Is there a way to do saveable pattern sequences using MIDI loopback and program changes? I just got my DT but that just seems like a way to handle it in a more permanent way.
Has anybody dug into it?
Yes.
This is possible.
Known as “pseudo song mode”.
It works.
But it is not the implementation that everyone wants, though it does accomplish the end. Not everyone agrees with the means.
Many say it is too “fiddly”, though this term is subjective.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Especially on a (relatively, to other Elektrons) budget device.
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This is the thing where you plug Digitakt’s MIDI out into it’s MIDI in, right?
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I wanna know more about how this works
yes, but a better way of doing it is to use a MIDI hub that has MIDI filtering. That way you can make sure the DT doesn’t loop back things you don’t want it to.
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This “pseudo” song mode has been discussed in various topics in the Digitakt category, with one notable creative application in this topic:
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I own a Rytm mkII (as well as an A4, MD, and had a DT for awhile).
So how would a guitar player, or drummer, or bassist, change patterns while playing live while their hands are busy?
Especially when you’re also having to manually switch patterns on your DT that has no song mode.
It may be on the cheaper side in the world of Elektron, but it isn’t cheap compared to other drum machines that are out there (or ones the will undoubtedly be released in the near future). Elektron needs to think about future proofing their products.
I’m in total agreement with you. I personally don’t see the need for drum sounds on the A4/A42, but I totally understand that other people will use it for those sounds, and for that purpose. It’s always weird to me when just because a person doesn’t use the tool in that way, they assume that it doesn’t need to exist.
song mode is toast. will never happen on DT. just be thankful with the device you have, and pray that they continue supporting it w/ updated firmware. Many many bugs in 1.07. As for OB, just be thankful it hasn’t been canned (yet). That means there is still a chance OB will be released. Soon it will be April.
I’m not really expecting an actual song mode - just the ability to save pattern chains.
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So you make a pattern chain, and then what, you save it? and it loads with the project? One chain per project?
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No drum machine at this price point has the feature set that Digitakt has, period.
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Hopefully the DT/DN would be able to save a lot of pattern chains (like at least 50-100).
Perhaps not, but that doesn’t mean that someone doesn’t have something in the pipeline. Elektron might have people lining up for the DT at the moment, but if another company comes out with something that’s comparable at a lower price point, more stable, or more features, then Elektron might see a dramatic drop in business. Behringer, Roland, and a few other companies are always a potential danger to Elektron’s bottom line.
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Though saving pattern changes seems like it would require a lot to impliment. It’s basically adding another layer that is not previously existing. I agree that it would be a welcomed feature, though as long as a chain stays active when i turn the machine on and off that would be enough for me (prepare for a set, then take the device out and play with that chain). Though if I’m honest I don’t use song mode on my A4 and opt more for live switching of patterns (I’m ADHD and it entertains me haha) so if I could sync pattern changes between both devices then I’m set.
wait…couldn’t I use my A4’s song mode to control the DT as well?!
Well right now they can’t keep the digitakt on the shelf the demand is so high. Obviously it’s filling a gap in the market. TR8s is the same price and nowhere near the feature set. It’s got some other really cool things about it, but it’s got no song mode to speak of, no plocks, no conditional trigs, no sound locks, etc etc. In terms of competing with the AR, it’s not in the same category, and really the AR doesn’t have another drum machine in it’s category. It’s expensive, yes but it’s also unique. Tempest is old and no longer has software support. I don’t agree that Behringer and Roland are a threat to Elektron at all because they cater to the lowest common denominator, they AREN’T more reliable or have better QC…
I bought a D-05 and SH-01a at launch and I tried to chain them and simply plugging anything into the mix in causes the noise floor to jump 40db! Huge oversight to not have gain control for the mix in, and they have no fix. This happened even when running on batteries, or plugged into the wall. Simply the act of putting the cable in engaged the circuit. In Canada, Roland doesn’t have telephone support, so I had to call the service center and they didn’t even have any units to test and gave me a 3-4 month lead time for any repairs.
I had a DM6 which I had to return once for a noise issue, and even after the second one that was much better, the noise floor was rougly 15db louder than my A4. So I sold it.
Also once (if ever) Overbridge drops, there will literally be no competition at that price point.
Yes you can. Especially now that the bug has been worked out.
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