Elektron Digitakt vs Digitone | Here Is The One You Should Get and Why
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- If you are deciding whether to get the Electron Digitakt or Electron Digitone this video will compare the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each, and will help you chose which is right for you to buy. In this video I will outline who is the best fit for which of these two amazing machines, and I will give an honest assessment of the strong and weak points of each one.
The Elektron family of instruments and sequencers including the Octatrack, the Analog Four, the Analog RYTM, the Digitakt, and the Digitone have amazing sequencers, and a very unique workflow. While there is a lot of overlap between the boxes, each has a unique feature set that may be what you need for your hardware rig.
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Live Gear:
Digitakt: bit.ly/3518hyW
Digitone: bit.ly/3LSmnUm
Octatrack: bit.ly/3HYWAY1
Analog Rytm: bit.ly/3rVW0EN
Toraiz Squid: bit.ly/3gWIPNU
Roland SH01a: bit.ly/3gZsdVq
Audio Cables: bit.ly/3sOpL9V
USB MIDI Host: bit.ly/357UXcc
Quad Through 4X Multiplier: bit.ly/3sMigAp
MIDI Merger: bit.ly/3H0Fwjb
MIDI Cables: bit.ly/3gUFM8P
Faderfox PC12: bit.ly/3sRahSu
Novation Launch Control XL: bit.ly/3I6HAaU
Studio Gear:
Arturia Polybrute: bit.ly/3BvV0dP
Moog Subsequent 37: bit.ly/3GYxR4M
Analog Four: bit.ly/3gWJhLQ
Roland TR-8s: bit.ly/3sRWb3c
Korg Minilogue XD: bit.ly/3v2LGwO
Moog Minitaur: bit.ly/3JCqjXa
Arturia Keylab 61 MK II: bit.ly/34HHt7f
TASCAM Model 24 Mixer: bit.ly/3JBKu7H
Beyer Dynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones: bit.ly/3H2QggW
Adam Audio T7V Studio Monitors: bit.ly/3oYxEbH
My Studio Computer:
Mac mini: amzn.to/2Z4kkFS
Home DJ Gear:
Pioneer XDJ RX2: bit.ly/3HUOpMq
Pioneer PLX 1000: bit.ly/3JFvjul
Pioneer HDJ X10: amzn.to/3bthYp8
JBL EON615: amzn.to/2Dv9hxW
And now that digitakt added a second LFO and additional filter functionality I actually think it's an amazing synthesizer as well.
Agreed! It always was a functional ‘synth’, but now it’s really solid for sound shaping. Thanks so much for watching!!
Ok. This is perfect. After watching this I will stay with my Model samples and Model cycles for hardware fun and Elektron sequencing power and Logic Pro as the DAW.
Maybe when Elektron brings new hardware to the table I'll take another look but for now the software is very very powerful especially w the new plug ins available.
Appreciate the channel, your passion, and sharing your knowledge!
Regards
Great vid. Anyone watching this just realize at the end of the day you will probably end up with both. They are so different. The Elektron workflow and form factor are really the only thing that they both have in common.
This is how all comparison videos should be. Answered all my questions! Thank you sir! 👏
Great to hear! I'm so glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!
Actually you can change sound per step on the Digitone and it's very easy. To do this you need to upload the sounds into the sound pool from the +drive. And when it's done simply select the sound and map it to the desired step, thus you can make very cool beats, percussions etc.
Agreed that I wasn't very clear in the explanation. The Digitakt is actually able to flip samples meaning it can have a totally different sound source by step. The Digitone can change presets of its same synth engine sound source from step to step. 'Sounds' is too vague a term that I shouldn't have used. 'Sound source' would have been more accurate. Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching!
To avoid this eternal question, i bought both of them :-)) Never regret not for one second :-))
First time viewer, just want to thank you for your measured and grounded approach in explaining the differences and similarities of both units. This is a great aid in understanding potential investment decisions, prior to having hands-on time with the units before purchase. Thanks again for the valuable content, all the best to you.
So glad you got something from it. Thanks so much for watching!
Hey it's me. I like your VERY DETAILED VIDEOS ABOUT SAMPLERS AND SYNTHESIZERS
Great overview, I went with the Digitakt and your video confirmed that was the right one for me. Learned some new things too.
Great to hear! Thank you so much for watching!
