Oh btw! Digitakt just got song mode. So a win for Digitakt in this category. AND Play just got STEMS EXPORT so I think its a tie in this category now?! Watch my vid on the update: ua-cam.com/video/pYNcQ2MbbV0/v-deo.html Polyend Play EU thmn.to/thoprod/543481?offid=1&affid=623 Sweetwater (US): imp.i114863.net/vndEyd Perfect Circuit (US): bit.ly/PolyendPlayPC Elektron Digitakt EU: thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/yDJYB MASCHINE+ EU thmn.to/thoprod/501389?offid=1&affid=623 Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/m69Yy MPC ONE EU thmn.to/thoprod/482641?offid=1&affid=623 US imp.i114863.net/5bJ1Mj Affiliate links support the channel regardless of what you buy and at no cost to you
Great comparison. I am a real fan of the Polyend Play, although I have not experienced the Digitakt, because of its simplicity, immediacy and the creative tools and I find songs come together very quickly. I am not so bothered about deep diving into sound parameters because I can easily make sounds on other devices and put them onto the SD card for the Play and then use its rudimentary sound shaping to fine tune them. In fact, it is its lack of deepness that I find so satisfying because I am using ALL of what it can do and it is pretty much all there on the panel's knobs without the need to access menus.
Appreciate this, I feel like having a lack of depth in a sequencer is more productive. You wont spend hours mastering something by tweaking, then eventually ruining it cause you have too much control.
The way you naturally A-B both devices in the path of least resistance workflow while bringing comparison between the two is so so helpful. Massive understanding of how interface brings outcome.
I'm running the Dirtywave M8 Headless (Teensy 4.1 Microcontroller) glued onto the back of an Experimental Pi PiBoy game console via a tiny USB cable out of the top of the Raspberry Pi 4B USB ports inside of it. Thanks to the Github guide that teaches how to do it, one actual Dirtywave M8 gets to go to someone else. Really wish the M8 would get full mass production treatment and not have to be so subject to shortages. My biggest beef with Polyend Tracker / Play is they keep forcing all loaded samples to mono on their devices and I want to layer stereo / binaural sounds into my groove boxes so I've switched to Roland SP-404 MK II and MC-101
I have the Play and the M8 and they arrived at pretty much the same time. The Play is certainly more immediate but the M8 is much deeper and, of course, has synth engines. They are quite different but fantastic devices.
The tracker workflow seems kinda daunting to me! I currently have the Deluge as the brains of my setup, which is definitely very very cool and fulfills 95% of my needs. But I’m still really attracted to doing a headless M8.
@@BoBeats the Digitakt is really a tracker so the structure isn't that much different to the M8, just the UI. But the M8 does so much more and is so much more efficient to use. Synths, samples, FX, slicing, much more per step control, it really does everything. And it's so much more conducive to building full tracks rather than the standard four bar loop. I find it's just so quick and easy to use once you get your head around how it works.
nice comparison Bo. I have both machines, but hadn't taken the time to really think through the implications of using either in a live context. I think the Play wins for for performance options (especially because of the immediacy of the fill function and Perform interface; AND the pattern variations you can easily access), but the fun of sound design (even with the diminished performance capability compared to Play) on the Digitakt makes it a keeper no matter how the Play evolves. We have such excellent gear options now, it amazing. Thanks again.
This is an excellent demo/tutorial/comparison. Just beginning my DAWless journey. Polyend Play; Arturia Microfreak and Hologram Microcosm as budget allows.
I had the digtakt l liked it at the beginning but got tired of it because of the hardware and workflow. I have the play and love it the immediate workflow, little menu diving, play mode make it such a fun maschine.
The Digitakt is a classic. It's interesting that the Digitakt is always in these "Head-to-Head" videos...because it remains best in class, years later.
Great vid and the answer is that you need both! One thing that you said the digi could do but the play could not was send program change information per step on a midi track. I have only had a play for a few days, but I am fairly certain that it can also send program change information per step.
Thanks! I think you might be right there. Thanks for the clarification. Edit: I double checked the manual and I think you are right. So while I have not seen it in practise or tried it myself it seems another feather in the hat for the Play.
The generative and humanizing aspects of the Play are going to be great for my workflow! Thanks for this comparison you helped me finalize a purchase today :)
Very nice comparison! It's so interesting how two groove boxes can approach sample sequencing in such different ways, and how their approaches color the music you make with them.
I'm glad to see these kinds of comparisons, especially with an in depth look at sound design as well as overall song production. Especially thankful to see the "how easy is it to pack into a bag and take with you?" bits too, because while I don't do such right now it is something that's nice, whether it's "I'm going to go to the park and noodle around on it" or even just "bugger, power's out, but I can still wiggle some knobs and have fun" (or the more likely route for me, having fun on breaks!) What I especially like is these two are also right around the same price point ($1,031 CAD for Polyend Play, $1,049 CAD for Digitakt going by Moog Audio pricing at time of writing), which makes them especially ripe for comparison. Interestingly enough, they're two devices I've wanted to see compared as I was rather curious when the Play was released as to what it might offer up. Odds are I'm going to stick with my idea of a Digitone Keys followed by a Digitakt to get back into things, mostly because they seem to offer more of what I'm looking for in devices, but also because I rather like keyboards, and FM, and well, the idea of being able to go down a massive audio design rabbit hole and then go "nah, let's go back" at the push of a button is kind of nice too.
Multi channel audio and Overbridge together with tight integration with the other Elektron products make the Digitakt more future proof as your sound design journey evolves and your skills develop. I have both, the Play is a joyful piece of equipment and fun in its own isolated world. The Digitakt is a powerful piece of hardware in an integrated connected studio eco-system of analog and digital. You will hit the limitations of the Play much sooner than with the Digitakt.
Great video @BoBeats! I had been looking at the Digitakt but wound up grabbing the Play. Your vid wound up reinforcing I made the right decision for myself. I was looking for something that made beat making fun, easy, and flexible--I *love* how much Play has to offer in this area. I much prefer Play's pads and layout, over Digitakt's clicky buttons and menu diving. And I really wanted something that offered a lot of easy beat and fx modulation while performing. Probably a lot of reasons this was named Play...it's been so easy to just start playing with it. Hands down the funnest piece of electronic gear I've acquired.
