Syntakt or Digitakt

Lavender.b0y · 2023-06-11T18:07:00.247Z

Hi!! I took the plunge on a Syntakt and I’m really enjoying the elektron workflow, however the Syntakt’s engines to me feel more suited for house and techno while I’m looking to create D&B, Lo-fi, etc.
Is what I’m describing more aligned with the digitakt or am I just suffering from G.A.S

Any help is appreciated!

shigginpit · 2023-06-11T18:10:29.136Z

have your cake and eat it too.

but digitakt may taste better for your palate.

jamiemellor · 2023-06-11T18:11:11.377Z

I think you answered your own question really. Digitakt is of course more suited to sample based music because it’s a sampler The Syntakt makes some dirty bass though, so I think having both wouldn’t hurt.

Lavender.b0y · 2023-06-11T18:13:59.641Z

The bass is why I’m iffy on giving up the Syntakt! It’s awesome

Lavender.b0y · 2023-06-11T18:16:10.018Z

I agree, I’m going to try and find a digitakt that won’t cost an arm and a leg

ViolentMeals · 2023-06-11T18:32:17.950Z

Lavender.b0y:

find a digitakt that won’t cost an arm and a leg

i believe there are more than one for sale on here that are in the $600 range, which is a pretty good price for that instrument.

ViolentMeals · 2023-06-11T18:36:51.075Z

FS (US) | Digitakt ($600) | SP 404 MKII ($400)

jamiemellor · 2023-06-11T18:38:23.223Z

Also, the Syntakt is relatively new, who knows what kind of beast it will be after a few more updates.

Dr.K · 2023-06-11T18:39:06.378Z

Lavender.b0y:

I’m looking to create D&B, Lo-fi, etc.

Possible with Syntakt but way easier to get there with the Digitakt.

peaceful · 2023-06-12T03:12:11.502Z

Lavender.b0y:

Is what I’m describing more aligned with the digitakt or am I just suffering from G.A.S

Probably GAS, but the genres you mentioned might be more suitable to a sampling workflow. Lo-fi often uses electric pianos, guitars and other live instruments including drums. You can sample those into the digitakt. D&B often uses sampled and chopped drums.

Before you spend a fortune, though, check out Syntakt’s presets to have a better understanding of the sounds it can make.

I think people ask way too much of the Syntakt’s instruments. The Syntakt is a collection of 12 highly flexible monosynths. Those monosynths all sound better when post-processed and mixed in a DAW. You can go a long way as a standalone groovebox, but only so far.

RobertSyrett · 2023-06-12T04:15:51.840Z

jamiemellor:

who knows what kind of beast it will be after a few more updates.

true, I really hope they continue to add machines and FX. Lo-Fi artist could really use an electric piano model and some tape warble.

ViolentMeals · 2023-06-12T19:48:22.902Z

https://www.elektronauts.com/t/fs-us-digitakt-with-pl-2-lid-excellent-condition-666-shipped-obo/195299/4

shigginpit · 2023-06-12T19:54:53.188Z

Understanding Discourse Trust Levels

A basic user will need to earn promotion to level 2 member for those links to work

To OP: you can learn how to do this in the link. very simple, just requires the knowledge and effort.

diswest · 2023-06-12T20:32:30.819Z

I own both Digitakt and Syntakt.
Honestly, for DnB and Lo-Fi I’d recommend either SP404 mk2 or Octatrack.
I own both of them as well. SP404 is better bang for the buck for me for these styles.

ViolentMeals · 2023-06-12T21:34:36.597Z

Ahh, right…
Forgot about that ol’ chestnut….

reeloy · 2023-06-12T22:01:09.405Z

…whatever u wanna create sonicwise, u better have at least one synth based engine and one sample based engine…if both follow the same workflow rules, the more convinient and satisfied u’ll end up with ur results…

so work with what u got…the syntakt is a pretty versatile and highly proffessional instrument…
meanwhile keep ur eyes open for a 2nd hand digi takt and once u’ll found and can afford one, add it right away to that perfect brother/sister machine u already have, to fully enjoy the fact that u already know ur ways how to tickle and handle it and stay all happy ever after and future prooved for what ever ur up to…

these two are THE hardware killer combo and the only thing that’s left to go all the way, is some daw of ur choice to always cross the finishline with serious results…

glooms · 2023-06-12T22:21:36.703Z

Syntakt way better for dnb and lofi what are you talking about and idm / I guess you could fight me in the lofi but I could make better dnb on a synthesizer than a sampler it just makes more sense!

re5et · 2023-06-12T22:32:38.340Z

Why not make whatever genre of music with sounds not associated with that genre - it might sound unique in a sea of generic dross

mutt · 2023-06-13T09:16:08.679Z

glooms:

I could make better dnb on a synthesizer than a sampler it just makes more sense!

For me is the opposite, classic dnb/jungle used to be based >90% on samples and after dealing with lot of synth approaches I’m getting used to sample mangling for it too (still 50/50), love the results!

If you’re more into experimental, newer, etc. dnb, then absolutely yes: synth > samples.

I use DT to make dnb and jammed lofi multiple times before it get timestreching machines and it was good but now that they exist DT is break warrior.

mutt · 2023-06-13T09:29:51.624Z

There’s no correct answer but IMO if you are into classic dnb and lofi sound… my vote goes for a sampler, they both are sample-based styles (traditionally) BUT it does not mean it’s the best option.

A ST is capable of both for sure, plus more flexible to make your own unique sound.

I tried both approaches multiple times, synthesis helped me A LOT to understand sound and genres specially building dnb, making breaks step by step, basses, growls, liquid keys, etc. but I ended up mixing both worlds and sampling more than designing sounds, it just sticks with me.

So… it just depends on how comfortable you are with samples or synthesis. Really, there’s no bad decision here.