Elektron Octatrack - Manual (Page 14)

THE BACKGROUND OF THE OCTATRACK
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THE BACKGROUND OF THE OCTATRACK
The first relatively affordable samplers were released in the 1980’s and made a huge
impact on the music scene of that time. Sonic elements, taken from completely new
sources, could suddenly form a vital part of a composition. This resulted in the birth and
evolution of several genres, for example hip hop. The concept of the sampler has since
then branched off in several directions. Software based samplers are today capable of han-
dling enormously large, multi-sampled, sample librares. Hardware samplers aren’t really
suited for those tasks. Instead, they come to their best when conceived as dedicated
devices focusing on new and radical approaches to sampling.
When we developed the Machinedrum UW, one of the goals was to allow for a creative use
of samples. Once the machine was released it became apparent that especially the RAM
machines, which made it possible to record sounds in real-time and instantly play them
back, were utilized in ways we originally couldn’t even imagine. Users around the world
used them to incorporate live sampled shortwave radio sounds in their compositions, make
instant remixes of 12” records and to more or less conceive new genres of music. It was
obvious that the RAM machine concept harbored a tremendous potential. This was the
starting point of the Octatrack. We wanted to create a machine that would regard recorded
material not as inflexible sounds, but rather as something highly malleable. This is one of
the reasons why the Octatrack exists.
The other one is because of the stage. The laptop computer has quickly established itself
as a common instrument in live setups. It is a powerful and highly customizable tool, how-
ever, the multi functionality is at the same time a disadvantage. When it comes to audio
related tasks a laptop is still a jack of all trades but master of none. The Octatrack on the
other hand is designed to be a streamlined, reliable and straightforward machine allowing
live performers to really add something extra to their sets. It can act as a backing track
machine, a second turntable, a source of experimental soundscapes or simply as an instru-
ment encouraging improvisation and fun.
These two reasons converge and form the ultimate raison d’être of the Octatrack: its capa-
bility to re-establish sampling as an art form. We hope it will be a trusty companion during
your musical endeavours.
SUGGESTED APPLICATIONS OF THE OCTATRACK
The flexibility of the Octatrack makes it a very powerful device suited to a wide range of
tasks. Here a few of them are presented.
LOOPER DEVICE
The Octatrack is ideal for DJ’s and live performers. You will be able to quickly sample a
turntable or other sound sources present on the stage and instantly play back and affect
the recorded loop. Add pre-recorded loops and sounds to samples captured in real-time to
take your performance to a completely new level. The real-time timestretch will make sure
everything stays in sync.
RADICAL SOUND PROCESSOR
The combined power of the sampling engine, the sequencer and the FX blocks makes the
Octatrack a very powerful audio mangler. This functionality is great when working in the
studio and wanting to obtain unique sounds and textures.