Tips for manufacturers: * Give Loopop your device well in advance to production. * Take note of all “Cons” * Implement changes * Release to public * Rejoice
I like how they rolled this out. Elektron’s own vids this morning. Then the usual suspects showing out after. Was hoping loopop would be reviewing! And here it is. 😊
@@HEsi1bm hmm.. you know what. I misremembered. This is not an official Elektron rackmount kit. This was made by "Fraction Industries".. and unfortunately it looks like they're no longer in business as their domain is a parking page now. That's a bit frustrating as I have Digitakt+Digitone in one, and was planning to get another when I got Syntakt+Heat... hrm. I'm not sure if anyone's doing a similar mounting kit right now :/
If they had added at least 8 seconds of delay this would be amazing - even 4 seconds maybe, I’m with loopop for the addition of a looper, it would really be a much easier purchase for me, and suit my particular work/play flow
Yip. If it's a limitation in the hardware, they could allow switching to mono to double the allowed delay time. At least with the looper function, and the delay, there are really good even cheap options from other manufacturers. Like the Ditto. Or really interesting creative tools like the Soma Labs Cosmos. Overall, I'm glad they added the critical functions like compression / limiting. But the pricing is set at slightly offputting level. Hopefully, they can build something like this into at least a four channel stereo mixer, with configurable crossfader, and at least two channels of effects and a master section; maybe even phono inputs? If they could do that well for Octatrack price, even up to 2k for 6-channels, I could see a device like that becoming a staple industry device for most live PAs. And flexible per channel loopers would be killer. Especially with a compact modular.
I truly believe that the little graphics and animations on the interfaces of Elektron gear and things like the OP1 help artists elevate their creative output and help fuel inspiration.
Would have been nice to allow chorus to get down to flanging speeds. I agree that they kind of waste that big beautiful screen with OP1 style images instead of more info/meters/settings. The images are fun the first time you see them but I'd rather see both pages of control settings at once. Pretty cool evolution of a decent piece of kit and now there'll be a ton of original heat's listed for those of us who already have good FX boxes but want the dirt/filters.
It sounds very good. Have my interest. The next step is a Mixer heat fx. More ins, more knobs, better tweak ability. A cc midi controller is almost a must now.
Hi . I tried to contact Elektron but they don't give me an answer about analog heat fx. The question is about gain staging. It is normal that by using the rear analog L/R inputs (therefore without using overbridge) and by putting the analog heat in bypass (after having adjusted the input to the maximum possible volume), I have a signal in the DAW that reaches the maximum around at -23 dbfs? Even if I activate the analog heat and adjust the output with the level knob I can push the maximum around - 23 dbfs before activating the exclamation point on the output meters. Can't I get a stronger signal out? If I push the signal more the exclamation points above the analog heat meters light up. Is it possible to increase the output signal without cutting anything? The channel on my apollo x16 is set to +4 dBu and I have no low volume issues with any other external hardware I own to get at least -12 dbfs in my DAW. I just want to know if this is a normal feature of the analog heat fx or I have some problem. Thank you and congratulations for your great work!
I would rather them make an Analog Heat mixer. It would have been way better if they added something like 4-6 stereo/mono inputs. I still think this is cool, but I'm not sure if it's for me. I've been thinking about getting an MK2. I guess it's only $100 more, but I was waiting to get a used MK2 for a good price. I basically want it to run my new MPC X SE through.
If u just wanna use these saturations and colouring on inserts then mk2 will defo do. Plus you have mpc for the reverb and delay. Functionality-wise the AH+FX is an overkill for the purpose you said.
Yes, I'd love to see them make a performance mixer that's like four slightly stripped down stereo channels of this. And with sequencing, and CV and MIDI control over volume etc ...
I've been keeping my eyes open for a unit similar to this to use with my MPC X SE, Push 3/Ableton Live, and several synths and drum machines. Technically it would have been great to process more than 2 inputs at a time, but my guess is that type of unit would probably cost more than twice as much as this new unit... the analog section is most beneficial for my use case, but the effects section is literally a plus for me. I did not want to invest in a bunch of stereo effects pedals or a pricey and large analog mixer.
Hi Mr Loopop, Do you think this multi-effect box is worth its price compared to the competition? Do you know any alternatives in terms of quality? Thank you for your reply. Kind regards. DRJ
I think the quality here is excellent, but there are SO many effects boxes out there, it's really hard to say what's worth it, I think it depends on how much you appreciate and will use the analog circuits here
I agree that they could add in more, esp. a sequencer. But I‘m playing it since it came out in a techno live jamming band and man, it’s soooo much fun to play with and to use it to fit in or cut through a mix. I hope for an update with some more effect types.
This is great, but I wish they had a version with just a compressor and good limiter + regular Heat distortion. I am not quite sure I want to have a delay at the end of the chain. Maybe, tempted to give this box a go, price is quite high though
I think that could be handy during breakdowns & ambient/Drone Tracks. But I tend to say that I am excited, but also somewhat confused about this product
To those wanting a sequencer: it would have substantially increased size, or do you see anywhere on the device the space for sequencer buttons and knobs? However, I do agree that a second stereo input would‘ve made it way better. Elektron obviously cut corners here: nothing about the physical enclosure changed, so they recycled that, and the analogue part of it is probably the same. I guess only the digital part was updated for more computing power to add the FX.
Yeah, get rid of the arbitrarily large drive knob and make it the same size as the rest of the encoders. Push the rest of the knobs up and there is plenty of room for 16 buttons like the rest of the Takts.
Unfortunately the case thing just makes sense, as they already have a production line for it (i.e. it's probably been seriously cheaper, easier and faster to put the unit in the full production). Same as with the Syntakt/Digitakt thing. But man... the second pair of stereo inputs (with separate processing lines) would've been a serious selling point for me. Now... unfortunately nothing I need THAT much that I would pay the price of 999e. But a cool unit nevertheless, but the price for ME is just way out of the ballpark.
