Digitakt Mega Tutorial

Mega tutorial of the Digitakt from Elektron. Expand this text field for chapters and links.
Buy Digitakt through my affiliate links:
Europe (Thomann): bit.ly/3JOZkaK
US (Patchwerks): shrsl.com/3h4w7
Check my other recommended music gear at Thomann:
www.thomannmusic.no/thlpg_lpk...
I'm going through all sorts of things, like making music, loading, menus, sampling, saving, copy, paste, firmware upgrade, midi etc. It's pretty long, so feel free to keep it on in the background, or skip ahead to a particular topic etc.
I often find slow learning, and actual time with the machines is what makes the understanding stick. Here you have plenty of both.
Support my work on Patreon: / cuckoomusic
Visit my patch store: store.truecuckoo.com
Cheers
CUCKOO
00:00:43 1. Software Update
00:02:39 2. Create a project
00:05:06 3. Samples and sequencer (The basics)
00:08:16 4. Metronome
00:09:01 5. Live recording
00:09:17 6. Clearing a track
00:09:51 7. Undo
00:10:15 8. Live Recording 2
00:10:52 9. Adjust micro timing
00:11:42 10. Quantize
00:14:02 11. Save project
00:14:54 12. Save pattern
00:15:23 13. Save Project or Pattern + explanation + stuff
00:19:25 14. Mute tracks
00:19:52 15. Save and Reload patterns as a performance tool
00:22:04 16. Mute
00:22:19 17. Trig conditions. Fills
00:23:39 18. Swing
00:23:58 19. Live recording parameter locks
00:25:22 20. Pattern length
00:26:42 21. Quick Loading samples, Factory
00:30:02 22. Loading samples through full Sample Browser
00:33:39 23. View the RAM
00:34:02 24. Prepare a kit (LONG)
00:39:17 25. Four ways to adjust Levels!
00:40:29 26. Reverb settings
00:41:15 27. Delay settings
00:42:21 28. Save project
00:42:35 29. Make a track again, now awesome sound. (Long repetition chapter)
00:56:03 30. Rename Pattern
00:56:42 31. Jam with the pattern, to evolve
00:58:39 32. Duplicate, make variation, without worrying about kits!
01:02:01 33. Chain mode
01:02:37 34. Sample and edit your own sounds
01:06:26 35. Finding the recordings
01:07:00 36. Set up and sequence MIDI
01:19:04 37. Assign LFO to MIDI destination
01:20:17 38. Sequence the OP-1 (MIDI USB host needed)
01:25:51 39. Func+push encoder to unlock MIDI (Remember)
01:26:14 40. Thanks!! How to support my work. Bye! :)

[@Rez311]

Even 4 years later this is essential viewing for any new Digitakt owner.

[@elek-trick]

40 years later, this was essential to our dear ancestors, the now gone but not forgotten, Digitakt owners

[@diegod369]

I just got a digitakt 2 days ago and I’m learning the workflow. I also have a model cycles. Very similar workflow but the digitakt is a monster. So much more to learn. It’s very exciting. Thank you Cuckoo!

[@vaprex]

@@diegod369 Just got mine yesterday, and agree -- there is quite a learning curve to this beast.... but in a good way! I have plenty of analog style equipment, but my music style tends to benefit much more from heavily modified whacked-out samples as drum and rhythm tracks. 🙂

[@ericbee8569]

Same! ​@@diegod369

[@TheBrutusFire]

Just got my Digitakt a week ago. I read through the manual, but it's very basic and not particularly clear. I've watched this video 3 times now (as there's bits I forget when I get to sit down and play with the Digitakt. It probably won't be the last viewing either!) and it is a fantastic tutorial. I really dig that you show all the different ways to do one thing, and also what to be careful of (like clearing whole patterns instead of just tracks), stuff that isn't obvious on the surface or particularly well explained in the manual. When tutorials like this exist, you don't need to touch the manual. Brilliant tutorial, very detailed and expansive yet totally n00b friendly.

[@truecuckoo]

Lovely hearing that Joe! Keep it up!

[@VictorSteiner]

It was the most boring manual that I have ever read. It is dry in a way that also makes it hard. The Moog manuals are also dry to the point but the have examples, more images and take you on a journey.

[@vallametevallamete3684]

Very good rock keyboard WAV samples: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHScg6CMa82tfKs

[@michaelkonomos]

Now that the D2 dropped I got a great deal on the D1 and I just want to express my gratitude for this video. There is just something about the way you teach that is just so accessible and friendly, logical but fun. Thank you SO much. Keep being you.

