Liam Killen’s Vicious Year with the Analog Rytm MKII

Liam Killen opens the video by reflecting on his year-long journey with the Analog Rytm MKII, a machine that’s become a staple in his techno toolkit. The video starts with a brief introduction to an “Idea Starter” project, a downloadable package for the Rytm MKII which acts as a template for eager users to get cracking on their own projects. He notes, with a hint of exclusivity, that unfortunately, this package isn’t compatible with the Analog Rytm OG, making it a special treat just for those with the MKII. This template is available through his Patreon, offering a glimpse into his evolving use of the device. Over 12 months, Killen has honed his craft on this machine, developing techniques that push the boundaries of standard techno. He is particularly fond of creating groovy, hypnotic rhythms that dance on the edge of tribal – a nod to the raw, gritty soundscapes that the Rytm naturally conjures.

Delving into his rhythmic craft, Liam explores how the Rytm MKII transforms typical techno into something decidedly primal. This section showcases his approach to creating tribal and hypnotic beats, which involves a keen manipulation of the instrument’s parameters. By blending these beats with the Rytm’s standout features, he achieves a sound that’s complex yet deeply entrancing. He acknowledges the influence of techno mainstays like Yanamaste and Schlahr, whose groovy styles infuse his work with a sense of tribal allure. With a focus on evolving rhythms, Liam plays around with kick, toms, and hi-hat patterns, each sound meticulously adjusted to create an intricate dance of percussive elements. The contrast between straightforward rhythms and more involved sound manipulations highlights the Rytm’s flexibility in crafting unique auditory experiences.

Here, Killen really digs into the heart of the Rytm MKII’s powerful capabilities—parameter locking. This feature sets the Elektron machines apart, offering limitless possibilities for sound variation on the go. Liam points out that while other machines offer similar functions, the depth and breadth of control offered by the Rytm MKII are unparalleled. By allowing users to assign parameter changes to individual steps within a sequence, it brings a whole new level of detail to sound design. Killen paints a vivid picture of how parameter locking can transform a straightforward rhythm into a dynamic and evolving composition, going as far as to compare it with the likes of the TR-1000 by Roland, noting that even attempts by competitors to replicate Elektron’s innovation fall short. This capability, he insists, is not just a feature but an art form in itself that invites exploration and experimentation.

Liam introduces viewers to advanced techniques like filter pinging, providing a creative leap forward for those seeking to expand their sonic palette. Filter pinging, as he explains, can transform unwanted sounds into viable treasures, offering freedom to take full advantage of the MKII’s range. The trick is to mess about with resonant frequencies, yielding a variety of unexpected results. In this realm, users discover how ordinary toms can evolve into bassier, room-shaking rumbles. Liam shares his explorations into creating low-end rumbles that compliment the kick drum, demonstrating how nuanced techniques elevate standard rhythms into complex soundscapes. Each alteration in resonance or filter settings contributes to a symphony of sounds that test the limits of the Rytm MKII, transforming it into an instrument of vast, untapped potential.