Digitakt 1 month Impression // I've Never Produced this Quickly

Digitakt 1 month Impression // I've Never Produced this Quickly
I'm not sure if it's because i'm going through a minimal phase but i've never produced as quickly as I have with the Digitakt. Elektron hit something big with this one.
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CONTENTS OF THE VIDEO:
0:00 Hello // My Impression of the Digitakt
1:23 Build Quality // Comparison
2:32 Digitakt Basics
3:07 My most efficient Digitakt Workflow (at the moment)
5:27 Pattern Conditions (Fill Mode)
7:52 Syncing external audio sources
9:28 My Streaming income with DistroKid
10:11 Thank you // How to support me
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#digitakt #elektron #tutorial #electronicmusicproducer
Shoutout to (at) alliebrowniest (Instagram) for the lvl 1000 animations!

[@LiamKillen]

New music streaming everywhere: hyperfollow.com/lkmusic

[@JJ-vp3bd]

vs an mpc one which one should i go for?

[@trevormalcolm4328]

After many months of research I finally got around to getting my Model: Cycles a couple of months ago, and now I’m into the Elektron workflow I’m eyeing and lusting after the Digitakt. Great video!!!.

[@LiamKillen]

Digitakt is my favourite of theirs so far!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

@@LiamKillen But here’s the question, Digitakt or SP-404 mk II?

[@BIG1TOWER]

I bought one of these a few months ago ……..I love it. This alone with the Roland mc 101 is a killer match.

[@LiamKillen]

Ouuuu yeah- the tr 6s is also a great combination.

[@sinewaymusic]

For me, the word you used, "semi-finished" was the showstopper. I ended up with so many unfinished songs and I never really got the hybrid workflow going well. It was too much of a chore to get it to work nicely with the DAW, and I absolute hated that all the stereo panning was ignored when exporting via Overbridge. So the DT ended up as a music sketch machine for me and I couldn't justify the price given those limitations. That said, it sure was a fun and creative workflow.

[@LiamKillen]

I feel u- it’s a challenge finishing tracks with a sequencer, that’s for sure.

[@astrarivm]

Same for me

[@niloben659]

@@astrarivm +1, finishing a track with the digitakt is like walking across the Sahara.

[@astrarivm]

@@niloben659 hahaha so true

[@bagheeramusic2452]

I know what you're talking about...it would be so nice if Elektron give us an update where they've fixed that problem

[@bobz1736]

Had my since launch... nearly 4 years I think. The one bit of kit always on my table. Love the workflow, even after not using for a month or so my fingers still know what to do. The last major update 1.30 was awesome. Only problem I've had is the key coating breaking down and going sticky. Probably the heat and humidity here in Thailand. Elektron sent me a new set for free and I returned mine for them to analyse - they paid all the postage. From time to time I just delete everything, after saving my favourites, and start again. So many happy accidents when messing around. Look forward to more videos +1 sub 😎

[@LiamKillen]

I can’t wait for mine to be a lil more run down- give it some character

[@brettkeller5870]

the digitakt is so refreshing after coming from an old school MPC. The digitakt makes it fun and easy to create new rhythms and "chop" samples in ways I never would have thought to on an MPC. Awesome video!

[@LiamKillen]

Thank u!

[@tubeMonger]

Thanks for the work flow tip. I immediately made a full song after watching your video.

[@LiamKillen]

Right!? Glad to help

[@tubeMonger]

@@LiamKillensomething clicked after watching your video - perhaps the realisation to keep it simple and have fun. It felt somehow... audacious to just copy the groovy pattern, removing tracks to create the variation, and leave the song like it is. So simple and so fast yet so much more than a mere loop! Usually I'm left with a loop that sounds great (this is fun!) OR a complicated and unfinished project I find hard to come back to (frustrating!).

[@wilmerwide]

You're completely right, takt means beat in swedish. But it can also mean rhythm! If you've got "taktkänsla" you know your grooves, which you really do Liam! Keep up the good work!

