Polyend Tracker vs. Elektron Digitakt II: Which Sampler Suits Your Style?

Summary: The Polyend Tracker and Elektron Digitakt II are two fantastic samplers that cater to different types of music creators. The Polyend Tracker is known for its user-friendly design and flexibility, while the Elektron Digitakt II is celebrated for its deep sound-shaping capabilities. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes each of these devices unique and help you decide which one is right for you.

Introduction

Music is like magic. You can create new worlds with sounds, rhythms, and melodies. But to make music, you need the right tools. Two popular tools for making music are the Polyend Tracker and the Elektron Digitakt II. These samplers are like musical playgrounds for your imagination. Let’s explore what makes each of them special and see which one might be the best fit for you!

Feature Comparison

Build and Design

The Polyend Tracker and the Elektron Digitakt II look quite different. The Polyend Tracker is a tracker-style sampler, which means it has a unique grid of buttons for input. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It has an LCD display that shows you what you’re doing. It’s designed for people who like a hands-on approach to making music.

On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt II is a desktop sampler. It’s a bit bigger and heavier, but it’s built to last. It has a sleek design with a bright OLED display, which is very easy to see in different lighting conditions. Even though it doesn’t have pads, it uses buttons that are easy to press and use.

Sound and Polyphony

When it comes to sound, both samplers are powerful in their own ways. The Polyend Tracker has 64 voices of polyphony, which means it can play up to 64 sounds at the same time. This is great if you want to layer lots of sounds together.

The Elektron Digitakt II, however, offers 16 voices of polyphony. While this is less than the Tracker, it makes up for it with its high-quality 48kHz sample rate. This means the sounds can be more detailed and rich, which is perfect for those who want their music to have a high-quality finish.

Storage and Samples

Storage is important because it determines how many sounds you can keep on your sampler. The Polyend Tracker uses a MicroSD card, which means you can easily swap out cards to access more sounds. This flexibility is perfect for musicians who like to experiment with different sound libraries.

The Elektron Digitakt II has internal storage. This means you don’t have to worry about losing small cards, but it also means you have to manage your sounds within the device’s memory. However, the Digitakt II offers plenty of space to store a large number of samples and projects.

Effects and Sound Shaping

Both samplers come with exciting effects to shape your sounds. The Polyend Tracker includes multiple effects, such as filters and modulation tools, which let you sculpt your music in different ways. It’s perfect for creating unique and personal tracks.

The Elektron Digitakt II takes sound shaping to another level. It offers effects like delay, reverb, chorus, bit reduction, sample reduction, and overdrive per track. This means you can give each sound its own character and depth, allowing for more complex and textured music creation.

Connectivity and Integration

Connectivity is crucial if you want to use your sampler with other music gear. The Polyend Tracker has MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out, making it easy to connect with other devices. However, it doesn’t have software integration, which might limit some users who want to use it with a computer.

The Elektron Digitakt II shines here with its MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB connections. It also includes Elektron Transfer software integration, which makes it easy to move sounds and projects between the Digitakt II and your computer. This is great for those who want to use their sampler as part of a larger studio setup.

Pros and Cons

Polyend Tracker

Pros:

• 64 Voices of Polyphony: Great for layering sounds.
• Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to carry.
• MicroSD Storage: Flexible and expandable storage.
• Hands-On Interface: User-friendly and intuitive.

Cons:

• No Software Integration: Limited connectivity with computers.
• Lacks Pads: Input relies on buttons, which may not suit everyone.

Elektron Digitakt II

Pros:

• High-Quality Sound: 48kHz sample rate for detailed audio.
• Rich Effects: Wide range of effects for sound shaping.
• Software Integration: Easy transfer of sounds to and from a computer.
• Strong Build: Durable and reliable for studio use.

Cons:

• Limited Polyphony: 16 voices, less than some competitors.
• Heavier Design: Not as portable as some other options.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Polyend Tracker and the Elektron Digitakt II depends on what you need in a sampler.

• The Polyend Tracker is perfect for musicians who want a portable, flexible device that allows for lots of experimentation. Its high polyphony and expandable storage make it ideal for creative exploration on the go.

• The Elektron Digitakt II is best for those who want a powerful sound-shaping tool in their studio. Its rich effects and high-quality audio make it perfect for producing polished, professional tracks.

Both samplers are wonderful in their own right, offering unique features that can inspire and elevate your music-making process. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use tool or an experienced producer seeking advanced sound design capabilities, there’s a sampler here for you!