TR-8s vs Digitakt - Should Elektron be worried?

[@RickyTinez]

Which would you choose? TABLE OF CONTENTS: Price Point - @1:00 Sampling - @1:26 Sound Design - @3:14 Sequencer - @5:43 Storage - @9:11 In's/Out's - @9:52 Direct Control - @12:25 Fun - @13:40 Finale - @15:09

[@spectralknights2]

Enrique Martinez tr-8s

[@verdezap]

I had the Roland tr-8 and I sold it for the Digitakt. I never played with the Roland tr-8 live. I have played with Digitakt live. I love the Digitakt. It’s an upscale version of the Kong Volca Sample.

[@clemlysergy3335]

Volca Sample is a gateway drug to the Digitakt, Volca FM is a gateway drug to the Digitone.

[@jamesbarkleyjr]

I now have both and agree. For performance, TR-8S is ruling. Fun factor for live performing and live setup, it's a done deal. Digitakt is just too much menu diving for you to have fun live. The sound manipulation is nicer on the Digitakt but getting the beats is much quicker on the TR-8S.

[@guillaumeboyer5473]

1:52 ROland's Sampler is the SP404A, i'm soon gonna get one ! ROland rocks for samplers, J DIlla used a SP303 for DOugnuts ! And the SP404A is integrated with the TR8 :)

[@johnmika6512]

The TR8S sounds great and is one of the most enjoyable machines I have ever used. If you have ever owned a 808 or 909, the TR8s is like having every feature (onboard sampling aside) you ever wished for in the original machines and more. The performance features are unmatched.

[@jabransaeed6155]

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[@jabransaeed6155]

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[@jabransaeed6155]

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[@BIGPUN4EVER]

Just so you know, the TR8s can also record all outputs through USB, just like overbridge on the Digitakt. This is from sweetwater sales page: "The TR-8S Rhythm Performer features eight analog audio outputs that you can use to separate your sounds for recording or processing purposes. But if you're recording to your DAW, it's even easier to use the USB connection - you'll be able to record every TR-8S channel to a separate track in your DAW in a single pass."

[@RickyTinez]

BIGPUN4EVER ah yea noticed that after! *face palm* good thing I gave the point to the TR-8s though!

[@allroads8978]

If you throw in overbridge you have to use a computer / if your using a computer then you might as well get a regular tr8 / ableton intro and a cheap midi controller / DAWs are our friends

[@SeenfromSpace]

I had the exact same dilemma. For me the deal breaker for Digitakt was the mono sample playback only. What a massive missed opportunity! I've ordered the Roland, but it's so hot I'm having to wait 2 months to get mine :(

[@RickyTinez]

Oh no! Why 2 months?? Shipping?

[@SeenfromSpace]

The first batch at my local stockist are all spoken for. I vacillated too long!

[@markotik75]

Seen From Space 2 months... what a bummer - these 2 months are going to drag on and on - and each time you see a Digitakt on the web, I bet you can’t help but look at the calendar lol. Be worth the wait though - I love mine... When I started seeing the praise the Roland was getting I was hoping I didn’t spend 700 bucks on something I wished was the other thing but nope - I’m more than please with mine - and it’s weird how like normally you get a new bit of kit, a synth, hardware or virtual, and you spend way more time with it than any of the rest of your toys - but jeez, I’ve barely even switched on another synth or booted up Ableton since I bought this. There’s SO much to it. Like SO much... You’ll love it mate 👍

[@SeenfromSpace]

I've already started cooking up custom hits and loops in Logic to load onto it when it arrives 😎

[@SeenfromSpace]

I don't doubt you get great results - I've devoured YT demos and Digitakt is amazing. Agreed, stereo samples are less important for kicks, closed hihats etc. But if there's a big stereo reverb on a snare that's inherent in the sample, it frees up the global reverb to use *a different* effect on other parts. I almost never put reverb on rides or crashes because they already have a stereo image. I roll my own in Logic ;-) And I don't have to touch pan pots to separate them - they simply occupy their own space. I've experimented with the Octatrack as drum machine, but it doesn't have the immediacy of a real drum machine.

[@drumatic]

The Digitakt's lack of features is what makes it such a wonderfully unique sounding machine... I equate it to a modern day SP1200 in terms of how creative you can be with such limitations. Don't get me wrong... I would love for the Digitakt MK2 to include a "SONG MODE", micro SD feature, 8 outs, and a set of actual drum pads... but that'd just end up making it an Analog Rytm MK2.5 hybrid.

[@sukubito4311]

Now it has song mode!

[@timk8021]

I’ll have both once I sell my TR-8 and get the 8S but, I wouldn’t give up my DT for the 8S. I’d rather have something closer to a true sampler.

[@TheJonHolstein]

I think that is the issue... the Digitakt is more of a sampler. And for a product to really notch that out of the radar, it would have to be a sampler. As a drum-machine, the digitakt lacks the strightforwardness, and the TR-8S fixes most of the issues with the TR-8. Making it a really interesting drum-machine... but perhpas with a bit too much of a price increase...

[@Pontiki1977]

I think that after getting mixed reviews about their boutique series synths, Roland did a good job with the tr-8s.

[@orangefinesse4316]

Enrique, your video halped a lot! I really want to love the TR8S, but the cons of it are convincing me towards the Digitakt. I just wish the Digitakt was as easy to use with knobs and faders like the Roland...decisions decisions...