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you Wilmer! I appreciate that :-)

[@Frozen_Smoke1972]

Funnily enough, I'm coming up on the first month mark with my Digitakt too. I'm enjoying the challenge of the learning curve but it is my first Elektron machine so it's still fairly slow going at the moment. That said, it is a quality piece of equipment and I'm looking forward to using it for live work later on in the year.

[@LiamKillen]

That’s something I’d love to work up too- some sort of live set deal

[@LiamKillen]

Glad you’re into it!!

[@robertsyrett1992]

It's never too late for a technical review. The limit of 1Gb onboard storage catches up with you eventually.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah for longer sets I guess you’re right eh?

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@LiamKillen I used to have fun sampling other synthes I sequenced using the DT and either bounce that to a sample track or just keep tweaking it for a B-section of a song. You can do that for a while but it uses up the plus drive quickly and then you have no good way to backup projects along with samples specific to that project (which you can do with the octatrack). I had to make the painful choice to clear it all out at one point and now I only use sampling if it's something like a single note. It's still one of my favorite piece of gear for starting projects but it's basically a sample playback device after a while.

[@timdanyo898]

You're the dope's meow.. You took some of the visual complexity this thing has (on the surface) and showed it's pretty straight forward to operate. I'm still looking at the MPC One for my groove box, sampler/sequencer. It's good to get this perspective though.. thanks!

[@LiamKillen]

Oh yeah MPC One is a completely different thing! Both dope in their own ways

[@LiamKillen]

MPC One has a lot more control and is more like a straight up DAW

[@2tallcharles99]

Some of the biggest differences between them is the Digitakt only has two effects that you control with sends, and that it doesn't sample (or use samples) in stereo. Also, a big letdown for me was finding out that Overbridge only works in mono as well. Meaning, I recorded a full jam that was finalized on the Digitakt, but all panning and pan automation was recorded in mono. So for anyone reading this, if you plan on recording through Overbridge, wait to do panning afterward! Same goes for the send effects. And if I recall correctly it doesn't record effects per channel (because they're sends of course) so you have to add reverb and delay afterward as well. Kinda killed my vibe when I found that out.

[@werex3]

That track was kinda magical

[@LiamKillen]

Appreciate you ! Thx for watching :-)

[@micheldejesus3319]

I have a Digitak + Digitone, I just added the TR8-S and is real fun.

[@LiamKillen]

Ohhhh I so want the 8s!

[@maarzt]

I'm curious about how the Roland (which I don't have bit am interested in) compliments the Elektrons (which I do have) might you say more?

[@thedeepblueskys]

Owning all three is definitely awesome. Glad I made the investment in them.

[@SermonZermon]

What totally blew my mind was using two midi tracks set to the same midi channel. Alternating between melodies to get more out of one pattern? Having one track play polymetric accented notes while the other one does the normal melody stuff? Using the other track to record cc automation with trigless trigs so you dont get confused as hell? Use those Midi Tracks!

[@LiamKillen]

That’s the next thing I’ll be exploring

[@andrewseymour5541]

Bought the Digitakt 2 years ago, and I’m still learning new things I can do with it. It’s fun to get lost in the music. You should discuss conditional triggers a bit more. “Fill” is just one of the many conditions you can assign to each step. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this. Ricky Tines has done videos on how to implement these features. It would be nice to hear your input.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah a fresh take on that would be nice- I need to explore it more. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@loganshirah3804]

I've been using the Digitakt and Digitone for years now and while I still share most of your enthusiasm about the workflow, people who are interested in playing out with these devices should be aware that Elektron has a dark side and it's shared across, I believe, all of their devices. NO IMMEDIATE PATTERN CHANGES over Midi. This means that while the Takt and Tone appear to be designed to compliment each other perfectly, you will never be able to design a set where they move to the next pattern simultaneously, EVEN WITH OVERBRIDGE, without workarounds that severely diminish the experience of making music. With all of the updates that have come out for both, (some majorly expanding their functionality!) to my knowledge Elektron has yet to even acknowledge this road block that almost every user will eventually run into. I have other complaints like that the Digitakt will not listen for mod wheel or pitch bend in the midi tracks, but this is by far the most major and confounding blind spot and few KZbinrs have touched on it.

