Like you I got my Cirklon recently. For me with much hardware sequencer experience too. It’s empowered me already in so many ways. Creating music that I could not realise before. It’s fire. It’s relevant and it’s a secret weapon to those that get it -you can dig as deep as you need. Another plus is you can flip it easily - and you’ve left the screen plastic on so it seems already to go. Colin designed this exactly as he wanted and still wants, and this Unicorn will continue to be a powerhouse beyond the box because of what it is. So inspirational is Sequentix and what they do. Good luck bro and best wishes with your quest.
No doubt, there are things the Cirklon can do that no other OTB sequencer can do and I'm doubtful would be easy to do even in Max4Live. You definitely have to put a lot into it to get there though and I'm not sure I have that much to give, ATM.
You're right. Time is needed to experiment with the unit. But once you know a few special functions it then becomes super fast to compose with. And generate fresh ideas. It is the secret sauce. Cheers for your thoughts. 👍🏼
P3 and CK pattern is one of reasons i got it in the first place actually, as both event list based and step sequencers has pros and cons and are good for different usecases, its perefct to have both approaches in one machine. I always had two sequencers just because of this, with cirklon i finally got all I need in one sequencer. I honestly don't think cirklon lost anything with how market changed since 2011, if its the sequencer for you, there is no competitor that can do what cirkon does but better. But what changed is there is plenty pretty capable HW sequencers with different workflows so if Cirklon is not the one, you can pick different one with workflow thats right for you. back in 2011 market with HW sequencers was almost non existent
Cirklon is incredibly deep and has amazing connectivity. This is not for everyone. If you need the depth of many intricate features, Cirklon is for you. If you need highly scalable connectivity, it may also be for you. If you don't need these things it may not be for you. Either way I still find Cirklon both musical good fun to use, but it does take time to really get into its detail.
It really can be a case of "it's not you Cirklon, it's me." There is something to be said about gear designed to make interfacing with it easy though ....
After a few years of waiting I can finally get one. I’m not going to give up now. Joking aside not of the current sequencers appeal to me so I’m getting it despite it’s age. Last year I bought the Octatrack and the Integra 7. Both old as the Cirklon but so enjoyable to use. Definitely getting the Cirklon.…. I’m old school.
I've gone thru a bunch of hardware sequencers over the years. But since I've used MOTU DP since it was MIDI-only in the mid-80s - it has fantastic MIDI implementation and is just so easy. I couple it with Expert Sleepers (hardware and plugin) for the modular and with the MOTU MIDI timestamping - MIDI clock is rock solid. I find no need to use hardware sequencers unless I want to play around.
Both Hapax and Oxi One have harmonization modes. And the NDLR has some even more powerful modes, I think. I believe the Torso T-1 and Midicake ARP might also have some capabilities here. And IIRC its at least on the wishlist for Deluge community firmware.
I haven't explored the Oxi One but the Hapax harmonization is fairly primitive ... beyond the Pyramid, it has a new Transpose function on track 16 but pretty limited in that capability whereas the Cirklon can almost be like a bandmate responding to your playing, even if you have to work pretty hard to get that going.
Thanks for the vid! Could you clarify the part with “next level variation”? You’ve said cyrklon calls it… “oxi something’? I’d love to hear the feature name to be able to find how to use it. Thank you!
It's called Aux Events. It's a little ... nerdy ... to use but allows the variation to interact with the music, rather than just being controlled randomness. Still wrapping my head around it!
Squarp Pyramid also has this function were Track 1 is master and all other tracks will respond musically to it. But it's much cheaper then the Cirklon (bought it second hand for 300 euros). Cirklon is expensive for what it can do.
I've got a Pyramid as well. Tell me more about this Track 1 master ... I've not heard of this until now. I know the Hapax has transpose on Track 16 but I thought it was more limited than the Cirklon in that regard. And the Cirklon is expensive, full stop lol. Whether it's worth it (for me) is still TBD.
@@MKDVBsounds like Hapax might be for me. I’ve been using a 512 Vector for years, but am finding myself not often using many of the tracks and getting bogged down in programming, even though it can do very complex stuff very fast.
Just swapped my Circlon V2 for a HAPAX, only had a demo so far (which was impressive) so can't offer a full opinion, but had money left over for a new sampler :)
@@MKDVB absolutely! It’s deep as heck. I don’t even have one but that is the feature that makes me want it the most. I believe it’s called track values (midi track values) and instruments. You can basically paramerter lock any parameters of your synth and make them essentially have the elektron p locks. And you can save the configuration for said piece of gear for future use. Midi cc and stuff like that and have the whole synth with its parameters remotely controlled via cirklon
I don't know the particulars of Cirklon's track values but in my experience, there are other sequencers that can mimic p-locks too but for some reason, they come off different (better) on the Elektron boxes. Maybe it's the fact that the sequencers and sound engines are contained in the same box on Elektrons and implemented differently?
Very well said! Always nice to see other people with a real musical background, trying your make melodic stuff, and trying to use these tools towards that end, I’ve had many of the same thoughts. Also lived in SF Bay Area for many years (I see you are in Sac).