I'm deciding which piece of hardware to buy after I sold my Push 2 and your videos help me so much! I'm leaning towards Play because of its amazing sequencer, better portability and slick looks. Also it seems more convenient with its pad grid, you simply see more things and control more things simultaneously. Sound design capabilities are sure much more powerful on the Digitak but they are still very very limited to what I can do in my daw of choice that is Bitwig whereas I can't simply achieve what Poly's sequencer is capable of in any software that exists. I also can connect Play with Bitwig and use Play's MIDI sequencing features and sound design power of Bitwig studio.
I can never understand why these two grooveboxes does not support stereo samples given the high price? It is not 1990 anymore. Storage space should not be an issue these days! Great machines though, but I want my stereo samples to be in stereo! 😄
Well, the Play + does support stereo, and tbh I’m not sure the Digitakt needs it. It’s more of a drum computer that samples, than a full fledged sampler (ie, can’t chop, limited memory for longer samples). Elektron often limits each piece of their gear so users consider adding another box to their setup (ie Octatrack). That said, I would be all over an updated Digitakt or Octatrack, so whatever they are doing is working.
Your rating system puts these neck and neck; I think it’s impressive the Digitakt can hold its own against a new piece of gear despite having a half decade of age over it. For me, the sound design versatility won me over in favor of the Digi, I was sold when I saw a video of someone turning a cowbell sample into a bassline.
Thanks for the video! I've been wanting to see something like this. Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Digitone, perhaps followed by the sp404 mk2 to cover some sampling. The Play looks amazing, but seems like something that would be better at a later stage. Outside of a DAW my setup now is a Circuit Tracks and a few hardware synths. I'd rather build with the gear I have, rather than starting a while new branch. On that note, I'd really love to see videos about how some of these devices play together.
Digitone + Digitakt works really well together. Digitone + SP is maybe a difficult combo. I dont recommend SP as a device for a dawless setup. Instead I think its best (and intended for) solo
I've been playing with the Circuit Tracks and the Polyend play at the same time and it's pretty fun. 90% of the sequencing is done on the tracks and I use the Polyend play to sequence some randomized and generative sequences on top of the tracks. I also have mirrored the drum sequences on the Polyend so that I can use the performance mode to go crazy on the drumming and then bring it back home on the tracks.
This is very helpful, I’m on the fence, the elektron does seem sturdier, but the play just seems like the friendliest UI I’ve seen… I’m leaning towards the play
@@SantiagoGT15 I would like to get the Octatrack but I’m a few hundred clams away and I have a severe case of GAS. I’d also like to get the tracker I can’t make my mind up so I’m going to flip a coin. Thanks for the reply m8
[11:42ish] I think it's clear that the Random and the Chance features [on PLAY] easily out-weigh the LFO on the DigiTakt from a performance perspective per track, I know I'd much rather have Random and Chance than LFO.
Yeah for performance absolutely. Its just way quicker. For producing you can do almost every thing with LFO’s that you can with the chance/random and with greater control. But your right: The Play forsakes depth to be more immediate and it is very fun
A LFO would be useless on the play, well not useless but it wouldn't be as useful as you would think as as you have very little parameter control. You don't have envelopes or any of the common LFO destinations.
Dear Bo. Thanks a lot for this helpful video. One question left: How many bars can the Polyend Play sequence? Or is there a possibility to chain sequences together in an easy way? I remember once I bought the Cirquit Tracks to try a dawless Setup. But there was a limitation of 8 Bars without chaining. And chaining made the whole thing quite tricky. That brought me back to use my PC. With a possibility of playing longer sequences I will definately give the Polyend Play a try. An can all 8 tracks assigned to midi? Can I sequence 8 external synths if I want to?
Hey! You can chain patterns together (so thats all 8 tracks… and when you chain you go from one 8 track pattern to a new one). This is very simple to do. One single pattern is 4 bars at 16th note resolution, 2 bars and 32 and 8 bars at 8th note and so on. So it depends on the speed setting of the individual track There are 8 dedicated, separate, midi tracks so yes with a midi splitter/thru box you could sequence 8 synths no problem. Same as for digitakt. Hope this helps!
Polyend did awesome job. Play partially contains very cool features. Digitakt is still more flexible in general (mixing, sampling, inputs, fx routing). Play is more focused on performance and jam, idea development and fx usage. Both devices have only one “con” - no synth engine. But hey, Play + Tracker is awesome combo and looks very beautiful. As well as Digitakt and any decent mono or stereo synth are very powerful. Portable synth for digitakt is Roland JX-08, because of two layers and awesome sounds. Killer synth for Digitakt would be Wavestate i guess.
@@boombap08 yep, if there are no other tools, Digitakt can partially replace synth, it will take some time to make chords and mix them down to a single channel, better than nothing.
yea true Its definitely not the be all end all. I think its great if you have something like an mc 101 or sound module to record into the digitakt. it almost seems endless with the possibilities for me.
So stoked about BOTH of these... Maybe i go with the Play for portable battery useage, clear DAWless sequencing, etc and midi-in a minifreak to scratch my sculpting itch.
Hi BoBeats - I’d love to see a dedicated video to workflow comparisons! Also song modes. I’m having a difficult time finding gear that supports quick intuitive support for multi part songs. So much so I feel like I’m missing something.
@@BoBeats yes, Sir - like a grove box or drum machine workflow shootout/comparison. Then a separate exploration of song modes in a similar format. These two topics are very difficult to explore from manuals and UA-cam videos unless discussed specifically. I see a lot of value to the community and myself here. Another idea might be more tutorial focused on how to breakout of the 1000 part A’s for the DAWless musician.
I have a Polyend Tracker, and the Play will be next since it's sort of a companion, BUT in the meantime I'm having a blast on my M8. It took three months to get it, but well worth the wait.
Do you use your Ployend Tracker a lot? I'm quite familiar with the tracker workflow, but I'm on the fence about getting the the Polyend, particularly since you can find many good, cheap software trackers. Penny for your thoughts :)
@@nads5907 I did until I received my M8, but that's mainly due to wanting the dive deeply into the M8, I can take the M8 with me and it has built in speakers. With the PETracker of course it's larger and I need a way to power it when on the go If I had to choose just one, it would be the M8.