[@LiamKillen]

It’s good to know I was actually inquiring about doing that with Polyend tracker + Digitone but I guess it’s not possible. I really appreciate you bringing this up thank u!

[@ameevamusic]

I don't know if I'm understanding wrong, but pattern changes work smoothly between any Elektron gear via MIDI, with setting up correctly the send/recive "Program Change". I've been doing this between a digitone, octa and rytm and never got a problem. The only thing is Rytm has different kind of pattern change modes (jump, quick, etc.) that other Elektron doesn't, but a simple Pattern change across machines is definitely something doable. Otherwise it will not make any sense to build an Elektron rig. ---- About the "immediecy" you are talking about, it's also worth knowing that pattern changes occur according to Master Length of that pattern. So it can be every 16 beat, 127, or never (when it's said to INF). Hope this can help your problem if that is!

[@Lo-fi_Hi-brow]

I'm not sure that I understand. Can't you just set the Program Change in settings?

[@atetraxx]

Loving your lofi house tracks

[@LiamKillen]

I’m working on eventually releasing them as singles

[@LittleMusicBoxes]

this was great Liam. thank's for the quick run down. Red means recording has a great video on the LFO in the Digitakt if you havent seen that, I think you'd be into it.

[@LiamKillen]

I saw that he put that out! Thanks for the heads up!

[@enemoy2650]

How do you think the Digitakt and the new SP404 work together? The Digitakt has 8 Midi Tracks and you could use it as Sequencer and Drummachine, still having the longer stereo Sampling capability of the SP.

[@LiamKillen]

I haven’t done much midi usage with the 404 but you’re right it could make for a great combo, for sure.

[@VIRALBEATS360]

Been eyeballing this for a minute. Maybe this year...maybe. Golden Age of Gear, indeed... Still no SP404MK2 for most people. Many (like myself) recently cancelled their order. I also think 1010music will be on that list this year, as well. Thanks for the video!

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I know…it’s a sad state of affairs unfortunately

[@jumpingflash]

Hi Liam! Great video as usual. Can I ask what headphones you are using? I must have missed where you talk about them! Thanx!

[@LiamKillen]

Those are the Teenage Engineering M1’s 😃

[@Tiger.Arcade]

I returned my mpc one because I felt it was killing my creativity (personally). It was cumbersome and take a lot longer to throw together tracks. With that said, do you feel the digitakt would still suit my needs? I’m trying to be more Dawless since I use my Logic Pro for a lot of the song writing process. Now I’m just trying to use it for mixing and mastering.

[@LiamKillen]

Digitakt is a perfect tool to go dawless in my opinion. I understand how MPC might not be right for some people because it’s so closely related to a DAW. Digitakt has everything you need from A-> B and that includes dropping individual stems into your DAW.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

@@LiamKillen Really?! Individual stems would be legit. Thanks for the information man!

[@MilesKvndra]

Great video buddy! Share your love for the device 💚🙌🏻

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks Miles! I’m so into it

[@ricflomusic]

For producing good ideas quickly, do you prefer this over your Mpc one and sp404?

[@LiamKillen]

For my workflow, yes

[@Modrunnermusic]

I have the circuit tracks, is it worth upgrading for more sequencing abilities and live performance?

[@LiamKillen]

Not familiar with it

[@RadioBluesPR]

Thats a Blankforms sample FOR SURE! 🤣🤣🤣 I love his packs!

[@LiamKillen]

Yup! I’m so down with his samples they’re perfect for the digitakt

[@RadioBluesPR]

@@LiamKillen yes!! Like ALL of them.

[@igotbit9454]

elektron just announced they’ll stop producing this model so maybe we’ll see an upgrade of it soon? The mk II perhaps?

[@LiamKillen]

I’m waiting on that one too!

[@theuntouchables808]

I love my DT it's a great little machine. It's biggest downside is the Lack of different FXs . you only ever get Same Delay & reverb . I think the 404 shines way more in that respect . Also Not being able to zoom in on the start & end point of samples is quite annoying . an extra set of out puts would be a Great addition ... It's a great machine to sketch tunes on . that sequencer is soo dang Good .

