Introducing: Digitone Keys

News
#633

FM is very simple implemented on the Digitone.
The Operator Models are Like the Oscillator from a Classic substractive Synth. They can be detuned and their Output can be Mixed, also Like two separate Oscillators. Than the Rate A and Rate B settings are Like setting the Oscillators frequency.
Additionally each Operator Part (read each “oscillator”) has its own envelope which Output can also be mixed into the Signal path.
Then you have a LPF and a HPF to further shape the Sound. Amp and Filter envelopes, two LFO per track for Modulation and three master FX Slots. Thats basically all you need to know. From there it helps to study the presets and See and learn which Operator Model helps with what Type of Sound. Thats it.

Here´s a nice explanation about FM Synthesis from Loopop: https://youtu.be/x2Ic9upij-U?t=123

3 Likes
#634

Got much bigger. Wasted space for same components.

Original design wins.

#635

Concerning DN and FM complexity I’m a moron when it comes to synths but the DN using just the presets is awesome. Love it!

1 Like
#636

I love the Dn. I got one a few months ago to pair with my digitakt. Such a fun and complete set up.
I just added a keystep too which opens up the Dn so much.
I think the keys looks pretty sweet. A little awkward but it’s alright.
I have no desire to buy one since I have the module and I’m not sure I’d pay that much for one.
I do know that I’m loving elektron boxes. My brain really clicks with the sequencer and workflow. The most fun, inspirational and logical workflow for me.
Looking forward to getting a few more at some point but for right now the dt, dn and keystep is perfect.

4 Likes
#637

Several reasons! For starters the mod/pitch mod menus were already a part of the Digitone module, so we thought it would make sense to this time around offer controllers really dedicated to those menus. This design choice also makes it more straightforward to assign parameters to the wheels, since it allows you to work with natural shortcuts (press the pitch/mod buttons to access the respective mod menus). Everything just becomes a tad more user friendly!

4 Likes
#638

Personally i dont like the joystick…glad you went for normal Wheels.

#639

I think learning FM is much easier if you ignore the technicalities behind it and just turn some knobs, much like how you would ‘learn’ an analog synth. The Digitone is sort of designed to be possible to ‘explore’ timbrally, it doesn’t go quiet or super crazy just by tweaking some parameters.

Start with 2 operators and see how the modulation level, ratio, detune and feedback affects the sound of the carrier. Algo 1 is fine for this, ignore the B operators and focus on A and C.

You don’t need to know how it works (in a deeper sense) to use it, you can get a feel for it intuitively.

23 Likes
#640

Very cool. Thanks. Makes sense. I learned all about subtractive by just keeping at it, until it all made sense. So I guess approaching it like this, would work as well.

Though I’ve missed a gate. But you just provided one, by your suggestion to go with 2 operators and that which followed. Now, I have a place to start.

One might say, I’ve found the entrance to the rabbit hole now, and am looking straight into it, one foot moving slowly forward.

2 Likes
#641

One of the things that attract me to FM, is that I hear these sounds in my head, and I sit down with a proper analogue synth and tweak it, and don’t quite get to where I want it.

Then, I spend a few minutes with my Reface CS, specifically the more quirky engines, and I get there almost at once.

I think the stuff I’m hearing, is the stuff that’s common for the FM style and just not very analogue at all.

#642

Now, if those voices in my head could start a choir, I’d have a whole band right under my scalp.

1 Like
#643

I did this a lot with my FS1r back in the late 90s when I was still at school and had loads of time. I learned very little about FM really but boy did I make some really cool sounds and happy accidents.

I agree with the sentiment though - no need to over think things, just jump in and start playing about with things.

2 Likes
#646

Even when I know how this stuff works in general I do this all the time with Elektron machines due the sometimes very crypting parameter abbreviations. :wink:

It’s especially “bad” with the older machines where all parameters are just visualized as knobs and there are tons of them like on the A4 or the OT.

3 Likes
#647

I actually Like that a lot about the A4.

1 Like
#648

I’m a huge fan of the MonoMachine keyboard… So I obviously would want to replace my DN with the keyboard version… But, I just can’t get past the fact that I can’t save my chained patterns…I play guitar and need my hands free from the keys most of the time…

1 Like
#649

PHRT is one of my personal favourite abbreviations from the Elektron machines. :grin:

11 Likes
#650

Very inspiring!

1 Like
#651

Daniel Fisher’s demo - on a prototype unit. I like how he says this is his first Elektron demo and admits he doesn’t know much about the Elektron style sequencer

#652

I have an acquaintance who got a Squarp Pyramid. The $500 price difference between the DN you have now and the keys version could go towards one of those instead.

This friend was the singer/guitarist in a synth-heavy duo. They used two Electribes for all their sequencing. I’d have loved to hear how he would have used his Pyramid in that band - it apparently has 2 versions of “song” mode - Track and Seq

Apparently the new Multi Map feature will be available on the DN too - maybe a KMI 12 Step can be used to trigger patterns - just assign different pattern per pedal - not quite the same as a song mode of course, but maybe something to consider before springing for another hardware unit just for MIDI sequencing with song mode.

#653

We should ask Elektron to do an OS Update for at least the A4 mk2 that adds better graphical “knobs” representation like the Digi series.

3 Likes
#654

haha! Glad I’m not the only one who has a bit of a giggle at that one :smiley:

1 Like