@@nads5907 Right now I can't say, but Tim at Dirtywave is always updating the M8 and quite regularly where as Polyend has few updates, but I think that's due to them releasing the Play. The Tracker is a bit more intuitive though, but the form factor of the M8 and it's built like a tank.
@@subiesojourner777 Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I've heard Tim almost has OCD with his updates. Probably not good for his health, but great for M8 owners!
I really like the Polyend Play. As a Logic user, there’s a sequencer that allows a lot of the parameters like chance. It has a random triggger but not random sample, which is awesome by Polyend. I believe my Maschine MK3 allows chance as well. If Polyend can release a firmware update to let you record your performance effects and export those as stems, I’m 100% sold. I’m already 90% sold. Since Digitakt just got a song mode, I bought one from Guitar Center with 30-40 days to try it. By the way, Digitakt is on sale for $675 at GC right now.
I recently had to make a very challenging decision. Deluge or Polyend play. I am one of the few who love the tracker but what lead me to the deluge was having synth engines and unlimited track/length. However, seeing how much love the tracker got post release makes me excited to watch the future of the Play Do you still use your deluge?? I see heavy use of the play but am unsure if it’s just the honeymoon phase.
Deluge and Play are just very different beasts. I used the Deluge for some time, but never truly got into it. Play was much more immediate fun for me. I think its because I just gravitate towards limited devices. But make sure it makes sense TO YOU :) the Deluge is way more feature packed
@@chareslamb87 I don't think there is any machine (apart from maybe MPC) that have gotten more extensive updates than the Deluge. Not having a screen can sometimes (your sample management has to be on point) a bit of a let down, and the sound quality is not as good as a Digitakt for example.
@@BoBeats thanks for clarifying why I haven't seen as many Deluge videos from you as I hoped when you got one. The Deluge workflow is very idiosyncratic, so I totally get it, but I do wonder if you tried out the Boards of Deluge soundpacks whether you'd have a better time. The sounds are such great starting points that it solves a lot of sound design issues I have with the Deluge.
The Deluge is a totally different beast to the Play. The Deluge does EVERYTHING but is not as intuitive. Also check out the Dirtywave M8. I have videos showcasing music made on the Play, Deluge and M8 on my channel.
Great video, Bo! Unfortunately, none of them are right for me if they can only play mono samples. It's a somewhat different product, but I love my TR-8S, especially after the latest 2.5 update. Alternatively, I would go for MC-707.
Q. are both machines limited to 64step (4 bar) sequences? ..ahh just googled it .. yeh both are max 64 step .. i have some 6 bar sections on my songs.. i guess i could chain sequences together, there's always a workaround out there.
Yepp, brought it up in the sequencer section. 64 step max but you can also change pattern playback speed to that way create longer sequences if they are not as detailed
Polyend looks simpler for me as a newb. Seems like I could pick it up and get something fun with little study. But I own two now Elektron products and appreciate the process of "getting better." I have modal:samples and now digitakt 2 from Elektron. Couldn't be happier. /cheers 🍻
I'm on the market for a groovebox and I can't decide between the digitakt and the polyend play. I thought this video would help me decide but it just made that decision even harder hahaha. They both seem so good and fun to play with. On one hand I absolutely love all the randomization/generative take on making patterns for the Play but on the other I love the deeper sound design aspect of the Digitakt. So hard to decide :(
Bo, thanks. I loved this comparison/review. I do get the feeling, though, that you are a bit biased towards the Digitakt. :P In your first category, "workflow comparison" you gave the Digitakt and Polyend Play a tie, citing the "deeper" features of the Digitakt. However, those features are probably better reserved for the "Sound Design" category where the Digitakt clearly won. So, it's like you gave a 1 point for Digitakt in the first category for the second category's topic. Double-dipping... So, in my opinion, based upon your analysis, it's probably a 7-to-4 win for the Polyend play. And based upon your review, I happily purchased the Polyend Play. For someone who is newer to using this type of equipment, as you highlighted here, it is so much easier and immediate get going, laying out tracks, with the Polyend Play than the Digitakt.
Is it possible to live looping with polyend play via a midi key (eg: Minilab) to drive 3-4 different synth? (eg: analog Typhon, digital Minifreak and Blofeld)
There's no live recording of sequences when connected to a keyboard? If not that a big deal. How many projects can be saved. I'd like a comparison between beat boxes and the Keystep Pro. I love the KSP but 16 projects isn't enough.
This is a really great comparison! I wish you had also included the mc707 alongside the 2. I've been checking the akai force lately too.. been updates and sometimes I think you keep some boxes and synths in the studio, but take the force to gig / tour with. When I say gig, I mean minimum 1 hour, and maybe in a warehouse with a good sized crowd. The main reason I think this way is because 64 steps resolution seems like an unnecessary hindrance when you want to do stuff like let's say organic deep house, or complex percussion. Not withstanding that 64 steps doesn't really lend itself to larger buildups etc. Honestly elektron is the COOLER thing, but is it the best for a traveling performer? (Mech proves yes, but what he does is quite specific)I wonder how long of a set you could actually get out of a force if you were extremely proficient... Maybe I'm just spoiled with Ableton?
Great comparison! I kind decide betweend circuit tracks vs polyend play. I like the polyend play because you can see all the tracks moving at the same time. But also in terms of chords/melody, I feel like polyend play loses to circuit tracks?
I'm hoping the randomization (Sequencer, not parameters like it exists on the DT) AND the sample folders idea will be added to the DT. Those two things are what drew me to the Play but I can't really justify another groovebox when I already have the DT. Maybe they could add a folder structure to the Sound Pool? The only thing I hate that the DT does is eats incoming Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel messages for the MIDI tracks. Does the Play do that? So annoying!
Got Digitakt for Drums, , not sure what would be the best sequencer. tb3, lyra8 for drones, quantratid swarm, sp 404 samples, microfreak, Model d, 0 Coast, and i would love to bring all
Very good review...but...one question..i have a Tr-09 and a Tr-707..if i want use the digitak only for sampled melodys not like drum machine...is that worth? Thanks
Well at this point in time BlackBox is better than both in this category, BB can do easily polyrhythms on the fly and deep sound design of samples + granular. I don't understand why Elektron don't implement the miditracks of Digitakt with the same exact features of the miditracks of Digitone (arpeggio, chord mode etc), in that case digitakt would be absolute killer as a centrepiece of any studio, please if you can feedback to elektron this i think their sales will benefit and the user experience too. cheers🍻
So here I am at the very end of 2023 screaming Into the void... Should I get one of these for$500? I am a guitarist looking for an easy drum machine for songwriting and practice.