[@LiamKillen]

100% agree with you there. Check out Miles Kendra he does a great job working those FX

[@happyjessus]

How about making a video comparing this to the new SP? I know it's not gonna be the first one but I would still love to see your perspective!

[@LiamKillen]

Hmmm very different workflows but I’ll brainstorm on that

[@solongyouth]

great vid, my favorite piece of gear. the samples used sound really good, any info on where you got them would be much appreciated. thanks.

[@LiamKillen]

Check out blanfor.ms’s gumroad! He’s got some great packs that fit perfect with the Digitakt

[@JeffyG]

I have trouble getting into dedicated devices. 25+ years with Mac/Logic, real and virtual instruments, and iOS apps for the last 2 years. Why?

[@LiamKillen]

There’s just something about DAWLESS stuff

[@JeffyG]

@@LiamKillen I guess I just gotta try it.

[@triandgle]

▲ great vid lk, love your grooves! ▲ any thoughts on digitakt vs model:samples?

[@LiamKillen]

It’s a video to consider for sure- digitakt def overshadowed model samples for the time being but I’ll get back to it eventually!

[@sethlesky8721]

Great stuff. GAS is kicking in for the Digitone + Digitakt setup. OP-Z + Digitone is awesome but the constant context switching is a bit much for me. Any preferences between the two setups yet? Excited for a more Elektron content!

[@LiamKillen]

They’re both good for different things! For full track composition I think Elektron set up takes the cake though

[@ivoryjacksoniii402]

I love sampling..I love Elektron products..with that being said..I've heard there is no time stretching or slicing on the digitakt..I'm looking to buy a sampler etc in mid to late November..trying to do research in between then

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s one big downfall for sure

[@SpeldosaMusik]

1:41 lol, I’m Swedish, but somehow I’ve never made the connection between the “takt” in the name (both for Digitakt and Syntakt) and the meaning in Swedish (rhythm/beat). Thanks for teaching me Swedish or something I guess :D

[@LiamKillen]

I learnt it from Bo Beats lol.

[@kp8923]

9:15 Input tracks are separated if you're using overbridge

[@LiamKillen]

No fkn way…whaattt!? I’ll make this correction in the description

[@ThisPageIntentionallyLeftBlank]

Digitak+Digitone+AnalogHeat=Entire Dawless setup. I have mine setup to control my Eurorack, TB3, NF1M, FX Rack, Minitaur

[@LiamKillen]

Unstoppable!

[@ThisPageIntentionallyLeftBlank]

@@LiamKillen I just need to find a way to use my MIDI keyboard with the Digitone. Having only 1 octave on the Digitone, and my NI Midi keyboard being USB powered means I’m using a computer.

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

8:20 was a mind blown moment for me! I enjoy just about everything I hear from this box but don't believe I've seen this angle explored before. Great insights on this device! I hope you'll eventually find an angle to compare the Digitakt to the Model:Samples

[@LiamKillen]

That’s def something that’s in the think bank

[@grembari]

Gah the Digitakt looks so beautiful! But I'm torn, between the Tr--6s and the Digitakt which do you feel has a better live improv work flow? Im interested in the Digitakt because of it midi capabilities while acting as a drum Machine, but the TR series looks to have a better improv workflow which is speaks to me.

[@AndrewCulture]

I have owned two Digitakts and sold them and got the tr6. I massively miss the Digitakt so I’m selling the tr6!

[@LiamKillen]

Hmmm that is a tough one- 6S is more affordable too and those faders 👀

[@LiamKillen]

The Digitakt is a lil less menu dicey and better quality build

[@AndrewCulture]

@@LiamKillen the faders are a dream on stage, but I’ve found the other performance options on the tr6 very limited compared to the Digitakt.

[@grembari]

@@LiamKillen oh boy, lol seems there's no perfect answer for these pieces of gear. Lots to contemplate!

[@3039-m9o]

What ever I want to reach with the digitakt, I get really fast to a goal. But when I want to arrange or finish tracks I havent found a satisfying way..but that's not elektrons problem, more mine

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s a video id like to make actually- how to finish a track with a sequencer. It’s not easy!

