Akai MPC One+ vs. Elektron Digitakt II: Which Sampler Is Right For You?

Summary: Dive into the world of music creation with two popular samplers: the Akai MPC One+ and the Elektron Digitakt II. Learn about their features, pros and cons, and find out which one suits your music-making style best.

Introduction

Hey there, music gear enthusiasts! If you’re looking to make some awesome beats or experiment with sounds, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re going to compare two fantastic samplers: the Akai MPC One+ and the Elektron Digitakt II. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or a professional musician, these devices have something to offer. So, let’s jump in and see what makes each one special!

Features of the Akai MPC One+

The Akai MPC One+ is a powerful music-making machine released in 2023 by Akai Professional. It’s designed for those who want to create music without needing a computer. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Build and Design

The MPC One+ is a standalone device, meaning you don’t need to connect it to a computer to start creating. It has a 7-inch multi-touch display that makes it easy to navigate through menus and functions. The 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads light up in pretty colors, making it fun to play and easy to see which sounds you’re triggering.

Sound and Effects

With 128-note polyphony, you can layer many sounds on top of each other without worrying about cutting off notes. The MPC One+ records sounds at a 44.1kHz sample rate, which is great for most music projects. You also get a variety of effects like EQ, reverb, delay, and compression to spice up your tracks.

Connectivity

The MPC One+ features MIDI In/Out, USB, and audio inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect to other instruments or a computer for additional functionality. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes it easy to integrate with other devices wirelessly.

Storage and Software

With an internal SSD for storage and 16GB of space, you can save your projects and sounds directly on the device. Additionally, it integrates with MPC Software, which offers even more capabilities for music production.

Price

At $750, the MPC One+ is a great value for its features, especially considering its standalone capabilities and the multitude of effects and connectivity options.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Standalone operation
• Large touchscreen display
• Extensive connectivity options
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Limited to 44.1kHz sample rate
• May have a learning curve for beginners

Features of the Elektron Digitakt II

The Elektron Digitakt II is a desktop music machine from Elektron, released in 2024. It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with sounds and beats. Let’s explore its features:

Build and Design

Unlike the MPC One+, the Digitakt II is a desktop device. It uses buttons instead of pads, which might be different from what some musicians are used to. It has a bright OLED display that shows all the information you need when creating music.

Sound and Effects

The Digitakt II has 16-note polyphony, which is less than the MPC One+, but it makes up for it with a higher 48kHz sample rate for clear sound quality. It offers a wide range of effects, including delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive for each track, allowing you to shape your sounds in unique ways.

Connectivity

With MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and audio outputs, the Digitakt II is highly compatible with other gear. However, it lacks audio inputs, which means you can’t record sounds directly onto the device. It integrates with Elektron Transfer software, making it easy to transfer sounds and projects.

Storage and Software

The Digitakt II boasts tons of internal storage, allowing you to save a lot of sounds and keep creating without worrying about running out of space.

Price

Priced at $1149, the Digitakt II is a bit more expensive than the MPC One+, but its advanced features and sound-shaping capabilities may justify the cost for some users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High sample rate for better sound quality
• Extensive effects per track
• Large internal storage
• Great for sound experimentation

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No audio inputs
• Uses buttons instead of pads

Conclusion

Both the Akai MPC One+ and Elektron Digitakt II are powerful tools for music creation, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The MPC One+ is ideal for those who want a standalone device with a touch display and extensive connectivity options at a lower price. In contrast, the Digitakt II is perfect for musicians who love to experiment with sounds and need a higher sample rate and a variety of effects, despite its higher cost.

Final Verdict

• Choose the Akai MPC One+ if you want a standalone, user-friendly device with many connectivity options at a budget-friendly price.
• Opt for the Elektron Digitakt II if you’re an experimental musician who values sound quality and comprehensive effects and doesn’t mind paying a bit extra.

No matter which sampler you choose, both are excellent tools that can help you create amazing music. Happy music-making!