MPC One versus Digitakt - Comparison & discussion for hardware setups, plus software pros & cons
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- Been thinking about making this video ever since I picked up the MPC One. It's finally here! I tried my best to keep it as cohesive as possible. Hopefully you gain some insight from it.
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Sub'd! another dope, fair, and honest video.
Ricky, I’m straight up honored 🙏 Your vids literally helped inspire what this channel is today. Sharing knowledge and sparking creativity ❤️
@@grazstarr he spent the first 15 minutes of the video praising the one and showing just how much more flexible it is for sampling and having deep features, i don't think this is unfair at all, just the personal opinions of him vs you coming into play with how the workflow feels to you, if you like the one then you like the one, nothing is trying to discredit that here
Tricky Ricky Tinez ! Now i KNOW this channel means bitness ! ;-)
@@grazstarr unintuitive menu design in what way on the digi? And the learning curve is high? And insane? Care to explain what you mean by that?
You da man Ricky 🤘
Very thorough video! Sold my digitakt for an MPC One and I don't regret it. The elektron stuff felt like a case of stockholm syndrome...I'm over here trying to convince myself that it's ok to have 8 tracks of mono sampling,4 bar loops(without adjusting the scale), and no song mode in 2021 on a 800 dollar drum machine. Akai is a way better sampler and sequencer point blank period. More midi tracks with true polyphony, midi automation of any parameter on my hardware synths, easier file management, stereo audio track direct recording, stem export, better and more effects, VST and DAW integration, time stretching and pitch shifting, clip launching, etc. I liked my digitakt and made good tracks with it the last few years, but I was tired of dealing with very early 90s problems when I really shouldn't have to.
Man, you really summed it good.
Well said
Exactly
j'avoue
exactly all my concerns lol. Thing is im trying to decide whether to sell a handful of hardware synths to afford the mpc live ii or sell my digitakt. Thing is i am stuck on the fact over the past few years i started so many projects that i havent used or finished in the digitakt that im sentimental about and is hard to just say bye to them all even tho ill make loads better music with the MPC its so HARD!
Good to know that the Digitakt autosaves the same way Dark Souls does.
LMAO 🤣
Lol.. Underrated comment. Thank you!
Haha,nice😂
The mpc one saves like bloodborne 😂
Superb! 🤣
Biggest advantage about the MPC (FOR ME):
Is the fact that you can record layered multitracks of midi clock synced tracks WHILE recording to an audio track using external gear. For instance, I can use my MPC as live multitrack recorder for laying down a kick drum with an Iteritas, then a sync a Bassline from a Piston Honda, then overlay some Moog Granny sequences while modulating the filters and oscillators with CV's. I use the MPC as the master clock to send messages to the Eloquencer and the Keystep Pro for some polyphony and route the audio signals back into the Akai. This gives you individual control over each track while doing live performances (filter sweeps and modulation, switching, etc.) within each layered audio track. I can go deeper and record live performances over my recorded audio tracks using the Akai's internal FX and then I can plug in a guitar/synth/microphone and punch in where I want....and this is with my old MPC LIVE from 2017! If you want a sequencing monster go with the Octatrack instead of the Digitakt. Nothing out there beats it. Octa and MPC are just different animals - I have both and they have some overlap, but they both do VERY different things for music production. the FIRST MPC Live (2017) is battery operated - no wires...make beats in your car! Trust me - you really need both.
To me this can all be summed up with: The Digitakt is an instrument and the MPC is a computer that can kind of feel like an instrument. Obviously the computer can do much more, but is also less fun and immediate
True!
Kind of. Though the MPC can feel like many instruments
This video actually really helped contextualize what decision to make for what I need. Gonna get both haha. MPC first, Digitakt later. Thanks for the detailed video.
I had to make this exact choice a month ago. I went for the MPC One due to CV outs on MPC and it’s polyphonic sampling. It has its limitations compared to a DAW, but I wanted to avoid computers as much as possible because I look at a PC for 8 hours a day for my normal work. I think it’s awesome though it is complex. I’ve also just worked out where the auxiliary tracks are so I’m not surprised you haven’t found them yet.
Yup, that’s one of my main reasons for hardware, too. I don’t like staring at a screen for 16 hours a day lol. Some could argue that you’re still staring at a screen with the MPC One, but the tactile buttons change that for me.
Im in the same boat and I ordered One today. It seems as a very powerful DAW and I believe that transition from Logic wont be difficult. Let's see. It will be fun for sure.
Do you find it sparks ideas? I’m looking for a Groovebox to help me get more creative ideas going quickly. I don’t mind looking at the screen except that it also has my emails and Google and so many other distractions plus using Live or Logic or any daw really can feel a bit like filling in a spreadsheet. I’m hoping to find something that will feel like an instrument .
@@benhall2235 personally yes it definitely sparks ideas much more than Logic ever did for me. Even coming from Logic there is steep learning curve, but once you understand the basics it’s amazing. I love the ability to automate literally anything internally as well as affecting external hardware.
@@peterjessop1878 that’s cool, whatever I get I want it to be the hub for other hardware potentially, originally I’d been looking at the electron oktatrack but I’ve a feeling that the mpc will be more capable for actually arranging ideas into nearly finished tracks as a standalone unit
I use the MPC Live, I've had it for 6 months. I totally agree with the statement that the learning curve is super steep. It is simply a DAW with some outboard gear onboard, just one without any of the usual distractions of working with a computer. It certainly benefits from the addition of a slaved sequencer with decent randomisation ( eg: BSP or Squid). I drive an MS 2000r, GR1 pedal with a GK equipped guitar, a Neutron, an MC 505, HD 24, Circuit, BSP and additional effects. All are controlled from the MPC Live with no lag issues (Midi Din). The thing never misses a beat. Great clock.