I wasn’t able to get the first batch of these but I’m really excited for it. I also have an Ensoniq DP/4, which I’ll keep but I can probably ditch my rack SSL Fusion. This just does more and sounds better
Not adding the sequencer in a critical mistake imo, Imagine per step parameter locking for the effects as we do with the Octatrack...Especially for the asking price which is weirdly high considering what the unit does and doesn't do
@@GarthVader666 I suspect it’s a new reverb unless it’s just a new visual element they added. I’ve never been wowed by the delay and reverb but they’ve always been welcome and very usable however for a very expensive multi-effects processor… they aren’t worth that much dosh.
@@GarthVader666 judging by how Elektron have be repurposing old tech since the release of the Analog four and analog rytm with slight tweaks sometimes (like how the Digitakt is literally just the sample engine from the AR) I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same effects from the other boxes with some little tweaks. It’s too bad because Elektron for years were all about innovation
Not knowing much about this hardware, where would you find this as far as application or most useful? Live performance, is it more studio oriented gear? Is it something that would be considered useful for pre or post effects hands on gear? Curious as to thoughts on this unit and it's purpose... any thoughts???
I have the original Heat on my mixer's master bus. A touch of Clean Boost or Saturation sounds so good. The MIDI-controlled, stand alone stereo filter in itself is a pretty rare phenomenon. These new FX makes it even more versatile for tracking.
Can LFO phase start be triggered/reset by master transport or is it only free running? On mkii there are some trigger options but no real way to have LFO reset when hitting play. That is my biggest con of AH (which I love nonetheless).
very edifying review, as usual! for the 'Tronics to really grip my already high interest into purchasing and using, 1) longer "delay" times would seriously help --- at least in the 20s range, imo + 2) incl. looping w/overdubs, reversals & otre modulations/flexibilities, as would 3) offering choices for the player to fully disengage/re-engage with midi-sync-to-bpm IRT, 2) beat-division quantisations (re: sync) that include divisors/multipliers beyond the old confines of only simple duples & trines.
This looks spectacular. I’ve been researching multi fx boxes for a bit (and did get one.) I’m not sure I know of any multi FX box that has this level of control and mod-power. And it sounds wonderful too
@@ickebins6948 Yes I was specifically looking for a box that lets me use all kinds of effects in creative ways, and allow modulation across them as well. I currently use the Boss GT1000 Core which has some shortcomings, but is wonderful and extremely flexible overall
@@RJ_Eckie Ok then the H90 might not be the right thing. But it has Stereo send and return, so you can have it in your signal chain with other effects pedals too.
The 8 fully analog stereo distortion circuits is the appeal of this machine really but the +FX is something I was begging for. 🤍😭I’m really glad they did this.
@@gustavogastelum9024 I can’t imagine people are realistically going to use all 8 though, and you can only have one of them active at a time. What I would have expected at this point from Elektron on a dedicated FX box would be new algorithms. Like shimmer reverb or reverse delay. You won’t be able to achieve those here even with the mod section. The reverb and delay sections aren’t different in sound from the existing units, and I would argue you have more control over them on Elektron units themselves where the send level can be set on a per track basis. With this unit you will be sending everything into a sum of all. This unit is far more appealing to users of non-Elektron devices in my opinion.
Elektron could have gone a bit further with the FX, I agree. Where are the Octatrack FX? At the end, it is still the best multi FX I ever used. In fact, I want a second one. Not missing H9 at all…
The way the effects blocks are illustrated on the flow page makes it seem as though it is a serial chain. However, since each effects block has its own wet dry mix, that seems to suggest that the effects are actually run in parallel. Can you shed some light on the routing. I looked in the manual and although they do show a diagram, I wasn't able to make heads or tails of it.
@loopop did you have issues with the Waveform on Overbridge only showing one channel? I see you have it in single channel mode, but in L+R I see only the right channel.
I own a AH MKii, and this newer version that just provides effects, I was really hoping they could of added a 3-5 band EQ as well and other features for its price point. I’m honestly would just wait for this to get into the used market (reverb). It’s just not worth the 1k in my opinion.
@@ringsystemmusic yeah 1k… ima just wait till the GAS hype gets over with so then some people be selling those used+FX from 700-800 USD at reverb. It’s best to save money and be patient to find those deals, especially that I got my AH MKii for 500 USD, it was a steal before this new one came out.
@@ringsystemmusic A single reverb pedal goes for $500USD these days (Big Sky for instance). This is more bang for your buck than 7 to 10 different fx pedals, analog filter and drive/distortion pedals. And easier to keep organized.
Cool stuff, but other companies like Arturia would have done this kind of stuff as a free firmware update and Elektron makes a whole new version that looks exactly the same, it feels a bit unnecessary to be honest.
I'm fairly sure the MKII doesn't have the CPU power for all the digital effects here, especially at the same time. Another story, if they'd have been able to add at least some of the digital effects into the MKII. It of course can be physically also impossible (not sure about the signal chain in MKII). I would really like to see the chorus added, even as a bit of a stripped versions, into Syntakt/Digitakt/Digitone. It's something a LOT of people have requested for some time now.
@@jarkokoo They are the same exact processor. I've looked at them side by side and they are identical apart from some swapped out opamps and transistor arrays.
It's nice but I'm not dying to buy it. They need to put gain compensation on the bit crusher though - AFAIK virtually any signal that gets down to minimum bitrate is going to produce full amp square waves that sound ridiculously loud.
It depends for what - for mastering/light/heavy distortion/saturation - I'd go with Heat, for overall variety of effects, H90 unless I really wanted to get creative with the envelope follower
Almost bought the Heat Mk2 a few months back, ended up grabbing the Filterbank2 instead with the thought of getting the Heat at a later date. Good thing I waited!