@@MKDVB Just joking. I reached end of the cirklon waiting line . Got the hapax when released. So now i'm wondering if i still should get the sequentix. Waiting for your video now 👍
@@MKDVB I have them bothand a Mpc4000 synced with an Innerclock thing synced perfectly with Ableton. Still experimenting best workflow. Apart from Euclid beats on Pyramid I use the controller knobs to change things in the different MIDI effects in realtime and record that into the Cirklon. Lots of fun
Hey MKDVB, what was your assessment of the Cirklon after spending some time with it? Do you think it’s still worth it? I got an Oxi one a couple of weeks ago, but just got notification from Sequentix that I can order a unit. What do you think, worth picking one up over the Oxi? Thanks for any input.
@@MKDVB hes probably going DAW - > ERM - > Cirklon -> Octatrack. I don't even need a syncbox with the new macbooks and Cirklon, so I go straight into mine from the DIN out on my interface.
high price and long ass wait times makes me wonder if this cirklon is worth it. I have a Squarp Hapix that does most of what the Cirklon does at half the price.
Like you I got my Cirklon recently. For me with much hardware sequencer experience too. It’s empowered me already in so many ways. Creating music that I could not realise before. It’s fire. It’s relevant and it’s a secret weapon to those that get it -you can dig as deep as you need. Another plus is you can flip it easily - and you’ve left the screen plastic on so it seems already to go. Colin designed this exactly as he wanted and still wants, and this Unicorn will continue to be a powerhouse beyond the box because of what it is. So inspirational is Sequentix and what they do. Good luck bro and best wishes with your quest.
No doubt, there are things the Cirklon can do that no other OTB sequencer can do and I'm doubtful would be easy to do even in Max4Live. You definitely have to put a lot into it to get there though and I'm not sure I have that much to give, ATM.
You're right. Time is needed to experiment with the unit. But once you know a few special functions it then becomes super fast to compose with. And generate fresh ideas. It is the secret sauce. Cheers for your thoughts. 👍🏼
P3 and CK pattern is one of reasons i got it in the first place actually, as both event list based and step sequencers has pros and cons and are good for different usecases, its perefct to have both approaches in one machine. I always had two sequencers just because of this, with cirklon i finally got all I need in one sequencer. I honestly don't think cirklon lost anything with how market changed since 2011, if its the sequencer for you, there is no competitor that can do what cirkon does but better. But what changed is there is plenty pretty capable HW sequencers with different workflows so if Cirklon is not the one, you can pick different one with workflow thats right for you. back in 2011 market with HW sequencers was almost non existent
Cirklon is incredibly deep and has amazing connectivity. This is not for everyone. If you need the depth of many intricate features, Cirklon is for you. If you need highly scalable connectivity, it may also be for you. If you don't need these things it may not be for you. Either way I still find Cirklon both musical good fun to use, but it does take time to really get into its detail.
It really can be a case of "it's not you Cirklon, it's me." There is something to be said about gear designed to make interfacing with it easy though ....
6:40 looking forward to your future video about the Hapax VS Cirklon 👍
After a few years of waiting I can finally get one. I’m not going to give up now. Joking aside not of the current sequencers appeal to me so I’m getting it despite it’s age. Last year I bought the Octatrack and the Integra 7. Both old as the Cirklon but so enjoyable to use. Definitely getting the Cirklon.…. I’m old school.
Sometimes a box gets it just right. Weird how gear industry hasn't built the feature that responds to you ... that's what really draws me to Cirklon.
I've gone thru a bunch of hardware sequencers over the years. But since I've used MOTU DP since it was MIDI-only in the mid-80s - it has fantastic MIDI implementation and is just so easy. I couple it with Expert Sleepers (hardware and plugin) for the modular and with the MOTU MIDI timestamping - MIDI clock is rock solid.
I find no need to use hardware sequencers unless I want to play around.
I can totally see that. I have a very specific use case for the Cirklon though and not sure anything can fill that except for it.
Both Hapax and Oxi One have harmonization modes. And the NDLR has some even more powerful modes, I think. I believe the Torso T-1 and Midicake ARP might also have some capabilities here. And IIRC its at least on the wishlist for Deluge community firmware.
I haven't explored the Oxi One but the Hapax harmonization is fairly primitive ... beyond the Pyramid, it has a new Transpose function on track 16 but pretty limited in that capability whereas the Cirklon can almost be like a bandmate responding to your playing, even if you have to work pretty hard to get that going.
Thanks for the vid! Could you clarify the part with “next level variation”? You’ve said cyrklon calls it… “oxi something’?
I’d love to hear the feature name to be able to find how to use it. Thank you!
It's called Aux Events. It's a little ... nerdy ... to use but allows the variation to interact with the music, rather than just being controlled randomness. Still wrapping my head around it!
Squarp Pyramid also has this function were Track 1 is master and all other tracks will respond musically to it. But it's much cheaper then the Cirklon (bought it second hand for 300 euros). Cirklon is expensive for what it can do.
