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Elektron Digitone II User Manual
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Elektron Digitone II User Manual

Elektron Digitone II User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Elektron Digitone II

  • Page 1 User Manual...
  • Page 2 Elektron may also make improvements and/or changes in the products and programs described in this document at any time without notice. In no event shall Elektron be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other action, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this information.
  • Page 3 (including amplifiers) producing heat. 7. Do not put the PL-2S Protective Cover (Elektron accessory) on the unit while the unit is powered on. 8. This product, by itself or in combination with amplifiers, headphones or speakers, is capable of produc- ing sound levels that may cause permanent hearing loss.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    4.2.2 MASTER EFFECTS ............... 15 5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE II DATA STRUCTURE ......16 5.1 +DRIVE .
  • Page 5 8. DIGITONE II CONTROLS ........
  • Page 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS 10.11 PAGE SETUP MENU............... 46 10.11.1 PER PATTERN MODE .
  • Page 7 15.1 DIGITONE II WITH A MONOPHONIC BASS MACHINE ....... . .
  • Page 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS A.2.1 FM TONE ................. 87 A.2.2 FM DRUM .
  • Page 9 TABLE OF CONTENTS...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    1. INTRODUCTION 1. INTRODUCTION To get the most out of your Digitone II, we recommend that you read this manual in its entirety. 1.1 CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL We have used the following conventions throughout the manual: • Key names are written in upper case, bold style and within brackets. For instance, the key labeled “FUNC”...

  • Page 11: The Digitone Ii

    To be honest, the prospect excited the heck out of us. With Digitone II, we dove into the FM rabbit hole and dug up new ways to access that contrary combination of metallic, organic, punchy bliss. But this Device doesn’t stop there. We tuned into multiple additional forms of digital synthesis and brought them into proceedings, meaning there is a huge variety of melodic and per- cussive options at your disposal.

  • Page 12: Panel Layout And Connectors

    3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS 3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS 3.1 FRONT PANEL TRIG FLTR FUNC PAGE SONG 1. MAIN VOLUME sets the volume for the main outputs and the headphones output. 2. [PRESET/KIT] opens PRESET/KIT menu where you manage presets and kits. The secondary function accesses the PERFORM KIT mode.
  • Page 13 24. [FUNC] key. Press and hold [FUNC], and then press another key to access the secondary function of that key. The turquoise text on the Digitone II front panel shows the keys secondary functions. 25. LEVEL/DATA sets the overall volume level of the active track. It is also used for setting parameters and scrolling through lists.

  • Page 14: Rear Connectors

    Digitone II. 4. If you want to use MIDI to control the Digitone II, connect the MIDI OUT port of the device you wish to send data from to the MIDI IN port of the Digitone II. The MIDI THRU port duplicates the data arriving at the MIDI IN port so that it can forward data to other MIDI units.

  • Page 15: Digitone Ii Sound Architecture

    4. DIGITONE II SOUND ARCHITECTURE 4. DIGITONE II SOUND ARCHITECTURE The illustrations below show the Digitone II internal sound architecture for its 16 audio voices. 4.1 AUDIO VOICES FILTER ENVELOPE OVERDRIVE OVERDRIVE FLTR TO MIXER FILTER MACHINE REDUCTION MACHINE B-W FILTER...

  • Page 16: Overview Of The Digitone Ii Data Structure

    Digitone II. From here it is possible to edit the patterns and presets of the project. Every time the Digitone II is switched on, it boots to the active working state, the active project. Projects are saved, loaded and managed in the SETTINGS menu. For more informa- tion, please see “13.

  • Page 17: Midi Tracks

    5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE II DATA STRUCTURE A machine is a module within the Digitone II with specific functionality. A machine can be switched out for another machine in the same category. For example different audio synthesis playback engines (SYN machines) or a selection of filters (FLTR machines).

  • Page 18: Interacting With The Digitone Ii

    6. INTERACTING WITH THE DIGITONE II The screen shows all the information needed for real-time interaction and editing on the Digitone II. The eight DATA ENTRY knob parameters shown will vary depending on the given situation. Below is the main interface screen of the MOD page.

  • Page 19: Parameter Value Jump

    6. INTERACTING WITH THE DIGITONE II 6.2.1 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP Pressing [FUNC] while editing certain parameters will make the parameter values jump to appropriate positions. The NOTE parameter, for example jumps between octaves and the delay time jumps between BPM related tempo settings.

  • Page 20: Overbridge

    Overbridge for Digitone II is still under development and is not currently available. 6.7 CLASS COMPLIANT DEVICE The Digitone II is a class compliant device (also known as plug-and-play). It means it does not require any extra drivers to connect to your computer or other USB class compliant hosts.

  • Page 21: Transferring Backed Up Files To Your Elektron Device

    It is possible to import Digitone I projects to Digitone II. However, due to changes in the de- vice architecture, the patterns in the projects might not be 100% the same in some cases.

