Syntakt vs Digitone - Which one is the ULTIMATE groovebox?
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- If you can only pick one of these two grooveboxes/synthesizers/drum machines, which one do you get?
This is a comparison review of the Elektron Syntakt and Digitone from my perspective of having owned both for about six months each. This review looks at both as grooveboxes, highlights their unique differences as analog and/or digital synthesizers and ultimately picks a winner between the two.
These are just my personal opinions - I'd love to hear what you think about the differences between the two, and ultimately which of the two you would choose!
Here are some jams we've made that showcase the sound palette of the Syntakt:
• Syntakt jam: Embracing...
• My 5 favorite creative...
• Syntakt live jam + ful...
• Syntakt live jam: Oasi...
Here's a nice jam by @easytiger1452 on the Digitone that I think can serve to illustrate the point I'm making about the Digitone having deeper FM synthesis than the Syntakt: • Elektron Digitone Jam .
And here's a great explanation of FM synthesis by @andrewhuang: • FM SYNTHS in under 4 m...
Sorry about the pops and clicks in the audio. I'm wrestling with Shotcut and it's clear that there's a reason why professionals use other tools instead.
00:00 Intro
00:43 Overview
01:06 Syntakt Pro 1: Sound palette
03:58 Syntakt Pro 2: Track count
06:30 Syntakt Pro 3: Analog oscillators
07:23 Syntakt Pro 4: Analog FX block
09:55 Syntakt Pro 5: Immediacy
12:30 Digitone Pro 1: Polyphony
14:07 Digitone Pro 2: Arpeggiator
14:03 Digitone Pro 3: Deeper FM synthesis
16:05 Digitone Pro 4: Chorus
16:39 Who's the winner?
18:42 Which one is right for you?
#syntakt #digitone #elektron #groovebox #review #reviews #comparison #electronicmusic #sequencer #fmsynthesis #drumcomputer #drummachines
Only 44 subscribers at the time I'm writing this. Very good video. At the level of other channels with hundreds of thousands of subscribers
Thank you so much for those generous words of encouragement! They made my day. Really appreciate it. 😊
I dont even own a Digitone or Synktakt 😂
@@lucanebiolo9518 If you could choose, which one would you pick? Thanks for stopping by! I'll be uploading jams and my thoughts on other grooveboxes too in the future. 😊
Excellent comparison! Makes me happy that I picked the Syntakt as my first Elektron synth.
It's an incredibly fun synth indeed. Thanks for your feedback on the video, really appreciate it!
This is so well done. Thanks for sharing and I hope to see more videos about the Syntakt in the future. (Also something kinda cool about the peeling screen protector.)
Really appreciate the feedback! Will definitely be posting more about the Syntakt, both jams and other form of content. I'm also planning on introducing the Roland MC-101 to the channel, might do a jam with a Syntakt/MC duo at some point. And yes, that screen protector! 😂🔥
This is the best analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each instrument that I've seen. I have the Digitone, and I appreciate the way you have highlighted the Syntakt's sound palette, like at 09:18. And at 10:18 you precisely articulate the challenge of sound design with FM synthesis for the beginner. Wonderful. Well done, and thank you.
Thanks so much for taking the time to say that, and for watching the comparison! I wish I had more time for these types of comparisons but I just uploaded a new jam that showcases what the Syntakt can do.
This is awesome. Have been thinking about making a comparison video on the digitrinity for a few weeks but this video is really great.
Really appreciate it! They sure are fun boxes to jam with, all three of them. I wanted to focus the video on the two of the trinity I've had the most fun with and covering all three felt like it would make the video a bit too long and complex. Although I've owned the Digitakt longer than the Syntakt, I ended up selling it in favor of the MPC which has been my go to sampler for about 18 months now. I'm probably going to do a Syntakt vs MPC comparison at some point down the road, but my main focus here is on live jamming and making music. 😊 Keep up the great work och ha en fin kväll!
@@sinewaymusic Innnnteresting... 🤔 I have a Digitone Keys, DrumBrute, MPC One, semi-modular gear and I'm currently renting a Syntakt. I think I'm gonna return the Syntakt cos I can't justify the expense. I was eyeing up a Digitakt, but I think the MPC One scratches that itch.. How have you used the MPC in conjunction with your Elektron gear, and other gear? :)
@@JimBo-jf2qp Hi there! Sounds like you have a lot of gear already. :) I have used the MPC as my production center, it was the place where I made all my music for about 18 months until I started to push its limits to the point where I was better off working in a full-blown DAW instead. I was never really using it as a sampler primarily, but I did enjoy its convenient resampling workflow for creative generation and textures in my music. I write in past tense not because I have gotten rid of my MPC, but because it's now mostly collecting dust as I do all my jams on other more jam friendly hardware and I use a computer DAW to mix my tracks instead.
When I used the MPC, I sometimes recorded external synths into it using its Audio tracks. I find it very convenient that you can swap a Program between Midi and a Plugin, so you can use a placeholder sound via the built-in synths when composing and arranging, and then switching to using an external synth on the fly. I guess this is akin to just dragging a midi lane from a soft synth in the DAW to a midi instrument, so from a workflow perspective, all of the stuff I did on the MPC could probably have been done faster in the DAW - with sampling/resampling being the key exception. Hope that explains it somewhat, happy to answer other questions if you have any!
@@sinewaymusic Hey! Thanks for the big reply. I do have a lot of gear - that's GAS for you! :D
I'm not a big sample user, but I've had fun on the MPC One recording in a random old vinyl on my crappy record player, chopping it up and just messing around with it. I'm still getting my head round all the stuff that it can do! I'm trying to stay away from a DAW because I just overthink too much and get stuck in the tech, or have option fatigue or analysis paralysis. I'm still finessing my setup, but the MPC One or DK will be the brains of the operation. Both can record several MIDI tracks, and I record a stereo mixdown into a cheap multi-track anyway.
I sampled some drums and patterns from the Syntakt before I returned it last night :/ It was kinda sad to let it go, but I wasn't using it. I will hopefully get a Machinedrum locally for a good price, which will be perfect with the Digitone Keys!
Could you elaborate on how you used resampling in the MPC for creative generation and textures? Cheers!
I've largely ignored the Syntakt, for no real reason. This video was suggested by YT and I clicked out of curiosity. I'm now looking to purchase one, so great job in your overview!
Glad you were able to find the video and that it helped you! After the initial temptation of the new shiny Elektron machine, I also ignored the Syntakt like you. But then I got one for a very good price second hand and now I'm really glad that I own one. Hopefully you'll have lots of fun with yours, if you buy one. What kind of music do you make?
Very helpful, thanks!
Appreciate it, thanks for watching! Another jam coming up soon, feel free to subscribe if you like our music. :)
Thanks for a great comparison video! I learned a lot by watching it. I'm building a larger setup and will have both the Digitone and the Syntakt. I think they will complement each other well.
Thanks for the feedback! I think you'll love that combo, it's all the synthesis you need basically and combines the best of both of these devices' strengths.
Keep in going friend. You have a good thing here. It was a great comparison and functions video. I’ll be back👍🎶🎧
Really appreciate it! Hope you'll like the jams too. 😊 Have a great Sunday!
