The factory sounds will definitely be plenty to get you started
Even from an iPad?
Easy with a laptop and Elektron Transfer app. Could be easy with already mentioned here iOS app but it might not work (for many reasons). I would suggest to ignore iPad for sample management all together and use computer. Transfer app converts samples for Digitakt which greatly reduces their size. In general it is easier to preview samples on computer and create your own selection of favorite sounds. While sample packs might look like a great deal, I can guarantee that you would never use 60% of samples from them. So start with built in sounds, sample some favorite shots and phrases of yours and later load a few samples from computer. By that time you will figure out samples manager in Digitakt and will be prepared to tackle big sample packs. Don’t repeat my mistake of filling the storage of Digitakt straight away and getting overwhelmed with choice paralysis.
Probably not. I don’t use iPad for much as it’s still underpowered for a lot of tasks.
~laughs in Drambo~
I second this suggestion. The factory content on the DT is really quite good. Sample searching, curation, and management can be a huge black hole, especially with large collections.
Especially after lemur ended
All of us recommending massive sample libraries:
But yes the smartest answer is to use the factory sounds, there’s a ton of good stuff in there and it’ll let you focus on actually playing rather than sample hunting.
Since I see only very few OT suggestions here, I thought I’d chime in…what about a used OT mk1?
If you are a patient person, this might be a great choice.
Since you said this is one of your first sampler or drum machines, this might actually the only one you’ll ever need. I think it’s harder to commit to a complex machine like this, if you already have more machines that take up your time, or are more immediate, because you already know them.
But if it’s the only thing you have around, you’ll have more chance of learning it…which in the end will pay of big time.
- it can do everything you want and more.
Sounds to me like you’d be best to stick to Maschine, or some other groivebox. Maschine is pretty much the smoothest and easiest workflow currently on the market, once you get the hang of it. Other than maybe MPC.
I don’t think Elektron stuff has much of a learning curve, but the workflow definitely feels clunky when compared to Maschine. If you are stuck on Elektron, I’d say the Syntakt, because it includes a of bit of everything.
Having championed the factory sounds on the DT, I must admit that I have bought a sample pack for the machine, namely the recent Digisphere offering by @substan, whose informative and demonstrative video is linked above. If you like what you hear there, it would be a modest addition, not overlapping much with the factory content.
Once you’ve downloaded 200GB of carefully curated sample packs, that DT 1GB sample memory really hits different…
Some interesting replies, I’ve already sold the Maschine, I just couldn’t get into it at all, I can’t put my finger on why, I’m sticking with the Digitakt and hopefully getting one today, I agree that it’s better for me to just stick with what’s on it, that will encourage me to learn the machine rather than get bogged down with looking for samples.
Fellow Elektronauts @blakewalt and @jayhosking come to mind for me when thinking of people combining Elektrons with more traditional band instruments like guitars and keys. Of course there’s many more here, but I like their stuff and they have lots of videos on YouTube that maybe can help you.
My own two cents: Start with something not too difficult to get starting. Except if it exactly does everything that you want, I wouldn’t start with Octatrack. I don’t have a Digitakt for a long time anymore, but it was a great starting Elektron. Super flexible, drums and sampling, fairly easy and very intuitive for me to learn electronic instruments. Good resale value, so a great stepping (or final) stone.
Share with us what you make on it on the “current sounds” thread - the more rough and recorded straight from the studio the better
Totally agree with this. The learning curve won’t be that much easier with the Model series, and you get a much more complete instrument with the Digitakt.
It certainly gathers a lot of different options about how easy it is to use, some guys saying it’s pretty easy and others often mentioning this steep learning curve.
I also agree with this. The limitations of Model Samples made it more difficult and annoying than Digitakt for me at times.
Except if you don’t click with it (only one way to find out), DT is really easy to get starting.
Purchased now, going to put some time into learning this, thanks to everyone for their help, as I said great to see a forum that actually has people replying and helping, merry Xmas I’m sure I’ll be back in a few weeks, probably 1
Congrats! You might find this useful:
Congrats! It’s an easy workflow once you get used to a few basic concepts. It really does make sense pretty quickly and as someone that doesn’t use it live, I can definitely understand why people would use it live. It’s very fast to work with after understanding the difference between Sounds and Samples, plus of course sample management within a project.