Digitakt 2 - My thoughts after a month

[@RickyTinez]

Yo! Thanks for the shoutout

[@teftymusictech]

Hey Ricky! Thanks for stopping by 🙏❤️

[@Zsklar]

I agree! I will never let go of my MPC Live 2 because of its portability. A battery inside of the Digitakt would be insanely cool! I would take it everywhere!

[@linuxbender]

Thanks!

[@teftymusictech]

Thank you!

[@sinewaymusic]

100% agree about the battery - it should have been added and it would make such a difference! Literally it would become the perfect groovebox.

[@Lo-fi_Hi-brow]

Adding an internal battery adds TONS of logistical issues and costs in relation to shipping.

[@sinewaymusic]

@@Lo-fi_Hi-brow Understood. But other manufacturers are able to do it so why wouldn't Elektron?

[@vhsboy391]

I use a simple power bank - can power it for 6 hours, can take it with me everywhere. Problem solved.

[@sinewaymusic]

@@vhsboy391 Glad that works for you. For my use cases (moving around across different rooms in the house), it's cumbersome to have a powerbank dangling from the power outs while using it, so for me that's not quite an elegant solution.

[@renevanderkraats224]

Hmm neh, I'm not too big on batteries. I understand when you drag instruments along a lot, but I keep them at home, and well...I hate batteries when I don't need them or are not swappable. Lose capacity over time, start to leak when empty, damaging equipment. Same for the Oxi One, irritates the hell out of me that it's not at least behind a screwed down plate for quick removal/swap.

[@remyvegamedia]

Dude thank you for making this!!! This is pretty much exactly how I build songs, I like to play in as much as I can, and I have wondered if it would even be possible on Digitakt. I like to play my ideas in so it's intentional and built in phrases, then use the sampler/sequencer to modify and create weirdness. Especially since I've been getting more into idm/glitch/breakcore styles, but I still prefer to play in my parts. Once Overbridge is for sure available, I'm 100% getting the DT2. Thanks man this seriously helped contextualize its usability for me.

[@teftymusictech]

Awesome, I'm a big fan of playing in as much as possible as well! That's one thing that bugs me on the MPC that I can't just have the main sampler start recording as soon as the sequencer begins. There's workarounds with the looper (max 16 bars) and audio tracks, but you have to jump through more steps to finalize it. This method with the DT2 is pretty fantastic. Super fast as well.

[@remyvegamedia]

@@teftymusictech Yeah that was the main thing that I had annoyance with on the MPC. Each definitely serves a purpose. I'm just glad to see this side of the Digitakt because combined with the intuitive ability to get into glitchy/jungle/breakcore territory, this fully works compatibly with both sides of my brain, so to speak haha.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Omg that’s what I needed to see! 🔥

[@SabcatPrinting]

I am considering getting one. I think an update or two will win me over. I feel it needs more FX and machine choices and better slicing… But I do feel using such a thing and knowing it like the back of my hand, will have me in a good happy creative place. I’d “write” on that with an ipad and a Bass Station 2, and later track it into Ableton for polishing.

[@user-KT44.44]

Don't

[@alexc8287]

Would you consider making a tutorial for the Digitakt II? I really like your style and workflow. Thanks!

[@teftymusictech]

I'll definitely consider it! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@noi1989]

I would love to see a Digitakt 2 vs MPC One/Live/X from your channel sometime. The hype surrounding the mk2 had me looking at boxes and I wound up getting the MPC One+ instead of the digitakt2.

[@teftymusictech]

I was actually thinking it's time to revisit that comparison 🙏

[@GG-wx8en]

I've MPC One and the Digitakt not MK2. I must say for techno and electronic music the workflow of Digitakt is way faster and sound quality is way better. MPC is also nice with all effects and screen but Digitakt workflow is different in a good way. I always reach my Digitakt for making beats. Parameter locks, per step changes are really something that MPC doesn't have. I wish MPC has faster workflow like per step editing. However, for different style you might like MPC more. Also, I think you really need to understand your way of creating music and get the device that fits your style. I must admit 8-tracks limit is sometimes a buzz killer but DT 2 has 16 tracks now. If you not gonna use plocks and other stuff then go with MPC. DT is basically a tracker with a great UI/UX.

