Elektron’s Tonverk Sampling: Deep Dive into Recorder and Auto Sampler Workflows

Tonverk is introduced as a sampler that stands out for its ability to capture audio from a wide range of sources, both external and internal. Whether you’re sampling from synthesizers, computers, mobile devices, or even the Tonverk’s own sound engine, the instrument is positioned as a central hub for creative audio capture. This flexibility is immediately apparent, setting the stage for a workflow that can adapt to various production and sound design scenarios.

The video makes it clear that Tonverk is not just about recording snippets—it’s about integrating diverse sound sources into your projects. With the ability to choose between Recorder and Auto Sampler modes, users are given tools to approach sampling in ways that suit their specific needs, whether that’s grabbing a quick loop or building a detailed multi-sampled instrument. This duality is a core part of Tonverk’s appeal as presented here.

Diving into Recorder mode, the tutorial highlights Elektron’s familiar sampling workflow, now enhanced with a generous six-minute recording buffer. Users can select from multiple input sources, including main mix, individual tracks, buses, and both analog and USB audio inputs, making it easy to capture exactly the material you want. The interface allows for precise control over input selection, monitoring, and gain staging, ensuring clean recordings from any source.

Sampling length is adjustable in musical steps, tightly linked to the current BPM, which is ideal for capturing loops that sync perfectly with your project. The arming feature lets you set a threshold so recording starts automatically when audio is detected—crucial for grabbing the start of a phrase or loop. After recording, Tonverk provides straightforward tools for previewing, looping, trimming, and normalizing samples, as well as assigning them directly to tracks. The workflow is designed to be fast and musical, with minimal menu-diving.

Switching to Auto Sampler mode, the video demonstrates how Tonverk can automate the process of multisampling an instrument over MIDI. This is particularly useful for capturing the full range and dynamic response of hardware or software synths, allowing users to build rich, playable instruments. The setup involves connecting MIDI and audio—handled by a single USB cable for many modern devices, or traditional MIDI and audio cables for hardware synths.

The workflow includes defining the note range, interval, and number of velocity layers to sample, with the option to tailor these parameters for different sound sources. Tonverk even measures latency and release time automatically, streamlining the process further. The interface provides helpful feedback, such as estimated sampling time and file size, so users can make informed decisions before committing to a multisample session. This automation transforms what is usually a tedious process into something efficient and repeatable.

Once sampling is complete, Tonverk streamlines the process of integrating new sounds into your projects. Samples and instruments are automatically organized on the SD card, making them easy to browse and load onto tracks. The video demonstrates how quickly a freshly sampled instrument can be assigned to the multiplayer machine and played back polyphonically, with effects and further processing available.

This seamless integration means that custom sounds are always just a few button presses away, encouraging users to enhance their music with unique textures and timbres. The workflow supports both rapid idea capture and more elaborate sound design, making Tonverk a powerful addition to any production or performance setup.