Unless they make DN2 multi-engine, I think it would be a bit pointless / just a small incremental upgrade. DN already has many things that DT2 got with this upgrade and even more bells and whistles in some areas. Just a few more filter types (which aren’t essential in FM anyway), a few more operators or bigger polyphony/more tracks wouldn’t really make that much of a difference for what DN already can do.
But if it gets multiple synth engines like VA, wavetable, poly swarm, physical modelling etc., that would be very interesting machine. Maybe even FX track. And maybe DT2 layout, which I prefer over DN. On the other hand, such machine might make ST a bit redundant.
First of all I want to say that I think theres a reason DT is called II and not MK2, since its not an upgrade and more like a completely new machine.
That said, I think that DN will not get its own II version, nor MK2, but something even cooler.
Tonverk might be an A4/OT sized machine that will host a fully fledged DN II engine within it, along with a lot of other synthesis types. Imagine ST but each track is poly if you want, with machine wide state change for a different full synthesis engine. Along with all the parameter slides and creative controls, expanded 128 sequencer, god arps and all the goodies. It will probably be priced around 1799$, with free upgrades bringing new engines to boot in the future.
16 assignable tracks, 64 software voices, 16 analog. (or 32/8)
Because:
DNs DNA is already in two other machines, Cycles and ST
Creative visionary for DN no longer works at the company
Current form factor is already pretty tight on controls, and cramping more in would be too menu divy
My theory that it will come around the time A4 MK2 gets discontinued.
I agree with this, thus just DN II doesnt make sense to me.
Unlike DT mono → stereo leap, I dont see such leaps that can be done with DN.
Only significant things that can be imrpoved is voice and track count, but you can already get that by buying a second one. Digitone II is Friends we Made along the way
More tracks, more voices, p lockable arp and/or retrigs, midi arp. A way to strum chords would be great as well. An EQ option in the filter section, more filter types (a comb filter?). All the improvements that the Digitakt received where it’s relevant (128 steps, kits…)
The FM engine is great as it is, maybe the waveshaping options for the operators could be increased. Additional machines would be awesome.
Things I’d like from a DN 2, in no particular order:
16 tracks, but maintaining the DN layout, repurposing the 4 buttons for other purposes: Arpeggiator, pattern/pool sound, performance macro mode, trig mode.
Machines: FM, MIDI, maybe other simplified synthesis machines, maybe other MIDI or direct loopback machines to enable other ways to perform.
More FX including per-track insert FX
More modulation options, including a better UX for sound modulation that doesn’t involve scrolling through a menu of mod destinations
16 voices minimum (ideally 32). 8-way multitimbrality at minimum
Expanded sound pool, from 128 to 8x128.
Ability to modify sounds in the pool through a project, so sounds can evolve beyond the current pattern. Ability to choose between track sound or pool sound.
Ability to P-lock modwheel, aftertouch, and breath control.
Smooth motion recording in addition to existing P-locks.
A way to see parameter locks on the currently chosen 16 steps ( like 16 dots ) per track
A selectable method of how each transitions to the next ( similar to lfo designer) - step / straight line / curves etc
You can move between all parameters using cursor keys to show any particular parameter that has locks on this page
Or it can show 16/24/48 or however many steps you have on the current pattern
You can also see any sound locks when moving the cursor from dot/step to step
Finally fix the mess that is the mute mode. Dedicated track buttons and yet muting/selecting tracks is somehow clunkier than on a Digitakt. It’s baffling.
haha, that’s what is nice with Elektron gear: it keeps on giving : ) Still discovering stuffs on the A4 (owned it for 10 years or so?) so I can’t blame you!
My sense is that the fm engines will get rolled up into some other analog/va/fm general synth. But with whatever device they make next, it would be great to have the following
Midi arp
Have the arp paramaters fully p-lockable, not saved to the sound
Extra voices would be ace on a DN II, as I loved allocating at least two and sometimes four voices to the kicks alone. More voices = phatter kicks. :D:D
I really think it’s more likely that we’ll get Tonverk instead of Digitone II. Digitone is kind of the “dark horse” of the current Elektron lineup. People are intimidated by FM, sound design is not as quick as on the Syntakt (though it is deeper), it’s not as easy to use standalone, etc. I think Digitone will be discontinued altogether, and whatever Tonverk is will cover alot of the same territory, and more. Possibly rectangular format, 8 digital synth tracks, 8 analog ones. Kind of like Digitone +A4 in one box.
Edit: like as few other posters commented, it seems like a next logical step will be to have it be in A4 format with the note keys (honestly using the trig keys to enter notes feels very cramped), Syntakt style machines where one of them is basically the Digitone FM synth. Parameter slides are a MUST!
Will the A4 be discontinued at the same time? Maybe.