They may not have had the chip the digital effects run on in the original.. however the thought did cross my mind. It'd be interesting to see how the PCBs differ
@@Wagoo i bet its almost identical on the boards, chips is always what they say, even if nothing else facing the user is diffent. If it is a new chip they just should have held release the mk2 and packaged all as a full product, imagine getting the +fx added later (for free) builds appreciation and loyalty. Ive loved elektron and the music their boxes have given us in good hands, really do, but its getting stupidly out of reach now. compare this with arturia freak free firmware upgrade features, or mutable plaits firmware drop. even roland added fm to the tr8s....the syntakt and now this were its another box each week for diffent selection of software 'machines' built into their tiny screens? I want to keep loving elektron and lusting after their kit but they will be selling branded tables and wooden dolls next ;-)
@@SELEKTROw Well look at the digitakt, still getting massive updates. Good thing, nobody needs to be a blind fanboy and love everything a company puts out.
You going through the distortion circuits with the acid line sounded like the intro to a few different big beat tunes, right down to the timbre changing slightly every few bars.
Hey Loopop, how did you get along with the navigation across the fx? It seems like that would be a sort of a nightmare/hindrance to edit parameters across the various modules
@@isaac.anthony good point, digitake and octatrack certainly have enough LFOs on the midi tracks to do something interesting. The problem with such configurations is usually having to make a cheat sheet of the relevant midi CCs.
I’ve been doing a ton of research on this and I’m pretty sure the saturator works as a clipper you literally can smash your signal. Also weird there’s no inherent limiter… would also like a dedicated soft clip so you can smash any distortion type
you mean the scopes? I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
Since all music is a moving/evolving sine wave, and its 2nd harmonics, wait until you hear a form of music which can be found within a sine waves singularity. As a safety precaution, you may want to begin this form of, negative-sine-wave, music within the waves event horizon.
*Loopop,* I'm looking for a spatializer to take a monophonic instrument that can keep bass notes towards the centre but can create a stereo effect for high frequency notes. I need to vary how and where stereo seperation gradually occurs on the frequency range. Is there a piece of equipment for this? Will this do the job?
@@loopop Surprisingly, there isn't. If you open it up, you'll see the same exact processor and FPGA in there. Unless the FPGA is doing DSP, or can't be updated via a firmware update (totally possible) them saying that there is a different processor is misleading. They both have a ColdFire MCF54415CMJ250. Unless there is more ram hiding somewhere, or the FPGA chip can't be reprogrammed (and needs to be...), there is no reason they couldn't have done a paid software update.
@@loopop It looks to be that the processor is now clocked at a higher rate and there's a memory chip hiding somewhere that I couldn't see that is larger.
The screen is a strangely ice cold colour scheme for a HEAT. This may seem trivial, but stuff like this does matter. Also, the animations are beautiful (most beautiful Elektron screen ever?) but I do feel that vital information is being sacrificed for it, like input/output levels of the circuits. That’s crucial stuff, now obfuscated behind pomp and glitter.
Thanks. It is crazy seeing the Elektron fanboys happy that their overlords have once again cut them out at the financial knees by releasing significantly better gear in the same line within a few years, making the “old” item obsolete. Besides being annoying, this is a really environmentally unsound approach to business (“more stuff, Yahoo!”).
@@ickebins6948 Music equipment at a certain price point must be viewed as an investment. These are, end of day, commodities, traded widely on platforms like Reverb and eBay. When people need to make rent money, or fund a kid's braces, they can at times rest easy that they may have a piece or two of gear that, if purchased strategically, will actually represent a marginal gain if sold. This is really no difference, for instance, than buying a car -- it serves a purpose (creation) and can still hold resale value if properly maintained. Elektron used to be like investing in a Honda or Jeep, but this stuff feels more Chevy with each passing release.
@@Alesistx2023 Seen as an investment? It is a tool to make money or having fun with as a hobby. Technology will always go forward, so prices for old gear will drop. It's not like electron makes 1000 units per years, so there is some kind of scarcity created. If someone struggles financially they should not "invest" in anything outside there own life or family. And you still did not tell me where the gear is getting obsolete...
hi everyone , there's a thing I don't get: is in some way a "limiter" applied to the sound coming out from this beast? maybe the compressor also has a limiter?
One thing I'm wondering, since this has stereo analog filter, and two expression control inputs that accept CV. Can it also function as a VCF if I fed the output from my Cloud Terrarium module in at the right level? Can the filter be configured to be under CV control by an external envelope generator? Controlling the cutoff, and even resonance?
USB-C is harder to implement well, doesn't add any value to this product because of the already large form-factor and small number of audio channels sent across the wire. By going with the older USB connector, they are able to re-use existing schematics and manufacturing processes from prior designs.
@@DCaseyTucker Yeah and same chassis right? For me it just adds more clutter of extra various cables, but that’s ok it’s typical in music tech. I have a FireWire cable in case I ever need it in the future. 😀
nice! very nice! as always. Thank you for this review & tutorial. So, if i am correct 12:20 shows pretty much the Ableton´s unique effect "fade to grey" ... which is by far on of my favourite fx. awesome!!! I was wondering, how this box compares to the hologram microcosm?!
Thanks! Microcosm is a very very different beast - there's some overlap, but the two are quite different (Microcosm is more of a granular/microlooper style effect)
such a dilemma due to the price......could sell one of the boxes( Heat MK 1 .... but DT , DN and OctaI rather not sell them since they are central to my setup.) But this was exactly what I wanted ( more in and out )....however, a great surprise and caught me off guard.
@@kitespongan No but i've been looking for an effects machine forever and i was wondering if there was a reason you left it out your list since it kind of does most of what you listed. Mod duo X is different than Mod Duo tho.
Looks so dope. Only thing I find a little weird is the inclusion of a digital bit crusher in an analog distortion box. Not saying they’re the same effect, but knowing how crunchy the AH is, it seems like the bit crusher will pretty much be usless
@@loopop When I spoke to them at Superbooth they said they were the mostly the effects from the Digis, the compressor being the Digitakt one with a bug fix.
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
ich vermisse die Fernsteuerung via Midi von User-Presets. Derzeit mache ich das mit AUM Ipados Fabfilter volvano, saturn q3 und C2. via Midi cc und Octatrack.
