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 :)

[@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!

[@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! ;)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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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[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@TheGreatPizzaMasterpiece]

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

[@Fred_Klingon]

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

[@100voo]

@@Fred_Klingon Yes but not a digital model of them

[@Fred_Klingon]

@@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]

@@Fred_Klingon 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.

[@JamesBermingham]

Amazing “Versus” video. Even the background loop in amazing. ✊🤘

[@TheGreatPizzaMasterpiece]

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!

[@andrewmunsterman808]

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

[@strangestrains.]

45 McChickens is a lot of McChickens

[@RickyTinez]

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

[@MUNRO13]

Hahaha

[@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?

[@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. :)

[@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)

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@basicnoise]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@HamHavoc]

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

[@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......

[@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.

[@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!

[@011177]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@sklgy]

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

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

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

[@vejuzchill]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@trevor4835]

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

[@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!

[@Trovarsi]

Great video! I’m looking forward to the show as well! 😎👍🏽

[@robertsyrett1992]

Why not use the octatrack for your live drum machine??

[@basicnoise]

i thought the same :)

[@RickyTinez]

Hey Robert, I primarily use it for my mixer and routing duties. Let’s not forget live sampling. So to make it do drums also would be a bit crammed for me in a live setting having to page around

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Octatrack is great for sequencer gear but not really for drums. I personally rather have a machine dedicated just for drums and can slave to the Octatrack for sequencing duty. I just ordered Volca beats since it is cheap and small. Tanzbar and Jomax are my favorite drum machines.

[@robertsyrett1992]

volca beats has a lot of charm for sure!

[@basicnoise]

Wait, the Octa not for drums? I use it a lot for drums, as the sequencer is one of the best out there. The possibility to shift the steps is powerful. I'd recommend sequencing the Volca through the Octa. Much better than the 16steps without shuffle or anything :)

[@mitchminimal6942]

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

[@svenvanderheiden]

Don't forget that the TR8 and the TR8S do send all channels over usb to your daw. So you do not need an interface for individual in/outs. We are still waiting for overbridge... That being said: I have both the TR8 and the Digitakt. I'm thinking of swapping the TR8 for the TR8S because of the trigger out option and the individual FX/Global FX. I did a live gig a while ago with the TR8 and my modular and I don't think I can improvise with the Digitakt like I would on the TR8.

[@MichaelinLosAngeles]

Thanks Enrique ! Your a great Communicator/Person 🐸👍🏽

[@RickyTinez]

Oh man I pure the best! Thanks for saying that

[@zazoomatt]

I bought the TR-8S 4 days ago..............it will do what I need/not what I think someone wants to hear and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Trial to Dead Ears on both Performances. Thanks for your Video I love Documentaries.........Ricky.

[@LewisSatini]

Is it possible to show us setup using Digitakt with Maschine MK3?

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

tr8 s seems to be a fun drum machine for easy live tweaking with classic sounds, the digitakt is quiet the opposite: the perfect tool to take those classic sounds and send them in space ^^ roland : fun and easy / elektron : creative and more experimental (granular stuff, best sequencer , synth capabilities). considering the digitakt only as a drum machine would be a mistake i think. do i want the typical 808 and 909 etc sounds or do i want a more "personnal" approah and to NOT sound like the neighbour? oh and the digitakt has "only" 8 samples BUT you can swap sounds PER step am i right?, so it's only a restriction in voices and polyphony but not really an issue, quiet the opposite.

[@RickyTinez]

exactly, parameter lock per step.. which i totally forgot to mention haha. that would of shut that voicing part down..

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

you'll be cursed for that mistake hahahah

[@va941]

THOM AlphaXIII what do you mean by "sound like The neighbour"?...lets face the music so to speak, a kick is a kick is a kick...lets say i record my own samples, no one else will have those, so how could they sound the same?...i mean...you do know that you can load your own sounds on The tr-8s? I think you have already made a mistake if you considered The tr-8s as "just a drummachine". + I think creativity comes from the individual not The hardware. I want to try and play whole ambient/noise/dub-techno jams with it. So yeah, i dont like the DT one bit, seems to be too much functionality in one box, wich makes the whole experience of using it too complex and so takes The fun out of it, but thats just me, i mean...some people actually ENJOY math...so that turned out as bit of a rant....

[@zerix01]

JAzZz - I don't have the Digitakt but I do have many other Elektron boxes. They are not very hard to use at all. The hard part is understanding what you can do with so many variations and executing it. But this is basically music making in general isn't it?

