Why Syntakt?

RobertSyrett · 2023-05-22T10:40:26.391Z

Humza:

Syntakt have oscillators and algorithms just like the Digitone?

It uses the machine paradigm which you can think of as synth engines that are reduced to a set of 8 useful macros. Some of them are oscillators and algorithms, others are modal synthesis and percussion modelling.

Humza:

Is Syntakt a Synth or not

yep, it’s a synth

Humza:

As in I can now hook my Digitone to a 7 octaves keyboard and perform on it, and it is CLEAR to me what the Digitone is. Does the Syntakt do that?

yes, you can connect a midi controller.

Humza:

IS it Polyphonic?

Not really. It has 12 monophonic tracks, one of which is an analog cymbals voice unsuited for tonal music. you can also use a midi filter to make the 8 digital tracks play polyphonically, but it sure does seem like a bit of a hassle. I guess voice sharing would be a pretty swell upgrade if they ever get around to it.

Humza:

How solid the Syntakt is as a drum machine?

Like… really really good. It’s not as flexible as a sampler obviously, but I love all the sounds and the way you can shape the sounds. If you have a digitakt, it will compliment the device.

pselodux · 2023-05-22T12:05:21.423Z

Humza:

If I can simply sample any drum kit one shots or loops to Digitakt, what makes the Syntakt better in this sense ?

Why Digitone when you can just sample an FM synth plugin?

Dynamic synthesis. Being able to assign FM amount to velocity, or a S&H LFO to pitch of the second oscillator in a ringmod configuration, etc etc. Would take a lot of multisampling.

Yeah, it’s primarily a drum synth, with machines/macro-based engines, but so is the Machinedrum

Humza · 2023-05-22T12:43:28.482Z

Thanks @pselodux, totally agree. I was thinking of ways to copy or reproduce some drums one-shots with the Digitakt and whether I can get that same outcome from the Syntakt.
I understand that it is a full creative/ aesthetic process, I think I am still adjusting to the mindset of using Elektron machines.

Humza · 2023-05-22T12:49:13.053Z

Thanks millions @RobertSyrett you hit every spot.
Having monophonic tracks explains a lot about these synth engines and I can further differentiate between the Syntakt and Digitone.
I am gradually migrating to the Elektron system with the hope that I can harness these machines in a context where some scoring goals should be met within a deadline. By the way, the Elektron sound goes great with large orchestral arrangements.

Humza · 2023-05-22T12:51:39.244Z

@Jeanne and that’s exactly what I wished to hear. Thank you!

Jeanne · 2023-05-22T12:56:48.068Z

Humza:

By the way, the Elektron sound goes great with large orchestral arrangements.

… even in one box

Octagonist · 2023-05-22T13:21:31.013Z

RobertSyrett:

you can think of as synth engines that are reduced to a set of 8 useful macros

This is true, but I would add that the 8 macros can be thought of as “oscillator macros”. Each track also has one or two filters (band-selectable, one will have an amp envelope), an amp, fx sends and two LFOs which can be assigned to parameters chosen from the 8 macros, filter, amp, etc. Analog tracks have one, resonant, band-selectable filter; digital tracks have a resonant band-selectable filter and a band-pass filter.

Humza · 2023-05-22T13:49:44.434Z

Humza:

sound goes great w

That’s fantastic stuff

Humza · 2023-05-22T13:51:28.035Z

THANK YOU @Gral_Kerkila I started getting a clearer idea about the Syntakt now

SoundRider · 2023-05-22T17:47:51.282Z

Humza:

If I can simply sample any drum kit one shots or loops to Digitakt, what makes the Syntakt better in this sense ?

It’s the difference between “sampler” and “synth”.

A sample is a recording and in case of a synth patch this will be exactly a recording of one of many possible patch variations. Modifying a sample later is IMO somehow limited. Depending on the sampler we can have many FX possibilities, but this does IMO not compare to change a synth patch.

A synth allows deep modulation/change of the patch/sound all the time. We can change and edit the patch even in a live-performance, record some automation, and can even edit and modulate the automation live.

This is not better or worse … it’s about the intended sound and sound scapes we want to have.

shigginpit · 2023-05-22T18:04:56.962Z

The strong points of Digitakt can’t be downplayed by the strengths of Syntakt. Digitakt also has “synthesis” through single cycle wav forms which you probably know but I’m also mentioning. There is power in the 3 together that any one does not possess on its own, it’s just in how you plan to use them or how productive you will be using the combination of any 2 or more in tandem. Some people are most productive with one box. Realistically if you’re looking for a drum machine where you can refine sounds but can play immediately digitakt will shine, if you want to design sounds and have a drum machine which with some effort will be explosive syntakt, if you want a drum machine with polyphony that you’re already familiar with, a second digitone is not out of the question

I feel like if one were an octopus, and another were a dolphin, we would see less overlap or reason to question the validity of one vs another - elektron designed 3 nearly identical pans of chocolate brownies so the overlap is hard to escape.

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slicetwo · 2023-05-22T18:11:52.997Z

Nor can it polyphonize easily.

chrisb78 · 2023-05-22T19:04:34.083Z

I’ve seen the light.
Thanks for that tune <3

Humza · 2023-05-23T09:05:02.570Z

Thanks @SoundRider I do differentiate between and work with both Synths and Samplers. In that question I was hinting to the virtually unlimited sampling capabilities vs also the virtually unlimited options of synthesis and further controls that could be applied on each individual sound in Syntakt. I wanted some insights from guys who are more experienced in the Elektron world.
As always, Synth guys" why sample when you can synthesise anything" Vs Samplers’ guys " why synth when you can sample anything", classic and will never end

gekkonier · 2023-05-23T09:12:41.038Z

Digitone -> Polysynthgroovebox (my fav!)
Digitakt -> Drumsamplegroovebox (with single cycle waveforms kinda monosynths too)
Syntakt -> Drumsynthgroovebox (with extras - not only drums, but also some “models” so to say)

Mix and match, but imho more than two sequencers are not fine for live fiddling around.

Yeah, they are all grooveboxes in the end.

Humza · 2023-05-23T09:50:00.327Z

shigginpit:

Realistically if you’re looking for a drum machine where you can refine sounds but can play immediately digitakt will shine, if you want to design sounds and have a drum machine which with some effort will be explosive syntakt, if you want a drum machine with polyphony that you’re already familiar with, a second digitone is not out of the question

Elektron should include this exactly as is in their product description

Jeanne · 2023-05-23T09:55:28.277Z

Humza:

As always, Synth guys" why sample when you can synthesise anything" Vs Samplers’ guys " why synth when you can sample anything", classic and will never end

and the girls just make sandwiches, classic

bibenu · 2023-05-23T10:36:32.667Z

gekkonier:

Digitone → Polysynthgroovebox (my fav!)
Digitakt → Drumsamplegroovebox (with single cycle waveforms kinda monosynths too)
Syntakt → Drumsynthgroovebox (with extras - not only drums, but also some “models” so to say)

I can’t think why elektron didn’t name them that way.

Fin25 · 2023-05-23T10:39:11.551Z

Jeanne:

the girls just make sandwiches

They fucking don’t though.

I’ve been asking all them suspiciously well tanned girls that keep offering me record deals on SoundCloud for a sandwich for years and so far, nothing.

Not a fucking thing.

I’ll have cheese and pickle, by the way.

Jeanne · 2023-05-23T11:03:59.079Z

Fin25:

I’ll have cheese and pickle, by the way.

Sure, honey! By the way, I did sign you up for that martial arts course you wanted.

nut-shot-nuts