Oh I think I understand. I believe the BPM is set by pattern on the Korg sequencers that I have (Volca line, M3, M01D).
Yeah, the Electribes also set tempo per pattern, but continue the same tempo if you change pattern without stopping first. I think that’s a good feature, but to be honest I don’t see it as a dealbreaking omission in Elektron gear. I guess it comes down to how I use it; my work with the Octatrack so far has been pretty “fluid” in that none of my patterns are fixed to anything permanent, and I don’t really use tempo-specific loops (or if I do, I embrace any timestretching artifacts :D)…
I’ve always seen Elektron gear as being live-focused, rather than using fixed tempos and creating “songs”… but to each their own I guess 
The other thing I want to say about this is that it seems “accessible”. I’ve wanted an Octatrack forever, and I know once I could afford one and got to know it, we would be best friends. But it’s always seemed murky and a little standoffish in the videos I’ve watched. I like things that are intuitive and fun, and present well in a live (or on-camera) situation. Yeah, the Digitakt might be an “Octatrack Lite”, but the interface demos have me reeling with possibilities, whereas looking at the Octatrack I’m like… Ok, sure, I can kinda understand what’s going on.
A lot of people have said the Digitakt looks like “a piece for people who don’t understand the Octatrack”, but I do understand the power of the Octatrack… I’m just not engaged by it from an interface standpoint.
The Digitakt engages me from an interface standpoint (from the demos) like an OP-1. That’s a big deal for me.
The other thing I want to say about this is that it seems "accessible". I've wanted an Octatrack forever, and I know once I could afford one and got to know it, we would be best friends. But it's always seemed murky and a little standoffish in the videos I've watched. I like things that are intuitive and fun, and present well in a live (or on-camera) situation. Yeah, the Digitakt might be an "Octatrack Lite", but the interface demos have me reeling with possibilities, whereas looking at the Octatrack I'm like... Ok, sure, I can kinda understand what's going on.A lot of people have said the Digitakt looks like "a piece for people who don't understand the Octatrack", but I *do* understand the power of the Octatrack... I'm just not engaged by it from an interface standpoint.The Digitakt engages me from an interface standpoint (from the demos) like an OP-1. That's a big deal for me.
Agreed. I also think people who are comparing the Octa and Digi are kind of missing the point. The same way people just dont ‘get’ OP1 and think its a toy. I own an Octa, but have preordered Digi. I see the Octatrack as more of a studio tool to get away from using a DAW, but its hard work sometimes. Definitely not gear you can just pick up when youre tired after work and have fun with. Whereas the Digi seems a lot more intuitive for jamming, collaborating and coming up with sketches, very similar to OP1 and Circuit. I’ve tried using the Octa to jam with other people but there’s too much menu diving and programming involved, setting up scenes etc. you kind of lose the flow in the heat of the moment. Its deep, but too deep for certain scenarios. I may end up selling Octatrack eventually if I find I’m using the Digitakt and OP1 more but I want to see what the possibilities are first using both side by side.
@lescour1 exactly what you say is what has got me interested in the Digi - it’s like a souped-up version of a Volca Sample or Circuit. I almost sold my Circuit last week but then discovered the joy of just jamming with it alongside the OP1, and it’s a killer companion for doing boiler room style improv sets (a la David August). Seems like the DT will be an even deeper version
Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an ‘octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!’ video 
Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set :) but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an 'octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!' video ;)
Octatrack has 3 LFOs per track, and a host of FX not just reverb/delay. Also can be used as a mixer, looper, DJ controller. Its very different, but yeah the Digitakt definitely looks more fun to use
@lescour1 exactly what you say is what has got me interested in the Digi - it's like a souped-up version of a Volca Sample or Circuit. I almost sold my Circuit last week but then discovered the joy of just jamming with it alongside the OP1, and it's a killer companion for doing boiler room style improv sets (a la David August). Seems like the DT will be an even deeper version
Yes mate, love David August and Nicolas Jaar. Thier Boiler Room sets are exactly what I’d like to achieve with my setup.
Im really interested to see how Digi plays with Circuit, as contrary to popular belief I actually think the Circuit sequencer is a bit shit. Too straight and predictable. I’m thinking sequencing it from Digitakt with conditional trigs and more than 16ths resolution will bring it to life because the synths can sound really good if you persist.
And the OP1 I see as sample food for the Digitakt to make kits and one shots.