[@va941]

zerix01 My brother has both the octatrack and analog four, i have spent several hours with both and they totally drove me up the walls...but thats just me, people differ, i want an easy, hands on, hassle free interface, and i dont find that with The elekron gear, i wanted an machinedrum for ages, i wanted to fall in a love with it...but i could not. But like i said, people differ & thats just My experience. Yes, it probably is, atleast to some degree, but i still want an control panel that is easy/logical/intuitive for me to navigate, so i can focuse on the path, rather than the gerbox....If that makes sense.

[@howardanderson3061]

For me, I really like the sound of the Digitakt, the reverb, the delay, just everything sounds top notch. Great comparison, both machines are awesome.

[@siegriedroy6467]

The Video forgot to mention that: If you want to sequence external Gear, the Digitakt offers 8 Miditracks with chromatic/polyphonic Playback on different Midichannels. You can also connect an external Midikeyboard. The Digitakt is the perfect polyphonic Sequencing Master Controller and this feature is easy to use. So enormous value to old EQPM which does not offer a Sequencer and you can store all sequences in one Box and not separate in every synth. TR-8S doesnt do all this. But i want one in addition to the Digitakt.

[@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 ?

[@blankcheckguy69]

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

[@ThomasColeFZ]

@@blankcheckguy69 OK, I guess you guys rigs are a lot more complicated than mine playing live.

[@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?

[@mikemc8535]

I love the digtakt. But for a live set up... it's the Tr8s. You can make a changes on Tr8s like lightning. I can teach a 10 year old kid how to use the Tr8s. And finally, you can play the Tr8s totally hammered no issues. Unless you are really nerded up in this, like years of experience. It's the Tr8s. Looking for a drum box it's Tr8s. Looking for total precision in a sober environment, yeah digtakt plus the midi sequencer. Very very different pieces of gear. Awesome video. Thanks

[@Fred_Klingon]

I have the digitakt and it's a great piece of hardware. The functions may be not immediate to reach, but as you said, are endless, and it's evident that the user interface has been studied and evolved through the years. It's a great starting point, which you can extend through midi to add more external control required in live sets. If you need velocity control, then a drum pad can be used. For controlling knobs, and every sound, a midi controller can do the job too. About midi output, I think tat there's a setting to select if the port should be configured as midi out, or midi through. Sure it's not the same of having both at the same time.

[@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 ❤🧡💛

[@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...

[@MrBasic]

I have been in the same boat. I decided I will own both. One for sampling, and another for playing certain kinds of music live. Both win on looks too.

[@RickyTinez]

exactly.. might end up with both eventually haha

[@youtubeLABYRINTH]

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

[@charlesbronson2806]

How about included samples? Does the digitakt have all the roland sounds? That's sort of the deal breaker for me since I love all the roland sounds.

[@UntrueSounds]

As you said in the direct control part: for me in a live setup that's the most important thing. I'd use this machine for making additional drums, so wont have any pre-made loops. And on the fly it seems a lot of programming on the Digitakt. TR8s for me, without question (with all the respekt of the Elektron stuffs, they are just too programming for me, i'm sure its an up for many people, but its a huge down in my workflow)

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

Dear Ricky, Have to tell you, yours is one of the most insightful reviews on TR-8S, and your style of a points playoff really fun. Personally, it would be a massive learning curve, going from my MC-505 to a TR-8S, never mind Elektron kit. That said, you explained the sequencer so well, it is obvious it goes way beyond 4-on-the-floor MC-505. I kind of knew you would choose Elektron, because you are into their ecosystem already, whereas my only Elektron piece is their original SID Station. Thanks again!

[@martin_kuchar]

Thank you, Enrique for very professional made videos. This is not usual on KZbin.. And yes, of course, your content is also very good, informative and beneficial. Thank you.

[@RickyTinez]

Martin! Thanks man, I appreciate the comment. Glad you found it enjoyable

[@k5r2d2]

Great review - very fair representation of both machines; they fulfill different roles. Thumbs up.

[@RickyTinez]

Appreciate that! Glad you found it helpful

[@Pontiki1977]

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

[@daniyalahmed97]

Can someone please tell me what that synth is on the right? In the background? Look like a matrix 12 but with no keyboard??

[@daniyalahmed97]

Nevermind found it lol, Oberheim Xpander.

[@ricardogonzalez-om4gn]

I'm using a tascam DP 24 multi-track recorder, do think it's possible to connect these drum machines to the tascam using quarter inch inputs and outputs and record beats from tr8s or digitakt on a track of my tascam DP 24?

[@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.

[@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

[@brodylowe644]

currently own the Digitakt. I'm thinking of getting the TR-8s as my drum machine only. Digitakt will be the sampler manipulator and clock.