I’m watching this due to trying to decide between the two for live work. What you say here seems like the MPC is the way to go. I’d like to control the MINITAUR & Hydrasynth with one of these and I think you gave me the insight I need to push forward! I would also use it with the rest of my hardware & DAW, but I’m interested mostly in the ability to use the MPC or Digitakt live! THanks to both you and the host! @Davnar
I agree about adding another sequencer such as the squid. Is it effective to slave the mpc to the sequencer so you can record the randomized midi data or have you found issues when another sequencer is running the mpc?
Thanks for this video. I'll hold on to my Digitakt. I already use a DAW so don't need something as DAW-like as the MPC ONE.
I didn’t buy the MPC One at first because I essentially wanted to play full songs (more than 8) with the ability to play drums and samples at the same time while standalone (not connected to PC) for live shows. You can literally assign up to a 5 minute “sample” per pad. That’s bigger than most full songs! Meaning you can play way more than up to 8 songs per project. It’s what made me buy it and it has been a complete game changer.
I need an updated Digitakt video with the slice warp and repitch options. Also a video showing how these two devices (and a push 2) can work Together instead of either or? I have all three and love them for different reasons and certainly don’t want to sell if I could find more ways to integrate them all
Thankyou 😊
I have same thinking when working with DT & MPC One. If you have creativity mood & need to CREATE a music - DT is best option. You just thinking about sounds, not about "where the hell this function placed?". MPC is like DAW, you can send all your creativity results into it.
I don‘t know what it is- but something makes me want to have a Digitakt next to my MPC One. MPC One has and does it all, but often times searching for a function prevents me from proceeding. Who felt the same and how did you end up?
Cheers!
I have the digitakt and have been thinking of switching, watching this was a rollercoaster. I don't use some of the main benefits of the digitakt (midi basically) but I love how fast I can create fun and creative loops, but then it's just that, a loop and while it's possible to produce a track in it it's also not the greatest for that. I think one thing I'm not ready for is losing the sequencer of the digitakt, it's so simple but great for making detailed changes that really help you flesh out loops.
Only just started doing the midi myself.
What a great comparison. Thanks a lot!
Since you're demonstrating the Digitakt sequencer quite a bit, I think it would be fair to mention some pro's of the MPC sequencer over the Digitakt's:
- 128 + 8 tracks (vs. 8 + 8 tracks on the Digitakt)
- almost unlimited sequence (pattern) length, I think it's 99 bars or so (vs. 4 bars on the Digitakt)
- Time correct / quantize functionality to automatically 'snap' recorded events on a 8th note, 16th note, triplet note, swing etc. grid (don't know how the Digitakt handles it, but I'm quite sure there is more flexibility on the MPC)
- velocity sensitivity and 16 levels to intuitively live-record for example a hi-hat pattern with a human feel due to varying velocities
- grid view (even if you don't use it to program / manage events, I really like to have that immediate overview on the screen instead of 'translating' what those differently colored pads would mean; especially if you load an old project and don't remember anymore what was on which track etc.)
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Having said that, I totally get the point you're making regarding the Digitakt's intuitive workflow. I never owned a step sequencer, neither did I experience parameter locks, but I can imagine that it is an absolutely intuitive and quick workflow. So my point is not to belittle the things you mention about the Digitakt's superior workflow. Just to mention some aspects why for some, even with regards to the sequencer, the MPC might be a good / better fit.
Regarding the menu diving: Well yes, that's quite true with regards to the MPC. Nevertheless, I saw excel at it. So, well, it has quite a steep learning curve, but once you master it and you have the muscle memory, it can feel quite intuitive as well (but then you have an almost complete DAW at your hands and can go miles with it...).
---
Full disclosure: I 'only' own an MPC 1k (but the workflow is quite comparable on all MPCs) and although I love being capable to do so much stuff without a computer, at the end I regularly find myself working with a DAW instead. In contrast, I think, a Digitakt (and I guess the Model:Samples as well) would offer something a computer can't really offer. Which is the quick and easy workflow (once you get it) and the ability to operate it almost blindfolded.
> and the ability to operate it almost blindfolded
Another true thing! With DT you can train muscle memory 💪 & make control real quick.
one thing you never mentioned is playing the mpc pads. you did say that the digitakt was a instrument but it isn't played like a conventional one. tweaking knobs or playing clacky buttons does feel like playing an instrument to me but is great fun. riffing on the pads (not just finger drumming) is big % of the mpc. mine are setup like-Pad Threshold 3, Pad Sensitivity 16 (highest ), Pad Curve A.
the digitakt is a lot more immediate for sure tho. you've got lots of good gear and someone to making music cool music with. peace :)
Yup, solid point. I actually had a section where I was talking about the pads of both boxes but decided to cut it cause I was trying to keep the video under an hour (unsuccessfully). I’m gonna try those pad settings you recommended 👍
I say it’s how well you know the device, I’ve made beats in 10min on the MPC. I feel the MPC is faster then any Maschine, Push 2, FL studio, Reason and etc. Maybe because I been using MPC’S for decades.
Yeah I think having experience with the MPC workflow is a huge plus. I picked up the One recently, first MPC, and I'm constantly running into roadblocks which stops my creative flow. I love it though but learning curve is steep for first time users.
