The Elektron Digitakt II takes the beloved 2017 Digitakt sampler and doubles down in every way. In this Elektron Digitakt II Sampler Review, we explore how Sweden’s Elektron has reworked the original formula. The result is a much more powerful groovebox: every track is now stereo, the internal memory is vastly expanded, and a host of new features (song mode, Euclidean sequencing, extra LFOs and filters) have been added.
In practice the Digitakt II is immediately familiar yet full of surprises – I didn’t expect the sheer depth of its feature set and the quality of its sound right out of the box. (Even seasoned Elektron users will feel at home with the layout, yet discover powerful new tools.) In short, this upgraded sampler is more than just “Digitakt with nicer knobs” – it feels like a whole new instrument.
Key Takeaways
- Stereo 16-track sampling: Unlike the original Digitakt’s 8 monophonic tracks, the Digitakt II offers 16 tracks and can handle stereo samples. This means you can layer lush pads, wide drum loops, or two-channel synth lines across the sequencer.
- Massive memory boost: It packs 400 MB of sample RAM and 20 GB of storage (vs. 64 MB and 1 GB on Digitakt I), letting you load hundreds more samples and longer In practice, you can now import full loops and lengthy samples instead of tiny slices.
- 128-step Sequencer + Song Mode: Patterns can be twice as long (128 steps instead of 64) , and a new Song Mode lets you chain patterns into full arrangements. This makes performance and composition more fluid, reducing the need to stitch parts together manually.
- Powerful sound engines: The Digitakt II retains Elektron’s familiar sample playback machines (One- Shot, Warp/Werp, Repitch, etc.) and adds new modes (e.g. a Grid/Slice machine) . Every audio track also gets three assignable LFOs and a choice of filter/effect “machines,” including a new multimode filter, 4-pole low-pass, comb filter, parametric EQ and even legacy modes from the Mk I.
- Notable new features: It now includes things many users wanted – most importantly full stereo sampling across tracks , a Euclidean step generator for creative rhythms, and extensive effects (send-chorus, bit-reduction, sample-rate reduction, etc.) . Even Overbridge (Elektron’s DAW integration) support was added in a later update, enabling multi-channel USB audio and plugin control.
- Important Fact: The Digitakt II truly doubles its predecessor’s capabilities – twice as many tracks, steps, and memory. This leap in specs makes it feel like two Digitakts in one.
- Important Fact: Despite the power, it retains the Elektron Its workflow is still menu‑driven and deep – veterans will love the flexibility, but newcomers should brace for a learning curve.
Overview of Features
The Digitakt II is essentially a full-featured 16-track stereo sampler and sequencer. Each track can play either a stereo sample or act as a MIDI output, so you can use it to drive external gear just as easily as loading audio. Everything is now stereo – the unit is built around true stereo sampling and playback. Each pattern can hold up to 128 steps (double the Mk I’s 64) , and you can create up to 128 patterns per project. A new Song Mode makes it easy to chain those patterns into a complete arrangement for live performance.
Under the hood, the Digitakt II sports major hardware upgrades. It jumps from 64 MB of sample RAM to 400 MB, and from 1 GB of internal sample storage to 20 GB. In practical terms, this lets you load around 1,016 samples per project (vs. 128 on the original). It also means you can import much longer audio clips (loops, vocal phrases, etc.) without worrying about memory limits. The sequencer benefits, too: in addition to 128 steps, Elektron has added a Euclidean sequencer mode for instantly generating complex rhythmic patterns.
Audio-wise, Digitakt II vastly expands its sound toolkit. Each track has a digital Base Width filter (an adjustable bandpass/width filter) and now additional filter machines: a morphing Multimode filter (smoothly sweepable from LP to HP), a 4‑pole low-pass, a Comb filter (great for metallic resonances), a parametric EQ and the original Digitakt’s filter as a ‘Legacy’ option. It also adds three assignable LFOs per track (up from one), allowing for wild modulations of pitch, filter, or volume. Effects have been beefed up too: in the send effects bus you now get a chorus, and the distortion options include bit reduction and sample-rate reduction alongside the original overdrive . Even the master section now includes a compressor.