I am sitting on the fence with these 2. However the Digitakt is on a very nice sale at the moment,20 percent off!!! So I think i will jump on the Digitakt. ALSO, I too, have the Keylab 61 (essentials) , HOW THE HECK CAN YOU MAP THE NCODERS WITH THE DIGITAKT?? As you displayed in this fine tutorial? I have been trying with difficulty to use my Keylab as just a MIDI Controller,ie, map the encoders to VSTs and other Hardware gear. (and NOT just for use of the analog software it came with) THANX BO!!! LOVE THE CHANNEL!!!!
How often does the Digitakt go on sale and where? I have been gassing for one for half a year and I've never seen one below its current fixed price of $920. 🙁 (converted for € to $ as I'm from Europe)
The chord implementation on the Play (and Tracker) is ass. All it really needed was one extra polyphonic midi channel or user programmable chords and it would be much more usable. The 'Takt (and just about every other sequencer from the 80's onwards) pisses all over it from that perspective.
I don’t think this is a good comparison. They are too different. Maybe you can compare the Play vs Circuit Rythm, that’d be interesting, I think the Rythm would give the Play a run for it’s money.
I would actually disagree on the portability (Play is needs a bigger bag) and performance effects parts Not everyone likes Dj-style retriggers, and control all feature actually provides some really interesting results that typical performance effects can’t do. Think about LFO and FEG/AEG control-alls, for instance. Plus, you can parameter lock certain tracks to make them ignore the control all command, which is kind of a selective performance effect. I would call both points a tie:)
Elektron sounds great but I hate their complex and anti-intuitive architecture..I never understood any Elektron machine.. it scares you. Too complex. With Polyend you can see the grid and understand what is playing and why..But it lacks the faders of the Roland TR8s..which is also blind and you can not see the entire grid, only the selected instrument..The perfect drum machine will be one with a grid and faders. for live performance and fun. Does that exist?
Everything Elektron makes has an idiosyncratic / cryptic UI. They're trying to cram too much into these things and the user experience suffers. Even with its limitations I'd pick the Polyend.
@@InkyDaCaT Looks like a step in the right direction (over the bullshit red LCD screen from the 70's), but I'd still like to see a bigger screen & more knobs like the Polyend Play or Digitakt/Syntakt.
@@boydw1 have you looked into smpltrek by sonicware? Ok not dj fxs but you could get kaosspad or kaoss dj by korg? This thing is going to be poor mans digitakt but far better? Instrument tracks, global tracks mic and guitar line in us stereo samples?😉
If only Circuit rhythm and circuit tracks had a baby digitone and digitakt, Polyend tracker and polyend play, syntakt digitakt etc just start making devices all in one they always just do one aspect good and not a little of everything idk they have to make money but yeah
I bought the polyend but have had the digitakt for nearly 10 years. Why would I want both? I find the digitakt excellent since the update’s but the polyend’s sequencer is so different and also it has more performance control’s. If I has to point out which is better for beginners definitely the digitakt!
Oh btw! Digitakt just got song mode. So a win for Digitakt in this category. AND Play just got STEMS EXPORT so I think its a tie in this category now?! Watch my vid on the update: ua-cam.com/video/pYNcQ2MbbV0/v-deo.html
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Play also got song mode :-), used both and I agree with the sound design on the Digi, but it's way more fun playing with the Play.
Thank you Bo, people were asking for such a comparison.
Great comparison. I am a real fan of the Polyend Play, although I have not experienced the Digitakt, because of its simplicity, immediacy and the creative tools and I find songs come together very quickly. I am not so bothered about deep diving into sound parameters because I can easily make sounds on other devices and put them onto the SD card for the Play and then use its rudimentary sound shaping to fine tune them. In fact, it is its lack of deepness that I find so satisfying because I am using ALL of what it can do and it is pretty much all there on the panel's knobs without the need to access menus.
thank you! And totally agree
Appreciate this, I feel like having a lack of depth in a sequencer is more productive. You wont spend hours mastering something by tweaking, then eventually ruining it cause you have too much control.
I just ❤️ my Digitakt so much. It was my very first piece of gear and will always be my favourite. It’s just so versatile.
The way you naturally A-B both devices in the path of least resistance workflow while bringing comparison between the two is so so helpful. Massive understanding of how interface brings outcome.
Almost went with the Polyend but ended with the Dirtywave M8. It's a mindblowing instrument. It's really worth it If you can handle the wait time.
what made you go that route? anything specific? m8 seems really cool
I'm running the Dirtywave M8 Headless (Teensy 4.1 Microcontroller) glued onto the back of an Experimental Pi PiBoy game console via a tiny USB cable out of the top of the Raspberry Pi 4B USB ports inside of it. Thanks to the Github guide that teaches how to do it, one actual Dirtywave M8 gets to go to someone else. Really wish the M8 would get full mass production treatment and not have to be so subject to shortages.
My biggest beef with Polyend Tracker / Play is they keep forcing all loaded samples to mono on their devices and I want to layer stereo / binaural sounds into my groove boxes so I've switched to Roland SP-404 MK II and MC-101
I have the Play and the M8 and they arrived at pretty much the same time. The Play is certainly more immediate but the M8 is much deeper and, of course, has synth engines. They are quite different but fantastic devices.
The tracker workflow seems kinda daunting to me! I currently have the Deluge as the brains of my setup, which is definitely very very cool and fulfills 95% of my needs. But I’m still really attracted to doing a headless M8.
@@BoBeats the Digitakt is really a tracker so the structure isn't that much different to the M8, just the UI. But the M8 does so much more and is so much more efficient to use. Synths, samples, FX, slicing, much more per step control, it really does everything.
And it's so much more conducive to building full tracks rather than the standard four bar loop. I find it's just so quick and easy to use once you get your head around how it works.
