Reviewing Elektron Model:Samples and Model:Cycles Grooveboxes

In a detailed review and discussion published on August 15, 2026, by The Verge, reviewer Terrence O'Brien took a close look at two prominent electronic music instruments manufactured by Elektron: the Model:Samples and the Model:Cycles. These compact production tools have drawn attention from musicians and producers alike for their distinct sound generation methods and workflow capabilities within the competitive electronic music equipment market.

The two instruments share several core physical and structural design elements while differing fundamentally in how they produce sound. Both units are constructed as six-track grooveboxes and feature six velocity-sensitive pads, giving performers tactile control over their rhythm patterns and melodies. Despite these hardware similarities, their internal engines serve entirely different sonic purposes for creators.

Specifically, the Model:Cycles relies entirely on FM synthesis to generate its tones, allowing users to sculpt electronic percussion and melodic lines through frequency modulation. In contrast, the Model:Samples operates as a playback instrument rather than an acoustic generator. However, the Model:Samples comes with a notable workflow limitation, as it cannot record samples directly into the unit; instead, all audio files must be loaded onto the device externally over a USB connection.

For consumers interested in purchasing these production tools, the standard retail price for each of the devices is $349. This pricing places them within a specific market tier alongside various other musical hardware alternatives, though the review focused strictly on the Elektron offerings.

The broader landscape of electronic music production hardware includes numerous competing brands and historical market players. Companies such as Teenage Engineering, Telepathic Instruments, Korg, Roland, and Novation all manufacture competing electronic instruments and grooveboxes designed to capture the attention of modern beatmakers and live performers.

Furthermore, musicians looking to acquire or divest of used gear frequently navigate secondary marketplaces. Platforms like Reverb and Craigslist serve as common venues where producers buy and sell secondhand music production equipment, complementing the primary retail market where new devices like the Elektron grooveboxes are initially purchased.