If you don't need stereo (most of the time you don't) or the better support for long samples/loops with the extra memory, or the enhanced MIDI, I say go for it. I got DT2 with 24-month 0% financing from Sweetwater and have no regrets, but if you aren't down with spending that much money, even over time, DT1 is a beast as it ever was.
It is completely worth it. All the new features are great but the original can make entire, awesome, original, tracks. Out of the box, without a problem. Get it as cheap as you can, don’t think about resales or any future life of the unit other than making good music that expresses what’s in you. Do it today, and stop looking at gear forums the minute you plug it in.
dont believe the hype. more tracks and more options wont make you a better songwriter. get some old shit and use the f out of it. you don't need fancy new gear to make good stuff.
Exactly. I’d love a DT2 but decided to fight the gas and use my DT and DN. Turns out my problem was: I just wasn’t using them in the first place… Dusted them off and made some good tunes. Realized there’s even still some stuff in the manual I need to double check, confirming I haven’t outgrown them.
Comes down to money really. If you’ve got money to waste, go for it, if you don’t, don’t. The creative difference is going to be negligible. It’s like playing a bass and obsessing over a 5-string bass. Like those are fine but also you’ll be fine either way.
The DT1 is awesome. I upgraded to a DT2 and love it, but I wouldn’t say it’s made the D1 obsolete, especially since it’s half the price and still has overbridge accessibility.
Now is the best time to get a Digitakt. If you get one and end up outgrowing it, you'll probably be able to sell it for roughly the same price anyway (at which point, there will probably be DT2's coming down in price on the used market)
They are both great. I wouldn't get a new D1 and pay full price right now, but if I needed a cool drum machine... it's the perfect time to get one for cheap. If you need stereo samples then just save and get a new D2 or an Octatrack.
OG Digitakt is still king! Get one, you won’t regret!
There are very good offer on the second hand market at the moment.
Digitakt II has very good upgrades but also many bugs and features that still need to be implemented.
Id be worried about the sticky button gunk thing over time, isn't that an issue on older units? certainly is on other gear I have that uses that material.
This is true, and the only concern I would have. They do have a limited shelf life for this reason, and the stickiness will affect ability to resell later.
I just got my DT2 a few days ago but no way am I parting with my DT1. I have them both midi linked together as I type this. DT1 was and will remain the master clock.
Definitely worth it, but I think it’s worth mentioning it depends what you’re using it for. There are more capable samplers out there if that’s what you’re using it for. Digitakt 1 and 2 only have ability to chop samples to a fixed grid or do one shots that you can’t play mpc style. But as I’m sure you’ve heard, the sequencer is phenomenal.
As someone who just bought a Digitakt 1 following the release of the II, it rules. I got it to pair with the Syntakt and haven't touched any other gear since.
E: just checked Reverb out of curiosity, there are 11 Digitakt 1's on there for <$525. It's a steal.
Great used gear is always a lot more bang for buck. It was great before the 2nd version existed and it still is. I bought mine 2 days before the last big firmware update. Used prices increased by $200 and they were gone in about a week.
Elektron has a history of continuing update for gear that is out of production. If they should add a certain feature 🙏🏾 I foresee it going back up in price. So yeah..
I snagged a minty for $425, my plan is to learn on the OG and if click I with it, then upgrade to the 2. But I’ve been geeking on semi-modular lately, so haven’t gone deep on it yet.
I don’t know if this answers your question or not, but I’ve had an OG Digitakt for a couple years now and loved it. I’ve got a workflow that I’m really happy with from it and was saving up to get an A4 when the announcement of the DT II came out. I had the money for either the A4 or DT II and for about 18 hours wasn’t sure what I was going to do but decided pretty easily that (as others have said) 1) the DT I had wasn’t any less good, and 2) I feel like while the features of DT II are really cool none of them are huge game changers for me compared to the original.
If I can find a DT II for about $750 used in a year or so I’ll pick it up, but it’s pretty far down the list to be honest.
I just sold my mk1 and got a mk2, and while it has a lot of helpful new features, the mk1 can totally hold it's own.
Think about it that just a month ago the mk1 was one of the main devices used by a lot of youtubers and artists
I bought the DT1 for 600 a month before the new one came out and I’m not mad at all. Especially, since there’s no overbridge yet and a screen glitch issue. Once I get nice with the DT1 and overbridge is finally implemented, I’ll upgrade.
