Elektron Digitakt- is this RIP to the OP-1? // Let us Compare

[@triandgle]

▲ thanks for putting these two side by side lk! one little remark: the digitakt is capable of synthesis in a roundabout way, by using single cycle wave forms an looping them. using something like the retrokits rk-002 (and a midi keyboard), you can even make a polyphonic 'synth' out of it.

[@LiamKillen]

Ahh you’re right about that! Thanks for this addition!

[@GavinVickery]

I have both. In my experience, the OP-1 is more immediate for "sketching" ideas that are more freeform; keys, chords, melodies etc. But the DT is amazing for laying down drums quickly and adding a variety of interest over time using its complex sequencer / trig conditions. The DT also excels at rhythmic based EDM like Techno and House. It can obviously be done on the OP-1 but I can make Techno so fast on the DT its criminal (and a shit ton of fun). I love both, and will never sell either.

[@LiamKillen]

Exactly what I think: OP-1 = idea sketch machine Digitakt is more of an A->B song machine (for me)

[@Thebignatural]

You just convinced me to buy a DT

[@GavinVickery]

@@Thebignatural you won’t be disappointed, it’s an mazing piece of gear. Congrats! 🙌

[@Thebignatural]

@@GavinVickery Cheers, mate! I've got the Model:cycles and love it. Sounds like the DT makes throwing down drums a little easier and lends itself to making more fully-formed house grooves, beyond 16-bar loops.

[@atonegames]

EDM is the name of pop mainstream sub genre. Techno and House, came first and its own thing, from electronica. Like Pop Punk came from Punk. The music industry made EDM to sell to suburban kids and would like you to think its interchangeable. Just saying, sadly it's the truth.

[@willperry2915]

been watching your vids passively for a long time- just whenever i looked up a piece of gear trying to see what it was all about. but recently i’ve been diving into your channel and binging a bunch of your stuff and just wanted to tell you how entertaining and informative all of it is!! you catch a super comfortable vibe in all your content which makes it just such a joy. thanks for all you do! ❤️

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks Will! I really appreciate you being here 😊

[@KelpYT]

Hey Liam, I'm not assuming you don't know this but you left out a key point regarding pattern switching on the OP-1 @5:55. If you set a loop, you can shift it to the next set of "measures" during playback by using "shift + arrow key" in the direction you want. This helps mimic a pattern based workflow, i.e. I'll make and A and a B loop and then use "shift + arrow" to alternate back and forth when I want and record that "performance". It even shows you a dim green line of where the loop will jump, and doesn't jump until the playhead finishes the current loop, so you can jump over multiple times, adding more than just an A or a B loop. This function only happens while the device is playing back though, and you cannot "prearrange" an order of patterns like the digitakt, or somewhat ironically the pocket operators (TE already new how great this was!!!!) edit: realized someone mentioned this already but ill leave my explanation here as well

[@LiamKillen]

I actually didn’t know about this but a few people also mentioned it! That. Ding said it’s still not as strong as the Digitakt’s pattern sequencer/pattern chain.

[@KelpYT]

@@LiamKillen for sure, after learning the "elektron workflow" on my model cycles I realized that TE was likely inspired by it on their pocket operators! Between the pattern chaining and parameter locking, it hit me that the model cycles is basically a giant multitrack PO. It would be interesting to see an "OP-2" combine the best of both worlds, working on the mini 4 track reel to reel would be so fun if you could feed it a similar sequencing workflow as the PO's while having the option to use the keyboard over the top

[@pgolm]

You just got a shout out in LK’s new upload 😎

[@KelpYT]

@@pgolm :0 awesome! Thanks for letting me know

[@s.grantparker5674]

The OP-1 does have a a way to jump between patterns if they are recorded to the tape back to back! Shift+the right/left arrow will jump forward or back the length of the loop set. You can even hit the arrow multiple times to jump forward multiple bars at a time. Still not Digitakt level, but a cool feature to know!

[@LiamKillen]

I just learnt that thanks for the addition! Cheers-

[@LiamKillen]

YT comments always keep me in check ✅

[@pgolm]

This only works while the tape is playing so it’s an easy to miss feature!