Yup, it’s really tough to compare workflows that you’re super familiar with, too. You’re always going to be comfortable with what’s familiar. On the flip side, learning a new workflow can spark new ideas 👍
Spot on. The challenge is to cherry pick what works for you. But to do this you gotta invest time and have patience because there are so many features and workflows. For example you can literally record an entire song as one sequence with many tracks, then record muted of tracks or instruments.....makes a song in minutes!
@@filmingkey try roland mv1.Fast workflow(for making songs).
@@ghanezu it really looks appealing for me as a beginner wanting a box that can get me from start to finished product in a "streamlined" workflow. unfortunately not as much content on it compared to the MPCs, Maschines etc. out there
You are SPOT ON during the 10min mark when discussing the disadvantages of complexity in stifling the creative process. As a long time piano performer and producer, I can vouch for this.
I had a disheartening period when I went DAWless for my own sanity (using ProTools and Ableton for my day job) - and thought that the MPC One was my salvation. I used an ancient Alesis MMT-8 back in the early 90s. It was like a stripped back version of the Digitakt and wonderfully easy with straightforward workflow.
My key issue has been laying out 3-8min song structure on the MPC. Keeping the live feel but building a proper arrangement (not just a 2 bar mega loop with incremental track muting).
The absolute key is not feeling obliged to learn everything especially when presented with a sweetshop full of possibilities.
Once one finds a simple path through, production becomes simpler.
I now use a ‘hybrid’ workflow - my various synths to lay out both midi and samples into the MPC; the instinctive part. Then I record audio and master via Pro Tools simply because I could never get that mastering quality required by my clients coming straight out of the MPC (or Ableton for that matter).
So I used to be Ableton -> Pro Tools.
Now I’m MPC -> Pro Tools hybrid. Everyone’s got different talents and strengths and this will always be reflected in their setups. The key is to remain flexible but not to lose sight of the music itself. The music must lead and not allow the tech to dictate and overtake). Not easy!
Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!
Nice video. I have both. My opinion, digitakt is best as a living instrument. If you like to work with the music going all the time pick the digitakt. If you want perform (and are not a finger drummer) then digitakt. The Mpc is more of a sampler and Daw combo in a box. It’s similar to Maschine in that way. The pad perform abilities shine allowing anyone to compose chord arrangements without needing to understand music theory. Like many I went with these tools to get away from the computer, but honestly I often question if I should have just stayed with my old Maschine and Ableton lifestyle. I will say that with the Mpc I have really embraced sampling... even sampling my own playing and instruments and have found a love for that which I did not plan on. Just my thoughts....
@dracul74 That’s my thoughts too. To me MPC looks like standalone Maschine. Jack of all trades master of none. I sold Maschine and Push cause I wasn’t inspired. Tried more specialised tools, bought Digitakt and a few synths, never looked back. The immediacy is the king when creating, to be inspired.. Then Ableton for polishing.
Thanks for sharing! I use to use Maschine and Logic Pro. It was good, it worked. Lots of stuff just works. At the end of the day it’s all about finding what makes you vibe and sparks creativity 👍
Thanks man, tight work!
I've been using MPC units since '89 - solid, intuitive, and idiot proof, -which is great for me...
I never found them to be intuitive, but once you learn them they are good machines
Top tip for MPC....make a template and map a controller like Novation xl to it...then you have live hands on to anything!! Reverse samples any fxs or plugins...any thing mutes......ANYTHING😉
Noice
Unfortunately this is exactly not working! There is a big midi bug in the firmware and akai is really not understanding the problem! I'm a bit disappointed
@@Goratek it worked before last update and the Force just got the midi mapping PLUS the fix, so we will get next update😉🙌
@@InkyDaCaT wow really! You gave me a little hope, but i will wait until i see it with my own eyes 👁️😁😉
@@Goratek I know....it used to work just not on master channels? Force didn't have it at all till last update.... we've had it for years?? But now on Force works including remembering master channels 😅....there is hope..
Ive got keystep mpc live mk1 n xl and to me thats easiest 1 box you gottaguard with your life and 2 in back pack?/ no hassel 2usb wires and audio out/best take out rig ever?? If only the midi mapping will work😅😅
It took me over a year to adapt to the 4 bar limit of the elektron sequencer, but truly all the the initial limitations seem to fall away when you are actually cranking out music. The Digitakt just flows so easily. Could it be more versatile? Maybe, but I think the DT was birthed from the realization that the OT was overkill for 90% of the people who used it and by ditching slicing, timestretch, and songmode the learning curve would be all focused on the sequencer.
I have been using MPC almost exclusively since getting the MPC One. To me the Digitakt is a synth, just one of many great other synths. I am somewhat new to the MPC workflow also. However I am picking it up quickly and I love it. I feel like I can get song recorded much faster with MPC 2 and MPC One. It is so amazing as you pointed out how much power the MPC One has. In fact if I ever make a large enough amount of money with a song created on the MPC I will also buy the MPC X. I am in the process of making the MPC my studio hub instead of my computer and Abelton Live. While yes the MPC does have a learning curve. The payback on what you can then get out of projects is just right for my workflow.
Yeah, I have the mpc one as well and absolutely love it. Great machine. Pretty much does it all. The digitakt is not a synth. It’s a sampler only. It doesn’t create it’s on sound. You have to load or play sound in. But glad you are loving the the mpc one
@Mark C If Mpc replaces your daw, then that’s cool, but if later you still have to bounce into Ableton and mix there, then I don’t see the point of having two daw’s.
