Battle of the Samplers: Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 vs. Elektron Digitakt II

Summary: Discover the differences between two popular music-making machines, the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 and the Elektron Digitakt II. Learn about their features, pros, and cons, and find out which one might be the best for you!

Introduction

If you’re a music lover looking to make your own beats and songs, you’ve probably heard of the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 and the Elektron Digitakt II. These two samplers are like magic boxes that help you create amazing music. But which one should you pick? Let’s dive into their features to find out!

Feature Comparisons

Design and Build

The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3, released in 2017, is a controller-style device. It has 16 large, colorful, velocity-sensitive pads. This means you can tap them lightly or hard to make different sounds. It’s like playing the drums with your fingers! It has a full-color display, which makes it easy to see what you’re doing. The Maschine Mk3 is designed to connect with other music programs, so you can easily start making music. It looks sleek and modern, making it a great addition to any music studio.

On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt II, which hit the market in 2024, has a more compact desktop build. Unlike the Maschine Mk3, it doesn’t have pads. Instead, it uses buttons to control the music. It features an OLED display, which is clear and bright. The Digitakt II is like a little sound playground that you can take anywhere. It’s perfect if you like to move your music-making from room to room or even take it to a friend’s house!

Sound and Polyphony

When it comes to sound, both devices are stars, but they shine differently. The Maschine Mk3 has a polyphony of 128, meaning it can play 128 sounds at once! With a sample rate of 44.1kHz, it delivers high-quality audio. It’s packed with effects like EQ, Reverb, and Delay, which help make your music sound professional. Plus, it comes with a built-in sound library of 25 GB, which includes a variety of professional sounds to start your musical journey.

In contrast, the Digitakt II has a polyphony of 16, meaning it can play 16 sounds simultaneously. It offers a higher sample rate of 48kHz, providing slightly better audio quality. It also stands out with its wide range of effects, including Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Bit Reduction, Sample Reduction, and Overdrive per track. These effects allow you to get creative with your music, making it sound unique and exciting.

Connectivity and Integration

Both samplers are ready to connect with other devices, but they do it a bit differently. The Maschine Mk3 has MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio Out ports. This means you can connect it to other instruments, microphones, and even your computer. It integrates seamlessly with Maschine Software, making it easy to create and edit music.

The Digitakt II also offers great connectivity with MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out ports. It works with Elektron Transfer software, making it simple to manage your music files. This sampler is great if you want to integrate it with other music gear or control other instruments from it.

Price and Value

Price is an important factor when choosing a music-making machine. The Maschine Mk3 is priced at $700, offering a lot of features for its cost. It’s a great value, especially if you’re looking for a device that does a bit of everything.

The Digitakt II comes with a higher price tag of $1149. However, it offers advanced features and effects that are perfect for those who want more control over their sound. If you’re serious about your music and want a device that offers lots of creative possibilities, the Digitakt II might be worth the extra investment.

Pros and Cons

Native Instruments Maschine Mk3

Pros:

• 16 large, velocity-sensitive pads for intuitive music-making
• High polyphony of 128 for complex compositions
• Integrated with Maschine Software for easy music creation
• Full-color display for clear navigation
• Comes with a vast 25 GB sound library

Cons:

• Larger and less portable compared to the Digitakt II
• Lower sample rate compared to the Digitakt II

Elektron Digitakt II

Pros:

• Compact and portable design, perfect for on-the-go music-making
• High sample rate of 48kHz for superior sound quality
• Wide range of effects for creative sound shaping
• OLED display for clear viewing
• Great integration with other music gear

Cons:

• Lacks velocity-sensitive pads, which may take time to get used to
• Lower polyphony of 16 compared to the Maschine Mk3
• Higher price point

Final Verdict

Both the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 and the Elektron Digitakt II are fantastic tools for music makers. The Maschine Mk3 is best for those who want a versatile, all-in-one music system with a focus on ease of use and integration. It’s perfect for beginners and those who want to dive into music production with a comprehensive tool.

The Digitakt II, however, is ideal for those who seek a portable, high-quality sampler with a range of creative effects. It’s a great choice for musicians who already have some experience and want to experiment with sound design.

In the end, your choice depends on what you need and how you like to create music. Whether you pick the Maschine Mk3 or the Digitakt II, you’re sure to have a blast making amazing sounds!