Don’t understand people in comments that saying that Syntakt or Digitone or any other device is limited in something. People, you creating music, not a spaceship. It’s a kind of inspiration process to create masterpiece on such devices. Think, learn device & you find a solution.
I agree, and I'm guilty of it too. I wonder if it's because they're electronic instruments with software that you tend to expect and desire more and more functionality. I don't think anyone would be this critical of the lack of features of an acoustic guitar for example. 😊
So true, I also hold this for the Digitakt, i love it, and its limitations
I totally agree. I remember creating really nice live songs on the Korg kaossilator pro which is much more limited than any on these synths. Or very interesting sequences on the dsi evolver, with just 4 oscillators (if I remember how it was built, as I sold it a long time ago). Interesting music can be created with any instrument, if you have the inspiration and will to exploit the instrument to its maximum.
I want to make spaceships
Sorry for necro-ing, but here’s my take : making a nice sounding loop is easy, on many devices. Give me any groovebox type device and within no time I’ll have something that sounds decent. However, turning that into a full song usually is a pain. I’ve been looking for a device that can do that easily. Tried an mpc, force, elektron devices, mc707, … so far the best I’ve found in this regard is the deluge, but only since the community update added grid mode.
There’s enough devices that can make cool sounding loops, time to step up te game and make some devices that make the song-making process a breeze. These machines cost enough for their workflow to get in the way when making full tracks. It shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Great video. Pushed me towards a digitone
Glad I could help you, you made an excellent choice!
The Syntakt has become the center of my dawless House setup, because of its solid sounds and great sequencer. I control three other synths with it and feed it notes and CC commands from a Midi controller, never been happier in the past 20 years!
Fantastic! I'll be attempting multi-device jams with the Syntakt being the centerpiece in 2023, looking forward to it. Glad it works well for you, and above all, makes you happy! 🌟
This was great, you have my sub! Xmas greetings 👍😊 edit: I am new to synths I have a few soft synths the Wavestate, a few Cherry Audio, Bitwig and a recent purchase Minilogue XD module, the grooveboxes seem like a bit of a black art to me! They appeal, don't get me wrong, and I have watched/read loads on a wide variety (old and current) yet struggle to pin down which would suit me! I "noodle" and riff at the moment (and I am fine with that), I have eclectic tastes from Fax records ambient/EMIT stuff to banging thumping stuff so YOUR take and insight is invaluable for me. I enjoy the physicality (?) of hardware and the depth of the pc stuff... can't wait til you lay your hands on some of the others avail, particularly the Synthstrom Deluge! (I know pricy etc, but I am patient). Great insight and explanation in this vid, thanks.
Hey there, I really appreciate you taking the time to write this. Thanks for your feedback on the video! It will take time before I lay my hands on other grooveboxes because they're sometimes prohibitively expensive. I tend to think of them as multi-timbral synthesizers with advanced sequencers, and in that sense they're not necessarily all that different from a Minilogue XD desktop module, which has a more simple sequencer and mono-timbrality (with polyphonic notes though). I have one of them too, and it sounds great, I especially love its analog filter with that drive. 😊
I'll be posting a video comparing the Syntakt with the Roland MC-101 shortly, if you love the sound of classic Roland synths, that's another groovebox to consider. Have a merry Christmas and I hope to hear from you again!
Thanks for your video, just ordered a Syntakt a couple of days ago. I like the true analog synthesis here, and I like the Groovebox workflow along with the ability to stream directly into my DAW. According to Loopop’s video, the Syntakt can sequence 4-note polyphony on MIDI tracks, so I’m hoping to use it to sequence other synths too. I will miss having an arpeggiator. Maybe I can use one in an external device and loop the MIDI back in?
Thanks for stopping by! Glad you appreciated the video. Yeah, that Digitone arp would be sweet to have. I'm thinking that this is Elektron's most recent device so I have high hopes that an arp will eventually be added. Indeed, you can sequence other synths by just setting the "machine" of a track to Midi. From there, you can add four notes on each trig. Hope you'll enjoy your Syntakt and have a great weekend!
i just appreciate you focusing on the device. Especially as you claimed "i had one camera and it was between my face and this device". I appreciate you foucssing on the tool or matter at hand. I can't express how annoying it is to see dudes like Liam Killian..talk about a device but 90% of the video is them staring into the camera, clearly a case of where they think people want to look at their mug more than understand the tool. Bravo! Liked, and lifelong subscriber Mr. Sineway
Really appreciate the feedback! To be honest, I enjoy both device-only and face views when watching youtube reviews and tutorials, and I actually really like Liam's videos! But I'd rather show the device as much as I can, for sure. Hope you didn't dislike my other Syntakt vs MC-101 review since I actually showed my face a little there (but not much!). Thanks so much for the subscribe. Another jam will be published within the next few days, hope you'll like it! - David
Nice comparison! I’ve been trying to wring the most out of the Syntakt, which has been a good learning experience. I feel like there are workarounds- polyphony via RK-002 cable, arps via Keystep input, chorus via delay or reverb modulation or track doubling/detuning -but having to fiddle with setup on the arp and polyphony especially is less fun than I’d thought it’d be. I know I’m keeping Syntakt, and I wonder if the digitone or something else will be my next purchase in a year or two…
Yeah, your videos have helped me explore the FX block a lot. It was after watching one of your videos that I was inspired to make my latest jam/song actually. 😊
You can definitely work around some of its limitations but it feels a bit silly to get polyphony via a cable routing out of, and back into, the Syntakt itself. That to me suggests that Elektron should just fix this. I agree, the Digitone is on my wish list (and alert watch). Thanks for watching!
@@sinewaymusic cool jam! Yeah, I was considering Digitone when Syntakt came out, and I haven’t had any regrets about going with Syntakt-I especially like having 12 tracks to work with, which is especially good for percussion and for variations within a single pattern…
@@humanprogram I would say that if I had to grade the two from a pure "fun" point of view, I still think I had a bit more fun on the Digitone. There were two things I really appreciated about it, one was how it made me use the drum track more creatively as a hybrid percussion/melody type of track (a bit like a Tracker workflow), and the other thing was how it allows you to morph a sound to something completely different with the tweak of a knob. It's like you have access to a sound's parallel universes on the Digitone. But then there's other levels of fun on the Syntakt that compensate for this, such as the analog FX block, and generous track count and the wider sound palette. So in the end, I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them!
Which one for me? Both. They really complement each others pros and cons. Thanks for the comparison.
That is a fantastic combo, congratulations! Thanks for watching the review. 😊
So for the benefit of the sound warmth, do you run your Syntakt through the digitone or verse vi?
I want both as well. But thinking of getting the Syntakt first but then I woke up and someone is selling a digitone near me for about 600… is this worth it?
It really comes down to what you think will bring you the most value and joy. They obviously have a similar workflow, but they are still very different and fill other roles.
Just as a side note on kick sound editing (Syntakt): you get much more control by adjusting the amp envelope rather than the decay macro.
That's a great point, thank you for pointing that out! I feel like the value in its placement on the synth parameter page is in a ctrl+all stunt. 😊
Great video! Liked and subscribed (you deserve much more than 243 subs :) )
Unfortunately, Elektron will try and keep separation between their devices (to some extent), so it is very unlikely they will add polyphony to their syntakt machine.
Too bad, I would buy it immediately if they did.