[@3039-m9o]

@@LiamKillen nice I will keep my eyes open :)

[@labratzwired3213]

Very useful video thanks

[@LiamKillen]

Glad to help

[@joelkulesha8284]

I got mine at the beginning of the week actually! I got it used with $100~ in samples but I feel bad for that guy cause he only had drum samples and sound effects. Imagine how much using the digitakt for drums only must have sucked! Like, i'm not saying it can't go crazy on only drums but I know why the guy sold it after a few months. When you have 10 sample packs with 10 kicks, 10 snares, 10 hats etc in each pack, you kinda get bored. I'm planning on loading up some melodic and vocal stuff as well as running my modular through it. But a week in and I'm having a blast! I feel like I hit a bit of a road block but I think that's the lack of anything but drums on there to blame.

[@LiamKillen]

Lol yeah it’s so much more than that!

[@matthiashoffmann1170]

Thanks man, another great video! Can you show how to make a song using physical instruments, like a sampled guitar with the Digitakt?

[@LiamKillen]

Something that I will consider!

[@jwright7174]

damn, people really slap tf out of the digitakt triggers lmao I treat mine like it's made from glass.

[@LiamKillen]

I slap mine to oblivion which prob isn’t good but also like its built like a brick

[@Nothingspeshalwaysfresh]

Had it , sold it then had it and sold it again. But will not pass up a good deal to have it again. It’s a love /hate relationship with the Digitakt You never know you have until it’s gone. 😂😂😂

[@LiamKillen]

Have it and keep it this time!! 😂

[@somatamusic]

Model Samples VS Digitakt. Thoughts?

[@LiamKillen]

Something to consider for sure.

[@Davemech]

It really is a wonderful instrument. Great video!

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers Dave

[@paslugt4129]

you dont have to hold ptn to change pattern. just tap it once and than choose wich pattern to play next.. all with one hand,,,

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for this tip ! :-)

[@paslugt4129]

@@LiamKillen your welcome. Like your video's.. keep up the good stuff.

[@smalltown2223]

I figured out why it is you seem familiar to me. And it’s because it’s you’re what I think Rufus Wainwright looks like.

[@LiamKillen]

yeah there's a resemblance there. Here's short AF though.

[@ashtomtube]

I'm still wondering how it compares with the Deluge. I have a Deluge since a while now and I love it. Every now and then I wonder if I would benefit from a Digitakt or if there is too big of an overlap between the 2 machines to justify having/using both.

[@LiamKillen]

That I would not know…yet

[@ashtomtube]

@@LiamKillen 😏

[@user-or3ce4gt2r]

👏

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers

[@85brink]

What headphones are these?

[@LiamKillen]

Teenage Engineering M1's - here's a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5fRgnd8d9xjZ6ssi=qPx8Hk6w7yw0tBJu

[@ACURAOCULTA]

Nice

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers!

[@justinreilly3107]

Cool video!

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks Justin!

[@johncitizen8828]

Great video - really concise and to the point. I'd be super interested in seeing a video about your Overbridge to DAW workflow. Are you multi-tracking both your Digitone and Digitakt into your DAW simultaneously?

[@LiamKillen]

I haven’t done that yet but I’m sure it’s possible!

[@johncitizen8828]

@@LiamKillen I think that would be the optimal workflow - recording live passes of multitracked jams - and then cherry picking the best takes, and finishing the arrangement in a DAW.

[@unabonger777]

did you say diggy-takt?

[@LiamKillen]

Yup

[@leftmono1016]

Those in the know pronounce it ‘diggy’ 😉

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Takt means rate Swedish lol

[@LiamKillen]

Ah shit so I was wrong lol

[@nastied]

Takt: musical designation measure; → takt; measure or beat of movement cadence; → takt; music: section of a staff bar; → takt;

[@nastied]

@@LiamKillen you were not wrong

[@nastied]

It also means tact or rytm

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@nastied or thank you lol (well sounds the same even if it's not the same spelling) 😂