It would be REALLY useful if you did an updated version of this comparison. Digitakt 2 vs Polyend Plus.🙏 Keep up the good work.
nice comparison Bo. I have both machines, but hadn't taken the time to really think through the implications of using either in a live context. I think the Play wins for for performance options (especially because of the immediacy of the fill function and Perform interface; AND the pattern variations you can easily access), but the fun of sound design (even with the diminished performance capability compared to Play) on the Digitakt makes it a keeper no matter how the Play evolves. We have such excellent gear options now, it amazing. Thanks again.
This is an excellent demo/tutorial/comparison.
Just beginning my DAWless journey. Polyend Play; Arturia Microfreak and Hologram Microcosm as budget allows.
I had the digtakt l liked it at the beginning but got tired of it because of the hardware and workflow. I have the play and love it the immediate workflow, little menu diving, play mode make it such a fun maschine.
The Digitakt is a classic. It's interesting that the Digitakt is always in these "Head-to-Head" videos...because it remains best in class, years later.
digitakt is definitely already a classic. Its a good point of comparison
I sold mine and use an MPC live.
@@aikighost NIce!!!
Great vid and the answer is that you need both! One thing that you said the digi could do but the play could not was send program change information per step on a midi track. I have only had a play for a few days, but I am fairly certain that it can also send program change information per step.
Thanks! I think you might be right there. Thanks for the clarification.
Edit: I double checked the manual and I think you are right. So while I have not seen it in practise or tried it myself it seems another feather in the hat for the Play.
@@BoBeats I checked and the “sample” knob allows you to set both the jack channel and program per step!
The generative and humanizing aspects of the Play are going to be great for my workflow! Thanks for this comparison you helped me finalize a purchase today :)
Fantastic overview! Thank you for this comparison
Very nice comparison! It's so interesting how two groove boxes can approach sample sequencing in such different ways, and how their approaches color the music you make with them.
I'm glad to see these kinds of comparisons, especially with an in depth look at sound design as well as overall song production. Especially thankful to see the "how easy is it to pack into a bag and take with you?" bits too, because while I don't do such right now it is something that's nice, whether it's "I'm going to go to the park and noodle around on it" or even just "bugger, power's out, but I can still wiggle some knobs and have fun" (or the more likely route for me, having fun on breaks!)
What I especially like is these two are also right around the same price point ($1,031 CAD for Polyend Play, $1,049 CAD for Digitakt going by Moog Audio pricing at time of writing), which makes them especially ripe for comparison. Interestingly enough, they're two devices I've wanted to see compared as I was rather curious when the Play was released as to what it might offer up. Odds are I'm going to stick with my idea of a Digitone Keys followed by a Digitakt to get back into things, mostly because they seem to offer more of what I'm looking for in devices, but also because I rather like keyboards, and FM, and well, the idea of being able to go down a massive audio design rabbit hole and then go "nah, let's go back" at the push of a button is kind of nice too.
Great comparison! I’ve had the Polyend Tracker for a while and will most likely stay in the same family
Great video Bo! Thank you so much. I've been figuring out exactly which one of these two works better for my setup for quite a while now!
Multi channel audio and Overbridge together with tight integration with the other Elektron products make the Digitakt more future proof as your sound design journey evolves and your skills develop. I have both, the Play is a joyful piece of equipment and fun in its own isolated world. The Digitakt is a powerful piece of hardware in an integrated connected studio eco-system of analog and digital. You will hit the limitations of the Play much sooner than with the Digitakt.
Oh true Overbridge is definitely crazy useful and rarely mentioned in these kinds of vids.
Great video @BoBeats! I had been looking at the Digitakt but wound up grabbing the Play. Your vid wound up reinforcing I made the right decision for myself. I was looking for something that made beat making fun, easy, and flexible--I *love* how much Play has to offer in this area. I much prefer Play's pads and layout, over Digitakt's clicky buttons and menu diving. And I really wanted something that offered a lot of easy beat and fx modulation while performing. Probably a lot of reasons this was named Play...it's been so easy to just start playing with it. Hands down the funnest piece of electronic gear I've acquired.
Well now I want both! Thanks Bo, great video.
I'm deciding which piece of hardware to buy after I sold my Push 2 and your videos help me so much!
I'm leaning towards Play because of its amazing sequencer, better portability and slick looks. Also it seems more convenient with its pad grid, you simply see more things and control more things simultaneously.
Sound design capabilities are sure much more powerful on the Digitak but they are still very very limited to what I can do in my daw of choice that is Bitwig whereas I can't simply achieve what Poly's sequencer is capable of in any software that exists. I also can connect Play with Bitwig and use Play's MIDI sequencing features and sound design power of Bitwig studio.
thanks Bo. the video made my mind up on the decision to choose.
really good vid. we are in a gear golden age!
One of the most satisafying expérience is to plug / unplug audio câble on digitakt. This this is smooth, robuste, sexy and extremely appealing.
Very helpful comparison. I also learned more about each instruments workflow which was inspiring.
I can never understand why these two grooveboxes does not support stereo samples given the high price? It is not 1990 anymore. Storage space should not be an issue these days! Great machines though, but I want my stereo samples to be in stereo! 😄
Well, the Play + does support stereo, and tbh I’m not sure the Digitakt needs it. It’s more of a drum computer that samples, than a full fledged sampler (ie, can’t chop, limited memory for longer samples). Elektron often limits each piece of their gear so users consider adding another box to their setup (ie Octatrack). That said, I would be all over an updated Digitakt or Octatrack, so whatever they are doing is working.
They are officially both stereo as of today. Enjoy 😉
@@urehlavyou mean the digitakt 2 has stereo.
Yes
Your rating system puts these neck and neck; I think it’s impressive the Digitakt can hold its own against a new piece of gear despite having a half decade of age over it. For me, the sound design versatility won me over in favor of the Digi, I was sold when I saw a video of someone turning a cowbell sample into a bassline.
Digitakt definitely holds it ground still against almost all grooveboxes/workstations, as long as you are fine with the limitations :)
Thanks for the video! I've been wanting to see something like this. Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Digitone, perhaps followed by the sp404 mk2 to cover some sampling. The Play looks amazing, but seems like something that would be better at a later stage. Outside of a DAW my setup now is a Circuit Tracks and a few hardware synths. I'd rather build with the gear I have, rather than starting a while new branch. On that note, I'd really love to see videos about how some of these devices play together.
