#25

Only midi tracks are polyphonic. Samples are monophonic only :slightly_frowning_face:

The granular synth example, while very cool, uses all 8 audio tracks… less than ideal.

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#26

thanks so much for your replies!:point_up:

looks like a funny device for sure, but after reading your comments, i find it more like a rhythm-oriented machine. i don´t know about elektron update policies. perhaps they´ll include more features for the DT in the future, who knows?

thanks again,
pug

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#27
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#28

I’ve been thinking of getting a digitakt…
trying to find some info about importing samples from a computer, and if those samples can be longer than 33 sec long (which is the case of sampling directly into the DT).

someone on the elektronauts forum, mentioned that it could, but I can’t find more info about it. does anyone have a clue?

#29

yes, you can import longer samples to the Digitakt using the Elektron Transfer app… easy peasy. It’s more difficult to use for free-running samples, as you’re tied to the clock / bpm… i was using mostly 30-second to 75-second samples for field recordings, background activity, etc.

you can get around the loop-based rigidity using the logic conditions - there’s an A:B function, for example, where you can set an event to trigger once, every Nth pass of the 64-step cycle (combined with a slow bpm), so the sample won’t choke itself out. Like, I could set it so that a sample would only trigger once, every eight cycles, on the eighth time around (as opposed to the “first” or fourth pass, or the 7th pass etc.) - it takes a bit of forethought, and I found that you can’t really use samples over ~2 minutes, unless you don’t mind the sample choking itself out and starting over.

the Digitakt is my first Elektron experience. it takes just a couple weeks to get your head around the way it works, and it’s not always super immediate, but it’s a great little machine with a lot of potential for shaping, transforming, and arranging sounds.

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#30

thanks for the in depth answer!

i have some ideas i want to try out with this machine. seems very cool! elektron is calling it a drum computer but would you say that it could be used for experimenting with non linear music/elements as well?

#31

It is possible to do some experimental things. This was composed and performed almost entirely on the Digitakt, and doesn’t feel “drum computer”:

https://soundcloud.com/mtnviewmark-bits/the-meditations-of-discarded-robots-disquiet0323

That said, remember that is focus is on triggering samples from a sequencer based on beats and measures at some bpm. It isn’t an Octatrack.

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#32

that’s been my experience too. I can put it in Chromatic mode and play it as a sampler but for the most part it is asking to function to play patterns. I like the design, build and feel but planning to post it for sale as I’m just not giving it enough time

#33

Love my Digitakt- must be said I bought it thinking I’d do more sampler based experimentation but it nearly always ends up as a something rhythmic - simply because now I know it quite well it’s so fast - fast enough that mid jamming about I can easily switch it on and start building rhythms on the fly without stopping to think or construct.

Can get some amazing organic patterns out of it with the trig conditions

so yeah - probably can do more - but for me the rhythmic side has resonated and that’s how it fits into my world now!

1 Like
#34

Cool track. :slight_smile:

I guess i’m looking for something in between, an octratrack with severe limitations. I get that the digitakt is something else, but I’m fairly certain i’m getting one to see if I can squeeze some pain out of it…

@stephenvit
maybe we could work something out? ;—)

1 Like
#35

Sure. It looks like you’re in Europe so I just hope shipping internationally doesn’t make it easier for you to get closer. But if you’re interested dm or email:
stephenvitiello@gmail.com

#36

Have one of these on it’s way to me. Looking to use it in a more ambient style, glitching up and looping field recordings and piano. Just wondering if anyone has any tips regarding this sort of thing on the Digitakt?

I know the Octatrack is probably better for longer samples but funds are limited plus I don’t get to spend too much time with my gear these days so need something that has a more simple workflow.

Thanks

#37

This is worth a watch

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#38


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#39

Some lovely stuff there, thanks!!

#40

Scott, would love some further insights to your process, if possible? I assume the basis for those videos is the same as the video posted by @rycolos or did you take a different approach?

#41

just for what it’s worth, i’ve had no problem using long samples on the digitakt. it was something i was initially nervous about before buying it but have yet to run into any roadblocks w/r/t long samples. i love my digitakt so much. :grin:

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#42

Digitakt has one tiny design feature that makes working with long samples a real joy: The segment of a sample played is controlled by start and length, not the more common start and end. This means that you can pick a shorter duration that works rhythmically and timbrally, and it will stay constant if you move the start point around the sample. I’m really fond of doing this with long urban field recordings.

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#43

Wow, that’s interesting to know, thanks! Assumed it would use the typical start and end points.

#44

Its a similar approach but I made those vids before that Loopop vid came out. I’m not doing the phased loops thing, I essentially just recorded tape loops to the digitakt. In the first vid I’m manually playing them back, in the second one they’re looping and each track’s volume is modulated by Hermod

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