MPC One versus Digitakt - Comparison & discussion for hardware setups, plus software pros & cons 

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Sub'd! another dope, fair, and honest video.

Very thorough video! Sold my digitakt for an MPC One and I don't regret it. The elektron stuff felt like a case of stockholm syndrome...I'm over here trying to convince myself that it's ok to have 8 tracks of mono sampling,4 bar loops(without adjusting the scale), and no song mode in 2021 on a 800 dollar drum machine. Akai is a way better sampler and sequencer point blank period. More midi tracks with true polyphony, midi automation of any parameter on my hardware synths, easier file management, stereo audio track direct recording, stem export, better and more effects, VST and DAW integration, time stretching and pitch shifting, clip launching, etc. I liked my digitakt and made good tracks with it the last few years, but I was tired of dealing with very early 90s problems when I really shouldn't have to.

Good to know that the Digitakt autosaves the same way Dark Souls does.

Biggest advantage about the MPC (FOR ME): Is the fact that you can record layered multitracks of midi clock synced tracks WHILE recording to an audio track using external gear. For instance, I can use my MPC as live multitrack recorder for laying down a kick drum with an Iteritas, then a sync a Bassline from a Piston Honda, then overlay some Moog Granny sequences while modulating the filters and oscillators with CV's. I use the MPC as the master clock to send messages to the Eloquencer and the Keystep Pro for some polyphony and route the audio signals back into the Akai. This gives you individual control over each track while doing live performances (filter sweeps and modulation, switching, etc.) within each layered audio track. I can go deeper and record live performances over my recorded audio tracks using the Akai's internal FX and then I can plug in a guitar/synth/microphone and punch in where I want....and this is with my old MPC LIVE from 2017! If you want a sequencing monster go with the Octatrack instead of the Digitakt. Nothing out there beats it. Octa and MPC are just different animals - I have both and they have some overlap, but they both do VERY different things for music production. the FIRST MPC Live (2017) is battery operated - no wires...make beats in your car! Trust me - you really need both.

To me this can all be summed up with: The Digitakt is an instrument and the MPC is a computer that can kind of feel like an instrument. Obviously the computer can do much more, but is also less fun and immediate

I love the videos you are producing, between the amazing music Meems and you create and the amazing instruments/productions commentary i'm hooked! Keep up the great work!

Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!

Thanks for the very informative comparison video! Yes, both sounds best.

You are SPOT ON during the 10min mark when discussing the disadvantages of complexity in stifling the creative process. As a long time piano performer and producer, I can vouch for this. I had a disheartening period when I went DAWless for my own sanity (using ProTools and Ableton for my day job) - and thought that the MPC One was my salvation. I used an ancient Alesis MMT-8 back in the early 90s. It was like a stripped back version of the Digitakt and wonderfully easy with straightforward workflow. My key issue has been laying out 3-8min song structure on the MPC. Keeping the live feel but building a proper arrangement (not just a 2 bar mega loop with incremental track muting). The absolute key is not feeling obliged to learn everything especially when presented with a sweetshop full of possibilities. Once one finds a simple path through, production becomes simpler. I now use a ‘hybrid’ workflow - my various synths to lay out both midi and samples into the MPC; the instinctive part. Then I record audio and master via Pro Tools simply because I could never get that mastering quality required by my clients coming straight out of the MPC (or Ableton for that matter). So I used to be Ableton -> Pro Tools. Now I’m MPC -> Pro Tools hybrid. Everyone’s got different talents and strengths and this will always be reflected in their setups. The key is to remain flexible but not to lose sight of the music itself. The music must lead and not allow the tech to dictate and overtake). Not easy!

Man! The audio of your video have very good gain! I was surprised after viewing a couple others vids before. Finally!!!

This is a great comparison video hand down

Excellent candid comparison. Thankyou.

Excellent, real food for thought on both bits of gear. Still not sure but I have some time to think.

Thanks man, tight work!

Great comparison, thanks! subscribed! 🌞

This video actually really helped contextualize what decision to make for what I need. Gonna get both haha. MPC first, Digitakt later. Thanks for the detailed video.