[@RickyTinez]

there are truly benefits and cons of both machines. Having said that, i still want a TR-8s after getting a digitakt haha

[@jmac2050]

you got that youtube sad talk down, son

[@hubadj]

jmac2050 😂 you love it though

[@_P_M_]

Good comparison. What is it with MIDI thru's anymore? Why are manufacturers not including them? I need at least a switchable Out/Thru on my gear. Maybe MIDI daisy chains are old-fashioned these days, but it's how I've always done it. It's what I know.

[@aikighost2827]

The way I see it the digitakt wins for flexibility of sound design but the TR8s is so much more hands on for live manipulation and mixing, basically if you do live jammed sets the TR8s is the better machine, you will probably have to pair it with an analog 4 or digitone for good synth tones :) Also what you're saying around the 12:00 min mark is inaccurate, TR8s wins here because it already streams all 11 outs directly to your DAW to separate tracks via USB and its worked since the original TR8. Where as us digitakt owners have been promised overbridge integration for over a year and its STILL NOT HERE :P

[@RickyTinez]

Uh oh, good thing i gave the point to the TR-8S whew. Also that live jamming is so much fun it's too tough to compare lol

[@HazeAnderson]

But the TR-8S doesn't break out 11 mono outputs for your mixer ...

[@timk8021]

There is a master page on the DT for controlling all the levels but, it only controls the levels of each channel.

[@RickyTinez]

I saw that! I might make a mapping for the LCXL to control the levels and a few commands

[@4matcollectiva847]

Bro you really hep me out , ill buy both 😅!

[@radiograakasiaslucha]

good analysis, although do you happen to know if tr8s has the same usb connection as tr8? because in tr8 it actually works similarly to overbridge (minus any effects, unfortunately) - but recording 16 tracks into daw with one usb cable was a miracle to me

[@RickyTinez]

Seeing some of the comments here I believe it does. My mistake :( luckily I gave the point to the TR8s haha

[@RoryRonde]

to be honest, i think the comparison should be more between the Elektron Rytm (mk2) and the Roland. The Digitakt is a real sampler. To my knowledge the Roland is a drum computer with the added functionality of being able to play samples, but it isnt a sampler. The Rytm is more comparable to this, being a drummachine, being able to work with samples (of course it also has a synth engine) . One isnt' better than the other . The price could be a deciding factor.

[@RickyTinez]

Yea the price was a big factor in this too. Plus the MK2 rytm has digitakts sampling engine! So it’s a digi on steroids basically

[@holotropik]

On a Sampler I have to have Start and End point modifier. No deal on the Roland for me.

[@AndroLectric]

Compare 2 completely different machines 🤔😀 respect 👍

[@surf_machine]

different yeah, completely nope

[@MajorOSC]

Digitakt= MONO TR8S=Stereo Massive difference in sound depending on samples you're using.

[@baqcasanke]

Pretty sure most clubs play in mono anyways.

[@erwickdsouza]

tr8s can record each drm sound separately over usb

[@MrStupidHead]

very insightful. Last question. For the non-Elektron user. Which is easier to wrap your head around?

[@RickyTinez]

I’d say TR8s for sure is the quickest and easiest

[@Hhyperspace]

I have give my input on this one.The TR8S would be the easiest but...if you're familiar w working w samples in a DAW and actually read the quick start manual, Elektron gear is superb. Roland didn't take on the Trig Locks for nothing. They saw how great it worked for Elektron. The slider format is what works for Roland.

[@richardwalley2862]

Whats the difference between digitakt vs the tr8s? Neither supports overbridge

[@RickyTinez]

The TR-8s can send audio over USB currently though!

[@rhythmdroid]

Your Oberheim Xpander in the background glistens like a distant suburban valley townscape, viewed from a hilltop at night. August, 1982...listening to the car radio with my high school sweetheart, overlooking our sparkling town. What lay in store for me, for us? Where would electronic music take me? That night, everything seemed possible. None of this ever happened.

[@RickyTinez]

This made me feel a certain way..

[@bs9863]

nice. sounds like a trip.

[@ghettoent]

I need your brain loool

[@javsmith86]

I noticed this as well, but wasn't sure what it was. Looks very cool though. Didn't all of us have a hilltop with a girl in high school? Mine was a little earlier, in 1976...

[@ilumijaxxi]

hey, remember me? i was the guy on the other car with kick ass music and smoke coming trough the window...(btw it was smashing pumpkins, Prodigy and a couple of mixes by Jeff mills and Derrick May and Plastikman's Sheet One) oh boy what times where those! ;)

[@geluix69]

For live performance the TR8S is miles ahead, I found the digitakt to be rather clunky.

[@waagerecords1240]

The sampling work is much better in the Digitakt tho'. no?

[@strangestrains.]

45 McChickens is a lot of McChickens

[@RickyTinez]

pfft.. you're telling me? that like breakfast AND lunch..