[@MBudget]

Perfect tutorial! I`ve watched the whole thing and I dont even own a digitakt haha

[@lesonkitu1]

Larry Choppins me too 🤣🤣

[@Drakkarsh]

Same here!

[@madm0uf]

Same! But mine is coming in tomorrow!

[@Samichlaus01]

same here... i need one now ! :D

[@thomasgrobner1567]

Same here :O now i own one and watch again

[@marcalgomez4169]

For the newcomers like me, the Save Ptn functionality works different now. It just saves the pattern into a temp location, if you want to save the current pattern into the project you need to do Save Proj/Patterni/Save to Proj

[@MoogerTuber]

I'm only at 12th minute and I've learnt tons more from you than from other tutorials on KZbin. Thank you! You're amazing.

[@truecuckoo]

+MoogerTuber thank you so much! So glad to hear that ✨

[@sanderklepper1794]

M

[@in_10z]

Man I love your tutorial style. Thorough yet easy to follow. Thanks!

[@GCF1218]

Thank you so much for creating a table of contents with timecode! I have been looking forward to this tutorial!

[@NostalgicRuckus]

Love the new graphical envelops added to the amp and filter pages in this update.

[@stevebruines4140]

One of the best "complete" tutorials. I endlessly use this as reference.

[@nickcoyne4949]

The definitive digitakt intro tutorial. Comprehensive yet so easy to follow. Thank you!

[@hostsofmichael]

You're the man! Thanks so much, Cuckoo. Following along really helped to get the ball rolling for me and this tiny beast of a rectangular prism.

[@danieldemayo6209]

"No way I'm watching all this"...10 minutes in..."I want to buy this and I'm def watching this 2 or 3 times"

[@truecuckoo]

+Daniel DeMayo haha, thanks :)

[@UncleJimima]

I think I’ve watched this 5+ times. Amazing video, tutorial, and instrument.

[@WW-ek6tm]

I just got mine and am like pause.....play.....wait, shit, pause.....play......hell yeah. I'm definitely watching this tutorial all week during my free time. :-D

[@showrob2000]

Daniel DeMayo this is fucking brilliant. Thank you so much

[@mueta9648]

literally about to comment the exact same. ordered mine thismorning.

[@guyvonlino3685]

Through your tutorial videos, I'm sure you have the gift to motivate people in their musical creations, both in terms of ideas but also material. Thank you for that, sir

[@LomaGnome]

Hey thank you for taking the time to make something like this. I'm new to all this stuff and you take the uncertainty away with your teaching and presentation style. I appreciate you greatly.

[@thomashoffend4299]

Fabulous tutorial, thought out well in advanced and executed very nicely! Thank you!

[@EdTalenti]

Awesome as always! Very well explained and very knowledgeable 👏👾

[@shaunstinner_official]

I have watched a lot of tutorials regarding the Digitakt, but this is the best tutorial on KZbin. Thank you!

[@pepejul]

Thank you, fantastic tutorial! I just got a digitakt and it feels like it was the missing soul mate to complete my setup that I didn't know I needed. Take good care and keep being awesome!!

[@syrupcore]

Amazing work, as ever, Mr. Cuckoo. Thanks for it. I really hope the MIDI settings copy function (and chord recording) land soon!

[@Flat432]

This is amazing! As a newbie to hardware based music production, I've had a hard time understanding all of the Digitakt features and possibilities. This tutorial is exactly what I needed. Thank you sir!

[@yannickgluck4224]

Thank you, I really had problems understanding the elektron workflow and you finally solved the mystery for me

[@willanski4321]

Man I need this tutorial in my life right now. So clear and easy to follow - excellent work 👍👍👍

[@leopahta]

Thank you so much for these tutorials! Really appreciate the work you do to produce them.

[@truecuckoo]

I know a lot of people are interested in the MIDI functionality. It starts around 01:07:30

[@robertsyrett1992]

Did you trim your beard?

[@truecuckoo]

+Robert Syrett ha, yeah a few weeks ago ;-)

[@dieferrey]

can i convert the stereo inputs in two mono inputs? i interested in use with 2 mono synths

[@truecuckoo]

+Diego Ferrey yes. You can select wether to sample from just one port or both. Also monitor just one, or both. You can also resample the Digitakt audio output.

[@dieferrey]

nice, thanks for answering

[@nlewandowski3228]

Dude you're voice is soooo sweet, watching youre vids is a pure chill time

[@in.miscare]

Cuckoo man, you are such a great human being! All the time invested, and the care you put into these vids. It's highly appreciated and valued! Respect!