@@LukezyM I see your point. However, I am using MPC One in stand alone most of the time without my computer to write with. I use the MPC One more like a stand alone instrument, I am still figuring out exactly how it fits in my workflow but I am finding it to be one of my best sampling and beat making tools. I love how powerful, flexible and immediate the workflow is for me. I am doing full arrangement of songs in the DAW Logic Pro and Ableton. I actually like using the MPC 2 within Ableton it is like a turbo boost on a lamborghini. I am not an MPC fan boy. This is my first "MPC" although I do have the MPK 261 and I used it exclusively until I go the Keystep Pro.
I’m using the MPC One this way as well. I find it creatively refreshing to write and organize ideas with the MPC One, and then live record the main idea/sounds into Ableton for finishing and polishing. Solid workflow 👍
I am sorely, sorely tempted to get an MPC One. I know all the Ableton bells and whistles, but I just can't get productive with it. Thanks for your informative videos!
Sometimes you just gotta switch up your production environment for a bit. It happens to me a lot. That's why I use a hybrid setup so I can get the best out of hardware and finish with software. Cheers!
ps MPC platform is fantastic, but it's still technically a DAW in a box.
I feel like both companies have watched this video and made changes in their next few updates 😅
That CV.OCD is something I didn't realize existed and that I needed! Very cool!
Yeah it's a great utility device to have around. So many times I'll be like "oh I can just clock via the CV.OCD"
You described the MPC One perfectly. True it has many features which increases complexity and takes time to learn. But it also enables so many possible workflows. Once you figure out the flow you prefer it's super fun and powerful. The downside is it takes time to do this. You really need to experiment and watch others do it on RUclips to truly discover things you never thought of. As an example, I am using Bounce to Sample, Song Mode, multiple sequences, Save Current Channel Strip to produce songs quicker. Never tried this until watching beat making people sharing their beat making on RUclips.
Solid tips! The MPC One has really settled in as the “sampler powerhouse” in my setup 👍👍
no song mode = sold.. now enjoying the one.
9:23 ah I would like a video about the self discipline when producing!
As far speed with sampling and chopping the mpc is king. Once you adjust to it the manual way of sampling just sample and tap the pad at the chopping points or use auto chop by threshold, bpm, or notes.
This dude is awesome, and so is his partner/colleague(band mate?)!!! I’m glad you mentioned the music you have out, I’m going to listen Right now!
The recent MPC stuff is everything you ever need. You can pretty much toss your PC.
You can do note probability on the MPC One but only 75%, 50% or 25% and you have to use "blank" samples in your layer options.
Good Vid, Yes the MPC offers more, but could not be assed scrolling through menus on a touch screen, MPC seems like a computer or tablet in a box, Maybe if they added a mouse pointer to the screen for the use of a mouse, it may increase the work flow, but defeats what it is to be Dawless, For me Dawless is hands on and not relying to look at a screen for everything, it actually to get away from looking at screens, and to focus on listening, creating and producing, from the moment you switch on your device. There is no perfect all in one box, that’s going to appeal to everyone, but I do like the simplicity of the Digitakt, also the Deluge by Synthstrom looks good, but the lack of no screen may put people off, but then you have the Octatrak, both devices have no integration with a daw, but cost more, Elektron has just released updates for the Digitakt and has made it class compliant, that maybe a game changer for some.
Love to see ya on the Digitakt 2 !
I purchased and then returned the MPC-One the first week it came out because (and I can’t recall exactly now) it wasn’t able to control/sequence external midi hardware the way a Digitakt could, but with the 2.8 USB midi update this is certainly not the case,. I probably would not have traded it for the Digitakt.
This is a great comparison video hand down
I love the videos you are producing, between the amazing music Meems and you create and the amazing instruments/productions commentary i'm hooked! Keep up the great work!
Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words 🙏
It's not your imagination. I bought/returned two MPC Live 2 machines because of the poor pad response on both of them. Not as much when banging drum samples, but trying to play melodic instruments was mostly impossible. I was so happy to get away from a computer desk but extremely dissapointed at the same time. I have been using NI Maschine (MK I and MK 3) for a decade and NEVER had a double/tripple/non hit.
One thing that seperates MPC from other deveces is that it is basically a computer inside running some form of Linux which is why integrating with a Mac of PC can be troublesome.
Thanks for the very informative comparison video! Yes, both sounds best.
Man you took the words right out of my mouth. I have both and have been neglecting the Digitakt because of the MPC. As a matter of fact it has replaced my Digi as the main hub of my studio. My setup is just like yours it's a hybrid setup with an analog back end and hybrid mixing desk. Now with the new updates for the takt and tone the sequencer is even better. I still think the Takt is faster for drums except when using drum kits that's where the MPC is faster to me. When browsing individual sounds the takt os faster to me. Also I like minor 9th and major 13th type chords so the digi sequencer was out for me and I bought a Keystep for sequencing chords. The MPC can do chords really well so I only sequence drums with the Digitakt now. I saw you had the Klark Teknik Pultec clones. I almost bought those but instead I went with 2 Golden Age Project Neve clones they are smaller half rack 1u. As far as the CV OCD I use a Hexinverter mutant brain on my modular so that way it can stay patched and I can trigger my Squid Salmple with either sequencer I also use a Doepfer switch to switch between the hardware sequencers and the modular ones on the fly. Anyway Great Video !! As always you and Meme's continue to inspire me to move out of my deep house/techno world.
Hey Max! Thanks for the feedback and thoughts! Very insightful. I’ll have to checkout the Hexinverter (sounds like a fantastic modular solution). I’ve had my eye on those GAP clones as well. I know they’re excellent quality.
