…and but maybe to add:
I have some other Elektrons as well (AK, AR, DT, MM) - I am not short on sound sources.
I got captivated by the FM aesthetics via M:C as the gateway drug - and would like more.
Rightly or wrongly I assume that DN and OP6 would play in a similar space. Now, the DNK is a bit more expensive, the OP6 promises to be ‘deeper’, with more voices and and with no ‘groovebox’ capabilities on board.
What would you do?
Hold and see, or get the DNK as 4 vs. 6 operators will not matter that much anyway?
The way I see it, for the extra cash I’d pay for a DNK I would get to stay entirely within one operating paradigm (Elektron).
You get multitimbrality with the DNK, quite a big benefit.
Also remember that the DN has a harmonics parameter that is almost like an extra operator as it allows you to make the carrier tone into a square, saw, etc.
For me the sound of the DN is not just unlike 6 op fm, it is also unlike most 4op fm. I love the DN but I think you’ll go very different places with the OP6. I find the DN’s fm to be its own thing. Buying both depends on budget of course but it would be advised.
Despite the fact that both are FM (OK, PM) they look like very different propositions. The DNK manages to pull off the trick of being immediate and deep at the same time.
I feel like the Korg trades in a chunk of that immediacy to go very, very deep.
I already have a DN and will never sell it, it’s the best synth I have ever owned. I have found myself spending a lot of time looking at Opsix videos the last two days though, but I have nowhere near enough spare time to go down that rabbit hole right now, as the Opsix looks like a much bigger time investment than something like the Digitone.
I think you should also consider the quality of the keyboard itself too, unless you’re going to use your AK as a master keyboard. But in that case the regular DN would be the one to go for - which would be cheaper and they retain their value on the second hand market pretty good too. I find Korg keyboards plasticy and cheap, but as the Elektron uses Fatar, it will provide a much better playing experience. Your mileage may vary.
the OP6 is not and will never become a groove box with a deep Elektron sequencer
the OP6 is a full featured “classical” FM synth, which has been extended with some very interesting no-FM features.
the DN provides many FM typical sounds without the need to dig deep in the theory of FM synthesis, but it’s limited by this, and not only by having 4 operators vs 6. The modulaton options are not as flexible compared to full blown classical FM synths. BUT the DN has some sound-design features up its sleeves, which I haven’t found on the big boys
If you are not in a hurry, I would suggest to hold on and wait until it’s known wheter a OP6 module can be expected … or not.
IMO a poly with such a small number of keys doesn’t make much sense … at least not for me as a live player. A module could be even cheaper and be connected to a master keyboard, which I would do with the OP6 anyway, if I had one
Yeah, that’s the one thing that’s confusing me about this. In order to get the most out of its sound design and polyphony potential, you’ll need to control it from a bigger keyboard. If I was to buy this, I don’t think I would ever really use its keyboard, as it would be plugged straight into my DX7.
For £699 I’d expect at least 49 keys.
A module around £500 would be bang on for me though…
When the Opsix prototype was shown I had no interest in the Digitone but liked the idea of an enhanced DX7-type synth. I’m also currently without a full size keyboard, so that was appealing too.
After no updates on the status of the Opsix I found myself checking out Digitone demos and bought one at the beginning of this year. After spending the year with it and seeing the new format of the Opsix, I am very glad I got the Digitone.
If you want a FM synth to go deep with then Opsix is the obvious choice going by specs, but if you want a great sounding synth to have fun making sequences with and you already enjoy the Elektron paradigm then the Digitone is sure to please. You also know what to expect from the build quality of the Digitone.
All I can really say is the Digitone is awesome and I find it complements the Digitakt and Monomachine very well (the two other Elektrons I use with it). DT+DN just feel right together, and DN+MNM are soundwise on opposite ends of the spectrum (pristine hifi vs lofi) so there’s no overlap. I’m sure the Opsix would fit in a similar way and has a lot to offer but Digitone is IMO one of Elektron’s best products.
Over the years I’ve had a TX81Z, Monomachine, Monomachine Keyboard, TX802, SY99, TG77, DS-8, DX-200, PLG-150DX, Digitone, and Digitone Keys. I like FM synthesis
In the end, I kept Digitone Keys and TG77.
I think the opsix is going to be amazing. I really really want one. But have to figure out how to get one with a pretty much flatline cashflow LOL.
In my opinion, the only reason to get an opsix, in your case, is if you really, really want to get crystalline sounds with subtle, conventional keyboard playability…otherwise its a luxury. I would go with the Digitone Keys first and get into it. It’s sexy AF.
Dude, get the Digitone Keys and after integrating it and getting to know it, sell your Monomachine to fund an opsix. Since I got my Digitone Keys, I personally haven’t missed my Monomachine.
I’d hold off. Opsix controlled by DT could be awesome.
The digital nature of opsix and up to 32 voices poly (or so I heard) leaves it wide open for multi timbre potential updates.
I actually found the Digitone Keys at a great price and had to grab it the night the op6 was announced. Zero regrets. I know it will fit more easily into my workflow.
The way I read it, the general sentiment seems to lean towards the DN Keys, as it appears to strike a great balance between accessibility, quality, depth and fun - whereas the op6 stands to be less ‘balanced’.
Admittedly, all the praise for the DNK is very seducing .-)
OK - got a DNK and after a few minutes with it this morning I can say that the praise for the hardware quality and the immediacy and fun in playing (knowing the Elektron paradigm) is fully justified.
Thanks again!
Glad you’re digging it. In agreement with @Fin25 I’ve got a DN too and I’d never part with mine either. There’s something about the DN in terms of immediacy, function, features and sound quality. It hits the spot so well. I keep being tempted by the DNK and as I use my DN for the majority of sequencing duties these days a DNK would be a prefect addition. Might treat myself for Christmas!