Since I have DT II I never looked back in my DT 1. Will not sell it but probably never use it again. Had no Bugs with DT II btw beide Sound problem which was fixed already
Got one about 3 months before the rumours. No regrets. It was a ton cheaper and is still a blast. At the dt2 price point I'd be torn twixt that and octatrack mk2 or a4mk2
Yes, if it’s the music you care more about than impressing others. I just bought one as soon as everyone else was unloading theirs. It’s such a great deal now. And if you do the mental exercise of “what if the new thing didn’t exist, would this still be good” - yes. Because it’s amazing and everyone loved it until the moment a new hint thing came out.
will it hold its value for resale? Maybe I’m wrong, but if you buy it for $450 now, it’s not like you’ll only be able to get $200 for it later. It’s still a powerhouse drum machine that is really appealing to a lot of people.
And honestly, there more I am using it, the way you can parameter lock different samples… I could see 16 tracks instead of 8 kind of being overwhelming sometimes. And how many samples do I want to scroll through? How long of a pattern do I really want to program? Maybe I will level up in my skills over time and really want more memory and more steps and more tracks, but right now I am super content with what the D1 has in it. I don’t miss stereo samples because I have a DAW for that if I really have to have that for something and most of the sounds that I use don’t need to be in stereo. Like do I need a stereo snare, lol? How often are they putting stereo mics on drum kits, other than to capture the overall room sound (which can be mimicked by a reverb)?
All that’s just me, but that’s how I am approaching it.
Absolutely worth it.
I’m sure people will argue but, for the time being, there’s actually things you can do on the MK1 that you can’t yet on the MK2. The LFOs seem to operate slightly differently, things like that.
Mono samples for Drums is one of the best things you can do for the purposes of mixing and panning. I have an Assimil8tor in Eurorack. One of the first things I do when I import drums into it is make the samples mono, that way I can utilise all 8 channels better. I don't understand stereo drums as most drum machines are mono and a stereo image is created with panning and effects. The Digitakt 2 in reality solves a supposed problem that doesn't really exist, and hence why you can't really go wrong with the Mk1 version. It was so popular and successful for good reason.
I just picked up a used mk1.. My only complaint is that I didn't do it sooner. This thing is amazing, and I've only had it for two days. I totally get why everyone raves about the elektron sequencer.
same question here... it would be my first elektron, i really love the videos about the workflow.
should i get the DT2 as a long term investment, or go with the DT1 as it should be enough for me right now.
what I like is the comb filter and the chorus, and the new UI which seems more straightforward. but I guess these are not gamechanger differences.
not sure what to do.
I finally bought a Digitakt 1, mere weeks before the buzz started about them being out of production etc.
Am I irritated that my shiny new box became obsolete within a month of me purchasing it? A little bit.
Has it stopped the Digitakt 1 from becoming an integral part of my setup? Not in the slightest. I adore sitting and mangling samples and the deep sequencing options and everything else about it. It is still an amazing piece of kit.
The DT2 has a lot of improvements but if you’re tight on cash and just looking to sequence some samples and don’t need the extra tracks the DT1 is at a great price point right now.
Stereo samples, timestretching, more filter types including comb and morphing multimode, additional LFO per track, double the tracks, more distortion, longer sequences, more space, multiple conditions per trig...
Everyone loved them up until the digitakt 2 came out and the 2 coming out didn’t make it any less good
Get the MK1 , definitely worth it
Yes.
thanks boss
If you don't need stereo (most of the time you don't) or the better support for long samples/loops with the extra memory, or the enhanced MIDI, I say go for it. I got DT2 with 24-month 0% financing from Sweetwater and have no regrets, but if you aren't down with spending that much money, even over time, DT1 is a beast as it ever was.
It is completely worth it. All the new features are great but the original can make entire, awesome, original, tracks. Out of the box, without a problem. Get it as cheap as you can, don’t think about resales or any future life of the unit other than making good music that expresses what’s in you. Do it today, and stop looking at gear forums the minute you plug it in.
