Digitone midi keyboard controller

Elektron Gear Digitone/Digitone Keys
#1

Hi all,

I’m using a DN as a synth for my DT (awesome pairing!). But I’d like to get a midi controller to control and play the DN as well. I was initially considering the Alesis V49, the reason being that it has 4 selection buttons and knobs, which I can map to the 4 synth tracks of the DN, and then switch easily while playing (also has pads which I can map to whatever). However, I realized that the Alesis has no MIDI out, only USB, so I guess that won’t work right, because I need to connect a keyboard to the Digitone via MIDI necessarily? Or is there a way to use the USB out to somehow i) power the controller, and ii) control the DN, maybe using some adaptors? I’m a bit of a newbie on all this routing/connecting business. Otherwise, if I need a MIDI out, I’ll get an Arturia. And I’ll take any recommendation on a 49 keys controller :slight_smile:

Thanks!

#2

USB requires a “host” - a device that is the brains of the USB connections involved. Usually it’s a computer (or a tablet/phone), but there are some (a very small amount) standalone devices that can be a USB host too. Unfortunately the Digitone isn’t one of them.

So to use a USB keyboard with the Digitone, you’d need to use it via a computer (or tablet/phone/standalone host).

You could look into something like this:

I’ve no idea how well it would work for your proposed setup.

Otherwise you need to use the standard MIDI 5 pin DIN connection.

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#3

I can suggest the Roland A49, which has a good synth-action and is very lightweight.
Some drawbacks : not a lot of controls + the mod wheel is a joystick that gets back to its initial position when you leave it.

It’s also a USB powered keyboard BUT there’s a trick to run it with a 5V adapter without a computer or USB host. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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#4

If you have a Raspberry Pi you can flash the following image that is setup as a USB MIDI router:

https://neuma.studio/rpi-as-midi-host.html

I just finished setting up all of my gear on my new desk and I’m using it as a MIDI hub/router. Works like a hot damn!

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#5

My favorite 49 key controller is the Akai Max49 if you are cool with touch faders over knobs. I love it, but I am using DSI MEK as controller due to limited space and love of Evolver

#6

Keystep for the outside, 61SL Mk3 for the studio.
So glad with both of them!

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#7

The A500 Pro adds a bunch of assignable controls.

I like my A800 Pro. If you get on with Roland’s combined pitch/mod controller they’re a good choice.

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#8

I have the same. SL mk3 is fantastic in the studio!

With the Keystep and one of my Elektron boxes, Blofeld or Pulse 2 plugged in to the battery below I can sit in the garden with a pair of headphones and noodle in the sun.

Mini UPS Uninterrupted Power Supply 7800mah 12V 2A USB 5V 1A Output Power Bank (GM312 UPS) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075QZQSS1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GPs0CbXZ37KKE

Happy days :grinning:

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#9

What’s the very best keyboard controller for Digitone?

i.e. maxing out the control potential with velocity, aftertouch, knobs for CC, pads for multimap drums…

#10

Tu m’avais déjà convaincu devant la bête, quels sont les inconvénients ? Oups. English only. :smile:

You already convinced me in front of the beast, what are the caveats?
Channel and poly aftertouch?
Does DN uses channel or poly aftertouch
What about older versions?

I already have a Taktile 49 and a SSL90, but I’d like aftertouch.

#11

Not being snarky (maybe a little) but with the price drop, a DN Keys, surely.

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#12

I own an Arturia BeatStep Pro and it’s amazing; tons of knobs, all assignable to different midi channels. The main downside is not being able to sequence poly. From what I can tell, the Keystep packs a bunch of similar functionality and the KeyStep Pro even more (but fewer knobs vs the BSP).

Of course if you’re just looking for 49 keys and a bunch of knobs, it might not be as exciting for you, but I’m a huge fan of these newer Arturia sequencers.

#13

Hi gang! Reviving this thread. I’ve just purchased a new Digitone and am looking for a compact 4-octave keyboard controller that I can use with it (as well as with other synths and gizmos).

I was originally going to purchase a Korg MicroKey-49 or a M-Audio Oxygen49. And I see someone earlier in this thread suggesting an Akai Max49. However, it seems like none of these will work with the Digitone, right? They all send MIDI strictly via USB-B, not via 5-pin DIN – and so I think they would need a USB “host” such as as computer or ipad in order to work as a Digitone controller.

The best option I’ve found is the Roland A-49, which has a DIN out – so I am guessing it will work.

Questions for y’all:
• Am I understanding this correctly?
• Can you suggest any other simple controllers that might fit my needs?

Thanks!!

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#14

I’m quite happy with my new Arturia keystep 37. It’s compact and has MIDI in/out…

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#15

Yes.

#16

I would like to advocate for the A-01. which is small, but very close to the same height of the DN as well as having 5 pin MIDI. I find using auto channel is perfect for my jamuary needs.

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#17

Are the A500 / A800 keys semi-weighted? Roland site isn’t very clear on this.

#18

No, I would call them synth action, but there’s a bit of damping going on.

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#19

I’ve spent a while collecting information on keyboards from 32 - 49 keys, focused on semi-weighted and aftertouch (like the Digitone Keys):

(Ideally with 6 pads for my ND2, faders for each channel, and a bunch of knobs)

Any great ones I missed?

2 Likes
#20

Love the sheet!
Missed the new Novation Launchkey MK3. Has velocity pads, screen, and DIN MIDI Out. No aftertouch.
And NI Komplete Kontrol.