#252

Also worth mentioning: The Octatrack has a feature where it will send out all the values for all parameters via MIDI. Most controllers will be able to receive these and adjust their values so they match those on the OT.
More practically speaking, if you have a MIDI controller which you use to control parameters on the OT, you’ll bump into the problem where – when changing parts – the value on the OT will not match the one on the controller. So for eg. if you have the LEVEL on a track set to 108 and then change to a new pattern/part and have the LEVEL set to 40. The corresponding CC on the MIDI controller will still be 108, so when you move the knob it will make the volume jump from 40 to whatever the controller is sending, i.e. something close to 108.

To avoid this, you just need to program the controller to send out a value of 0 on CC #61 / CH1 (it’s best to do that with a momentary button) to the OT. This will readjust all the CCs on the controller to match the OT. MIDI CC needs to be set to INT+EXT on the OT for this to work, and of course both the MIDI IN and OUT need to be connected.

In my experience this works better with encoders, since these don’t have an absolute position. You’ll have to use some form of “snap” mode with potentiometers and non-motorized faders, which can be annoying, but will still avoid jumps.

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#253

That’s where the faderfox SC4 is brilliant, you can pretty much map out the whole OT and have feedback on values. I found it indispensable, plus OT encoders aren’t the best

#254

I have a Faderfox UC4 and that also works ok. The 8 encoders are of course better than the faders due to the above mentioned snapping thing.

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#255

It’s cool mapping the crossfader too, you end up with 2!

#256

Ok now I am thinking an APC 40 mk 2 and ableton live to do live performances…I am just wondering about how much control will I have over my clips

#257

Feeling grateful this morning for such an incredible and deep tool. Eight or nine years in and still I’m making huge discoveries and digging into new nooks and crannies. This box just doesn’t seem to get its due for all of its range and potential.

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#258

I’m really close to pulling the trigger on a new Octatrack, but I was probably going to wait until after the holidays. I’m wondering if the current prices are sale prices, though. Right now most places have them at $1,259 (I’m in the US), but list $1,399 as the “normal” price. Is that actually a markdown, or is $1,259 the normal price?

#259

You considering used ones? In San Francisco, I’m seeing the MK1 for $850, and the MK2 for a little over a grand.

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#260

I’d go for a used one for sure. Afaik there isn’t a whole lot to go wrong with Octatracks that isn’t catastrophic. I.E no touch sensitive pads to go weird or analog bits. Faults should be pretty obvious with a cursory play.

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#261

That’s about right. I’ve only seen cheaper (1.1k usd) during massive markdowns (which may or may not happen after Xmas).

Though your didn’t ask, this close to NAMM I always wait.

#262

I bought an OT2 a couple of months ago from B&H for $999. It was Bstock and most of the research I did had the OT2 at around $1300/$1200.

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#263

Do you think there’s a MK3 imminent, or are you just thinking along the lines of NAMM sales? I poked around on various boards and while people started asking for a MK3 the day after the 2 was released, the running sentiment was it was unlikely.

#264

eh, i doubt a MK3 is imminent.

if saving money is important, then totally go for a used OT1…but the simple interface additions such as the OLED screen and more buttons really do make the OT2 the better buy (if you’ve the money). though i don’t think i would have paid any more than $1000 for an OT2.

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#265

I think there’s a lot of speculation that there won’t ever be a significant update to the Octatrack. I don’t recall every detail, but I have this memory from some discussion on the Elektron forum that the lead designer of the OT may have died in a car accident and the other one involved back then has left the company. So I’m not sure the commitment or interest is there. I think it’s a shame, because I find it to be their most revolutionary instrument by far.

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#266

NO. There is absolutely no reason to speculate an OT2 is coming.

(So I will anyway :slight_smile: I do think something is in the works as an heir to the OT, but won’t be ready until at least Overbridge is public…read: awhile)

My point was while maybe not an OT2, another unit might be introduced that will tickle your fancy.

But if you’re set on an OT, then by all means go for it. That thing is and will be for a long, long time very capable.

(But don’t come for me if they do in fact introduce an OT2 at NAMM '20 ;))

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#267

Agreed. The culmination of the “first” era.

The people former Elektron head Daniel Troberg believes are most responsible for the OT are no longer there. It remains to be seen if they can reproduce it.

#268

Yes, after lots of reading and scouring the manual I do believe I’m sold on the OT, now it’s just a matter of getting one. After playing in a collaborative band setting for many, many years, I’m committing to playing live solo in 2020 (which is only mildly terrifying).

Right now the plan is to pair guitar playing via the Pod HD500X and the Octatrack, using the MIDI messages from the former to control the pickup machines of the latter and building up percussion tracks on the OT.

Thanks for all the input everyone, much appreciated. I’m really looking forward to having something to dig into and learn over a long period of time.

Edit… I bought one.

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#269

So I recently jumped back in to Octatrack world and picked up a MkII. I am having a hell of a time figuring out how to get it to send midi clock out. I clicked to the two boxes in the midi sync menu for transport and clock send but I get nothing.
Any ideas?
(Oh and yes, I checked my midi cables)

#270

Do you get MIDI notes from the outputs when you add some to a MIDI sequencer lane?
Also are you sure no MIDI clock is being output? Maybe hook it up to the laptop and check the output with MIDI monitor or something similar (https://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/)

#271

The Guitoctatrack: Playing the Octatrack with a Line 6 POD HD500X

The Octatrack and the Pod HD500X make a potent combination. The Octatrack can play backing tracks, allow the user to build beats on the fly, and has a powerful integrated looper (the Pickup Machine.) The POD HD500X is a relatively inexpensive amp sim and pedalboard that plays very nicely with the Octatrack and allows for hands-free controls of certain Pickup Machine parameters.

Note: I can’t say whether any of this works for the fancier and much more expensive Helix pedalboards. I blew all my money on the Octatrack.

I’ve seen a couple questions about this combination on a various message boards, but I rarely see any follow ups with answers or details. I’ll add to this post in the future as more things become apparent.

For fast cross referencing:
The Octatrack Manual
The HD500X Manual

Controlling the Octatrack Pickup Machines via the HD500X

Relevant MIDI information for the POD starts on page B5 of manual.
Relevent MIDI information on the Octatrack and foot controllers starts on page 105 of the manual.

The HD500X (hereafter referred to as the “POD”) can be set up so that each footswitch will send a MIDI message of almost any type: MIDI CC, Program Change - but the one we want is “Note On”. The Octatrack’s (OT) pickup machine “looper” can be controlled by external MIDI messages, allowing us to keep playing guitar while operating the pickup machine with the POD footswitches.

  • Set the POD to “pedalboard mode”, this gives us access to all the footswtiches.
  • Hold down the “Move” button to get to MIDI assign mode.
  • If you have the OT on a specific MIDI channel, change that first.
  • Press the footswitch you want to assign.
  • Use the rotary knobs to change to “Note On” and use the following for as many of the controls you want. I mapped mine to be the same layout as the POD’s looper.
  1. Initiate recording: MIDI note 60 = C4 on the POD
  2. Play / Stop: MIDI note 64 = E4 on the POD

These are the bare minimum you need, the rest can be mapped per the Octatrack manual. Here’s a handy chart for MIDI notes and numbers.

MIDI Clock

The OT can send MIDI clock to the POD, under Project -> MIDI -> Synce, check “Clock Send”.

The POD will pick up that clock which is great for syncing delays. Under the delay time settings, go all the way past the highest value of time settings to get to quarter note, half note, etc. These will follow the tempo sent by the OT.

Cables

The POD has two sets of outputs, balanced XLR outputs and 1/4" unbalanced. The balanced connections are at MIC level and not very good for use with the OT. Use the unbalanced connectors to send audio to the OT, and make sure the toggle switch next to the foot pedal is set to “line level”.

Game changer - Expression Pedal to Crossfader

Map Exp1 (or 2) to CC #48 for hands-free crossfader action.

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