Elektron Digitakt II — VS — Korg Volca Sample
Elektron Digitakt II
The Digitakt II is a fun music machine that lets you make beats and play with sounds. It has 16 tracks you can use to mix music, record sounds in stereo, or control other gear. You can change and shape your sounds in cool ways, with lots of new and improved features. It has tons of memory so you can store lots of sounds and keep creating for a long time. It's like a sound playground for your imagination!
Korg Volca Sample
The original Korg Volca Sample is a small, hands-on drum machine that lets you play, tweak, and sequence up to 100 custom sounds. You can build beats, add motion effects, reverse samples, and create grooves with its fun and easy sequencer. It includes features like a powerful analog isolator, reverb, and song mode for more creative control. You could only load new samples using a special iOS app. This model has now been replaced by the improved <a href='/samplers/korg-volca-sample-2'>Volca Sample 2</a>, which adds USB, more memory, and a better workflow.
| Spec | Elektron Digitakt II | Korg Volca Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Elektron | Korg |
| Year Released | 2024 | 2014 |
| Polyphony | 16 | 16 |
| Sample Rate | 48kHz | 44.1kHz |
| Storage | Internal storage | Internal memory |
| Pads | No pads, uses buttons | No pads, uses buttons |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive per track | Reverb, Delay |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, Audio Out | MIDI In, Audio Out |
| Screen | OLED display | LED indicators |
| Software Integration | Elektron Transfer | No |
| Build | Desktop | Portable |
| Price | $1149 | $149 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Buy the Elektron Digitakt II on Amazon.com
Buy Now On AmazonA Quick Look: Korg Volca Sample vs. Elektron Digitakt II
If you’re diving into the world of music production, the Korg Volca Sample and Elektron Digitakt II are two gadgets you might want to explore. Both are samplers, meaning they let you record and play back sounds. But they have different features and prices, so let’s see which one might be the best fit for you!
Introduction
Hello, music explorers! Whether you’re a budding beatmaker or an experienced producer, finding the right sampler can make your musical journey much more exciting. Today, we’re going to explore two popular samplers: the Korg Volca Sample and the Elektron Digitakt II. These devices are like magic boxes that let you record, tweak, and play sounds in your unique style. But they each have their own special tricks up their sleeves. So, let’s jump in and see what makes them tick!
Features Comparison
Year of Release and Build
The Korg Volca Sample was released back in 2014, making it a seasoned player in the sampler world. It’s portable and easy to carry around, so you can make beats wherever you go. On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt II is brand new, released in 2024. It’s built for your desktop, meaning it’s meant to stay in your studio, ready for when inspiration strikes.
Sound and Effects
Both samplers have a polyphony of 16, which means they can play 16 sounds at once. The Korg Volca Sample uses a sample rate of 44.1kHz, while the Elektron Digitakt II offers a slightly higher rate of 48kHz, which might give your sounds a bit more detail. When it comes to effects, the Volca Sample has reverb and delay. The Digitakt II, however, is like a candy store of effects with delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive per track. This allows for a lot of creative sound manipulation.
Storage and Software Integration
Both devices have internal storage for your sounds. However, the Elektron Digitakt II has more memory, so you can store more sounds and projects. Plus, it works with Elektron Transfer, a special software that helps you organize and move your sounds easily. The Korg Volca Sample originally required a special app to load new samples, which might be a bit tricky for some users.
Controls and Display
Neither sampler comes with pads, but they both have buttons for controlling your music. The Korg Volca Sample uses LED indicators to show information, while the Digitakt II includes an OLED display. This screen can make it easier to see what you’re doing, especially when you’re making changes to your sounds.
Connectivity
The Korg Volca Sample has MIDI In and Audio Out connections, which are great for connecting to other music gear. The Elektron Digitakt II goes further with MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out. This means it’s more flexible and can connect to more devices, including your computer.
Pros and Cons
Korg Volca Sample
Pros:
- Affordable Price: At $149, it’s a budget-friendly option for beginners.
- Portable Design: Easy to carry and use on the go.
- Simple Interface: Great for quick and easy music making.
Cons:
- Limited Effects: Only reverb and delay.
- Old Sample Loading Method: Requires a special app to load new samples.
- Basic Display: LED indicators offer limited information.
Elektron Digitakt II
Pros:
- Rich Effects: Multiple effects per track for creative sound design.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: MIDI, USB, and Audio Out for versatile setups.
- Advanced Display: OLED display provides clear and detailed information.
Cons:
- Higher Price: At $1149, it’s a bigger investment.
- Desktop Build: Not as portable as the Volca Sample.
- Complex Interface: Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
Summary
Both the Korg Volca Sample and the Elektron Digitakt II are amazing tools for making music. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, depending on what you need.
Final Verdict
If you’re just starting out or need something portable and affordable, the Korg Volca Sample might be perfect for you. It’s simple and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners or those who like to make music on the go.
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned producer looking for more effects and connectivity options, the Elektron Digitakt II is a fantastic choice. It’s more expensive, but it offers a lot of features that can help you create detailed and complex music.
Whether you’re making beats in your bedroom or producing tracks in a professional studio, there’s a sampler out there that’s just right for you. Happy music making!