It's finally Saturday and time for a brandnew Digitakt Jam. After we left last week out due to the premiere of "Walking", a contemporary dance video I created a score for, it's finally time for a good new classic Digitakt Jam again and here we go. The track features a sample taken from my free pack "Citylights". Learn how to make your own minimal music with the Digitakt! Have a look on my Digitakt Online Class! It's a video course focussed on creating tracks with the Digitakt. It covers LFOs, Arrangement, Performing, Digitakt FX and many other interesting topics!

After I expanded my setup some time ago with an Elektron Model:Samples, I was often asked why I bought a quasi identical device like the Digitakt again and what Since the question comes up again and again, I have summarized a few important aspects in this article that you should consider when buying an Elektron. But let's start with this question: Why did I buy the Model:Samples? I was happy with the Digitakt? There are mainly 2 reasons for it. On the one hand, I wanted to have more audio tracks every now and then to elaborate drum sections in more detail, for example. On the other hand, I have some very cool effect pedals, but I never use them with the Digitakt because I can only route the entire sum signal through the effect. With the help of the Model:Samples, I am now able to play one part of the arrangement with the effect, while the part on the Digitakt stays without. Differences between Model:Samples and Digitakt Now, the Digitakt has quite a few features that the Model:Samples doesn't. Logically, the latter costs only half of it. But for the scenario described above, the Model:Samples is perfectly adequate. There are the following main differences that sets the Model:Samples apart his big brother: Missing ADSR envelope No Overbridge support 6 instead of 8 channels No MIDI loopback feature Quality of onboard effects Missing sampling function / resampling Missing Midi tracks Missing compressor Less LFOs Velocity pads direct access to parameters significantly smaller price From this list some are worth mentioning (at least for my workflow!). Missing ADSR Envelope Since I use the Model:Samples mainly as a sample player for drums, the lack of an ADSR envelope doesn't matter much to me. You can only set the decay time, sample start and length, that's it. Complex synth modelling, as I can do with ADSR on the Digitakt, are simply not feasible with these settings. Other sounds that might be hard to create with these limitations are pads or evolving textures. I always use the Digitakt for these parts. No Elektron Overbridge support Unlike the Digitakt, the Model:Samples does not support Overbridge. You can only record the audio sum output, single tracks are not possible. I usually loop the audio in at the Digitakt inputs, but to get a good result, it's important that the Model:Samples tracks are mixed well at the device itself, since it is not possible to do that after recording. Overbridge will only record the input track of the Digitakt. No MIDI Loopback feature I work a lot with the Digitakt MIDI loopback function, and the results made with this technique are really amazing. Again, I would miss this on the Model:Samples as a standalone device, but I really don't miss it in combination with the Digitakt. The same goes for the rest of the differences I listed above. Digitakt and Model:Samples decision help Overall, I don't think the two devices are neither comparable nor is the Model:Samples a cheap copy of the Digitakt. Sure, as a standalone, it lacks too many of the Digitakt features for me. As a beginner's device, it might be certainly interesting and the price is attractive, but you will quickly look at the features of the Digitakt after you have learned the ropes. Meanwhile, the Model:Samples is absolutely perfect as a supplement to the Digitakt! You get the same great Elektron workflow with its powerful sequencer, which also allows complex arrangements. The two device clocks can be synchronized via MIDI cable and thus play together perfectly. If you have questions about the devices, let me know in the comments or use the chat box at the bottom! Want to dive deeper into track creation? Check my Digitakt Online Class! It's a video course focussed on creating tracks with the Digitakt, but most likely everything can be done with the Model:Samples as well. The class covers LFOs, Arrangement, Performing, FX and many other interesting topics, and I add new lessons frequently.