I sold my Circuit to pay for my Digitakt, but while I had it up on Craigslist I was like, well, if it doesn't sell I bet it would be a great pairing with the DT.@lescour1 exactly what you say is what has got me interested in the Digi - it's like a souped-up version of a Volca Sample or Circuit. I almost sold my Circuit last week but then discovered the joy of just jamming with it alongside the OP1, and it's a killer companion for doing boiler room style improv sets (a la David August). Seems like the DT will be an even deeper versionYes mate, love David August and Nicolas Jaar. Thier Boiler Room sets are exactly what I’d like to achieve with my setup.
Im really interested to see how Digi plays with Circuit, as contrary to popular belief I actually think the Circuit sequencer is a bit shit. Too straight and predictable. I’m thinking sequencing it from Digitakt with conditional trigs and more than 16ths resolution will bring it to life because the synths can sound really good if you persist.
And the OP1 I see as sample food for the Digitakt to make kits and one shots.
Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set :) but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an 'octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!' video ;)Octatrack has 3 LFOs per track, and a host of FX not just reverb/delay. Also can be used as a mixer, looper, DJ controller. Its very different, but yeah the Digitakt definitely looks more fun to use
What I meant was that the basic ‘surface’ features are easy/fast to use on both units with very similar UI procedures 
I got a bad rep on elektronauts.com for venting my disappointment with DT and it kind of got to the point where there was a lot of arguing for the sake of it and my name is probably mud over there 
I don’t want to hit that vibe again here so I’ll hold back on posting more OT/DT comments cos they seem to often be taken the wrong way I think it’s a cool box.
I guess it’s just different strokes for different folks. You feel OT isnt great for collab/jams because of stuff like programming Scenes, whereas I think of OT as a killer collab/jam box BECAUSE of that stuff having 16 banks of 16 x scenes is next level! Just different needs/tolerances etc 
I’m sure DT will be fun to use as well and have its own tricks etc. Enjoy!
i’m waiting for the manual or something. i don’t think the whole picture has been painted yet.
The Elektronauts thread for the DT is toxic, as is the Gearslutz thread. People just really don’t want to like it, and really want to state their opinion as fact. “Get an Octatrack”, “Get a MPC”, “Ugh mono sampling”, “Ugh outputs”, “It’s shit, why the hell would you want one.”Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set :) but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an 'octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!' video ;)Octatrack has 3 LFOs per track, and a host of FX not just reverb/delay. Also can be used as a mixer, looper, DJ controller. Its very different, but yeah the Digitakt definitely looks more fun to use
What I meant was that the basic ‘surface’ features are easy/fast to use on both units with very similar UI procedures
I got a bad rep on elektronauts.com for venting my disappointment with DT and it kind of got to the point where there was a lot of arguing for the sake of it and my name is probably mud over there
I guess it’s just different strokes for different folks. You feel OT isnt great for collab/jams because of stuff like programming Scenes, whereas I think of OT as a killer collab/jam box BECAUSE of that stuff
I’m sure DT will be fun to use as well and have its own tricks etc. Enjoy!
People use gear differently. People like different things about different gear. We should all just chill and see what the thing is like and how people can use it.
We should all just chill and see what the thing is like and how people can use it.
#digitaktandchill
Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set :) but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an 'octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!' video ;)Octatrack has 3 LFOs per track, and a host of FX not just reverb/delay. Also can be used as a mixer, looper, DJ controller. Its very different, but yeah the Digitakt definitely looks more fun to use
What I meant was that the basic ‘surface’ features are easy/fast to use on both units with very similar UI procedures
I got a bad rep on elektronauts.com for venting my disappointment with DT and it kind of got to the point where there was a lot of arguing for the sake of it and my name is probably mud over there
I guess it’s just different strokes for different folks. You feel OT isnt great for collab/jams because of stuff like programming Scenes, whereas I think of OT as a killer collab/jam box BECAUSE of that stuff
I’m sure DT will be fun to use as well and have its own tricks etc. Enjoy!
