My live performance workflow || 2x Digitakt, 2x Digitone, Xone DB4
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- čas přidán 7. 03. 2020
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00:36 2x Digitakt + 2x digitone
01:15 Digitakt: Audio Tracks Layout
03:15 Digitone: Audio Tracks Layout
03:44 Digitakt midi to Digitone
05:23 Digitakt: Midi tracks layout
09:14 Modulating Digitone FX
13:09 Xone:DB4 Setup
15:37 Transition Example
20:58 Currently
This is a video you have been requesting for some time now, so finally here it is :). In this video I go into detail how I connected everything and how I use the Digitone, Digitakt, and Xone DB4 separately and together.
If you have any questions please let me know in the comments! And if you are considering buying any of these devices and want to support me, consider using my affiliate links below. Won't cost more but a percentage will go towards me :)
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I released a video course for Digitakt! Buy here: davemech.live/store
Just ordered my Digitakt. Can't wait to dive into your course!
@@mrnessss That's great Jordan! Enjoy the instrument and the course :)
@@Davemech is the course about DT+DN or only DT?
@@DaVeTheWaVe this one is only DT. 8+ hours of content. Can view all info on my website's shop. Currently working on the first part of a digitone course. Aiming to release this within a few months or less
The balance of all the elements in your patterns is superb. I've never heard that Digi pair sound so professional.
Lovely to hear thank you ❤️
Return of the Mech.
I wished other guys would explain their setups so well. Very helpful and the music is terrific. Many thanks
Cheers Peter!
Awesome stuff, man! Incorporated some Digitakt --> Digitone MIDI Routing into my own little setup. Thanks!
Yess, thanks for the explanation! Really helps as I want to do a live set as well one day :) Cool features on the DB4 with the looping!
Great Stuff, Dave! Thanks for sharing your workflow like this!! 😁🙏👊
Cheers mate! :) happy to do it!
good stuff, good stuff here! Thank you for those insights!
So cool! That's pure knowledge here! Thank you! :)
Cheers!
Dave you are great in what you do, cant wait to see how you incorporate the Octa. Keep it up!
Thank you mate! Have a couple grooves cooking on octa already. Amazing piece of weirdness it is. cheers
Nice video man! Thanks for sharing your setup!
Thanks! Happy to do it :)
great work!
Thanks for sharing man, this is great!
Happy to do it!
I've implemented a few of your workflow ideas and am having considerably more fun with the digitakt. You've made me think I need a digitone now... :) I would love to see you perform in person, come to SF sometime!
!!!! Nice man, thanks voor de moeite:)
This is great stuff. 😃👍
I enjoyed that a lot!
Cheers mate!
Always wondered how you do this👈
Great stuff
We waiting for your new OT setup videos ! 😍😉😁
You really do great things, awesome ;)
Cheers! It will happen but first I need to finish the new studio :)
Dave Mech I can’t wait to discover that! 😉☺️☺️☺️
this is great, thankyou
Cheers!
Octatrack will stir things up, same set up as me. I see the octatrack, digitone and digitakt as the unity trinity :)
Great video man.
Subscribed!👏
Welcome! Thanks :)
Very inspirational, thank you! Looking forward for your Octatrack inputs and if it can keep up with your excellent sound quality level?!
Yeah it can. It just has a different sound then DT. Not as prestine, but it's own thing. It almost sounds like some analog modeling is going on. I kinda like it :)
@@Davemech OT is a beast , enjoy
Awesome jam I have an mc 707 and just ordered a db4 from reverb. I can assign 2 out Chanels on the 707, I have a synth also an my iPad. Good times ahead🎵 🎵
Hey dude, ❤️ your vids. Next a series on the Digitone and how to sound design for techno? Cheers!
Cheers Buddy, yeah that's definitely a video series I want to create. I just want some more time with the digitone before I feel ready to create this series.
Would vote for that too! Wondering what samples come oute of Digitone and which come from somewhere else, Dave
Awesomeness Dave. I’d add an Analog Four to that set-up for even more mentalness
Yeah maybe someday. I do have it but use it to create samples for DT and octa.