  • Page 22: Quick Start

    First, connect it as described in section “3.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING THE DIGITONE II” on page 14. 7.1 SELECTING AND PLAYING THE PRESETS There are a large number of presets in the Digitone II that you can use in your music-making or as starting points for your own sound design.

  • Page 23: Tempo And Metronome

    “PREP.” flash in the bottom left corner of the screen. Nudging the tempo is very handy when manually syncing Digitone II to a turntable or an external sound source. Note that you do not need to be in the TEMPO menu to nudge the tempo.

  • Page 24: Digitone Ii Controls

    Some functions can be triggered by sending MIDI note values from an external MIDI device (a MIDI key- board or a computer, for example) connected to the Digitone II via a standard MIDI cable or a USB 2.0 A to B connector cable.

  • Page 25: Mute Mode

    8. DIGITONE II CONTROLS KB SCALE sets the track’s scale. This setting governs which notes are playable on the Digitone II’s [TRIG] keys to allow only notes in the set scale. For a list of all selectable keyboard scales, please see ”APPENDIX E: KEYBOARD SCALES”...

  • Page 26: Trig Mode

    [FUNC] and then press the [TRACK] keys to mute or unmute tracks. • Digitone II remembers the last used version of MUTE mode and will access this one first when you press [FUNC] + [TRK]. This also applies to QUICK MUTE. However, after reboot, it defaults back to GLOBAL MUTE mode.
  • Page 27 8. DIGITONE II CONTROLS Trig 3 = Retrig rate 1/3 Trig 4 = Retrig rate 1/4 Trig 5 = Retrig rate 1/5 Trig 6 = Retrig rate 1/6 Trig 7 = Retrig rate 1/8 Trig 8 = Retrig rate 1/12...

  • Page 28: Patterns, Kits And Presets

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS The patterns are the primary data container for the Digitone II. Sixteen patterns are available for each of the eight banks, which means that 128 patterns are available for each project. A pattern contains up to 16 pre- sets (one for each track), sequencer data like trigs and parameter locks.

  • Page 29: Preset/Kit Menu

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS 9.2 PRESET/KIT MENU Press [PRESET/KIT] to open the PRESET/KIT menu. Here you manage presets (both on the +Drive and in the pool) and kits. Use the [ARROW] keys and LEVEL/DATA to navigate the menu. Press [YES] to select a menu item.

  • Page 30: Manage (Preset)

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS 9.2.3 MANAGE (PRESET) Opens the Preset manager. Here presets can be saved, loaded, renamed, tagged et cetera. Opening this menu will show a list of all presets found in the +Drive library. Press [LEFT] to access the SORTING menu. Press [YES] to execute the commands. Press [NO] or the [RIGHT] key to exit the menu.

  • Page 31: Pool

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS DELETE deletes the preset or selected presets. SELECT ALL selects all presets in the list. DESELECT ALL deselects all selected presets in the list. TOGGLE enables or disables write protection for the selected presets. When a preset is write pro- tected it cannot be overwritten, renamed, tagged or deleted.

  • Page 32: Save (Kit)

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS ADD TO PRESET POOL adds the kit’s 16 presets to the pool of the active project. SORT ABC / SORT 123 toggles between if the kits are sorted in alphabetical order or by slot number. SELECT BANK opens the KIT bank selector.

  • Page 33: Playing A Preset

    9.3.1 PLAYING A PRESET WITH AN EXTERNAL MIDI UNIT The presets can also be played using an external MIDI device connected to Digitone II. The MIDI chan- nels for of each of the tracks can be assigned in the MIDI CHANNELS menu, covered in the section “13.4.3 CHANNELS”...

  • Page 34: Saving A Preset

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS The complete preset, with all its parameter settings may be copied to another track. Press [TRK] + [TRIG 1–16] + [RECORD], and then press [TRK] + [TRIG 1–16] + [STOP] to paste the preset to the selected track. 9.5 SAVING A PRESET After you edited the parameters of a preset, you can save it to the +Drive.

  • Page 35: Pattern Transpose

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS TRACK LAYERING Track Layering makes it possible to trig two or more tracks with the same note from the sequencer or the keyboard. For example, if you set track 1 to trigger track 2 then every note you play on track 1 also plays on track 2, effectively playing two presets at the same time.

  • Page 36: Velocity To Vol

    PITCH BEND DEPTH Sets how much the pitch bend data from external MIDI devices affects the Digitone II. PORTAMENTO Here you find settings related to the portamento. For more information, please see “11.3 TRIG PAGE 2”...
  • Page 37 Opens a menu where you can assign up to four parameters to the velocity parameter. Both the VEL parameter on the TRIG menu and the velocity of incoming MIDI notes sent to the Digitone II from ex- ternal devices affects the assigned parameters. Press [YES] to open the menu. Selecting parameters and setting modulation depth works in the same way as for KEY TRACKING.