[@chrisfreeq399]

Thanks alot man, another great tutorial :-) Just a couple days into it, really enjoying the Digitone + Digitakt sound and workflow. The Digitone tutorial helped a bunch too!

[@highbrednxtus]

Just bought mine and this has definitely helped me get it down way faster! I recommend playing around with some of the features before starting this tutorial, so you can really understand the power of each of these features!

[@MrMissingReel]

"I'm gonna keep going....in the rain".....👍🏻made my day

[@thethirdnc]

Amazing help, thanks Cuckoo! After watching once I'm able to get around quite comfortably on the Digitakt. What an incredible machine.

[@alexanderlane]

Just picked up a used Digitakt today and your tutorial has been super helpful! Looking forward to getting to know this thing! Seen so many awesome things done on it over the years, I'm really hyped!

[@sunilsolanki]

Another excellent tutorial! You made 90 mins fun, informative and fly by.

[@GuitarManiac1975]

I have my Digitakt for about three weeks. But, wow, this video featured that much stuff I didn't know or even didn't think about. Thank you so much for the effort you put into your tutorials! 🙏

[@truecuckoo]

Awesome to hear! Then my efforts are all worth it!! Thanks!

[@Durosai]

Amazing tutorial! My digitakt arrived today and this is exactly what i needed. Your explanations are very clear and your voice is soothing haha

[@danielguedes6548]

amazing work man! already watched your video for my digitone, and congratulations for your work!!!

[@vvlvmusic]

Holy moly. Mega Tutorial it is. But since I'm quite interested in the Digitakt, I'll most likely end up watching all of it.

[@Reallythinkaboutyourself]

A genuine thank you for spending the time and energy doing this tutorial, had my digitakt for a few days now and as much as it really is electron's most straight forward box this has massively helped and been full of 'OH of course' moments. Thank you kindly! x

[@truecuckoo]

+staefah thank you!!

[@chrispaddon1740]

One of the greatest tuts of all time. Keep coming back to this.

[@francho]

I'm receiving my Digitakt tomorrow and thanks to this mega tutorial l can start to work from the first minute! awesome job! Doc!

[@scouthanamura2380]

Picked up a digitakt recently. Had a blast with it but I'm only really using it with the help of this tut, thanks a million Cuckoo for your excellent work ❤️❤️

[@Laotzsa]

Scout Hanamura dood this guy is a master teacher

[@bananepoep]

I've learned a lot from watching this Thanks really good explanation about the elektron digitakt workflow

[@butlermv]

Love your vids Cuckoo! Great stuff and keep them coming!

[@DeepDoseMusic]

Thanks a lot for this man. Proves tutorials don't have to be so dry, even hour and a half ones. Subscribed!

[@neilmetherell7495]

Hey Cuckoo, you are extremely talented, funny and an inspiration for the rest of us. Great tutorial, love your channel. Now, i need to add something to my shopping basket 👍

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼❤️

[@michaela6718]

Man, I went to bed a few weeks ago watching this video and went out the next day and bought the Digitakt and watched it again and again and still turn to it. I'm an MPC Live surviver who thought he had lost all hope and this little machine with your help has changed everything. Thanks, dude.

[@slimpickins6007]

Thank you so much for this, i just got my Digitakt yesterday. I just got through your video a second time and caught a lot more. Wonderful stuff man.

[@IvarTryti]

Hey Cuckoo, thanks for making this tutorial! It answered pretty much all of my questions. Been watching through a couple of times before my Digitakt arrived, and when it did I was well prepared to dive into it :D

[@Phorooo]

Complete, clear and warm tutorial. You saved my life! Thanks!

[@truecuckoo]

+Patricia Horovitz thank you! I'm glad I could help you out here :)

[@sharktroubles]

You're an awesome human being. I'm glad that you live on this planet. Thanks a lot for bein' here!

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼✨

[@jpromano_]

Very useful information conveyed here +Cuckoomusic! Thank you!

[@ryanbishop1770]

I got my Digitakt tonight and I'm jamming on it now. Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@Loomiedarko]

You guy are a massive sunshine in the web area, and probably in real life! Your tutorials helped me to chose my new setup, and way more than that, having a very good moment, funny, chill, and peaceful. Keep goin' man, you ARE the good vibe ! big up

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much for your kind and uplifting words, mate! Super appreciate ❤️

[@luisalmeida2866]

I've learned so much with you, I'm making my own rythms already. Knew nothing about Digitakt.

[@truecuckoo]

That’s sick!! Keep it up 👍🏼

[@TheFloridaSam]

Thank you very much. My Digitakt arrived today and you had me making music very quickly.

