Maybe ARM-design like Akai’s MPC line
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Ok, here are some random thoughts after one evening with the Tonverk. My background is AR/A4/OT, I don’t own nor have I used any of the 'tones or 'takts or models.
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It sounds great. The amp overdrive is beefy and surprisingly warm. The effects are good. No internal gain staging problems so far.
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The new Page navigation system is really clever: While holding down [Page], you can use the sequencer buttons to jump to the page you need or scroll through the pages using the arrow keys.
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However I’m not a fan of the on-screen page indicator, especially as other UI elements sometimes pop up over it. I understand the rationale behind the decision but it’s not as immediate as Page LEDs on older machines. You can’t see the Page you’re on without explicitly looking at the screen. This might be problematic in a live situation when operating multiple instruments.
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I like the way the keyboard LEDs flash along with notes.
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Subtracks are great if you don’t mind the limitations.
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I constantly found myself wishing I had a MIDI keyboard on hand. The mini keyboard gives you only a taste of polyphonic playing.
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There are features missing in surprising places:
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- You can not copy & paste patterns while the sequencer is running. I hope this will be implemented later.
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- You can’t arm mutes by holding [Func].
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- There seemed to be no trig previews ([Trig] + [Yes]).
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- No Kits/Parts. This is the hardest omission for me since Kits and Parts are so important on AR, A4 and OT.
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- EDIT: Forgot to mention earlier: no parameter slides? I hope they can be added later as an additional sequencer lane.
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Because of the limitations, the Tonverk somehow feels fresh and old at the same time.
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I didn’t even try sampling or live audio I/O yet because I had so much fun jamming and composing.
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I’m not happy with Elektron still extensively using vulcanized rubber on their products. Otherwise the build quality seems very solid like one would expect.
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The volume knob is a rotary encoder and the volume control seems to be handled by the software. I’m not sure what I think about this. I have never had the OT main levels glitch out on me. But… Tonverk is newer and I found myself being on guard in case the software decides that your volume is now 100%, especially since I was wearing headphones.
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I asked to make sure my order went through and they told me this.
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Finally got mine. Looks like no duties are due when picking up the package in the US. It’s heavier than it looks. The effects section are a step up from what you get on previous boxes
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Received mine today, but only had a couple of minutes with it. Love the form factor, it‘s kind of cute. Loading time of the factory project is insane. An SSD slot would have made sense, IMHO. New page indicator will take some getting used to. I prefer the on/off switch on older devices. Power via USB-C is neat, no probs with my MBP power supply so far. I found my way round most things without problems, but obviously I‘ve just had a quick glimpse.
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they just emailed me that mine shipped! ::girlish squeals::
Just got a shipping notice from Alto as well. Preordered a few days ago!
They are showing in stock now. Used the LABOR15 code for 15% off
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Positive rant!
This device is amazing! There is a latency issue, but it will probably be resolved soon. If not, I’ll just use it standalone. Otherwise, I’ll sync it manually, which is easy.
The sound quality is incredible! There are so many great possibilities!
My first device of this kind was an Electribe 2s. We had a great time using it on the beach in Denmark.
Then, I got a Digitakt. I never produced another pattern on the E2S again. Working with it felt like my hands were tied and someone was constantly hitting me. I just gave the device away. I didn’t even sell it.
Now, I feel the same way about the Tonwerk. It’s a keeper.
Goodbye, Digitakt, Digitone, and Syntakt! I hope not. I don’t think so.
But the sound universe that emerges from the Tonwerk is incredible.
P.S. Forget your muscle memory.
Remember swapping the mute button position from the Syntakt to the Digitakt 2?
That was harmless in comparison.
Some things will seem familiar to you. But some of the basic operation is completely new. It’s completely different.
Not difficult in terms of Octatrack, just different from what you’re used to.
I’m printing out the manual right now. Practice reading 
#Happiness
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Well, just got mine in the mail. very interesting device. its a pretty different experience moving from the DNII + DTII combo because its very apparent the potential is there but some of the QOL stuff doesn’t seem to be present yet.
Got in about an hour long jam with a RE303 as a companion did immediately notice MIDI delay. Seemed like adjusting microtiming on my 303 sequence by -1/64 worked well.
Definitely loving the Degrader FX and vibing with factory sounds more than my typical elektron experience. Will report more later.
Also just to see if it worked: this is recorded straight into voice memos via USB C to my iPhone
(idk what that weird buzzing is at the start)
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From the Loopop video, there is Trig preview. Maybe not on every Machine?
I’ll look more closely into it tomorrow.
@mpiecora also struggled with this on his stream and said it’s not there.
I think the multisampler and ability to modulate/effect input tracks makes this one much more of a “complement” to your proper synths than a replacement, though I can see it obviating a digitakt from your setup (mine went on reverb the day I preordered TV). If anything it’s just a way to add dimensions to syntakt and digitone machines that you couldn’t before.
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Can you p-lock different samples in one track?
yes, but only on the regular sampler machine
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Trig previews might be a setting, mine does it. Also just pressing the Mute button toggles mute mode on/off, or use function+track button for quick individual mutes.
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Does it come with free Tondoms?
For some advanced P-locking.
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Mine arrived today, only had a few minutes to mess around with it, but I won’t lie - I felt lost. Going to take a while to get out of the Digitakt/Digitone hardware layout mindset.
Quickly checked out the loop point crossfades and it made little sense to me.
I’ll have to carve out some time to RTFM.
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Is it me or is the box art amazing ? Normally I break down my boxes and recycle but wow this is like an Elektron Dali painting
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I think you misunderstood. On the Rytm for example, while in Mute mode, you can press [Func] + [Track] (pads) to arm the mutes. When releasing [Func], the changes are applied.