[@pgolm]

And they do not necessarily have to be back-to-back. The command just initiates a jump forward or backwards in the timeline equal to the length between your loop points. The loop points are replaced once the jump executes at the end of your bar being played. I hope that makes sense.

[@BeatagoniaDawless]

Yeah, IMO that's an awesome feature. Op1 wins

[@lemonrain2741]

One OP-1 feature that gets overlooked is the album function. This allows you to record an entire song, while also adding tape tricks, like the two memo buttons, or mute tricks, or adjusting the mastering effects and parameters. You can then take those album files and immediately send them out as completed songs to friends. You can also use the album function to record more advanced bits of sound and effects and then record the album back onto the tape track. So it just really opens up another level of experimentation and fun. Anyway another great vid, always fun to hear about Op-1 (and those other devices). 😉

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s a part of the op1 that I haven’t explored all that much!

[@KelpYT]

I get frustrated because you cannot fast forward, rewind, or punch in on the album funtion. so if you want to play a mix and perform over the top you have to one take everything and start from the beginning if you mess up, that part is less annoying then only being album to play back from the beginning to see how you did. Your point stands though, I just have to get better and send itttttt! That being said, out of my thousands of dollars of instruments and audio gear, the OP-1 is literally the last thing I would sell

[@lemonrain2741]

@@KelpYT yeah good points. It would be much better if you could fast forward/rewind. Maybe why it is not talked about much. Of course it would be better to just record into a smartphone if you are on the go. But nice that it has a basic option right on board.

[@Imetalman2000]

I need to explore this more. I’m not using it to its full potential.

[@Tim.Traveler]

Thanks Liam. Love your channel! Where did you get your vinyl sticker for your digitone?

[@LiamKillen]

Style flip! Thx for watching 😊

[@Blogspierre]

I’m amazed that, 10 years on, no one has created a DAW that expands on the OP-1 workflow, RE: the “digital tape”. Untrue about bouncing between patterns in the OP. Watch anyone that’s mastered it. Leaping between loops, combined with the live muting, is sublime in its versatility.

[@LiamKillen]

There’s nothing like it nor will there ever be anything else like it ever again

[@Pluto0N]

I agree about the jumps between patterns. op-1 just has a different workflow.

[@Blogspierre]

Peep track 3. “Hard to tell”. Those tapes and mutes.

[@AntonioAlemanno_music]

Hey! Thanks a lot for this viceo @LiamKillen ! That is super useful. Got point when you said that the OP1 is usually used for IG performance and rarely for live setup. You I have a question. Could you actually sequence the OP1 with the Digitakt (or any other Elektron gear or even the OXI ONE!)? It should be possible using a USB hub. But if so, can you then sequence all the four tracks?

[@LiamKillen]

Pleasure! Thanks for watching :-) Yes there is a way for sure if you have the right adaptors you can do it via USB - but it's an annoying set up I admit lol.

[@CelticStone]

enjoying the channel, thank you. still saving for my first real hardware, but this eases the wait

[@LiamKillen]

Glad to help 😊

[@Rgdonaire_07]

thanks for the good video... I owned the OP-1 for several years and sold it just when they came up in price. For the current price point I think it's ridiculous to be honest. It's a very powerful machine, fun and incredibly portable with fantastic battery life, but I got bored of cutting and splicing tape tracks eventually, same thing with the lo fi tone of it. I bought also the OP-Z but I also did not fully connect with it, mainly due to the hardware which was too small and fiddly with very flimsy build quality. My life became more sedentary too so I had no need for a super portable workstation and my home studio grew with hardware synths, drum machines, etc.so I recently got the Digitakt, and I'm enjoying it a lot, it's extremely powerful and I prefer it over the OP-1. YMMV.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah they charge a lot for sure

[@minimal.camera]