[@maikvanrossum]

Totally different beasts… so yes, you could definitely do a comparison, but their workflows are way different. I think one should take some time and have some hands-on experience to see what’s more appealing to you.

[@neonpop80]

I have a PD for my Syntakt and I love that. I take it places and make music on the fly. I have a case that fits both the Syntakt and the PD, that’s a worthy investment. But I agree, it should at least have battery option. I’m shocked that wasn’t included in this upgrade.

[@el_dani]

Elektron can‘t handle the battery handle 😉

[@coachangeln]

Can you please share the link for the case you have.

[@neonpop80]

@@coachangeln not sure if the link works but the brand is called Analog Cases

[@danielgosling9900]

you can make it more lap friendly by putting the plastic accessory lid on the bottom

[@SteveRutherford]

Just a quick note of appreciation from me. This was a _really_ helpful video. I have gone on to get a digitakt ii and it seems great. (The challenge now is to make some actual music with it!). Thanks for putting it together.

[@teftymusictech]

Thank you!

[@istvantoth7431]

Great summary, thanks pal!

[@AliAusAachen]

How do you keep your room so dust free?

[@housebrigade]

The beard catches most of it

[@EverythingFades]

Your studio looks super cozy.

[@JDMEXforme]

Dig e tackt Dig e mon Dig it al Dig its

[@TonyThomas10000]

Awesome overview! Would be something I would think about if I was into hardware!

[@teftymusictech]

Thanks Tony!

[@vm1974-irkutsk]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Have they fixed MIDI issues with Modwheel and Aftertouch in this model? Can Digitakt record and pass them to other devices?

[@nomad1517]

It would be really cool if they had an attachable handle where you could carry it around for sampling your environment. Like a lunch box.

[@theProteen]

Looks really easy and fun. Do I need a midi thrubox to connect three synths to the “dikitakt .2 and are all midi channels set to 10 ?

[@davelee1935]

You got me into the MPC one back in the day great videos :) What’s ya thought on the Trackers from dirtywave and Polyend

[@Bloodysambre]

A midi arpegiator ! It's where it's not my perfect machine, but love it from far !

[@oside_m5]

Are you getting a Digitone 2 to review? Nice to see a review with the DT2 and DN2 synced together.

[@teftymusictech]

Not sure yet! It looks like an excellent update. I haven't used my Digitone Mk1 in over a year though. But the new machines and expanded voices look really nice in the mk2 box.

[@unclemick-synths]

Good video. I don't have one but I dig the diggy-tact and will continue to call it that. If I had the budget I'd get one and a 404 to go alongside my One because I think different workflows lead to different results in the same way a Les Paul will lead a guitarist in a different direction to a Strat or a Tele.

[@teftymusictech]

Completely agree on the workflows. It's why I have a lot of gear in studio. Different ideas just naturally evolve from various DAWs, synths, beatboxes etc etc.

[@linuxbender]

I'm still sticking with the old version. The stereo sampling and storage space was always a problem for me. That's why I compensated for it with an SP404 MK2 or Blackbox. That's why I like the SP 404 Mk2, because of the battery and also because of USB-C, quick and fast with a working app.The new software features are great, I'd like them too, but the hardware doesn't make up for it. Maybe the third or an MK version? I'll wait and see, for the new price, I personally would have expected more.

[@teftymusictech]

That's a fair assessment in my book. Plus the SP404mk2 combo'd with the DT1 is a killer combo for sample processing and performance.

[@maikvanrossum]

Same here… I can understand if you don’t already have an Elektron box the DT2 is absolutely an awesome piece of gear, that due to the Elektron UI and workflow, really boosts creativity. Same goes for the SP404mk2 where it comes to resampling. I use it next to my ‘classic’ DT, so it throws extra effects and stereo sampling into the mix. The 8 MIDI tracks of the DT x 4 voices each, are also a perfect match with the 32 voices of the SP. The DT2 is great, but doesn’t offer enough to upgrade from the OG. Also hoping for an Octatrack mk3… 😇

[@Timber-Wolf]

I bit the bullet on the DT2 and love it. I decide to keep the OG as a midi sequencer and backup sampler. Still waiting for DT2 Overbridge support though. Thanks for the vid. Regards to you and Meems.