[@MUNRO13]

Hahaha

[@JammyGit]

I've been looking at getting a drum machine for a while, but as a virtual beginner with such things the Digitakt does look complicated to me, so if/when I do decide to buy one then it'll be the TR-8S for me. It just looks way more accessible to use, it has plenty of kits built in, kits that I'll actually use such as the 909, a memory card full of other samples will be more than enough for what I want. Oh and it looks nice, 😆 all those multi coloured lights and the layout of the machine is very aesthetically pleasing to me, I just like the whole package of the TR-8S better. 👍

[@Deaddinoproductions]

I think for a lot of people it will come down to those final couple categories you discussed, because the Digitakt is fundamentally a sampler/sequencer and the TR-8s is fundamentally a drum machine. They can be used in similar ways and many people are comparing them to each other because of the similar price, but they're ultimately different tools for different jobs. I'm primarily interested in hardware like this for the purpose of performance: using sounds and sequences I've preselected or designed in the studio and then dropping them into a machine that will allow me to easily and intuitively perform them. For this reason, the TR-8s is the far better choice for me. If I was more interested in a tool for live sampling and sound design/mangling, the Digitakt would be the obvious winner.

[@tylon2999]

The winner would be an MPC. I have both TR-8 and TR-8S great for playing live. I returned the Digitakt because I didn't have time to understand the kit.

[@kvmoore1]

One thing this video fails to mention when comparing these two machines is the fact the TR-8S has digital models of all of the classic Roland drum machines, thus, making it a virtual analog drum machine as well as a sample player. The Digitak only handles samples.

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

Preach from the Church of Roland (I am also a member 😁)

[@midclock]

Yep, but you can get those samples and load them on the digitakt

[@100voo]

@@midclock Yes but not a digital model of them

[@midclock]

@@100voo ok clear. I cannot say if there's any difference, as I don't know what parameters are on the Roland. Anyway with Adsr, pitch, eq, and fx, I bet you wouldn't miss digital models... And you are not limited to Roland machines only. Digitakt is a sample player, but it does it very well.

[@davidRios622]

@@midclock I think the cool think at least for me , it's that the TR-8s is basically an drum FM synth , they added more stuff on 2.5 firmware , it's something that the video fail to mention. Now it has probability and more models.

[@HappyChampignon]

I took the TR8s for live jams: 1. Sidechaine effect for Audio in, this is the final touch for my mix so that that everything sounds punchier. 2. Auto fill ins... I know exacly where I am with my loops. 3. Direct controll over volume/muting. This makes it more a live instrument for me. 4. Delay, Reverb and Mastereffect for building drops. 5. All the classic Roland drummaschine sounds + more in one Box... no need for samples (for me yet) 6. The lights... It looks so cool an asks to be played.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Roland all the way. Elektron gear is not user friendly.

[@Smobus]

Tr-8s For the live performance, a beast ! Really love the tr-8s. Just one think, i hope one day Roland making a new firmware with a quantize on / off mod... (My bad english i m learning)

[@koskey06]

Wouldn't the 707 vs digitack be a better comparison? I mean I understand that the 8s is more of a "drum machine " but your talking about samples and other features......

[@WingHouseCup]

TR8s is a very nice step up from the old one, but i own the Digitakt already. Im not sure I can go back to a "regular" drum machine anymore. Digitakt is just an inspirational instrument. Some of the most interesting music Ive made has come out of that little black box. I would give up the Mc chickens in a heartbeat if i had to get one again. lol Choose Digitakt Enrique!

[@RickyTinez]

Shhh.. i got the Digitakt already and the mcChickens are in the mail haha, jk. But i hear you. I've had this thing for like 12 hours and my mind keeps getting blown. Just now getting into midi sequencing and parameter locking program changes and what not

[@jeremystorm3902]

Would love to see a video from you with the new 2.0 firmware update to the TR8S. Now that there’s 11 different FM engines built in as well as a bunch of new effects this changes the game!

[@Gainn]

Yeah, it was close when this vid was made, but now I feel like the Roland has so many things that push it past the 'Takt for general use. The Elektron is still superior for sound design and creative LFO use.. But other than that I don't use mine nearly as much as the TR now.

[@isaac.anthony]

Even without the new FM tones, I think the faders are way more fun in a live performance situation.

[@Daphoid]

@@Gainn The digitakt to me looks like a sampler's dream; and I've never been a huge sample guy. Maybe because my gear isn't able to be out all the time due to space, but I definitely don't have a setup where I can just hear something cool - record it- and away I go. Performing with existing sounds, or maybe groups of samples loaded later and tweaking them / playing them in unique ways is my jam. TR8S for me in the near future I think.

[@Gainn]

@@Daphoid the new tr-06s might be worth looking at.. You do lose track count over the others, but it's small and still keeps most of the workflow of its bigger brother. It might even be worth looking at an mc-707 or 101 if space is a real issue because they can do a hell of a lot. But the downside is that the performance options on the tr's are more.. Instant.. Having up to 16 drum sounds per track makes the mc's incredibly versatile, and then you have all the (really quite powerful) synthesis capabilities to play with as well TL;DR: to me the tr's are better performance machines. The digitakt feels more like a production tool. I'd be looking at an mc-101 + tr-06s combo if I didn't have the bigger brothers.

[@Daphoid]

@@Gainn Totally valid points. As I look at the digitakt, it just looks more like a super technical piece of hardware; rather than a fun performance tool. As you said, super focused on sound design, working with samples from Splice/Internet/Records/the world - whereas the TR8S is all about getting your groove going as fast as possible with the added FM & sample import features. I've got a Maschine Mk III here as well that I need to spend more time with. The GAS part of my brain says the tr8s would go great with my growing collection of hardware gear. But the logical part says the Maschine is pretty versatile but I'm chained to my computer - and as I"ve owned a Mk II before it for 4-5 years; it's definitely comfortable; but also getting that audio into Ableton can be tricky. Oh first world problems.