Excellent review as always, or should I say review/tutorial/context - thank you so much. Seriously considering this as my next purchase. But I have 3 units, Syntakt, Digitakt and Digitone, now considering if I need all 3? Defo will keep the Syntakt because of the immediate tactile playability, I got the Digitone due to the polyphony and now I can rethinking that. As with the Digitakt, the options are endless through sampling and midi channels etc. I'm thinking, with the ST and DT and add the Heat+FX that would be enough (infinite) creative potential. Even just the ST and Heat +FX or DT and the Heat+FX you have HUGE creative potential. Am I mad thinking of selling the Digitone to replace it with the Heat+FX?
Looks great, but I'm like you (say), I'm surprised some of these companies don't think of giving us the possibility to have more inputs, like (example) 4, maybe. I'm dreaming of a multichannel 'Microcosm' (as an example), could this have been it 🤔.
Tips for manufacturers:
* Give Loopop your device well in advance to production.
* Take note of all “Cons”
* Implement changes
* Release to public
* Rejoice
As a heat fx owner myself I can every single request is reasonable and spot on! I hope they implement these!
The envelope AD vs AR section felt like a mini master class. So perfectly explained.
The best reviewer is back 🙏🏻
I like how they rolled this out. Elektron’s own vids this morning. Then the usual suspects showing out after. Was hoping loopop would be reviewing! And here it is. 😊
props to whoever worked on the OSD for these new FX
Also props to Elektron for always having rackmounting options for their gear
There are rack mounting options?!
@@lundsweden yep, Elektron sell a rack kit for these sized units (also Digitakt, Digitone, Syntakt) where two units will fit side by side in a rack
You got a link? There are no rack kits on their site I can find except for the bigger units.
@@HEsi1bm hmm.. you know what. I misremembered. This is not an official Elektron rackmount kit. This was made by "Fraction Industries".. and unfortunately it looks like they're no longer in business as their domain is a parking page now.
That's a bit frustrating as I have Digitakt+Digitone in one, and was planning to get another when I got Syntakt+Heat... hrm. I'm not sure if anyone's doing a similar mounting kit right now :/
@@Wagoo Build your rack yourself lol.
If they had added at least 8 seconds of delay this would be amazing - even 4 seconds maybe, I’m with loopop for the addition of a looper, it would really be a much easier purchase for me, and suit my particular work/play flow
Yip. If it's a limitation in the hardware, they could allow switching to mono to double the allowed delay time. At least with the looper function, and the delay, there are really good even cheap options from other manufacturers. Like the Ditto. Or really interesting creative tools like the Soma Labs Cosmos. Overall, I'm glad they added the critical functions like compression / limiting. But the pricing is set at slightly offputting level. Hopefully, they can build something like this into at least a four channel stereo mixer, with configurable crossfader, and at least two channels of effects and a master section; maybe even phono inputs? If they could do that well for Octatrack price, even up to 2k for 6-channels, I could see a device like that becoming a staple industry device for most live PAs. And flexible per channel loopers would be killer. Especially with a compact modular.
and not doubled the price! I paid $600 vs 1k for last gen Heat
All your Points you would like to see is spot on , i hope they implement 98 percent of them. Thankyou.
and of course my boy loopop is on it immediately! OMG THAT NEW STARTUP SCREEN IS SO FIRE. Literally
i have the AH MK2 and this looks great but I wish it has multiple stereo inputs so can route more than one device.
You can always use overbridge to get more I/o
Totally brilliant review / tutorial . You are the best.
For 1k IMHO It makes more sense to buy a used octatrack. Comparing to this unit, it has 4 I/O , mixer and most of the effects. Great review btw!
Good point
Makes sense, I just wish Octatrack FX were a bit better, esp. the reverb
@@mdeerocks6792 Agree! It's a compromise that sb has to make.
As a AHmk2 owner I would have been more exited if it also was able to assign different analog effects to multiple individual tracks at the same time.
Just got mine was wondering can I use more than one effect at time
@@musicislife704you bought it without knowing that?!
A one stop shop for everything I need. Love it !!!
I truly believe that the little graphics and animations on the interfaces of Elektron gear and things like the OP1 help artists elevate their creative output and help fuel inspiration.
Would have been nice to allow chorus to get down to flanging speeds. I agree that they kind of waste that big beautiful screen with OP1 style images instead of more info/meters/settings. The images are fun the first time you see them but I'd rather see both pages of control settings at once. Pretty cool evolution of a decent piece of kit and now there'll be a ton of original heat's listed for those of us who already have good FX boxes but want the dirt/filters.
Looks nothing like OP-1 screen/images 😊.
It sounds very good. Have my interest. The next step is a Mixer heat fx. More ins, more knobs, better tweak ability. A cc midi controller is almost a must now.
Yeah that’s coming in the MKII of the MKIIl.
Whole community Been asking for that for so many years kinda surprised they did this instead..
@@nagchumpalot Cheaper to do an extension of an already existing product, in a similar form factor, and charge more for it, than to innovate.
yea thats never gonna happen
Sold my compressor and reverb pedals to fund this all in one solution, many thanks 🙏🏻
That looks really nice - and Overbridge 👍
Hi . I tried to contact Elektron but they don't give me an answer about analog heat fx. The question is about gain staging.
It is normal that by using the rear analog L/R inputs (therefore without using overbridge) and by putting the analog heat in bypass (after having adjusted the input to the maximum possible volume), I have a signal in the DAW that reaches the maximum around at -23 dbfs? Even if I activate the analog heat and adjust the output with the level knob I can push the maximum around - 23 dbfs before activating the exclamation point on the output meters. Can't I get a stronger signal out?
If I push the signal more the exclamation points above the analog heat meters light up. Is it possible to increase the output signal without cutting anything?
The channel on my apollo x16 is set to +4 dBu and I have no low volume issues with any other external hardware I own to get at least -12 dbfs in my DAW. I just want to know if this is a normal feature of the analog heat fx or I have some problem. Thank you and congratulations for your great work!
I would rather them make an Analog Heat mixer. It would have been way better if they added something like 4-6 stereo/mono inputs. I still think this is cool, but I'm not sure if it's for me. I've been thinking about getting an MK2. I guess it's only $100 more, but I was waiting to get a used MK2 for a good price. I basically want it to run my new MPC X SE through.