[@teftymusictech]

Yeah I'm curious to see if Overbridge for the DT2 has evolved at all once it's officially out and supported. The latency as a plugin is always what kills it for me, but the ability to multitrack each part is amazing. With the DT2 they're gonna need like 36 inputs 😆

[@CiabaMusic]

I'd trade the internal battery for polyphony any day! I'd carry a separate powerbank+pd adaptor with built in "poly machine" rather than RK midi loopback cable and "OEM" battery. Nice review tho, and I can relate in feeling the Syntakt suddenly aged a bit, workflow wise. I'd love a MK2 with just the QoL upgrades from the Digitakt II and the same new buttons layout, as I always make mistakes jumping from one to another during jams 😅

[@teftymusictech]

Oh yeah I didn't mention polyphony. I think it's because I'd play in a polyphonic part more often than not via recording. Would be nice if they allowed a channel to be a dedicated poly instrument and then allocate 'x' number of voices to it (kind've like the Analog4). And yeah, it was really strange feeling like the Syntakt was outdated. Kinda shocked me honestly. That's when I knew the DT2 had truly evolved.

[@luisbaldas2118]

How is the Op-1 still going up in prices after 13 years of its release ,thats just crazy

[@echobenav8]

Thanks for another great informative video! Now I want one too! Is the difference between Digitakt, Syntakt, and Digitone largely software? The hardware looks the same. Can't imagine it would too difficult to have them all loaded into one machine, but then they couldn't sell three.

[@teftymusictech]

So they look similar but they all have minor differences that would make the workflow not translate 100% from firmware to firmware.

[@dreikycaprice]

which piece of gear allows one to record more than 8 bars? I'm curious because it's one of the things that I have to mentally plan for when making tracks and i'd like to have the option to make longer loops.

[@changer1285]

Sp404mk2.

[@dreikycaprice]

@@changer1285 ah yes. thanks!

[@changer1285]

@@dreikycaprice just FYI it's packed with a lot of features but they're still working out bugs. But I love mine, and it's worth looking into. The digitakt definitely looks like it has more refined envelopes and filters, but the sp is significantly cheaper and has a lot of similar features and interesting effects

[@dreikycaprice]

@@changer1285 yeah I use digitakt and other elektron gear. I would want to borrow the sp before i commit to learn it and add it to my set up. Thanks!

[@changer1285]

@@dreikycaprice if you got the money some ppl literally just use it for effects and ignore the other features haha. If you've already got that other stuff I bet it'd fit in pretty well

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Still debating if I should get DT 2 or another Octatrack The Octatrack has more outputs but I think the time stretch on this machine is probably better. Also the extra channels are interesting to me.

[@SlickGriminals]

Are you saying this from experience or is this conjecture about the time stretch differences? I heard the opposite but maybe an update changed this?

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

@@SlickGriminals not from experience. I just heard that the time stretch on the new digitakt is better. But it was some video on KZbin.

[@Tolivar_]

Incorrect. Octatrack times stretch is better than digitakt

[@saucedbenny]

what effect did you have going at 3:03? what a crazy sound!

[@EshockT]

Bit Reduction

[@chinmitten]

Disappointed it still doesn’t have overbridge. Why they’d launch it without is a head scratcher. Honestly still think the Digi 1 is better than most plug in samplers.

[@pianobryguy]

Great video! I really wish Elektron switched to an internal power supply to eliminate that line lump… also, USB-C instead of USB-B at this point

[@BB-mt5sb]

usb-c is easy to accidentally pull out so I hope they stick to the usb-b

[@pianobryguy]

@@BB-mt5sb I see your point but they could easily develop a locking cable on that end.. USB-B means I need adapters to connect it to everything from this decade.. Just imagine USB-C and being able to drag/drop samples from your iPhone or any other modern device. Plus usb audio to Macs or moderns PCs would be easier too. But again, I hear your concern..

[@BB-mt5sb]

@@pianobryguy Oh it would be way more convenient, no doubt : )

[@braien25980]

No mono sampling, how is the panning in stereo?

