Akai MPC One+ —  VS  — Elektron Digitakt

Akai MPC One+ vs. Elektron Digitakt: A Battle of the Samplers

Short Summary: The Akai MPC One+ and Elektron Digitakt are both exceptional samplers, each with its unique strengths. The MPC One+ boasts a powerful standalone design and rich features, while the Digitakt offers a compact and intuitive experience. Let’s explore these two musical gadgets to see which one might be right for you!

Introduction

If you’re a music gear enthusiast, you know that finding the perfect sampler can be just as thrilling as creating the music itself. Two popular choices in the world of samplers are the Akai MPC One+ and the Elektron Digitakt. These devices are like magic boxes that help artists create beats, samples, and entire songs. But which one should you choose? Today, we’ll compare these two mighty machines and help you decide which one is the best fit for your musical journey.

Feature Showdown

Polyphony and Sampling Power

One of the first things to note about samplers is polyphony, which tells us how many notes or sounds a device can play at once. The Akai MPC One+ shines here with a whopping 128-note polyphony. This means you can layer lots of sounds and create complex musical pieces without running into limitations. On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt offers 8-note polyphony. While this is much less than the MPC One+, it’s still enough for many styles of electronic music, especially if you prefer minimalistic compositions.

When it comes to sample rate, the MPC One+ records at 44.1kHz, while the Digitakt has a slightly higher rate of 48kHz. Both rates are great for high-quality audio, though the Digitakt’s slightly higher rate may appeal to those who want that extra bit of fidelity.

Storage and Build

Storage is crucial for any sampler, as it determines how many sounds you can keep on hand. The Akai MPC One+ comes with an internal SSD, providing ample space for your samples and projects. In contrast, the Digitakt offers internal storage, which is sufficient for most users but not as expansive as the MPC One+’s SSD.

The build of these devices is also different. The MPC One+ is a standalone unit, meaning you don’t need a computer to use it. It makes it perfect for those who want an all-in-one solution to create music anywhere. The Digitakt, on the other hand, is a desktop unit, which means it’s designed to be used alongside other equipment in a studio setting.

Pads and Interface

The interface of a sampler can greatly affect how much fun you have while creating music. The Akai MPC One+ features 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. These pads are colorful and responsive, making them great for finger drumming and live performances. The Elektron Digitakt uses buttons instead of pads. While this might seem like a disadvantage, the buttons are well-designed and offer a different kind of tactile experience.

The screen size and type also make a difference. The MPC One+ boasts a large 7-inch multi-touch display, offering a tablet-like experience where you can easily navigate menus and edit your tracks. The Digitakt, with its OLED display, provides clear information but lacks the touch functionality. However, its simple, no-nonsense design is appreciated by many musicians who prefer focused work without distractions.

Sequencer and Effects

Both samplers come equipped with powerful sequencers, which are essential for arranging your music. The MPC One+ uses the renowned MPC software, which is highly versatile and offers a wide range of possibilities for music creation. The Digitakt’s sequencer is also impressive, known for its deep sequencing capabilities. It allows you to create intricate patterns and perform complex live sets.

In terms of effects, the MPC One+ offers EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression, giving you more tools to shape your sound. The Digitakt provides Reverb and Delay, which are sufficient for most needs but can be seen as limited compared to the MPC One+.

Connectivity and Software Integration

Connectivity is another aspect where these samplers differ. The MPC One+ has MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out, allowing you to connect it with various devices and instruments. The Digitakt offers MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out, which is also versatile but lacks the audio input found on the MPC One+.

Both devices have robust software integration. The MPC One+ works with MPC Software, enhancing its capabilities when connected to a computer. The Digitakt uses Elektron Transfer, which allows seamless sample management and updates.

Pros and Cons

Akai MPC One+

Pros:

• High polyphony of 128 notes
• Large 7-inch multi-touch display
• Standalone build for portable use
• Extensive effects options

Cons:

• Higher price at $750
• Larger size may not be ideal for small spaces

Elektron Digitakt

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• High sample rate of 48kHz
• Deep sequencing capabilities
• Affordable price at $700

Cons:

• Lower polyphony of 8 notes
• No audio input for sampling directly

Conclusion

In summary, both the Akai MPC One+ and Elektron Digitakt are excellent choices for music producers and performers. The MPC One+ is perfect for those who seek a powerful, standalone device with a rich set of features. It’s great for creating complex compositions and live performances. Meanwhile, the Digitakt is ideal for users who want a compact and intuitive sampler with deep sequencing capabilities, especially those who focus on electronic music and minimalistic styles.

Final Verdict

For musicians who need a versatile, all-in-one solution and aren’t limited by budget or space, the Akai MPC One+ is the best choice. It offers everything you need to create music on the go or in the studio. On the other hand, if you prefer a more affordable and compact device that still offers powerful sequencing and sound quality, the Elektron Digitakt will serve you well. Both samplers have their unique strengths, and your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences in your musical journey.