If u just wanna use these saturations and colouring on inserts then mk2 will defo do. Plus you have mpc for the reverb and delay. Functionality-wise the AH+FX is an overkill for the purpose you said.
Yes! An Elektron performance mixer is what is needed, something like the MX-1.
Yes, I'd love to see them make a performance mixer that's like four slightly stripped down stereo channels of this. And with sequencing, and CV and MIDI control over volume etc ...
I've been keeping my eyes open for a unit similar to this to use with my MPC X SE, Push 3/Ableton Live, and several synths and drum machines. Technically it would have been great to process more than 2 inputs at a time, but my guess is that type of unit would probably cost more than twice as much as this new unit... the analog section is most beneficial for my use case, but the effects section is literally a plus for me. I did not want to invest in a bunch of stereo effects pedals or a pricey and large analog mixer.
@@compucorder64 agree
All hail loopop, synth review king.
Hi Mr Loopop,
Do you think this multi-effect box is worth its price compared to the competition?
Do you know any alternatives in terms of quality?
Thank you for your reply.
Kind regards.
DRJ
I think the quality here is excellent, but there are SO many effects boxes out there, it's really hard to say what's worth it, I think it depends on how much you appreciate and will use the analog circuits here
Thank you for your reply.
Do you know of an alternative in terms of performance? @loopop
Maybe you could consider the SP 404 by roland it’s really cool for performance and about half the price
Thanks for the advice@@KnowledgeOfSelf144
I’m wondering with the addition of digital effects if 1) There will be new fx in firmware updates 2) If you can duplicate fx in the chain.
I’ve been waiting for a H90 but thank god this came out cuz forget the H90 this thing is killer!
I agree that they could add in more, esp. a sequencer. But I‘m playing it since it came out in a techno live jamming band and man, it’s soooo much fun to play with and to use it to fit in or cut through a mix. I hope for an update with some more effect types.
This is great, but I wish they had a version with just a compressor and good limiter + regular Heat distortion. I am not quite sure I want to have a delay at the end of the chain. Maybe, tempted to give this box a go, price is quite high though
I think that could be handy during breakdowns & ambient/Drone Tracks. But I tend to say that I am excited, but also somewhat confused about this product
I really wish this was just an update for the AHmk2 as I just got one haha
Yeah it's a pretty bad feeling for people who just got AHmk2, wish they wouldn't have sold it to me if they knew this was coming out
The clickbait title is not worthy of the excellent and thoughtful presentation of the device. Really top notch work. Thank you and well done!
Bummer you feel that way about the title, and happy you feel that way about the video.
To those wanting a sequencer: it would have substantially increased size, or do you see anywhere on the device the space for sequencer buttons and knobs? However, I do agree that a second stereo input would‘ve made it way better. Elektron obviously cut corners here: nothing about the physical enclosure changed, so they recycled that, and the analogue part of it is probably the same. I guess only the digital part was updated for more computing power to add the FX.
Yeah, get rid of the arbitrarily large drive knob and make it the same size as the rest of the encoders. Push the rest of the knobs up and there is plenty of room for 16 buttons like the rest of the Takts.
Unfortunately the case thing just makes sense, as they already have a production line for it (i.e. it's probably been seriously cheaper, easier and faster to put the unit in the full production). Same as with the Syntakt/Digitakt thing. But man... the second pair of stereo inputs (with separate processing lines) would've been a serious selling point for me. Now... unfortunately nothing I need THAT much that I would pay the price of 999e. But a cool unit nevertheless, but the price for ME is just way out of the ballpark.
I wasn’t able to get the first batch of these but I’m really excited for it. I also have an Ensoniq DP/4, which I’ll keep but I can probably ditch my rack SSL Fusion. This just does more and sounds better
Great review and information on this product....The Loopop stamp of approval...now time for purchase...💯👍
Not adding the sequencer in a critical mistake imo, Imagine per step parameter locking for the effects as we do with the Octatrack...Especially for the asking price which is weirdly high considering what the unit does and doesn't do
Yeah, especially as the Syntakt has FX block sequencing.
I thought the same. Don’t love the FX but give it a sequencer and it could be a lot more interesting.
Do you think the delay and reverb were redesigned? Or brought over from the older boxes?
@@GarthVader666 I suspect it’s a new reverb unless it’s just a new visual element they added. I’ve never been wowed by the delay and reverb but they’ve always been welcome and very usable however for a very expensive multi-effects processor… they aren’t worth that much dosh.
@@GarthVader666 judging by how Elektron have be repurposing old tech since the release of the Analog four and analog rytm with slight tweaks sometimes (like how the Digitakt is literally just the sample engine from the AR) I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same effects from the other boxes with some little tweaks. It’s too bad because Elektron for years were all about innovation
Not knowing much about this hardware, where would you find this as far as application or most useful? Live performance, is it more studio oriented gear? Is it something that would be considered useful for pre or post effects hands on gear? Curious as to thoughts on this unit and it's purpose... any thoughts???
I have the original Heat on my mixer's master bus. A touch of Clean Boost or Saturation sounds so good. The MIDI-controlled, stand alone stereo filter in itself is a pretty rare phenomenon. These new FX makes it even more versatile for tracking.
@@bitspacemusic 🔥👊🧡👍🔥
It’s both because the filter on these are quite intuitive and good sounding and all the analogue colouring is so good
Can LFO phase start be triggered/reset by master transport or is it only free running? On mkii there are some trigger options but no real way to have LFO reset when hitting play. That is my biggest con of AH (which I love nonetheless).
So they added a bunch of digital fx and modulation and called it a day?
Why not more inputs and outputs and no elektron sequencer for fx?
Can k2s be updated - looks like a firmware thing
very edifying review, as usual! for the 'Tronics to really grip my already high interest into purchasing and using, 1) longer "delay" times would seriously help --- at least in the 20s range, imo + 2) incl. looping w/overdubs, reversals & otre modulations/flexibilities, as would 3) offering choices for the player to fully disengage/re-engage with midi-sync-to-bpm IRT, 2) beat-division quantisations (re: sync) that include divisors/multipliers beyond the old confines of only simple duples & trines.