Also, Digitakt + AUM on iPad is awesome combo. If you are into FM, i highly recommend Aparillo. You can sequence AUv3 plugins via Digitakt, or you can sequence Digitakt via AUv3/ IAA sequencers. Worth checking out
Thanks for the tips!
This is the video I've been looking for all over which I'm so happy is finally in existence. But...I thought this would help me choose. I love the detailed sampling power of digitakt but I've never been that versed in sample based production. I think my first investment has to be digitone and I can save some space by running another device through it too.
Glad it was helpful!
Very good video highlighting the similarities and differences. Having no "workflow" - ie not doing much music yet, I would feel that the Digitakt would probably be the best one to learn and as a center unit to connect various pieces of gear.
Digitakt is always my recommendation for a first Elektron machine. It is super flexible. Thanks for watching!
Cool video. A4 mk1 Elektron owner here and it does midi out and I really like the step sequencer.
Love the Elektron sequencer. Nothing touches it. Thanks so much for watching!!
Actually using ARP on the Digitone uses only one trig, so you can use one track for several drum sounds for example (might not have been the case the time though). You give up conditional trigs/automations though.
Digitakt external midi sequencing is limited to 4 notes per trig (in a fairly smart way)... Which is pretty cool, but no giant chords on this one (or using two or more channels). I never used the Digitone to sequence anyrhing external, si no idea on this 😅
You made it sound like there were no sound locks on DN.
I probably could have said it better for sure. sound locks is effectively just changing preset parameters, or changing the parameters of the sounds generated by the same synth engine. I’ll clarify in my next video on the subject. thanks for pointing it out.
Hi im a DN novice, correct me if im wrong but i think if you select sounds from your sound pool by holding down a trig and turning the level/data knob it is possible generate a different preset sound for each step.... hope i could help
@@mjc3316 you are correct. I wasn’t very clear in the video in saying it doesn’t load a new sound source, just a new set of parameters for the internal synth. The DT loads a completely different sound source. Thanks for watching!!
Thank you for your videos.
I just stumbled upon your channel and I am thrilled!!
I’m glad you are enjoying it. Thanks so much for watching!
So thanks again bro. You have saved me near £600 for the digitakt which i am now putting toward saving for the Oktatrakt asap.
Glad I could help!
Thank you so much for the great video. Very informative and answer many of the questions that are lacking from the other videos on RUclips. Like you said at the start of the video, there are many videos about what they can do, but not enough on what is the different. Also great explanation on each one of them individually.
Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for the straightforward information!
Thank you for watching!
Nice getting an actual run down of both devices technical features rather than brand strokin' like a lot of others area
So happy you liked it! Thanks a bunch for watching!
Really great video. Incredibly informative and super well spoken. Thanks a lot in helping me decide!
So happy it helped you! Thanks for watching!
The Digitakt is a pretty nifty synthesizer as well, if you loop the single cycle wave forms included in the box. You can create drums, bass, high hats, pads, etc just using the wave forms. It also is a ridiculously fat 8 voice mono synth. Look up OscillatorSink's video on the same. I think you might have underplayed just how much fun the Digitakt can be when used as a synthesizer.
ruclips.net/video/dFQv6bW_40c/видео.html
For sure. I didn't want to go down that rabbit hole in a short video. :) Too many good videos about the deep abilities of both. I wanted to touch on the main comparison for people looking to get in to the Elektron world through one of these. Creative 'synthesis' is definitely one of the more fun 'extras' with the Digitakt.
Great run down thanks, defo don’t need digikatkt as was thinking maybe pair it with digitone but really don’t need it as have mpc one and modal samples. Cheers for video quite helpful
So happy it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
Great video Eric! Thanks for the info
I’m so glad you got something out of it! Thanks for watching!
Great video. Just answering the question i had not knowing the differences of these two so clearly.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!
Great content for hesitant people but DT cycles should have been mentioned imho. They add a lot to the machine. Really hard to choose though... Try hard to get both, you won’t regret
Thanks for watching. I agree that they are both great together!
Love what you do with the Elektron machines! You are very informative and inspirational. Keep up the good work... I myself chose the Digitone as I already had an Octatrack as my main sampler. I am intrigued by the Digitakt though. As a side question... what brand are those killer glasses? Love them!
I'm so happy you are enjoying the videos! I started with the Digitakt, but I love them together. So much flexibility. They both play an important part in my full live setup. Have you checked out the video on that? Glad you like the glasses. hahaha Not sure the brand. Thanks for watching!
