The Elektron Digitakt is a compact, performance-oriented digital drum machine and sampler that embodies Elektron's philosophy of dynamic, real-time music creation. This Swedish-engineered instrument packs sophisticated sampling capabilities and sequencing power into an accessible, compact format while maintaining the industrial build quality and deep functionality that Elektron is known for.

Design&Build Quality The Digitakt features a solid, industrial aesthetic with a modern twist, housed in premium materials that give it an almost militaristic feel reminiscent of classic electronic instruments. The device sports large, backlit buttons with satisfying tactile feedback, though they can be quite audible during use. The endless encoders are rubberized with notably higher resolution than previous Elektron devices, working in conjunction with a crisp OLED display that, while low-resolution by today's standards, provides clear visual feedback.

Core Functionality At its heart, the Digitakt is built around eight sampler tracks complemented by eight MIDI tracks for external gear control. The sampling engine is exceptionally fast and smooth, capable of looping extremely short sample sections to create new tones, with position scanning that enables wavetable or granular synthesis-like sounds. The device can store up to 128 samples in its 64MB RAM per project, with 1GB of solid-state storage (+Drive) for sample libraries.

Sequencing & Performance The Digitakt excels in real-time performance with its 16-step grid sequencer that can be extended to 64 steps. Patterns can be programmed via traditional grid recording or captured through live recording mode. The innovative Conditional Locks feature allows for semi-generative patterns with percentage-based triggers, interval-based playback, and inter-track dependencies that create evolving, interactive sequences.

Sound Design Capabilities Sound shaping is handled through a comprehensive parameter set including multi-mode filters with dedicated envelopes, high-quality reverb and delay sends, per-track bit reduction and overdrive effects, and powerful LFO modulation. Each track features a variable-shape LFO that can target multiple parameters simultaneously and can function as an additional envelope when triggered.

Integration & Connectivity The Digitakt bridges standalone operation with DAW integration through Elektron's Overbridge software system. This provides sample management, multi-channel audio streaming over USB, and complete parameter control/automation within your DAW environment, making it equally suited for live performance and studio production.

Technical Specifications

Audio System

• Audio Tracks: 8 sampler tracks
• MIDI Tracks: 8 tracks with up to 4-note polyphony each
• Sample Memory: 64MB RAM per project
• Sample Storage: 1GB solid-state storage (+Drive)
• Sample Capacity: Up to 128 samples per project
• Sample Engine: High-speed playback with loop scanning capabilities

Sound Processing

• Filter: Multi-mode filter with dedicated envelope
• Effects:
  • Reverb (send effect, pattern-wide)
  • Delay (send effect, pattern-wide)
  • Bit Reduction (per track)
  • Overdrive (per track)
• Modulation: Single variable-shape LFO per track with multiple routing options
• Envelopes: Amplitude envelope per track, LFO fade envelope

Sampling Capabilities

• Sampling Sources: External inputs, internal mix bus
• Sampling Modes: Manual recording, auto-threshold recording, direct sampling
• Sample Editing: Waveform editor with independent start/end point adjustment
• Sample Management: Transfer application for Mac/Windows file transfer

Audio Connectivity

• Main Outputs: 2 × 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS jacks (stereo)
• Headphone Output: 1 × 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS jack (mirrors main output)
• Audio Inputs: 2 × 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS jacks (for sampling)
• Digital Audio: Multi-channel USB audio streaming (via Overbridge Premium)

MIDI & Digital Connectivity

• MIDI Ports: Full-size DIN MIDI In, Out, and Thru
• USB: USB-B port for MIDI, audio, and data transfer
• Sync Options: MIDI Clock, DIN24, DIN48 sync (via repurposed MIDI ports)
• Computer Integration: Overbridge software compatibility

Sequencer Specifications

• Pattern Length: 1-64 steps per pattern
• Pattern Storage: 8 banks × 8 patterns per project
• Timing Features: Micro-timing adjustment, swing, quantization
• Track Length: Independent per-track pattern lengths (polyrhythmic)
• Recording Modes: Grid recording (step sequencing) and live recording

Advanced Features

• Conditional Locks: Percentage-based triggers, interval triggers, inter-track dependencies
• Parameter Locks: Per-step automation snapshots
• Fill Patterns: Dedicated fill triggers with conditional interactions
• Do to All: Global parameter changes across all tracks
• Chromatic Mode: Melodic sample playback capabilities

Display

• Low-resolution OLED screen

Controls&Interface

• Interface: 16 backlit trigger pads/ step buttons
• Controls: 5 parameter pages (TRIG, SRC, FLTR, AMP, LFO)

Power&Connectivity

• Power Input: 12V DC external power supply
• Power Switch: Dedicated rear-panel power switch
• USB: USB-B for MIDI, audio, and sample transfer

Physical Dimensions&Build

• Size: 215 × 176 × 63 mm
• Construction: Industrial-grade housing with rubberized encoders

Software Integration

• Overbridge Basic (Free):
  • Sample manager/librarian
  • MIDI over USB
  • DAW sync
  • Main audio output streaming
• Overbridge Premium:
  • 8-channel discrete audio streaming
  • Stereo audio interface functionality
  • VST/AU plugin with dedicated control interface
  • Complete DAW parameter automation
  • Total project recall with DAW sessions

Factory Included Content

• Electronic and acoustic drum sample sets
• Synth sounds library
• Effects and waveform cycles toolkit
• Empty Sound Browser (user-populated)
• Power adapter and braided USB cable