#49

I find the op-1 to be an excellent norns companion. Weird sequencers, fun fx & battery powered.

1 Like
#50

The OPZ almost plays a little better, in my experience. But I’m saying that about it more on a whole. As a quick sampler/play back device or even a looper, the OP1 works great. But for this alone the OP1 might be a bit more expensive of a solution than what is appropriate.

#51

Sounds like the Octatrack is the right call. Honestly @marcus_fischer, what first piqued my interest in the octatrack was this video. Is it still a part of your performance rig, or are you handling live looping another way?

3 Likes
#52

How easy is it to load and browse external samples onto the OP-1?

#53

don’t count out the model:samples … the interface is well-immediate, and it has most of the basic functionality of the Digitakt, except you’ve gotta load yr samples (no sampling capability), and you’re limited to six tracks instead of eight. the midi functionality is pretty basic compared to the Digitakt as well. Both the M:S and the 'takt are geared towards using one-shot samples, but I’ve found the DT useful for looping 1-2 minute recordings (wav files transferred from a desktop computer // you’re only allowed 33 seconds direct sampling time) … it’s not ideal for playing back long samples.

#54

Perhaps look at the 1010 Blackbox - seems to do the kind of thing your after very well. I don’t have one… but have been following it closely.

We have a nice thread going about it: 1010 Music Blackbox - Compact Sampling Studio

2 Likes
#55

Yep, +1 for the blackbox. I only got mine yesterday after selling my digitakt as I like using long samples and stereo. Plus its eurorack integration is a plus for me. Not a fan of the 1010 modules but as a desktop thing this really changes everything for me. The sequencer is still rather basic, but good enough for my needs. Be aware that in my opinion none of these three machines are great and easy loopers. For that just look at a looper like the ehx22500 or whatever its modern version number might be.
I’d recommend looking at the set up of pick up machines on octatrack before buying. It gives you a nice taste of that machines complexity and number of buttons you will need to press before you get there. If you have an iPad you might want to look into the iOS thread here as well.

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#56

Excellent points here. For my immediate needs, I’ve been using AUM/Enso on an iPad, which is fabulous in studio. I suppose I have an urge to get away from anything with an operating system that can generate alerts for live performance. I know that, with enough care, my iPad can be that; but at its core, it’s a device that wants to interrupt me (“Hey, I know you’re in a semi-meditative music trance right now, but did you remember to say happy birthday to that guy you’ve never met on LinkedIn?!?!”). I appreciate devices that only want to help me make music. Will look into both the 1010 and the EHX. Thanks guys!

3 Likes
#57

It’s wild that the iPad, being such a wonderful device, feels the need to blast me with bullsh*t now and then. Like, it’s a productivity device, quit breaking my concentration!

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#58

I think the Blackbox is going to end up scratching this itch for me. Thanks for the heads up!

#59

very easy. op-1 mounts as a usb disk, drag and drop. there are some specific file prep requirements (44khz / mono / aif). of course direct sampling via line-in is even easier.
samples can be organized by folder.

op-z is a better option if multitrack sequencing is a priority. but i still find the visual nature, 4-track tape and slightly bigger form factor of the op-1 to be more fun with norns.

3 Likes
#60

The OP1 being able to sample directly FROM the Norns is definitely a plus. I’m hoping one of the modules that’s made for the OPZ in the future is just a bunch of line in/outs.

#61

Hello.

The lack of song mode on the Digi is annoying. I’m not going to buy an Octa, I think unless it’s a last resort, so am wondering about how to achieve this. I was thinking a Novation Circuit could trigger pattern changes, but can’t find any info.

Does anyone know/think this could be done? I know the Digi will change after the current pattern has run, but that’s fine.

Cheers.

#62

I guess computers are out of the question? Because it’s pretty trivial with any DAW (I do it all the time within ableton)

#63

Have you read the Digitakt manual?

#64

hey @P1505 - i’m also bummed about the missing “song mode” on digitakt. But i think you have 2 options.

1 - Call new patterns via midi from an external midi controller. I think the digitakt is looking for a “program change” message, and you send a numerical value that corresponds to the pattern you want to queue up.

2 - This one is kind of fun, it’s called “midi feedback”. You connect the digitakt midi output to the digitakt midi input, then you can sequence program change messages to itself. So if you had pattern “A” and on the last note of the pattern it sends a program change message corresponding to pattern “B”, then the digitakt will play pattern “B” next. It’s not a full song mode but can be an interesting way to work. Note that in order to make this work, you need to disable/enable some midi clock properties or the digitakt will get stuck trying to listen for the clock. There is more info on the in the electron forum.

3 Likes
#65

When is this 2018?
People still griping about Digitakt song mode!
Digitakt does not need a song mode.
Play The Thing!

I make every track Digitakt only.
I love it.
If you embrace Digitakt for what it is.
You will love also.

go visit

there is a lot about Digitakt discussion there.

much love to @mzero

6 Likes
#66

It was just to allow me to use it when I’m playing piano. Don’t have a spare hand to change patterns.

But I’ve embraced longer patterns and extreme use of the conditional trigs. If all else fails I’ll get a Machinedrum to trigger the changes.

1 Like
#67

If you want a device to fill the role of drum machine or sampler with some sort of song sequencing of patterns… Digitakt will just keep letting you down.

Sure, you can using the quick pattern sequence mode – but it is awkward. You can sequence the patterns from another device using program changes. You can even try the trick of routing MIDI out to in, but there are dragons there…

Even if you get pattern sequencing to work in your set up, the rest of the Digitakt isn’t designed for it: In particular, the sound kits are per pattern, and not shared - so if you tweak a sound in one of the patterns of a song, you’ll need to hand copy it to the others. The main mixer and compressor have the same issue.

In short - it isn’t set up to do this task.

4 Likes
#68

Hmm. Interesting. I need to explore further.

I’ve grown attached to it, so it’s staying. But at some point a Machinedrum may join it.

1 Like