Some time ago, I asked you on YouTube if you‘d like to see more track deconstruction videos. The response was pretty clear and many of you guys have been interested to get some insights. Now, Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to record a new breakdown yet - I simply haven't had the time due to my releases and projects. But since I would like to share my knowledge anyway, I will do studio sessions with you on a regular basis from now on! The stream will be live and you can ask me your questions during the session. The recording will of course be available after the stream as well in case you can’t make it to the live. The first studio session will take place on Friday the 26.2. at 4 o'clock CET on my YouTube channel. During the session, I will build up a Digitakt pattern from scratch, and the following Sessions will be every Wednesday at 8pm CET. I'm looking forward getting your feedbacks and seeing you there ❤️ If you'd like to reminded, you can check the YouTube page and acitvate the reminder. Or subscribe to my mailing list to get notifed!

I never liked the Millenium bs-500 speaker stands that came with my JBL Pro monitors much. Well, they did their job. But recently I realized that they make a pretty damn good stand for my Digitakt performances as well! Because I was unhappy with the solutions I had before - I used a little old desk, tried some boards and so on, but it all looked "unprofessional" and not very stylish. Plus, I produce my performances mostly in my little bedroom where the space is very limited. So I had the hilarious idea of using the monitor stand for the Elektron machine and it is awesome! They have a perfect size, adjustable height, a pair of 2 is pretty affordable and they have a simple, yet minimalistic appearance. Plus I have a second one for the Digitone as well 🤩🎈❤️ You can see this solution in my latest Digitakt live performance, I really love the simplicity of it. What stands do you use for performances? I‘m curious for other suggestions.

The dawless performance Watch the original performance with "Apollo 13", "Beach" and "Awakening" here

Like every Saturday, I have uploaded a new YouTube video for you guys! During the last Live Session, one or the other of you already heard today's track - this week, we go deep down into the dub basement! Non of the usual textures, but really cool stabs and a sweet groove are waiting for you. The goal for this pattern was to work with multiple bass layers and create tracks with separated layers of PLocked sounds. Just check out the studio session, I talked about the individual tracks in detail (like a track breakdown). By the way, the background visuals are made with Staella, a nice vizualizer App for iOS. Learn how to make your own house music with the Digitakt! Have a look on my Digitakt Online Class! It's a video course focussed on creating tracks with the Digitakt. It covers LFOs, Arrangement, Performing, Digitakt FX and many other interesting topics!

Welcome to my first Digitakt Jam of the new year :) If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the picture of my newest piece of gear I was gifted for Christmas: the Electro-Harmonix „Grand Canyon“, a Delay and Looper Pedal that simply sounds amazing. While I’m still figuring out the endless possibilities of this pedal, I’ve added it to this little setup, where it plays together with the Elektron Digitakt and the Elektron Model:Samples. I’m using the „Reverse“ effect setting to create a very interesting soundscape as the track foundation, played by the Model:Samples. The groove section and the pad sounds are coming from the Digitakt. Let me know what you think about this very Dub-House track guys!

