Should I get Octatrack Mk2 or Digitakt Mk2?
Hello all,
I know this question has been debated for years, but I’ve been stuck in serious decision fatigue over it. I’ve read countless Reddit posts, watched tons of videos, and even talked to chatbots about it, yet I still can’t reach a conclusion.
I’ve been thinking about buying my first Elektron box for a while now. I’ve never owned one before.
For context:
- I love tracker workflows. Renoise is my go-to DAW over Ableton.
- I use my iPad heavily for synths and use Koala for sampling.
- Breakbeats are everything to me.
- I’m mostly into jungle, IDM, trip hop, ambient textures, and glitchy rhythmic experimentation.
The Octatrack really fascinates me. I know it’s deep and intimidating, especially as a first Elektron device, but I also love the idea of treating it like an instrument I slowly build a relationship with over years. Ned Rush videos completely hooked me on the machine.
At the same time, Digitakt II looks incredibly fun and immediate. From what I’ve seen, the gap between OT and DT feels smaller nowadays, especially for breakbeat workflows. Groove in G’s jungle videos on the DT2 honestly impressed me a lot.
One of the main things I want to do is live breakbeat manipulation. Slicing drum breaks, jumping between slices while keeping the groove flowing, improvising transitions, punch-in FX, glitching, evolving patterns, more glitching etc.
My current options are:
-Octatrack MKII — €900
Digitakt II — €800
The OT price especially feels like a steal, which makes this even harder. I’m worried that if I get the DT2, I’ll always wonder about the Octatrack. But I’m also worried that if I get the OT first, I might end up overwhelmed and regret not starting with the more immediate machine.
People who’ve used both, especially for jungle/IDM/trip hop/ glitchy workflows. What would you honestly recommend?
Thanks everyone.