I’m thinking of getting my son a Digitakt for his 16th birthday

Elektron Gear Digitakt
#102

Your kid has some great taste! Doom is one of my absolute favorite hip-hop artist. It’s really cool of you to do this for him. I wish I had a sampler as capable as the Digitakt when I was a teenager.

Doom used a 404 and MPC for a bunch of his earlier stuff., as did Madlib (303, MPC). However, that was before the Digitakt was around. I think the Digitakt is a great gift to get him for making Doomesque beats. He can just run a y audio cable from his phone, granted it has the audio out attachment on the phone, to the Digitakt. I’m almost certain if Doom, and Madlib could have expedited the gathering of samples process they would have, but they worked with what was available to them. Now Madlib just uses an IPad for his productions, as he says it’s not as restricting as the stuff he once used. . His latest album with Freddie Gibbs was mostly done on an IPad, so I don’t recommend the 404 (as you said cryptic, and a PIA). The Digitakt was so quick, even without reading the manual. It just makes sense how it’s programmed and laid out.

2 Likes
#103

…u can’t go wrong with the dt…sure.

but the mpc one might be the way better starting point…
in experience, even knowing that the dt is one of the more simple elektron instruments compared to all the other swedisch rest, i can clearly state, the mpc concept is perfect for getting started without any daw and going all the sonic way, anyways…
dt is still way more cryptic than any mpc…

i gave my son a model samples last x mas…but he’s not that happy with it…

1 Like
#104

An MPC is more straight forward. Also his hero MF Doom used those. If that would make a difference. Doom got that “stuttery” sound by ignoring the onboard sequencer for the most part and he would record straight into probably Pro Tools, and used that as his sequencer. I would consider an MPC2500, MPC1000 or even the MPC2000XL. Because of it’s limitations, his sampling skills would improve more I think. Also his timing will improve for sure. Elektron is more about programming stuff in a mono sequencer. It’s also pretty though to get a cool bassline down as Digitakt and Octatrack don’t register note off messages. This was the main reason I sold mine. It felt like going back almost to the first MPC60 operating system. Because of the lack of note off

2 Likes
#105

Yes! I fell into it, not looking back, I love the creativity that sparks from its limitations.

#106

Coolest dad ever…

#107

couldn’t believe this, he’s so good

#108

I fingerdrum my drums unquantized on DT, you are not forced to program anything.

DT register note length, so no problem to create bassline.

2 Likes
#110

Yeah, me either. He laid it all out in a recent interview that he doesnt want to mess around with all the technicalities, and just wants to make music. He feels that the IPad allows him to do just that.

#111

do you have a link to the interview?

#112

Honestly for a season vet, yeah I can see the appeal for an IPad but for someone just starting out I don’t like the IPad as an option. Too many potential distractions and too much work around to get to the point of actual sampling.

2 Likes
#113

Yea we’re always in the whip bumping Doom and JDilla Doughnuts :doughnut:

2 Likes
#114

What a great gift! Learning the DT changed my brain and how I think about music. What ever you decide, that’s one lucky kid. Nice move, Dad…

2 Likes
#115

Thank you. I want it to be a new bounding experience between father and son. I look forward to teaching him how to listen to old records and finding that perfect loop to chop.

4 Likes
#116

Sounds like a great gift, and what a great reason. Love that comment :slight_smile:

1 Like
#117

This thread is made of awesome!

3 Likes
#118

Whatever you choice is, this is brilliant and I do hope your son will appreciate this as anticipated.

Don’t have too high expectations though: it might take some time before he really enjoys diving into Elektron workflow.

2 Likes
#119

I’m also prepared for that. I may enforce a few hours a week of father-son sample chopping and beat making time. :tongue:

1 Like
#120
2 Likes
#121

I didn’t read the whole thread, but:

  • I’m 41 but still available for adoption;
  • My vote goes to the Live/One, simpler to just bang a beat and understand the basis of a tune, then you can dive as deep as you want. I love the Takt but if I think of me at 16 I would want something I can play, not program.
6 Likes
#122

My vote is also for the MPC One. I have one (and also a Digitone, M:S, and A4), and I do think the workflow of the MPC will be more intuitive to a beginner. Also, the MPC just does… a lot. You can make beats quickly without diving too much into the deeper functions, but over time he could create entire tracks with it.

Not knocking the Digitakt at all (although I’ve never wanted one–and my buddy has one I’ve played with), but I think the One is a better all-around machine. Kids these days are also really visually attuned to screens (I’ve got a 17 year-old), so I think the MPC will make immediate sense. Even my 4 year-old loves to mash the pads and trigger loops!

2 Likes