Elektron Digitakt — VS — Korg Volca Sample
Elektron Digitakt
Digitakt is a super cool music machine that helps you make beats and mix sounds. It's small, tough, and built to last. You can record sounds, play them back, and create your own songs using 8 sound tracks and 8 more tracks to control other music gear. It also has awesome buttons and a bright screen to help you see what you're doing. Whether you're just starting or already making music, Digitakt gives you all the tools you need to have fun and make people dance!
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 This model has now been replaced by the improved 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 | Korg Volca Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Elektron | Korg |
| Year Released | 2017 | 2014 |
| Polyphony | 8 | 16 |
| Sample Rate | 48kHz | 44.1kHz |
| Storage | Internal storage | Internal memory |
| Pads | No pads, uses buttons | No pads, uses buttons |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Reverb, Delay | 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 | $700 | $149 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Quick Summary
In this post, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison between two popular samplers: the Elektron Digitakt and the Korg Volca Sample. Both are beloved by musicians for their unique features, but which one is right for you? We’ll explore their similarities and differences, and help you decide which sampler best suits your music-making needs.
Introduction
Sampling is like painting with sound. You can take a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and create something entirely new. Two popular tools for sampling are the Elektron Digitakt and the Korg Volca Sample. If you’re a budding music producer or a seasoned performer, you’ve probably heard of these two devices. But which one should you choose? Let’s take a closer look and find out!
Feature Comparison
Sound Quality and Polyphony
The first thing we often look at in a sampler is how it sounds. The Elektron Digitakt boasts a sample rate of 48kHz, promising crisp and clear audio quality. However, it offers 8-note polyphony, which means you can play up to 8 sounds at the same time. In contrast, the Korg Volca Sample has a slightly lower sample rate of 44.1kHz but offers more polyphony, letting you play up to 16 sounds simultaneously. This makes the Volca Sample a great choice if you want to layer lots of sounds at once.
Storage and Portability
Both devices have internal storage. The Digitakt is a compact desktop unit, while the Volca Sample is designed to be portable. If you’re always on the go or love performing live, the Volca Sample’s portability might be a big plus for you. On the other hand, the Digitakt’s desktop build is perfect for setting up in a studio environment where you have a dedicated music-making space.
Control and Interface
Neither sampler includes traditional drum pads; instead, they use buttons for input. The Elektron Digitakt features an OLED display, which is clear and detailed, making it easy to navigate through its deep features. The Korg Volca Sample uses LED indicators, which are simpler and can be a bit more challenging to manage if you’re diving into complex sound design.
Sequencer and Effects
Both samplers have built-in sequencers, allowing you to create and arrange your beats and melodies. They also come with reverb and delay effects, which add depth and space to your sounds. While both devices offer these features, the Digitakt is known for its deep sequencing capabilities, which give you more control over your sound.
Connectivity and Integration
The Digitakt stands out with its extensive connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and Audio Out. It also integrates with software through Elektron Transfer, which is great for those who like to work digitally. The Volca Sample, on the other hand, is more straightforward with MIDI In and Audio Out. It doesn’t have built-in software integration, which might be a downside if you rely on a computer in your music production process.
Pros and Cons
Elektron Digitakt
Pros:
- High-quality sound with 48kHz sample rate
- Extensive connectivity options
- Deep sequencing capabilities
- OLED display for clear navigation
Cons:
- Higher price point at $700
- Less portable due to desktop build
- Limited to 8-note polyphony
Korg Volca Sample
Pros:
- More affordable at $180
- Highly portable design
- 16-note polyphony for richer sound layering
Cons:
- Simpler LED display
- No software integration
- Lower sample rate of 44.1kHz
Conclusion
Both the Elektron Digitakt and the Korg Volca Sample have their strengths and weaknesses. The Digitakt is perfect for those who want a powerful, studio-centric tool with deep features and excellent connectivity. Meanwhile, the Volca Sample is ideal for musicians who need a portable, easy-to-use sampler with more polyphony at a budget-friendly price.
Final Verdict
If you’re someone who loves creating complex compositions and has a dedicated studio space, the Elektron Digitakt is the way to go. However, if you’re often on the move and enjoy live performances, the Korg Volca Sample might be your best companion. Each sampler offers something unique, so think about what matters most to you in your music-making journey. Happy sampling!