Thanks for the subscription and for your feedback on the content! You may be right, but I keep my fingers crossed anyway that polyphony/track voice sharing/stealing will show up in the future. It seems that Elektron has become a bit more generous lately, with song mode etc. So you never know! I really appreciate your comment on the sub count, that made me smile. Uploading a new jam right now, this time on the MC-101. Have a great weekend
No problem!
We can always wish :)
And I certainly hope so!
What i love in dn is that sequencer is polyphonic, and wont cut notes. It wont even cut sound locks given theres extra voice available, i dont think any other elektron works like this, but regular ’paraphonic’ instead. Also the voice allocation is veery welldone. That being said, it allows for massively full patterns with only 8vcs ands 4 tracks. Did i already say i love it? Ok back to playing with my… digitone
Must add that i bought it as curiosity, and its my favorite device
The Digitone is a fantastic synthesizer! There is voice stealing though, if you program patterns that try to play more than the 8 notes of polyphony. Just thought that would be helpful for others to know. Indeed, you can achieve a lot with those 8 voices and 4 tracks. Thanks for stopping by! I'll be sharing some useful tips and tricks on the Syntakt in future videos that largely apply to the Digitone too, so if you're interested in that, be sure to subscribe. Have a great week ahead!
I love it too on my Elektron A4 mk1. That sequencer is the shabang
@@kaitsu9608which one? The Digitone?
@@chestnut40 yeah, its got great wide tone / variability. i downsized to octatrack+digitone and also ableton / ipad + digitone works well.
Love my Butter-Goose-Table Syntakt! Great video... was just silently begging you to rip off that screen protector the whole time! 😆
Haha, I promise I will rip it off very soon, tired of it myself! 😂 Glad you're having fun with your Syntakt, it's an amazingly inspiring instrument. Happy new year, and hope to see you around in 2023!
Nice review. I like Syntakt a lot. But i adore my Digitone(s) ❤
I can definitely understand that! What was the reason you bought two of them? Thanks for watching!
@@sinewaymusic for that reason ;-)
ua-cam.com/video/6q4aoLpMrpE/v-deo.html
@@CO5MA Oh man, so the question isn't whether I need a Digitone too, but whether or not one is enough. 😂 Lovely jam. Sub'ed. 👌
same love digitone key
Great video. Just pulled the trigger on a Digitone, as it looks like an excellent device for Dub Techno. Is it 8 voices per track or per pattern?
Congrats! It's 8 voices in total, meaning 8 notes can play simultaneously at any given time. Either that's 8 voices on one single track, or (more commonly) a few notes playing per track.
this video made me realize i definitely needed a digitone over a syntakt. thanks
Very glad I was able you with the choice. Do you have a Digitone now?
Subbed ❤
I'm honored. Looking forward to seeing you around!
I have both and they are nice combo.
Lucky you!
😂 i did hope to get an answer to choose between the 2 but now im even more not clear if i take the DT or the ST .. but thanks was a good review
Sorry if the review didn't help you! You really can't go wrong with either of them, so it's a question of which of the pros you value the most. Another key question is what your goal is with the device. For example, the reason why I sold the Digitone was because my goal at the time was to find a box that I could make full tracks on, and that then led me to explore the MPC instead. But now that I'm more into live jams and finishing my tracks in the DAW instead, these Elektron boxes are ideal. My goal is still to make full tracks, but I no longer need the DN/ST to do it all for me, I'm happy with the hybrid workflow.
With regards to your choice, I'd boil it down to immediacy and track count vs polyphony and depth of FM synthesis. Only you can decide which of these combos you value the most. This is just speculation, but I also suspect that the Syntakt will continue to receive updates in 2023 that might possibly make it a more interesting instrument to own. I would not be surprised if they add an arp down the line, and I'm really hoping they'll add the voice sharing too. So, from a "future potential" point of view, the Syntakt has a slight edge.
Hope this helps a little bit. Regardless, I'm pretty sure you'll have tons of fun once you do decide. 😊
The syntakt is easier to learn, you can always get a digitone later
Very interesting video. Is it just me or does the analog filter (sweep) around 9:19 sound a tiny bit like an Oberheim? Really thinking about getting a Syntakt after watching this. Thank you!
Glad you found the video useful! I sadly don't have any experience with the Oberheim sound but I'd definitely say the Syntakt analog tracks can sound gnarly, gritty and powerful. They're very versatile, especially when run through the analog fx block. I appreciate your comment, thank you. 🌟
I’ve listened to this video at least 3-4 times in the last few weeks and not once did I realize you have less than a thousand subscribers. I just defaulted to assuming you’re in the tens to hundreds of thousands
That's such a nice thing to say, thank you! I somehow missed this comment but was very glad to read it today. 😊 I wish I had more time for these videos but I just uploaded a new jam with some performance tips for the Syntakt. Hope you'll have a chance to watch it. Thanks again!
My only issue with the Digitone is that I feel that a Digitone-2 is just around the corner that will over 16 voice polyphony and multitimbrality with a lot more operators. Now that I think about it, other than the Digitone what other pure FM synthesizers are out there? Out know the Hydrasynth and Waldorf Iridium offer these as engines but are there any pure FM-synthesis out there in the market other than the Digitone?
There's the Korg Opsix too, but in all honesty, neither that nor the Digitone are "pure" FM synths since they offer subtractive filtering too. The Digitone's real strength is in its sequencing power though. What makes you think that a Digitone 2 is just around the corner? The Digitakt is by far their most popular groovebox and it's the one with the most obvious limitations (like mono sampling) so if I were to guess, a Digitakt 2 would be a more likely release in 2024. But it's all pure speculation of course. Anyway, if that is your only issue with the Digitone - the fear that it might be superceded with something better in the future - then it sounds like you've found a great choice for you. 🌟
I don’t have the ST, but I’ve got the DT. The ST is more of a groove box, and the DT is a synth with 4 tracks, 8 voices and 4 midi tracks. I wish the DT to have a way to mute and unmute the tracks and the midi tracks simultaneously (as the OT)…this way I will consider it a center piece/groovebox.
You're right that it's a bit of a fluid continuum and not binary! The Syntakt has relatively more groovebox-friendly traits, such as the ability to mute/unmute all 12 tracks. I would personally still place both of these devices in the groovebox category though, that's where I think they both shine. If I were solely looking for an FM synth, I would probably look for other options than the Digitone. Meaning, one of the true strengths of the Digitone is that it shares that excellent Elektron sequencer that enables such a high level of creativity. You can't go wrong with either, really!
I feel like that sound at like 9:30 is definitely possible with the digitone, just may take a little more work with it. I mostly make scratchy low dark gabber/terror-y sounding stuff (mostly hard kicks and snares) but my roommate can make like any sound on his DT. I truly think it's their best 'synth'. dont have a syntakt but proud owner of a DT, OT mk I, RYTM mk I and in the process of buying my old A4 from my homie. If they had some sample functionality like the rytm on the syntakt I'd sell mine immediately for one
Be sure to let me know if you're able to recreate that sound, I'd love to hear it! I agree, the Digitone is their best synth yet.
Is it worth getting both?
Thanks for the video, definitely looking at both of these at the minute so this really helps me!