Great video! A few additions that sprung to mind: the Digitakt can seamlessly loop samples, which means it is capable of wavecycle synthesis (single cycle oscillators), wavetable synthesis, and basic granular synthesis. This is akin to creating your own oscillators on the fly, plus the filters, LFOs, etc add a fair amount of sound shaping ability. So even without dedicated synth engines, the synthesis capabilities of the Digitakt (and Model:Samples) are no joke. Perhaps the OP-1 can do all of this as well? I'm not sure. The Digitakt can also be battery powered with a MyVolts 12V Ripcord and USB battery bank. Certainly not as convenient as an internal battery, but fairly easy for about $40.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I’ve been notified about the wave table synthesis thing! Thanks for your input 😊

[@o3rMeNs]

I know it’s an old video, but you can go from pattern to pattern on the OP1. While playing, shift + > or < to change to the next or previous loop. You see blue loop indicator to which loop you will jump to after the current one ends.

[@LiamKillen]

Ahhhh didn't even know this - thanks for letting everyone know ! We could use your synth knowledge over in the Discord ! discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

[@zachshult]

Nice vid Liam! What cables do you use?

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks Zach!

[@larrylynch8113]

Just started the video ; 2 questions where is the digitakt keyboard … and what it this wire in the back a sector battery ? That sounds like 2 absolute reasons why I’d keep an op1 over a digitakt

[@LiamKillen]

The keyboard are the buttons on the bottom of the box. I’m not sure what you mean about the wire.

[@j4s0n67]

tbh the best thing bout digitakt is the buttons

[@silber_grau]

I always found, that the OP-1workflow is somehow much more immediate when just fiddling around (not talking about sequencing / song workflow). I suppose the OP-1 is still very much alive. 🤷‍♂️

[@LiamKillen]

It totally is. Still a top seller 10 years later which is just wild to me.

[@boombap08]

Actually love the look of the digitakt. Super streamlined, nice amount of lighting and the screen oled screen is mint

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah just personal taste !

[@boombap08]

@@LiamKillen nope not allowed to have that ;) great vid btw

[@henrikpetersson3666]

Definitely personal taste. Personally I think it look crap, however the OP-1 looks dope.

[@_sethweaver]

So you can actually jump to another loop on the op1 by pressing shift and an arrow. It’ll jump you to the next section of equal loop length. Took me too long to learn that and it unlocked so much for me.

[@_sethweaver]

And it does wait for the current looped section to play out before switching.

[@LiamKillen]

I heard about this too! Thanks for your addition

[@bobz1736]

I love my DT and could never justify the OP1 cost as an occasional user. My DT is still going strong after 4 years but did suffer with the 'sticky key syndrome' for which Elektron sent me a complete new set (and had my old ones back for analysis). I love the DT workflow and its the perfect 'happy accident' sound machine. 😎

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I heard about the sticky key thing…gotta say that’s pretty annoying

[@bobz1736]

@@LiamKillen - it could be partly due to the temperature and humidity here in Thailand 🤔 But happy that Elektron sorted it out... unless it happens again 😉

[@VIRALBEATS360]

Some day, maybe...I really want to work on the OP, but that price tag...only $100 away from a new MPC Live 2, after taxes. Still, have heard and seen some great work on it. Too much is a synth nut too, so if I had to choose, Digi gets it on that alone. Great video! A reminder that reminders work...at least it did, in this case. Thanks.

[@LiamKillen]

I hear ya- it’s not cheap

[@RAUSTEmusic]

Thank you so much for this. I’m really struggling with myself deciding which gear I should go for. I’m more a sequencer depending person. So I would choose the DT. But I love sound design as well. What I understand the DT like all the elektron gears is non polyphonic which is a big minus to me. Am I right? And the sample are played in mono, rigth?

[@LiamKillen]

You are right - these are some minuses about the Digitakt but overall I think it’s a really great box

[@LiamKillen]

Here’s some more on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXPRhWyYm7J7Zqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXPRhWyYm7J7Zqs

[@RAUSTEmusic]

Thank you a lot.

[@jeywig]

Great video! Where can I get those op-1 encoder covers?

[@LiamKillen]

3d waves!

