The Elektron Digitakt is a digital drum machine released in early 2017. It has eight pads, each of which can be assigned to a different sound. The device also has a built-in sequencer, arpeggiator, and other features that make it perfect for creating electronic music.
The Elektron Digitakt has quickly become one of the most popular drum machines on the market, thanks to its ease of use and versatile sound. In this review, we’ll look at what makes Digitakt so unique and help you decide if it’s a suitable machine for you.
Elektron Digitakt Best Review
Despite some high-quality synthesizers and last year’s Analog Heat and Drive Effects, the Swedish company Elektron is best known for its best drum machines and sequencer-based grooveboxes. The latest additions are Digitakt, a sampling best drum machine, and a MIDI sequencer.
With an all-digital architecture, Digitakt is Elektron’s first non-analog product since the release of Analog Keys in 2012.
In terms of design, the Digitakt is housed in the same square-shaped Analog Heat chassis. Visually, it is pervasive in Elektron. Many matte blacks have a rubber gray screen with minimal LED color. Although OLED screens have a quality of integration, they are clear and transparent in all lighting conditions, and the various monitors in the OS are generally clearly arranged.
Pros
- Affordable
- sampling
- MIDI sequencing
Cons
- Limited audio outputs (2)
- Monophonic Sequencer
Elektron Digitakt Sound Design
The track or sound parameters in this digital drum computer sampler can be accessed using the five buttons below the encoder. TRIG allows you to change the parameters of the sequencer notes. In the SRC, you select and modify the samples and their playback properties. The FLTR covers everything related to filters, the AMP includes an amplitude envelope and an FX level, and the LFO has access to all modulation settings. The subview gives you access to track-level mixers, advanced effect settings, and more.
The determinants of the eight main tracks are samples. Sample Select is a parameter on the TRG page that provides quick access to 128 sample slots in the current project. Like everything else, this parameter is auto-playable so that you can use different samples for each step. It can be used creatively for subtle changes or randomly for absolute confusion. On the SRC screen, you can adjust the start position, length, loop, and execution direction and position.
The sample playback engine is so fast and smooth that you can repeat brief clips of a sample to create a new song. You can then move, auto-correct, or modify the position to scan for wave-like or particle sounds. These sounds can be played melodically using the chromatic button mode, which significantly enhances the sonic potential of an ordinary drum machine.
The sound design is also well controlled by filters, effects, and modulation. Each track also has bit reduction and overdrive on the source sample stage, adding to the byte and warmth. This one, in particular, is great and gives Digitakt its unique sound. The mod is simple but powerful: each pad contains a single shape-shifting LFO that can be routed to multiple parameters. It can be rotated to double another envelope and has a fade envelope to add depth in or out.
Elektron Digitakt Performance First
The pads are the only live performance-related controls on the device. They can be used to trigger samples, record and overdub sequences, and playback chords in scale mode. The velocity response is perfect, and you can adjust the sensitivity and curve to taste. Pads can also be assigned to Random, Roll, or Swing functions.
There are two ways to generate sequences on the Digitakt. The first is to use the pads in step-record mode; This is great for quickly capturing an idea or building a drum pattern from scratch. The second method uses the MIDI input, Which allows you to sequence external devices or play virtual instruments from your DAW. The latter is a great way to get the most out of Digitakt’s sound design capabilities.
Sampling Elektron Digitakt
Digitakt’s internal storage is pre-recorded with various electronic and acoustic drum samples, some synthesizer sounds, and an “instrument” with effects and short cycle cycles. These are used as raw material or Digitakt parameters. The Sound Browser, which stores sample audio patches and all track settings, is empty. But Digitakt is about testing your voices. It is performed in MPC style in dedicated mode, where you can record manually or set the autorun threshold.
Shift-tapping, the Sampling button for direct sampling, immediately begins recording what you did before. Digitakt’s can be sampled from one or both inputs or internal mix bus. When you stop, the pattern normalizes, and the progress editor appears. The clever split-view user interface allows you to zoom in and adjust the start and end points independently, allowing for excellent cropping. When you’re done, you can save the edited part of the project or assign it directly to the track.
One of the ways Digitakt is easier than Octatrack is that all audio tracks are the same, with one mode. Octatrack has a Slice mode that allows you to sample a series of drum hits (for example) into a long file, chop it into areas and play sounds from different note formats on the track. With Digitakt, you can record multiple sounds in one way, but you have to define each region manually and assign each to a different track.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digitakt good for?
The Elektron Digitakt is a great all-in-one device for music production, live performance, and Djing. Its simple yet powerful interface allows you to create and manipulate sounds quickly.
The Elektron Digitakt is not a cheap device, but the good thing is that if you are a newbie, you can still find it affordable. It has a lot of flexibility to help you get creative, and you can get the device at a meager cost.
Where are Elektron Digitakt made?
Electron is a Swedish musical instrument developer and manufacturer founded in 1998 and has its headquarters, R&D, and production in Gothenburg, Sweden. However, the place of production for Digitakt is still unknown.
Is the Digitakt a groovebox?
The Elektron Digitakt is a digital drum machine and sampler with an eight-track sequencer. It is not a groovebox.
Can you sample into the Digitakt?
Yes, the Elektron Digitakt can sample from either its internal mix bus or one of its two external audio inputs. It can also record MIDI from an external source.
Verdict
The Elektron Digitakt is a great all-in-one device for music production, live performance, and Djing. Its simple yet powerful interface allows you to create and manipulate sounds quickly. The only downside is that it is not a cheap device, but the good thing is that if you are a newbie, you can still find it affordable. It has a lot of flexibility to help you get creative, and you can get the device at a meager cost. The Elektron Digitakt is an excellent choice for an affordable and powerful all-in-one music production tool.