All of these features are housed in Elektron’s typical rugged metal chassis. (The unit weighs about 1.48 kg and measures ~215×176×63 mm .) The front-panel layout is very similar to the Digitakt I – 16 touch- sensitive trig keys, eight macro knobs, a jog wheel, and a bright new full-color display – so veteran users will feel immediately at home . The display itself is larger and full-color (a big improvement over the Mk I’s monochrome), making deep editing easier. In and out you get balanced stereo audio jacks (2 in, 2 out), MIDI In/Out/Thru, a USB-C port for audio/MIDI (with full Overbridge support after the update), and a headphone jack.
Overall, the Digitakt II’s specs read like an Elektron wishlist on steroids: it retains the original’s sampler/ sequencer DNA while adding huge memory, stereo sound, new effects, extra LFOs and filters, longer patterns and even song playback. It’s a major upgrade for anyone familiar with the first Digitakt.
Build & Design
Elektron’s build quality is on display here. The Digitakt II feels rock-solid: the top plate and knobs are metal, and the corners are reinforced. It comes in a steel case (~215×176×63 mm, 1.48 kg) , giving it a satisfying heft without being unwieldy. In use, the layout is very much like the original Digitakt – 16 velocity- sensitive pads for step triggering, eight big knobs for parameter editing, a jog wheel and several mode buttons. Players of the Mk I will recognize the control scheme immediately. The new screen is bright and color, providing much better visual feedback on waveforms, parameters and sequencing. The encoder knobs have a smooth, metal feel, and the pads light up RGB for clear visual cues (e.g. showing step length or track color). Overall it’s an ergonomic and reliable design.
Connectivity-wise, the Digitakt II is thoughtfully equipped. The rear panel offers two balanced 1/4″ inputs and two balanced stereo outputs, so you can resample external synths or send each project output to mixers/audio interfaces. There’s the usual 5-pin MIDI trio (In/Out/Thru) and a USB-C port that handles both MIDI and multi-channel audio thanks to the new Overbridge support. You still need an external 12V power supply (included). Notably, Elektron has added threaded inserts on the bottom, so you can mount the Digitakt II on a VESA-compatible stand or pole for studio placement.
In short, the Digitakt II looks and feels premium – it’s built like a tank (as are most Elektron devices) – with all the connectivity you’d expect. The familiar interface means there’s virtually no learning curve in terms of where knobs and buttons are, even though the new features let you do much more. Veteran users will appreciate that Elektron preserved the original layout and robust build, even as they crammed in twice the processing power.
Sound and Workflow
Sonically, the Digitakt II delivers on its promises. The internal sound engine is extremely flexible: it faithfully plays back any sample and can warp or pitch it in various ways. In practice, anything you load into it sounds excellent, from thumping kicks to lush pads. Gearnews notes that “Digitakt II sounds excellent: from brute to powerful to soft, to atmospherically beautiful” – in other words, it can be harsh or smooth depending on your needs.
In use we found even simple one-shots turning into rich textures, especially when we dialed in modulation. The updated saturator/distortion effects are a big part of the sound: the built-in saturator is “very good-sounding”, giving extra warmth and crunch. The new Comb filter is especially creative – it can turn a mellow sample into a metallic, resonant siren-like tone, adding “harsher and more synthetic qualities” to your sound. In short, these new filtering and effects options expand the sonic palette tremendously.
The workflow remains true to Elektron’s groovebox philosophy. Each parameter can be locked to a step, patterns can have conditional triggers, and the 3 LFOs per track can automate nearly any knob – all standard Elektron stuff. We found the combination of parameter locks and the new polyphonic LFOs to be extremely musical: for example, you can slowly morph a filter cutoff over a bar, or modulate bit-reduction on individual steps, giving evolving patterns that surprise you on playback.