I've got a Pyramid as well. Tell me more about this Track 1 master ... I've not heard of this until now. I know the Hapax has transpose on Track 16 but I thought it was more limited than the Cirklon in that regard.
And the Cirklon is expensive, full stop lol. Whether it's worth it (for me) is still TBD.
Amazing timing -- just starting to learn my Hapax, and I'll be testing out a Cirklon within the month, too. Glad to be on this journey with ya!
Early days yet but if I were to sum it up, feels like Hapax is for jammers and Cirklon is for composers.
@@MKDVB Guess I might have to keep both, then! I enjoy both! :)
@@MKDVBsounds like Hapax might be for me. I’ve been using a 512 Vector for years, but am finding myself not often using many of the tracks and getting bogged down in programming, even though it can do very complex stuff very fast.
Just swapped my Circlon V2 for a HAPAX, only had a demo so far (which was impressive) so can't offer a full opinion, but had money left over for a new sampler :)
It's kind of unfair to compare Cirk vs Hapax + Octatrack or something!
i recommend also checking out the mapping feature for full hardware/software automation
Nice! This sequencer is deep and I'm just at the tip of the iceberg now.
@@MKDVB absolutely! It’s deep as heck. I don’t even have one but that is the feature that makes me want it the most. I believe it’s called track values (midi track values) and instruments. You can basically paramerter lock any parameters of your synth and make them essentially have the elektron p locks. And you can save the configuration for said piece of gear for future use. Midi cc and stuff like that and have the whole synth with its parameters remotely controlled via cirklon
I don't know the particulars of Cirklon's track values but in my experience, there are other sequencers that can mimic p-locks too but for some reason, they come off different (better) on the Elektron boxes. Maybe it's the fact that the sequencers and sound engines are contained in the same box on Elektrons and implemented differently?
@MKDVB Did you decide to keep the Cirklon or go hapax?
Got my eyes on a Hapax as my end game
Nice. I'm trying to maintain discipline and not keep both but still undecided as to which will stay.
@@MKDVB love my Hapax so good and easy to use! On wait list now 2+ years for Cirklon. Will see what happens.
Very well said! Always nice to see other people with a real musical background, trying your make melodic stuff, and trying to use these tools towards that end, I’ve had many of the same thoughts. Also lived in SF Bay Area for many years (I see you are in Sac).
Thanx for mentioning hapax. I was just about to getting angry lol 😅
ha sorry! It wasn't a Hapax vid so wanted to keep it about the Cirk but there will be a Cirk vs Hapax vid soon. They're both great, just different.
@@MKDVB Just joking. I reached end of the cirklon waiting line . Got the hapax when released. So now i'm wondering if i still should get the sequentix. Waiting for your video now 👍
Cool and interesting. I use the Cirklon with a Squarp Pyramid. As I find that cool for Euclidean programing. But need to get deeper into the Cirklon
I got a Pyramid as well. Haven't tag-teamed them yet, though. Any neat tricks?
@@MKDVB I have them bothand a Mpc4000 synced with an Innerclock thing synced perfectly with Ableton. Still experimenting best workflow.
Apart from Euclid beats on Pyramid I use the controller knobs to change things in the different MIDI effects in realtime and record that into the Cirklon. Lots of fun
Hey MKDVB, what was your assessment of the Cirklon after spending some time with it? Do you think it’s still worth it? I got an Oxi one a couple of weeks ago, but just got notification from Sequentix that I can order a unit. What do you think, worth picking one up over the Oxi? Thanks for any input.
Never played the Oxi so can't say. I still have the Cirklon, though it's not been all downhill but can't imagine Oxi is more powerful.
just out of curiosity, what serial number you have ?
mine is 327 , with this sequencer you can do whatever you want , no limitations!
Having messed with the Hapax a little since this vid, the Cirklon does seem to contain oceans vs the Hapax pools. But it also demands attention!
@@MKDVB use it daily , it's easy, again what serial number is yours?
Also been through all hardware sequncers and now i'm using ERM multi clock feeding Cirklon and Octatrack, for me me that combos beats everything
May i ask why the erm clock and not syncing octo with cirklon?
@@MKDVB to get a tight clock you need audio clock like the multi clock, makes a huge difference compared to usb
@@MKDVB hes probably going DAW - > ERM - > Cirklon -> Octatrack. I don't even need a syncbox with the new macbooks and Cirklon, so I go straight into mine from the DIN out on my interface.
In term of musicality what do you think about the conductive labs NDLR
Can't say, haven't used it
high price and long ass wait times makes me wonder if this cirklon is worth it. I have a Squarp Hapix that does most of what the Cirklon does at half the price.
Between the Hapax & Cirklon is definitely a hard choice
pretty sure you kept the screen proctector on coz you are gonna return it. You only just got it tho!! spend some time.
Lol. Taking the screen off is like putting a ring on that finger!
@@MKDVB then get it on! she has already been blue balling you for 4 years!! Commit!