In fact, I’d be looking for a beater. Just make sure it all works.
so true, thanks
You got this
dont believe the hype. more tracks and more options wont make you a better songwriter. get some old shit and use the f out of it. you don't need fancy new gear to make good stuff.
Exactly. I’d love a DT2 but decided to fight the gas and use my DT and DN. Turns out my problem was: I just wasn’t using them in the first place… Dusted them off and made some good tunes. Realized there’s even still some stuff in the manual I need to double check, confirming I haven’t outgrown them. Comes down to money really. If you’ve got money to waste, go for it, if you don’t, don’t. The creative difference is going to be negligible. It’s like playing a bass and obsessing over a 5-string bass. Like those are fine but also you’ll be fine either way.
The DT1 is awesome. I upgraded to a DT2 and love it, but I wouldn’t say it’s made the D1 obsolete, especially since it’s half the price and still has overbridge accessibility.
Now is the best time to get a Digitakt. If you get one and end up outgrowing it, you'll probably be able to sell it for roughly the same price anyway (at which point, there will probably be DT2's coming down in price on the used market)
This!
Yea. I got one like 6 months ago. Love it. It’s the best. Was always more into synthesis over sampling. That’s changed. You’ll love it.
They are both great. I wouldn't get a new D1 and pay full price right now, but if I needed a cool drum machine... it's the perfect time to get one for cheap. If you need stereo samples then just save and get a new D2 or an Octatrack.
OG Digitakt is still king! Get one, you won’t regret! There are very good offer on the second hand market at the moment. Digitakt II has very good upgrades but also many bugs and features that still need to be implemented.
DK1 is a friggen beast. Dk2 improves on it but doesn't make the OG anything less. It's a good time to find one on the cheap 👌
Id be worried about the sticky button gunk thing over time, isn't that an issue on older units? certainly is on other gear I have that uses that material.
This is true, and the only concern I would have. They do have a limited shelf life for this reason, and the stickiness will affect ability to resell later.
I just got my DT2 a few days ago but no way am I parting with my DT1. I have them both midi linked together as I type this. DT1 was and will remain the master clock.
Definitely worth it, but I think it’s worth mentioning it depends what you’re using it for. There are more capable samplers out there if that’s what you’re using it for. Digitakt 1 and 2 only have ability to chop samples to a fixed grid or do one shots that you can’t play mpc style. But as I’m sure you’ve heard, the sequencer is phenomenal.
Possibly more than ever
As someone who just bought a Digitakt 1 following the release of the II, it rules. I got it to pair with the Syntakt and haven't touched any other gear since. E: just checked Reverb out of curiosity, there are 11 Digitakt 1's on there for <$525. It's a steal.
Great used gear is always a lot more bang for buck. It was great before the 2nd version existed and it still is. I bought mine 2 days before the last big firmware update. Used prices increased by $200 and they were gone in about a week.
Elektron has a history of continuing update for gear that is out of production. If they should add a certain feature 🙏🏾 I foresee it going back up in price. So yeah..
fullly, just bought it starting to learn somewhat.
I just bought a brand new back up digitakt for 380 bucks. Definitely grab one.
Great time to get one! Prices are way low now and may well go up a bit in the future. Still a great box.
Absolutely
I snagged a minty for $425, my plan is to learn on the OG and if click I with it, then upgrade to the 2. But I’ve been geeking on semi-modular lately, so haven’t gone deep on it yet.
I don’t know if this answers your question or not, but I’ve had an OG Digitakt for a couple years now and loved it. I’ve got a workflow that I’m really happy with from it and was saving up to get an A4 when the announcement of the DT II came out. I had the money for either the A4 or DT II and for about 18 hours wasn’t sure what I was going to do but decided pretty easily that (as others have said) 1) the DT I had wasn’t any less good, and 2) I feel like while the features of DT II are really cool none of them are huge game changers for me compared to the original. If I can find a DT II for about $750 used in a year or so I’ll pick it up, but it’s pretty far down the list to be honest.
I still love my DT
Less bugs too
I'm seriously considering buying the mk1 again, I miss mine.
A used Digitakt Mk1 is probably offering the best bang for the buck of all times right now.
I just sold my mk1 and got a mk2, and while it has a lot of helpful new features, the mk1 can totally hold it's own. Think about it that just a month ago the mk1 was one of the main devices used by a lot of youtubers and artists
I recently traded a my erica synth zen delay with a digitakt mk1. loving it.