Great video. Very informative and thorough.

Solid Info here - i just found your channel , and its a keeper !

That CV.OCD is something I didn't realize existed and that I needed! Very cool!

Great video! Not used the Digi before so good to get a comparison

I didn’t buy the MPC One at first because I essentially wanted to play full songs (more than 8) with the ability to play drums and samples at the same time while standalone (not connected to PC) for live shows. You can literally assign up to a 5 minute “sample” per pad. That’s bigger than most full songs! Meaning you can play way more than up to 8 songs per project. It’s what made me buy it and it has been a complete game changer.

Apologies accepted! 🙈😊really loved the 1hour marathon! It was definitely worth it! I own a push2 and love overbridge with my digitone. First I just thought it would be best to buy the mpc one FOR MONTHS and then realized while watching your video, that I already have the things I need and are just on the hunt for a performance drum sampling thingy which I can also use on my balcony 🤓🤷‍♂️

I have the digitakt and have been thinking of switching, watching this was a rollercoaster. I don't use some of the main benefits of the digitakt (midi basically) but I love how fast I can create fun and creative loops, but then it's just that, a loop and while it's possible to produce a track in it it's also not the greatest for that. I think one thing I'm not ready for is losing the sequencer of the digitakt, it's so simple but great for making detailed changes that really help you flesh out loops.

Your wrap up comment summed it up perfectly- GEAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME(GAS)...😂👊🏼....definitely contributed to me just ordering the MPC ONE to add to my Digitakt🔥....looking forward to the possibilities!

What a great comparison. Thanks a lot! Since you're demonstrating the Digitakt sequencer quite a bit, I think it would be fair to mention some pro's of the MPC sequencer over the Digitakt's: - 128 + 8 tracks (vs. 8 + 8 tracks on the Digitakt) - almost unlimited sequence (pattern) length, I think it's 99 bars or so (vs. 4 bars on the Digitakt) - Time correct / quantize functionality to automatically 'snap' recorded events on a 8th note, 16th note, triplet note, swing etc. grid (don't know how the Digitakt handles it, but I'm quite sure there is more flexibility on the MPC) - velocity sensitivity and 16 levels to intuitively live-record for example a hi-hat pattern with a human feel due to varying velocities - grid view (even if you don't use it to program / manage events, I really like to have that immediate overview on the screen instead of 'translating' what those differently colored pads would mean; especially if you load an old project and don't remember anymore what was on which track etc.) --- Having said that, I totally get the point you're making regarding the Digitakt's intuitive workflow. I never owned a step sequencer, neither did I experience parameter locks, but I can imagine that it is an absolutely intuitive and quick workflow. So my point is not to belittle the things you mention about the Digitakt's superior workflow. Just to mention some aspects why for some, even with regards to the sequencer, the MPC might be a good / better fit. Regarding the menu diving: Well yes, that's quite true with regards to the MPC. Nevertheless, I saw excel at it. So, well, it has quite a steep learning curve, but once you master it and you have the muscle memory, it can feel quite intuitive as well (but then you have an almost complete DAW at your hands and can go miles with it...). --- Full disclosure: I 'only' own an MPC 1k (but the workflow is quite comparable on all MPCs) and although I love being capable to do so much stuff without a computer, at the end I regularly find myself working with a DAW instead. In contrast, I think, a Digitakt (and I guess the Model:Samples as well) would offer something a computer can't really offer. Which is the quick and easy workflow (once you get it) and the ability to operate it almost blindfolded.

Thanks for the video. I'm still learning Digitakt so seeing how other people use it is great.

Thanks for this video. I'll hold on to my Digitakt. I already use a DAW so don't need something as DAW-like as the MPC ONE.

You described the MPC One perfectly. True it has many features which increases complexity and takes time to learn. But it also enables so many possible workflows. Once you figure out the flow you prefer it's super fun and powerful. The downside is it takes time to do this. You really need to experiment and watch others do it on RU-vid to truly discover things you never thought of. As an example, I am using Bounce to Sample, Song Mode, multiple sequences, Save Current Channel Strip to produce songs quicker. Never tried this until watching beat making people sharing their beat making on RU-vid.

