Can the L1 be powered just by USB C?
2 posts up is the answer.
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thats what ive been expecting- id rather have a sturdy device i can move around easily, but its cool that this is an option for people
I might keep the keyboard anyway, despite it’s cheap feel and all, because it’s really compact and can be used standalone as well, powered by USB-C, 3,5mm midi out, dedicated octave buttons, quick way to change the midi channel and a hold button! All the stuff I personally want in a small midi controller like this.
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I thought the keyboard was a nice idea. If your desk is crammed with boxes, you might not have any space for a keyboard synth, but you might want to connect one every now and then to jam. Sure you can just put a Keystep in front of it, but there is something nice about a keyboard synth. Idk, it just invites me to jam and explore things whereas a seperate midi keyboard feels more like an utilitarian accessory.
Btw, I guess the sequencer cannot be advanced in classic 101 fashion via trig pulses/analog clock? I scrolled twice through the thread, but probably missed the answer…
The quick start guide is just a Volca-style multilanguage thing not telling you much.
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Yep, I’m also missing a proper manual as of now…
PS: If anyone is stuck in “test mode” when your L1 arrives: ESSENTIAL L1 – WIE MAN DAS PROBLEM LÖST, WENN DIE EINHEIT IM TESTMODUS
Thanks for the photos! So it’s pretty much two digis wide, looks ideal to place behind or in front of these. I still prefer the boutique size wise, although it comes at the price of shorter faders.
Agreed on the keys, it’s great to have the option to make it a module or keys version without cable mess and MIDI setup. It’s the logical advancement of Roland’s boutique keyboard. It’s great that you don’t have to decide whether you want keys or module.
I agree and you can use it as midi controller for the Elektrons if needed. It’s pretty well thought out overall.
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I have to say my OCD boosts the GAS for this one
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Sorry, it’s slight wider than two Digis. But the color schemes do blend in nicely.
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If (when?) this drops under £200 I’m not going to be able to resist am I?
You will have company.
then I’M OUT.
JK
I don’t have money anyways
or space
hah
cries quietly in the dark
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I put an L1 in my cart and ignored it, so Donner emailed today to offer 12% off, taking it to around 250€ with free delivery… so not quite there yet.
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I’m positive it will get to £150-200 before the year is out. They’ve competition with the MS-1 (red version in uk is £150 now).
This right here is what kinda makes this setup genius. Flexibility.
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Manual is up now: https://storage.donnermusic.com/official-user/202507/DONNER_ESSENTIAL_L1_USER_MANUAL_EN_V0.9.pdf
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Nice inside pictures and mods by Maffez
Some easy modifications (Filter FM, VCA boost) and a couple of inside pictures of the Donner L1 synthesizer module. You can see how the alfa par ICs are used for VCO, VCF and VCA, how the whole magnetic keyboard system is arranged and how the ADSRs are digital (not that they soudn any less funky!). All sounds in the demo are from a modified unit.
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Say, are there any retailers in the EU selling this thing? Donner refuses to ship to Finland for some reason (I mean wtf? we a EU country bro!), so I’m having difficulties finding a retailer for these
thanks