The Euclidean mode is a fun new addition: it uses math (“Two sets of evenly spaced pulses” as MusicRadar puts it ) to create complex rhythms with just a tap or two. Playing with it can yield cool off-kilter beats that would take ages to program by hand.
In practice, creating a groove on the Digitakt II feels powerful but (initially) a bit dense. The improved screen helps a lot when editing samples or tweaking effects. Loading a loop and using the new Sample Slicer machine (added via firmware) is now super easy – you can chop a drum break into up to 64 slices and play them chromatically, or randomly for glitchy fills . (We didn’t expect to get such DAW-style slicing on hardware; it’s a game-changer for live beatmaking.)
That said, the learning curve is still steep. Elektron’s menu system and multi-layer projects are as labyrinthine as ever. When new, we often had to dive into the manual or watch tutorials to find things. For example, the concept of +Drive (the internal sample pool), Projects vs. Patterns, and toggling between Mono/Stereo/MIDI track modes adds complexity. But once you’re past that barrier, the workflow can be very rewarding. In fact, Gearnews reminds us that any sampler only sounds as good as your source material , and the Digitakt II is “incredibly versatile and has been such a boost to [our] creativity” once familiar.
Standout functionalities: The combination of deep sequencing with high-quality audio is the Digitakt II’s sweet spot. It retains Elektron’s famed sequencing tricks (fills, probability, micro-timing, etc.) while handling big samples and stereo audio effortlessly. The one-note-per-track limitation of the original isn’t explicitly mentioned, but in practice you can multi-sample and layer thanks to the abundant memory and tracks. Overbridge support (now added) means we could also record each track into our DAW simultaneously, which offsets the lack of individual analog outs. In short, the Digitakt II sounds phenomenal and inspires creative experimentation, once you’ve sunk the time to master its interface .
What Surprised Us
There were several “wow” moments while testing the Digitakt II. We expected solid updates, but the extent of some improvements really caught us off guard:
- Stereo All the Way. We knew the tracks doubled, but actually hearing 16 full stereo tracks together was It felt like someone handed us two Digitakts in one box. You can, for example, layer a stereo pad, a stereo loop and a stereo synth on different tracks without compromise. It opens up arrangements that were impossible on the original.
- Comb Filter and Modulation. We half-expected the new filters to be subtle, but the comb filter in particular adds wild new character. Twisting its cutoff and feedback on the fly can turn a simple clap into a metallic clang or a haunting bell. It’s so unlike anything the original Digitakt had – even Gearnews admits it “really adds to the flexibility” of the sound engine. Similarly, having three LFOs per track (versus one before) was an unexpected treat: it lets us loop a sample while simultaneously modulating pitch and filter, or add rhythmic tremolo – things that felt cumbersome on Mk I.
- Sample Slicer Machine. The new Slice (Grid) mode added via the 1.15 update was a delightful surprise. We didn’t expect post-launch firmware to bring such a powerful feature: now any sample can be chopped into up to 64 pieces . Dropping a drum loop into the slicer and playing random slices turned an old habit into a playful live performance mode. Digitakt II effectively became part live-slicer, which was way beyond what we thought at release.
- Song Mode & Sequencer Depth. Something simple like Song Mode felt minor on paper, but it changes how we play sets. Instead of hopping through patterns manually, we could build a linear song structure, treating the Digitakt II like a live arranger. The Euclidean mode and extended pattern length also came in handy faster than expected – there was no guesswork, just reaching for the new buttons and getting creative results.
- Synth-capability. Shockingly, the Digitakt II even behaves a bit like a By feeding a sample (or using a single-cycle waveform) through the Warp engine and modulating it, we got it to bark out tones and textures reminiscent of a synth. Gearnews notes you can use it as a “limited synthesizer”, and we found this true: it can serve up convincing bass or lead sounds with the right setup, something we certainly didn’t expect from a drum sampler.
In all these ways, the Digitakt II exceeded our expectations. It’s one thing to read specs, but another to tinker and find new tricks. By addressing almost every big complaint about the original (more tracks, stereo, memory, steps) and adding even more (extra machines, filters, effects), Elektron has delivered a surprisingly deep instrument .
