Music making dilemma


I’ve been through a lot of Elektron gear recently. I tried my hand at the Dark Trinkty but found it too tough to get anything done with it.

I primarily work ITB to make music and like having that flexibility of Ableton.

My journey took me to getting a Digitakt and a Blofeld and I just didn’t like the sound of the blofeld it didn’t blow me away and I found the incessant menu diving a pain and ended up using it as a preset machine.

I thought I would get into modular but really I have no idea what’s going on when it comes to modules and have an empty case that I can’t fill now and the dream is over since I was let go of my job and have fallen on some tough times.

I have my guitar which I like but I think I need a synthesizer element to my music.

My dilema is that I don’t know where life is taking me at the moment and finding a new job has been tough so I don’t think I’m filling that case anytime soon.

So I guess my question is what would you do in my shoes. Would you sell that modular case or wait for better times to start filling it.

Do I get a synthesizer in its place? it would need to be something small to fit my desk area and inspire me to start making music again?

Do I get a digitone?

That’s my life right now

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I would definitely sell this eurorack case, if you’re wanting to make some music soon.
Digitone is quite a great synth, with broad sonic possibilities.

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sorry to hear youre having some hard times, hang in there. yep get rid of the modular case. digitone is an awesome synth, i absolutely love mine. its so well contained on its own, but integrates really well with Live too.

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I was thinking Digitone before you even mentioned it. I find it endlessly inspiring, and love the fact that it can be a largely self-contained groovebox, for getting OTB whilst actually getting things done (without multiple pieces of hardware). OK no songmode, but finalise in a DAW when you’re done.

And if it was me I’d sell the case… Might be a bit depressing having it sitting around.

Good luck with everything

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If you like the workflow in ableton, I’d get a decent midi keyboard, decent monitors and all the nice vsts, they sound good.
But I understand the allure of synths of course.

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First off times are tough for so many people and any anxiety as a result of that is not your fault.

Personally I think for a beginner a modular rig of that size is asking for trouble: it’s too big for something you’re not sure about. Why not get a smaller case - 84hp - and get an osc you like plus some essential modules. Whatever you end up putting together would probably offer an insane amount of synthesis possibilities. Coupled with the DT and Ableton there isn’t anything you couldn’t do with it.

If you are looking for something pre-built, as everyone says here, the DN seems great.

Whatever you decide to do make sure youre really into it and it drives your passion as opposed to draining it.

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dude: get rid of the pornos.

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These are crazy and uncertain times with millions in financial difficulty. But on the positive side, more time to spend on music making adventures.

Even if you had the money, before buying any modules I’d start with getting familiar with VCV rack (free) or Reaktor 6 blocs. Modular is open ended and depends much on how you go about making music and the styles you aim for. Reaktor can integrate with eurorack with Expert Sleeper’s modules which can convert Reaktor clock, sequencers lfos outputs to CV for physical modules, and also stream audio back and forth. You may find out all you really need in eurorack is, say, a VCO, filter, maybe one or two analogue fx modules.

If you feel you need a HW synth, again I also reckon it depends on what style(s) you aim for. Do you need a keyboard? Do you think you need genuine analogue? Would you be more productive with a HW sequencer?

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What sold you guys on the Digitone. Nothing has really “convinced” me

Sound, versatility, sequencing power, tiny footprint.

What are your doubts?

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what do you expect from a synthesizer?
Which sounds or music do you like?
Do you like to play keys or is a desktop version fine? Why did you intend to go modular?
How much can you realistically spend in your current situation?

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I think since you have a DT already, you should try and look for a small, multi-timbral, desktop synth. The Digitone is a great choice, and it’ll play well with the Digitakt. However, there are some other options. I’ve been down a bit of a rabbit hole on this in terms of seeing what options there are for good synth pairings for the DT or OT, and I ended up with a Virus TI Snow, which is an utter powerhouse and easy to use without even using the software. Some other options are:

  • Novation Nova
  • Virus B/C
  • DSI Tetr4
  • PreenFM
  • Mutable Ambika
  • Korg Radias-R

… and I’m sure plenty more.

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Digitone gives lots to explore and the way it’s designed makes FM very approachable. Get one and maybe a typhon to plug into the extra set of inputs. Lots of modulation possible on the typhon. Or get a minitaur/sirin if you want something more simple.

Asking If it was me in your position I would sell the rack and not purchase anything till I secured new stable employment. Boring yes but practical. ITB and free VSTs can hold you over for the time being.

Otherwise, get a Digitone. I’m a guitar player and the DN was my first Synth. I love the thing and literally have no idea what I’m doing with it.

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I’m imagining you shaking it next to your ear or hammering nails with it :smile:

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As others have said, I agree that you should sell the case (that’s a massive case for getting started). I’d say to start with a smaller modular case, but even with a pallet case from Intellijel, you can be into it for $1500 without blinking an eye. If you really need a hardware unit, Digitone is an awesome machine. Typhon also looks really nice for not a lot of cash.

Vis-a-vis what makes the Digitone so great - the multi-timbral ability, the sound, the sequencer, 2 LFOs per track, it’s compact, oh and the master overdrive. It’s a little deep, but that’s what makes it interesting.

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Sorry to hear that you’re not fairing too well at the moment. As others have said, get rid of the case, especially as you said you don’t quite get modular at the moment. As for the Digitone, it’s just so versatile, from lovely low-passed, almost analog style sounds in the lower ratios to screaming, industrial noise that it can really cover a lot. And that’s not even mentioning the excellent drums too. Paired with a DT and a laptop, you really would have a massive playground for creating multiple different genres. Want more modular sounds without the expense, get into Max for Live or try out Bitwig’s The Grid.

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i’m with @chapelierfou on that Digitakt + Digitone is a perfect combo… i would say for any type of music, every fashion : indoor, outdoor, in the air whatever…

Modular is expensive as hell… and the more you have the more you want. Stream line your gears and be creative ! no money, no gears can give you creativity and talent, just work on that…

on a Budget… - i would only invest in elektron and overbridgized devices
Ableton and OB2 are very nice combo (with elektron gears)

If you really want modular get cherry audio voltage modular 2 or something like that, like the cherry on the cake

Thanks for the support guys, really means a lot n gotta love this forum.

I’ve put the case on ebay and gonna buy the Digitone next week to keep me occupied whilst I try and find a new job.

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well done ! i set a list of goodies for the digitone here :wink:


For now i love :

Dystopian Dreams on isotonikstudios (€24,00) very cinematic and synth wave i would say but modern as well…

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