Cheers! 🍻
@@TeftyMeems Yeah they sound really nice a bit pricey but well worth it for my space limitations. Next up is a patch bay so I can run them independently. Right now they are on a chain with the Analog Heat then the GAP's then my Art Pro VLA which has been modified.
together, these two machines could be a crazy batman and robin duo. (especially with what looks like a pro 3 in the background)
Your wrap up comment summed it up perfectly- GEAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME(GAS)...😂👊🏼....definitely contributed to me just ordering the MPC ONE to add to my Digitakt🔥....looking forward to the possibilities!
There are pros and cons to both. I prefer the Digitakt because of its immediacy, and how you can really use it as a synth. Elektron refined the workflow to the point that it's an easy device to digest, and use live. The MPC workflow is kind of a mess, but my god, the options, though it feels more like a preset/sampling box than a useful synth, which isn't as appealing to me. What I do know is that the Digitakt never left my desk.
I've got digitakt and getting an mpc one to pair with it. They're a completely different mentality from each other, and while neither is genre specific, they definitely do tend to have their demographics. I... am bipolar in my genres, workflows,etc. but I've got an addiction to samplers,and to always learning new sequencing / tracking methods etc so this is going to be a hell of a lot of fun. I'll surely sample the digitakt into the mpc, then layer them both back together all over again lol
Excellent, real food for thought on both bits of gear. Still not sure but I have some time to think.
Apologies accepted! 🙈😊really loved the 1hour marathon! It was definitely worth it! I own a push2 and love overbridge with my digitone. First I just thought it would be best to buy the mpc one FOR MONTHS and then realized while watching your video, that I already have the things I need and are just on the hunt for a performance drum sampling thingy which I can also use on my balcony 🤓🤷♂️
You have noticed some latency with your configuration because I do. I also use digitone with ableton and after a few minutes and changing some sounds the digitone starts to have some latency. I have a Macbook pro M1
To me, the MPC one can do everything you'll ever want and a lot more than what you paid for vs the Digitakt.
100. Facts. In every category.
For me, the MPC is a midi recorder whereas the DT is a creative instrument. Record a sample, parameter lock the hell out of it and in next to no time you've got something completely different. So creative.
Two completely different boxes which just happen to have some crossover.
You didn't mention the undo button. That's what I love in MPC and I believe it could easily fit into the Elektron workflow if they have added it. Really miss it in Elektron devices. Anyway, my personal preference after having both for a while - Digitakt is great for experiments and MPC wouldn't come even close to this. MPC is really great in being a straightforward instrument to fulfill ideas you have had already.
Yup! That undo button is clutch. I was using the Digitakt recently and reached for an undo 🤣 Thanks for watching 🙏
@@TeftyMeems FUNC NO brings you back to you last temporarily saved state not the overall project save......a workflow adaption issue not a feature issue I'd say.
When you say they don’t come close do you mean you prefer the elektron over the mpc? Or just that the the elektron is so good for experimenting that it can’t compare to the workflow of the MPC?
Man! The audio of your video have very good gain! I was surprised after viewing a couple others vids before. Finally!!!
Thank you! We take special care and attention to proper recommended publishing levels to RUclips 🙏
why does it feel that when you speak about the MPC everything is bright and colorful, and when you speak about the digitakt it comes across as if you're recovering from an addiction?
JK, great video.
If I could get both I'd definitely do it. Because even tho i'm ok with the Digitakt limitations. I don't know for how long will I view pass them. I have an OG Novation Circuit, and I already know it front to back. And the limitations just become more annoying as time goes on. I'm afraid that that will happen with the Digitakt. On the other hand, with the MPC, i'm afraid that I'll just go like "fak it, i'll use a Daw". Decisions, Decisions...
Great and honest. Additionally, you are not asking for subscribing before you started talking, hence subscribed ;-).
Its funny, I really have Digitakt envy, but the more I find out about it, the more I realise it is quite limited. My Korg Elektribe 2 Sampler can do all this and more! I though the 'Tribe was limited, by you get quite good insert FX per sound (and there's 16 pads, 24 note polyphony). The ability to power the 'Tribe with AA batteries is sweet too. The Master FX (reverb) is shared by all sounds, but you can choose whether to send your sounds to it per sound. I do like the Digitakt sequencer though, that is definately better.
Regarding the pad sensitivity. Thought to mention that you can have the options of Full Levels, Half Levels via a button press. Also, you can change their default sensitivity by going into Preferences and then Hardware.
Yeah it’s mostly the sensitivity I need to mess with because it’ll sometimes fire a ghost note that’s like 1/256th.
Great comparison you explained both devices in great detail. Instead of the akai one l have the force, digitakt and digitone. The force is similar to the one but does not use a software you can connect to abelton by WiFi and load your projects. It was designed to be used with abelton but like the one it has the same air effects and plugins. I like the fact that it doesn't feel like a daw in a box like the one and live.
I’m 2023, syntakt and MPC one seem a perfect partner for sampling and Analogue/Sample drum sounds on the Elektron.
Especially with the song mode added to Syntakt, seems a perfect combo. 🪄🤩
I use both analog rytm and mpc live. With Elektron I mostly do a lot of step programming using parameter locks and so on. However, with the mpc I always play the pads live sequencing, easily layer the drums and get a more human groove going. Mpc one use play notes into the machine as you are the drum machine. Elektron is a programmer dream. Whereas the mpc is for a player who wants to plays what they feel.
Yeah that makes sense. The pads are definitely superior on the MPC. And yeah, the limitless ability to layer allows you to make some tasty grooves with the drums 👍
Thanks for watching and sharing thoughts 🙏
Excellent candid comparison. Thankyou.