[@andrewmunsterman808]

I have both. Love them! My studio is all hardware. I would get the Digitakt

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

If you’ve ever messed around with ReBirth software from back in the day (or any of the original TR machines with 16 step pads) then the TR-8 feels like a magical hardware version of beautiful button, knob and fader goodness. I fell in love with mine so fast. It’s suuuuuuuper fun!

[@playgroundofsound7683]

Im still trying to understand why ppl like having limitations, it just doesnt add up for some reason

[@HamHavoc]

I would love a comparison of the TR8S vs the RYTM. I’m deciding if I should just keep saving my money

[@m-stat9]

Show more of the machine, less of your face.

[@christophpietsch4211]

it really depends on what you wanna do with the machines to find out which one is the best buy. if sampling capability is important to you - the digitakt is the clear winner. but I think it's really hard to compare the digitakt to the tr-8s because they both serve different needs. I feel like the tr-8s is more similar to a machinedrum uw+... both are digital drum synths with limited sampling capabilities. the digitakt on the other hand is a full featured sampler.

[@Graincatcher]

Great video! I bought a TR8S and second guessed it for a second till I saw this. I wish I could turn quantize off or have the more in-depth sample editing features and storage the Digitakt has, but for the feeling of performance, happy to stick with the TR8S

[@LowNoiseJasonSkilz]

Yeah I feel TR8S is way easier to use than Elektron gear.

[@illicitgraphics1]

I had just ordered the Digitakt before the big TR-8s announcement. This video helped alleviate my anxiety. lol

[@RickyTinez]

haha no buyers remorse.. guaranteed!

[@TheJonHolstein]

If you wanted a straightforward drum machine with user sound storage, then the TR8S, is better, and due to the lack of user sound storage, the digitakt was the "budget" drum machine, since TR8, Drumbrute lacked that... but the DT was never really a drummachine, more of a sampler. But for being creative with sound, the Digitakt beats the TR8S hands down...

[@dnch]

as octatrack owner, TR8S wins for me.. for all the advanced fucntions i have OT, for great hands on control i will have TR8S (already ordered)

[@robertescher3082]

A very thoughtful and insightful comparison. I actually had this same dilemma back in December last year when I decided I wanted to get a synth and a drum machine to basically mess around with... Now, I don't do Ableton / FL / Garage / Logic or any of those other DAWs because really, I'm an old dog who can only learn so many tricks at once. I bought these things to 'PLAY' with. So, what did I decide? It was nearly as close as yours, but the kicker for me was two things: 1) Back when I wanted to do this the first time... nearly 30 years ago... I had Roland gear, so it was familiar to me. 2) The ability to quickly alter each individual sound during playback - like you said, you CAN do that on the Digi, but it's not nearly as fast, and you can only realistically alter one sound at a time. So yeah, for me the choice was the TR-8S or what I refer to as 'Trace'. And I'm having all kinds of fun with it! But yeah... that Digitakt is a hell of a machine, and if was more into sound design and some of the other things you mentioned, I might very well have gone that way. :)

[@amadaye]

I'm taking the TR-8 and the 45 McChickens ...lol

[@RickyTinez]

Can't argue with that! lol

[@trevor4835]

Coming to this video a second time a year later, might pick up the tr8s for bday lol.

[@basicnoise]

the tr8s has an lfo, too. and parameter locks.

[@SELEKTROw]

I just got a secondhand tr-8s, this video heads towards the digitak until then end... then I realise I made the right choice after all... I had a machinedrum in the past and the reason I sold it was because it wasn't fun. if I want complex editing and infinite possibilities I'll use Ableton+push. if I want hardware fun and limitation use a real drum machine. Specs aren't everything!

[@cresshead]

backup? - D - nope TR yes hardware separate outs D2 outs TR 8 outs audio over usb D - nope Tr- yes same as tr-8 multi channel 11 tracks plus stereo trigger out D - nope TR yes dedicated knobs - nope TR yes max bar length per pattern d - 4 bars TR - 8bars velocity pads D - nope TR- yes 1 pad multi fx d - yes sends to mfx - TR - sends, individual fx per sound and multi fx stereo samples D - nope TR - yes extra midi channels D - 8 mono channels TR - nope (electribe sampler 16four note poly midi channels) volume sliders per sound D - nope - fiddly knobs though TR - yes battery power? D nope TR nope (electribe sampler - yes) colour coding for kits for easy read of what's where D nope TR yes

[@RickyTinez]

hmmm.. trying to mes sup my decision man!! haha jk these are all great points that i didn't think about.

[@cresshead]

it's not easy is it...yo0u need to list what's important to YOU and see what lines up for you.

[@walterortiz6408]

i think by looking this comparison that de digitakt it's more like a studio and production machine and the tr-8s it's more alike to live performances, anyway both machines have their caracter and unique sound, greatings! (sorry for bad english)

[@bricehenninger]

The Tr8s 1/4”outputs can also be changed to trigger outs. Big deal if you want to have triggers for eurorack gear. I don’t think you can do that with the digitakt. I also feel not having the ability to edit samples on the Tr8s isn’t that huge of a deal breaker. Considering many of us have a daw where we can more easily mangle audio and then export it to a sd card to upload into the Tr8s. Or plug in the digitakt and upload to that.

