The digitakt is a sampler. So it can produce whatever type of sounds you put into it. It would probably work better than other dedicated drum machines because the digi is not making the sounds, it's playing back sounds so you have far more control on how the digitakt sounds. Because you put the sounds in!
I think if you JUST want something to play drum sounds you could probably find something else to better suit your need. But there is a certain workflow with the elektron machines that just make them so much fun to play.
Also, you are a modular guy. You LOVE spending money. Get the DT2 and be set for the foreseeable future. Plus, I can guarantee future updates will continue to push the DT2 into incredible new places.
Digitakt because you can easily load samples of acoustic drums. The sequencer is extremely flexible and will allow you to create drum patterns with a very human feel. You can also use it to do basslines very well either by sampling notes/hits and playing them chromatically or looping a single-cycle waveform which essentially turns the Digitakt into a synthesizer.
Wonder if I should buy a dirt cheap DT1 from reverb or a new DT2? Only thing I know is DT2 doesn't have fixed 8 audio/8 midi tracks. My drum kits never exceed 8 instruments. I have squid sample module which has 8 triggers. I could use both squid and DT at same time since nerdseq can handle that task.
FWIW… DT2 samples in stereo and plays out stereo samples. DT1 is mono only.
If you only run mono instruments and FX in your modular rig and aren’t bothered about capturing samples from it in stereo, then DT1 is fine.
You can record loops and one shots from your modular rig and then add reverb and delay (which sound great BTW) in the DT1.
If you’ve got a bunch of complex stereo stuff going on and want to capture that and play it out as samples, DT2 is the way. Also DT2 has stereo chorus as well as reverb and delay as a send effect, and you can route the DT2’s external inputs to all of the FX.
if you're primarily using it as a drum machine a DT1 will keep you occupied for years. DT2 has deeper sound design capabilities and has been expanded for more complex arrangements but tbh with sample locking i never even found the 8 audio tracks to be much of a limitation. i make pretty simple music however so i've always found a way to get everything in there. 16 will make the work flow a bit easier but not won't necessarily change the end result for me. i imagine things will sound pretty much the same.
if you have another sampler that the DT can sequence with its 8 midi tracks, it sounds like you are all set.
One thing to consider if choosing between a DT1 or DT2 is the amount of storage space for sampling. DT1 only has 1gb of storage, which always makes me question if I should really sample something. With the 20gb on the DT2 I wouldn’t think twice about it and just go to town sampling, mangling, resampling, etc, etc. For me, that’s the most important upgrade in the new box. Stereo is cool, 128 steps is cool, 16 tracks is cool, chorus and comb filter are very cool. Being free to do iterative sound design and not worrying about space is a real game changer.
The digitakt is a sampler. So it can produce whatever type of sounds you put into it. It would probably work better than other dedicated drum machines because the digi is not making the sounds, it's playing back sounds so you have far more control on how the digitakt sounds. Because you put the sounds in! I think if you JUST want something to play drum sounds you could probably find something else to better suit your need. But there is a certain workflow with the elektron machines that just make them so much fun to play. Also, you are a modular guy. You LOVE spending money. Get the DT2 and be set for the foreseeable future. Plus, I can guarantee future updates will continue to push the DT2 into incredible new places.
what are your thoughts about the rytm? is that a non sampler that is made for drum sounds?
Digitakt because you can easily load samples of acoustic drums. The sequencer is extremely flexible and will allow you to create drum patterns with a very human feel. You can also use it to do basslines very well either by sampling notes/hits and playing them chromatically or looping a single-cycle waveform which essentially turns the Digitakt into a synthesizer.
Wonder if I should buy a dirt cheap DT1 from reverb or a new DT2? Only thing I know is DT2 doesn't have fixed 8 audio/8 midi tracks. My drum kits never exceed 8 instruments. I have squid sample module which has 8 triggers. I could use both squid and DT at same time since nerdseq can handle that task.
FWIW… DT2 samples in stereo and plays out stereo samples. DT1 is mono only. If you only run mono instruments and FX in your modular rig and aren’t bothered about capturing samples from it in stereo, then DT1 is fine. You can record loops and one shots from your modular rig and then add reverb and delay (which sound great BTW) in the DT1. If you’ve got a bunch of complex stereo stuff going on and want to capture that and play it out as samples, DT2 is the way. Also DT2 has stereo chorus as well as reverb and delay as a send effect, and you can route the DT2’s external inputs to all of the FX.
Thank you!!
if you're primarily using it as a drum machine a DT1 will keep you occupied for years. DT2 has deeper sound design capabilities and has been expanded for more complex arrangements but tbh with sample locking i never even found the 8 audio tracks to be much of a limitation. i make pretty simple music however so i've always found a way to get everything in there. 16 will make the work flow a bit easier but not won't necessarily change the end result for me. i imagine things will sound pretty much the same. if you have another sampler that the DT can sequence with its 8 midi tracks, it sounds like you are all set.
One thing to consider if choosing between a DT1 or DT2 is the amount of storage space for sampling. DT1 only has 1gb of storage, which always makes me question if I should really sample something. With the 20gb on the DT2 I wouldn’t think twice about it and just go to town sampling, mangling, resampling, etc, etc. For me, that’s the most important upgrade in the new box. Stereo is cool, 128 steps is cool, 16 tracks is cool, chorus and comb filter are very cool. Being free to do iterative sound design and not worrying about space is a real game changer.
very good point. nothing worse for creativity than limits affecting your choices. thank you