Elektron Digitone II Synthesizer

General

Anyone who's dipped into the reviews for the OG Digitone will have noticed the unwavering devotion that users have for this tight little groove-maker. While an elegant concept that weaves a satisfying set of controls with plenty of sound options, the Elektron Digitone is still an FM synthesizer which, historically, aren't the easiest synthesizers to get along with. So the immense popularity of this model really says something. Now, its long-awaited successor has arrived, bringing increased polyphony and new sound engines with it: this is the Elektron Digitone II.

The Elektron Digitone II

To start, the polyphony has been doubled, taking it from eight to sixteen, and users are now offered four engines to choose from: Wavetone (a really accessible two-oscillator synth), Swarmer (a sort of extensive super-saw), FM Tone (the same engine that came inside the first Digitone), and FM Drum (which is self-explanatory). Sixteen tracks are provided, and you can pick one of the listed engines per track, and you also get three LFOs, each with assignable targets, and similar modularity options for aftertouch, pitchbend, modwheel, velocity, key-tracking and even breath-control - plus a stack of filters and a massive effects section.

Easy Does It

The extensive step-sequencer is another welcome bonus and features detailed options per note, making this one versatile groovebox. Since FM synthesis will always be FM synthesis, there is a bit of a learning curve to get over before you can get to grips with every function, but with the Digitone, it's nowhere near as complex as you might think. This unit somehow makes the process simple and easier to understand, and will probably make you fall in love the FM concept all over again. Well worth the investment and well worth the wait!