It so much depends on what you enjoy/value the most, and what you gravitate towards! If you don't own either, I'd definitely recommend starting with just one first. Everyone's needs are different, but to be honest, if I had two myself, I probably would have considered the Digitakt + Digitone over a Syntakt + Digitone combo, just because I feel that either of them fulfills the "synthesizer" needs for me, and I'd be looking at filling the sampling gap too. But that's just because of the music *I* like to make, and it may be a different story for you. It's also fun to pair a Syntakt or a Digitakt with another synth or groovebox too. I just did a MC-101 vs Syntakt comparison video and I think they compliment each other pretty well. That's just one example though. So my best recommendation is: start with one of these and get a feel for the workflow before jumping all in. Another advice, if you can do it, is to buy used products so you have a chance of selling them without a huge loss if it turns out you didn't like the workflow. Hope that helps, and let me know what you end up getting in the end!
@@sinewaymusic Thanks for the detailed response & recommending the Digitakt, just checked it out and it sounds amazing!! I’ll primarily be using these for Techno & Melodic Tec, playing live and transferring ideas to the DAW. So lots of sound design, percs & ambiance. 👍🏼
The key difference there is that you're doing sound design via sampling and resampling on the Digitakt, whereas on the other two it's sound design via synthesis. In my experience, both are really fun and rewarding, but ultimately very different approaches. The Digitakt sounds really punchy and great as a sampler, I wish it supported stereo samples but that's about my only gripe with it. That and polyphony again. 😊
I find samples to be great for things like texture, percussion, and generally to widen the palette outside of the synthesis territory. You really can't go wrong with a Digitakt but you may end up lusting for some way of playing chords on proper synth sounds too. Which is when you either get a Digitone or some other great multitimbral synth (or not). 😂
@@sinewaymusicYouve pretty much summed up what I wish to do, both Digitakt & Digitone do sound like a good combo which should cover a majority of elements within a track. Gives me a great starting point to begin researching / reading up some more. Thanks for the guidance!
Have lots of fun with it and don't hesitate to ask if you run into any questions.
You said you dont care much for analog sounds but your favourite sound at @9:30 is really only possible to sound that good with analog oscs :)
Haha I respectfully disagree. 😊 I think that sound can be fairly easily recreated using SY Bits actually. Of course, every oscillator across any synth will have slight differences but that particular one is pretty much a sawtooth with a highly resonant filter envelope and some overdrive - drowned by a reverb and delay. 😊
pretty cool random arp/ sequence techniques can be done on this and digitakt sequencer using retriggers and probability
It's not the same as the Digitone arp though! But I agree you can do some cool stuff with it, I leverage it throughout my jams on this channel actually. Have a great Sunday!
Digitone + MicroMonsta 2 - the latter is bitimbral, has great midi in cc coverage, and sounds great too, so you can get two more big sounds out of a usb-powered tiny box alongside the DN.
That sounds like a great combo! Personally, I'm a single box guy for the most part, because that way I can jam with it in my lap. With two boxes, I need cables and a table all of a sudden. But I'll be uploading duo jams in the future for sure. 😊
@@sinewaymusic yeh I hear you. Simplicity and constraints breed creativity and immediacy, as soon as we start hooking up this to that and the other, the faff can kill your flow 😁
can you run other units through the fx? like i know the digitone and digitakt let you run external synths thru the fx
Yes indeed, you can run the external stereo input through both the analog FX Block and the delay and reverb effects on the Syntakt. 😊
Great job.. Had the Digitone for 2.5 years. Barely made use of the arpeggiator (and I LOVE arpeggiators!) - because they are only saved with a sound/patch. I wish to god they could be saved separately, and applied to any sounds on the fly - only because the arp is so damn deep/complex to program (IMO). I want to take sounds and try them with different patterns - or vice/versa. So frustrating IMO. Just the way I'd prefer to use that feature. Also... I've found making 'fat-analog-style' filter sweeps pretty easy on the DT. It's a fantastic implementation of FM (the first I've enjoyed) yet still not convinced it's a great fit for what I do - but god it's DEEEEEP - LOL.
I agree it's deep! It's like you have access to a parallel universe of sounds because one sound can quickly morph into something completely different with the twist of just one knob. The arp implementation is a good point, it's not so easy to program an arp and then just browse through presets to find the ideal sound. It's rather the other way around, you need to find the sound first, *then* program the arp. I did find the programmatic aspect to be stronger on the Digitone compared to the Syntakt, which is more immediate. Because you have 12 tracks, you don't need to worry so much about sound locking and not having room for more steps since you can spread things out across many more tracks. It's hard to tell which one is best between the two, which is why they're both winners to me. 😊 Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! I'll be uploading many more jams on the Syntakt as well as other content in the future.
Copy and paste the Arp page to your new patch.
@@hassholl59 That is an excellent tip! Thank you for sharing it. 😊
@@hassholl59 Damn, this was a killer tip! Thanks David!
I have only fiddled on my syntakt a small amount of time but I own the digitone keys, a digitone and digitakt they are all amazing synthesisers and all specialise in certain areas which makes them unique. Love the overview and I think you are right, they are equally as good as each other.
I've watched a lot of tutorials to get a feel of which one to learn first and the syntakt is definitely the easier one to learn first, would love you to do a tutorial explaining each part of the syntakt and maybe a bit slower than most of the tutorials out there, if you can be bothered 😁 of course. 🤣 us newbies get frustrated because some of the guys who teach tutorials for beginners like me expect us to know things and start the tutorial which a sound and we have no idea where the sound came from because they didn't explain it. Sorry for the writing of a book, but I feel the way you explain things would be a really good tutorial for beginners. Anyway appreciate you reading this. I won't right another book, I promise lol
Hey there Bruce, thank you so much for the feedback! I agree with your assessment, the Syntakt is probably the most user friendly of the three. I also appreciate your suggestion on tutorials. There's a lot of them out there but perhaps they're not very beginner friendly? Then again, with your collection, you don't necessarily sound like a beginner. 😊 What are some things you'd like to learn more about?
I've only been collecting the gear over the past year and working out what I'd like to learn, I have been learning the Theremin Eatherwave for the past 16 months, and teaching myself keyboards, 20 years ago I was a DJ for just as many years, I hadn't really listened to too much music over the past 20 because of burnout and no one had come up with anything that was fresh for me. Lockdown had rejuvenated my interest but on a different level and I eventually wanted to do my own music but more on a performance basis.
I'm really at the very start of all this accept for my Theremin. That's why I suggested something for beginners I like Cuckoo who has these devices but his beats are a bit advanced for beginners I think. However I do like the psychedelic stuff, I have done since the early 90s this gives a lot of flexibility not just with the beats but also with sound design which all this instruments can produce
@@brucekirbyartist Glad to hear you're back at it again! It sounds like you have landed at the right set of gear, the Elektron boxes do feel like a nice mix between production and performance. I often compare them against the MPC, which is much more production focused, much like a DAW, only a more tactile and fun one. The Elektron boxes force you to actually jam on them, at least twist some knobs live. It's a huge part of the fun for me. I love Cukoo as well, he's such a nice character and a good musician too, in his unique way. I gravitate more towards melody-focused electronic music, I started to make music in the 90s too, so I guess that will always be a part of me. I'll upload another jam tomorrow, it won't be a tutorial but it will at least show how I leverage all of the 12 tracks on the Syntakt. Hope you'll like it.