This looks spectacular. I’ve been researching multi fx boxes for a bit (and did get one.) I’m not sure I know of any multi FX box that has this level of control and mod-power. And it sounds wonderful too
Maybe have a look at the H-90.
@@ickebins6948 I’m not an expert on it, but from what I understand it only runs two algorithms at a time
@@RJ_Eckie Sure thats true but do you really need all those effects at once?
@@ickebins6948 Yes I was specifically looking for a box that lets me use all kinds of effects in creative ways, and allow modulation across them as well. I currently use the Boss GT1000 Core which has some shortcomings, but is wonderful and extremely flexible overall
@@RJ_Eckie Ok then the H90 might not be the right thing. But it has Stereo send and return, so you can have it in your signal chain with other effects pedals too.
That thing is a beast. Great review! Thanks!
I am an Elektron nut, but at this price point not sure why anyone would get this over the Eventide H90.
The 8 fully analog stereo distortion circuits is the appeal of this machine really but the +FX is something I was begging for. 🤍😭I’m really glad they did this.
@@gustavogastelum9024 I can’t imagine people are realistically going to use all 8 though, and you can only have one of them active at a time.
What I would have expected at this point from Elektron on a dedicated FX box would be new algorithms. Like shimmer reverb or reverse delay. You won’t be able to achieve those here even with the mod section. The reverb and delay sections aren’t different in sound from the existing units, and I would argue you have more control over them on Elektron units themselves where the send level can be set on a per track basis. With this unit you will be sending everything into a sum of all. This unit is far more appealing to users of non-Elektron devices in my opinion.
Or over say a Meris LVX + another like Otobit Jr...
Infound H90 really boring and lacking controls. The Reverb on AH+ is really nice
Elektron could have gone a bit further with the FX, I agree. Where are the Octatrack FX? At the end, it is still the best multi FX I ever used. In fact, I want a second one. Not missing H9 at all…
Great tutorial! The Analog Heat + fx is expensive but awesome.
best video on YT about it... 🥰🥰🥰
Are the delays reverbs etc that much different than whats in thier other boxes? The distortions are nice but the digital effects are underwhelming.
They sound roughly the same on the video. Hard to tell, my best guess that they are the same.
I'm interested in the routing capabilities. For the digital delay can you set it up so the analog distortion and filter are in the feedback loop?
no
The way the effects blocks are illustrated on the flow page makes it seem as though it is a serial chain. However, since each effects block has its own wet dry mix, that seems to suggest that the effects are actually run in parallel. Can you shed some light on the routing. I looked in the manual and although they do show a diagram, I wasn't able to make heads or tails of it.
That's what I wondered about too
@loopop did you have issues with the Waveform on Overbridge only showing one channel? I see you have it in single channel mode, but in L+R I see only the right channel.
Hey sorry it has been a while, if it's not in the video I don't remember :/
For me the OTO Boum chained after the octatrack is still more interesting. They missed the opportunity of more inputs here.
Would like to see Oto providing a headphone connectivity.
I own a AH MKii, and this newer version that just provides effects, I was really hoping they could of added a 3-5 band EQ as well and other features for its price point. I’m honestly would just wait for this to get into the used market (reverb). It’s just not worth the 1k in my opinion.
$1000 for a glorified multi-effects? lmao
@@ringsystemmusic Pffft there's delay and drive pedals that cost more than that.
@@ringsystemmusic yeah 1k… ima just wait till the GAS hype gets over with so then some people be selling those used+FX from 700-800 USD at reverb. It’s best to save money and be patient to find those deals, especially that I got my AH MKii for 500 USD, it was a steal before this new one came out.
@@ringsystemmusic A single reverb pedal goes for $500USD these days (Big Sky for instance). This is more bang for your buck than 7 to 10 different fx pedals, analog filter and drive/distortion pedals. And easier to keep organized.
Cool stuff, but other companies like Arturia would have done this kind of stuff as a free firmware update and Elektron makes a whole new version that looks exactly the same, it feels a bit unnecessary to be honest.
I'm fairly sure the MKII doesn't have the CPU power for all the digital effects here, especially at the same time. Another story, if they'd have been able to add at least some of the digital effects into the MKII. It of course can be physically also impossible (not sure about the signal chain in MKII). I would really like to see the chorus added, even as a bit of a stripped versions, into Syntakt/Digitakt/Digitone. It's something a LOT of people have requested for some time now.
@@jarkokoo They are the same exact processor. I've looked at them side by side and they are identical apart from some swapped out opamps and transistor arrays.
It's nice but I'm not dying to buy it. They need to put gain compensation on the bit crusher though - AFAIK virtually any signal that gets down to minimum bitrate is going to produce full amp square waves that sound ridiculously loud.
If you had to pick one... H90 or the Heat +FX which would you chose?
It depends for what - for mastering/light/heavy distortion/saturation - I'd go with Heat, for overall variety of effects, H90 unless I really wanted to get creative with the envelope follower
For this price how does it fare against the Eventide H90 ?
i would guess the 90 sounds better. never been impressed with elektron sounds
Poorly
wow.. your response time is incredible. awesome video!
thanks - I did have this in advance though!
Almost bought the Heat Mk2 a few months back, ended up grabbing the Filterbank2 instead with the thought of getting the Heat at a later date. Good thing I waited!
Analog heat mk2 is same and dope🔥 should’ve got it was just on sale
would love if it had 2 sets in in. but it looks like ill have to stick with the HX Stomp
So it just a really nice firmware upgrade that you have to buy another box for?