Thank you… exactly the choice I am making right now. Thx

9:23 ah I would like a video about the self discipline when producing!

I have same thinking when working with DT & MPC One. If you have creativity mood & need to CREATE a music - DT is best option. You just thinking about sounds, not about "where the hell this function placed?". MPC is like DAW, you can send all your creativity results into it.

I use the MPC Live, I've had it for 6 months. I totally agree with the statement that the learning curve is super steep. It is simply a DAW with some outboard gear onboard, just one without any of the usual distractions of working with a computer. It certainly benefits from the addition of a slaved sequencer with decent randomisation ( eg: BSP or Squid). I drive an MS 2000r, GR1 pedal with a GK equipped guitar, a Neutron, an MC 505, HD 24, Circuit, BSP and additional effects. All are controlled from the MPC Live with no lag issues (Midi Din). The thing never misses a beat. Great clock.

The recent MPC stuff is everything you ever need. You can pretty much toss your PC.

I don‘t know what it is- but something makes me want to have a Digitakt next to my MPC One. MPC One has and does it all, but often times searching for a function prevents me from proceeding. Who felt the same and how did you end up? Cheers!

Finally, I found this review. I’ve been trying to get a concise and honest comparison of these two products for weeks. You nailed it! Looks like I’ll hang onto my Digitakt.

I had to make this exact choice a month ago. I went for the MPC One due to CV outs on MPC and it’s polyphonic sampling. It has its limitations compared to a DAW, but I wanted to avoid computers as much as possible because I look at a PC for 8 hours a day for my normal work. I think it’s awesome though it is complex. I’ve also just worked out where the auxiliary tracks are so I’m not surprised you haven’t found them yet.

I am sorely, sorely tempted to get an MPC One. I know all the Ableton bells and whistles, but I just can't get productive with it. Thanks for your informative videos!

I've been using MPC units since '89 - solid, intuitive, and idiot proof, -which is great for me...

no song mode = sold.. now enjoying the one.

Love to see ya on the Digitakt 2 !

Great comparison you explained both devices in great detail. Instead of the akai one l have the force, digitakt and digitone. The force is similar to the one but does not use a software you can connect to abelton by WiFi and load your projects. It was designed to be used with abelton but like the one it has the same air effects and plugins. I like the fact that it doesn't feel like a daw in a box like the one and live.

Awesome comparison video! Both are great creative tools. One isn't necessarily better than the other given certain scenarios. I prefer the MPC One for most music making. The latest update was excellent. Keep up the great work!

This dude is awesome, and so is his partner/colleague(band mate?)!!! I’m glad you mentioned the music you have out, I’m going to listen Right now!

one thing you never mentioned is playing the mpc pads. you did say that the digitakt was a instrument but it isn't played like a conventional one. tweaking knobs or playing clacky buttons does feel like playing an instrument to me but is great fun. riffing on the pads (not just finger drumming) is big % of the mpc. mine are setup like-Pad Threshold 3, Pad Sensitivity 16 (highest ), Pad Curve A. the digitakt is a lot more immediate for sure tho. you've got lots of good gear and someone to making music cool music with. peace :)

Thank youuu!!

Great vid thanks

Great and honest. Additionally, you are not asking for subscribing before you started talking, hence subscribed ;-).

Man you took the words right out of my mouth. I have both and have been neglecting the Digitakt because of the MPC. As a matter of fact it has replaced my Digi as the main hub of my studio. My setup is just like yours it's a hybrid setup with an analog back end and hybrid mixing desk. Now with the new updates for the takt and tone the sequencer is even better. I still think the Takt is faster for drums except when using drum kits that's where the MPC is faster to me. When browsing individual sounds the takt os faster to me. Also I like minor 9th and major 13th type chords so the digi sequencer was out for me and I bought a Keystep for sequencing chords. The MPC can do chords really well so I only sequence drums with the Digitakt now. I saw you had the Klark Teknik Pultec clones. I almost bought those but instead I went with 2 Golden Age Project Neve clones they are smaller half rack 1u. As far as the CV OCD I use a Hexinverter mutant brain on my modular so that way it can stay patched and I can trigger my Squid Salmple with either sequencer I also use a Doepfer switch to switch between the hardware sequencers and the modular ones on the fly. Anyway Great Video !! As always you and Meme's continue to inspire me to move out of my deep house/techno world.

