Hi, I’m looking for a hardware MIDI sequencer to control software and I don’t have an exact goal in mind except to have software feel as fun as hardware. I don’t have any requirements for song mode at the moment. I found some interesting options like the Torso T-1, OXI One, and maybe things like Push 2/Launch Pad, but I’m wondering if DT/DG holds it own for step sequencing software since the originals are very price competitive now. I used to have a Digitakt so I’m already familiar with Elektron sequencing and it should be enough for my needs. I don’t think I would use the sampling hardware of the Digitakt and the price is cheaper for the Digitone so if the sequencer is comparable I’d prefer that. I think the major disadvantage of DG is 4 MIDI tracks vs 8 on DT? Any advice would be appreciated.
The digitakt interface is better for drum sequencing. The add notes screen on digitone makes sequencing chords a lot easier.
An extra 4 tracks is a big difference in favor of digitakt, but less polyphony per track. I feel like digitakt’s mutes are better thought out as well.
If you like synths digitone is great, if you just need the midi sequencing I’d lean towards digitakt. If you are ok with 8 knobs and the elektron sequencer paradigm I’d say it’s an ok option but maybe not better than some dedicated hardware sequencers, but at the same time not much worse.
Being an audio interface is also an advantage.
My (inexperienced) take: Elektron sequencers are pretty state-of-the-art if you ask me. If you’re already familiar with them, why not use that.
My approach was a bit different. Not sure if it’s the best, but that’s how I did it. Anyway, I use an Oxi One to control Ableton and ‘sketch’ the ideas into MIDI tracks, from Ableton I control the synths (Elektron or MicroFreak) via a USB connected MiniFuse that connects to the Elektrons via 5-pin MIDI. Record the sound into Ableton. From thereon play around with it. I chose the Oxi because I wanted a ‘common denominator’ sequencer that I would get proficient at, and control whatever type of synth (and Ableton).
Might’ve stuck with the Elektron sequencer and learned that inside out, but I chose the Oxi as the ‘keyboard’.
Could you give me a high level description of the difference between OXI One and Elektron sequencers? Given I already understand the major advantages of Elektron (p-locks, probability, etc.). I do like that the OXI has cv out because if I do ever go hardware again, I expect it to be eurorack.
Well, there’s more experienced people on here that could probably give more complete info, but I can tell you about my limited experience (just starting this, and only as a hobby, not a lot of time). To me the Oxi is a good surrogate for a keyboard, and even though I don’t have any musical or keyboard training, or know music theory, it helps me with composing and chords (although the Elektron does that too now), it’s specifically made to program music. The grid makes it easier for me to put an idea into a beat. From the Oxi I might not be able to program an Elektron as intricate as the Elektron sequencer itself, but it has enough things like LFOs and modulation to satisfy my needs, and I see it as a common platform to control Ableton and from there whatever synth. It’s not that I think the Oxi is a worse sequencer than the Elektron, but more ‘generic’. Might still be that after a time I start to need specific things to manipulate on the Elektron that the Oxi can’t, and then I’ll have to use either Overbridge or the Elektron sequencer itself for that. But like I said, I’m still in the beginning phase of making stuff and translating ideas to actual sounds and music 
even though they’ve apparently added a Song mode of sorts lately, Elektron sequencers always felt best at programming patterns within the boxes themselves but i wouldn’t necessarily want to rely on them for being the central brain running all my gear across multiple hardware devices
But DN gets you 8 voices on one MIDI track.
4 voices only per track on DT.
Compared to the II version of both instruments, you cannot name the CCs and save the presets (yet, at least).
Elektron MIDI sequencing lacks a lot of features (and I’m not going to repeat what others have already said), but I think the reason you see things like Digitakt used extensively for MIDI sequencing duties is because the physical UI is just a winner. In my experience, there’s no way around it, the Elektron sequencer is just really fast to work with when you know your way around it. Elektron hit a home run on the form factor and presentation.
Other than that, my vote goes for OXI One any day - and those are likely also going to be hitting the used market in droves relatively soon with the advent of the OXI One MKII.
I haven’t been using VSTs too much lately, but for a long time I was using the DT to sequence a bunch of them in Ableton. Works fantastic…easy to assign CC’s with Ableton’s MIDI auto-learn.
Digitakt:
- 8 tracks (instantly available on tracks 9-16) with 4 voices per track
- 8x CC parameters per track
- 1x LFO per track
- Up to 64 steps
- “P-Lock” parameter lock functionality (Probability, Length, Velocity, CC parameter, Note, LFO)
- Scales & Keyboard Fold
Digitone:
- 4 tracks (accessible after pressing ‘MIDI’ button) with 8 voices per track
- 8x CC parameters per track
- 1x LFO per track
- Up to 64 steps
- “P-Lock” parameter lock functionality (Probability, Length, Velocity, CC parameter, Note, LFO)
- Transpose Function
- Chord Mode, Scales & Keyboard Fold
OXI One:
- 4 sequencer lanes with 6 modes to choose from (multitrack allows up to 4x8 tracks for a max total of up to 32 tracks)
- 2 LFOs per sequencer
- Up to 128 steps
- USB or battery power (one cable connection or Bluetooth functionality)
- USB host capability
- Highly customizable arpeggiator
- Retrigger/ratchet function
- Loopers
- Chord modes with advanced features (type, voice, spread, inversions, memory slots, etc.)
- HARMONIZER MODE
- Mass generative features (and euclidean sequencing option)
- DAW integrations
- Many pre-existing instrument definitions (consult manual for full list)
There is a lot lot more for OXI One but those are the big things that come to my mind… there is also at least one more feature update in the works that will supposedly update the dedicated app to allow things like MIDI import/export.
I think the most popular feature by far is the harmonizer:
Thanks! I think it’s between the DG and OXI one at this point. I remember wishing the Digitakt had a transpose function when i owned and I might actually use the Digitone as an instrument. I’ll dig into it more.
No problem. Like I said above, even if the Elektron Digi sequencers are “lacking” in features, they are still my go to in many situations (I have all the original and new ones as well as the OXI One). Other miscellaneous usability points I can reiterate are that:
- I personally prefer the Elektron sequencer from a physical UI perspective (clicky responsive buttons, not pads. Larger screen with more information)
- I personally prefer the OXI One for mobility, DAW/computer (softsynth) sequencing, and situations that require larger grid visual presentation.
If you are going for simple no hassle sequencing, I would go with an OG Digitakt. If you really love Elektron, then Digitone II - and that is another discussion in terms of MIDI.