I like the ability to modulate the arp settings via midi loopback and I suck with chords anyways so having all these abilities really wouldn’t change things too much for me lol.
I can see how it would be limiting though.
8 tracks of paraphonic seqs is still pretty nice imo.
I thought paraphony had more to do with signal path, to which MIDI doesn’t really relate. Usually people use the term “paraphonic” to describe a synth that can play multiple notes simultaneously, but those notes share the same envelope/filter/VCA. Is there yet another definition of paraphony for MIDI?
I know there are limitations when using the sequencer polyphonically (or paraphonically), but one thing I like is how the notes are inputted as the number of semitones relative to the root note – personally I think more in terms of intervals than notes. I discover fun harmonies when using the OT for chords. Chord inversions are also easier this way (for me). I come from a guitar background, so maybe that’s why.
What??? The Digitakt??? I was just yesterday wondering why I always felt that I just dislike how it sounds, but there was no logical explanation. Unless … it tampers the sound?!
Well, thanks for this info. I was just yesterday creating samples from an analogue mono synth (in my DAW, not using Digitakt’s sampling function), and then wondered why (when loaded into DT) it apparently sounds like warm … I don’t know … let’s say warm beer? (I don’t drink beer, but I’ve heard warm is considered the wrong temperature for beer.)
I’m already considering trying out the OT because most of the things the DT can do don’t inspire me in the long run. For example, I like BRR only at 0 and 255, and dislike the sound of every other value. Would prefer some kind of Distortion, which the OT seems to have plenty of, and the idea of adding more effects with the neighbor machine is appealing …
Re: Digitakt, I thought the bump was in the highs? Digitakt tends to make everything sound good not the opposite. I’d say if you’re not a fan of the DT sound then the OT might be even worse (edit: improved phrasing)
I was thinking about this earlier in a different thread! Most polyphonic sequencers only do notes and gates - the polyphony (multiple filters and EG’s) is up to the synth. I think referring to the OT as a paraphonic sequencer is a bit confusing, personally.
I don’t think it EQ’s the samples (I could be wrong!) it’s just the colour of the Digitakt itself - if you’ve used an AH it’s a bit like there’s a tiny bit of low and high band applied - if anything I think it dulls some of the mids to get rid of mud.
I suspect whatever it’s doing will be the same on the Syntakt though! I think it’s some of the magic mixing sauce Elektron use in these boxes.
Either way it sucks if it’s ruining your samples intention/dynamics.
Got it! That’s interesting I definitely wouldn’t describe the DT as muddy! Be interested to hear if others think that - I consider it quite bright and punchy.
The OT sometimes has that criticism but tbh I think that’s mostly because it’s more difficult to mix on.
I prefer the OT sound profile over the DT profile. The DT is definitely a new old stock classic. Love it for what it does, but as all samplers, they have a profile.
The OT is fun, really fun. A self contained circus. I’ve had it for months and haven’t saved a single thing on it yet just because I’m still exploring.
A4 and syntakt have that same snappy openness. The circuitry is really a wonder.
You’ll appreciate the OTs subtle characteristic. It’s really easy to make things sound like they’re not from the Octatrack. Easier to cover more frequencies and bring out clarity.
Interested me to see that slight bump at 600hz where I’d expect there to be resonant frequencies with FM - not to say I mixed it well but if I were going to blindly throw an EQ at the Digitone without having thought about it I would have expected almost the opposite of this
YES. It reminds me of playing with a modular in some ways–I know what I’m doing, but the machine also has a few ideas of its own, and the end result is somehow both expected but also surprising–like a circus! Good analogy.
I haven’t saved anything much either–just setting things up and pouring audio in and watching it race around.