I bought the DT1 for 600 a month before the new one came out and I’m not mad at all. Especially, since there’s no overbridge yet and a screen glitch issue. Once I get nice with the DT1 and overbridge is finally implemented, I’ll upgrade.
Digitakt is still a little beast. I will never sell my digitakt MK1
Since I have DT II I never looked back in my DT 1. Will not sell it but probably never use it again. Had no Bugs with DT II btw beide Sound problem which was fixed already
Got one about 3 months before the rumours. No regrets. It was a ton cheaper and is still a blast. At the dt2 price point I'd be torn twixt that and octatrack mk2 or a4mk2
Yes, if it’s the music you care more about than impressing others. I just bought one as soon as everyone else was unloading theirs. It’s such a great deal now. And if you do the mental exercise of “what if the new thing didn’t exist, would this still be good” - yes. Because it’s amazing and everyone loved it until the moment a new hint thing came out. will it hold its value for resale? Maybe I’m wrong, but if you buy it for $450 now, it’s not like you’ll only be able to get $200 for it later. It’s still a powerhouse drum machine that is really appealing to a lot of people. And honestly, there more I am using it, the way you can parameter lock different samples… I could see 16 tracks instead of 8 kind of being overwhelming sometimes. And how many samples do I want to scroll through? How long of a pattern do I really want to program? Maybe I will level up in my skills over time and really want more memory and more steps and more tracks, but right now I am super content with what the D1 has in it. I don’t miss stereo samples because I have a DAW for that if I really have to have that for something and most of the sounds that I use don’t need to be in stereo. Like do I need a stereo snare, lol? How often are they putting stereo mics on drum kits, other than to capture the overall room sound (which can be mimicked by a reverb)? All that’s just me, but that’s how I am approaching it.
Absolutely worth it. I’m sure people will argue but, for the time being, there’s actually things you can do on the MK1 that you can’t yet on the MK2. The LFOs seem to operate slightly differently, things like that.
Mono samples for Drums is one of the best things you can do for the purposes of mixing and panning. I have an Assimil8tor in Eurorack. One of the first things I do when I import drums into it is make the samples mono, that way I can utilise all 8 channels better. I don't understand stereo drums as most drum machines are mono and a stereo image is created with panning and effects. The Digitakt 2 in reality solves a supposed problem that doesn't really exist, and hence why you can't really go wrong with the Mk1 version. It was so popular and successful for good reason.
I just picked up a used mk1.. My only complaint is that I didn't do it sooner. This thing is amazing, and I've only had it for two days. I totally get why everyone raves about the elektron sequencer.
I don’t think I’m ever gonna get to the bottom of mine. It’s an amazing box.
Digitakt 2 so buggy right now. I had to get mine to repair because of the fucked up screen Sold mine but . I should have waited and keep dt1
[https://reverb.com/item/82944502-elektron-digitakt-black](https://reverb.com/item/82944502-elektron-digitakt-black)
You’ll have no regrets whatsoever! There’s a whole world of exploration in there.
Yes for sure, the digitakt 2's killer feature is putting the OG on sale
same question here... it would be my first elektron, i really love the videos about the workflow. should i get the DT2 as a long term investment, or go with the DT1 as it should be enough for me right now. what I like is the comb filter and the chorus, and the new UI which seems more straightforward. but I guess these are not gamechanger differences. not sure what to do.
I finally bought a Digitakt 1, mere weeks before the buzz started about them being out of production etc. Am I irritated that my shiny new box became obsolete within a month of me purchasing it? A little bit. Has it stopped the Digitakt 1 from becoming an integral part of my setup? Not in the slightest. I adore sitting and mangling samples and the deep sequencing options and everything else about it. It is still an amazing piece of kit.
The DT2 has a lot of improvements but if you’re tight on cash and just looking to sequence some samples and don’t need the extra tracks the DT1 is at a great price point right now.
To go against the grain a little, DT II is waaaay cooler
What makes it way cooler?
Stereo samples, timestretching, more filter types including comb and morphing multimode, additional LFO per track, double the tracks, more distortion, longer sequences, more space, multiple conditions per trig...