Digitone Keys - what's new, review and tutorial
Added 2019-05-08 21:55:59 +0000 UTCHi!
A while back I made video about how connecting a keyboard to Digitone and Analog Four and adapting their presets for react to aftertouch, velocity and a mod wheel opens them up as instruments - and that's exactly what Elektron has done with Digitone Keys.
Digitone Keys was released today and I've had the opportunity to explore the beta for a couple of weeks (in between some other stuff going on as you know...).
The result is a synth which is a joy to play, sounds great, and is quite a different instrument than Digitone, despite having the exact same engine. The new presets are fantastic. Elektron's simplified approach to FM synthesis is top notch and it's easy to get to meaningful, interesting results quickly.
That said, the design is polarizing for sure. I'm just back at my hotel now after a few meetings here in Berlin and have the benefit of some seeing the comments - it's been a while since I've seen something this controversial, and rightfully so. There's a reason why synths aren't built the way this one is - our eyes are front and center when we play keys - so having the interface on the right takes getting used to.
The good news is if you're into the sound but not the product, you can connect a keyboard to a regular Digitone and get almost every feature Digitone Keys has (minus the new connectivity and hold functions).
Anyway, all that and more, if you're interested - is in the video attached.
I'm at Superbooth the next couple of days so if you're around feel free to PM me - I'm happy to meet, and if there's something you want me to check out, let me know!
All my best,
Ziv (checking out new synths on youtube as "Loopop"...)
Comments
I might have to! Hope they lend you one. Kickstarter is open for a month I think. Thanks for the intel!
Jason Hoffman
2019-05-11 00:11:17 +0000 UTC[just edited the comment due to a premature "enter"] :)
2019-05-10 23:37:32 +0000 UTCHi Jason, I did stop by and get a look - I wouldn't call it exactly an easel but it's certainly quite a charming little box and certainly a big leap from the east coast to the west ;) their wavefolder sounds great and the "vactrol emulation" very flexible as well. The controls are also interesting though more limited in ways than an easel, and yet more flexible in others. The package is quite nice too, and though they don't market it the delay sounds great.. There have been since a few interview style videos about it that dig deeper as well. So... bottom line, without digging in, assuming the price is right, I'd say go for it. They seemed to be open to lending a review unit but that won't likely happen before the kickstarter ends. If that changes I'll leave you a heads up here!
2019-05-10 23:26:14 +0000 UTCHey Ziv-while you’re there, if you get a chance can you swing by Pittsburgh Modular and take a look at the Voltage Control Lab? It kind of looks like a reasonably priced Buchla Music Easel. I’d love to hear your impressions before I go whole-hog on the Kickstarter.
Jason Hoffman
2019-05-10 00:53:28 +0000 UTC
