Digitakt II vs Analog Rytm MKII: Liam Killen Throws Down the Elektron Gauntlet

Liam Killen kicks things off by framing the Digitakt II and Analog Rytm MKII as two of the most wanted boxes in the DAWless world. He’s not here to hand out gold stars—he’s here to break down what actually matters for real-world setups. The question isn’t just which one is better, but which one fits your own sonic arsenal and workflow.

He slices the comparison into categories: features, sound, and—crucially—how each box fits into live or studio rigs. The Digitakt II is all about samples and digital flexibility, while the Analog Rytm MKII brings analog muscle and a bigger footprint. Liam’s approach is classic: no hype, just facts and context. He’s clear that the right choice depends on what you’re missing in your current setup, not what’s trending on Reddit.

The Analog Rytm MKII gets the spotlight as Elektron’s flagship drum machine, and Liam doesn’t hold back on what makes it slap. The analog sound engine is the main event—those drum voices have a depth and punch that digital boxes just can’t fake. He’s all about running the Rytm’s outs through a proper mixer and effects for that studio-grade chaos. If you want to feel like you’re in a rave bunker, this is your street weapon.

But it’s not all roses. Liam calls out the classic 808-ish high-end and the love-it-or-hate-it toms, but he’s quick to show how you can swap sounds and get creative. The Rytm’s playability is a big win: those pads feel great, and the whole thing begs to be played live. Still, the sample management is a bit of a toaster-fight—kits are essential if you want variation, and the storage is tight compared to the Digitakt II. It’s a pro tool, but not always the most flexible for sample junkies.

Switching gears, Liam dives into what makes the Digitakt II a monster for anyone obsessed with samples and digital workflow. The sample management is lightyears ahead: massive storage, per-pattern sample changes, and no need to wrestle with kits. If you’re the type who wants to throw a thousand kicks at a track and never run out of space, this is your box.

The Digitakt II’s effects page is a playground—bit reduction, sample rate mangling, and a buffet of filter types. There’s a full-featured mixer (take that, Rytm), and the sequencer is classic Elektron: deep, weird, and rock solid. Liam’s not shy about the Digitakt’s power for sequencing external gear and building complex, layered grooves. It’s a digital weapon for modern producers who want to push boundaries, not just bang out 909s.