Digitone + Digitakt works really well together. Digitone + SP is maybe a difficult combo. I dont recommend SP as a device for a dawless setup. Instead I think its best (and intended for) solo
@@BoBeats that helps my deliberations. Thanks!
I've been playing with the Circuit Tracks and the Polyend play at the same time and it's pretty fun. 90% of the sequencing is done on the tracks and I use the Polyend play to sequence some randomized and generative sequences on top of the tracks. I also have mirrored the drum sequences on the Polyend so that I can use the performance mode to go crazy on the drumming and then bring it back home on the tracks.
@@puptub2433 sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing.
This is very helpful, I’m on the fence, the elektron does seem sturdier, but the play just seems like the friendliest UI I’ve seen… I’m leaning towards the play
Having been an early adopter of the Play, I highly recommend it. Check out the songs I have made on it on my channel 👍🏼👍🏼
Which one did you get? And how’d it turn out?
@@FluxFreeman got both lol, I ended up selling the play and Digitakt and keeping only a tracker and an Octatrack MK2, both cover most of my needs
@@SantiagoGT15 I would like to get the Octatrack but I’m a few hundred clams away and I have a severe case of GAS. I’d also like to get the tracker I can’t make my mind up so I’m going to flip a coin. Thanks for the reply m8
Thanks for such an awesome comparison video, this was really helpful!
[11:42ish] I think it's clear that the Random and the Chance features [on PLAY] easily out-weigh the LFO on the DigiTakt from a performance perspective per track, I know I'd much rather have Random and Chance than LFO.
Yeah for performance absolutely. Its just way quicker. For producing you can do almost every thing with LFO’s that you can with the chance/random and with greater control. But your right: The Play forsakes depth to be more immediate and it is very fun
A LFO would be useless on the play, well not useless but it wouldn't be as useful as you would think as as you have very little parameter control. You don't have envelopes or any of the common LFO destinations.
Dear Bo. Thanks a lot for this helpful video. One question left: How many bars can the Polyend Play sequence? Or is there a possibility to chain sequences together in an easy way? I remember once I bought the Cirquit Tracks to try a dawless Setup. But there was a limitation of 8 Bars without chaining. And chaining made the whole thing quite tricky. That brought me back to use my PC. With a possibility of playing longer sequences I will definately give the Polyend Play a try. An can all 8 tracks assigned to midi? Can I sequence 8 external synths if I want to?
Hey! You can chain patterns together (so thats all 8 tracks… and when you chain you go from one 8 track pattern to a new one). This is very simple to do.
One single pattern is 4 bars at 16th note resolution, 2 bars and 32 and 8 bars at 8th note and so on. So it depends on the speed setting of the individual track
There are 8 dedicated, separate, midi tracks so yes with a midi splitter/thru box you could sequence 8 synths no problem. Same as for digitakt.
Hope this helps!
Polyend did awesome job. Play partially contains very cool features. Digitakt is still more flexible in general (mixing, sampling, inputs, fx routing). Play is more focused on performance and jam, idea development and fx usage. Both devices have only one “con” - no synth engine. But hey, Play + Tracker is awesome combo and looks very beautiful. As well as Digitakt and any decent mono or stereo synth are very powerful. Portable synth for digitakt is Roland JX-08, because of two layers and awesome sounds. Killer synth for Digitakt would be Wavestate i guess.
At least you can use cyclical waveforms to create sounds/synths in the digitakt.
@@boombap08 yep, if there are no other tools, Digitakt can partially replace synth, it will take some time to make chords and mix them down to a single channel, better than nothing.
yea true Its definitely not the be all end all. I think its great if you have something like an mc 101 or sound module to record into the digitakt. it almost seems endless with the possibilities for me.
I've been using the circuit rhythm for about a month now, and I'm honestly really glad I did
So stoked about BOTH of these... Maybe i go with the Play for portable battery useage, clear DAWless sequencing, etc and midi-in a minifreak to scratch my sculpting itch.
Hi BoBeats - I’d love to see a dedicated video to workflow comparisons! Also song modes. I’m having a difficult time finding gear that supports quick intuitive support for multi part songs. So much so I feel like I’m missing something.
You mean like comparing multiple devices & discussing song modes and how it is making music on them?
@@BoBeats yes, Sir - like a grove box or drum machine workflow shootout/comparison. Then a separate exploration of song modes in a similar format. These two topics are very difficult to explore from manuals and UA-cam videos unless discussed specifically. I see a lot of value to the community and myself here. Another idea might be more tutorial focused on how to breakout of the 1000 part A’s for the DAWless musician.
Looked for Digitakt vs Play on Google, guess what popped up first? Thanks for all the great work Bo!
I have a Polyend Tracker, and the Play will be next since it's sort of a companion, BUT in the meantime I'm having a blast on my M8. It took three months to get it, but well worth the wait.
Do you use your Ployend Tracker a lot? I'm quite familiar with the tracker workflow, but I'm on the fence about getting the the Polyend, particularly since you can find many good, cheap software trackers. Penny for your thoughts :)
@@nads5907 I did until I received my M8, but that's mainly due to wanting the dive deeply into the M8, I can take the M8 with me and it has built in speakers. With the PETracker of course it's larger and I need a way to power it when on the go If I had to choose just one, it would be the M8.
@@subiesojourner777 Thanks so much for your reply! May I ask, do you feel you can get the same results with the M8 as with the Polyend?
@@nads5907 Right now I can't say, but Tim at Dirtywave is always updating the M8 and quite regularly where as Polyend has few updates, but I think that's due to them releasing the Play. The Tracker is a bit more intuitive though, but the form factor of the M8 and it's built like a tank.
@@subiesojourner777 Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I've heard Tim almost has OCD with his updates. Probably not good for his health, but great for M8 owners!
I really like the Polyend Play. As a Logic user, there’s a sequencer that allows a lot of the parameters like chance. It has a random triggger but not random sample, which is awesome by Polyend. I believe my Maschine MK3 allows chance as well. If Polyend can release a firmware update to let you record your performance effects and export those as stems, I’m 100% sold. I’m already 90% sold.
Since Digitakt just got a song mode, I bought one from Guitar Center with 30-40 days to try it. By the way, Digitakt is on sale for $675 at GC right now.
Filter + Yes = Random on DT --- learned something new!
