My music - while in DAW - is mostly focused around synthesis: subtractive & FM, but also physical or additive if available. Genre-wise it’s broadly defined electronic music: trance, techno, ambient, etc. Oh, and I’m advanced hobbyist, i.e. I know my way around couple of DAWs, I understand synths & FX, also own - and love! - Nord Lead 4.
I’m not big on samples, other than the odd drum hit, perc loop, or a spoken word bit. Therefore Digitakt I/II, Tonverk or Octatrack are not on my radar (yes, I’m aware they offer rudimentary synthesis, too).
From the examples I’ve seen & heard, Digitone II is definitely awesome and surprisingly versatile for FM-only device, but I wonder if the analog machines, recently added basic sample support and more variety in terms of types of machines in Syntakt overall do not make it a smarter choice, at least to start with? In terms of breadth and depth of the sound palette? Analog Four II is obviously compelling, too; but it being limited to 4 voices of polyphony makes it a great 2nd or 3rd box down the line. The Model line - I don’t like how they look and sound (which works a bit against Syntakt, I’m aware)
So, which one you’d go with for the start? Thanks!
Just for some added info, Digitone 2 isn’t only FM, it offers VA synthesis from the Wavetone machine, and supersaw (is that ultimately VA?) from the Swarmer machine. Maybe that offers some more of the range you are looking for?
Also want to throw in that with Wavefinder and Grainer, Tonverk has pretty deep synthesis range, beyond the single-cycle waveform/basic wavetable stuff you can do on the DT and OT.
This is a super tough call for me. DN2 gives you true poly and a better compressor, but the ST gives you the analog and digital engines with a cord engine as well. DN2 gives you a more advanced sequencer that can go up to 128 steps, while the ST only 64 steps. The ST gives you a dedicated FX track with an analog distortion the DN2 has an arpeggiator. Both devices will take deep into technolandia no worries there, it just depends on how you want to arrive. My end verdict is go with the ST because it’s little more versatile and the analog engines are incredible. Can’t lose either way.
Neither. Get a Digitone 1 (DN1) used for $400 or so, see how you get on with the workflow. There are years and years of synthesis exploration in that box alone, plus you’ll get to know the typical Elektron sequencer, arp, midi control capabilities etc. If that works for you, move on to or augment with an A4/AK, ST, TV etc.
Damn, this is a tough call. I would lean toward the DNII, for all the reasons already described above. The multiple synth engines are a huge plus, plus the longer phrasing, better polyphony,
My only worry about the Syntakt is that (based on NOTHING AT ALL) I feel like it’s going to be due for an upgrade soon, like the DT and DN have received.
If you could swing it, I would get the DN II and the TV, and you’d be set for a very long time.
If just one, I find it hard to do better than the DN II.
DN2 hands down (having had Syntakt, DT, ARMKII, A4MKII, DN2, having kept DN2 only). Not only the DN2 beats the Syntakt at being the better groovebox, it is probably the only Elektron box you’ll ever need, with its 128 steps, polyphony, arp, ratchet, 16 tracks, FM+VA modeling, etc.
I can compose whole tracks very easily on the DN2, whereas on the Syntakt I rarely went further than the groove, and usually needed an additional box.
Actually, I looked at my favorite hardware shop in Poland and it does have in stock both - I assume new - 1st versions of DT and DN, for 120% of the price of DN2.