[@luvlilginger2514]

I've been trying to find a beat machine that's close to or similar to the "E-MU SP-1200 Beat machine" Would you say that the "Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer is that machine? Thanks!

[@jungle-wav1322]

No, the 1200 can be sampled directly and it has a short sample time. It is a 12 bit machine I believe. There’s actually a new sp 1200 coming out called the 2400 I believe. You should check that out

[@j.b.8959]

Does the updates to the TR-8s change the scales for anyone?

[@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.

[@eternalvoid2678]

When I was looking for a drum synth, I wanted a compact, no nonsense box. Build-in sequencers are great if they're very good (like the elektron one), but a total waste of money and space is they don't exactly do what you want. Even if they're very good, I think I'd still prefer a single box like the Squarp Pyramid to control all synths, much more efficient. I ultimately went with the Audiothingies Doubledrummer, for its form-factor, ease of use (no learning curve at all), gritty sound, price point, and surprisingly good fx section. It does everything it sets out to do very effectively, I never felt like something was too limited. I might get a sampler (perhaps even a digitakt) at some point as well, but that's an entirely different thing, that (imo) ideally requires a different interface.

[@rafaelikenaga]

can plug in a pad velocity sensitive controller and have digitakt record its performance? including the velocity information?

[@richardwalley2862]

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

[@RickyTinez]

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

[@billkocher3016]

I have both and they are both great. I think the Digitakt is better for creative sounds, writing and sequencing but the layout and feel of the TR-8S works better for live performing.

[@Ponchy]

TR-8s does look pretty awesome but I'm gonna have to go with the Digitakt as well!

[@egodeathbliss]

You can also import samples into the TR-8s from a computer directly over USB without having to use the SD card. Personally I use the Roland because it is way more "hands on" with direct control without all the menu diving. FUN.

[@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

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

As soon as I saw the TR-8S released I pre-ordered it and sold my TR-8 (luckily within days). Picked my TR-8S on Saturday and it's a complete blast! It's just fun more than anything, and from fun comes inspiration for me :) I'm not knocking the Digitakt, but then I have an Octatrack MK2(!) so I'm sorted on the sampling front. As a fun example, I loaded the original LinnDrum LM1 samples into the TR-8S and used it to create vintage beats - it's pretty much perfect like this as it feels like an old drum machine in use (and you can filter the sounds and mix it all instantly). Have a go on one!

[@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.

[@jeffduponte1418]

Does anyone know the tempo range on this unit? It doesnt state it in the manual

[@_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.

[@MadelnMachines]

I think a TR-8s and an Elektron model Samples would be great live

[@jmac2050]

you got that youtube sad talk down, son

[@hubadj]

jmac2050 😂 you love it though

[@playgroundofsound7683]

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

[@robindoermann]

About the lack of midi Thru on the TR-8S: documentation shows that it is an option in the midi settings, so it can do Thru functionality! static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/TR-8S_Reference_eng01_W.pdf#page=42

[@RickyTinez]

robin, what?! That’s awesome! Maaaannn.... back to the drawing board haha

[@TheJonHolstein]

Ok, over the years roland has probably saved a lot of money on not including that extra connector. But soft through is still a bit annoying, and they have probably suffered some badwill from people not knowing about that feature. Or people forgetting to change the setting.

[@Jason75913]

soft through will not be as low latency as proper MIDI Thru, as far as I know

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Just bought a TR-8, no s. And that one can also send all channels over USB, to the PC. Just like over bridge Side note my MPC live can also do it. Seems like all these devices are becoming audio interfaces as well

[@Maulleygxxx]

Had the Digitakt, and it was an awesome machine, but the learning curve and workflow was just too much for me and what I needed it for. Definitely not knocking it in anyway. But the Tr8s is definitely more my speed and have already preordered

[@RickyTinez]

Nice! let me know how you get on with it when it comes in. Or make a video :) would love to check it out

[@Maulleygxxx]

mehs〈 newsflash! I can have an opinion that differs from yours. What you eat, won’t make me shit 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@alphanumeric1529]

News flash, I ain't got no idea why Maulley is trippin.

[@shadowhenge7118]

Wpnder how you feel about these now that we're creeping up on 2020.

[@robertescher3082]

Coming from a guy you used to mess with an 808 way back when... I bought the TR-8S because of the two, it looked 'simpler' while still having the features I wanted. Sampling wasn't a big deal for me since I don't really go that route. I think for me, the big deciding factor was 'how fun is it to play live?' TR-8S wins. At least for me. :)

[@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.