[@TheJonHolstein]

Soft buttons for macro and deep editing; TR-8S; 1 dedicated softknob. DT: 8. Chromatic sampler feature; TR-8S: nope. DT: Yes. User interface; TR8-S 2 line 16 charchter display (wasn't awesome on the JP-8000 in 1997, still isn't). DT: Full graphic display. I would still pick the TR-8S as a drum-machine over the Digitakt... the digitakt is a creative sampler... but with some unecessary limitations. But the TR8S do suffer from that display, and the single softknob. And it should not be demod with bass-lines and other melodic content, as it is a drum-machine, with simple sample playback mostly designed for loading user drums/percussion, and not as way to turn it in to a melodic instrument. (I would say the DT is almost the opposite, a melodic creation instrument that has been limited to a drum-machine) (And yes, the Electribe sampler, is the product that is best compared to the DT... the TR-8S, compared to the drumbrute and MFB Tanzbär and other drum machines, do make more sense, as that is what it excells as, and in many ways beat most of the competition... but the drumbrute has much more attractive pricetag for what it is... but no sound storage is limiting)

[@MasleyVystupoe]

Ricky did not mention the fact TR-S8 can handle stereo samples while the Digitakt only can handle mono samples.

[@Bro_TD]

Wow! Didn’t know that

[@jamesbarkleyjr]

In the studio, Digitakt is more versatile. Much more sound manipulation. On stage, Roland will rule. It is much easier to create and manipulate sequencer. The one thing that blow my mind is you can’t get off the grid with Roland.

[@crazygamingswede]

Live a little; Get both!! 0))

[@RickyTinez]

That’s a slippery slope my friend.. haha

[@jamesbarkleyjr]

Got both. Like I said above, Digitakt for studio, TR-8S for live as well as studio. My sampling is not using the Digitakt. If you are not going to sample on the Digitakt, just go for TR-8S if you can't get both. If you are not doing deep sound manipulation, get the TR-8S. Don't get it wrong, you can get nice on sound crafting on the TR-8S, it's just that Digitakt takes it up several notches. Playing beats and making beats is just so much easier to trip them up on the fly with the TR-8S.

[@micindir4213]

Both machines are really pro level. Though, digitakt does come across a bit 'apple-like' - nice to touch buttons, but non velocity sensitive , minimalist design. Some people are able to churn out complete tracks with this machine. TR8s is a machine anyone inspired by jeff mills mighy consider. Dedicated mixing console and knobs do bring a lot to this dynamic JM-like performance. Playing with decay on CH and OH and BD is how I see live techno performer interact with crowd. There's always this longing to feed drum sampler non-percussive material - stabs , bass notes , whatever. I think this is where TR8s conceptually wins - its a tool with an interface, that's proven itself in 30+ years. I think Japanese companies do have strong phylosophy behind them. Whereas korg was always cheap, but giving experimental designs, yamaha was in the middle in terms of $ and catered to nerds with pretty slow workflows - ok as default, but pretty deep if you dive in, Roland always tried to have good basic sound and a selection of parameters, that made impact. Its really hard to make non-sound or awful sound on roland gear and that's on purpose. Its a performer's brand. And they want premium for this phylosophy. Digitakt is a mainstay in many people's setups. TR8s has ability to work as an audio interface, meaning its very easy to send stem tracks from computer to dj mixer , whilst having deficated drum machine. Think about it, it is very minimal setup, but very able to bring punch of a live performance. I'm talking low profile gig , hard to mess up that hard with this setup (you can unmute drum stem if something goes horribly wrong). What I'm most interested in is having the ability to add "fill-in" when you feel like it. This is a function i've been 'inventing' in ableton. In fact if anybody can come up with an idea how to realise this thing within ableton, it would defeat any value of external drum machine for me. I see two ways to do this function ( variation/fill in): 1. Use elaborate midi rack which shifts octaves for any given clip, whilst you program EACH AND EVERY CLIP in octaves (thus having no more than 12 sounds). I have beat 1,2,3,4 and fill 1,2. This setup helps when you don't have separate controls for drum mixer. You also can combine pieces of beat into something different. 2. By using push you can program variations and fill ins in drum sequencer mode. But you have to create long clip and be pigeonholed into having same length of each drum pattern. As a plus, you'll get performance area, beat repeat and encoders. Personally I research gear for an inspiration and later trying to implement it with Ableton. Its the only system capable of delivering anything you want to if you can find a way to do it. At some point I'll probably design a suitcase with everything mounted and ready to. A system thats inviting to play , instead of constant construction/ deconstruction of a setup.

[@cryptkeeper5]

In the fourth paragraph you accidentally wrote "deficated drum machine" - enjoyed it a lot

[@mrguano7]

Being it the purpose for which you want a drum machine, live setting/improvisation, TR8s for sure because of its no frill straight-forward approach; after all, aside from the sound, the ease of use is what made TR lineage legendary. However, taking into account how familiar you are with the Elektron workflow, then that kind of becomes irrelevant since you're able to accomplish what you need in an equivalent amount of time. Although, I will say this, sometimes we end up getting a more cumbersome machine for its power precisely for its capability since it usually means more money, and since the price points are similar, it's very easy to trick oneself into buying the one with more bells and whistles but that may not fit the the very purpose for which you're getting the gear. Personally, i'll probably get both. The TR8s is straightforward conducive to fun, and the Digitakt is a powerhouse drum machine that is a force to be reckoned with; actually, Elektron over all.