Hello. Could you please explain what is the set up in the midi sync preferences? I would like to pair my MPC one with TR8S. I tried with different set up but there is a latency or the recording not working properly from the beginning. I would like to use The MPC as master. And I would like to record audio tracks from the Roland on the fly. Thanks in advance

I have been using MPC almost exclusively since getting the MPC One. To me the Digitakt is a synth, just one of many great other synths. I am somewhat new to the MPC workflow also. However I am picking it up quickly and I love it. I feel like I can get song recorded much faster with MPC 2 and MPC One. It is so amazing as you pointed out how much power the MPC One has. In fact if I ever make a large enough amount of money with a song created on the MPC I will also buy the MPC X. I am in the process of making the MPC my studio hub instead of my computer and Abelton Live. While yes the MPC does have a learning curve. The payback on what you can then get out of projects is just right for my workflow.

Good Vid, Yes the MPC offers more, but could not be assed scrolling through menus on a touch screen, MPC seems like a computer or tablet in a box, Maybe if they added a mouse pointer to the screen for the use of a mouse, it may increase the work flow, but defeats what it is to be Dawless, For me Dawless is hands on and not relying to look at a screen for everything, it actually to get away from looking at screens, and to focus on listening, creating and producing, from the moment you switch on your device. There is no perfect all in one box, that’s going to appeal to everyone, but I do like the simplicity of the Digitakt, also the Deluge by Synthstrom looks good, but the lack of no screen may put people off, but then you have the Octatrak, both devices have no integration with a daw, but cost more, Elektron has just released updates for the Digitakt and has made it class compliant, that maybe a game changer for some.

I need an updated Digitakt video with the slice warp and repitch options. Also a video showing how these two devices (and a push 2) can work Together instead of either or? I have all three and love them for different reasons and certainly don’t want to sell if I could find more ways to integrate them all Thankyou 😊

Regarding the pad sensitivity. Thought to mention that you can have the options of Full Levels, Half Levels via a button press. Also, you can change their default sensitivity by going into Preferences and then Hardware.

I've got digitakt and getting an mpc one to pair with it. They're a completely different mentality from each other, and while neither is genre specific, they definitely do tend to have their demographics. I... am bipolar in my genres, workflows,etc. but I've got an addiction to samplers,and to always learning new sequencing / tracking methods etc so this is going to be a hell of a lot of fun. I'll surely sample the digitakt into the mpc, then layer them both back together all over again lol

great video - what app were you using on the iPad?

I say it’s how well you know the device, I’ve made beats in 10min on the MPC. I feel the MPC is faster then any Maschine, Push 2, FL studio, Reason and etc. Maybe because I been using MPC’S for decades.

Nice vid thanks 👍👍

Found your channel just yesterday. I like your style. Really appreciate the comparison. Are you planning on doing something similar with the Synthstrom Deluge?

Super helpful! Wish you had a digitakt x octatrack video :) specially on the beatmaking workflow

Can I ask what kind of keyboard stands are over your shoulder. I have to get my gear organized . and I have a similar bunch of synths.

