I’m a novice (ish). Looking to purchase my first piece of Elektron gear. For jamming at home. What should it be? Current gear:
MakeNoise 0-Coast
Korg Minilogue
Roland Tr-08
Beatstep Pro
Various pocket operators
I use Ableton with an old but great RME interface, but want to stop using a DAW if I can get away with it.
Some say Digitakt. Some say Octatrak. Some say Analog Rytm Mkii. Let’s say I’m looking for optimal value, but could splurge if I really should.
A sampler with MIDI control comes to mind 
No brainer…
Yeah?
which?
OCTA duuuude 
The Digi is great for sequencing duties but the OT is far far more versatile if you want to mangle the hell out of your gear
So octa original for cheap or Mkii worth the splurge? For a newb.
I don’t own either one, but i can’t possibly imagine that the MKII would be worth double the price for a couple of buttons if you’re just starting out. That all depends on what kind of money you have obviously, but for the mortal newb 
Currently, both DT and OT MK2 have some issues to be fixed. OT MK1 might provide better bang for buck if you’re not sure whether OT is for you at all and you’ll probably lose next to nothing if you sell it on. Depending on the kind of setup you have in mind, DT might not be the right choice, because it doesn’t have audio through, while OT can happily throw all it’s FX at whatever comes in through the inputs. AR MK2’s sample handling is expected to be pretty similar to what DT offers, but it doesn’t sequence MIDI as far as we know. My recommendation is a used OT (and I’m not saying this, because I have one for sale). And a word of warning: if you click with the sequencer you might soon be tempted to get more Elektrons.
This. OT is not the easiest to get your head around but once you do… you are in trouble.
To discover Elektron sequencer, I’d go for DT first.
It’s much easier to understand and master from A to Z.
Once you want to live record your loops and such, then you might want to go for a second hand OT mk1. Or, if you have the money, for a mk2
I’m happy to develop an addiction if I click with it, just looking for the best jump-off point. Seems like an octa mki. Though perhaps in a month when prices drop even more!
In the past Elektron used to have a christmas/year end promotional sale which - if it happens again - will likely push some upgraders over the edge and could bring prices on used MK1s a little down.
Good advice. Anybody else with major insights?
The Monomachine would complete that set really well actually. But it depends if you want synthesis or sampling with your sequencing/FX duties. DT/OT will get you more glitchiness / grittiness / performance oriented stuff, the Monomachine is capable of more far-out / unusual layered sounds.
If you like to use sampled breakbeats / drums then DT/OT, definitely. OT might take some patience if it’s your first Elektron though.