Overbridge and digitakt - not the post you expect

Elektron Gear Digitakt
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Couple of things really. I’ve had my digitakt since Saturday, and it’s my second elektron box (with the first being an A4). It was a bank holiday weekend here in Blighty so I’ve not really had chance to explore it, however from the very short time I’ve spent with it, I am impressed with both its imedicacy and the quality of sound (the latter has really made me smile)

I adore my A4. Wouldn’t be without it. I’ve become proficient with it on the box, and with it via OB in ableton. This is great as I get the best of both worlds, and if I can’t be bothered to turn the PC on, I can still create in the same way as if I was using OB.

Using OB with the A4 has allowed me to manage my plus drive much better and as such I haven’t had to get too deep into the the way things are structured with saving etc. As it’s all there on the monitor

Now I have the Digitakt as well, and of course this is without OB.

I initially thought this would an issue, and with the albeit brief play I’ve had, I felt that my instinct was right.

However last night, whilst smoking a doob, I had a bit of an epithany. Waiting for OB for DT to be released is a great thing as it’s going to force me to learn my instrument, which can only be a good thing. I’m going to be forced to learn on the box how the file structure is, the patterns approach and everything else.

So often us artistic types complain about our new instrument being finicky or menu driven or some other complaint about a lack of imedicacy, however I feel this is the wrong way for us to look at things. These are instruments, and they take time to learn. They are nuanced machines, made by people passionate about their work, and instead of saying something isn’t any good because we can’t do xyz in the same way something else does it, we should embrace the learning experience. I don’t buy kit with a short term view. I buy things with a longterm, permanent view.

Anyway that was a few thoughts. I’ve put them here as it feels appropriate to be in the DT thread.

TLDR Waiting for OB will make you learn the DT inside and out. Instruments are to be learnt. Smoking weed helps you see things.

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I dont think that no OB is all that impactful on the digi except for sample management. Transferring to the digi is easy using the elektron transfer program.But if Im going to start amassing a load of samples by inputting my own stuff into it being able to back up the samples easily is essential.

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Great post. This is exactly how I approach gear. Wishing for things it could do instead of appreciating it for what it is won’t help you.

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Oh I’m not bemoaning the lack of ob.

It will be making more of an impact, due to being able to stream individual outs. Being able to use it in this fashion, like I do with the a4 will take it to the next level.

I agree the Elektron transfer is a breeze though. I was concerned it might take ages, but it seems to be pretty quick so far. :slight_smile:️

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Isn’t it a shame that we only realise these things, after we’ve spent all loads of cash as well! :smile:

I’m sure it’s a driving factor in GAS as well. The thought that the new thing will do what the old thing couldn’t, and easier!

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i didnt take it as bemoaning.

my setup is almost entirely computer-less so a lot of the overbridge features arent calling out to me as much as they may be for others. The individual outs for instance is a great feature but something i am unlikely to use.

I think with some synth its easy to brush things over and keep lusting after new gear, for example volcas, microbrute, bastle xor. with the elektron boxes there really is deeper and more complex stuff inside the box if one takes the time to sit and learn.

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100 Points each for the use of ‘Blighty’ and ‘doob’ in the same post.

You win.

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