@@Davemech I'm surprised you wouldn't rely on the OT's Song Mode for live. Do you prefer the DT's performative nature?
@@caveofsleepers yeah indeed :). I love to create arrangements live. Song mode would set things too much in stone.
sudo sidechain compression. dope.
Lovely video. Adding a simple KaossPad might help out immensely.
Cheers! Db4 has enough quality fx though :). Kaoss pad is a cool device. Used to have the old mk2
you are my idol your videos are unbelievable they teach me and inspire me hey could you make one to synchronize an acapella with digitakt or octratack mk2 with the project as a whole ??
❤️ Thank you for the kind words Fran! Octa would be better suited for that. I'm going to make a series of videos featuring the octa in a few months. I'll see if I can include one with an a capella :)
Love your set up. Great info. Any plans to add a Analog Heat to the setup?
Cheers Jerry. Have used a heat on the master out for a few years now ;) also use it for sound design sometimes. Great device
So cool as always! Your music is minimal but complex at the same time, which I am fond of. Question. When you use the octatrack, do you still use the DB4 or use the octa as a mixer and looper? Thanx!
Thanks Robert! Yes I'll still use db4 :) it's pretty much irreplaceable
I love your set ups ! Do you have any pointers? I’ve been Djing for quite sometime and want to take it up a notch and go dawless/ laptop less. I watched your digitakt and db4 video and got inspired ! Rn I have a analog 4 mk1 and tb-3. Looking in to a xone db2. Do you recommend anything else ? Should I get a digitekt ?
Great Tutorial! One Question: Do I have to set up the parameters for every pattern? So copy paste always the Settings or is there a way to manage these things globally?
I'll be interested to see how the DB4 and the Octatrack co-exist. I often use my OT just as a glorified DJ mixer, except it only does 2 stereo channels that way. Makes me wonder if something like the DB4 would make more sense since there are more knobs-per-function without having to switch channels/menus. But as you say, then I'd lose the ability to sometimes use stereo samples, which can sound really really great. :)
I won't be using octatrack as a mixer. That's left for the db4. Db4 just ads a way of mixing everything together in a intuitive way with lmebough complexity in options to experiment just with the mixer alone :). Octa will be filled with grooves and I think slowly but surely the DT will become a live rytm box.
Hey Dave, thanks for sharing this super useful information on your set up! I have a question.. Is there a way to set up MIDI as you have, with the DT controlling DN, but also add a Keystep specifically to the DN for inputting notes on T1-T4?
That would require a little midi merge box. But it is possible yeah :). You'd have to change the midi channel on the keystep corresponding to the track you want to play or use keystep on the auto channel to play the selected audio track on DN (make sure autochannel is different from track channels)
Hi Dave, first a big thank you, I've learned more from your videos than any other resource, it also helps that the music you make is the same style as I try to replicate;)
A couple of questions,
1. Why two midi channels for tracks 1 and 2 on the digitone and not 3 and 4?
2. What do you mean when you say midi channel 13/E is for effects? Is that not what you're already doing on an individual per track basis? Is it some sort of global effects channel?
Apologies if these questions seem obvious, I watched the video several times and couldn't quite grasp what the answers were, quite new to hardware myself and although the digis are quite immediate and fun boxes individually once the're connected and I start delving into the MIDI side of things my brain starts to melt.
Great to hear Ben, thanks :)
1. I have 8 midi tracks to work with so it's simply a matter of maxing out 8 tracks. 2 are used for delay and reverb.
2. It's indeed a global fx channel. You can set it up in the mid channel settings. On that channel you can send midi cc messages to the fx parameters.
No worries dude. There are no stupid questions. :) hope this helped. Enjoy!
I had problems remembering what the parameters I had assigned on the DT midi page 2 (as they can't be given names), any tips? Do you keep notes beside you for connections that vary between patterns?
Also, do you find the lack of dedicated track volume control (on Elektron devices) to be an issue?
Thanks. Keep up the dissonance!