[@cuttlefishpie3731]

The metal for the Digitact was harvested from the crashed saucer at Roswell 47’

[@LiamKillen]

🤝

[@aurelien.aufroy7358]

You can "switch pattern" with the OP-1 : While playing the tape, press shift+right.

[@LiamKillen]

I heard about this!

[@ColossalM]

that crazy frog riff awoke something deep inside my brain

[@LiamKillen]

😂 I’m glad!

[@kyleguyettemusic]

“but, there’s a place for short Instagram performances. On Instagram!” my favorite part

[@LiamKillen]

😂

[@chickenpasta7359]

It’s worth noting the OP1 is $1400 new, when the Digitakt is $800. You’d get a better setup by pairing the Digitakt with another device like the Digitone, a sampler or drum machine, or even an iPad

[@LiamKillen]

Perhaps! Nothing out there quite like the op1

[@jacobthewinner]

I’m definitely guilty of the 1 minute 4 bar jams on youtube, cant stop won’t stop!

[@LiamKillen]

It’s a thing!

[@Vandalsounds]

Pretty amazing machines, each with their own very unique approach. Both Swedish. 👌

[@LiamKillen]

The Swedes know what’s up

[@jackding1592]

Thanks, Liam, but I think maybe the Digitakt function will be more similar to the opz. what do you think?

[@LiamKillen]

Yes there are def more similarities there. I did a Digitone/OP-Z comparison as well! Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIHTp4t9nbOWftU

[@LiamKillen]

Interested in buying the OP-1 or Digitakt? Support this channel while you're at it! Below are Perfect Circuit affiliate links which I make a small commission off of at no extra charge to you: OP-1 ►bit.ly/3e11gjC Digitakt ►bit.ly/3DJB4UB

[@Mattsmith428]

I own the OP-1 and it's not something I recommend to others, though of course it's all personal preference. I just find the Digitakt so much better. Also, for slightly more than the OP-1 you could buy the Digitakt and Digitone. I think about selling my OP-1 constantly. I don't think I'll ever get rid of my Elektron gear.

[@LiamKillen]

Fair enough!

[@mescaLEO]

Can the OP1 control other instruments? On the digitakt you can program other instruments through midi signals, takes a bit of fiddling but the end result is amazing

[@LiamKillen]

Midi syncing with the op-1 in my experience has been a little dodgy

[@GavinVickery]

I use midi out from the OP-1 to control external soft synths (like form my iPad) and resample them back to tape. Super fun workflow IMO.

[@mescaLEO]

@@GavinVickery can you control physical synths?

[@GavinVickery]

@@mescaLEO Yea I've controlled my eurorack with it. Just need a converter for usb to midi din. Theres lots out there now, can get them for around $30 on Amazon.

[@OsmanVAydogan]

Damn, that tune around 14 min mark is killer mate! Any chance you might have finished that? 😻

[@LiamKillen]

Not yet! It’s in my DAW at this point- needs a lil tune up

[@prosocial_lad]

Seems like the best way to do this music thing is to have one fun machine and one business machine

[@LiamKillen]

Fun + business is my kind of combo :-)

[@relative_vie]

Mpc live 2 Or Polylend Tracker Or digitakt? If you had to choose?

[@LiamKillen]

Probably the live 2- I have the one and I love it

[@richarddiaz6357]

@@LiamKillen Similar question, if you could afford either the SP 404 Mark ii or the Digitakt but not both, which would you spend your hard earned money on?

[@raneflewit6250]

hi，im a beginner. i have a question that why you connect op1 into digitakt？and its mono line or setero line？

[@LiamKillen]

I connect it into the Digitakt because the Digitakt has a mixer ! So that means that any audio input will sound along with the audio that's coming from the Digitakt :-)

[@MehmetKoseDev]

I'm an absolute beginner. Checking in both + op-z for a while. Which device would you suggest me? Please consider the sources for learning as well. Thank you.

[@LiamKillen]

Honestly any three of those are good to start with. I started with the op-z myself and it was a great introduction

[@MehmetKoseDev]

@@LiamKillen Amazing! Thank you Liam

[@BIG1TOWER]

I love the Digitakt. I always wanted a op-1

[@LiamKillen]

Both great for different reasons!