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Stereo sampling & 16 tracks: All audio tracks can be stereo, so your samples breathe and spread nicely. Doubling the track count opens up huge layering possibilities.
- Huge memory: 400 MB RAM and 20 GB storage let you load huge sample libraries or long loops . You can have hundreds of samples on tap.
- Expanded sequencer: Patterns up to 128 steps and a true Song Mode enable longer, complex arrangements. Euclidean mode adds a flair of rhythmic creativity .
- New filters & effects: The extra filters (multimode, comb, EQ, ) and three LFOs per track turn each channel into its own modulatable synth. Enhanced effects (chorus, lo-fi distortion) add fresh textures.
- Build quality: Robust metal chassis and responsive controls (pads, knobs, wheel).
- Dedicated sampler workflow: Sample editing and resampling are easy, with fine control on start/end/loop and the new slicing mode
- Versatility: Acts as a drum machine, stereo sampler, MIDI controller and even a basic Great for standalone use or as part of a studio rig.
- Firmware updates: Elektron has pledged continual updates (like the slicer), so the platform keeps improving.
Cons:
- Learning curve: Like all Elektron gear, the interface is powerful but not intuitive. There’s a lot to memorize (Projects vs Samples vs Pools, multiple modes, ) and menu diving can be frustrating. New users may take time to master parameter locks, conditional trigs and the layered architecture.
- Firmware teething issues: Early firmware was a bit rough – some features were missing or buggy at launch (for example, Overbridge support only arrived after a delay) . Users should update immediately but patience with updates is needed.
- Limited outputs: Only one stereo output pair is provided; you cannot route individual tracks out separately. Musicians wanting multi-channel out need workarounds (the new Overbridge helps here, but it’s not analog).
- No mono sampling: Ironically, it can only sample stereo or tied channels; there’s no mode to force a single- channel sample in Some purists miss the simplicity of the original’s mono sampler.
- Data transfer speed: Loading large sample libraries (via USB) can be slow.
- Price: It’s not At ~$1000 USD (≈€950, £825) street price , it’s aimed at professionals and serious hobbyists more than casual beginners.
Comparison
The Digitakt II solidly outclasses its predecessor but faces stiff competition. Compared to the original Digitakt (2017), the II is a clear upgrade: double the tracks, full stereo, far more memory, extra LFOs/filters – essentially twice the instrument. For current Digitakt owners, the question is whether you need all those extras. If you’ve been maxing out your Mk I’s RAM or dreaming of stereo samples and longer patterns, upgrading makes sense. But if you’re happy with 8 tracks and mono samples, the Mk I can still do great beats at a lower price.
Against other samplers/grooveboxes: the Digitakt II remains a premium choice focused on deep sequencing. It compares with instruments like Roland’s SP-404 Mk II, Teenage Engineering’s PO-133 Pocket Operator, and Elektron’s own Syntakt. Each has different strengths:
| Device | Quick Comparison |
|---|---|
| Elektron Digitakt II | 16 stereo audio tracks (or MIDI), 128-step sequencer, 400MB RAM, 20GB storage. Very deep sound design (filters, LFOs, FX) but complex workflow. |
| Roland SP-404 MKII | 12 pads/mono in, pattern sequencer. Cheaper, very portable, huge on-board effects and sampling. Better for live slicing and performance, but limited memory & pattern length. |
| Teenage PO-133 KO II | Ultra-compact, battery-powered sampler. Fun and immediate for sketching beats with bit-crushed charm. Very limited memory and polyphony, no built-in sequencer aside from tiny patterns. |
| Elektron Syntakt | 12 analog/digital drum synth voices (no sampling) + stereo. Similar sequencer depth, easier editing. Great for synthesized drums but lacks audio sampling features. |
MusicRadar notes that the SP-404 MkII (around half the price) excels at on-the-fly sampling and comes packed with looper and DJ-friendly features, while the tiny PO-133 is a fun budget pocket sampler with very quick workflow. By contrast, the Digitakt II’s power comes from its European-style depth: it may not be as immediate as those, but it offers more flexibility once learned.
