I’ve had my Octatrack mk1 since 2017, and while I love it in-theory, I always struggle to make it a permanent part of my workflow. Been looking at the Digitakt 2 recently and am super interested in the new 16 stereo tracks and “simpler” workflow, and am considering changing my OT for a DG2.
Some points I’m considering:
I never use the live-sampling features of the OT. I always stop my sequence and record loops/sounds from external MIDI gear separately, which I understand is the DG2 workflow.
I don’t think I have ever once used manual slicing…i always throw in a loop in the OT use the automatic slice to grid.
I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and work from home, so I have limited desk space (since I need it for my WFH setup). The smaller form factor of the DG2 is therefore a huge plus.
I like hooking up external gear for sequencing, but I usually don’t leave it connected, so I sample everything and save it to the OT. Due to this, I end up running out of tracks pretty fast. The extra 8 tracks in DG2 would be awesome.
I’ve struggled with mixing on the OT in the past, and the eventual Overbridge update on the DG2 will also be a huge ++
With the above considered, I feel like the only thing I’d really miss on the OT are the per-track delays, crossfader/scenes, and echo freeze delay. But the latter is kind of a overplayed effect at this point, so maybe that shouldn’t even count
Just curious if anyone has been through a similar dilemma and has any advice? Anyone make the swap and regret it? Thanks
I wouldn’t be happy with that move…the OT is just too flexible and is always good to have in a what-if scenario when you are feeling like trying out some weird idea. Scenes, parameters slides, more in/outputs…
Are you able to pickup a DT2, while holding onto your OT? If so, that’s the best way to try it out, box up the OT for a while and give it a go, worse case is you might lose a small amount on returning the DT for restock (or resale if keeping it longer than a return period).
I think you have a pretty good grip on what you need, and know how the OT is overkill for your needs. That tells me you are using critical thinking and that’s what matters.
A downgrade is as wise a choice as an upgrade as long as you are as clear as possible about why.
You can’t alter the slices on DT2. If your grid on DT2 clicks it clicks.
Perhaps you can edit a bit start stop points (to get no clicks…) in a future update, but who knows what and when and how.
I use my DT2 as one shot machine, with monosynths (single cylce loops). There are so many slots for that, I don’t use grid at all.
You will lose this extraordinary scenes as well.
The Octatrack has so much to offer, but if you don’t WANT to use those options perhaps a DT2 can be a better investment.
I swapped my OT to DT2, because of radical downsizing. Sometimes I miss this or that from OT, but if you diddle just for giggles the complexity of it is perhaps not necessary.
Do it. All your reasons are perfectly sound and youve obviously considered it thoroughly. As long as you won’t miss scenes/the crossfader then this is a really good move
exactly what i’ve done, very important is : i have mki since 2017 and the pots are really jumping values and needs repair. i have keeped the octatrack because , in case of…
even if octatrack have manual slice i really don’t use it this often : screen size.
the digitakt 2 is brand new shiny box, you have to be more selective on the samples because it does’nt stream from the memory. but i think i’m more focused.
the sound is reallty better on the DII, and that compressor is too good.
on octa if you want more than 1 filter and effect per track you have to use neighbor, and master track make it very cramped ( 7 track or less ).
i’m happy with the swap the page loop is gold and i can edit 1 measure and keep things interesting on 8 bars.
the overall output is more musical to me , less experimental than the octa. the workflow , sampling is better imo
lol, well obviously there are other factors. And I have other gear besides the OT, trust me, every inch of space counts. The DG2 form-factor also seems like it would be a more fun “sit on the couch and jam” unit.
Based on my research seems like most people are requesting manual slicing and polyphony. The slicing I don’t use, and the OT doesn’t have polyphony either . Are there other things missing on the DG2?
I want to add that whether it’s wise, might not be the only relevant metric. Maybe it turns out to be fun, engaging, exciting… all the good things we can’t know upfront.
But since you had the OT for such a while, I’d say: totally go get the DT2. You deserve to experience a new device, and to find out what it does for you.
Haha, well also just got an Analog 4mk2, so if it wasn’t for that I would totally just grab the Digi and keep the OT. I think my partner would raise her eyebrows if she saw two new Elektron devices enter the household in such quick proximity, though
I swapped my OT Mk2 for an DT mk2 and I am very happy with it. Actually it made me regret selling my Syntakt when I was thinking “the OT can do everything in case of” but it can’t do… Midi + Audio via USB which is very nice when you don’t have any kind of audio interface.
So based on what you shared, I would say that it makes sense.
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. Are there other things missing on the DG2?