to the Analog Rytm MK2 is the addition of sampling capability, a feature that was notably missing in the original hardware. The Rytm MK2 is in the same silver colour-rubber buttons design scheme as the Analog Four MK2 and Octatrack MK2, and shares many of their cosmetic and functional updates and enhancements.
The sampling facility allows for the recording and storage of up to 1GB of samples on the machine’s internal +Drive. Balanced sampling inputs have been added, so the Analog Rytm MK2 becomes a bone-fide sampler!
Other notable updates include a crisper OLED display, more durable back-lit buttons (rated for 50 million presses), and increased amount of dedicated buttons for a quicker workflow. The pads have been subtly enlarged for easier playing and new CV inputs allow for external control of parameters. Overbridge will perform faster, too, thanks to the increased bandwidth. The hardware is packed into a cast aluminum enclosure, which certainly looks sleek. Of course, the Rytm MK2 is fully compatible with project data from the original machine, too.
The price is a salty 1699 EUR / 1549 USD and the machine will go on sale in October. All in all, we believe the cosmetic updates and new additions are worth the 100 EUR / USD price increase. What do you think?
The complete changelog and spec sheet are available below.
What’s new in Analog Rytm MKII?
Sampling capability
Crisp, large OLED screen providing optimal feedback in dimly lit environments
Ultra durable back-lit buttons. Rated for 50 million presses
Precise, hi-res encoders
Quick performance controls
Large pads for maximum playability
Increased amount of dedicated buttons enabling quicker workflow
Expression/CV inputs for external control of Analog Rytm MKII parameters
Balanced sampling inputs
Overbridge with higher bandwidth
Premium cast aluminium enclosure
Analog Rytm MKII specifications
8 drum voices, each with:
1 × selectable analog percussion sound generator
1 × sample playback engine
1 × analog multi-mode filter
1 × analog overdrive circuit
1 × filter envelope
1 × amp envelope
1 × assignable LFO
Analog Distortion and Compressor master FX
Delay and Reverb send FX
Sampling capability
1 GB internal sample storage on +Drive
Quick Performance controls
Live friendly Elektron sequencer
1 × ¼” headphones output
2 × ¼” impedance balanced main output
8 × ¼” impedance balanced mono voice output
2 × ¼” balanced sampling input
2 × ¼” unbalanced external input
2 × ¼” expression/CV input
1 × USB 2.0 High Speed port
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU ports with DIN Sync out
Ultra crisp 128 × 64 OLED screen
Precise hi-res encoders
Durable back-lit
W385 × D225 × H82 mm (15.2 × 8.85 × 3.3″) including knobs, power switch and rubber feet
Weight approx. 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Fully compatible with Analog Rytm MKI projects/data
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