Dude you can change the sounds on the Digitone. They’re called sound locks. Not sure when this video came out but yeah…
Also my biggest gripes on the Digitone are that the arpeggiator doesn’t work on external gear and there are half the midi tracks. It’s kinda lame… also no ratchets on the Digitone and there’s no reason for the fill button. Tbh I have no idea why the Digitone was neutered so badly by elektron
Very true. I have actually addressed this in a few comments. I didn’t explain clearly. You can have different ‘sounds’ locked on the Digitone which are just different patches of the same internal synth engine. The Digitakt allows you to use completely different ‘sounds’ by swapping out the source completely. You are 100% correct. I could have explained a lot better. Thanks so much for watching!
It’s not a matter of one or the other. As of the release of Syntakt, it’s a “collect them all” kings game
So I have a Model:Cycles and I love it, I’ve had so much fun with it. But, it’s pretty limited in some very specific areas. I love the FM synth sound. Have you used a cycles, and would coming from that give me a bit of a leg up moving to a digitone?
I figured the digitone will allow me WAY more in terms of sound design than the cycles, that seems reasonable right?
I haven’t used the cycles much, but knowing the Elektron sequencer workflow will help tons if you switch to the Digitone. the sound design is much deeper too. thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive great. Maybe I’ll splurge this holiday, hoping for another set of discounts, got the cycles with the some money off. Thanks for the reply!
Again so clear thank you so much
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
Thank You So Much For This Amazing Brakdown
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!
Hey Eric, what a great video i was making a research about the topic and reading forums for hours and still couldn't decide if i should go with tact or tone. But this video of yours simply just make me understand what these machines exacly are so thank you for your clear explanation. Also it is so nice of you to reply all the comments. You just got a subscriber!
I am DJ ing for years now and i am doing my small productions on ableton. I am mainly playing raw/hypnotic techno and also try to keep it simple(minimal) without too many effects and sounds so biggest problem for me is starting a project. I mostly want something groovy and interesting to start with, build up ideas then i most likely still gonna use ableton to arrange, maybe add some more sounds with it. Also when you have a blank page in front of you with endless possibilitys, it doesn't feel right to line up some kicks and start from there. So i was searching something kinda groovebox or like a drum machine which i can manipulate sounds and even make some loops to build a track with.
That is why i decide to have a hardware to help me. I understand octatrack is very unique piece of equipment and can do pretty much everything digitact do but it is also pretty hard to learn so it may not be great first gear to enter Elektron world. Also it costs almost as much as digitakt+digitone.
So i decide to go with digitakt since it looks like a better choice if you dont have any piece of hardware and digitakt can be used as drum machine - sequencer.
But after i see your video i start to have some doubts about my decision since i don't use many samples. Even if i use some drum samples i manuplate them pretty much and listen them in my headphones as well as from speakers and kinda trust my ears. Also many artist i like to listen, drops digitact at some point but always hold on their digitone.
So my question is starting from digitone is a good idea in my situation? Can digitone could use as a sequencer? I heard it can build very nasty kicks. I just couldn't decide if digitone would be a better idea for long term invesment. I already ordered digitact but i can always return in within 14 days.
Any answer would be much appreciated.
Hi! Digitone vs Digitakt is really a personal decision based on desired workflow. If your main concern is sequencer, I would go with the Digitakt as it has 8 channels of audio sequencing plus 8 channels of MIDI sequencing for external gear. While it doesn't have a synth engine, I did a whole video recently on how to use the supplied single cycle as a 'synth'. You might want to look to see if that would solve your concerns about the sample based workflow. I personally use Digitone as more of a synth, and Digitakt as more of an all in one machine. Thanks so much for watching!
@@SURCOlive Thank you for your kind respond Eric. Your opinion make my mind %100 clear about the situation. They are both amazing gears and since it will be my first ever hardware i think it would be right choice to go with digitakt. I could also use it more center gear and even build around it in the future. I am totally relieved and now can't wait to have my digitack. And thank you for your amazing content. I will be watching your tutorials as soon as i got my hands on my gear!
I'm excited for you to get your new gear! Thanks so much for watching!
They’re a bit chalk and cheese, one’s a sampler and the other’s an FM module. Comparing them to the equivalent Model:Sample and Model:Cycles would maybe be more useful. In my humble opinion 😀
Either way I’m a big Elektron sequencer fan.