Yeah the Octatrack can be great for collaboration but i think it takes the person/people you are collaborating with to have some kind of knowledge of the Elektron workflow. Unlike a DAW where you can both look at the screen and have a general idea of whats going on. The Digitakt looks alot more fluid in its workflow
I’m with @jjbbllkk ! Gotta love the human ability to assume knowledge of a thing without significant experience of said thing. One big problem with tech stuff is people reacting to it not being THE thing they want it to be. We saw this with smart phones for the past 10 years. Then the toxic commentary flows? It’s unfortunate and damaging to a community that should just say, “cool for you!” If a thing doesn’t appear to fit your needs, then guess what… you probably shouldn’t purchase it. If enough people demand what you’re wanting a thing to be, then it materializes eventually. If not, then your concept of a thing is probably super niche, and I bet you’re getting along just fine.The Elektronauts thread for the DT is toxic, as is the Gearslutz thread. People just really don’t want to like it, and really want to state their opinion as fact. “Get an Octatrack”, “Get a MPC”, “Ugh mono sampling”, “Ugh outputs”, “It’s shit, why the hell would you want one.”Can dig the attraction of DT with the new/different additions in the feature set :) but the UI vs OT UI seems almost identical in terms of function for function? Someone needs to make an 'octatrack can be simple and fast to use too!' video ;)Octatrack has 3 LFOs per track, and a host of FX not just reverb/delay. Also can be used as a mixer, looper, DJ controller. Its very different, but yeah the Digitakt definitely looks more fun to use
What I meant was that the basic ‘surface’ features are easy/fast to use on both units with very similar UI procedures
I got a bad rep on elektronauts.com for venting my disappointment with DT and it kind of got to the point where there was a lot of arguing for the sake of it and my name is probably mud over there
I guess it’s just different strokes for different folks. You feel OT isnt great for collab/jams because of stuff like programming Scenes, whereas I think of OT as a killer collab/jam box BECAUSE of that stuff
I’m sure DT will be fun to use as well and have its own tricks etc. Enjoy!
People use gear differently. People like different things about different gear. We should all just chill and see what the thing is like and how people can use it.
Flipping to a more positive note, I’m totally exited about this thing! The workflow looks inspiring. It seems to encourage more playing music and less setting up to play music. For all our music tech, many can get lost in process and forget to make music. I think that’s what attracted many of us to the OP1. It’s immediate, while also potentially dense if you’d like it to be! I’m itching for the Digitakt. If I find that I’m spending too much time menu diving, and not enough time making music, then it’s going the way of a lot of gear: for sale to someone who might find more value in it than I.
I sold my Circuit to pay for my Digitakt, but while I had it up on Craigslist I was like, well, if it doesn't sell I bet it would be a great pairing with the DT.@lescour1 exactly what you say is what has got me interested in the Digi - it's like a souped-up version of a Volca Sample or Circuit. I almost sold my Circuit last week but then discovered the joy of just jamming with it alongside the OP1, and it's a killer companion for doing boiler room style improv sets (a la David August). Seems like the DT will be an even deeper versionYes mate, love David August and Nicolas Jaar. Thier Boiler Room sets are exactly what I’d like to achieve with my setup.
Im really interested to see how Digi plays with Circuit, as contrary to popular belief I actually think the Circuit sequencer is a bit shit. Too straight and predictable. I’m thinking sequencing it from Digitakt with conditional trigs and more than 16ths resolution will bring it to life because the synths can sound really good if you persist.
And the OP1 I see as sample food for the Digitakt to make kits and one shots.
Yeah mate, i had my Circuit up on eBay twice. Took it down both times and just decided to take the hit financially for Digitakt. Even though my head says “Come on man, you’ve got an OP1, Octa and Digi…why do you need this piece of shit?”…every time i turn it on i have loads of fun ands end up creating something! Which i guess is the whole point. I think id end up selling Octatrack before i sell Circuit!
Everything we need to know about the Elektronauts forum is that there are over 5000 posts of speculation, judgment, consumerism, and excuses about a box that doesn’t even have a firm release date. That says a lot about how internet music forums operate.
Everything we need to know about the Elektronauts forum is that there are over 5000 posts of speculation, judgment, consumerism, and excuses about a box that doesn't even have a firm release date. That says a lot about how internet music forums operate. :)
Also the Elektronauts forum is full of people who went to ibiza a couple of times in the 90s, and feel like they know everything about electronic music. Music snobs, who funnily enough never seem to share any of their ‘music’ just snarky comments at people asking genuine questions. When they do share music they’re mostly pressing play on Octatrack and playing some shit techno beat. Its actually kind of put me off my Octatrack a little bit. I feel like I’m part of a poisonous community in a way.
Yeah, I mean, to be fair, I go to check that forum almost every day and I’m generally very good at tuning out the stuff that doesn’t interest me for the most part. However, I have tried to vaguely keep up with that thread in hopes of seeing what the box is actually about. Unfortunately, a lot of it also happens to bum me out, which is why I’m being a downer and criticizing that thread, which I shouldn’t because it isn’t productive or positive. 
Personally, I love the OT and can’t imagine the Digitakt will interest me. BUT, that doesn’t mean it won’t have great functionality for a lot of people!
If you want great OT use - check out my pal Eric Lanham (aka Carl Calm and also of Caboladies). He toured with just the OT and has done some really really great stuff with it. Definitely someone putting the tool to good use and digging deep into an instrument rather than complaining what it can’t do or obsessing over what he doesn’t have.
Allerian, Anders Bergdahl, darenager, Venn Diagram… these are among the OT wizards who have inspired me.