After peculiar stop-motion teasers with colorful eyeballs and tentacles, the newest member of the Elektron lineup is here: Model:Cycles. With a similar footprint to the Model:Samples, Model:Cycles is a compact desktop groovebox—this time, built around a powerful but easy-to-use FM synthesis engine. And like the Model:Samples, this new machine will appeal to a wide range of musicians—from people new to music-making all the way to synthesizer aficionados looking to add a new tool to their kit.

Model:Cycles is a six-track groovebox with a sound based entirely on FM synthesis. And while FM is a notoriously complex synthesis technique, Model:Cycles cleverly turns it into something simultaneously intuitive and flexible. Instead of making FM "about" modulation routing algorithms, variable indices, and multi-stage envelopes, it simplifies the complex aspects of FM synthesis design and provides the users higher-level control of the sound. This takes the approachability of the Digitone even further—and while you may not have the same expansive possibilities offered by a Yamaha DX-7, it does make FM even more approachable and usable than ever before.

Meeting the Machines

One of the key innovations in the Model:Cycles is the concept of the Machine. The sound engine features six distinct "Machines," each tailored toward producing a distinct type of sound. So instead of thinking of what modulation routing and envelope shapes you need to build a sound from a bank of interrelated sine waves, you can instead select a Machine tailored toward making specific types of sounds. The six available Machines are Kick, Perc, Snare, Metal, Chord, and Tone—and best of all, each of the six tracks can use any of the Machines—so if you need multiple chord tracks, for instance, it is definitely possible.

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The Tone machine is the place to access all style of classic FM Synth tones, from electronic chimes and keys to snarling basses. Color controls the FM ratio while Shape controls the Index—so with this Machine, you get much more straightforward controls for typical FM parameters. Sweep introduces extra noise and grit to the tone, while Contour creates dampening effects by varying the intensity of the FM over time. Despite this seemingly simple combination of parameters, Tone has a shocking sonic breadth.

Of course, once you get used to each of the Machines, you begin to realize that they can all do much more than their names might immediately suggest. Metal can be great for creating chord tones; Chord can create huge, detuned trance leads; Snare can create edgy kicks; Kick can be used for melodies...and so on! And of course, since all of the sounds' key parameters can be parameter locked, there's no reason that a single Machine can't change duties mid-sequence. For instance, your Metal machine could go from cymbal sounds to clicky glitches and stacked harmonies on every step—and having this level of flexibility on one of six tracks means the potential for tremendously intricate arrangements is vast. Controlled by a classic Elektron sequencer rife with parameter locking, trig conditions, and easy programmability, you can start creating immensely detailed and personal music in no time. And with dedicated effects and performance controls built in, the Model:Cycles is an entire performance environment in under $300—and frankly, there is nothing else quite like it.

Despite the affordable price and small size, Model:Cycles is no toy; it is a deep machine that rewards exploration, and it will no doubt help to create tons of bizarre and fascinating music.