I recently had to make a very challenging decision. Deluge or Polyend play. I am one of the few who love the tracker but what lead me to the deluge was having synth engines and unlimited track/length.
However, seeing how much love the tracker got post release makes me excited to watch the future of the Play
Do you still use your deluge?? I see heavy use of the play but am unsure if it’s just the honeymoon phase.
Deluge and Play are just very different beasts. I used the Deluge for some time, but never truly got into it. Play was much more immediate fun for me. I think its because I just gravitate towards limited devices. But make sure it makes sense TO YOU :) the Deluge is way more feature packed
@@BoBeats makes sense. I appreciate your videos but also your viewpoint. Thanks for what you provide to the community.
@@chareslamb87 I don't think there is any machine (apart from maybe MPC) that have gotten more extensive updates than the Deluge. Not having a screen can sometimes (your sample management has to be on point) a bit of a let down, and the sound quality is not as good as a Digitakt for example.
@@BoBeats thanks for clarifying why I haven't seen as many Deluge videos from you as I hoped when you got one. The Deluge workflow is very idiosyncratic, so I totally get it, but I do wonder if you tried out the Boards of Deluge soundpacks whether you'd have a better time. The sounds are such great starting points that it solves a lot of sound design issues I have with the Deluge.
The Deluge is a totally different beast to the Play. The Deluge does EVERYTHING but is not as intuitive. Also check out the Dirtywave M8. I have videos showcasing music made on the Play, Deluge and M8 on my channel.
Great video, Bo! Unfortunately, none of them are right for me if they can only play mono samples. It's a somewhat different product, but I love my TR-8S, especially after the latest 2.5 update. Alternatively, I would go for MC-707.
Digitakt KING, elektronverse rules!!
Q. are both machines limited to 64step (4 bar) sequences?
..ahh just googled it .. yeh both are max 64 step ..
i have some 6 bar sections on my songs.. i guess i could chain sequences together, there's always a workaround out there.
Yepp, brought it up in the sequencer section. 64 step max but you can also change pattern playback speed to that way create longer sequences if they are not as detailed
@@BoBeats yeh, lowers the resolution of the timing/quantise and 1/2 tempo .. done that a couple of times for my JDXi
Polyend looks simpler for me as a newb. Seems like I could pick it up and get something fun with little study.
But I own two now Elektron products and appreciate the process of "getting better."
I have modal:samples and now digitakt 2 from Elektron. Couldn't be happier.
/cheers 🍻
I'm on the market for a groovebox and I can't decide between the digitakt and the polyend play. I thought this video would help me decide but it just made that decision even harder hahaha. They both seem so good and fun to play with.
On one hand I absolutely love all the randomization/generative take on making patterns for the Play but on the other I love the deeper sound design aspect of the Digitakt.
So hard to decide :(
Digitakt is the safer choice I feel!
What did you end up getting, if I may ask?
@@andreash3906 I got a chance to try both of them at schneidersladen and ended up going with the digitakt.
Great video! Would you make one with polyend play plus?
Yeah not impossible
Great now I want another Digitakt. G.R.A.S. strikes again - thanks Bo....
Digitakt. The King.
Bo, thanks. I loved this comparison/review. I do get the feeling, though, that you are a bit biased towards the Digitakt. :P
In your first category, "workflow comparison" you gave the Digitakt and Polyend Play a tie, citing the "deeper" features of the Digitakt. However, those features are probably better reserved for the "Sound Design" category where the Digitakt clearly won. So, it's like you gave a 1 point for Digitakt in the first category for the second category's topic. Double-dipping...
So, in my opinion, based upon your analysis, it's probably a 7-to-4 win for the Polyend play.
And based upon your review, I happily purchased the Polyend Play.
For someone who is newer to using this type of equipment, as you highlighted here, it is so much easier and immediate get going, laying out tracks, with the Polyend Play than the Digitakt.
Is it possible to live looping with polyend play via a midi key (eg: Minilab) to drive 3-4 different synth? (eg: analog Typhon, digital Minifreak and Blofeld)
There's no live recording of sequences when connected to a keyboard? If not that a big deal. How many projects can be saved. I'd like a comparison between beat boxes and the Keystep Pro. I love the KSP but 16 projects isn't enough.
This is a really great comparison! I wish you had also included the mc707 alongside the 2. I've been checking the akai force lately too.. been updates and sometimes I think you keep some boxes and synths in the studio, but take the force to gig / tour with. When I say gig, I mean minimum 1 hour, and maybe in a warehouse with a good sized crowd. The main reason I think this way is because 64 steps resolution seems like an unnecessary hindrance when you want to do stuff like let's say organic deep house, or complex percussion. Not withstanding that 64 steps doesn't really lend itself to larger buildups etc. Honestly elektron is the COOLER thing, but is it the best for a traveling performer? (Mech proves yes, but what he does is quite specific)I wonder how long of a set you could actually get out of a force if you were extremely proficient... Maybe I'm just spoiled with Ableton?
Not sure what you mean about 64 steps. 8 bar loops are cool and all, but it's not like you're limited to "on the grid" timing.
Great comparison! I kind decide betweend circuit tracks vs polyend play. I like the polyend play because you can see all the tracks moving at the same time. But also in terms of chords/melody, I feel like polyend play loses to circuit tracks?
I'm hoping the randomization (Sequencer, not parameters like it exists on the DT) AND the sample folders idea will be added to the DT. Those two things are what drew me to the Play but I can't really justify another groovebox when I already have the DT.
Maybe they could add a folder structure to the Sound Pool?
The only thing I hate that the DT does is eats incoming Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel messages for the MIDI tracks. Does the Play do that? So annoying!
Got Digitakt for Drums, , not sure what would be the best sequencer.
tb3, lyra8 for drones, quantratid swarm, sp 404 samples, microfreak, Model d, 0 Coast, and i would love to bring all
Great video Bo 👏 I kept my digitakt and ultimately sold my Polyend
Very good review...but...one question..i have a Tr-09 and a Tr-707..if i want use the digitak only for sampled melodys not like drum machine...is that worth? Thanks
I would get a digitone I think for that if you like the idea of having an elektron machine
@@BoBeats thanks very much
Look into sonicware smpltrek?
Oooh, I've been pondering spending my cash on a Digitakt & your video has almost glt me pressing the CONFIRM to pay button. Cheers! ;-)
for live gigs. which one is easier to use. digitakt or SP 404 ?? pleaseeee, I need some clue!
