Elektron Analog Rytm MKII

What it is

The Elektron Analog Rytm MKII is a professional analog drum synthesizer providing 8 synthesis tracks, each combining a dedicated analog synthesis engine with the option to layer a sample from the unit's internal +Drive storage. Elektron announced the MKII revision in 2017; general retail availability extended into 2018.

Specifications sourced from Elektron's Analog Rytm MKII product page (confirmed 2026-09-04): 8 analog synthesis voices, 1 GB +Drive, 8 individual 1/4-inch track output jacks. Last verified: 2026-09-04.

Specs that matter

Each of the 8 synthesis tracks hosts an independently selectable Elektron analog drum synthesis machine. Elektron groups machines by drum type: multiple bass drum variants (BD HARD, BD CLASSIC, BD FM, BD PLASTIC, BD SHARP, BD SOFT), snare variants (SD HARD, SD CLASSIC, SD NATURAL, SD SHARP, SD SNAP), rim/clap (RS HARD, RS CLASSIC, CP CLASSIC, CP HARD), hi-hat (HH BASIC, HH LAB), cymbal (CY METALLIC, CY RIDE METALLIC), and cowbell/block (CB STANDARD, CB METALLIC). Any track can run any machine type; there are no fixed "this is the snare track" assignments.

Each track can additionally layer a sample stored on the +Drive (1 GB internal sample storage per Elektron's product page). Overbridge integration allows each of the 8 tracks to stream as a discrete audio channel into a DAW via USB without a separate audio interface.

The step sequencer runs 16 steps by default and supports per-trig parameter locks (any synthesis parameter set to a different value on any individual step), conditional trigs (steps that fire based on probability or mathematical conditions), micro-timing offsets, and pattern chains. Eight performance macros and eight scenes per kit provide real-time control.

Connectivity: 8 individual 1/4-inch TRS track output jacks (one per synthesis track; unbalanced, stereo per jack per Elektron's connector specification) confirmed from Elektron's product page. Separate 2 x 1/4-inch balanced main stereo outputs. A 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack, 2 x 1/4-inch audio inputs, 2 x 1/4-inch CV/expression inputs, and DIN MIDI IN/OUT/THRU with DIN sync out. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed for Overbridge audio/MIDI. Power requires a DC adapter; no battery option.

What's in the box

• Analog Rytm MKII unit
• Power supply
• USB cable
• Owner's Manual

Confirm exact accessories against the current Elektron product listing.

Design context

The Analog Rytm MKII sits at the top of Elektron's drum instrument lineup. Where most analog drum machines assign a fixed synthesis model to each voice, the Rytm MKII allows any track to run any synthesis machine type, and it can modify any synthesis parameter on any individual step through parameter locks.

Elektron introduced the original Analog Rytm in 2014 as the first drum synthesizer in their lineup to combine genuine analog synthesis with the Elektron sequencer platform. The MKII revision added a large OLED display, Overbridge USB audio streaming without legacy software, and class-compliant USB MIDI. The underlying synthesis engine and sequencer architecture remain substantially the same.

The Analog Rytm MKII is aimed at producers who require both analog synthesis character and a sequencer deep enough for complex polyrhythmic and evolving patterns. It operates at a different market position than the TR-808 recreations in this showcase collection: an analog synthesizer first, a drum machine second.

Sources

• Elektron Analog Rytm MKII product page -- 8 voices, 1 GB +Drive, individual outputs, connectivity (confirmed 2026-09-04)
• Elektron Analog Rytm MKII owner's manual -- synthesis machine types, sequencer reference, MIDI implementation (downloadable from elektron.se support)
• Elektron Overbridge documentation -- DAW integration details