[@NunyaB1s]

weird song for sure, but I love it. Sign me up for the album

[@matthewgaines10]

Not inexpensive considering all the limitations. It has nice abilities but I’d suggest a MPC One+ and save money. Maybe spend some on few plugins and expansions. Maybe get a Maschine Plus for around the same money.

[@d3tuned378]

Diggy... But it's supposed to evoke the word digital. I'm baffled by how people get that wrong - but hey, if you can use it that well (and afford it in the first place) you can call it whatever you want 😂

[@samhughes3527]

That's how the people that made it say it

[@d3tuned378]

@@samhughes3527 proof?

[@timsandberg7874]

It ain't a digitakt video if it doesn't start with an unnecessary apology for the pronunciation.

[@robertocaba5915]

Unnecessary yet mandatory 😂

[@Hessencemusic]

IMHO polyphony is the thing I miss the most

[@grillskillz]

Really nice demo of Digitakt II!

[@DavidMateos56]

Had it had at least 6 mono / 3 stereo pairs outputs we'd been golden. Too bad

[@dronehomeless]

Nice bassline

[@BigDaddyMacc]

make it like mpc live 2.... battery and speakers.

[@moschmuda]

overbridge needed desperately...

[@vroteg]

As an ex Elektron avid fan and ex owner of pretty much all their stuff except og machines and syntakt (still think it’s the laziest move they made) I had to try this mk2. I had original from the release month and loved it to death but gradually outgrown it an eventually sold as for a year it was just collecting dust. I had mk2 for a few weeks on loan and the problem I have with it is digitakt mk2 trying to be a jack of all trades but master of non. A bit of groove box, underwhelming sampler and somehow very limited synth. In my opinion even Dirtywave M8 being size of mobile phone is a lot better at everything. And even have built in battery. As you said it’s plenty of space inside which is just air. So my personal final thought is elektron lately just sell air in a fancy packaging and with good advertising.

[@teftymusictech]

I appreciate you sharing your perspective 🙏 I personally feel like the DT2 excels at being a fast sampler with just enough tools to manipulate the samples. But that's my opinion. I'm also a big fan of MPCs and there's a lot of people that can't stand the modern MPC lineup 😆 I have yet to try the M8... one of these days!

[@vroteg]

@@teftymusictechRespect your opinion too! 👍 Looking forward to watch your take on M8. I was blown away by how much power and creativity packed into the thing that basically fit in my pocket. It is with me all the time.

[@GuayusaPure]

Same thing with Maschine, I know many people just love it. I can't stand its workflow. It's just not my thing. I really want to enjoy it, but I can't

[@ibrajimenez2098]

M8 is great for programming music. The melodic aspects are great and it also habdles samples. For jamming on the fly? Not so much. And sampling , it can be a little tedious compared to digitakt.

[@per-sonalaudiosoftware]

If you want to play it polyphonically and add extra multi channel LFO's check Polynator :)

[@busterbuster1641]

Just a comment. The jump cuts in the video are a little off-putting. Helpful vid tho.

[@00Clouds]

Всё хорошо , но мутновато по звучанию

[@WalkingHeadPro]

for +1k.. no internal battery, polyphony, looper, manual slicing, arp.. just a pure rip off. waiting for digitakt 7

[@averageenthusiast7616]

Calling this a ripoff when TE exists is insane

[@ThomSonnyYeah]

@@averageenthusiast7616at least you don’t need to be plugged into a wall to use an op-1

[@averageenthusiast7616]

@@ThomSonnyYeah there are wall outlets everywhere, and at least I can actually make music on elektrons

[@ronsone8373]

+1 for the battery for the other things buy an OT... Should they make an OT2 (not mk2) Hell yeah!

[@saardean4481]

@@ThomSonnyYeah not perfect but I use a powerbank with an adapter from 5 to 12 v. Works like a charm. I think if the device would have battery it would be even heavier. I find it too heavy already but it’s an awesome machine and updates will solve most issues people mention

[@williamwallace6508]

digitakt 2 really doesnt make me want to buy it . just average, sorry!

[@Lo-fi_Hi-brow]

Your loss🤷. It's amazing. It's basically twice the device compared to the OG.

[@williamwallace6508]

@@Lo-fi_Hi-brow og?