Elektron Digitakt vs. Elektron Octatrack MKII: A Drum Machine Showdown

Summary: This blog post takes a deep dive into the Elektron Digitakt and the Elektron Octatrack MKII, two popular samplers from Elektron. We’ll explore their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your music-making needs.

Introduction

Hey there, music gear enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for a new sampler, you’re in for a treat today. We’re taking a closer look at two amazing devices from Elektron: the Elektron Digitakt and the Elektron Octatrack MKII. Both are fantastic tools for making music, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting to explore the world of electronic music, this guide will help you understand which sampler might be your perfect match.

Feature Comparison

Build and Design

Both the Digitakt and Octatrack MKII are built for desktop use and have a solid, durable design. They both feature an OLED display, which is great for navigating through settings and samples. However, there are some differences in how you interact with these devices.

The Elektron Digitakt is a compact drum machine and sampler. It doesn’t have pads, but uses buttons for input, which might feel a bit different if you’re used to pad-based devices. On the other hand, the Elektron Octatrack MKII uses encoders and buttons, providing a different tactile experience. While neither has traditional pads, the Octatrack’s encoders can offer more control for real-time manipulation of your sounds.

Sound and Polyphony

When it comes to sound, both devices share a similar polyphony of 8 voices and a sample rate of 48kHz. This means you can play up to eight sounds at the same time, which is plenty for most music projects. Whether you’re crafting beats on the Digitakt or creating complex soundscapes on the Octatrack, you’ll have high-quality audio to work with.

Storage and Sample Management

One of the key differences between these two devices is how they handle storage. The Digitakt comes with internal storage, which is great for keeping your samples organized and easy to access. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more straightforward approach to sample management.

In contrast, the Octatrack MKII uses an SD card for storage. This offers more flexibility and capacity, especially if you work with large libraries of samples or need to swap between different projects quickly. However, it does require a bit more management to ensure your SD cards are properly organized.

Sequencing and Effects

Both the Digitakt and Octatrack MKII come with powerful sequencers. The Digitakt is particularly known for its deep sequencing capabilities, making it a favorite among beatmakers who love to tweak and refine their grooves.

The Octatrack MKII doesn’t fall short either, offering a robust sequencer with real-time manipulation features. This makes it a powerful tool for live performances, where you can adjust effects and parameters on the fly.

Speaking of effects, the Digitakt includes reverb and delay, which are perfect for adding depth and space to your sounds. The Octatrack MKII takes it a step further by adding filters to its effects arsenal, giving you even more options to shape and transform your audio.

Connectivity and Integration

Both devices offer MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and audio outputs, allowing you to easily connect them to other gear in your studio. However, the Octatrack MKII includes audio inputs as well, which can be a major advantage if you want to sample external sources directly.

On the software side, both samplers integrate with Elektron Transfer, making it easy to manage your samples and projects on your computer.

Pros and Cons

Elektron Digitakt

Pros:

• Affordable price point at $700
• Compact and user-friendly design
• Deep sequencing capabilities
• Built-in effects: reverb and delay
• Internal storage for easy sample management

Cons:

• No audio inputs
• Limited to internal storage capacity
• Lacks pads, uses buttons instead

Elektron Octatrack MKII

Pros:

• Extensive real-time manipulation capabilities
• SD card storage for expanded capacity
• Includes audio inputs for sampling external sources
• Additional effects: filters, delay, and reverb

Cons:

• Higher price point at $1400
• More complex interface can be intimidating for beginners
• Requires SD card management

Final Verdict

Both the Elektron Digitakt and the Elektron Octatrack MKII are excellent choices for music creators, but they cater to different needs.

If you’re looking for a more affordable, straightforward drum machine and sampler with powerful sequencing capabilities, the Digitakt is the way to go. It’s perfect for beatmakers who want a compact and easy-to-use device without compromising on sound quality.

On the other hand, if you’re a performer who needs extensive real-time control and flexibility, the Octatrack MKII might be your best bet. It offers more advanced features and connectivity options, making it ideal for live performances and complex audio projects.

In the end, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Whichever you choose, both samplers are sure to inspire your creativity and help you craft amazing music. Happy music making!