For me Polyend Tracker :)
Okay you might have sold me on the Elektron. @18:42 is intense
Play is perfect for what I want to do. Just jam out
Well at this point in time BlackBox is better than both in this category, BB can do easily polyrhythms on the fly and deep sound design of samples + granular.
I don't understand why Elektron don't implement the miditracks of Digitakt with the same exact features of the miditracks of Digitone (arpeggio, chord mode etc), in that case digitakt would be absolute killer as a centrepiece of any studio, please if you can feedback to elektron this i think their sales will benefit and the user experience too.
cheers🍻
Very good comparison 👍 But Digitakt is allmost double in price 😳
Kinda feel like this is apple vs pc . The play is a Mac of course. Simple and refined. Super user friendly.
Digitakt is much more useable, not getting out the sound of the play into daw is a dealbreaker
Can you make a versus with the mpc one or maschins mikro mk3 against different competition?
Might! First I need to really learn the MPC to do it fairly
I like how you say "chance".
Edit: and reverb
Did you ever demo the Norand Mono? It’s has an amazing sequencer and modulation workflow.
No, i was approach to check it out but I sent them Oscillatorsinks way and he has made some great vids on it
@@BoBeats yeah I’ve seen them. Amazing sequencer.
How does the Elektron compare to the newer play+ ? Anyone.
So here I am at the very end of 2023 screaming Into the void... Should I get one of these for$500? I am a guitarist looking for an easy drum machine for songwriting and practice.
I am sitting on the fence with these 2. However the Digitakt is on a very nice sale at the moment,20 percent off!!! So I think i will jump on the Digitakt.
ALSO, I too, have the Keylab 61 (essentials) , HOW THE HECK CAN YOU MAP THE NCODERS WITH THE DIGITAKT?? As you displayed in this fine tutorial? I have been trying with difficulty to use my Keylab as just a MIDI Controller,ie, map the encoders to VSTs and other Hardware gear. (and NOT just for use of the analog software it came with) THANX BO!!! LOVE THE CHANNEL!!!!
How often does the Digitakt go on sale and where? I have been gassing for one for half a year and I've never seen one below its current fixed price of $920. 🙁
(converted for € to $ as I'm from Europe)
Update: I Bought the Digitakt. I Love it. It often goes on sale,it seems. It's worth the wait. And I recently Sold my Keylab. Good riddance.
These new devices do so much but elektron stuff always sounds so organic.
So polyend play is the better instrument now that they've updated it. Nice
they are completly diferent. Polyend is more as a sequencer with a sampler...not oposite
Why didn't you compare the play plus?
Because it didnt exist at the time the video was made
New song mode announced for Digitakt :)
The chord implementation on the Play (and Tracker) is ass.
All it really needed was one extra polyphonic midi channel or user programmable chords and it would be much more usable.
The 'Takt (and just about every other sequencer from the 80's onwards) pisses all over it from that perspective.
Time for an updated video
In particular I would love play but mini jacks and both sampling is limited err sonicware smpltrek anyone?
Looking forward to smpltrek, supported it
I don’t think this is a good comparison. They are too different. Maybe you can compare the Play vs Circuit Rythm, that’d be interesting, I think the Rythm would give the Play a run for it’s money.
Digitakt vs Drumlogue next 🤔
Sonicware smpltrek should be interesting contender!
I would actually disagree on the portability (Play is needs a bigger bag) and performance effects parts
Not everyone likes Dj-style retriggers, and control all feature actually provides some really interesting results that typical performance effects can’t do. Think about LFO and FEG/AEG control-alls, for instance. Plus, you can parameter lock certain tracks to make them ignore the control all command, which is kind of a selective performance effect. I would call both points a tie:)
Elektron sounds great but I hate their complex and anti-intuitive architecture..I never understood any Elektron machine.. it scares you. Too complex. With Polyend you can see the grid and understand what is playing and why..But it lacks the faders of the Roland TR8s..which is also blind and you can not see the entire grid, only the selected instrument..The perfect drum machine will be one with a grid and faders. for live performance and fun. Does that exist?
The closest would be an Akai Force, knobs but no faders.
Add an external midi controller with knobs and faders. I use a Novation Launch Control XL and it works great.
Seems like the digitakt is more versatile and the play is very immediate.
Play shoots itself in the foot with how you hear the sound modify as you turn a knob. Can't use it live at all.
You can disable this in the settings.
Polyend are really causing a problem for the big boys, they are definitely thinking outside of the (groove) box for sure.
Everything Elektron makes has an idiosyncratic / cryptic UI. They're trying to cram too much into these things and the user experience suffers. Even with its limitations I'd pick the Polyend.
deluge
Although I have gas for both for price get mpc n kaoss pad?🙄🤣
Polyend it's more as a sequencer...and it's sampling engine Yes it's not simple as from digitakt
The answer is of course deluge
Deluge
The answer to all your prayers
If it had a proper screen & more knobs like the Digitakt / Play I might be more inclined to agree.
@@boydw1 lol they must have heard you deluge just got new screen!
@@InkyDaCaT Looks like a step in the right direction (over the bullshit red LCD screen from the 70's), but I'd still like to see a bigger screen & more knobs like the Polyend Play or Digitakt/Syntakt.
@@boydw1 have you looked into smpltrek by sonicware? Ok not dj fxs but you could get kaosspad or kaoss dj by korg? This thing is going to be poor mans digitakt but far better? Instrument tracks, global tracks mic and guitar line in us stereo samples?😉
If only Circuit rhythm and circuit tracks had a baby digitone and digitakt, Polyend tracker and polyend play, syntakt digitakt etc just start making devices all in one they always just do one aspect good and not a little of everything idk they have to make money but yeah
Just imagine if you had a MPC pads a sampler and a grid view like the deluge omg 😱
I bought the polyend but have had the digitakt for nearly 10 years. Why would I want both? I find the digitakt excellent since the update’s but the polyend’s sequencer is so different and also it has more performance control’s. If I has to point out which is better for beginners definitely the digitakt!
No Song modes is not good
Aw.... that's cute.
Wait, only mono samples? Nope!
One Octa to Rule them All
Bye Electron, hello Polyend!!
PLAY wins