  • Page 38: Arpeggiator Menu

    9. PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS BREATH CTRL Opens a menu where you can assign up to four parameters to the MIDI breath controller command (CC #2). Press [YES] to open the menu. Selecting parameters and setting modulation depth works in the same way as for KEY TRACKING.

  • Page 39: The Sequencer

    10. THE SEQUENCER 10. THE SEQUENCER The sequencer of the Digitone II stores information in patterns. A pattern controls the playback of the tracks and various pattern-specific aspects of the tracks. Patterns are stored in projects. A project contains 8 banks (A to H) with 16 patterns each, which means 128 patterns are available for each project. For more information, please see “13.3 PATTERN MENU”...

  • Page 40: Editing A Pattern

    Digitone II. For more information, please see “13.4.1 SYNC” on page 72. 10.2 EDITING A PATTERN Digitone II offers several modes of input when creating or editing a pattern. Three of them are, GRID RE- CORDING mode, LIVE RECORDING mode, and STEP RECORDING mode. In these modes, two types of trigs can be entered: Note trigs and Lock trigs.

  • Page 41: Grid Recording Mode

    • Press [TRIG] + [PRESET/KIT] to save the sound of a trig as a preset, taking all parame- ter locks into consideration. • If you use an external MIDI controller to record to the Digitone II MIDI tracks, the se- quencer receives data on the Auto MIDI channel and records on the active track. For more information, please see “13.4.3 CHANNELS”...

  • Page 42: Live Recording Mode

    1. Connect an external MIDI controller to the Digitone II. 2. Set the controllers MIDI channel to the same channel as Digitone II's AUTO CHANNEL 3. Press [NOTE], and then select the active step that you wish to record on..

  • Page 43: Step Recording Mode

    10. THE SEQUENCER 2. Enter trigs in real time by pressing the [TRIG] keys. If KEYBOARD mode is active, the pitch value of the note trig will be recorded according to which [TRIG] key is pressed for the active track. Any changes to PARAMETER page settings, using the DATA ENTRY knobs, will be recorded as parameter locks and add lock trigs where needed.

  • Page 44: Sequencer Menu (Euclidean Mode)

    10. THE SEQUENCER • Press [PLAY] to listen to the sequence while you are programming it. Press [STOP] to stop the sequencer and stay in STEP RECORDING mode. • If you use an external MIDI controller, you must set it to send MIDI data on the Digitone II’s defined AUTO CHANNEL.

  • Page 45: Voice Setup Menu

    10.7 VOICE SETUP MENU Press [VOICE SETUP] to open the VOICE SETUP menu, where you handle the allocation of the Digitone II’s 16 voices. In this menu, you can also make the settings for unison and voice stealing. Press [TRK] + [TRIG 1–16] to select which track to edit.

  • Page 46: Micro Timing

    10. THE SEQUENCER 10.8 MICRO TIMING Here you can add micro timing to a note trig, moving it ahead or behind the beat. Micro timing can be customized on any of the sequencer steps on both audio and MIDI tracks. In GRID RECORDING mode, press and hold one or several [TRIG] keys and then press [LEFT]/[RIGHT] to access the pop-up Micro timing menu that shows the time offset for the chosen sequencer step(s) on the active track.

  • Page 47: Per Track Mode

    A 2X speed setting is useful for increasing the base resolution of the step sequencer to 32nd notes. A 3/4X setting is useful when Digitone II is playing alongside other instru- ments set to the same BPM, and you want Digitone II to play triplets.

  • Page 48: Sequencer Features

    10. THE SEQUENCER In the PAGE SETUP menu, you can press [FUNC] + [UP]/[DOWN] to set the TRACK LENGTH in increments from 2/16 to 128/128. 10.12 SEQUENCER FEATURES 10.12.1 PARAMETER LOCKS Parameter locks makes it possible to set every trig to have its own unique parameter values. The note trigs of an audio track can, for example, have different pitch, amp or filter settings.

  • Page 49: Trig Conditions And Conditional Locks

    10. THE SEQUENCER 10.12.3 TRIG CONDITIONS AND CONDITIONAL LOCKS Trig conditions are a set of conditional rules that you can apply to any trig, using specific parameter locks called conditional locks. Each rule is a logical condition that determines whether a trig set on a track in the sequencer is triggered or not.

  • Page 50: Fill Mode

    10. THE SEQUENCER • The FILL trig condition has a separate parameter on TRIG PAGE 1. For more informa- tion, please see “11.2 TRIG PAGE 1” on page 55. • The sequencer needs to be in FILL mode to activate the conditional lock called FILL. For more information, please see “10.12.4 FILL MODE”...

  • Page 51: Track Transpose

    10. THE SEQUENCER The TEMPORARY SAVE PATTERN command will not save the pattern permanently and any changes will be lost if you load another project. If you wish to save your changes per- manently, you should use SAVE TO PROJ in the PATTERN MENU. For more information, please see “13.3 PATTERN MENU”...

  • Page 52: Creating And Editing A Song

    10. THE SEQUENCER 1. SONG ROW (Range 01–99) 2. LABEL lets you select a keyword for the row. The keyword is related to song structure, e.g., Verse, Chorus, and Fill. It can also be the name of the pattern. 3. PTN lets you select the pattern to be played on the row. Press [FUNC] while turning the knob to change banks quickly.

  • Page 53: Playing A Song

    10. THE SEQUENCER • [FUNC] + [RECORD] copies the selected row. [FUNC] + [STOP] pastes a previously copied row to the selected row. [FUNC] + [PLAY] resets the selected row to the pattern’s default BPM, length, and mute state settings. [FUNC] + [UP] deletes the selected row.

  • Page 54: Perform Kit Mode Actions

    10. THE SEQUENCER 10.14.1 PERFORM KIT MODE ACTIONS • Press [PRESET/KIT] + [NO] to reload the current patterns kit instantly. • Press [PRESET/KIT] + [YES] to save the current patterns modified kit. This will open the SAVE (KIT) menu. For more information please see “9.2.6 SAVE (KIT)” on page 32. Pattern Temp save and Temp reload still works while in PERFORM KIT mode Actions done in PERFORM KIT mode are not saved and will not remain when switching the device off.

  • Page 55: Track Parameters

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS 11. TRACK PARAMETERS Here follows a description of all of the parameters that are available on the audio tracks PARAMETER pages. The parameters on the TRIG page are not saved together with the preset, but are instead saved with the pattern.

  • Page 56: Trig

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS FLT.T Filter Trig controls if the filter envelope will be trigged or not. FILL Fill is a separate trig condition that determines if a trig is active (plays) or not depending on if the device is in FILL mode or not. For more information, please see “10.12.4 FILL MODE” on page 50, and “10.12.3 TRIG CONDITIONS AND CONDITIONAL LOCKS”...

  • Page 57: Syn

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS PTIM Portamento Time sets the time for the portamento. PORT Portamento turns the portamento on/off. Please note that this parameter is only available on audio tracks. For more information, please see “9.6.2 TRACK” on page 35. 11.4 SYN PAGES The parameters on the SYN pages control the selected SYN machine, and these parameters vary depend- ing on what machine is selected.

  • Page 58: Amp Page

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS Examples of how the BASE and WDTH parameters affect the filter frequency range: Width Width Width Base Base Base FREQUENCY FREQUENCY FREQUENCY • With BASE set to 0, the filter functions as a low pass filter with WDTH adjusting the fre- quency range.
  • Page 59 11. TRACK PARAMETERS Attack Time sets the length of the attack phase of the amp envelope. HOLD Hold Time sets the length of the hold phase of the amp envelope. Fixed Hold time values (0–126) specify the length of the hold phase, and the envelope ignores Note Off events such as Trig Length, releasing a [TRIG] key or a key on an external controller.

  • Page 60: Fx Page

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS Amplitude envelope with MODE set to AHD and HOLD set to NOTE. Attack Decay Hold Attack Hold Decay Attack/ Decay Hold Note On Note Off Note Note Off Note On Note Off TIME 11.8 FX PAGE The FX parameter page contains a number of FX related parameters such as the Bit Reduction, Overdrive, and Sample Rate Reduction.

  • Page 61: Mod

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS 11.9 MOD PAGE 1 The MOD pages contain three LFOs (two for tracks that use MIDI machines). The Low-Frequency Oscilla- tor can be used to modulate track parameters. Customize the low-frequency oscillator behavior, orientation, speed, and depth on this page. This page controls the behavior of LFO 1 Press [MOD] to access this parameter page.

  • Page 62: Mod

    11. TRACK PARAMETERS 11.10 MOD PAGE 2 MOD page 2 page contains the same parameters as LFO page 1, but controls the behavior of LFO 2. 11.11 MOD PAGE 3 MOD page 3 page contains the same parameters as LFO page 1, but controls the behavior of LFO 3. Please note that MIDI tracks only have two LFOs.

  • Page 63: Fx And Mixer Parameters

    12.1 EDITING THE SEND FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS The Digitone II’s Chorus, Delay and Reverb are send effects and are set on a pattern level. It means that all the presets in a pattern shares the same effect settings but have individual send levels to the effects. The Delay, Reverb, and Chorus parameters are set on their respective PARAMETER page, but their incoming signals are set by the DEL, REV, and CHO send parameters on the FX page of each audio track.

  • Page 64: Reverb

    12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS Ping-pong sets the delay signal to alternate across the stereo field. There are two settings: • OFF lets you manually set the position of the delay signal in the stereo field. Use the WID parameter to change the stereo field position.

