Digitakt II as Your Madcap Studio Mate: Sineway’s ‘Obsidian’ Track Breakdown

14. January 2026

TAS

Digitakt II as Your Madcap Studio Mate: Sineway’s ‘Obsidian’ Track Breakdown

Ever wondered what happens when you let a sampler run wild and call the shots in your studio? Sineway’s latest breakdown of ‘Obsidian’ is a rollicking ride through the creative chaos of the Digitakt II. This isn’t your average, dry-as-dust tutorial—think more like a bush doof where the gear’s got a mind of its own and every knob twist could spark a sonic thunderstorm. Sineway’s signature style—clear, clever, and a touch cheeky—guides us through sampling, slicing, and mangling sounds from the Arturia AstroLab 37, all while showing how the Digitakt II isn’t just a tool, but a full-blown co-producer. Strap in, mates—this one’s a wild surf across the outback of sample-based music making.

Obsidian: When the Digitakt II Runs the Show

Right from the get-go, Sineway makes it clear that ‘Obsidian’ wouldn’t exist without the Digitakt II. This isn’t just a sampler—it’s the kind of gear that jumps out of the rack and starts throwing ideas around like a kangaroo on a Red Bull bender. The track breakdown isn’t your standard, step-by-step snooze-fest; instead, it’s a deep dive into how the Digitakt II actively shapes the creative process, not just following orders but chiming in with its own opinions.

Sineway’s approach is all about letting the machine take the wheel, with the Digitakt II acting as a true co-producer. The workflow here isn’t about rigid sequencing—it’s about capturing full phrases, slicing them up, and letting happy accidents drive the music forward. If you’re after a taste of what happens when you let your gear off the leash, this breakdown is a must-watch. The real magic, though, is in the interplay between human and machine—a partnership that’s as unpredictable as a Melbourne weather forecast.

This track wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the Digitech 2.

© Screenshot/Quote: Sinewaymusic (YouTube)

AstroLab 37: Sampling with a Twist

Sineway doesn’t just sample from the Arturia AstroLab 37—he wrings every last drop of inspiration out of it. Instead of sequencing single notes, he records entire musical phrases and then slices, dices, and rearranges them inside the Digitakt II. It’s like turning a Sunday BBQ into a wild cook-up, where you never quite know what’s going to end up on your plate.

The workflow is all about exploration. Pads, leads, and arps are all sampled from the AstroLab, but once inside the Digitakt II, they’re fair game for all sorts of sonic mischief. Sineway’s method shows how a simple synth line can be transformed into something completely new—sometimes lush and melodic, other times chopped up and reimagined. If you want to hear how sampling can open up new creative dimensions, you’ll need to catch the video for the full flavour.


Granular Plucks and Macro Mayhem

I can grab a sample and then just see what happens if I take a tiny piece of that and just put it in the sequencer.

© Screenshot/Quote: Sinewaymusic (YouTube)

Here’s where things get properly wild. Sineway dives into granular plucking—taking tiny slices of samples and turning them into mysterious, atonal textures that dance around the mix like a possum in your roof at 3am. It’s not about precision; it’s about letting the Digitakt II’s sequencer and LFOs create unpredictable, evolving sounds that keep the track alive.

Macros are the secret sauce in this setup. With clever use of mod wheel and breath control macros, Sineway adds movement, grit, and variety to every sound. Whether it’s modulating filter envelopes or mangling sample start points, these tricks turn static samples into living, breathing creatures. The real fun is in the details—and trust me, you’ll want to watch Sineway work his magic to truly appreciate how these techniques bring the track to life.

Digitakt II: Redefining the Sample Game

If you thought samplers were just about replaying drum hits, think again. Sineway’s workflow with the Digitakt II is all about discovery—using features like the slicer machine and random locks to generate new melodies and rhythms on the fly. It’s like letting your sampler throw a surprise party, and you’re never quite sure who’s going to show up.

The Digitakt II isn’t just a passive tool; it’s an active creative partner. By embracing randomness and experimentation, Sineway uncovers ideas that would never have emerged in a traditional DAW workflow. The sampler’s ability to suggest new directions makes it feel less like a machine and more like a cheeky studio mate who’s always ready to stir the pot. For anyone stuck in a creative rut, this approach is a breath of fresh, dusty outback air.

I feel like the Digitech 2 is a perfect example of that electron workflow that doesn't just allow you to compose, but it sort of has an…

© Screenshot/Quote: Sinewaymusic (YouTube)

Performance Tricks: Real-Time Rave Fuel

When it comes to live performance, Sineway’s got more tricks up his sleeve than a magician at a bush doof. Real-time controls—breath control macros, momentary buttons, and parameter locks—let him twist, mangle, and morph sounds on the fly. It’s the kind of setup that can turn a polite club set into a full-blown sonic dust storm.

The video shows how quick-access controls and clever use of performance features make the Digitakt II a beast for live jams. Whether it’s adding intensity to drums, sweeping filters, or dropping in ear-candy textures, Sineway’s approach is all about keeping things dynamic and unpredictable. You really have to see these techniques in action to appreciate how they transform a studio track into a living, breathing performance monster.


Watch on YouTube:


Watch on YouTube: