Elektron Model:CyclesFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 49 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment74%
PROS 74%
CONS 26%

Rank based on 49 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable, characterful entry point into Elektron's sequencer and FM sound design
  • You mainly need a versatile drum/percussion machine with deep per-step sequencing
  • You're okay working within 6 tracks and exploring synthesis rather than needing a huge sound palette

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need velocity-sensitive, comfortable pads for expressive live drumming
  • You require true multitrack export or Overbridge-style DAW integration out of the box
  • You're set on getting a Digitone anyway and can save up for it instead

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

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Long-term reliability and board loyalty
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Sweet, low-gain tone quality
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Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
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Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
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Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
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Cheaper alternatives may suffice
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Origin Effects Deluxe61
Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb
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Authentic amp-like tone
Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
High price point
Limited gain-staging flexibility
No built-in reverb
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Roland TR-808
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
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Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
Extremely high collector price
Analog noise and static requiring EQ
Reliability concerns of aging hardware
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Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
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Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
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Wampler Tumnus V2
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Wampler Paisley Drive
Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions
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Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
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You are here
31Budget
Elektron Model:Cycles
Great value / affordable entry into ElektronDistinctive, characterful FM soundDeep, flexible sequencerLimited multitrack export / no OverbridgeMissing features some expect at this pricePoor pad ergonomics
Elektron Model:Cycles
Great value / affordable entry into Elektron
Distinctive, characterful FM sound
Deep, flexible sequencer
Limited multitrack export / no Overbridge
Missing features some expect at this price
Poor pad ergonomics

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The FM sound engine and sequencer are the heart of what people love. Commenters repeatedly praise the FM/PM sound design as flexible, distinctive, and 'refreshingly different,' with the kick machine singled out as exceptional. The Elektron sequencer's chance and per-step conditions, chord inversions, and LFO tricks are called game-changing for a device at this price. Several users describe the chord and tone machines as capable of far more melodic, musical results than typical 'nasty techno' demos suggest.

Pad ergonomics and the tiny display are the machine's biggest physical flaws. Multiple owners report the T1-T6 track pads are stiff, low-sensitivity, and even physically painful to play, with one detailing wrist/finger strain and workarounds like disabling velocity or using mallets. The small display is called an 'Achilles heel' across Elektron gear, causing eye strain during long sessions. These issues pushed at least one long-term owner to return the unit despite loving the sound quality.

It's widely seen as a great value gateway into Elektron, though some outgrow it. At roughly $300 (with even lower prices reported later), buyers consistently call it a strong deal compared to pricier Digitakt/Digitone options, ideal for beginners learning synthesis and sequencing in one box. However, several long-term owners eventually sold theirs to buy a Digitakt or Digitone, citing a ceiling on sound design variety and missing multitrack export, though many still say they miss its unique 'plucky, robotic' character.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?