Ilok....ahhhh biggest grip about mpc....however I now just use hardware n record stereo wav into logic.....mpc great piece of kit for hardware studio💗🙌
Awesome comparison video! Both are great creative tools. One isn't necessarily better than the other given certain scenarios. I prefer the MPC One for most music making. The latest update was excellent. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Ben! Yeah agreed, 2.8 made the MPC an amazing platform!
I HATE the Digitakt for not having:
- EQ per channel or at least 2nd filter as on the Digitone. This is my biggest complaint! Because I don't use this thing as the drum machine only! I do a lot of melodic stuff and whole tracks on it. It is just an essential feature for mixing. Come on, Elektron!
- chorus (I often use an LFO with the AMP panning which is far from chorus effect but makes things wider)
- 2nd LFO per track
- time stretching would be nice to have (but it's impossible, I guess due to CPU limit)
And I LOVE the Digitakt same time for it's minimalism.
Still dreaming about getting the MPC One and the Octatrack.
Thanks for video!
Thank you… exactly the choice I am making right now. Thx
I don't know why people keep comparing these two devices... They are very different. One is basically a sample based drum machine the other is a workstation. I owned an MPC Live. Hated the workflow. Basically felt like it added nothing that I couldn't get out of Ableton with a Push but it was limited to 2GB or RAM where my computer has 32GB of RAM.
MPC One should be compared to a Maschine. Thats a far better comparison as they are actually in the same category of product. I personally prefer the Maschine over MPC any day. Way quicker workflow, better tools for performance, and it doesn't rely on a touch screen. Digitakt is also a far more focused device. It feels more like an instrument while the MPC is, again, trying to be a self contained DAW.
They are just different things. You will definitely get more for your money with MPC One. You will also get a much more tedious workflow. Maschine does what MPC One does but its far more intuitive. And Digitakt is the best live performer of all three.
Greg Menzies Maschine “Intuitive”!!!! Are you sure mate? Have you not (you must have) used Kontakt? That’s the least intuitive music software in all of history.
Maschine is a controller. MPC is standalone. So they are totally different. All because they look similar doesn’t mean shit. NI put loads of I.T on their products which often kills inspiration.
@@jamisbillson4872 Kontakt isn't Maschine. Maschine is Maschine. Kontakt is Kontakt. And yes, I own Native Instruments Komplete Bundle. Kontakt is a tool to create sample libraries it's not really meant for artists trying to make a song. There's tons of Kontakt libraries that are for artists but the actual tool is for people developing a product. So if you find Maschine unintuitive because you're using another product Native Instruments offers incorrectly that's entirely on you. I mean, you can open up Kontakt within the computer MPC software... Does that mean MPC software is now suddenly unintuitive?
The stock Maschine sampler is the sampler you should be using. Which is extremely comparable to MPC. Both have time stretching (not real time) and both have chopping. The one thing MPC has is the auto sampler which... Let's be honest isn't hard to create a project in any DAW that does the same thing (including Maschine).
At the end of the day MPC is just a Linux computer running a specific program. That's it. The only difference is one is a midi controller built around a poorly spec'd computer and that other is a controller that's being controlled by a computer program. 2GB of RAM is a constant headache for tons of MPC users and sample libraries can work on MPC but it eats up what you can do which requires your to either be destructive with your music production (resampling patterns and deleting instruments) or severely limiting what you choose to make.
The fact that if you want to copy and paste a pad brings up a menu where you then have to choose which pad you want to copy from and which pad you want to paste to vs Maschine where you simply hold the duplicate button and press the pad you want to move is a great example on how Maschine is more intuitive. Browsing samples is another great example where you can easily search for sample types and even categories within the types. On MPC you have to scroll through your sample library the same way that's done on a computer but it's more tedious because you don't have a mouse to scroll through and select multiple samples a time.
Maschine is entirely button focused so it's far easier to build up muscle memory, that's something that just won't happen to the same degree as it will on a touch screen. And the buttons, especially compared to the MPC Live are in way smarter places.
So yeah, Maschine is far easier. I have tons of experience with lots of groove boxes and controllers. Have owned and still own many. The Maschine platform is a groove box. It's not standalone, sure, but as a product and what it does it's exactly the same as what MPC is.
And for me, I never look at my computer when using Maschine. It's way quicker that's a fact. If you are having to look at your computer and use your mouse and keyboard to change things you're using Maschine wrong. It's as simple as that.
But honestly, your opening argument of trashing Maschine because of the seperate VST that Native Instruments makes for developers to make sample libraries is so laughable because it displayed your lack of understanding what Kontakt or Maschine even is.
I still have maschine studio but I now go back to my mpc live. Just simple for me. But both are good. Depends on the user.
Greg Menzies...yet another clown presuming things of which you know nothing. I had mk.3 when it came out. My “laughable lack of understanding” is not something I’m bothered about. Because I’m a musician. Not an I.T consultant. As for your great knowledge...I bet you’re a sample pack/loop buyer aren’t you. Says it all.
@@jamisbillson4872 I like how you come at me calling me a clown yet you also end with an assumption, lol. I own many synthesizers and work in sound design.
Good job, you've had Maschine since... 3 years ago? I've been using Maschine for over a decade and you've already shown you don't know shit. Have a good day.
Finally, I found this review. I’ve been trying to get a concise and honest comparison of these two products for weeks. You nailed it! Looks like I’ll hang onto my Digitakt.
Thanks Samuel! They’re both great honestly.
Digitakt is weird fun groovebox that you can take seriously.
MPC one is a serious DAW.
The touch screen though almost makes it feel like you're using a computer. Which kind of feels counter intuitive.