  • Page 65: Chorus

    12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS HPF sets the cutoff frequency of the reverb high-pass filter that affects the audio going into the reverb. LPF sets the cutoff frequency of the reverb low-pass filter that affects the audio going into the reverb. 12.4 CHORUS (SEND FX PAGE 3) The chorus can be used to widen sounds, enhance the stereo image or add subtle movement to sounds.
  • Page 66 12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS Attack sets the time of the compressor attack phase, i.e. how quickly the compressor responds to loud peaks. Release sets the time of the compressor release phase, i.e. how long it takes for the compression to recover in quieter moments.

  • Page 67: Internal Mixer

    12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS The Digitone II compressor Sidechain Filter Gain Dynamics Source (HP/LP) Computer (Atk/Rel) Control Signal Input Gain Make up Dry/Wet Output (LR) Reduction Gain 12.6 INTERNAL MIXER PAGE 1 (MIXER PAGE 2) The INTERNAL MIXER page 1 is where you can access the TRACK LEVEL parameter of track 1–8 (if they are audio tracks).

  • Page 68: Fx Mixer

    12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS 12.8 FX MIXER (MIXER PAGE 4) On the FX MIXER page you can set the levels of the send effects and master overdrive. Pattern Volume sets the patterns overall audio level. At a parameter setting of 100, you have unity gain. Below that, the signal is attenuated.
  • Page 69 12. FX AND MIXER PARAMETERS Pattern Volume sets the patterns overall audio level. At a parameter setting of 100, you have unity gain. Below that, the signal is attenuated. Above that, the signal is amplified. This parameter can be used to balance the volume between different patterns and is saved together with the kit.

  • Page 70: Settings Menu

    13. SETTINGS MENU 13. SETTINGS MENU The SETTINGS menu offers settings that affect Digitone II and can also be used to manage Projects. Press [SETTINGS] to access the SETTINGS menu. Scroll the list by using [UP]/[DOWN] or the LEVEL/ DATA knob. Open a highlighted menu by pressing [YES].

  • Page 71: Song

    13. SETTINGS MENU 13.2 SONG In this menu, you can perform tasks related to songs. For more information, please see “10.13 SONG MODE” on page 51. 13.2.1 RENAME Opens the NAMING screen where you can rename the active song. 13.2.2 CLEAR Clears the active song.

  • Page 72: Reload From Proj

    Controls how Digitone II receives and sends MIDI clock and transport commands. Change settings by using the [LEFT]/[RIGHT] arrow keys or the [YES] key. CLOCK RECEIVE sets whether or not Digitone II responds to MIDI clock sent from external devices. CLOCK SEND sets whether or not Digitone II transmits MIDI clock.
  • Page 73 ENCODER DEST controls whether the DATA ENTRY and LEVEL/DATA knobs sends MIDI data or not. When set to INT, the knobs only affects the Digitone II and no MIDI data is sent. When set to INT + EXT, the knobs affects the Digitone II and also sends MIDI data to external devices.

  • Page 74: Channels

    USB port of the Digitone II. Select a menu option using [UP]/[DOWN] or the TRACK LEVEL knob. Press [YES] to open the highlighted menu selection. When receiving or sending SysEx data, the MIDI ports or the USB port of the Digitone II should be connect- ed to the external sending/receiving device.

  • Page 75: Sysex Receive

    13.6 AUDIO ROUTING Here you find number of audio routing options that affects the Digitone II on a global level. 13.6.1 TO MAIN Use this option to customize which of the 16 tracks, 3 effects (Delay, Reverb, Chorus), and inputs that will send audio to the MAIN OUT outputs.

  • Page 76: Usb In

    ON Sound is always sent to main out. 13.6.6 USB TO MAIN [dB] Sets the amount of amplification of the sound that is streamed over USB to the Digitone II main out when used with a class compliant audio device. (0 dB–+18 dB) 13.6.7 PRE/POST FADER...

  • Page 77: Remember Subpage

    USB MIDI select this option if you wish to send and receive MIDI over USB. USB AUDIO/MIDI sets the Digitone II to send and receive audio and MIDI over USB. Select this option if you want to use the Digitone II together with a class compliant USB audio host.

  • Page 78: Os Upgrade

    13. SETTINGS MENU 13.8.2 OS UPGRADE Use this menu option when you want to upgrade the Digitone II OS. To send the OS file, use our free Elektron Transfer software. Elektron Transfer can be downloaded from the Elektron website. The device sending the OS file must be connected to the USB port of Digitone II.

  • Page 79: Startup Menu

    For testing purposes, a short sound is heard through all outputs of the unit. If you have any trouble with your Digitone II and suspect it may be due to a hardware problem, perform this self-test. The [UP] and [DOWN] keys can be used to scroll through the test log. A fully functional device should not report any errors.

