Digi vs Analog

Question for people that own both DT & DN and AR & AF mk2s

Which would you keep if you had to choose between the digis and analogs And why?

Digitone over A4.

They’re obviously very different, but I think the Digitone’s sound is more unique. It depends if FM is your cup of tea really. Personally, I think the tone’s sound is special compared to the workman-like A4 sound.

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I’m thinking more as an overall package both machines of each included.
where you have to keep both and all the different features rather than just a sound comparison, but you have a fair point

I sold DT & DN and kept AR+A4

Why? DT gave me a migraine (pre os update), AR sounds better to my ears, more focussed as a drum synth.

A4, I need/love the perf macros, extra LFOs, and I like the sound (now). Song mode on both is great, especially programable mutes on the AR. Compressor…the AR+A4 is really very complete.

I never gelled with the DT+DN, but I blame myself more than the machines.

TBF I imagine one day I will own a DN again, now that I know more than I used too. But I wanted the money for other things, and my go to was the A4.

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They are so different … but for now I’d stick to the Digis because their FW is more ā€œup to dateā€. I hope it’ll change soon.

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So when I start a track with Rytm and Four and add sounds from the Digitone at the end, then I always think that Rytm and Four sound much deeper and more powerful than the Digitone, which then comes in more like a shrill guest who doesn’t quite join fits. But I still like the sound of the Digitone and I think building a track only with the Digitone makes sense here.

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The analogs always seem to catch up eventually though

I prefer the digi interfaces & I’m much more proficient on em as a result, personally.
would love some kinda analog units in digi format.

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A4 MK2 / AR MK2 they are more versatile :slight_smile:

For me it’s easier to get the sound I want out of the A4 compared to the DT …

But the A4 and DT are a great combo …

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Same but missing pattern mutes like the digis gets me frustrated when chaining the analogs together

I did not know (do not know) what pattern mutes are…EDIT: Oh yeah. Like the scope of the mute (as in just for this pattern, vs globally)? Yeah. But I guess song-mode programmable mutes are the analogs’, erm, analogue

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How do use the song mode programable mutes when using the AR & AF together?
Do you program 2 seperate song modes on both machines at same time?
Too confusing! That’s why I like mutes tied to patterns

No, what I have done when needing this is program a song on the AR (where I wanted the programmable mutes) but yeah. I get you. It would be nice to have the Digi mutes scopes.

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Oh man, tough choice, especially because of what they can do with my other gear. The DT’s MIDI sequencing is great, I love the DN Keys, but my A4’s CV capabilities are brilliant and it makes for a really good drum machine also, especially all combined with with perf macros. I’d probably have to reluctantly say A4, but I don’t really want to choose.

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Forced, I would take the 2xAnalogs over the 2xDigis every time.

Individually the Analog Four beats the Digitone. The Analog Rytm definitely beats the Digitakt.

I much prefer the feel and layout of the Analogs over the Digis… the Digis feel more ā€˜toylike’ to me (in the way the OP-1 does, but not that drastically), whereas the Analogs feel like solid instruments.

I really like working with the Analog Four, Analog Rytm and Digitone together.

Soundwise- the A4 sounds organic and ā€˜real’ to me and can fit amongst the other sounds I gravitate towards. The Digitone sounds way more ā€˜artificial’ to me, and it sounds like the Digitone, I know the sound of it (which I do like, but it doesn’t work for everything for me).

Out of them all the Digitakt would be easiest for me to give up… I won’t for now though, as I do like the chopping and changing. :sunglasses:

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It is a tough choice, the digis have better midi capabilities
But the analogs are a bit more complete minus only a few things

Without going deep - in your situation if two pieces had to go i’d suggest keeping one of each, keep the Digitone and Keep the AR - then you have the best of both worlds, keep the analog for its sound, compressor, samples and the song mode and the DN for its flavour which can also sound subtractive with its filter and drive - if you need CV then you’d need to look at teh A4

Not sure it’d be my two from four (tho never used DT), but perhaps think of it as two from four rather than DIGI format or Analog format

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The different kit structure, different size and design would probably prevent me from doing that tbh, though it’s a fair call…

New work commitments, longer hours and other things going on have made me want to scale down my setup, I’ve already sold off a few things but may end up making this choice of analog vs digi to keep to simplify things, not easy!

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If you have to sell (rather than box and shelve) then maybe also look at it from the point of view of the future when you no longer have your current constraints: which are harder/more expensive to re-aquire. Or which retain the most value. Or even the principle of least regret…what would future DanJamesAUS say to the DanJamesAUS of yesteryear that sold units A and B?

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Owed all except A4 mk1 not MK2. I have kept DN and AR MK2. As others have said, this combo offers best of both worlds in a way. Most voices, sampling and dvco.

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