They may not have had the chip the digital effects run on in the original.. however the thought did cross my mind. It'd be interesting to see how the PCBs differ
@@Wagoo i bet its almost identical on the boards, chips is always what they say, even if nothing else facing the user is diffent. If it is a new chip they just should have held release the mk2 and packaged all as a full product, imagine getting the +fx added later (for free) builds appreciation and loyalty. Ive loved elektron and the music their boxes have given us in good hands, really do, but its getting stupidly out of reach now. compare this with arturia freak free firmware upgrade features, or mutable plaits firmware drop. even roland added fm to the tr8s....the syntakt and now this were its another box each week for diffent selection of software 'machines' built into their tiny screens? I want to keep loving elektron and lusting after their kit but they will be selling branded tables and wooden dolls next ;-)
@@SELEKTROw Well look at the digitakt, still getting massive updates.
Good thing, nobody needs to be a blind fanboy and love everything a company puts out.
What would be a good alternative to this box?
a used scooter
Hey great video, I have a quick question, can I send a program change command from the OT to change the fx preset, via midi?
Thanks! I don't remember - please check the MIDI spec
Sheesh!!!! Elektron for the win! AGAIN. They are such a damn good company. Excellent review as aways Loopop!
most of the comments seem pretty unimpressed.
You going through the distortion circuits with the acid line sounded like the intro to a few different big beat tunes, right down to the timbre changing slightly every few bars.
Put a sequencer in it
Its really a bummer that they didnt… sequencing effects with the elektron sequencer would have been so rad
Next version…. So you buy another…
Hey Loopop, how did you get along with the navigation across the fx?
It seems like that would be a sort of a nightmare/hindrance to edit parameters across the various modules
It's not a nightmare but like I mention in the video I'd prefer to have 8 params per page and fewer pages at the expense of the animations
add a few more inputs and a sequencer section and I'd get one.
i wonder if the other elektron boxes couldn't send midi data for fx sequencing?
@@isaac.anthony they could, and so could your DAW
@@isaac.anthony absolutely. Probably why they didn't add one. Would've raised the price considerably.
@@isaac.anthony good point, digitake and octatrack certainly have enough LFOs on the midi tracks to do something interesting. The problem with such configurations is usually having to make a cheat sheet of the relevant midi CCs.
I’ve been doing a ton of research on this and I’m pretty sure the saturator works as a clipper you literally can smash your signal. Also weird there’s no inherent limiter… would also like a dedicated soft clip so you can smash any distortion type
Cool review thanks! How do you get the curve on the left?
you mean the scopes? I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
@@loopop thanks a lot!
Since all music is a moving/evolving sine wave, and its 2nd harmonics, wait until you hear a form of music which can be found within a sine waves singularity. As a safety precaution, you may want to begin this form of, negative-sine-wave, music within the waves event horizon.
*Loopop,* I'm looking for a spatializer to take a monophonic instrument that can keep bass notes towards the centre but can create a stereo effect for high frequency notes. I need to vary how and where stereo seperation gradually occurs on the frequency range. Is there a piece of equipment for this? Will this do the job?
I believe that's the stated purpose of the bass focus effect here. There are of course plugins that do this too
An analog solution for this is a Orban Model 245F
Hmm does it take guitar singal? Could be a multi fx pedal
I was wondering too
Does the Main Volume Knob work from the Hardware in your Overbridge software ?
Hi, thanks for a video. This compressor the same like in Digitakt?
Will there be a firmware update with these effects for the AH-MKII ?
I don’t think so, I asked an they said there’s a different processor in here
@@loopop 😢Thanks for the review and reply; you're the best!
@@loopop Surprisingly, there isn't. If you open it up, you'll see the same exact processor and FPGA in there. Unless the FPGA is doing DSP, or can't be updated via a firmware update (totally possible) them saying that there is a different processor is misleading. They both have a ColdFire MCF54415CMJ250. Unless there is more ram hiding somewhere, or the FPGA chip can't be reprogrammed (and needs to be...), there is no reason they couldn't have done a paid software update.
@@thelevicole that is surprising since they specifically told me otherwise :/ but like you said, hopefully the answer is hidden somewhere else
@@loopop It looks to be that the processor is now clocked at a higher rate and there's a memory chip hiding somewhere that I couldn't see that is larger.
The screen is a strangely ice cold colour scheme for a HEAT. This may seem trivial, but stuff like this does matter.
Also, the animations are beautiful (most beautiful Elektron screen ever?) but I do feel that vital information is being sacrificed for it, like input/output levels of the circuits. That’s crucial stuff, now obfuscated behind pomp and glitter.
now that you mention it, i'd be feeling some aftermarket color temperature orange screen gels
I wish this was a update for the Anolog Heat MKii. This is the 3rd AH box in less than 10 years.
Thanks. It is crazy seeing the Elektron fanboys happy that their overlords have once again cut them out at the financial knees by releasing significantly better gear in the same line within a few years, making the “old” item obsolete. Besides being annoying, this is a really environmentally unsound approach to business (“more stuff, Yahoo!”).
@@Alesistx2023 How is the old stuff obsolete?
It still does what it was designed to and sold as...
@@ickebins6948 Music equipment at a certain price point must be viewed as an investment. These are, end of day, commodities, traded widely on platforms like Reverb and eBay. When people need to make rent money, or fund a kid's braces, they can at times rest easy that they may have a piece or two of gear that, if purchased strategically, will actually represent a marginal gain if sold. This is really no difference, for instance, than buying a car -- it serves a purpose (creation) and can still hold resale value if properly maintained.
Elektron used to be like investing in a Honda or Jeep, but this stuff feels more Chevy with each passing release.
@@Alesistx2023 very good point IMO.
@@Alesistx2023 Seen as an investment?
It is a tool to make money or having fun with as a hobby.
Technology will always go forward, so prices for old gear will drop. It's not like electron makes 1000 units per years, so there is some kind of scarcity created.
If someone struggles financially they should not "invest" in anything outside there own life or family.
And you still did not tell me where the gear is getting obsolete...
hi everyone , there's a thing I don't get: is in some way a "limiter" applied to the sound coming out from this beast? maybe the compressor also has a limiter?
… really cool! Thanks for the video. But how the hell can you turn the LFOs off? Can you find anything in the official manual.