I will check it out as as I get the chance
digitone key is awesome love mine
Glad i copped the digitone over black friday. I think its a deeper machine from what ive seen/heard. I have a DT too which i prefer for sound design and sampled drums anyways. Glad the syntakt is a hit tho, seems great for ppl that want that analog/digital all in one.
Ps. The digitones chorus is fire
Yeah if you already have the Digitakt, I'd personally pick the Digitone over the Syntakt as the second machine to own. They make an excellent duo! Between the Digitone and Syntakt as the sole device to own, however, it's a much closer call and as I say in the video, both are winners depending on which of the main pros you value the most and what kind of music you make. 😊
I agree , I have both and and i prefer Digitone faaaaar away . Only 4 channel but less is more ... and it sounds magical , i love it and use it everyday .
@@sossa57 The Digitone is an amazing instrument! How are you using the Syntakt and are you considering selling it given that less is more?
hey, i would make a video like that too. tells the most important thing. how exactly can you "tune" the syntak? in cents? would be good for bass drum and such.... thanks
Hey thanks for the feedback on the video! Regarding tuning, each synth voice can be tuned independently so you can easily tune things precisely to your liking, if that's what you mean. You can also tune all tracks at once using ctrl+all. Hope that helps.
I have heard that the syntakt sounds different than other elektron machines? as in less dark and a bit more clearer?
I think it can sound very bright but so can the Digitone. The Digitakt does have a darker sound to it for sure. On the Syntakt, I almost always dial down the second page filter to remove some of the harsh overtones. It makes for much easier mixing of the songs.
I was curious if this review would sway me at all. I have a SpazeDrum from Gotharmans. I have four analog channels, and four analog outs (one for each channel). It also has two digital channels, that I can go out through the stereo out. That’s four mono analog outputs and a stereo digital output. It really gives the Syntact a run for its money. When you look at all the filters, the touch screen (if you want it) and expandable storage (through USB)… and the fact the SpazeDrum does sampling….
I think I have what many Syntakt owners are looking for when they go buy a Digitakt to handle sampling.
Hi there! I must admit that the SpazeDrum had completely escaped my radar. Looking at some of the (few) jams on it, it looks like it's much more of a drum synthesizer, where I'd describe the Syntakt as more of a hybrid between and drums and melody. I'll be uploading a jam here tomorrow using all of the 12 tracks on it, which I think illustrates this point quite well as it's much more melody-focused. So I think that's one thing you get with the Syntakt, the ability to make a full sounding track. I would have a hard time building up a full song on something like the SpazeDrum, but I'd be curious to learn what you create on it!
Main take-away: Syntakt is a butter goose table 🙂
Haha, yeah pretty much! 😂 Jokes aside, it is truly versatile and fun.
can the arpegiator in digitone send the notes via midi?
Unfortunately no. It only plays the arpeggiated notes internally. It can however play back its arpeggiator via external midi input, i.e. the other way around still works.
I suppose a roundabout way of getting the notes out and into your DAW would be to record the audio using a simple sine tone sound and use the DAW feature to convert audio to midl. Many DAWs have this feature. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching the video!
I have the digitone as it’s good for drum and bass bass lines, and the step locking helps fill the tracks, but the model cycles, even though it has two tracks more it feels much better with less voice stealing, so this thing is going to be amazing since having the model cycles, as for the digitone that’s its own workflow. The syntakt will definitely be for me eventually. Aha
Arguably, with the DN and M:C together, you have a Syntakt already. 😊 But yes, the Syntakt is indeed special, and easy to build complete tracks on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I would rather have a digitone+ cycles honestly
@@darkjord5823 I’d agree and now since the digitakt has had a 1.50 update time stretch and other options I’m going to opt out of the syntakt myself. Maybe still get at some point in the near future. The model cycles and digitone has been so much fun for sure. The cycles easier to work with though the tone can be a touch fiddly. Love them either way.
@@lbarnett748 Yea go for the DT and you got a poor man's dark Trinity 😜
@@darkjord5823 I already have it man. Forgot to say that bit. And I agree my tone, cycles. digitakt will make an awsome trinity. The a4 being the extra for a dark quadrity. Ahaha
I’m planing a second setup. Syntakt, Digitone and Minifreak.
That sounds like a fantastic combo. No sampling though?
@@sinewaymusic The first setup includes a Deluge.
@@G4Nazarener You have much more toys than I do. 🤩 I definitely prefer synthesis and I've been looking at the Minifreak too. I love how it integrates so nicely into the DAW and would love that flexibility for when doing live jams that you want to tweak further in the DAW.
for the arpegiator i connect a midi controler wich has an arpegiator (novation launchkey) to the syntakt and write the arpegio to the sequencer. works like a charm.
Smart workaround, thanks for sharing!
I do this too, sometimes you get a slightly offbeat arp, sounds really cool
I think this has to do with the quantization setting on Syntakt @@jprivet
The fx block in Syntakt is a oversighted main plus of its features. Because it can be routed to the ddl & rev which are a pair of extra digital fx blocks. U are also buying a fx processor that is much like a mini Analog Heat+Fx... But it has a the fx pattern sequencer u don't buy as a feature of Heat+Fx units.
I agree, it has so much potential. To be honest, I still don't use it for much more than as a way to sketch out ideas that I'll then recreate in the daw once a song has been multitracked via Overbridge. I try to find a use for the fx block in all songs I'm making, but because it creates a stereo out for all tracks routed through it, I typically don't keep it beyond the sketching phase. But I can see how others who use the Syntakt live on stage would find more immediate use of it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
Great. video. To your knowledge would it even be possible with in the Syntax architecture to imply "voice sharing " so to play chords on Syntrax like the Digitone for a future update?
Thanks for your comment about the video! Yes, voice sharing is definitely technically possible, the only question is whether Elektron will implement it or if they think that would compete too much with the Digitone being their primary polyphonic synthesizer/groovebox.
I am currently hard in decision between the Syntakt and the Digitone. But then on the other hand, i already own a Digitakt! So for me it's rather usefull to get a Digitone, as the Digitakt already combines Monosynths like engines and drum kits (it's a sampler though, so good for drums).
If I wouldn't own a Digitakt i would probably aim for the Syntakt
Hey there! I think your reasoning makes total sense. I believe that I've written this somewhere else but if I wanted to have two Elektrons, I would choose to go with Digitakt and Digitone. Since I'm the kind of guy that get the most joy out of focusing on one machine, the Syntakt is my choose as the happy compromise between those two.
@@sinewaymusicthat makes lot of sense!
🙋♂️There is a couple of arpeggiator hacks for the Syntakt on a video by Soffter 🙌
I went with the Dígitone, but both are great and IMO both need something to complement each other. I may still get the Syntakt as a companion.
100% agreed, both are really great. Personally I prefer to keep things simple by using one at a time, and for my use cases the Syntakt makes that easier. But I wouldn't say no to both or really either of them. :)
I have an MC707 i only think about Syntakt, because Roland has no overbridge, still hoping they make controller software, soon...