Thanks for the video. I'm still learning Digitakt so seeing how other people use it is great.
Thanks Bob! We just released a new vid on the Digitakt today. Cheers! 🍻
The overbridge sounds pretty cool... seems like it's better option than the one if you're using it with ableton
It's DIJ-i-takt, beardy
Solid Info here - i just found your channel , and its a keeper !
Hi Mikkel! Thanks for stopping by and watching 🍻
i would love to see a video where you explain how you connect everything and the way you record when making a new track because i know there are multiple ways you can record/make a song but not yet sure how i would do it because i don't fully understand some ways unless you have a lot of money and can buy some gear which does multiple things in one which are harder to do when you're at the start of the music making
Digitakt can only sample in mono, MPC is stereo and you can use 4 x high quality fx when sampling at input stage.
Great video! Not used the Digi before so good to get a comparison
beatmaking? mpc. sound mangling? digitakt. having both of them at the same time? bliss. they complement each other. but tbh, i regretted buying mpc live, mpc one is actually one button less away to get to track mute, sampler, etc.
The only thing that has me looking at the Live is the extra outs. I so wish I could split drums and tonal samples out from each other on the One while jamming live. I know I can do it in the export, but sometimes I want to run stuff through analog gear while recording a jam.
@@TeftyMeems There's nothing similar to Overbridge for the MPC so you can live jam and record separate audio outs via USB?
Super helpful! Wish you had a digitakt x octatrack video :) specially on the beatmaking workflow
Great video. Very informative and thorough.
Had both… MPC all day
I have the X and don’t have the software transfer issue - that sucks if it the SD card isn’t visible. I also have Octatrack (no Overbridge) which as a mangler/resampler/performance tool is amazing as you pointed out with the DT. I have A4 and Digi Keys and love the Elektron workflow but the X is the king of my hobby studio - it is my primary audio interface and I use a patchbay to maximise the felixibility.
Another great video Tefty. I always learn something from you guys whenever I watch and that’s the reason I look forward to your new videos dropping. Great inspiration. Thanks again.
Thanks Scott! Really appreciate the feedback. You got an awesome setup! The MPC X looks super nice, especially with all those separate outputs 👀
I have the Digitakt and Digitone and I'm getting an MPC One. As far as the pad sensitivity on the MPC One as you pointed out can be adjusted.
T watched loopop's deep dive vid and he set the MPC's pad sensitivity to it's lowest setting and it worked great for him.
Nice comparison....Thanks lot's of good honest info.
Have a DN and DT as well, and curious to see if you picked up your MPC One. How's it worked out for you?
@@jaredforney2372 Hey Jared, I always buy used gear and when I see a great deal that is on my whishlist ,. The MPC 1 is no exception. When I bought my DT, it was months before I dove in….well, I have the same situation here. I have not yet jumped in full force with the MPC I will soon…I’m getting there. Lol…Thanks for the shout out, you’ve brought attention to my total procrastination…Thanks again…you’ve really done me a service here!
@@howardanderson3061 hey procrastination is my middle name :-s Any update? how you finding it?
I have a Digitakt on order but Im gonna cancel it. Just find out theres no way to save chained patterns. Dont understand it... Why even have the possibility to make chains if you cant save them?
Yeah, it’s a bit strange honestly.
Why do you mean by chains? I didn’t think digitakt could chain patterns together like the MPC song mode I take that to mean?
The mpc is far more greater now with the 2.10 update now the 2.10.1. I'm pretty sure mpc will have more updates to come making it even better I love my mpc one. Let's not forget it's made to help beginners also it's much easier to learn. The digitakt looks to complicated to learn seems like to me. But I guess it's what your preference is🤷🏾♂️
damn bro I came here to decide which one to buy but now i want to buy both!! 🤣
Id love to see an mpc live 2 vs octatrack mk2
I bought the One six months ago and never clicked with it. So I bought the digitakt today. I now have a like-new mpc up for sale in San Francisco. Anyone interested?
Wasn't even a contest for me. The winner is tops on just PRICE vs FEATURES. MPC One FOR LIFE.
but if you have no PC? wich one you choose?
MPC One 100%
Great comparison, thanks! subscribed! 🌞
This is a good video. I own a Digitone and I love the sounds I get out of it but the Digitakt really had me wondering if it was better than other samplers/sequencers. I'll keep shopping around since the MPC One is still too far out of reach for me but the nonetheless I feel more comfortable venturing outside of Elektron. Maybe use my iPad more for music creation on the go
I have both of these, and while I like the MPC, the Digitakt hands down kills it with that sequencer. While the effects might be limited, every single step - up to 64 - can have a different effect and parameter. Even the fact that it only has four bars doesn't really matter since you can change so much with the parameter locks (check out the "Amen, Bror" video on YT). The filter is really good. And as far as the effects go on the MPC, some of them are pretty pedestrian. Slicing on the Digitakt is awful, but I don't mind chopping on my computer and moving them over.
If only the Digitakt had those pads and that screen...
Eddie Van Heinous - agree with you, DT sequencer is incredible. For me though, parameter locking sample start time is far more creative than having auto slicing, works so well on any kind of sample.
Why compare the two when you can have both.
Why would you want to learn two machines when they do similar things? Also, most people aren't made of money.
@@BLUVProductions I have both
Agree I ilok sucks lol so does MPC software imho....but I now just record all studio through mixer into l/r into logic.....no messing after and good ear training for playing live? 🙌 Spent ages trying to auto sample soft synths... couldn't do it🤣 yet sampling hardware without software sooooo easy??? Ftw lol
I love the digitakt. The “elektron way” is just so time efficient.