You’re welcome. As long as the LFO mod depth is zero it won’t impact anything
One thing I'm wondering, since this has stereo analog filter, and two expression control inputs that accept CV. Can it also function as a VCF if I fed the output from my Cloud Terrarium module in at the right level? Can the filter be configured to be under CV control by an external envelope generator? Controlling the cutoff, and even resonance?
Yes, judging by the CV modulation table at the back of the manual, everything is CVable.
No side chain input?
I don’t mind the old printer USB port because it can be more secure, but is USB-C just not in Elektron’s cards?
“Old printer usb port” lol, that gave me laugh for some reason 😂
USB-C is harder to implement well, doesn't add any value to this product because of the already large form-factor and small number of audio channels sent across the wire. By going with the older USB connector, they are able to re-use existing schematics and manufacturing processes from prior designs.
Ha it’s ancient! 🥸
@@DCaseyTucker Yeah and same chassis right? For me it just adds more clutter of extra various cables, but that’s ok it’s typical in music tech. I have a FireWire cable in case I ever need it in the future. 😀
Yep, thats right on point. USB-B is an ancient tech, especially with that dumb 'only one out of four angles to stick it is right' way.
This looks great, but I know that the price will mean I'll probably never buy one
It's "just" 1k$ 😂
Can the midi port on this act as a midi interface to send midi note sequences from a DAW to other gear?
nice! very nice! as always. Thank you for this review & tutorial. So, if i am correct 12:20 shows pretty much the Ableton´s unique effect "fade to grey" ... which is by far on of my favourite fx. awesome!!!
I was wondering, how this box compares to the hologram microcosm?!
Thanks! Microcosm is a very very different beast - there's some overlap, but the two are quite different (Microcosm is more of a granular/microlooper style effect)
Hallo how can i combo with digitakt &syntakt&digitone &analog heat fx quarter combi connect
Great!! 🙌
Looks dope but the real question of the hour is,do the Elektron Heat sound better than the Audio Zulu???
I need some answers!!!
Thanks for the cool review :)
What are the other multi fx options that have a good plugin/hardware relationship ? (for a bit cheaper than 1000usd ?)
That’s what I was thinking.
SP-404 mk2. Or guitar pedals.
...and stock plugins in your DAW (often underrated)
@@enfinitesimal2810 is there a good plug-in that goes with it ? I didn’t now that ! Any recommandation ???
@@lundsweden that is true, but I use reaper a lot and I don’t know if there is a super fix specific controller that goes with it !
why isn’t there a base width filter for the chorus?
such a dilemma due to the price......could sell one of the boxes( Heat MK 1 .... but DT , DN and OctaI rather not sell them since they are central to my setup.) But this was exactly what I wanted ( more in and out )....however, a great surprise and caught me off guard.
Whats the alternative effect Sound Procesor?
Not sure I understand the question?
Now, I’ve got to decide between Analog Heat +FX, Eventide H90, Hotone Ampero II, or TC Electronics Plethora X3!!😢😅😮
Mod duo X?
Get OG Heat Mk2 (or Oto Boum) and Eventide.
@@A-Grat-A I own the Heat MK1 and just listed for sale. I was thinking the Boum too, but not sure.
@@----248 yeah I remember it the Mod duo was so compelling a bit ago, but the display looks.. yikes right? Do you own one?
@@kitespongan No but i've been looking for an effects machine forever and i was wondering if there was a reason you left it out your list since it kind of does most of what you listed. Mod duo X is different than Mod Duo tho.
Hi people ,I just bought my mk2 2 months ago,, please I hope there will be an update for the analog heat mk2 .. will there be ? Please
Looks so dope. Only thing I find a little weird is the inclusion of a digital bit crusher in an analog distortion box. Not saying they’re the same effect, but knowing how crunchy the AH is, it seems like the bit crusher will pretty much be usless
The digital bit crush and sample rate reduction sound very different IMHO
@@loopop could you comment on how the reverb and delay differ from the ones found in the rest of the Digi lineup? Are they pretty much the same?
@@GarthVader666 you’re hearing them just like me, but to me, they sound very similar. I didn’t do a side-by-side test
@@loopop When I spoke to them at Superbooth they said they were the mostly the effects from the Digis, the compressor being the Digitakt one with a bug fix.
@@jamesglewmusic cool yes that’s what they sound like
Realy good reverb.
How about latency? Did you test to see how many milliseconds for live performance? How many for Overbridge?
I didn't test latency standalone but yes of course Overbridge adds latency depending on what buffer size you set it to
It’s minimal
Awesome review, thank you! Curious what software you use for your scopes?
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
ich vermisse die Fernsteuerung via Midi von User-Presets. Derzeit mache ich das mit AUM Ipados Fabfilter volvano, saturn q3 und C2. via Midi cc und Octatrack.
Excellent review as always, or should I say review/tutorial/context - thank you so much. Seriously considering this as my next purchase. But I have 3 units, Syntakt, Digitakt and Digitone, now considering if I need all 3? Defo will keep the Syntakt because of the immediate tactile playability, I got the Digitone due to the polyphony and now I can rethinking that. As with the Digitakt, the options are endless through sampling and midi channels etc. I'm thinking, with the ST and DT and add the Heat+FX that would be enough (infinite) creative potential. Even just the ST and Heat +FX or DT and the Heat+FX you have HUGE creative potential. Am I mad thinking of selling the Digitone to replace it with the Heat+FX?
Thanks! I truly believe no one can answer that for you ...
@@loopop keep all 4 then 🧘
Is the reverb engine the same as other elektron boxes?
I don't know for sure but it sounds similar
If you disable the digital FXs will it make the entire signal flow analog?
There actually is an analog only feature, but I don’t remember exactly what it cuts off beyond the digital effects
Looks great, but I'm like you (say), I'm surprised some of these companies don't think of giving us the possibility to have more inputs, like (example) 4, maybe. I'm dreaming of a multichannel 'Microcosm' (as an example), could this have been it 🤔.
Well for the 1k asking price you can get 2 Microcosm's and money left over :)
@@ickebins6948 Indeed, you're right.