Agreed for those who are deciding based on the sound engine. Many getting in to the ecosystem are wondering which would be a better overall component aside from the (obvious) differences in sound. The video was meant to help people see what might be a better gateway into the world of full featured Elektron boxes that they could build from. If they are just looking for an FM synth or just a sampler, not much confusion. :) BTW, I'm a huge fan of all things Elektron too. Thanks for watching!
I just want something with a bunch of presets that i can make a song with, add other sounds and make my own as well and use it in conjunction with my dj controller
They all have ‘preset’ sounds but not loops or patterns. The difficulty will be synchronizing with DJ gear as most are not compatible with midi unless you are using a laptop. Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive I have a mac book pro, ddj 400, and I used to have an Akai XR20 but it was heavy on hip hop rap presets, Im more i to progressive house, techno and deep house
@@J_Eusebio the advantage with the Digitakt is that you can load any sounds you want into it. The Digitone is strictly an FM synth. If you want specific sounds the Digitakt is the way to go.
@@SURCOlive Thank you, just wanted to do my homework before I drop the cash on one!
TY!
Thanks for the video! Looks im going for the Digitakt!
Glad you liked it! Have fun with the Digitakt! Thanks so much for watching.
awesome. thank *YOU*
Thanks for watching!
I'm super stoked that I stumbled upon your channel. I have been searching for a Digitone vs digitakt straght up side by side comparisson video for the longest time! You seem to be the first vhannel to do this particular report and it's well appreciated as it has confirmed my thoughts in.lots of ways and you have also given me a whole lot more info too....for example now I know for sure that I will be buying the Digitone (for the synthasis features) i was going to also get the digitakt at somepoint later but then thanks to you i now know that my regular studio workflow will require an Oktatrakt as it has a full suite of sampling features and capabilities which is exactly what I need (i like to work with long samples in my projects)
Awesome! I'm so happy it was helpful. I did it for that very reason. Beyond the obvious synth vs sampler there are so many similarities and differences, and no one seemed to be discussing them. Really happy this helped. Thanks so much for watching!
Cool. What synths do you normally use as your analog synth on top of those?
For mobile live stuff I use Moog Minotaur, Roland SH01a, or Elektron Analog Four. In the studio I use a Moog Subsequent 37, Arturia Polybrute, and a Korg Minilogue XD. (At the moment) :). Thanks so much for watching!
Nice collection!
Would you choose one digitone over the minilogue xd? I’ve been deciding which i should purchase.
Very different synths with very different controls. I have a Digitone because I prefer to sequence synths (because I’m not a good keyboard player :) ) I had a Minilogue XD bit I wasn’t using it as much. It’s an amazing first synth and sounds awesome, but I had other poly synths I was going to more. Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive you have helped me more than you know!! I already subbed your presentation is high tier!!! I’m not great with keys either so you just gave me the perspective I was looking for
They look so similar, it would'nt be that hard to buy the wrong one. Note to self, synth version has colorful chicklets on lower right hand side!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one that sees chicklets. Haha. Thanks for watching.
Great review. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for taking the time to watch!
Very informative thank you very much
Glad you got something out of it. Thanks for watching!
I have a micro freak. Based on having a synth, would it make sense to go with a Digitakt?
Each synths unique and makes its own sounds better than others. Its hard to stop getting synths when you head down that path. Digitakt is a great sequencer, sample player, and can be a brain of a whole system. I have recommended to a lot of people to start with Digitakt and build out from there. If you have other stuff, it would be a great way to control it all. Thanks so much for watching!
Excellent video, very informative!
Thanks Michael! Glad you got something positive from it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for the information
Glad you liked it! :)
big thanks for expain differences, good job
Thanks so much for watching!