Top tip for MPC....make a template and map a controller like Novation xl to it...then you have live hands on to anything!! Reverse samples any fxs or plugins...any thing mutes......ANYTHING😉

I have the X and don’t have the software transfer issue - that sucks if it the SD card isn’t visible. I also have Octatrack (no Overbridge) which as a mangler/resampler/performance tool is amazing as you pointed out with the DT. I have A4 and Digi Keys and love the Elektron workflow but the X is the king of my hobby studio - it is my primary audio interface and I use a patchbay to maximise the felixibility. Another great video Tefty. I always learn something from you guys whenever I watch and that’s the reason I look forward to your new videos dropping. Great inspiration. Thanks again.

together, these two machines could be a crazy batman and robin duo. (especially with what looks like a pro 3 in the background)

Cool Video! I was going to get the Digitakt, ended up getting MPC Live. Still want to try that sequencer on the Digitakt some day. I have had to learn parts of the mpc live at a time to not get overwhelmed! I am going to watch for your 1 year update on the MPC! Things get faster! I don't use windows but i think you need to enable hidden files, on your comp. to see mpc icon on your windows computer! Also you have wireless WI-FI control of Ableton Live with the mpc. Love your music!!! Peace!!!

Love your music👍🏿

It took me over a year to adapt to the 4 bar limit of the elektron sequencer, but truly all the the initial limitations seem to fall away when you are actually cranking out music. The Digitakt just flows so easily. Could it be more versatile? Maybe, but I think the DT was birthed from the realization that the OT was overkill for 90% of the people who used it and by ditching slicing, timestretch, and songmode the learning curve would be all focused on the sequencer.

I purchased and then returned the MPC-One the first week it came out because (and I can’t recall exactly now) it wasn’t able to control/sequence external midi hardware the way a Digitakt could, but with the 2.8 USB midi update this is certainly not the case,. I probably would not have traded it for the Digitakt.

Nice video. I have both. My opinion, digitakt is best as a living instrument. If you like to work with the music going all the time pick the digitakt. If you want perform (and are not a finger drummer) then digitakt. The Mpc is more of a sampler and Daw combo in a box. It’s similar to Maschine in that way. The pad perform abilities shine allowing anyone to compose chord arrangements without needing to understand music theory. Like many I went with these tools to get away from the computer, but honestly I often question if I should have just stayed with my old Maschine and Ableton lifestyle. I will say that with the Mpc I have really embraced sampling... even sampling my own playing and instruments and have found a love for that which I did not plan on. Just my thoughts....

I use both analog rytm and mpc live. With Elektron I mostly do a lot of step programming using parameter locks and so on. However, with the mpc I always play the pads live sequencing, easily layer the drums and get a more human groove going. Mpc one use play notes into the machine as you are the drum machine. Elektron is a programmer dream. Whereas the mpc is for a player who wants to plays what they feel.

Hey i got a question im gonna start make trance melody etc i need Roland was thinking Rolan aira set and vt 4 voice I need some tips witch one to pick? roland 8080 and mpc one? whats good

Ilok....ahhhh biggest grip about mpc....however I now just use hardware n record stereo wav into logic.....mpc great piece of kit for hardware studio💗🙌

that cream off white bass guitar behind you? is that a Yamaha BB300 or BB350 by chance? because it looks remarkably like the very first bass guitar I learned on in Jr High

I have the Digitakt and Digitone and I'm getting an MPC One. As far as the pad sensitivity on the MPC One as you pointed out can be adjusted. T watched loopop's deep dive vid and he set the MPC's pad sensitivity to it's lowest setting and it worked great for him. Nice comparison....Thanks lot's of good honest info.

You can do note probability on the MPC One but only 75%, 50% or 25% and you have to use "blank" samples in your layer options.

I feel like both companies have watched this video and made changes in their next few updates 😅

Just wondering what the best of the 2 would be because I want to pair it with a Novation Launchkeyu 49. I just want to make music and let multiple tracks run. Hope someone can help me with this.

Can you trigger loops on mpc one (like you could do on mpc 1000)

great! can i do the probability changes you demonstrated live while playing the track?, or do i have to stop the track as you did in the demonstration

To me, the MPC one can do everything you'll ever want and a lot more than what you paid for vs the Digitakt.

Really interesting video! What about octatrack? Is it preferable or not vs digitakt? More difficult learning curve? 🤔

Does he have a video like this with the digitone?

Took me ages to get into the digitakt. But starting to love it.