Hi, if you check the section about digitakt midi you'll know how I manage it :). For the fx the midi parameters are the same as on the fx pages of digitone. Other than that I use modwheel, breath control etc. Mod matrices. This way I don't have to remember as I know that i set up each pattern in a way that will have useful settings on those controls.
Would be nice if we could give names though yeah.
Digitakt has a master mix page. Other than that I always make sure levels across tracks are how I want them to be. Across patterns I make sure each groove is at the same level so I don't have to worry about that live.
Cheers!
Hi Dave! thanks for the video. Do you have a trick to change a whole project 'on the fly' or you always change patterns only?
Changing a whole project stops the midi clock and even sends out a midi stop message unfortunately so I tend to play live using just 1 project containing all the patterns I could need (and more) for the gig. :) hope this answers your question!
Hi dave , amazing vid - just wondered , do you have any experience with the analog rytm ? And if so which do you prefer the takt over the rytm ?
I have a rytm mkii. But I'm a big fan of the DT because of its size and quickness. Rytm is also very nice. Hard to choose. If I had to choose I'd go for Digitakt. But that's mostly because I like to design my own kicks etc. So analog drum voices aren't really my thing :)
Dave Mech , thanks , appreciate the info 👍🏽
Very nice videothanks. But i dont understand the modewheel between the 2 machine...i'm lost. Nothing hapened for me at 7min40sec. i think i dont understand the way to parameter fx control
Great stuff! So you are doing all the sequencing of both units from the digitakt? How are program changes set up? Can you still use program changes so that when you change patterns on digitakt, the Digitone will change patterns but only use the different patterns on the Digitone to house different sounds? Thanks!
Cheers Jonathan. Nope I don't use program changes. I go through patterns manually. I like to have that freedom and it's one less midi thing to mess things up ;). I sequence DT and DN only with themselves, but use DT to also send extra midi to DN to use extra midi LFO's and to be able to modulate fx parameters. (check the part of the video 'digitakt: midi tracks')
Dave Mech ❤️ understandable:)Thankyou sir! Keep up the great work!
Hi Dave. It's 2024. And I'm contemplating between an Ocatrack MKII, PX4 or DB4 (I have an SP404, TR8s, Digitakt, 2 Synths, MC101 and a bunch of audio samples on a computer). Any thoughts on what to focus on? Still researching and will take some time to decide. I might also wait a month or two to see if Elektron doesn't announce anything in a month or two. But getting curious about a decent mixer to combine 2 or more songs/loops and maybe starting playing longer sessions. :) Any recos? Or perhaps some other mixer?
Hi Dave great content! My question is about choosing the right mixer for my setup. I have 2 old school Sl 1200 with a Kaosspad that needs a good mixer with send and return, AND I have a Digitakt, Digitone ,TR-8, TB-3. now as a seperate set, but maybe I want to hook it all up in the future. My current dj mixer is shot and I am looking for a upgrade. Looking at the mixers you use I like both Xone 96 ( no display or build in effects? but nice return channels) or the Xone DB 4 ( a bit cramped lay-out and overwheming, but looping ) Or is there a other mixer I am missing? I now use a small buget mixer for the hardware and a DJM-600 for the turntables. To hook it all together is maybe to much, but for now the DJ set up is the most important.
That's a lot of gear :D if you need a send / return, better to go with the 96. However it depends how much you use the kaoss pad. Db4 has great fx as well and per channel. But I think I'd go for 96 in your case and add a nice external reverb
Just wanted to say how helpful and interesting your videos are. I have been working with my Digitakt for about 4 months and still feel like I am barely scratching the surface, and still confused by some of the trig locking. I also appreciate that you stick to topic and don’t ramble. Most importantly, your music is really great. I would buy these records for DJ sets. Thank you, Dave!
thanks for this! i think you made a very good choice substituting the 2nd DT/DN for an octatrack. by the way, youtube subs write 'digitakt' as 'dick attack'. it's very good.
😄 😄
👌
I watched this a while back (and it's great!), but I don't think you covered this: is a single track typically 1 pattern or multiple patterns? Are jamming on patterns live, or jamming on mutes?
Most of the time it's one pattern but sometimes I create a break pattern with a bit of breakdown and extra delay etc. Other than that it's tweaking patterns live to create an arrangements. Not just mutes. I tweak parameters live constantly. Cheers :)
Thanks for the vid! Which focal cans are those sir?
Focal Elegia. Incredible sound. And pricey. But definitely worth the investment.
Dave, is it possible to connect a microphone to the mixer and make an effect on the voice while playing music? Please answer the question.
Yes you can route the mic input to input 1 (it substitutes input 1 that way). So you could route it to all 4 channels with the input matrix and apply fx, loop etc.
Dave Mech
And can you make a separate effect on the voice and separate effects on the music?
@@qwerty14444 certainly because your music can be on any of the three other inputs which you can assign to any channel you want. Check out my dedicated db4 tutorials for all the info you need :)
Hello
Great job
Do you send some program change from one digitakt to the other.
I read on certain forum that there are some latency problems... some step or 1 measure too late...
Digitakt doesn't like to be slave...
Hi Mikael, I don't use program changes. I do everything manually as it gives me more freedom to move from, and combine patterns.
You shouldn't experience delay when using program changes. Make sure you are on latest OS. Digitakt is ok being receiver. Cheers
Hello,Dave Mech.
I love watching your videos.
I want to ask you some questions.
Now in 2020, do you think DB4 will be behind other devices? I think DB4 is powerful and more fun than 96. Do you think it's worth buying a DB4? It's a device that has been available for nearly 10 years. I'd like to hear your advice. Thank you.
Hi Mark, yeah it is still relevant. There's still no mixer that comes close to what it can do. Well pioneer v10 comes close, but to me the fx on db4 are just a lot more musical. You also get the looper per channel.
So yes still totally worth it! One thing to keep in mind is that there is a good possibility that software support will stop in a few years. So if you plan on using the audio interface on it, and you are using mac osx it is a bit risky I'd say since mac updates mess up a lot as usual. On windows I wouldn't worry.
Dave Mech DB4 Mac driver, I am not worried, I believe AH will not abandon it, it will be updated when necessary. Because DB4 is still on sale, and it's iconic, it's classic. When I can have both 96 and DB4, I'm satisfied.
Im trying something similar using the xone db2, what cables/ connections are made in order to keep the midi clock from the db2/db4 running when switching projects? So that a new project starts synced up with the looped audio from a previous project? Thanks
I don't switch projects during my live performances ;). Big problem with switching projects on elektron devices is that they send a midi stop message when you do that. So everything stops. However if you do what to switch projects I'd suggest adding a headphone and simply start your instrument in time with the loop and use nudge to get in line with the loop (left/right arrow on the DT and DN).
@@Davemech the fact that you dont change projects makes your live sets even more impressive! I will try that out, thanks for the tip!
does your course go over how to create a track from start to finish, and how to import that into ableton? if so, i'm sold and i'll buy your course once i get my digitakt. i was eyeing the tr8s for years, but these videos are making me think otherwise.
More or less yes. It goes through the entire workflow of creating a groove within the Digitakt. Each part we create a complete groove with each part going into more advanced functions. The course is a combination of learning Digitakt in a musical way, learning a workflow and how to create solid grooves. The finishing part is up to you but from the end of each pattern you will have learned how to create patterns that work and can be recorded : performed into your daw. For overbridge I have free videos on my CZcams channel if you want to learn more about that. 👍 let me know if you have any further questions. You can also contact me through email on my website davemech.live. Cheers !
Have you thought about adding a k2 to really expand looping functions?
Yes, has been in my case for a month now :) have a couple of gigs coming up where I use k2, db4, and a single DN and DT, and analog heat
Cool. Thanks a million for sharing your ideas and workflow.. you’ve been very helpful!
@@thedrumunkey8582 happy to do it :)
What's up Dave? How are you doing and what keeping you busy these days?
Heya Buddy,
Building a new studio. Taking longer than I thought and barely have time to work on music let alone videos unfortunately. However it's going great. Think I'll be able to move my stuff in within a month or so. Also recording the building process for a CZcams video series. :)
And how are you doing during this crazy time?