[@maximepirard6171]

Digitakt has more options definitely, but the direct control for TR-8S seems like a dealbreker for me.

[@dannyneeper8855]

That was definitely the deal breaker for me ordered my Tr8s. I just intend to use it more for jamming and live performance and that direct control is perfect for that.

[@rrigs8075]

Excellent compare. For me it showed that it's the TR-8S. I appreciate the Electron is bigger and more powerful but that menu diving would drag after a while.

[@hooch8395]

but which sounds best straight out of the box?

[@dankefurnichts]

Audio Stream (all 11 Tracks individual!!!) via USB is also for the TR_8S possible, and the good thing there is: no overbridge is needed for that! ;-)

[@RickyTinez]

Oh man i gotta do more research next time :'( Thanks for correcting me :)

[@dankefurnichts]

No Problem. I had the Digitakt too. But i sold it after about a month. Its a nice toy, but in the end it did not satisfyed me as i wanted it. I had many Drummachines all lost in the End from AR, TR-8, Vermona to Temepst and so on. The TR-8s seems for me 100% perfect ... even without sampling! I m ok with prepare my Samples in Ableton load to SD card and good to go. When i wanna sample i use mk2 OT or OP-1. So for me THIS is the holy Trinity 2018 :-) Can't wait to Gig with it.

[@Dedabile]

@@dankefurnichts It only works that way if you use the tr8s as your main soundcard, doesnt it? Or is that just a Windows Problem?

[@dankefurnichts]

@@Dedabile yes. But when you use a Mac you can integrate it to your standard Audio Interface (for me its a Motu Ultralite MK3) Its called aggregate Audio. Merge as many Audio Interfaces as you like to one. windows can't do this yes.

[@josephbadash2471]

Also, TR8S assignable outputs are DC Coupled so you can run Ableton CV Tools into your modular setup. Considering the price of DC Coupled interfaces, the TR8S is a bargain.

[@youtubeLABYRINTH]

I am hopefully looking forward to akai JJOS 4XXXL.😁

[@janwaldekranz2641]

Enrique, you are a charming person, and I love the way you made this video. I get the complexity and also understand, that for me the choice would be TR-8S because I am not a teach guy. I'm more a musician and have not the patience for spending to much time educating myself with Elektron.

[@stigmatik]

TR8S is GOD or GOAT for rythm maschines every oder are too much programer or comp i want maschine which feeel me maybe tanzbar or other analog maschines have that

[@vejuzchill]

I would really like to see your comparison between the TR-8S and the Drumbrute Impact. I appreciate your insight on equipment.

[@alpakaalpaka3983]

A duck Sound 🦆 for the points 🤣

[@yanasitta]

I bet he used a velocity sensitive pad to trigger it.

[@buyukberber]

I love my Digitakt! Even though the FX possibilities of the TR seems exciting, I just cannot be sure if it’d be cutting it in a real pro situation, or if you’d have to use outboard stuff anyways... Good video though, thanks!

[@RickyTinez]

Thanks oguz, I was thinking the same thing when it came to the FX lol

[@RecMirage]

Electron Sequencers are the absolute best. The TR-8S has more tracks BUT you can change samples per step, use conditional triggers and parameter lock etc on the digitakt. I use a digitakt live and its totally awesome. As mentioned Overbridge is gonna be totally insane.

[@notjulesatall]

The TR-8S will quickly feel like a toy and get you bored. I played 10 minutes with the older TR-8 and felt bored that quickly to be honest, I don't expect the TR-8S to be deep enough to be fun for more than a day. Plastic facade, and too few sound design capabilities. I mean, how can you even chop breaks with a TR-8S ?!

[@011177]

You are a very good explainer , nice smooth voice and very good way to explain things..

[@Musical.Maze.1]

My WAV samples into the TR-8s? Yes, but I shall need to buy spare parts for buttons/knobs and a set of sliders. I don't think the quality of construction is rigid enough especially the knobs. Anyone out there knows how good the construction of TR-8s is?

[@willrealms5863]

The ability to turn off quantization for the TR 8S would be a game changer for me.

[@RickyTinez]

totally, that would open up the ability to have that classic roland sound but with a little human behind it.

[@HazeAnderson]

You should hire a human drummer then. ;) I've been playing drums for 30 years and I love quantization for EDM. A drummer works hard to quantize their grooves to a metronome and understand when to push ahead and pull back. EDM just needs BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM! :)

[@RickyTinez]

haha! Thanks for watching Patient

[@patientswim6888]

Enrique Martinez no problem man, great video

[@Syllerud]

Is there any drum machine that wont get that 100% quantization?

[@sekaiology]

I'm going to get the Digitakt, it's the modern samplers dream in a way with an old school computer feel.

[@MajorOSC]

By old school, do you mean mono? If so, then yes it's exactly like the old school samplers

[@sampsonguilles8095]

Great video! Drums: I sold the Digitakt and the RYTM and got the TR-8s. The RYTM had many menus, glitchy mk2 hardware, plus still no Overbridge after a year of delay. “Quack!” For sample-layered drum synthesis, stereo side chain, 8 analog outs, USB audio/midi, the TR-8s does everything I needed from the RYTM.