  • Page 80: Setup Examples

    3. Connect the Digitone II audio outputs to the mixer using 2 x Mono or Stereo jack 6.3 mm male cables. 4. Use a DIN connector cable to connect the MIDI OUT of the Digitone II to the SYNC IN of the bass machine.
  • Page 81 Digitone II has extensive capabilities to use its sequencer’s MIDI tracks to control other MIDI-equipped synthesizers. 1. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect the Digitone II MIDI OUT jack with the synthesizer’s MIDI IN jack. 2. On the Digitone II, press [SETTINGS], and then navigate to MIDI CONFIG > PORT CONFIG and set OUT PORT FUNC to MIDI.

  • Page 82: Key Combinations

    16. KEY COMBINATIONS 16. KEY COMBINATIONS Use the key combinations below to quickly perform certain tasks. COPY/PASTE/CLEAR TRACK SEQUENCE (ALL TRIGS ON THE TRACK) When in GRID RECORDING mode. [FUNC] + [RECORD] to copy the active track’s sequence. [FUNC] + [STOP] to paste the copied track’s sequence to the active track. [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear the active track’s sequence.

  • Page 83: Menu Access

    16. KEY COMBINATIONS [FUNC] + [SETTINGS] saves the active project. [FUNC] + [YES] temporary saves the active pattern. [FUNC] + [NO] temporary reloads the active pattern. [PARAMETER] key + [NO] reloads all parameters on that parameter page from its last saved state [PARAMETER] key + [YES] randomizes parameters on that parameter page [TRK] + [TRIG1–16] + [NO] reloads the preset from its last saved state MENU ACCESS...
  • Page 84 16. KEY COMBINATIONS RESET PARAMETERS Press DATA ENTRY knob + [NO] to reset the parameter to the default value. [PARAMETER] key + [PLAY] to reset all the parameters in the selected parameter page to default values. PRESET/TRIG PREVIEW [FUNC] + [YES] (In the PRESET BROWSER/PRESET MANAGER) previews the highlighted preset. [TRIG] + [YES] (In GRID- and STEP RECORDING mode) previews the selected trig.

  • Page 85: Technical Information

    17. TECHNICAL INFORMATION 17. TECHNICAL INFORMATION ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS HARDWARE Impedance balanced audio outputs 128 × 64 pixel OLED screen Main outputs level: +18 dBu peak MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync out Output impedance: 440 Ω unbalanced 2 × 1/4” impedance balanced audio out jacks 2 × 1/4”...

  • Page 86: Credits And Contact Information

    Christian Karlsson George Kaplan ELEKTRON WEBSITE Åsa Larsson Erik Liakhovets https://www.elektron.se Christer Lindström OFFICE ADDRESS Joel Lundberg Elektron Music Machines MAV AB Johannes Mai Banehagsliden 5 Enrique Martinez SE-414 51 Gothenburg Jimmy Myhrman Sweden Viktor Nilsson Jean Michel Pepin Mattias Rickardsson Patrik Rinvall Viktor Sandström...

  • Page 87: Appendix A: Machines

    80s implementations. However, unlike the early FM synths, the Digitone II use its FM engine more like a complex tone generator than a complete synthesizer voice (although it does have this capa- bility too). The Digitone II signal path is more similar to a typical subtractive synth than a classic FM voice. PAGE 1 The parameters on the page 1 control various aspects of the FM engine.
  • Page 88 APPENDIX A: MACHINES RATIO A Sets the frequency ratio for operator A. For more information, please see “B.4 FM RATIOS” on page 106. RATIO B Sets the frequency ratio for operator B1 and B2. The minimum value for B1 and B2 is .25. As you turn the encoder, B2 increases until it reaches the max (16).
  • Page 89 APPENDIX A: MACHINES DEC (B) Decay Time sets the length of the decay phase of the modulation envelope for operator group B (B1 and B2). END (B) End Level sets the end level of the modulation envelope for operator group B (B1 and B2). LEV (B) Level sets the modulation amount from operator group B (B1 and B2).
  • Page 90 APPENDIX A: MACHINES Trigged (ATRG/BTRG ON) Attack Decay End level Note on Gated (ATRG/BTRG OFF) Attack Sustain Decay End level Note on Note o ARST Envelope reset sets if the envelopes should reset or not when they are retrigged. Reset on (ARST/BRST ON) Reset on Reset on Trig...

  • Page 91: Fm Drum

    Same as KEY TRACK A, but for operator B2. A.2.2 FM DRUM The Digitone II’s FM DRUM machine is an FM engine specially tailored to produce drums and other per- cussive sounds, although it also works well for melodic sounds. Below, you see the FM DRUM machine’s voice architecture.
  • Page 92 APPENDIX A: MACHINES PAGE 1 TUNE Tune sets the pitch of the oscillator. STIM Sweep Time sets the pitch sweep time. Lower values result in shorter sweep. SDEP Sweep Depth sets the depth of the pitch sweep. ALGO Algorithm selects the structure of how the four operators are connected to each other. OP.C Operator C Wave sets the waveform for Operator C.
  • Page 93 APPENDIX A: MACHINES RATIO Ratio B sets the frequency ratio for operator B. Mod B sets the modulation amount from operator B. PAGE 3 HOLD Body Hold sets the time before the decay phase starts for the body part of the sound. Body Decay sets the length of the decay phase for the body part of the sound.

  • Page 94: Wavetone

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES BASE Noise Base sets the base frequency for the noise/transient filter. WDTH Noise Width sets the frequency width above the base frequency for the noise/transient filter. GRAN Noise grain adjusts the density of the grains for the noise part of the sound, from high density (white noise) to low (grainy).
  • Page 95 APPENDIX A: MACHINES PAGE 2 OFS1 Osc1 Lin Offset sets an offset of oscillator 1 tuning. This parameter offsets the frequency of the oscillator linearly in hertz (unlike TUNE which adjusts the pitch in cents). This feature gives more noticeable detune in lower notes than higher. It allows for a different kind of chorus-like detune, since the beating frequency does not vary with the pitch.

  • Page 96: Swarmer

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES PAGE 3 Noise Attack sets the length of the attack phase of the noise amp envelope. HOLD Noise Hold sets the length of the hold phase of the noise amp envelope. Fixed Hold time values (0–126) specify the length of the hold phase, and the envelope ignores Note Off events such as Trig Length, releasing a [TRIG] key or a key on an external controller.

  • Page 97: Midi

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES TUNE Tune offsets the incoming note value. This parameter is bipolar. A setting of 0 leaves the pitch unchanged. SWRM Swarm Waveform sets the waveform of the detuned swarm oscillators. Detune sets the amount of detuning of the six swarm oscillators in relation to the main oscillator. Mix sets the level of the swarm oscillators in relation to the main oscillator.
  • Page 98 APPENDIX A: MACHINES LFO.T LFO Trig controls if the LFO will be trigged or not. FILL Fill is a separate trig condition that determines if a trig is active (plays) or not depending on if the device is in FILL mode or not. For more information, please see “10.12.4 FILL MODE” on page 50, and “10.12.3 TRIG CONDITIONS AND CONDITIONAL LOCKS”...
  • Page 99 APPENDIX A: MACHINES VAL1-VAL8 (CC 1–8 Value) controls the values that the CC commands send. You specify the CC commands themselves on FLTR page 2. These parameters default value is OFF. Press [FUNC] + DATA ENTRY knobs to activate the parameters and then turn the DATA ENTRY knobs to set a value.

  • Page 100: Fltr Machines

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES A.3 FLTR MACHINES The FLTR machines are a collection of different filters and EQ. A.3.1 MULTI-MODE This filter lets you morph from a Lowpass to Bandpass to Highpass filter Attack Time sets the length of the attack phase of the filter envelope. Decay Time sets the length of the decay phase of the filter envelope.

  • Page 101: Lowpass 4

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES A.3.2 LOWPASS 4 This is a 4-pole low-pass filter with a 24 dB/octave slope. Attack Time sets the length of the attack phase of the filter envelope. Decay Time sets the length of the decay phase of the filter envelope. Sustain Level sets the sustain level of the filter envelope.

  • Page 102: Comb

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES RESO Resonance sets the resonance of the filter. Resonance introduces a peak at the cutoff frequency. TYPE Filter Type lets you select between a Lowpass or Highpass filter, both a 2-pole, 12 dB/octave slope. Env. Depth sets the amount of cutoff frequency modulation from the filter envelope. The knob is bipo- lar, both negative and positive modulation depths are available.

  • Page 103: Equalizer

    APPENDIX A: MACHINES Attack Time sets the length of the attack phase of the filter envelope. Decay Time sets the length of the decay phase of the filter envelope. Sustain Level sets the sustain level of the filter envelope. Release Time sets the length of the release phase of the filter envelope. FREQ Frequency sets the resonant frequencies of the comb filter.
  • Page 104 APPENDIX A: MACHINES Env. Depth sets the amount of cutoff frequency modulation from the filter envelope. The knob is bipo- lar, both negative and positive modulation depths are available. The parametric EQ is used to boost desired frequencies or to remove unwanted fre- quencies of the sound.

  • Page 105: Appendix B: The Fm Tone Synthesis

    For example, have a look at the Sounds B001 and B002 in the Digitone II to see how feedback is used to create a basic square and saw waveform.

  • Page 106: Algorithms

    We have divided the operators into three groups: C, A, and B (B1 and B2) to lessen the complexity and make the Digitone II easier to use. Since group B consist of two operators, the parameter controls for B are macro mapped to both operators.

  • Page 107: Operator Envelopes

    If you modulate one oscillator directly with another it creates very harsh harmonics, so you need to limit the modulation level to control the amount of modulation. In Digitone II you use an envelope and a LEVEL pa- rameter control to attenuate the amount of how much the modulator affects the carrier. The envelopes also give the possibility to control the modulation over time.