@@Davemech Doing fine. Reading books on Bitcoin, expecting a baby this week. In between trying to build out a live set with my Akai Force, Digitone and Novation Peak. Just sold the A&H DB4, yes really! ;-) Great to hear you are producing new content and good luck setting up the new studio bro!
Noooo how will you go on without a db4? The horror! ;)
Hi Dave! is it possible to achieve the sidechain ducking in connection with the Analog Rytm Mki + Digitone combo? thx for the reply!
Use same tactic. Midi lfo on amp volume :)
@@Davemech midi LFO on the Rytm mkI? I think I have to ready the manual again :))
Hi Dave. Thank you for awesome videos and tutorials. I have a question maybe you can help with. If I use LFO on DT midi track to control DN as soon as I press double stop on DT I cannot restart LFO until I change pattern. Do you know workaround? Tried to put false step, step with conditions and even normal step doesn’t help. Thank You!
Cheers Aleksandr!
Good one I tend to not press double stop. The lfo is probably in free or hold mode? Lock trick with lfo.t on and lock lfo mode to TRIG. Then another lock trig after that and lock the lfo mode to the one you want :) should do the trick. Weird behavior for sure though!
@@Davemech Thank you Dave, it’s an interesting work around and will do the “trig” for now😀. Cheers!
Hehe 😁
Oh yeah, and might want to set the 1st condition to both ;)
Hey Dave,
thank you for explaining your impressive workflow. Do you know a trick to send just midi cc messages from the Digitakt. I want to control parameters of a external synth with the Digitakt. But if I lock a parameter on the Digitakt, it sends a midi note too. Is it possible to not interrupt the note sequencing, but sending a midi cc message with parameter lock?
Greets Casse
Hi! Thanks. You can either turn of note send in the midi settings or use trigless locks to only send parameter changes per step (func+trig to enter trigless locks into the sequencer). Cheers!
@@Davemech Thank you very much! The func+trig combination is just the thing I searched for :)
@@casseb4255 great to hear!
Hi Dave,
awesome tutorial. Get a lot out of it. Iam askin myself if the "sudo sidechain compression" is also possible with a rytm mk2 instead of a digitakt?
Many thanks in advance!
Greetings from Hamburg
Thanks! Great to hear.
The Rytm doesn't have the same midi implementation as digitakt unfortunately. So it's not possible . Within the rytm itself it's possible using LFO's and parameter locks. Cheers!
Is there any mixer other then db4 that can do proper 4-bar looping like this?
laikrodiz the Xone db2 can also do this
Yeah db4 en db2 are the only ones AFAIK.
Hi Dave, would the db4 still be your top pick for a simulair setup?
Pretty much yeah:) check my 2.0 Liveset video 👍 still experimenting with db4 when i come up with new setups but currently I'm going to work without it for some time. But i never rule it out. It's still a unique and very versatile mixer
i think it was the right choice to downsize your setup. two takts and tones would be way too much brainwork for me and with less gear the workflow becomes more intuitive, less stressfull and more focused! interested in how you will setup your octatrack.
It was workable and loved the double setup for live. But I figured I could do more or less the same with one of each and utilizing the loopers a bit more. It does take away a lot of the administrative headaches of managing 2 of each. Didn't like that much.
And the octatrack has been incredible so far :). Can't wait to add it to the setup
"audio track one is a kick.... audio track 2 is a BASS.... the third is either ....uhhhh BASS ... or EXTRA BASS" ~Hanz
😁
Hi Dave! I hi open you are well! What is BPM? 134
Think it's 132 from the top of my head. Online bpm counter will show you :P
do you think the octatrack will replace the db4?
Nope :) they will work together :)
need big hands to function-mute track 8 with just one hand, ha
Actually, I have fairly small hands and can reach it quite easily! :)
Oh my goodnes Dave Mech looks like AI generated hybrid of Elon Musk and Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Please no. Don’t compare me to Elon. He is hideous.
Thanks for ur passion.
please kontakt me...
Happy to do it 🙏🏻
@@Davemech Got any gigs coming up?
You look like Elon Musk.
He reeeeally looks lke a son of Elon Mask hahahaha