Elektron has announced the reimagining of its box of FM Synthesis into a multi-machine, many-realm-reaching wonder, taking the evolution of Digitone synthesis and sequencing to new heights.
The Digitone II is a 16 track, 16-voice polyphonic digital synthesizer that delivers exciting sonic possibilities.
Digitone II is a multitimbral polyphonic synth framed in a modular workflow. Its 16 tracks can be used for any of its synth machines or for MIDI, with 16 voices available across those selectable synth machines. On top of this flexible flavor, there’s also an abundance of filters, an expanded Elektron Sequencer, playability unlocking goodness, a powerful note editor, and a whole bunch more. The rabbit hole is deeper and more magnificent than ever imagined.
Machine by machine
Synth machines are your route to generating sound with Digitone II. There are four synth machines to play with, each with their own character and every single one stuffed with tweakability.
Dive into Wavetone, a fresh take on the classic 2-oscillator synthesizer. Morph between oscillator shapes, add phase distortion and oscillator modulation, or define with precision the flavor of your noise. Take the buzz to the next level with Swarmer. A super saw-in-origin cluster offering lots of waveform control across the swarm. Pick your shape, combine detune and noise modulation controls, and reach rich, complex textures. FM Tone is the original Digitone FM synthesis engine, and still capable of twisting your sound in all manner of delicious directions. Unleash FM Drum, with heaps of percussive flexibility and fine-tuning on offer to craft your own smacks and booms, and everything in between. And despite the name, capable of melodic magic too.
Modularity & modulation
This is a box with modularity at its core, and full of modulation goodness. Its flexible workflow, featuring swappable synth machines and a variety of filter options, gives you the freedom to shape your soundscapes depending on your creative vision.
Digitone II’s augmented filters show how much depth is possible. Experiment with Comb- and Comb+, or try out Multi-mode, EQ, Lowpass 4, and Legacy LP/HP. The base width filter is also more flexible than ever – place it before the other filter or at the end of the audio track chain. There’s a dedicated amp envelope for each voice: ADSR for increased control and clarity, or AHD, for maximizing percussive sounds. Use the three LFOs and their many destinations and controls to push your sounds into unpredictable yet inspiring territories.
Full of FX
There are a bunch more sound-refining options over at the FX page. Immerse your sound in lush delay and reverb, shimmering or dissonant chorus, or brutal bit reduction, sample rate reduction, and overdrive that can be placed before or after the filter, whatever works best. Mix them all into the perfect potion. Utilize the master compressor via the mixer page, opening up sidechaining and other parameters, as well as the master overdrive, for even more distortion control.
The Sequencer
The Elektron sequencer is the beating heart of your instrument. It’s 128 steps offer heaps of Parameter Lock possibilities, letting every step propel you into different realms. Or live record your tweaks as you twist. Switch to Euclidean sequencer mode and combine two pulse generators to create mathematically-driven sequences that feel almost primordial, opening up new creative pathways. Per-step conditions, settable probabilities,and retrig only give you more control. Use page loops when composing or performing for oodles of extra refine-ability.
Priced $999 USD / 1,049 EUR / £899 GBP, Digitone II is available to purchase from the Elektron website and from retailers carrying the Elektron range of products.
More information: Elektron