I'm an ex-bassist who's getting back into music, but this time via modular synthesis. I'm just getting started and my current dilemma is just _how_ exactly do I want to make my beats. I know I want a box that has a good workflow for live performance. I'm not intimidated by FM synthesis, and although I'm no purist, I'd like to avoid samples, at least at first (the mystery of granular synthesis is what pulled me into this side of music in the first place). This is why my first drum box was a DFAM, but I want something I can improv with on top of the DFAM, as I'm finding the 8 step sequencer very limiting for adding variation. This points me towards the Digitone, thanks to your video. If I start really getting into the flow however, I may want a box I can stab at with more clumsy-when-dancing fingers, so I'm still looking at ones with bigger buttons. I see big controllers out there with lots of big buttons but they all appear to be sample triggers, I'm not sure I want to start there. Am I worried about nothing? How are these Elektron boxes if you're a somewhat spastic performer? lol (liked & subscribed btw, thanks for helping with the massive task of demystifying all this hardware)
Thanks for watching. if you are looking for synth based workflow you have a couple of options. The Digitone is a great synth with amazing sequencer, but it is limited to four tracks. The Korg Electribe MPS is synth based with the large pads for playing that you are looking for. if you are good with sample based workflow the world opens up a lot. MPCs are great, MC101 and MC707are really good too. The Digitakt has the best sequencer in the category, and can be paired with a cheap midi controller for the big pads you are looking for (or keys). From Elektron the machine with all the capabilities you are looking for, synth AND sample AND big pads is the Analog Rytm. personally my favorite machine in the line, but twice as much as a Digitakt or Digitone. Basically there are a lot of options once you decide what are the deal breakers for your workflow. I hope this helps and didn’t just confuse you more. thanks again for watching!
@@SURCOlive Thank you so much Eric! I've fallen down quite the YT hole today, now that my choices are getting honed, and I agree, I think the RYTM Mk2 might be right up my alley. Definitely more expensive, but still in keeping with my "Buy Right Or Buy Twice" philosophy :-)
@@sinepilot If I were starting again, that would be the first unit I would get for my workflow as well. It’s not something you’ll ever ‘outgrow’ either. Good choice!
@@SURCOlive Sweet! I'm excited! I hunted down one of your uploads that has an affiliate link to the Rytm, I'll be purchasing from there :-)
@@sinepilot you rock!!
Holy sibilance batman
It was early days. Ugly I know. Thanks for watching!
I'm sure you can change sound per step on the Digitone. I've recently got mine, and I'm using it with an Analog Rytm. Load up the sound pool with different sound, then put them on one track
Thanks for mentioning it. I’m realizing I didn’t explain this very well in the video. Sound locks are effectively changing preset parameters of the same starting synth rather than changing the root of what is generated. I’ll clarify in a future video. thanks again for pointing it out.
@@SURCOlive By the way, love what you are doing!
Thank you! I’m so happy you are getting something positive from the videos! Thanks for watching!
Hey Eric, now that you have the syntakt, if you had to pick just one of the three (with no extra context or direction re: use cases), which of the three is your favorite/most essential?
Hey! For me…Most essential is Digitakt for its ability to sound like any sample in the world while still taking advantage of the Elektron sequencer. Syntakt is a very close second as I always prefer synths over samples, but it’s not for everyone. Digitone is (for me) a distant third for limited tracks and very specific FM sound. Keep in mind this is for me personally and I have good friends who I trust very much that would likely give you a totally different answer. Thanks for watching!!
You’re the absolute man. Thanks for getting back
Wonder if elektron will release another digi-format box
There have been rumors because they trade marked the name ‘Syntakt’. Since takt means something like drum in Swedish where they are from, the idea is that it will be a drum synth like the analog Rytm in the smaller format. We will have to wait and see. Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive New subber. Love your posts going back and watching them. Yeah I’ve noticed people saying syntakt on elektron threads. Interesting 🤔
Thanks! And thanks so much for watching!
Great Video, Thanks
Thanks for watching! I’m glad you got something positive from it!
07:07 cap. You can trim with the digitakt and assign to tracks
What would be a good and simple way to play with the digitone live? My bandmate plays guitar and sings, we want to build up a show from me playing back the projects saved in the digitone and play keyboard at the same time. Do you think this setup would be possible? Thanks in advance eric.
Lots of options. You could sequence four tracks as 'backing tracks', you could attach a midi keyboard and play live on one track while others play back prepared sequences, the options are vast. I'm sure it will be a great addition to your band. Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive Thank you man!
thanks, this was very helpful info! I want both still lol
They play very well together. That’s why I have both :) Thanks for watching!!
Great rundown. I have to say I am 100% Team Digitone, I have both and can't wait to sell my Digitakt to save up for a TR-8S (or Circuit Rhythm when it comes out). The Digitone is an amazingly deep, unique, and subtle instrument, and the Digitakt is a generic Elektron sequencer with mono samples. Sorry but just my two cents. The only plus I can see for the Digitakt is ratcheting.