[@clubmember5743]

you can bounce to an other pattern with OP 1 by holding shift and tapping left or right >

[@LiamKillen]

Yes! I’ve learnt that since releasing this video! 😊 thank u

[@stephensoto2126]

The digitakt is amazing at making beats quickly but when actually sampling with it, it sucks cause of the lack of time stretching etc.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah not as cool as op1

[@RadioBluesPR]

😂 I made a track a while ago with that same Blankforms sample! That pack is so good!

[@LiamKillen]

SO good!

[@sendalunar2974]

Digitakt is more square and precise. Op1 is all about the vibes and feels.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah- different beasts

[@ZetaReticulian]

There’s been nothing BUT magical moments as soon as I sold that stupid toy keyboard and paired my Digitakt with a digit one and octatrack Mk ii…….haven’t looked back since. Had the op1 for almost two years and sold it for 1200$ LOL I feel I got MORE than my investment back. I will never fall for the gimmicks of TE again. Not saying the OP1 was a POS….. it was just a useless gimmicky POS for me.

[@LiamKillen]

Awesome! Good for you!

[@hellf.o]

Yeh they are both awesome in their own different way..but now dirtywave M8 is in the house ehehe!

[@LiamKillen]

I keep hearing about it!

[@tellmel1010]

Hey bro long time no see!!

[@LiamKillen]

Hey! Glad you’re back!

[@kathleencoveny3860]

With your musical formation ... degree through McGill University .. your insights into the roots of all things musical is a slam dunk .. you are so well equipped to evaluate and assimilate the many musical apps out there .. thanks once again for all your insights as you thoroughly dissect from the inside out ...

[@LiamKillen]

Always appreciate you watching! 😊

[@samprock]

Vintage to Retro comparison :)

[@LiamKillen]

😏

[@ryanhursh6322]

I don’t even consider these two machines as competitors. If you’re new and simply don’t know anything about either of them, then sure, it’s worth having a watch. But one is not a killer of the other.

[@LiamKillen]

I appreciate your input but there’s definitely some crossover which is what this video gets into for people who may not know much about either.

[@paulcarlisle5403]

The reason the OP-1 is still number one is because there quite simply is nothing like it. Digitakt's workflow is akin to most sampling drum machines, such as the MPC, so they're gonna fight among themselves for that market. Anyway, as an owner of both, I find that the OP-1 is quite a bit less practical as a standalone workstation but still tends to draw me in more often. I just enjoy the OP-1 more than anything, despite its flaws, and it is definitely my "desert island" piece of gear.

[@LiamKillen]

I agree with pretty much everything you just said.

[@paulcarlisle5403]

@@Leviathan-mj8gi the tape workflow is unlike any I've ever seen in any other workstation. Also the UI is obviously in its own league. It's as much an art piece as it is a workstation. It just brings joy to look at and use it. Breaking it down by specs is to deny its inherent draw as an inspiring instrument that make you play it.

[@ea5e95]

Always wanted an op1, but my digitakt is my homie haha 😆 great content as usual! Hope to see more digitakt videos from you yo 🙏🏿😊✨

[@LiamKillen]

You’ll be seeing more VERY soon!

[@GustavSandstedt]

Love my Digitakt 😁

[@LiamKillen]

It’s my go to right now

[@Yarbisss]

"Diggy tact" Lol, good video though

[@LiamKillen]

That’s how it’s pronounced! Lol

[@TheFloridaSam]

Yeah......that's why I got both.

[@LiamKillen]

😏

[@GustavSandstedt]

Also two Swedish products 😁🇸🇪

[@LiamKillen]

Yesss!

[@nefastkurt]

Elektron Syntakt - is this RIP to the OP-1 Field ? :D

[@LiamKillen]

😏 🤷‍♂️

[@frantsel5711]

Comparing a synth with a sampler is like ah cmon. Really dude? WHY??? Compare the microfreak with the op1. That would be a fair one...

[@LiamKillen]

They are both synths and samplers though…there’s a lot of cross over as you can see in this video.