[@JR-xf6nh]

AWESOME video. Very informative and helpful. I hope to pick up one once guitar center brings it in stock.

[@Fatdogrecords]

Ez Cuckoo I bought the digitakt didn't have to even read the manual and this tutorial filled in the gaps. You do an amazing thing, for people like me to get the most out of gear. Big Thankyou New Patreon coming your way Keep onkeepin on

[@truecuckoo]

+fatdog records thanks a lot mate! Glad to hear I'm being of use :)

[@Koogert]

Thank you so much for this. Had me up and running in an evening.

[@truecuckoo]

Great to hear, mate! It makes my efforts feel so much worth it :)

[@TheRealJustinMorgan]

Great tutorial.. I've had my TD for a week now and didn't realize there were other samples installed... LOL This really helped me a lot.. Thank you.

[@VictorSteiner]

Still watching this over and over again whenever I haven't used my Digitakt for a while :D THANKS AGAIN!

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼

[@TheAdamMalcolm]

This video is better than going to a shop to try one, gone to see a big digitone one soon man!, I got a digitakt and digitone coming my way in a trade

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

I love how when he destroys something it still sounds great.

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼

[@SquarepulseMusic]

Really great and intuitive. Thanks for not putting mid-play ads on this! I'll throw some cash on the Patreon.

[@TH3_FURY]

Thank you sooo much for this incredible mega tutorial... It's very well explained ! I have a Digitakt since Friday and watching your video taught me a lot of things and a bunch of tricks !

[@pandahacker789]

I know nothing in regards to music production but these videos are fascinating to watch :o

[@cheqers_]

I want to LEARN

[@satyanpatel6403]

Go to Novation's site and use there in browser music maker called "Launchpad Arcade" try it out. It's free and fun. Then Google "browser instruments" or "browser drum machine" there is a 303, 808, and a 909 you can play with and won't break. again free, and no ads, or spyware, etc... It'll add to your enjoyment, especially if at work... ;)

[@lyskmusic]

My God I have just purchase this because I thought it would be a cool addition to my setup but was clueless as to where to start. You are, SIR, AMAZING. I can't thank you enough for this entire tutorial: I am now up and jamming !

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼. keep it going mate!

[@lyskmusic]

@@truecuckoo I MIDI SYNCed it with a TR-8S... my God it's amazing !!

[@IAmRickMagic]

So much joy watching this video and seeing how happy this makes you. Just bought a digitakt, thank you for the all this wonderful information.

[@alanladdseinekatze859]

The mother of tutorials here. So awesome! You just convinced me on this being the perfect companion for my SE-02.

[@fanusamurai]

Great stuff once again! Cuckoo and his classic mirror telling people like it is. Thanks for doing these :) Considering getting a Dikitakt, and this was a good watch.

[@truecuckoo]

+Fanu thanks mate! Glad you liked it!

[@LacklusterOfficial]

+Fanu did you get the digitakt? would be interesting to take one to one of your ableton live classes, so ableton live + overbridge + digitakt == some hardcore learning experiences with midi sync, sampling etc.

[@leNotstrom]

I used C6 for upgrading, worked fine too. Also connection via Elektron USB Hub worked fine.

[@LaymensLament]

I have to say im really impressed with how they designed the interface. Very very helpful video!

[@littleboywithglasses6373]

Nice video Cuckoo. Got me up and running in no time!

[@James.5703]

38:33 This is sooo good!

[@maleficenthardware]

I just now rewatched - youtube needs a double like feature!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks mate! Your comment is double worth ❤️

[@mjcantstop]

Just got my Digitakt the day you posted this. Thanks so much was really helpful!

[@WRXcellent]

You are just so enjoyable to watch. Just picked up mine tonight and this was so incredibly helpful. I've already got this hooked up to my Matriarch and my two Model D's. What an amazing piece of gear this is!

[@hafizaliff5440]

amazing tutorials as always. straight to the point. no fancy stuff. no coffee. just pure, tutorial. thanks, cuckoo!

[@tatnallkennedy]

Hafiz Aliff why you gotta rag on bo beets? Keep it positiv and all is well

[@TheRealPodgy]

LOL....Coffee is just coffee Tat! Everyone loves coffee....

[@bigdap100]

Tat Kennedy BoBeats is a great Vlogger.

[@moldythoughts4765]

Put that fu👉👌ing coffee away from my expensive machines !!!

[@danpreston564]

I think the pattern save caught me out on the first day. Saved the pattern, not the project. Loaded a new project and when I went back to the old project the pattern was there but all the sample slots I'd loaded were blank so I had to reload them all from the +drive. Slightly confusing. I wish the manual said more about the copy and paste functions, too.

[@calbrand]

Bought a digitakt 2 days ago and I have loved learning how to use it through this video. Thanks very much.

[@Guamyman]

incredible tutorial for starting out on the digitakt. I would have sat clueless without this video, so thank you for making it so clear. My confidence with this machine is so much more comprehensive as a result of watching this.

[@giloualbert2820]

I love you

[@truecuckoo]

+Gilou Albert ❤️

[@Scottywardgaming]

“Ahhhh the mirror” 🤣🤣

[@JackMyersPhotography]

This is a fantastic teaching video. Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise. You've made learning this complicated device much easier and that is appreciated.

[@galinetttonetto6761]

Thanks a lot man ,I seat front of my digitakt and u r the best tutorial ever...sweet.aint got no rain but snow and a mug of tea..cheers

[@mikelogan2909]

Thanks for the vid, I'm still on the fence with Digitakt. My main problem with it is the lack of a song mode. Maybe this can be added in an update. Even Korg figured out the Electribes needed a real pattern chain feature. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, thanks again Cuckoo. You've been a great help:)

[@sunilsolanki]

Mike Logan You can chain up to 64 patterns which can have up to 64 steps or 4 bars. Plus each pattern can have an additional 8 bars of trig condition changes... So each of those could be a song.

[@TheSlowGrowth]

Yes, but you can't save the chain. It's gone when you switch a pattern manually or when you power-cycle the machine. It's a shame they always cripple their products down somewhere.

[@sunilsolanki]

TheSlowGrowth Didn't know that part... That is a serious oversight.

[@mikelogan2909]

It's difficult for me to take this product seriously without playback. It's my feeling that an artist should be able to stand back and observe his or her work. This is how I fine tune my songs, for a lot of us out there the "playback" is key to a well thought out creation/song. Just my opinion.

[@truecuckoo]

+Mike Logan yeah, playback is very useful, and common in electronic music. Especially for straight up songs. In acoustic music though it's impossible. I think when you're performing live and devoting your attention to the instrument, you can reach new heights. But a regular song mode should still be there, I agree.. I think it's a shame they left it out.

[@ZaydeWolf]

Hey Brother, do you ever to tech support!?

[@JeremydePrisco]

Watched this once before getting Digitakt. Then lots of other reading and video demos. Came back to this step by step after getting Digitakt. Outstanding. Up and running in no time! Thank you!

[@jimmywheelo]

So well explained which is the most important point for me. Really well laid out and clear for a newbie to the Digitakt. Thanks Cuckoo lad

[@samusordicus]

I can’t for the life of me hear what your saying when you plug that second midi device. What is it ? Wooden enclosure pile square? That’s what I keep hearing ha

[@longshotkdb]

'the worlds smallest synth with an enclosure, the pi L squared' (made by polytec)

[@huntersandell859]

he actually says " 'the worlds smallest synth with an enclosure for instance, the pi L squared'

[@JedGumiran]

I wonder how many Digitakts you’ve sold by posting this tutorial video. 🤔

[@alpenjon]

Same here

[@audioexpedition]

@@alpenjon +1 lol

[@flabaire]

I just bought the Digitakt and you're helping me tremendously, thanks Cuckoo !!

[@tarikmeziab3948]

Dude this tutorial is insane. Awesome work and thanks for taking so much time to crack this egg.

[@alexsteinbach6920]

tnx cuckoo, awesome tutorial, i entered the world of elektron last week with the digitakt, this tutorial helps me a lot... gonna watch your other movies!!!

[@murahachibu]

Awesome man! Looking forward to a more advanced tutorial with trig conditions, LFO tricks, etc.

[@cindydelabie6321]

Lovely little synth party, i always enjoy your content aswell as being tought way more than a thing or two, thanx for that and stay awesome!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Cindy! I appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@toenineUTUBE]

Thanks Cuckoo, I just got my Digitakt yesterday,... new to all of it. Your tutorial is helping me. Thank you.

[@JanSelia]

Just got one yesterday! Such an inspiring and creative device.. You're tutorial was super usefull, thanks a lot! ❤️

[@cnonymous]

This is a really awesome in depth tutorial. Thank you so much.. I really want the digitakt now, it seems to have so many capabilities for sequencing and sampling and all that.

[@danielzenner]

It's one thing to make a super long, incredibly informative tutorial reviewing an instrument, it's another thing to create a cool ass song while doing it, bravo.

[@betalooper]

Hi Cuckoo, thanks for posting this. I just bought a Digitakt and I enjoyed this tutorial!