Doesn't the MC-707 do per-track audio over USB? My MC-101 does at least. It's not as flexible as Overbridge, of course, but not too far off in my opinion. Regardless, they are very different machines and arguably would complete each other well. I'll probably make an oddball Syntakt vs MC-101 comparison down the line since they have a lot of things in common from the point of view of being portable grooveboxes. If that's of any interest to you, be sure to hit subscribe. And please do let me know if you end up picking up a Syntakt, would love to hear how you think it compares!
I wonder how does the two compare to Roland MC707?
I haven't used the MC-707 but you can check my comparison with the MC-101 here on the channel. It gives you a hint about some of the key differences in terms of workflow, versatility, sound, etc. In summary, I'd say that which one you like probably depends on what kind of workflow you prefer, if using step sequencers is something you like or if you prefer to play notes in live for example. And of course whether you need samples *and* synthesis, in which case the MC-707 is the only option of the three.
Är det inte läge att dra av den där skyddsfilmen..?
Det är det onekligen! 😂
Is the syntakt pretty identical to the analog rytm?
I'm hoping that someone else can answer that question for you as I don't have any experience with the Analog Rytm. But on paper they're of course very different. The Syntakt has 12 tracks of which 8 are digital. So it's a lot more versatile than the Rytm - at least that's my assumption. 😊
Too much faffing with making a beat in 1 track on the digitone, I'm lazy like that. That's why I prefer the Syntakt for electronic beats and the Digitone Keys for tones and and also as a posh midi keyboard for soft/hardware synths. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing combo you have, congratulations! I don't think I could imagine a more posh midi controller than that. 😂 Thanks for stopping by. I'll be making more videos and comparisons in the future, as well as uploading more jams. If you're interested in this type of content, please feel free to subscribe. Have a great week ahead!
Digitone everyday . Because it's a very inspiring tool , deep and it sounds magical . It's a synth above all
Yeah, synth first and foremost, *and* an excellent groovebox. I must say that the Syntakt offers a lot of unique strengths too though, I'm loving it more every day. Today, I'm jamming on the Roland MC-101 though - new video uploaded. Have a great weekend and thanks for your comment!
digitone key is amazing
Buy and RK002 midi cable no it can either play x8 digital voices or x3 analog voices with polyphony with the polymux scirpt
It's good that there's a workaround, but that's just further proof that this could be done better in a firmware update. 😊
man i really wish i could play with this machine, i only have the digitakt and the digitone
"Only"? 😊 To be honest, if using two of these machines at the same time were my preferred way of jamming, I would pick the Digitakt and Digitone. They complete each other very well and you're not really missing anything with that combo. The Syntakt is better for me because I prefer to jam on just one machine in my lap. There's always a bit of that "grass is greener on the other side" feeling with these things, so it's good to keep that in mind. Only you can decide what works best for you, so definitely give a Syntakt a try if you can. I bought mine used and that's a good approach to minimize/eliminate the financial loss in this discovery process. Thanks for watching and have a great Sunday!
“Only” ?! Bro, thats all you need lol
from where are the effects generated?
Which effects are you referring to? All the effects like delay, reverb, overdrive come from the Syntakt if you are referring to the sound demos. 😊
Thanx for the video. Im thinking i go for the digitone. Now these days they go for around 500 euro's used. Just sold my mnm. 😢
The Digitone is awesome and it's a great point that you can get them cheap used. I got my Syntakt cheap used too (around 650 eur). 😊
@@sinewaymusic Still i have my doubts because the limitations. No cv outs. Even the newer mpc one have cv's out.
@@klaasvandrunen3098 I've never used CV ins/outs on my MPC but then again I've never been into modular and all my synths have midi.
Neither one of them is cheap so in that respect a buyer with a budget of a single device is forced to make the choice to start with. However from purely sonic perspective, it is quite clear Elektrone made a willful decision to slot each device into a specific function: a sampler, an FM, a drum/analogue machine. Very similar, if not the same in spirit, to what Korg did 24 years ago with the first series of Electribes (analogue modeling, sampler, drum), or what they've done with Volcas. Thus, enticing the purchaser to build up a larger rig setup out of stand alone devices, covering all tonal capabilities. I don't think there has ever been do-it-all ultimate groovebox. Even if you go back to Roland MC-909, or modern takes of the likes of Deluge or Polyend, or MPC One? (neither of which has analogue for example). I think I prefer it that way (maybe i've been conditioned) - you get to be more creative within the limitations of each box, but then again you get to feed your G.A.S. by looking forward to expand your familiar ecosystem, and in that light there is no wrong choice. Happy groovboxing everyone!
You have good points, although I'd say that the Syntakt offers you a lot of possibilities that can push you very far. I've been experimenting with creating pads using two or three oscillators with the second oscillator tuned to the second and fourth notes of a chord, and it works quite well actually. And the machines give you so much flexibility. I'd say that the Syntakt is their best compromise between all of their devices so far. Sure, it won't approach all sample needs, which is why I ended up getting a Digitakt this week. But I still intend to make music primarily on the Syntakt and only use the Digitakt to fill in the blanks, so to speak. Maybe 80% Syntakt and 20% Digitakt where needed. Perhaps I'll sample some pads and synth sounds from the MC-101 but jam using the Digitakt sequencer. 😊
Butter goose table got you a like and sub.
Haha, thanks man! I'm glad I'm not the only one appreciating the dry humor. 😅
13:04 Tbf I'm sure that is part of the business plan
You may be right! But I still have my fingers crossed that they will add it. I was able to work around this limitation in a jam I just recorded, which uses two tracks to create a chord. I'll upload that video tomorrow. 😊
Digitakt vs Octatrack... can they not do most of this using samples?
Samples are a very different workflow. Technically, a sample can sound like anything you can sample, so yes. Where synthesis becomes hard to replicate with samples is when it comes to tweaking parameters of the synthesis to morph a sound from one state to another. I'd think that a Digitakt would pair nicely with a Syntakt to get the best of both worlds: samples and synthesis. 😊
@@sinewaymusic well said
Interesting choice to compare Syntakt to Digitone. I would put Digitakt against Syntakt as it is more versatile if you have to choose a groovebox. I have been making complete songs with Digitone but that is a clear limitation to have just a 4 tracks. Like you said DN is well suited for more ambient stuff where you can easily get interesting compositions using just one sound per track. Stuffing more sounds per track leads to more programming and more complex arangement and makes performing more complicated. With Digitakt I have made quite many songs and with 8 tracks. I think that there is something else wrong with your composition if you are not able to get it work with 8 tracks. That said I would be still tempted to try Syntakt with different options for sounds and 4 more tracks. But as of now Digitakt servers me so well that if I'm not able to get Syntakt really cheap I probably won't get it.
On side note I bought DN to pair it with DT but eventually I haven't used them paired at all. I just like the ease of performance by having just one device in a set. I will still keep them both as they serve different purposes while composing techno or ambient stuff.
Great points! And I'm just like you, I vastly prefer working with one device at a time. I did have both the Digitone and Digitakt at one point but that's when I immediately gravitated towards something else instead (an MPC in my case) because I couldn't stand working across two devices.
