Elektron Digitakt: Sampler & Sequencer Overview
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
The Elektron Digitakt packs 8 sample and 8 MIDI tracks plus the legendary Elektron sequencer. Here’s how its sampling engine, parameter locks, and conditional locks work.
The Elektron Digitakt is a compact drum sampler with eight audio tracks, eight MIDI tracks, and the signature Elektron sequencer. In a 215 × 176 × 63 mm box sits a device that Sound On Sound says thinks of itself more as a performance instrument than a production workstation.
At a glance
- 8 audio tracks for samples plus 8 MIDI tracks for external gear
- 64 MB RAM, up to 128 samples per project
- 1 GB internal storage (+Drive) for projects and sounds
- 8 banks of 8 patterns each, up to 64 steps per pattern
Sound: Bit Reduction and an Unusually Flexible Sampling Engine
Sound On Sound describes the sonic character as distinct: bit reduction and overdrive sit right at the sample source, giving the box its own sound. The review especially highlights the sampling engine, which can loop extremely short sample slices so smoothly that the line to wavetable synthesis blurs.
The Sequencer: Parameter Locks, Conditional Locks, and Micro Timing
The heart of the beast is the Elektron sequencer. Grid Recording gives you XOX-style step programming, Live Recording captures performances in real time. With Parameter Locks you set unique automation values for every single step. Conditional Locks go further: they trigger steps only when certain conditions are met — say, at a set probability, in intervals, or depending on the outcome of other steps. Add Micro Timing for fine rhythmic nudges and the ability to give each track its own pattern length, and you get polyrhythmic structures. A Fill feature allows controlled pattern expansions for live sets.
Sound On Sound praises the Conditional Locks as an innovative feature but criticizes a steep learning curve, tedious file management, and the lack of velocity sensitivity on the pad buttons. Pattern changes are also locked to the end of a pattern; a spontaneous mid-bar switch isn’t possible.
Specs
| Tracks | 8 audio tracks, 8 MIDI tracks |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB, up to 128 samples per project |
| Internal Storage | 1 GB solid-state storage (+Drive) |
| Patterns | 8 banks × 8 patterns, up to 64 steps |
| Connections | Stereo In/Out (1/4″), headphone out, 2 × sampling input, USB, MIDI In/Out/Thru |
| Dimensions | 215 × 176 × 63 mm |
Digitakt vs. Digitakt II Compared
The successor Digitakt II expands the concept: 16 tracks that can each be used as stereo, mono, or MIDI, 400 MB sample storage, 20 GB +Drive storage, and patterns with up to 128 instead of 64 steps per track. The sequencer gains a Euclidean Sequence Generator per track, plus a Song Mode for playlist arrangements. The original Digitakt remains the leaner of the two.
If you’re after a laptop-free entry into making your own beats, the Native Instruments Maschine+ offers another pad-based alternative from the same market segment.
FAQ
How many tracks does the Elektron Digitakt have?
The Digitakt gives you eight audio tracks for samples plus eight additional MIDI tracks to sequence external gear via the Elektron sequencer.
What’s the difference between the Digitakt and Digitakt II?
The Digitakt II doubles the track count (16 vs. 8), adds far more sample and internal storage, longer patterns up to 128 instead of 64 steps, and extra sequencer features like a Euclidean Sequence Generator and a Song Mode.
Source: Sound On Sound and Elektron Digitakt II
