One Elektron Box for the Years Ahead

The Lounge Other Gear
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Hi everyone,

Sorry the Chatgpt traduction, English is not my main language :

I’m looking for your opinions because I’m a bit torn, so here’s my situation.

Over the next few months—possibly even years—I’ll need to significantly reduce my spending, and before entering this more frugal period I’d like to invest in a single Elektron machine.

I mainly make Dungeon Synth, but I’d also like to get into techno.

I’m looking for a machine that can keep me inspired throughout a long “no new gear” period and that I can really dive deep into and master.

My current setup :

  • Ableton Live 12 Suite
  • Launchpad Pro Mk3
  • A few high-end VSTs (Arturia V Collection X + FX Collection 5, u-he Repro, Valhalla effects, etc.)

I don’t plan on adding or upgrading anything on the software side. These days I mainly use Ableton for basic sampling, effects, arranging, and mixing. I’ve never really enjoyed composing directly in Ableton.

The machines I’m considering

Digitone II
I’m not a huge fan of FM synthesis. The classic metallic FM sound doesn’t really appeal to me, and I’m not particularly into FM drums either. That said, the other synthesis engines seem really interesting. As always, it’s more about what you do with the instrument than the technology itself. The Digitone II looks incredibly complete, with its 12 tracks, polyphony, and overall flexibility.

Analog Four MkII
I’ve owned one before and ended up selling it, but I honestly still think about it almost every day. I loved the sound, although I found the interface quite challenging to learn. This time I’d actually have the time to really dive into it, and I can currently buy a brand-new one for around €1,200. I also like the fact that its limitations tend to encourage creativity.

Syntakt
I’m not quite sure what to make of this one. It definitely has its own sonic character, but I’m not sure whether it really fits what I’m looking for.

TL;DR: If you could only own one Elektron machine for the next few months—or even years—which one would you choose, and why?

Bisou

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my personal one is tonverk, tho I might recommend digitone 2 :slight_smile:

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Tonverk is cool but sampling is not really my taste… Manage Samples folders brrrrrrr

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Bisou à toi également

Does it have to be an Elektron machine?

Since you already own a Launchpad Pro MK3, I would suggest pairing it with a Dirtywave M8. That’s by far the most versatile instrument I ever had. And it fits into your pocket. Trackers are not necessarily for everybody, though.

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I find the Elektron workflow very inspiring.

I can try M8 Headless on a teensy maybe but not sure… And it’s very smoll.

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Try it (for free) on a computer first, maybe?

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Tonverk for me. I just make all my music on it since i bought it. I used to do it all in Ableton.

If you sample a few core synth sounds that you like, you can do full tracks.

I have an analog four. It’s great really, but less capable of producing tracks alone. If you don’t mind playing with your vst, i don’t see why you would buy one cause you could in theory recreate its sounds.

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if you’re not into sampling then its between analog four which has four tracks and an old machinedrum with 16 tracks
EDIT: the reason for this is analog four mk1 or mk2 will limit you in some ways but in other ways it is limitless - i had it for five years and eventually felt i could part with it after many happy moments - same with machinedrum almost limitless possibilities with 16 tracks and the digital character for my ears was way more interesting and unique than digitone - machinedrum and analog four haunted my musical dreams for five solid years until moved on from all things elektron (except maybe another octatrack at some point in the future but that’s another story)

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I’d recommend an A4 or Digitone. They’re both significantly more complex than the Rytm but if you’re dedicated to sticking with it, you will welcome that complexity before long.

The DN has a rather harsh digital default character which you will need to intentionally sound design away from for typical “dungeon synth” sounds. But it’s also got proper polyphony and a very broad range of possible sounds.

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“Deep within the annals of dark-metal history lies one such subgenre, known for its mysterious and fantastical character. Laden with atmospheric, medieval compositions and dark themes, it has become popular among modern-day RPG fans, black metal connoisseurs, and curious listeners. What is the name of this mystifying microgenre? Dungeon synth (DS).”

source: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/genres-youve-probably-never-heard-dungeon-synth/

question is about which of the elektron synths you consider buying will sonically fit/ideally cover both the DS and techno genres

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Worth considering a used Digitakt1+Digitone1 or Octatrack1+Digitone1 setup too imo

Not too hard to find for the price for a single DN2 new

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To be honest, you can make DS with anything. You mostly need to be creative (and use lot of effects !)

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lots of FX: Tonverk
FM synthesis for versatility
syntakt for combined FM synthesis (altho limited), immediacy and analog sound

edit: also, tonverk combines synthesis, sampling and lots of fx

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Definitely the Tonverk for me. I currently have the Syntakt and the OG Digitone too. But if I have to chose just one, it’s the Tonverk.

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Tonverk… Okay, I’ll give it a fresh look

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Used OG DT1 & OG DN1 combo for the affordable and powerful win. You may not like sampling, but there is nothing wrong with playing samples.

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yea i wouldn’t necessarily recommend it :smile:

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Used Octatrack 2. Love that box.

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Ok I’m lost. :skull: but thank you for your aswers

I’m come back tomorrow to be more lost.

Bisou

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DN2+DT2 and done
Or if only one - DN2

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