You're right that the Digitakt is a more worthy contender in the quest for the ultimate (Elektron) groovebox, but I decidedly wanted to look at it from the angle of two synth-based grooveboxes. Also, I felt like I have much more experience with the Digitone than the Digitakt. And besides, there are enough Digitakt vs Syntakt comparisons out there already. :)
To me, the Syntakt is the most versatile groovebox if you're mainly into synthesis. It can do things that the Digitakt can't, like gradually introducing some portamento to an oscillator over the course of playing a pattern. The 4 extra tracks means you can sketch out a track more quickly because you don't have to "think" as much when composing. I find that Ctrl+All works really well on the Syntakt too, and it has many times led to completely new song ideas and remixes of old songs. While I find ctrl+all to be very fun and rewarding on the Digitakt too, it rarely takes the song into a completely different genre/vibe. It feels more like a performance effect on the Digitakt whereas on the Syntakt, it can really open up completely new ideas for the song.
Then again the Digitakt is more versatile from another perspective: you can play almost any sound on it - assuming you're fine with a mono sound. The workflow is a bit different if you are composing songs out of chords where you'd have to dedicate separate patterns to sequence chords and then resample them and use those samples on one single track.
I agree that, assuming some polyphony, 8 tracks is enough. But to be honest, I find the workflow to be much faster on the Syntakt and 12 is the perfect number that means you almost never run out of tracks. I personally also prefer dialing in a synth sound than browsing for sample presets. I can sketch out a new idea with shit tones initially, and then once the idea is laid down, I can focus on dialing in the right sounds, and it's such an intuitive process that you don't even think about it. Whereas the second I have to browser for presets, I lose the vibe. But in all honesty, I'd be very happy with a Digitakt too and I've bought it twice (but also sold it twice). :)
Syntakt is more grooveboxy as it has more of a drum machine than DN. Also Syntakt is a nice synth.
Yeah I'd agree the Syntakt makes it easier to make a full track due to its 12 tracks which can be individually mixed. It's a bit more crowded when using the Digitone's 4 tracks, even though conceptually they're both very similar.
I ended up buying a second digitone. With two you can do a lot.
That's the way to do it! I probably would pair it with a Digitakt personally but you can't go wrong with two Digitones. 😊
I imagine having 2 helps a lot, as it frees you from all tracks having to change pattern at the same time. The sequencer is so brilliant, but there's just no escaping the fact that all tracks have to switch patterns simultaneously, even if they are different lengths and resolutions. Having 2 of them means 2 independent sequencers, with independent pattern changes.
@@rdean150 Having two is especially useful when creating live sets with a few songs. If you eg program the drums on one machine and the melody on the other, you can create really seamless and interesting transitions between the songs.
really 2 digitone ??? what can you do more I own a digitone key now wonder if I get a digitone box
@@sinewaymusic yeah my digitone key and Digitakt together rocks
Even if DN has polyphony its not ideal puting in chords via the keyboard, hard (imo) to dial in or make it sound like classical fm, and 4 tracks can feel limiting.
Syntakt is to me an analogue powehouse with so much in the same box, 12 tracks and a more suitable groovebox approach, imo.. Winner: Syntakt 🥇
Glad it was an easy choice for you! I personally would be happy with both, even though they both also miss certain things that the other one has. I definitely agree with you about the track count, but I found it straightforward to put in chords by playing live, less so using the step sequencer. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!
@@sinewaymusic Cool yeah, and the trackcount/limitations must not be a bad thing. Just feel like the Syntakt is kinda the most generous elektron box yet. But of course they are all great boxes. Thanks for great content.
@@motoboy6666 "Generous" is a good word to describe it, I fully agree. Track count really does help; I just recorded a jam on the MC-101 yesterday and it has a similar problem as the Digitone in that the drums need to fit in one single track. This makes it really difficult to mix the track without a lot of extra work. I find that the Syntakt is SO much easier to use for live jams and recording it into the DAW. Thanks for your feedback on the content, have a great rest of the week!
Syntactische not being polyphinic was a reason for me to return it i thought it wouldnt matter as i love the workflow on the digitone so much it wouldnt bother me. But unfortunatly it dis to sucb extend that i couldnt get over it. Still a superb machine and would kept if i didnt have other alternatives.
Bummer Elektron doesn’t make a machine that has it all!! Now you are stuck to compromise one way or another or to have bunch of boxes that won’t get 100% of your attention at the end of a day. I’m still split on Syntakt vs Digitone, but considering i have analogue keys (i still believe it’s one of the sweetest analogue synths out-there, greatly underrated) and analogrytm - i may just get digitone and forget about FX blocks of Syntakt. I’m even considering selling Analog Rytm for Push and sample the stuff from the remaining machines into Ableton instead of struggling with arrangements on the machines themselves.. ;). (Did I mention Machinedrum?? 😅🤭). Thinking of it: Elektron did a mistake not making Syntakt a Digitone V2…
I agree, it's a shame they haven't done a machine that does it all! I just got a Push 3 and it's a really interesting workflow actually. Will be featuring more of it here on the channel in the future, alongside the Syntakt.
i'm looking forward to that! I am interested if it does parameter locks and if it does zoom similar to Deluge ... (you can zoom "into" grid/pads and then you can program in higher resolution for that particular step)
@@VDJ4500 It sort of does parameter locks but differently: it doesn't keep an "unlocked" state of a parameter once you've step-locked it, meaning, it will then return back to whichever value was used when the step locking was programmed. So it effectively works as a quantized/blocky automation. That works well for the most part, but if you intend to modify that parameter live during a performance, that will disable the automation and let you jam freely.
The zooming into pads: I think you can set the resolution of pads when editing to eg 1/16ths, 1/32rds etc so unless I'm misunderstanding your description, I think this works. You can also zoom in via the display and use the jog wheel to edit steps. The latest firmware update solved some annoying bugs with this so now it works flawlessly. :) We'll be introducing the Push 3 on the channel soon and talk a bit about its pros and cons and how it compares against the Syntakt and MPC Live 2.
I would prefer a phaser over a chorus on Syntakt.
Since they're technically the same things with different delay times, there's no reason why we couldn't have both. 😊
You can get phaser effects from the double notch filter on the analog/FX machines :)
@@simplemindedspacetrash7499 you should make a video about it!!
@E-Con Records im planning on making some Syntakt videos over on my music channel: @mutablebody :)
@@simplemindedspacetrash7499 sweet!
They should've at least given the syntakt polyphony for the digital tracks.
Yeah that would have made a big difference indeed.
Choose neither everyone. If you want a digitone get the digitone keys. Instead of groovebox, you get a groovebox that is 4 part multitimbral synth with individual outposts that can be your main midi controller and actually take advantage of the polyphony the digitone offers. If you want a syntakt, save a little more and get an analog rytm mkii. It has many of the same sound engines and has sampling. And has external inputs.
Thanks for sharing your point of view! It really depends on what your priorities and needs are (eg portability vs piano keys). Those are all fine options in my book. Have a great week ahead!
@@sinewaymusic totally! Just another opinion for people reading in the comments
The answer is ... Roland MC-707 :-)
That's an interesting point of view! What makes you love it? I'll be posting a jam with the MC-101 next, probably tomorrow!
@@sinewaymusic I also have the little brother MC-101 and I prefer its workflow and its immediacy. I had a digitone, it can generate great (FM) sounds, but as a groovebox is not so good and I hated its sequencer ... for what regards the syntakt (never tried it) I find weird that the steps are monophonic and that a step a cannot contain multiple samples. The MC-101 is a little bit limited, so I think that the 707 would be perfect if portability is not an issue (I picked the 101 for portability). You can find some MC-101 songs on my YT channel.