  • Page 108: Harmonics

    APPENDIX B: THE FM TONE SYNTHESIS Reset on (ARST/BRST ON) Reset on Reset on Trig Trig Trig Trig Reset off (ARST/BRST OFF) Reset o Reset o Trig Trig Trig Trig The LEVEL parameters on the SYN2 page controls the amount of modulation from the A and B operators. For more information, please see “A.2.1 FM TONE”...
  • Page 109 Bell The Digitone II uses a form of additive synthesis to create the harmonic series for the HARM parameter. Additive synthesis is one of the oldest forms of electronic sound generation. It is a quite simple form of synthesis but still very powerful. The basic principle is to add multiple sine waves together to form complex timbres.

  • Page 110: Syn Page 1 Parameters Overview

    APPENDIX B: THE FM TONE SYNTHESIS B.7 SYN PAGE 1 PARAMETERS OVERVIEW Here is a graphical overview of what part of the FM engine the parameters on the SYN1 pages affects. The affected part of the FM engine is highlighted with grey. For more information, please see “A.2.1 FM TONE” on page 87.

  • Page 111: Appendix C: Midi

    APPENDIX C: MIDI APPENDIX C: MIDI This appendix lists the CC and NRPN specification for the Digitone II. C.1 TRACK PARAMETERS TRACK Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Mute Track level C.2 TRIG PARAMETERS TRIG PARAMETERS Parameter...

  • Page 112: Filter Parameters

    APPENDIX C: MIDI SYN PAGE 3 Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Data entry knob D (machine dependent) Data entry knob E (machine dependent) Data entry knob F (machine dependent) Data entry knob G (machine dependent) Data entry knob H (machine dependent) SYN PAGE 4 Parameter CC MSB...

  • Page 113: Euclidean Sequencer Parameters

    APPENDIX C: MIDI C.6 EUCLIDEAN SEQUENCER PARAMETERS Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Pulse Generator 1 Pulse Generator 2 Euclidean Mode On/Off Rotation Generator 1 Rotation Generator 2 Track Rotation Boolean Operator C.7 FX PARAMETERS Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB...

  • Page 114: Send Fx Parameters

    APPENDIX C: MIDI LFO 3 Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Speed Multiplier Fade In/Out Destination Waveform Start Phase/Slew Trig Mode Depth C.9 SEND FX PARAMETERS DELAY Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Delay Time Pingpong Stereo Width Feedback...

  • Page 115: Mixer Parameters

    APPENDIX C: MIDI C.10 MIXER PARAMETERS COMPRESSOR Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Threshold Attack Time Release Time Makeup Gain Pattern Volume Ratio Sidechain Source Sidechain Filter Dry/Wet Mix EXTERNAL IN MIXER Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Dual Mono...

  • Page 116: Misc Parameters

    APPENDIX C: MIDI CC VAL Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB VAL11 VAL12 VAL13 VAL14 VAL15 VAL16 C.12 MISC PARAMETERS MISC Parameter CC MSB CC LSB NRPN MSB NRPN LSB Pattern Mute Master Overdrive...

  • Page 117: Appendix D: Lfo Modulation Destinations

    APPENDIX D: LFO MODULATION DESTINATIONS APPENDIX D: LFO MODULATION DESTINATIONS The following are the modulation destinations for the Digitone II’s LFOs: AUDIO TRACKS FILTER: Base FILTER: Width META: None FILTER: Env. Reset LFO1: Speed (Only available for LFO2/3) AMP: Attack Time...

  • Page 118: Appendix E: Keyboard Scales

    APPENDIX E: KEYBOARD SCALES APPENDIX E: KEYBOARD SCALES The following are the selectable scales for the KEYBOARD mode. For more information, please see: “8.5.1 KEYBOARD MODE” on page 24, • CHROMATIC • HIRAJOSHI • IONIAN (MAJOR) • PELOG • DORIAN •...

  • Page 119: Index

    INDEX INDEX +DRIVE 16, 28 Internal mixer 67 Reverb 64 ARPEGGIATOR 38 GRID RECORDING MODE 41 AUDIO ROUTING Global 75 HARD SYNC 95 BACKUP 20 BREATH CONTROLLER 38 KEYBOARD SCALE 25 KEYBOARD SCALES 118 KEY COMBINATIONS 82 CHAINS 39 KITS 28 CHORUS 65 CHROMATIC MODE 24 CLASS COMPLIANT 20...
  • Page 120 APPENDIX E: KEYBOARD SCALES Trig Types 40 Controlling a synthesizer using the MIDI tracks 80 PATTERNS, KITS AND PRESETS 28 Digitone II with a monophonic bass machine 80 Editing a preset 33 SONG MODE 51 Playing a preset 33 SOUND ARCHITECTURE 15...
  • Page 121 APPENDIX E: KEYBOARD SCALES...
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