That's the beauty of these machines. They are all so flexible and usable by different people for different things. I love both together, and I probably use my Digitakt more than any other box I own. Thanks so much for watching!
You all probably dont care but does any of you know a tool to get back into an instagram account?
I somehow forgot my password. I love any help you can give me!
@Salvador Ronald instablaster ;)
@Steven Roman i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Steven Roman it worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much, you really help me out !
Hi, thx a lot for the great review! could you also tell me whets the song in the background? thx
Glad you liked it. The track was an improv jam I did in another video. Here is a link to that: ruclips.net/video/EaH6VCoElx8/видео.html Thanks so much for watching!
@@SURCOlive I really like it, thx!
Thank you!
This is confusing to me, i am both a synth guy and a sample base producer and i work with both elements to finish a song
I still can't out of my struggling to choose which one first ( cuz i'll sure have both later)
If you are planning to eventually get both, I would start with the Digitakt. It will give you a lot more channels to (8 audio plus 8 MIDI) to take advantage of the amazing sequencer integrate other gear. Then you could add the Digitone to expand the original sound shaping. Just my opinion (and how I did it too ;) ) Thanks so much for watching!
Do you think the 1.30 update made the Digitakt the one to get?
I’ve always thought the Digitakt was the more versatile as a stand alone machine or the center of a setup. The update just added a cherry on top of that. It’s not a dedicated ‘synth’, but it can play that role enough to keep things interesting. The Digitone is a proper FM synth that is amazing at what it does. It deserves a spot in any rig for that. DN is a synth that can sequence and control a bit of other stuff. The DT is a sequencer and controller that can synthesize a bit. It all comes down to what is most needed in your setup. For someone starting with nothing I’d get the Digitakt first (and the Digitone soon after 😉). Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive Thank you. The ability to create "drone", or ambient music, plus the sound creation in general is what drives me towards the Digitone, since I use a Maschine mk3 for drums. However, the thought of having a powerful, versatile stand-alone drum machine like the Digitakt is intriguing. If this update made it more like the Digitone, then it's a no-brainer.
This was the best explanation of the differences I've seen. Fantastic work, thank you for taking the time to record this!
When you route other gear into the audio in on the Digitone, can that audio route through the Digitone's built in effects like reverb?
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you got something out of it! You can route the external signal through the master effects. Function+LFO takes you to the 'Master' channel page. This is for the input level of the external inputs (L and R), and the FX. Thanks again for watching!
@@SURCOlive Thanks for the answer! I feel like I want something in between all of the devices you've reviewed: a sampler and a synth at the Digitakt/Digitone quality level, with built-in effects and routing capabilities of external gear (Arturia MicroFreak) and sidechaining. Unfortunately both the Digis have their own sets of limitations. With the Digitakt, it seems there's no way to route external gear through effects, plus it really isn't very playable (no arps, no chords). With the Digitone, there's obviously no sampling and all sounds end up sounding very "FM-y" (the Arturia MicroFreak has a wider palette in comparison). Then there's the Circuit Tracks, which has a mix of both synths and samples but seems crippled with too limited synth tracks, a mediocre synth engine and no sampling from the device itself. And then there's the Roland MC-101 which can't route external audio through its effects, only samples via USB and lacks sidechaining. Of all the devices so far, the Digitone gets closest to my needs as a inspirational sound designing device, but I'd miss the sample waveshaping possibilities of the Digitakt. So hard to choose! 😂
It is a tough call on going with choosing everything in one unit, or picking the combination of units that meets your needs. If you are looking for an all in one, I would definitely look at the Synthstrom Deluge or the Maschine Plus. I'm sure there are some others out there, but as all in one units go those are the best I've messed with. I've decided to go another way and combining the units that do the best for me and my production style. I love how the Elektron units compliment each other, and their sequencer workflow is my absolute favorite. For the price of on of the all in one boxes, you could get a Digitakt AND a Digitone to use together. Check out Miles Kvundra's RUclips channel (ruclips.net/channel/UC4P67DLL0jnbmb_OZiRsABQ) to see some great work with these two. You can then add to the setup as you want going forward. It's really flexible, and the workflow is similar between all of the units, so you don't need to learn a ton of new stuff with each addition. It is up to how you want to work. All in one is better for some, and a component system is better for others. I hope you find what works for you. Thanks for watching!
