Though the Digitakt was first officially announced at NAMM in January 2017, the box only started to ship at the same time Elektron posted on its YT page the official introduction video with Cenk. That makes May 29th the official birthday of the Digitakt. So happy birthday Digitakt !!
In order to mark that birth, I’ve been interviewing some Elektronauts here in Norway and in Sweden, including Cuckoo and Vegard from the house duo Of Norway. And this week, I’ll be chatting with other power users for an article to be published in a Norwegian daily newspaper. But the world of the Digitakt certainly goes beyond Scandinavia. And since this is my first post on the forum, I thought it’d be great to ask you guys to share your opinion on what the Digitakt changed in your workflow and why you keep this box in spite (or because) of its limitations.
What I realised is that the Digitakt can be so many things to so many people that the best way to grasp its versatility is to ask the users themselves. Looking back at the first videos and tutorials, my impression is that the way I looked at the Digitakt has evolved in the last 12 months and even more so since I acquired one. How was it like for you?
ps: Though I realise how important the issue of Overbridge is, it’s great if you guys can focus on other aspects of your relation with Digitakt. Enough has been already said about it for now.
That’s the smart thing to do. But though I bought mine used, I don’t think I’ll sell it: it’s a really inspiring little machine that can’t be easily replaced by other instruments.
I agree. It’s a big pain for me though as I don’t have any inputs right now due to my Thunderbolt port on my Mac failing, so USB audio-in would be great - currently I can’t track anything into my DAW. Just waiting for the new Macs to be released at WWDC and I’ll have my audio interface up and running again - albeit recording each DT track at a time
The DN is def. on my radar for a companion to the DT.
Is it only the absence of OB that makes it difficult for you to integrate DT in your Live workflow or are there other aspects to consider?
I’d say the biggest issue is my lack of a Live workflow. I got into making electronic music mostly with hardware and completely bypassed the preliminary software workflow(like a debt-ridden idiot), so I’ve just condition myself to be really comfortable and fulfilled using software and then throw the Elektrons into the mix.
The only REAL issue missing from OB is multitracking, you could totally rig up Ableton to work harmoniously with your boxes for control(especially if you have M4L). And the sequencing abilities of both machines are very cool!
There are many things that OB is supposed to do, but I agree with you: for me the main issue is multi-tracking. Which bring us back to your “lack of Live workflow”: most people I know are moving from working ITB to working OTB - hence DT and other boxes. If I get you correctly, you seem to go the other way. Maybe you should start by deciding what you want to do with Live: is it creating loops, sampling, sequencing, mixing & taking advantage of the effects, arranging, etc. I ask this because I was a bit lost (and I’m still frequently lost) when I don’t stick to a couple things. So for example, I use Ableton mainly for tracking when I need to and mixing. That kind of focus or discipline help me get a workflow that starts with mobile (iOS) apps or hardware, then ends with Live.
I think the Digitakt is my favourite instrument ever created.
Drums, basslines, vinyl rips, chord stabs… I’ve filled mine with everything I could ever want and it’s so effortless to get something going.
I think the compressor is bloody brilliant too. I used to pair it with an SP404 for effects but the new compression is so good that I don’t need it. Perfect for chill lo-fi stuff.