I'll check out your songs on the MC-101! It's an interesting little groovebox, I have to say I find it hard to jam on it. As a bedside/couch sketchpad, it's great, and I love the Roland sounds on it. But I probably have the opposite view on the relative strengths of the MC vs Elektron sequencers. :) I find that the hardest part about jamming on it is the non-endless rotaries.
I will upload my first MC-101 jam here on the channel in 5 minutes, feel free to check it out. Thanks for sharing your point of view on these grooveboxes and have a great weekend!
Thanks for a great video. But please peel off the screen protector 😂
Thank you! I'm prepared to make a pledge: it will get peeled off at 500 subs. 😂🧡
didn't know Kumail Nanjiani was into synths😄
Wait, my dry jokes remind you of him? 😂😭
Time to take the plastic off.
You're right! Watch the jam titled Fjord to see the plastic get peeled off in the beginning! 😊🧡
The best groovbox is still the machinedrum uw
I've never tried it but I'm sure it's great! I've never had as fun as I've had with the Syntakt though, it almost makes music of its own. Just uploaded a new jam yesterday with standalone Syntakt. 😊
I'll sell you my Digitone. I never use it. It's collecting dust in my storage. I'll be more than happy to give you a great deal on it.
Where are you located?
@@sinewaymusic Birmingham, Alabama. The Digitone doesn't meet my musical needs. programming is too time consuming. I would love to sell it to you for an extremely reasonable price. serious!
@@Mr.B_HAM That's very generous of you. I'm based in Sweden though, so I'm not sure the transaction would make a lot of sense financially. You are right, it is a bit of a programmatic experience. To me, that's part of the fun, but I also really enjoyed the MPC because it was much more immediate with the pads and Dub Rec modes. Have you tried one out?
Modern korg electribe
That's your choice?
That's what I thought when they launched it. But now after a few reviews, I still think Electribe stands on it's own pretty well after all these years - aforementioned polyphony for example that's a bit of a drawback on Elektron IMO.
Without watching the video the ULTIMATE groovebox is neither one. The syntakt is a groovebox, not the ULTIMATE, the digitone is an FM synth with a sequencer. Wy even put them in the same category?
Appreciate your perspective! Feel free to watch the video and share more of your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
9:29 that's called analog 😅 that's why digitone will never hit that sound.
True! 😊
Why would you compare the digitone with the syntakt for drums? Syntakt or digitakt are for drums, digitone is for sounds. This video is like saying a knife doesn’t do what a spoon does and vice versa.
Appreciate your question! I absolutely think that both the Syntakt and Digitone can be used for both drums and "tones" (for lack of a better term) and I have been using both for both myself. That's why I'm saying that the Syntakt is probably more "drums first, tones second" where the opposite is true for Digitone. To me, it's not a fork vs a spoon, it's more like two versions of sporks. :)
Why?
Tell 'em that it's human nature!
I've owned the Digitone for a few years, and have always been pretty disappointed with it. It seems so under powered. Its like a 80s Yamaha with a 4 track sequencer. I end up just using it inside my DAW through overbridge. Syntakt hasn't been on my radar at all because of that experience.
I'd say you're selling it short with that description, even though you're technically correct. 😊 That sequencer is what makes all the difference if you use it creatively. It's what turns the 2 LFOs into 50 of them, if you want to. But when compared against a DAW, any instrument, electronic or not, will be extremely limited. Recording those instruments into the DAW is the way to go, I do the same as you did. If you didn't like the Digitone, you probably won't like the Syntakt either. What's your favorite electronic instrument today, besides the DAW?
@@sinewaymusic I guess right now its the Dirtywave m8. It has some limitations too obviously, but also a lot of pros. I actually like the FM engine in it a lot, and because I can bounce to sample on the device, it gives me a lot more to work with than the Digitone even though technically the polyphony is the same (8 voices) in each device. To be honest though, I tend to work 100% in the DAW a lot more than I used to.
@@CrescentRollCarl DAW is the way to go if you want to increase productivity, I prefer a hybrid workflow myself. Haven't tried the M8 but hope to be able to in the future. Cheers!
That screen protector needs to go
I hear you! We all have different OCDs I guess. Mine is wanting to keep things as new for as long as possible. But I agree, it's getting silly. 😂 Thanks for watching! I'll be uploading a new jam tomorrow using all 12 tracks.
@@sinewaymusic Indeed. It's OCD of you to keep it on _and_ it's OCD of me to ask you to remove it!
@@sinewaymusic Also, great vid. I have both and if I had do let one go it would be the Digitone. I feel like it's the deepest of the bunch in terms of sound modeling, but I never dive deep enough into it. FM is interesting when you can make it sound like if it's not FM, but that's hard, at least for me.
@@jean-pierremartineau4136 You will win in the end. I'll make a pledge to peel it off at 500 subs. 😭😂
@@jean-pierremartineau4136 Appreciate the feedback and your take on the Digitone! I agree, I remember mostly browsing through presets and searching for more presets on the Digitone, whereas on the Syntakt I more often than not just design my sounds from scratch every time. The presets are somewhat underwhelming on the Syntakt, but the reward is in dialing in just what you want, right there when sketching out the songs. The jam tomorrow is one such example where all the main sounds where designed from scratch.
Niether
learn to spell dummy 😂
Everyone's needs and preferences are different, which is a great thing!
Are you recording this in a bathroom? The room reflections are creating a really distracting resonance in your voice that hurts my ears.
Hey anonymous friend! Yeah the audio is kind of shit isn't it. This was our first voice video and hopefully you'll find the audio of the subsequent ones to be a bit better. Sorry! If UA-cam has the decency of allowing videos to be re-uploaded, there's a lot more I would have fixed about the videos I've released so far. Have a great rest of the week and thanks for tuning in despite the audio quality!
@@sinewaymusic Wasn't trying to be rude, just being constructive. Some people cant hear details like that, or dont know to listen for them. Have a good one!
@@anonymous_friend Can't do anything about it I'm afraid. We had about 30 followers at the time this video was posted and were just getting started.
@@anonymous_friend But to be clear, no offense taken. 😊 If I could do anything about it, I would.
Syntakt + Minifreak
That sounds like a fun combo. Are you considering it, or already have it?
@@sinewaymusic Already have it. It is awesome.
@@HorstDerHoden22 Congrats! Would love to try the Minifreak at some point. 😊
The problem with elektron analogue its not better than their digital machines i think the machinedrum sounds way better then the rytm and the digitone is as excellent as a4
I think of the analog vs digital part not as "better vs worse" but simply more variety. You get many more sound machines to choose from this way. Some of my favorite kicks are in the analog palette.
why sounds the buttons so cheap at a machine of this money,this is wat me disturb,klick,klick,klick,are they hard plastic?the machine it self sounds amazing.
Haha this one is highly subjective. You might be surprised, but the clicky buttons are often regarded as a big positive for these machines. They're built to survive pretty harsh environments and treatments at live gigs etc. The buttons are similar to those of mechanical keyboards, which are praised for the same reasons. I personally agree with you though, a part of me appreciates them, but I'd definitely prefer more quiet buttons. 😊
Niether
learn to spell dummy 😂
Which one is your favorite?