@@SURCOlive @Eric Bingham Thanks. While I did consider the Machine+ earlier, it really feels like a portable DAW to me, which defeats the purpose for me a bit. I'm looking for something that is more instrument-like that I can use to sketch out new song ideas and play around with in my spare time without a dedicated DAW session. Also, it's definitely too expensive for me.
Really, I think I'm leaning towards the Digitone here. I like that it let's me route other hardware audio into it so I could expand it in the future if I want to. I just listened to a live jam made on the Digitone that completely blew me away and is exactly the kind of experience I'd want to aim for: ruclips.net/video/nVmpDVUqPX8/видео.html
I also looked at the Model:Cycles as a bit more affordable option, but it just seems sonically limited compared to the Digitone, and it looks like a medical device. So, I think I've got my eyes set on the Digitone here. Your video helped me a lot. Thanks!
Making a video like this you have to ask yourself: why is it a video and not just a podcast?
If I had a podcast, it likely would have been one. ;)
I found this very useful, thank you.
I am new to Elektron though so slightly confused over one thing and wondered if you could clear this up for me. Hope I'm clear enough with my explanation...
I am looking for an 8 track sequencer for my hardware synths including a Vermona Performer of which I want to have eack 4 voices of the Vermona on a separate midi channel. Hence why I'm in need of 8 tracks.
You talk a lot about sampling, but is that just the audio from the synths that is sampled? I'm currently sequencing my synths with a keystep pro and audio is recorded via soundcraft mixer. Do I have to have audio recorded from the Digitakt or can i just use Digitakt to sequence the midi for the hardware?
Ah jeez! I think I've confused myself with that question. Looks like I have a lot to learn.
Hi Martin! So happy you got something positive from the video. I think I understand your question. The Digitakt has 8 midi channels for sequencing outboard hardware. I have a whole video about how to do MIDI routing you might want to check out. The audio from those synths would still have their audio routed through a mixer or audio interface of some sort, and not the Digitakt. The Digitakt does have two audio inputs for sampling, but those can't be used through the effects of the device, only as audio sources for sampling.The Octatrack does MIDI sequencing, and has 4 inputs for audio that can then be resampled and routed through effects, but this is a limitation of the Digitakt. Still, it seems that it will do exactly what you need it to do. The sequencer could replace the Keystep sequencer, or add 8 channels in addition to the Keystep channels. The beauty of all of this gear is that we can use it however we want. There is no right and wrong way, but there are some technical limitations of some gear. I hope this helps. Thanks so much for watching!
@@SURCOlive Hey that really helps. I understand now. I would focus on the 8 midi channels for sequencing. I do have a room full of vinyl too, so I could finally get round to doing some sampling and make use of Digi's 2x Audio inputs. When you say... "The Digitakt does have two audio inputs for sampling, but those can't be used through the effects of the device, only as audio sources for sampling"... do you mean I wouldn't be able to use Digi's internal FX on sampled vinyl?
One more quick question before I scoot off to watch your Midi routing video. If I was to use the Digitakt as an additional 8 tracks to the Keystep, would I be able to control/play the tracks/instruments that are being sequenced on the Digi via the Keystep Pro keyboard, or will I need a separate keyboard to play the Digi sequenced instruments?
Thank you for you time and shared knowledge :)
Hi Martin. Once the vinyl is sampled, you can use that sample as any other. You just couldn't apply effects to the incoming signal while sampling. Glad to help!
@@SURCOlive Thats great, thank you.
Thanks again for watching!
It would be extremely dumb of me but I should. You...
sound like Walter White, and also lookalike quite a bit. That's cool actually )
I've heard that before. :)
@@SURCOlive your video is super helpful, but it makes me want to buy both of them 😅
That's part of the problem/advantage of the Elektron stuff. Each is amazing for what it does. There is a lot of overlap between all devices, but each has a 'specialty' too. That was the real reason for making the video. I wanted to help people work through which of the specialties was their top priority, then go from there. Thanks so much for watching!
@@SURCOlive I'd like to watch you jam on these. DAWless techno performance is a hypnotizing thing.
Check out the other videos on my channel. I have a couple of DAWless performances as well as one that shows how I build a full techno 'jam' track in 30 min. It follows the process from selecting sounds through to jamming. Thanks again for watching.