[@RickyTinez]

all good points, and one of the reasons i haven't updated my rytm mk1 haha

[@Lauli55]

With the cadence of the voice along with the music there's this funny moment of tension at 10:04

[@RickyTinez]

haha whoa! how did i not realize this..

[@Buildingempires101]

Dude, that must have been planned, it was perfect!

[@Buildingempires101]

13:07 wins hands down, when you say “turn the kick drum down” and the backing track drops out, mint!

[@skin_jockey]

you and my roommate are the only people ive heard equate dollars to how many mcchickens you can get

[@twoHRdrive]

him and my brother

[@Eri3t5co]

I've never used Digitakt, but I'm really happy with my Roland TR 8S. It's very fun and has a lot of interesting factory sounds. In some of them you can perform FM synthesis, so the patterns become amazing. The sampling capability I barely use it, beacuse it's only useful with one shots (short) samples due to TR8s can't warp an audio file. But , the machine comes with a lot of variety of sounds. The workflow when you are playimg live is amazing: for example you can enter a looper mode in which you instsntly play tracks but the sequence don't stop. Great machine for me.

[@cresshead]

overbridge STILL isnt out..vapourware for years...will it EVER come out?...2019...2020?

[@MauricioMaisterrena]

The tr8 sends 13 separate audio channels through usb

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

which is only really useful if you are mixing down in a computer.

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

@UCLID most people understand that live pa is never gonna sound like a mastered track compressed to fuck

[@ThomasColeFZ]

@@VincentsVideoVisions Why else would you even send 13 channels to a computer ?

[@jmula1963]

Thomas Cole well u can track out to external analog boxes for processing

[@ThomasColeFZ]

@@jmula1963 OK, I guess you guys rigs are a lot more complicated than mine playing live.

[@BDKabrini]

Tbh. I didn't understand none of this when I was deciding which drum machine to choose. (TR8S or Digitakt) I chose the TR8S. Love it. But then I needed a Sampler. Long story short. I ended up with a mc707, TR8S, sp404mk2 and a syntakt. . . No regrets but I could've been solid with Digitakt and syntakt. W.E.

[@mitchminimal6942]

This is a very good review. It would have been a great review if we heard these machines being used. :)

[@Musical.Maze.1]

Are all sounds inside the TR-8S real samples? Check the sound list > There are ACB sounds >>> static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/TR-8S_PresetToneList_eng01_W.pdf. ROLAND CLAIMS: "The powerful new processor gives our next-generation ACB models a whole new level of detail and nuance, giving you that classic Roland boom, snap, and sizzle". "The TR-8S has every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with detailed circuit-models of the 808, 606, 909, 707, 727, and even several modified versions. These are not sound-alike sample-packs or mere recordings of TR drum sounds. Each machine is a detailed, down-to-the-circuit-model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware"......."know that the TR-8S sounds big, punchy, and spacious thanks to its high-resolution 24bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converters"....

[@moralrevulsionLive]

Elektron is for sound designers roland always have been the live detroit techno soul kid. None of em For live and live time productions Erica techno system. All you will ever need For even more live 2 good ole techies 1200 and a 12inch x45 bag

[@Iredidv]

Why would you need a (drum) sampler with more than 33 seconds?i dont get it. Even a sliced loop spread over all the slots won´t even reach 33 secs...what´s the bitrate/freq/latency standard on the tr8s? 44100/24 bit? What do you get for latency if you checked it in ableton? Thx, great interview ❤🧡💛

[@isaac.anthony]

Dude, with the 2.0 update, TR8S has FM tones, I think TR8S is way better performance wise, the faders are just so much fun. The ONLY thing that the TR8S lacking is class compliant, fingers crossed...

[@lwpweb]

having Fun with in live performances? did you mention the tr8 has 11 (eleven) Volume faders to play with, one for each of those 11 instruments. Digitakt NONE. This is for me a Real No Go for Digitakt.

[@inperfectsequence7840]

Honestly, the comparison is neither head nor tail, you are comparing a real drum machine, with a sampler, because DT is a complete sampler and with many functions, but if you remove the samples it is useless, therefore it has drum machine functions but does not have its own sounds. The TR-8s is a drum machine and a sample player, it does not sample, it does not record external audio, it is not a hardware sampler to use, so not even DT has an FM synthesis engine to generate FM percussions like the TR-8s have, they are really very different, nothing to do with each other.

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

You didn’t mention that the Digi is mono sampling only

[@sr7bbird]

There are two reasons I had to give this vid a thumbs down. #1= like you did mention, you have no experience with either machine. #2= one machine is a modest sampler while the other is a modest drum machine. it's like the phrase goes, "pick on your own size". that is you sould be comparing the digitakt with the roland 707 or even the old mc 909 in which the digitackt would definitely get a real butt kicking!!!! I like your programs, but, lets try to keep it a little more real. '

[@ThomasColeFZ]

So lemme get this straight. NONE of the Digitakt triggers are velocity sensitive and the velocity sensitivity on the dedicated trigger pad on TR-8s SUCKS(based on other reviews I've read/seen) ??? I guess I don't want either one of them. What did you end up with for a drum machine ?? I can't imagine not having at least some trigger on a drum machine with velocity sensitivity. Seems ridiculous to me.

