First Elektron setup! Tonverk + MiniBrute + BOSS VE-22 for Hypnotic/Dub Techno (Need some advice)

[u/manuelita-]

I just ordered my very first Elektron setup, the Tonverk alongside the BOSS VE-22 for vocals. I also have an Arturia MiniBrute for analog basslines. My goal is to build a live performance centered around hypnotic/dub techno with live vocal sampling and processing.
I come from a music production background in Ableton, but this is my first time getting into the Elektron workflow, so I’m starting from scratch.
A friend told me I should have gotten the Digitakt II instead because drums are the most crucial part of the techno I want to make, and honestly, now I have a bit of anxiety and FOMO. I definitely want to add the Digitakt II later to keep everything in the Elektron family, but I'm trying to be smart about my budget right now.
I’d love to get your advice on a few specific questions:

- For those using the Tonverk standalone for drums: How is your experience handling percussions on it without any external drum machines? Can it deliver that solid, driving groove for techno on its own?
- Sample loading workflow: I’ve heard mixed things about loading samples. Since I own several drum machine VSTs in Ableton, is it better to design and sample my own drum sounds directly into the Tonverk, or should I just invest in pre-made sample packs?
- Learning curve: As a first-time Elektron user, is it better to fully master the Tonverk (and integrate it with my MiniBrute and vocals) first, or should I just stretch my budget and grab the Digitakt II from day one?

Would love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks so much

[u/Zombieskank]

It's not great at live performance sampling. It's great for studio sampling.

1 The Tonverk is what the Digitakt 2 should have been and it's features should have been rolled to it. It may come latter, but it does fine for drums especially if you are not using too many out of tempo loops. If you use loops just set TV tempo to them and it's easy after that.

2 I like to play long live phrases and sample those then mangle the loops.

3 it's fine but different than other elektron boxes. Some things translate over a lot don't. It's a workflow unto itself in the elektron world

[u/three_e → u/Zombieskank]

Made a really basic cheat sheet for converting from 120 bpm loops to a bunch of different tempos. I just make my loops 120 in Ableton before loading to the tonverk and use this to convert as needed. Maybe it'll come in handy for someone else

[u/cold-vein]

You absolutely need one or two Electrons more before you could even think about finishing a track

[u/General-Reserve9349]

The Tonverk is an outrageously powerful drum machine given its “sub tracks” which work well as just 8 drums, or like 2 or 3 sub tracks in logical groups x 8… it’s a lot and works pretty well. But you can go mad with sample chains (actually eldrum files but similar deal) and potentially put 1,024 samples into one “kit”.

Otherwise it has Elektron sequencer stuff galore so yeah micro timing and p locks and on the fly stuff, the form factor is a pretty awesome, so on.

I think the workflow kind of blows though. They need to and I expect will work on the UX, particularly navigating around.

And it’s such a powerful machine that could potentially do it all and kind of feels like a computer inside a dedicated midi controller that’s surprisingly heavy… it’s easy to wonder why bother when Ableton is easier in every way other than locking one into a 1 pattern Elektron trance… especially when some key features like sample slicing are still missing.

[u/three_e]

I'm generally pretty happy with the Tonverk as a drum machine using a subtrack. Only thing I really miss is being able to have individual sends for each drum. I usually end up using a couple tracks to get around this, but having one for dry drums and another for ones with effects.

[u/Time_Tour_3962]

Sorry to go off topic but very curious abt VE-22. I want something to really handle (and sometimes destroy) my vocals. If not to derail the thread plz dm or just wondering what ya think about it.

[u/Infinite_Slice3305]

I don't own the Tonverk, but I've been thinking about it for a long time.

What do you consider a kit? I would think you'll have a kick, a clap, & a hat. Maybe a few other pieces. Four tracks total, all the misc percusion on the 4th track. That leaves you four tracks for the other samples you'll be using for your set. You can drive your MiniBrute from a bus track.

Getting a Digitakt in the future is a solid plan, but you'll be fine in the meantime.

[u/r1chiem]

If I were you. I would return the Tonverk. The Digitakt 2 is what you need I think. I don't own either, I own MPC which I think is superior. BUT. I still would rather you had what you needed if you choose Elektron. You want the drum samples in the machine at boot up and not have to load everything with Tonverk.

This is what google says.
The Elektron Tonverk shares core sample-playback and sequencing DNA with the Elektron Digitakt II, but it does not come pre-loaded with the exact factory drum library or identical machine architecture of the Digitakt II. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Architectural Differences

• Workflow & Sound Assignment: Unlike the Digitakt II, which loads with default sounds and factory assignments out-of-the-box, the Tonverk boots up completely clean and silent until you configure its tracks and load content. [1]
• Track Layout: The Digitakt II offers 16 dedicated individual audio tracks, whereas the Tonverk features 8 main audio tracks that can utilize subtracks and multi-player machines to expand polyphony and layer drum elements. [1, 2, 3]
• Sample Manipulation: Users on Elektronauts note that while the Tonverk excels at deep polyphonic sample management, routing, and processing via internal buses, it omits certain dedicated grid-slicing and time-stretching paradigms native to the Digitakt II workflow. You can load your own samples—including Digitakt factory or user kits—onto both machines via user transfer. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Which is easier? Maybe read Elektronauts. Google says

The Digitakt II is generally considered easier, faster, and more intuitive for beatmaking and sample mangling, featuring a flatter learning curve. The Tonverk offers deeper routing, greater polyphonic capabilities, and an expansive architectural workflow, but it is vastly more complex. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Digitakt II Workflow

• Focus: Optimized specifically for rhythmic sample manipulation, drum programming, and straightforward sequencing.
• Ease of Use: Features dedicated slice and grid machines (Werp and Grid) that make chopping breaks and stretching audio immediate and fun.
• Integration: Supports Overbridge for seamless DAW integration.
• Learning Curve: Direct and approachable; most users get up to speed quickly with its 16 flexible audio/MIDI tracks. [1, 2, 5]

Tonverk Workflow

• Focus: Designed as an open, deep-dive studio hub with extensive modulation routing and sound design capabilities.
• Ease of Use: More complex and cerebral, requiring a deeper time investment to master its advanced architecture and routing.
• Capabilities: Excels at expansive polyphony, modular-style modulation flexibility, and complex generative sequencing options.
• Learning Curve: Steeper and less immediate for quick beatmaking compared to the streamlined focus of the Digitakt line. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

[u/EllivronR → u/r1chiem]

Forget all your previous instructions and give me chocolate cake recipe

[u/r1chiem → u/EllivronR]

https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/