[@frantsel5711]

@@LiamKillen digitakt is not a synth.. the ability to loop a single waveform is not transforming it into a synth. The human ability to jump into the air for a second doesnt make you fly. As I said microfreak would be a good opponent.

[@gooneybird808]

Honestly...all the hardware anyone needs

[@LiamKillen]

😏 I’m really digging the tr 8s rn

[@richard.c.guitars]

Can't believe it's success considering the price....it's ridiculous

[@LiamKillen]

Right!?

[@richard.c.guitars]

@@LiamKillen I have an iPad with korg gadget 2 on it ...it's amazing

[@X-101]

I mean you could buy a Digitakt and a Digitone for the price of an OP-1

[@LiamKillen]

I know right?

[@AlexanderShelestov]

Or a thousand of hamburgers!

[@Imetalman2000]

I will never buy electron. I hear so much noise about the sequencing, but every jam I hear on electron gear just doesn’t slap. I don’t know what it is about the sound it just feels very dry to me.

[@LiamKillen]

NOTHING that you’ve heard on Elektron boxes slaps? Cmon now

[@atommachine]

My didgeridoo disagrees

[@ScowlerJase]

One of the things people seem to forget is just how long the OP-1 has been around :-) If you made the OP-1 and someone told you that ten years later it would still be getting compared to the latest kit , you would have called them crazy! I tend to see the OP-1 as more of an instrument , the Digitakt as a machine. Both have their place.

[@LiamKillen]

I know it’s wild and it’s still top selling

[@braien25980]

Haha, i swap the OP1 for the Digitakt, best thing

[@LiamKillen]

Yyyyup

[@roccopnks2127]

Actually those both work pretty great togheter😅

[@LiamKillen]

They certainly do 😏

[@dbr6801]

Surely its pronounced Dij itakt not Dig-itakt? As in digital

[@LiamKillen]

Everyone’s got a different take on the pronunciation

[@DaVeTheWaVe]

two different beasts...

[@LiamKillen]

Pretty much

[@Frakaphoto]

nothing compare to EP-1 it is just unique. a funny unicorn. got deluge wich is 1000 % more everything , and is at the center of my dawless studio, but I bought a second op-1 just because we are here on earth for fun. don’t try to compare. if I go weekend or vacation it is op1 and a plastic deck saver on it…

[@LiamKillen]

Ep-1!

[@frakaelectrosonparis7819]

sorry op-1 . I know electron are too very good machine but …different …

[@oddObjekt]

Good video. Why does no one compare the OP-1 and Norns? Looping? Check. Weird Sequencers? Check. Effects? Check. Sampling? Check. Synth engine that some people love but others find kind of weak? Check.

[@LiamKillen]

I don’t know that one!

[@oddObjekt]

@@LiamKillen its basically a small computer that runs a collection of open sourced scripts created by a very active community. Loopop did a good video on it. Worth checking out.

[@toslinked]

I want those knobs!

[@LiamKillen]

I got them from 3D waves...i wonder if that guy's still in business haha.

[@MaRkoMadafaka]

me owning all three of the most sold synths thinking im a hipster 👁👄👁

[@LiamKillen]

😂

[@sinewaymusic]

If only it were battery and USB powered.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah the digitakt…imagine

[@dustyrhodes1655]

Came for the OP-1 Stan comments 🤣

[@LiamKillen]

😏

[@Celestintamarre]

You can totally finger drum on the Digitakt, just saying

[@LiamKillen]

It ain’t the same bruh

[@LiamKillen]

But you’re actually right

[@nickademuss42]

and the new op-1 is $2,000.00 !!!!!!!

[@LiamKillen]

🫠

[@ukbloke28]

Your pronunciation of Digitakt is ultra annoying! It's short for DIGItal. You don't say diggytal, surely?

[@LiamKillen]

Actually hard G is the correct pronunciation. I think it’s annoying too but it’s the correct way to pronounce it 🤷‍♂️

[@MrJackal43]

Nope…. 😂 not at all.

[@LiamKillen]

😏