I’m 2023, syntakt and MPC one seem a perfect partner for sampling and Analogue/Sample drum sounds on the Elektron. Especially with the song mode added to Syntakt, seems a perfect combo. 🪄🤩

As far speed with sampling and chopping the mpc is king. Once you adjust to it the manual way of sampling just sample and tap the pad at the chopping points or use auto chop by threshold, bpm, or notes.

I'm interested in this device the digitakt; my main use for it would be to record trippy tracks onto my tascam DP 24 multi-track..I'm more of guitar, bass drums type of guy.. I just want some trippy ambient sounds.. do you recommend the digitakt or the mpc1? I don't care much for PC.

Studio Tour needed

So, it's November 2021 and I just looked up the MPC to PC transfer issue via their software. It seems that this is a a feature for the MPC Pro Live 2 and Pro X only. Cheers!

I HATE the Digitakt for not having: - EQ per channel or at least 2nd filter as on the Digitone. This is my biggest complaint! Because I don't use this thing as the drum machine only! I do a lot of melodic stuff and whole tracks on it. It is just an essential feature for mixing. Come on, Elektron! - chorus (I often use an LFO with the AMP panning which is far from chorus effect but makes things wider) - 2nd LFO per track - time stretching would be nice to have (but it's impossible, I guess due to CPU limit) And I LOVE the Digitakt same time for it's minimalism. Still dreaming about getting the MPC One and the Octatrack. Thanks for video!

There are pros and cons to both. I prefer the Digitakt because of its immediacy, and how you can really use it as a synth. Elektron refined the workflow to the point that it's an easy device to digest, and use live. The MPC workflow is kind of a mess, but my god, the options, though it feels more like a preset/sampling box than a useful synth, which isn't as appealing to me. What I do know is that the Digitakt never left my desk.

It's not your imagination. I bought/returned two MPC Live 2 machines because of the poor pad response on both of them. Not as much when banging drum samples, but trying to play melodic instruments was mostly impossible. I was so happy to get away from a computer desk but extremely dissapointed at the same time. I have been using NI Maschine (MK I and MK 3) for a decade and NEVER had a double/tripple/non hit. One thing that seperates MPC from other deveces is that it is basically a computer inside running some form of Linux which is why integrating with a Mac of PC can be troublesome.

I am considering the Akai Force but the MPC One is around the corner too. The updates you've mentioned: will they also apply to Force or is it another development tree?

Great video. I'm more confused that I already was. I'm after something what takes me away from my Mac, and inspire some more creativity. Therefore I like Digitakt. But MPC One have so many options, YET as a sound engineer I do like to have the option of fine tuning and editing later in a DAW - and that's my question. You've mentioned there isn't a way to export/import to/from a DAW on MPC One - do you know (I use Logic X) if using MPC as a multi output instrument in Logic X would let me record all those separate tracks?

The overbridge sounds pretty cool... seems like it's better option than the one if you're using it with ableton

is that a weird wide bowed painting behind you? I swear my sister has the same one in her house, the yellow black one with the trees

Its funny, I really have Digitakt envy, but the more I find out about it, the more I realise it is quite limited. My Korg Elektribe 2 Sampler can do all this and more! I though the 'Tribe was limited, by you get quite good insert FX per sound (and there's 16 pads, 24 note polyphony). The ability to power the 'Tribe with AA batteries is sweet too. The Master FX (reverb) is shared by all sounds, but you can choose whether to send your sounds to it per sound. I do like the Digitakt sequencer though, that is definately better.

Appreciate this video and your honest "for me" take. I love the Digitakt. One place it really fails (imo) as a drum machine (or "beat making powerhouse") with a focus on speed is its inability to quickly load a kit of sounds. You can save projects with samples assigned and start from there but you can't, on a whim, quickly load an 808 kit or an acoustic kit or...

Since the MPC One has no Internal Drive bay like the Live are guys storing the Expansion packs on USB drives? Cause the internal storage is small..

Excellent video sir! I notice the engrams on the table... I wonder which one Master Rahool would drop as an exotic? Probably neither, it would be an old Yamaha QY-20 or something! Peace ✌️

If u had to pick one for desert island, and had both sample libraries on both.somehow... which would u pick and why???? A.digi, or B. MPC?