Hey everyone! This is my first actual thread on any forum…and it’s nice to meet you all =)
I have been taking stock of my gear recently, and I realized I have more sound “playback” devices than “creation” devices. Currently I have an Octatrack MKII, Digitakt, Digitone, a field recorder, and an MPC1000. Of these devices only two really “generate” sounds (the synth and the field recorder) - the rest play them back. Granted one could argue that you create new sounds by manipulating samples (which I of course do a lot of) but what should I add to the mix that is a good source of new sounds?
Currently I’m thinking an 0-Coast to sample some semi-modular stuff, a Mother 32, or maybe an MFB drum machine. The new Arturia Drumbrute Impact looks pretty cool too. Oh yeah and also maybe the Vermona DRM1 mk3.
What do you think? What do you have in your arsenal that “generates” sounds?
I love my 0-coast and always get wacky sounds out of mine and it pairs quite nicely with Elektron gear.
You can sequence it with the Octatrack or Digitakt and sample it for further sound manipulation which is quite nice. However, I do prefer to also use my Korg SQ-1 to use for better control.
Since I already have a Moog Sub 37, I wanted to try out west coast synthesis.
Have you checked out the single cycle waveforms that are on the digitakt?
As far as sound generation goes looping the single cycle waveforms allows you to use the digitakt in a more synth type way. The factory waveforms are pretty decent.
There is also decent granular synthesis that can be done with the digitakt that can be used as sound generation.
But, if you are trying to buy another piece of gear, what type of “sounds” do you want to create?
Yeah I have checked out the single cycle waveforms, which is cool. I also have the Digitone which is great for synth action. I suppose I’m thinking more drum sounds / out there stuff (which is why I mentioned the MFB, Arturia, Vermona) as opposed to using samples for most of that. The 0-coast and Mother 32 for slightly more “eurorack” sounding bleeps and plonks haha. I guess just generally thinking what might be a good next addition to add, hoping to create my own samples vs. using libraries. =)
You know, that’s a good point. I haven’t tried making percussive sounds with the Digitone - I will definitely dive more into that! I purchased them all the second they went on sale on Sweetwater, so I’ve had the Digitakt and Digitone since day 1, but hadn’t really thought of using the Digitone for percussion. Thanks for the reminder haha.
hei, welcome to the forum, it’s great to have you here.
To answer you question - I don’t think you need more gear. What I would suggest is to use some softsynth on your smartphone/tablet/computer, if you are missing some specific sound (like huge warm pads etc).
Yeahhhh I think I was going through a GAS phase haha. Between sampling more things myself and using the Digitone to make FM drums, I think I’m up for some fun work soon! Also, thanks for the welcome!
Because I’m recording things out in the world to then manipulate on the Digitakt. It’s a capture device for sure more than playback, which makes it more like a sound source than anything.
I think you should first ask yourself some questions, which would help you better decide which route to go. A few questions off the top of my head -
Do you feel you JUST want more sound source’s or do you also want something new to play with? Do you feel anything is missing from your workflow
What sounds do you feel you are missing? You mentioned drum sounds & yes the Digitone can make drum sounds, but if you want more drum sounds what kind? Personally I love acoustic drums, so I sample a lot of vinyl drum breaks (also looking to get a drum set).
Would you prefer something that creates drum sounds AND other sounds as well or JUST drums? An Analog Four could be a good choice if you like Elektron devices. It would add Analog flavor (you have fm already), you can make a variety of sounds with it (including drum sounds) & it has a great sequencer. Plus you can use it’s effects on other sounds.
Just throwing a few things out there. If you really want to build up your set up, don’t buy something cheap just to relieve your gas. Wait til you know what you really want & can afford what you really want. If you JUST want to relieve gas & don’t want a big set up, maybe buy a new app or a Volca Beats or something cheap that can still add something to your set up & can relieve the gas.
You can of course do a lot with what you already have, if you’re not sure what you want to buy yet, maybe explore new ways to use what you have (like what’s suggested above). You have a field recorder which is an amazing way to create original sounds (you even have 3 amazing samplers to mangle the sounds with) you have a Digitone, which can create a variety of sounds & if you have an ipad, tablet or laptop, you got infinity sounds.
Some good advice for sure. I think for now I’m probably going to avoid the gas, although an A4 has always been a bit intriguing for sure. Like you mentioned, an app would be a good source as well. I’ll def be trying out making FM drums to start, but an app might also be a good way to inject some source material. I’m also probably selling the MPC, since I think I’m finally happy with my comfort level with the Elektron gear =) …there’s of course always room to grow though!