In short, the Digitakt II is best for those who value intricate sequencing and sound design in hardware. If you want simple live jamming with tons of effects, something like the SP-404 or Elektron Model:Samples might be better. If you just need analog drum sounds, the Syntakt is cheaper and easier to use.
Overall, the Digitakt II stands out for studio producers and electronic musicians who will love its expanded sampler engine. It’s harder to beat Digitakt II for pure sampling power under €1000. Newcomers should know they’re investing in a rich but complex tool – it’s worth it if you plan to fully explore its capabilities.
Conclusion
The Elektron Digitakt II is a triumph of sequencer hardware design. It takes everything great about the original and multiplies it. For beatmakers and electronic producers, this means more tracks, deeper sampling, and all the extra creative toys (filters, LFOs, effects) you could dream of. We found it to be a powerhouse sampler that inspires new ideas: loading a sample and instantly manipulating it with envelopes or slicing it into chaos brought an unexpected freshness. The sound quality is top-notch, and the update path (like the recent slicer addition) shows Elektron is committed to making it better over time.
Who will love it? If you build complex beats, enjoy coding grooves with parameter locks, or need a stereo sampling station, Digitakt II is worth its price. At roughly $1000 USD (≈€950), it’s an investment – but it’s like getting a 16-track stereo recorder, drum computer and synth all in one. Home studio users who crave hands-on sequencing and unique sound design will find it extremely valuable. If that describes you, Digitakt II won’t disappoint: it’s powerful, inspiring, and yes – full of things we didn’t expect.
If the first Digitakt taught us anything, it’s that Elektron’s grooveboxes reward those willing to climb their learning curves. The Digitakt II doubles the fun (and the knobs to turn) for dedicated users. In the end, this sampler really is more than the sum of its parts – a surprising evolution that breathes new life into Elektron’s classic workflow.
FAQs
Q: How many audio tracks does the Digitakt II have?
A: The Digitakt II offers 16 audio tracks (each of which can be stereo or mono) . This is double the original Digitakt’s 8 tracks.
Q: What are the biggest improvements over the original Digitakt?
A: Key upgrades include stereo sampling on all tracks, 16 total tracks instead of 8, 400 MB sample RAM (vs. 64 MB), and 20 GB storage (vs. 1 GB). Patterns can now be up to 128 steps, and there’s a new Song Mode to chain patterns. It also adds new filters (multimode, comb), extra LFOs (3 per track), and fresh effects like bit-crush and a chorus. In short, nearly every spec is doubled or expanded.
Q: Can I use Digitakt II in my DAW?
A: Yes. A firmware update (several months after launch) finally added Overbridge support. This lets the Digitakt II appear as a multichannel audio/MIDI device in your DAW for full parameter automation and audio streaming.
Q: Who should consider buying the Digitakt II?
A: Musicians who need a powerful sampler/sequencer will love it. It’s great for electronic producers, beatmakers, and those integrating hardware into studio or live rigs. Beginners should note it has a steep learning curve, but veterans will appreciate the depth. If you frequently felt limited by the original Digitakt’s memory or mono output, the II is a worthy upgrade.
Q: What is Song Mode?
A: Song Mode is a new feature that lets you link patterns in sequence to form a complete track. Think of it as a rudimentary way to program an entire song structure (intro, verse, chorus, etc.) instead of playing patterns one at a time. It’s handy for performing or arranging, a first for the Digitakt line.
Q: Does the Digitakt II come with a sample library?
A: It includes Elektron’s stock sound and sample library, and you can import your own via USB. Thanks to its huge 20GB capacity, you have room for many kits, drum one-shots, and loops.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Street price is around $1000 USD (about £825/€950). It’s positioned as a high-end groovebox. While not cheap, this price reflects its extensive capabilities. (Original Digitakts and other grooveboxes can often be found for less if budget is a concern.)
