static vs flex boils down to:
static = unlimited sample length (ie. can load entire songs as static samples)
flex = limited by the Octatrack’s meager 84 megs (it’s 84, right?) of RAM memory. Said amount is the TOTAL, it’s not 84 per track so if you load up larger samples and/or use higher bitrate and resolution, you’ll run out of memory quick.
static = sample is streaming from CF card
flex = sample is preloaded into RAM and played back from RAM
thus
static machines have limited editing capabilities (if you open the audio editor on a static machine some features are missing) whereas flex samples can be edited to a larger extent.
also RAM playback is is more stable - say you have a longer sample chopped into slices and want to do some wild tricks with it. with a static machine it is possible playback will choke, wheras with flex it shouldn’t happen at all
soooo
if you want to load up entire backing tracks for a live show or DJ with the OT, you should use static tracks.
if you use the OT as an instrument in a studio enviroment then i’d recommend starting with statics and use those up to the point when some heavier manipulation of the sample is required. then switching to flex is easy.