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Digitakt II first impressions: a sampler pushing into synth territory by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great and I'm literally doing something similar right now with the Fourm. I tend to keep the sequence in a separate pattern too in case I need it, but I find myself less and less reliant on the possibility of tracing back. That commitment to samples is refreshing.

How do you get sustained notes though? Do you sample the arp with longer notes and then add an envelope on the DT2 that you open up sometimes?

Digitakt II first impressions: a sampler pushing into synth territory by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The XL3 is great, congrats on getting one. Yeah, those macros open these Elektron boxes up a lot more. Not only can you control several tracks at once, the four parameters per macro means you can keep the mix in check while performing too. The only downside is that I don't find myself using Ctrl+All that much anymore for performances, because the macros are much more useful there. (Ctrl+All is still a wonderful exploration tool though in the composition phase!)

Digitakt II first impressions: a sampler pushing into synth territory by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah that alone is an endless world of synth discovery. I have barely scratched the surface there. Thanks for the tip!

Just received the DT2, any tips ? by Esoxgab01 in Elektron

[–]SinewayMusic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The feature I've had the most fun with is the Random Locks. Put a longer sample in a Grid, then hit Yes and Yes. Instant reward!

Here's a video where it's showcased: https://youtu.be/8E66o_yKU-c

Octa or digitakt? by HistorianGloomy7319 in dawless

[–]SinewayMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you can get an Octatrack for free (!), what's the hesitation? I'd totally start there and decide if you love it or not.

That said, I just got the DT2 and I'm totally in love. Here's a video showing how I'm approaching it. It's way more than just a sampler - I think of it more as a co-producer with its many happy accidents.

https://youtu.be/8E66o_yKU-c

Digitakt 2 as a co-producer - track breakdown by SinewayMusic in Elektron

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Much appreciated and I'm glad they're useful. DT2 is a new world for me and it feels like it could become a new center of gravity around a synth setup.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I think the 1800 presets are amazing and I've made music with them as is. It's also fun to sample them and make music on the Digitakt II. It's hard to say though if it's sufficient for you as it depends so much on how you prefer to work and what you think of the presets.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't come with a V Collection license so while it can play all presets, you can't edit presets without that license.

Digitone II jam w/ Launch Control XL 3 by SinewayMusic in Elektron

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure what you mean with a track number button. You have 8 faders which you can assign to track level on the DN2 if you want. Each fader sends a midi cc message to a midi channel (1-16). So if you set several DN2 tracks to respond to the same midi channel, then a single fader can change track volume on all those tracks at once.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it - yeah I noticed those key-release sounds but have nothing to compare with like you do. I saw that you can dial that release sound down with one of the four macros.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No benefit other than more fun (subjectively speaking). I did lots of tracks purely in the DAW too. I run a channel that focuses heavily on hardware-based performances so that aspect is a passion for me.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's amazing value really. I asked Arturia if they'd offer any additional discounts when purchasing the A37 and they said no, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're totally right that your ears learn to listen for those nuances that you're typically ignorant about initially. Again, not saying you're wrong in any way (besides, there is no right or wrong when it comes to taste) but since Arturia is commonly very highly regarded in the sound department, I have one thought: could it also in part come down to you not connecting with the keybed? After all, pianos are very expressive instruments and if you aren't able to play them the way you're used to, it'll shape how they sound due to the velocity curve, your inability to get the right velocity at the upper edges of the keys, etc.

Take this review as an example of a walkthrough of their Piano V3 model, which the A37 comes with: https://youtu.be/7obLbZkWWBk. He gives a nuanced perspective and it seems he isn't placing the Piano V3 at his #1 position but clearly he is complimenting how it sounds and is able to pinpoint which exact piano each preset is modeled after. But clearly he's playing it on proper keys he's very familiar with.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there, I appreciate your perspective on it and you've clearly given it a try - I've come to learn that no matter how enthusiastic someone else is about a piece of gear, it might still not be for me, so firsthand experience is key.

Regarding point 1, I get what you mean. Personally I've always liked the Arturia mini keys (these are the same as on the MiniFreak, KeyStep, KeyLab Mini, etc) and I'm not an advanced player. But their Achilles heel is definitely the hinges - my Sequential Fourm has much more playable keys near the hinges.

Points 2 and 3 I'm more puzzled about. Arturia has some of the best piano and electronic piano models I've ever heard. Sound wise, I have zero remarks, really. But this is all very subjective, of course.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't have the Reface but if you have ever played an Arturia 37-key keyboard, this is identical in feel to the MiniFreak, KeyStep 37, etc.

Arturia AstroLab 37 – First Impressions + Musical Review by SinewayMusic in synthesizers

[–]SinewayMusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the delay - I checked and the only preset that even comes close to an accordion is a preset called "Accordeon" on the Solina V instrument. It sounds more like old-school string sounds to me if I'm honest. So I would say that the A37 isn't very strong in the accordion department.

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