Elektron Digitakt II —  VS  — Native Instruments Maschine+

Compare the Native Instruments Maschine+ and Elektron Digitakt II

Summary

If you’re a music lover on the hunt for a groovebox, this article is for you! We’ll dive into the features of two popular samplers: the Native Instruments Maschine+ and the Elektron Digitakt II. Both are amazing in their own right, but they have different strengths. Let’s see which one fits your music-making dreams.

Introduction

Hello, music enthusiasts! Are you ready to make some beats and explore electronic music production? Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced producer, choosing the right tools can make all the difference. Today, we’re going to compare two exciting samplers: the Native Instruments Maschine+ and the Elektron Digitakt II. Both are top picks for creating music but cater to different needs. Let’s break down their features and see which one suits your style best!

Features Comparison

Build and Design

When it comes to design, the Native Instruments Maschine+ and Elektron Digitakt II have their own unique styles. The Maschine+ is a standalone unit, which means it doesn’t need a computer to operate. It’s a robust tool made for traveling musicians, with a tough build that can handle the road. This sampler looks sleek with its 16 large velocity-sensitive pads, allowing you to tap out beats with ease.

On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt II is a desktop unit. It’s compact and fits well in any studio setup. Unlike the Maschine+, it uses buttons instead of pads. This might seem like a drawback if you’re used to pad drumming, but the buttons are responsive and precise. Plus, it has a cool OLED display that makes navigating its features a breeze.

Sound and Polyphony

Sound is where these two samplers start to show their differences. The Maschine+ offers a whopping 128 voices of polyphony. This means you can layer lots of sounds and samples without worrying about running out of voices. It operates at a 44.1kHz sample rate, which is standard for many music productions.

The Elektron Digitakt II offers 16 voices of polyphony. While this is less than the Maschine+, it’s still plenty for most electronic music productions. It has a higher sample rate of 48kHz, which can offer slightly better sound quality. Each track on the Digitakt II can have its own set of effects, adding a lot of creative options.

Effects

Both samplers come with a variety of effects to shape your sound. The Maschine+ includes EQ, reverb, and delay. These are essential tools for crafting your mix, allowing you to create space and depth in your tracks.

The Digitakt II steps up the effects game with delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive per track. This gives you more ways to manipulate and experiment with your sounds, making it a great choice for those who love to tweak and customize their tracks.

Sequencing and Storage

Sequencing is where these devices shine. Both offer powerful sequencers for arranging your music. The Maschine+ comes with the standalone Maschine software, giving you a full suite of tools for creating complex patterns and arrangements.

The Digitakt II uses Elektron Transfer for software integration. It has 16 tracks that you can use to mix music and control other gear. Its internal storage is ample, meaning you can keep adding new sounds and ideas without running out of space.

Connectivity

Connectivity is important for integrating your sampler into your setup. The Maschine+ provides MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio Out ports. This gives you flexibility when connecting to other gear.

The Digitakt II offers MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out, so you can easily connect it to your other instruments or computer. The MIDI Thru port is a nice addition, allowing for more complex setups.

Display

The Maschine+ features a full-color display, which is vibrant and detailed. This makes it easy to navigate its functions and see your work clearly.

The Digitakt II’s OLED display is sharp and clear, offering a modern interface that’s easy to read, even in low-light environments.

Price

Price is always a factor when choosing gear. The Maschine+ is priced at $1400, reflecting its standalone capabilities and high-end features. The Digitakt II is more affordable at $1149, offering great value for its powerful sound-shaping options and ease of use.

Pros and Cons

Native Instruments Maschine+

Pros:

• Standalone Operation: No need for a computer.
• High Polyphony: 128 voices allow for complex compositions.
• Robust Build: Durable for travel and live performances.
• Large Pads: Great for expressive playing.

Cons:

• Price: Higher cost might be a barrier for some.
• Size: Larger and may not fit smaller setups.

Elektron Digitakt II

Pros:

• Affordable: Good price for the features offered.
• Compact Design: Fits well in any studio setup.
• Rich Effects: Lots of creative options per track.
• High Sample Rate: 48kHz offers excellent sound quality.

Cons:

• Limited Polyphony: 16 voices, which may limit complex arrangements.
• No Pads: Uses buttons instead, which might not appeal to everyone.

Final Verdict

Both the Native Instruments Maschine+ and the Elektron Digitakt II are fantastic tools for music production. However, they cater to different types of musicians.

If you’re a performer who loves to create on the go, the Maschine+ is perfect for you. It’s built for those who want a standalone device with plenty of polyphony and expressive pads.

On the other hand, if you’re a studio producer who loves to experiment with effects and wants a compact tool, the Digitakt II is a great choice. It’s excellent for those who want a powerful yet affordable groovebox with a modern interface.

No matter which you choose, you’re in for an exciting music-making journey. Happy creating!