Excellent video sir! I notice the engrams on the table... I wonder which one Master Rahool would drop as an exotic? Probably neither, it would be an old Yamaha QY-20 or something! Peace ✌️
🤣 That stingy cryptarch at it again 🤣
Okay so if you want to go dawless and really precisely produce and sample, than the Akai is better. For an instrument that boosts creativity you can later use to make a song, maybe take the Digitakt.
No velocity on pads however means that fingerdrumming is easier on the akai?
Cool Video! I was going to get the Digitakt, ended up getting MPC Live. Still want to try that sequencer on the Digitakt some day. I have had to learn parts of the mpc live at a time to not get overwhelmed! I am going to watch for your 1 year update on the MPC! Things get faster! I don't use windows but i think you need to enable hidden files, on your comp. to see mpc icon on your windows computer! Also you have wireless WI-FI control of Ableton Live with the mpc. Love your music!!! Peace!!!
You could get a Digitone instead if you like the MPC for sampling. It’s a very creative machine and very unique. It also has 4 midi sequencers. The Midi Sequencers are pretty similar to a keystep but you can also pLock program changes and banks. I sold the Digitrack and replaced it with a Rytm mk1 which I’m much happier with ( I am longtime Octatrack user though which takes care of sampling).
I would like to get an MPC at some point, I had an MPC 1000 for years which was a good machine.
Lots of pro MPC comments and I can understand why as it’s a more complete music making solution. It does appear to be a mini DAW essentially though so if you’re already happy using a DAW what does it add to your studio? Genuine question as I think it looks great but in my case can’t see a use for it myself. MPC Live maybe because it’s battery powered so it’s a DAW on the go but I have an MC101 for ideas away fro,m the studio. For transparency I use a Digitakt with a DAW already hence the question.
That question led me to sell my MPC LIve. I had more fun with older MPCs because the limitations made me think out of the box. It's great hardware but it wasn't inspiring. Been using the Digitakt with Ableton and it's a different story.
Dawless brother. .no competition.
i use an MPC live and reaper (and sometimes ableton too) for different phases of the process - roughly the MPC for writing/preproduction, DAW for the detail editing, overdubbing making final production choices, and mixing. it should be said, the MPC is only a DAW in a really basic sense. you can’t add new synth/effects plugins or do many other things that true DAW users take for granted. true, it is possible to make a professional sounding track on the MPC alone, but not in the ways i prefer to. i practically never overdub full length parts from external instruments into the MPC, just shorter samples sometimes because a full DAW is just much better for tracking and mixing.
just because you CAN do something on the current MPC line doesn’t mean you have to use it that way - i never use the audio tracks (or clips) functions on the MPC for example. Tefty has never used send and return channels on the MPC while it was one of the things i worked out in the first day or two. i find the MPC looper pretty disappointing, but no one forces me to use it and there are multiple other main menu pages i never click on. you don’t have to use all the MPC effects or any of the built-in synths or any of the filters besides regular low/highpass
really though, regarding the touchscreen question: the biggest difference from a personal computer or tablet or phone for me is probably that the MPC won’t let me run a web browser and never bothers me with anything not related to music. i feel i push the MPC pretty hard sometimes but almost never max out CPU/memory, while i constantly have to think about resource management on a computer. basically, i feel totally able to treat my MPC like it’s just a simple sampling drum machine and it still excels as one. i know all of this is really subjective and personal but just thought i’d answer.
I think sweeterthananything’s comment summed it up perfectly. Different phases of the process is huge to me. When I was younger I got bogged down in the process because everything was done in the same place on a computer. Splitting up the creation/writing from the finishing/polishing has increased my productivity dramatically and keeps my mind fresh for new ideas. Thanks for watching and sharing thoughts 🙏
I kept the MPC one for 2 days and tried my hardest to learn the workflow. I was attempting to get away from the computer, and while I got away from the pc, I also felt like I just got a more condensed space to try and learn a nontraditional DAW like workflow, if that makes sense. (fyi, i got the MPC one after watching this channel as inspiration). Maybe you should do your own instructional videos for the MPC in your style of creation? I'm sure they'd be good!
Yeah definitely considering doing more in depth vids on the MPC One. It’s a solid platform, but the uptake time can be significant if you’re coming from a traditional DAW. It’s really rewarding once you get past the mental barriers. Thanks for watching! 🍻
@@TeftyMeems that would be awesome! Keep up the good work, awesome channel.
@@TeftyMeems Looking forward to more instructional videos here. You do a very good job explaining key points.
Hope it's ok to mention that Tubedigga, Lifted Noise, Mathew Stratton, and Marlow Diggs, will blow any beginners mind too as they are Masters on the MPC platform.
2 days is not enough time. I think you threw in the towel to quickly.
What I'm looking for is a central hub for my eurorack rig. A song compositor, if you will. I don't need another voice, although I lack a sampler in my setup. The eurorack samplers I have seen for sale just don't seem to do everything I want. Except for the Assimil8or, but that's been on backorder for over two years. The MPC One seems to have everything I want for this kind of purpose. Will I use everything on it? Not at all. I couldn't care less about the features that I have satisfied in my modular, and that's quite a bit. The One looks like it meets the core songwriting elements I need and the connectivity to glue all the devices together before the noises come out of the mixer. Nothing wrong with Digitakt, but it's like a guitar or a piano. It's meant to be played and implemented not a set-and-forget utility. Although the One has DAW-like features, it still isn't the mousy-stylus ergonomics of a computer.