Revisiting the Original Digitakt Workflow in the Age of Digitakt II
- Sunwarper
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
The Digitakt II recently got a major update that added a completely overhauled Slice Machine, it’s sample chopping function. You can now chop samples with precision, move markers, and treat it more like a traditional sampler. It’s a huge improvement. But it also got me thinking: what about the original Digitakt’s simpler slice machine, can it still get the job done?
I’ve used mine for years, and even though the slice machine on the OG model is limited in comparison, there’s still a lot you can do with it… And a lot of character in those limitations.
The Slice Machine on the OG Digitakt: Limitations That Spark Creativity
Let’s get this out of the way: the slice mode on the original Digitakt is basic.
You can’t move slice points. All you can do is select the total number of slices (like 8, 16, or 32) and scroll through the results.
But… that doesn’t make it useless. It just means you need to approach it differently.
For example, if you feed it a loop that’s already chopped to a grid, like a four-bar vinyl loop or a live guitar phrase that starts and ends cleanly (without silence at the start and end), you can use slice mode to create pseudo-chops. It becomes less about technical precision and more about feel.
You scroll through the available slices, find the ones that sound good together, and play them by ear. That’s where it all comes together on the OG slice mode
Using the OG Digitakt for Sample Flips: Step-by-Step Workflow
Here’s a quick breakdown of the workflow I showcased in the video:
Step 1: Load a loop – A 2-4 bar loop works best in my experience, using something like a vinyl sample or melodic phrase. If you need some loops to get started, check out my Sampler Starter Kit with a collection of drum, guitar & melodic samples perfect for chopping on the Digitakt. It’s free when you sign up for my mailing list for monthly tips.
Step 2: Set the slice mode to 8, 16, or 32 slices – Depending on the length of the loop and your preferred length of each chop
Step 3: Explore the slices – Find your favorite parts by ear
Step 4: Record a pattern – You can create variation with per-step automation
Step 5: Design the sound – Use the filter envelope, amp envelope, and LFOs to add movement and variety
I also use some advanced techniques, like adding high-pass filtering to individual snare hits and automating reverb per step to create contrast and space (all via the Digitakt sequencer’s per step parameter changes).
It’s a very “feel-it-out” process. You won’t get surgical chops like on the Digitakt II, but what you lose in precision, you gain in personality.
Sound Design Tips for the Digitakt
Here are a few tricks I’ve found helpful when trying to maximize the sonic potential of the original Digitakt:
Use LFOs on filter frequency – Adds dynamic movement to chopped loops
Filter envelopes + drive – A powerful combo for making sample chops sound dirty and punchy
Per-step FX automation – For snares, hats, or transitions
Bit reduction + reverb – A great way to emulate dusty vinyl textures
These small tweaks can help your slices stand out and feel more intentional, even with the limitations of the slice engine.
Why I Still Use the Original
At $450–600 on the used market, the original Digitakt remains a budget-friendly groovebox, and with some creative workarounds, it can still deliver amazing results.
I personally love using it for:
sequencer based beatmaking (it's powerful per step changes are hard to beat)
Creative sample sound design/chopping
Creating lofi textures with limited polyphony
Pairing with the SP-404MKII for extended sampling and FX
The Digitakt II is incredible, there's no debating the many additions and quality of life improvements over the original. But if you’re on a budget, or just prefer to push against limitations to find something unique, the original Digitakt still has plenty of life left in it.
Don’t let the gear define how creative you can be. Use what you’ve got, learn the ins and outs, and push it in new directions.
Have questions or want to go deeper on any of the techniques I mentioned? Drop a comment on the video, I’m always down to talk gear.
If you're trying to make the most out of your Digitakt, I offer coaching sessions that can help you level up your workflow. Whether you're focused on sample flipping, creating full tracks on hardware, or getting that gritty lofi texture, I can help you get there.
Send me a message here to schedule a free consultation: https://www.sunwarper.com/lessons
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