[@Powhart]

How about TR-6s :) Also You didn't mentioned that TR-8s has actually analog circuits to reproduce the classics like 909 and 808 and also it has FM synthesizer built in

[@surf_machine]

when he did this video, the TR-8S did not have the features u mentioned already. they came with patch 2.0

[@kalanquash1283]

I have the TR8s, and octatrack to sample and mangle sounds of the TR8s. Although I do like Roland, the digitakt is very impressive of what it can do in one machine. I will purchase the digitakt for studio use for the time being. If I was a first-time buyer for an expensive drum machine - as standalone, the Digitakt is a no-brainer.

[@andrewramsey6730]

Use NEITHER. Save your money, eat the McNuggets (so to speak), and get a used Korg ESX !!! Don't forget the custom tubes!

[@nospeakenglish8385]

This guys lying ...he knows Tr8 is more fun ! Digitakt is useless ..it doesn’t even have ‘ song mode’

[@jopieachternaam2922]

Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts with us. I am 'THAT' guy, who is going to decide, wich of these I will buy.... a little bit a head on myself, but out of curiosity: which 2nd hardware device (of 700+ euro max give or take), would be a good addition/combonation, with the Digitakt or TR-8s. My personal music flavors are: Techno, minimal, uplifting progressive and ambient). I find it kinda hard, to find the right 'second tree, in these woods of music hardware.... I hope, some of you can share some thoughts. @Ricky Tinez: thumbs up & I subbed

[@chr1sdanger]

Some type of dedicated synth will probably be helpful. I’m in your boat, techno and minimal fan (and acid). I run the Arturia Microfreak through the effects in a Korg NTS1 then into the external input of the TR8S. You could do the same with Digitakt also. Bear in mind you can send the EXT IN audio through both delay and reverb send effects on the TR8S if you don’t want to use an effects box in between. You can’t route the ext in through effects in the Digitakt. I’m trying to keep my setup light so this was a big concern for me.

[@kaelinanthonylee9246]

I love Ableton & Maschine but Standalone machines are always sexy. IMHO, I would take Roland because of it's layout. all the knobs are individual so you don't have to press any additional buttons to get to your desired editing parameter. I think that's a big plus for live. For Studio use, I'd always take a DM with sampling option cause I'd like to be ready to capture anything at any moment.

[@fsxpilot8355]

Like the way you pass the knowledge, for me as a TR 8 user I cant wait to get the S version. It's a performer, and for me this is the big difference between the electron box's and tr8... To be honest I think they don't compare at all... I see the electron more of a studio device, perfecting the sample. They would add up each other really good come to think of it. Fix and perfect the samples with the electron, upload to the Roland, and then have some fun

[@RickyTinez]

Very true.. who's going to be perfecting the ADSR during a live show haha.

[@gatorgoforth3097]

honestly for your purpose of having a live instrument I feel your arguments for the Digitakt were actually arguments for studio uses.

[@TheJonHolstein]

I think elektron devices are live devices... a computer will beat their capabilities any day, so does an iPad. But unless one is Cenk from elektron, one do have to prepare the live-performances very well... on the other hand preparing for live performances is something muscicians have been doing since forever. but as a drummer, I feel the TR-8S is more straightforward. Easier to get started on. And easeir to make quick live-tweaks on several instruments in a quick sucession.

[@GamingAuthorityVideo]

You can tell this guy is biased to the digitack. Every time the tr 8s wins, there's always a "BUT the digitack has _" or WHEN the update comes, it's game over bit the tr 8s wins NOW"

[@CrazyDriverSwed]

My sampler from the 90s supports stereo samples, velocity layering and sample groups. More than 20 years later we are back to mono samples and basic audio controls. What's going on?

[@HazeAnderson]

I'm using my Roland MS-1 from the 90s. xD

[@zerix01]

I think the issue is that marketing something as a drum machine then narrows the focus for the product. Drum hits tend to make more sense in mono. A general sampler would be much broader and need both mono and stereo support.

[@atommachine]

I use the Digitakt with my 90 s S3200 sampler and my s950 is mono so same thing if you want stereo L and R sample trk 1 & 2 simple if we had the digitakt in the 90's the music made on it would of been revolutionary.

[@RickyTinez]

My MPC60 only samples mono too :( But i love that thing to death!

[@bobslobberlin209]

Elektron are always cutting important corners! Only a stereo output (& headphones) on the Digitakt & the same for the Octatrack MK1. Ok it's got cue outs, whoa!

[@geluix69]

tried both also, favorite feature of the TR8s is the individual outs, I ran the stereo outs and ran my daw out the assignable outs. the TR8s can be used a soundcard for laptop. thats a big plus for me. also the using the dual mono audio input for a synth.

[@sirfortesque5454]

If you got change try the Volca sample! The shit that thing can do is insane. 500 cheaper midi implementation is shit though.

[@miguelopelo89]

I own a TR8-S since June of this year, and is an amazing machine for a live performance i love it and in studio the multi-channel audio and MIDI interface makes all easy. I have the opportunity in the past to try a digitak but i dont see my self with that machine doing a live act, Digitak sounds so good but its kind complicated for doing fast changes.

[@GamingAuthorityVideo]

Shocker ..the digitack won