Swedish synth maker Elektron has just introduced the Digitone II, the successor to their widely popular Digitone FM synthesizer. The new model brings a range of technical improvements, enhancing both sound architecture and sequencing capabilities, with a focus on precision, control, and modular flexibility.
Multitimbral Architecture and Polyphony
The Digitone II features a 16-track multitimbral polyphonic architecture. Each of the 16 tracks can be assigned to either one of the synthesizer machines or MIDI, with 16 voices available to be distributed across the chosen synth engines. This flexible voice allocation system allows for intricate sound layering and complex arrangements, offering significant control over each track’s parameters. Additionally, Digitone II can handle both internal sound generation and external MIDI control, integrating seamlessly into a wider setup.
Synth Machines
At the core of the Digitone II are its four distinct synthesizer machines, each designed for specific sound generation tasks:
Wavetone: A dual-oscillator engine offering morphable oscillator shapes, phase distortion, and oscillator modulation. Wavetone is highly versatile and suitable for precise control over waveform generation, allowing for advanced sound sculpting.
Swarmer: A super-saw-based machine designed for thick, layered sounds. Swarmer includes control over detune, noise modulation, and waveform manipulation, ideal for creating dense and textured audio outputs.
FM Tone: The original FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis engine from the first Digitone, offering deep flexibility for creating a wide range of tonal possibilities. FM Tone remains highly adept at generating both traditional and unconventional FM sounds.
FM Drum: A specialized machine for percussive sound design, FM Drum allows for detailed fine-tuning of drum elements like kicks, snares, and toms. Despite its focus on percussion, FM Drum is also capable of producing melodic tones, expanding its versatility beyond rhythmic applications.
Each of these machines comes with a comprehensive set of parameters, enabling users to adjust and modify every aspect of sound creation to meet specific requirements.
Modulation and Filter Flexibility
The Digitone II emphasizes modularity and modulation, with expanded filter options and flexible modulation pathways. The device includes a variety of filter types, such as Comb- and Comb+, multi-mode, EQ, Lowpass 4, and legacy low-pass/high-pass filters.
A notable addition is the base width filter, which can now be positioned before or after other filters in the signal chain, providing greater flexibility in sound processing.
Modulation is handled by three independent LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillator) per track, with a wide range of destination options. These LFOs allow for precise modulation of key parameters, pushing the device into highly experimental territory. Additionally, each voice has a dedicated ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope for amplitude control, with an AHD (Attack, Hold, Decay) envelope available for percussive sound shaping.
Effects
The Digitone II offers an expanded suite of effects, allowing users to refine their sound at multiple stages of production. Included are delay, reverb, and chorus for spatial manipulation, as well as more aggressive effects such as bit reduction, sample rate reduction, and overdrive. These effects can be placed either before or after the filter stage, giving users full control over how they impact the final output.
The device also features a master compressor with sidechain functionality, enabling dynamic control over the entire mix. In addition, a master overdrive adds further distortion possibilities, allowing for saturation and harmonic enhancement at the final output stage.
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Advanced Sequencing
One of the most significant improvements in the Digitone II is its enhanced Elektron sequencer. Offering 128 steps per track, the sequencer includes Elektron’s signature Parameter Locks, allowing users to automate any parameter on a per-step basis. This level of control provides an extraordinary degree of detail in pattern creation.
The sequencer also features a Euclidean mode, where two pulse generators are used to create mathematically-driven sequences. This opens up new rhythmic possibilities, as well as more unconventional timing structures. Per-step conditions, settable probabilities, and retrigger options provide additional control over pattern variations and randomization.
For composition and live performance, page loops and track chaining offer flexibility in structuring patterns, while Song Mode allows for the arrangement of multiple patterns into complete compositions.
Enhanced Playability and MIDI Integration
In terms of playability, the Digitone II offers extensive tools for note editing. Each note in a chord can be adjusted for pitch, length, velocity, and micro-timing, allowing for precise customization of every musical detail. The device also includes a powerful arpeggiator for generating rhythmic and melodic sequences, as well as customizable aftertouch, pitch bend, mod wheel, and breath control settings. These can be assigned to four parameter destinations with independent depths, enabling expressive live performance capabilities.
The Digitone II is fully MIDI-compatible, with all 16 tracks supporting MIDI integration. The system automatically adapts to connected devices, allowing users to control external gear with customizable CCs, triggers, sequences, and LFOs. MIDI settings can be saved as part of a kit for quick recall during production or performance.
Connectivity and Workflow Integration
The Digitone II is designed for seamless integration into any studio or live setup. It features balanced stereo inputs and outputs, ensuring high-quality audio connectivity with other devices. These connections can be utilized to blend external signals with the Digitone II’s effects, overdrive, and compression for complete sound processing.
Additionally, Digitone II supports kits, allowing users to save combinations of sounds, synth parameters, modulation settings, and more for quick recall. This is particularly useful for live performances, where users can easily switch between different setups without interrupting workflow.
The Elektron Digitone II is a significant evolution from its predecessor, offering far more versatility and depth. With the addition of new sound engines like FM Drum, enhanced sound design flexibility, and advanced sequencing, the Digitone II has expanded beyond the scope of a traditional FM synthesizer.
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