Elektron Analog Rytm MKII —  VS  — Elektron Digitakt II

Summary

In this blog post, we compare two popular samplers from Elektron: the Elektron Analog Rytm MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II. We’ll look at their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one might be best for you.

Introduction

Hello, music lovers! Have you ever wanted to make your very own beats and songs? Well, today we’re going to talk about two amazing machines that can help you do just that. Meet the Elektron Analog Rytm MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II. These two devices are like magic boxes that let you create music in fun and exciting ways. Let’s dive in and explore what makes each of them special.

Feature Comparisons

Design and Build

First, let’s look at how these two machines are built. The Analog Rytm MKII and the Digitakt II are both desktop machines, which means they’re designed to sit on your desk while you make music. The Analog Rytm MKII is a bit older, released in 2018, while the Digitakt II is brand new, released in 2024.

The Analog Rytm MKII has 8 big, soft pads that you can tap to play different sounds. These pads are velocity-sensitive, so they respond to how hard or soft you tap them. On the other hand, the Digitakt II doesn’t have pads. Instead, it uses buttons to control your sounds. This might take a little getting used to if you like to tap out beats with your fingers.

Sound and Polyphony

Now, let’s talk about the sounds these machines can make. The Analog Rytm MKII can play up to 12 sounds at the same time, which is called polyphony. It combines real analog drum sounds with digital samples, giving you a wide range of sounds to play with.

The Digitakt II, however, has even more polyphony, letting you play 16 sounds at once. This might be better if you want to create complex layers of music. It also has a lot of cool effects, like delay, reverb, and even bit reduction, allowing you to shape your sounds in unique ways.

Storage and Sample Rate

When it comes to storing your sounds, the Analog Rytm MKII uses an SD card. This is handy because you can swap out cards and have different sounds ready to go. The Digitakt II, on the other hand, has internal storage, meaning all your sounds are saved inside the machine. This can be more convenient since you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing your SD cards.

Both machines have a sample rate of 48kHz, which means they can record and play back high-quality audio. This is great for making professional-sounding music.

Effects and Sequencer

Both the Analog Rytm MKII and the Digitakt II have built-in sequencers. A sequencer is like a musical puzzle where you can piece together your beats and melodies. The Analog Rytm MKII offers a mix of analog and digital effects, which can add depth and texture to your music. The Digitakt II comes with a wide range of effects for each track, giving you even more control over how your music sounds.

Inputs and Outputs

When it’s time to connect your machine to other gear, both samplers offer a variety of options. The Analog Rytm MKII has MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio In/Out, making it easy to connect to other instruments or recording equipment. The Digitakt II also has MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB, but it only has Audio Out, which might limit how you connect it to other devices.

Display and Software

Both samplers have a bright OLED display, making it easy to see what you’re doing, even in low light. They also both integrate with Elektron Transfer software, which helps you manage your sounds and projects on your computer.

Pros and Cons

Elektron Analog Rytm MKII

Pros:

• Real analog drum sounds combined with digital samples
• 8 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic playing
• Wide range of effects for shaping sounds
• Versatile connections for other gear

Cons:

• More expensive at $2299
• Lower polyphony compared to the Digitakt II

Elektron Digitakt II

Pros:

• Higher polyphony with 16 tracks
• Extensive effects for each track
• Internal storage for convenience
• More affordable at $1149

Cons:

• No pads, only buttons for control
• Limited audio input options

Final Verdict

Both the Elektron Analog Rytm MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II are powerful tools for making music, but they each have their strengths. If you love the feel of tapping out beats with your fingers and want a mix of analog and digital sounds, the Analog Rytm MKII might be the better choice for you. However, if you want more polyphony, a variety of effects, and a more affordable option, the Digitakt II could be the perfect fit.

So, whether you’re a seasoned beat-maker or just starting your musical journey, there’s a sampler here that can help you create amazing sounds. Happy music-making!