Yesterday, I had a very interesting zoom session with one of my musician friends. She creates beautiful Ambient music, just starts to discover the possibilites of modern equipment and she really likes my music too :) Suddenly, she said: "I've been told I need to know about LFO, can you explain it?" and started laughing as she heard about before, but never used this kind of sound modulation stuff. So here's a little explaination (also for the rest of us haha) plus some ideas what you can do with LFO on the Digitakt. What is LFO In short, LFO stays for "Low-frequency oscillation" and I found an article on Wikipedia that explains it very good: "The primary oscillator circuits of a synthesizer are used to create the audio signals. An LFO is a secondary oscillator that operates at a significantly lower frequency (hence its name), typically below 20 Hz. This lower frequency or control signal is used to modulate another component's value, changing the sound without introducing another source. Like a standard oscillator, this usually takes the form of a periodic waveform, such as a sine, sawtooth, triangle or square wave. Also like a standard oscillator, LFOs can incorporate any number of waveform types, including user-defined wavetables, rectified waves and random signals." Using a low-frequency oscillation signal as a means of modulating another signal introduces complexities into the resulting sound, such that a variety of effects can be achieved. For instance, when a LFO is routed to control the pitch, it creates vibrato (depending on the waveform). Or when it modulates the volume amplitude, it creates a tremolo. On most synthesizers and sound modules, LFOs have several controllable parameters, which often include a variety of waveforms, a rate control, routing options, a tempo sync feature so the LFO plays in sync with the track speed, and an option to control how much the LFO will modulate the audio signal. How to use LFO on Digitakt As you're talking to a Digitakt nerd, you'll want to know how this very technical stuff applies now to the Elektron machine. Well. On the Digitakt, each audio track has 1 LFO that can be routed to modulate, for example, the frequency of the audio oscillator, its phase, stereo panning, filter frequency, or amplification and it's very easy to setup on the Digitakt. All these parameters are accessable on the LFO page. Just select the track you want to add the LFO and open the LFO page by pressing its button. Digitakt's LFO parameters Let's quickly go through the settings before I show you an example. SPD - Speed sets the speed of the LFO. MULT - Multiplier multiplies the SPD parameter by the set factor FADE - Fade In/Out makes it possible to fade in/fade out the LFO modulation. DEST - Destination selects the modulation destination for the LFO WAVE - sets the LFO waveform: Triangle, Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Exponential, Ramp and Random SPH - Start Phase sets the point within the wave cycle where the LFO will start when it is trigged MODE - Trig Mode sets how the LFO will act when a note is trigged DEP - sets the depth and polarity of the LFO modulation Pro-Tip: Using Digitakt's "Loopback" feature enables additional destinations and extra LFOs! Ideas for using the Digitakt LFO I'm using the LFO to modulate the FX settings, for instance. Set the SPD to a very low value, choose the "Reverb HPF" as DEST and set "DEP" to a mid range depth. The reverb will constantly move and keeps a track alive. Another idea is to get a sound to be payed from an old record. Set SPD to a low value, DEST to "Pitch" and DEP to a very low value. Works well with drones or pad sounds - you will get a constant Pitch move that can bring the sound to live. Last but not least, it's a very nice possiblity to at "Bitreduction" to a track: Choose the RANDOM waveform, set SPD to "32" so it syncs to the track Speed, spice up with some FX and have fun. Want to dive deeper into Digitakt track creation? Have a look on my Digitakt Online Class! It's a video course focussed on creating tracks with the Digitakt. It covers LFOs, Arrangement, Performing, Digitakt FX and many other interesting topics!

What do we do when left alone? Some people do nothing at all and quickly begin to feel bored. Others meditate, do needlework or the simply go crazy. And then there are people who can only be creative when they are alone. ​ When I'm left alone, I simply make music and I start to transform feelings into patterns. Electronic music patterns. And that's what my latest album titled "When Left Alone" is all about. As the album opens with "A Hot Kinda Musician" you get a haunting feeling come over you. There are multiple moments similar to this on the album. Then all of a sudden the minimal dub beats bring you out of that zone and give the listener an almost different direction to follow. A perfect example is the closing track "Worthwhile". It gets a bit more upbeat but still has that dark feeling. The sounds and textures throughout the album are very pleasing to the ears. You will find yourself discovering more hidden sounds every time you hear it. Sit back and chill with the headphones on while enjoying this album. "When Left Alone" is the first album I release with Shady Ridge Records, an electronic and ambient record label based in Hutchinson, Minnesota. It was created entirely with the Elektron Digitakt and it's available now on Bandcamp, Streaming Services and on my Website as well. I will perform some of the album tracks during a live performance on Feb 20 at 7pm CET on my YouTube Channel.

My recent Synthjams with the Digitakt have mostly been "Minimal" influenced. While I think, this new jam got minimalistic as well, it's also pretty danceable and comes with some sweet and dark techno flavors. Driven by a nice Peak generated chord stab, the track features a nice background texture as well. Let me know what you think in the comments guys!

The highlight of our "Garagen" project took place tonite with the premiere of the "Garagen Live Experience". What a blast! For all those who couldn't attend the premiere, the performances are still available for viewing on our YouTube channels. Thanks to all viewers for coming, it was a great experience with you in the chat! And it's also time for HUGE "Thank you" to my friend Atlas Castle for the wonderful collaboration on this great project. I'm already looking forward to my "real" visit in Copenhagen. Get your copy of the EP here

The video of today's dawless Digitakt jam is a little different than usual!