I wouldn’t want to miss the strenghts of one in a setup.Įlektron sequencers are “step-sequencers” and the MPCs have “linear-sequencers”. An Elektron pattern can have up to 4x16 events (64). We can chain up to 16 of such patterns, if we need more events. Linear sequencers allow more flexibility regarding timing and quantity of events. Well everything has a limit and a sequence can only use as much RAM as is available of course MPCs can also be programmed like a step-sequencer, but sequences are not strictly limited to a particular amount of events or bars. My MPC 5k has 64 tracks per sequence and - I guess - a capacity of 99 sequences MPCs have also more tracks than Elektron boxes. Technically speaking MPCs have been designed from the beginning to be a center piece of a studio and taking control over many things inside and outside the box.

But my OT and DN have one DIN midi-in and one out port, my MPC 5k has two DIN midi-in and four midi-out ports (the MPC X has even 8 CV/Gate outputs … ) Elektron boxes with a midi sequencer can do a similar job in a similar way.

My workflow with MPC in combination with Elektron units is that I use the MPC as a master, but use the sequencers of the Elektron instruments too. Elektron sequencers are excellent in getting all the functionality inside an Elektron box to life. I don’t waste time, to make a central sequencer to command all those features.

For me it seems much more efficient, to use the strength of each unit in parallel.

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