Elektron Digitakt II —  VS  — Elektron Octatrack MKII

Elektron Octatrack MKII vs. Elektron Digitakt II: A Fun and Detailed Comparison

Summary: The Elektron Octatrack MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II are two amazing music machines designed for music creators who love to play with sounds. While both are from the same manufacturer, they offer different features and experiences that cater to various music-making needs.

Introduction

Hello, music gear enthusiasts! If you love creating music and exploring new sounds, you’ve probably heard of Elektron. They’re famous for making powerful and fun music machines. Today, we’re going to compare two of their popular samplers: the Elektron Octatrack MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II. Both are built for making amazing music, but each has its special features and strengths. Let’s dive into the details and see which one is the best fit for your musical adventures!

Features of the Elektron Octatrack MKII

The Elektron Octatrack MKII, released in 2017, is like a magic box for sound. It has 8 tracks for samples and another 8 to control other music gear. This machine is all about flexibility and creativity. With its 48kHz sample rate, you can expect high-quality sound production. Though it doesn’t have pads, the encoders and buttons give you all the control you need to twist and stretch sounds in creative ways.

The Octatrack MKII’s effects include filters, delay, and reverb, offering you a rich palette to color your sounds. Its connectivity is robust, with MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio In/Out. The OLED display gives you a clear view of your settings and sounds. Moreover, with SD card storage, you can keep tons of samples and projects ready to go.

Features of the Elektron Digitakt II

The Elektron Digitakt II, released in 2024, is newer and brings a different set of features to the table. It boasts 16 tracks, double the polyphony of the Octatrack MKII, allowing for more complex music creation. Like its counterpart, it operates at a 48kHz sample rate, ensuring excellent sound quality.

The Digitakt II also lacks pads but makes up for it with a user-friendly button interface. Its effects are impressive, including delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive per track, giving you more ways to manipulate your sound. Its connectivity includes MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out, though it lacks an Audio In option. With internal storage, you have plenty of space to save your creations without needing an external card.

Comparing the Octatrack MKII and Digitakt II

Polyphony and Tracks

One of the first differences you’ll notice is the polyphony. The Octatrack MKII has 8 tracks for samples, while the Digitakt II offers 16. This means the Digitakt II can handle more sounds and layers at once, which is great for complex compositions. However, the Octatrack MKII’s 8 tracks are still very capable, especially for those who prefer a more focused approach to sampling.

Storage

Storage is another area where these two differ. The Octatrack MKII uses an SD card, allowing for flexible storage options, while the Digitakt II has internal storage, making it easy to save and access your projects without additional hardware. This makes the Digitakt II slightly more convenient for those who prefer everything built-in.

Effects and Sound Manipulation

When it comes to effects, both machines have their unique strengths. The Octatrack MKII offers classic effects like filters, delay, and reverb, while the Digitakt II expands on these with extra options such as chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and per-track overdrive. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with sound, the Digitakt II might appeal to you more.

Connectivity

Connectivity is crucial for integrating with other music gear. Both samplers provide MIDI and USB connections, but the Octatrack MKII has a slight edge with Audio In/Out, allowing for more versatile setups. If you plan to connect microphones or other sound sources directly, the Octatrack MKII might be the better choice.

Price

Price can be a deciding factor too. The Octatrack MKII is priced at $1799, whereas the Digitakt II is more affordable at $1149. This makes the Digitakt II a budget-friendly option, especially for those just starting out or looking for a powerful but less expensive music machine.

Pros and Cons of the Elektron Octatrack MKII

Pros:

• 8 tracks for both sampling and controlling other gear
• High-quality effects: filters, delay, reverb
• Flexible SD card storage
• Comprehensive connectivity with Audio In/Out
• Great for live performances and detailed sound manipulation

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Learning curve due to its extensive features
• Limited to 8 tracks for samples

Pros and Cons of the Elektron Digitakt II

Pros:

• 16 tracks for more complex compositions
• Wide variety of effects: delay, reverb, chorus, and more
• Convenient internal storage
• More affordable price
• User-friendly interface for quick creativity

Cons:

• No Audio In, limiting direct sound source connections
• Fewer classic effects compared to the Octatrack MKII
• May lack depth for those seeking extensive sound manipulation

Final Verdict: Which Sampler Is Best for You?

Both the Elektron Octatrack MKII and the Elektron Digitakt II are fantastic devices for creating music. If you love detailed sound manipulation and need a machine that’s great for live performances, the Octatrack MKII might be your best choice. It’s perfect for musicians who want to dive deep into sound shaping and don’t mind the higher price tag.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable entry into the world of sampling, with plenty of tracks and modern effects, the Digitakt II is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for beginners or those who want a user-friendly, powerful music machine without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, both samplers offer unique strengths that cater to different music-making preferences. Whether you choose the Octatrack MKII or the Digitakt II, you’re sure to have a blast exploring and creating amazing sounds!