Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $600

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the world of digital synthesis with the Elektron Digitone Keys, a powerhouse in the realm of FM synthesis. This synthesizer combines the warmth and lushness of traditional synthesis with cutting-edge digital capabilities, offering musicians and sound designers a dynamic platform to explore and create. The Digitone Keys stands out with its 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, providing both functionality and expressiveness to performers.

Crafted to cater to both studio enthusiasts and live performers, the Digitone Keys boasts a comprehensive set of controls, allowing users to shape and morph sounds in real-time. Its intuitive interface is designed to facilitate creativity, with a clear layout that encourages exploration without overwhelming the user. The synth offers eight voices of polyphony, enabling complex layering and rich harmonic textures.

The integrated sequencer is a standout feature, offering up to four synth tracks and four MIDI tracks, each with individual parameter locks, complete with onboard effects to further sculpt your sound. The compatibility with Elektron’s Overbridge software means seamless integration with your digital audio workstation, streamlining the creative workflow.

Whether you're building intricate soundscapes or delivering punchy bass lines, the Elektron Digitone Keys is equipped to handle a wide range of sonic possibilities, making it an essential addition to any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
  • Eight-voice polyphony
  • Four synth tracks and four MIDI tracks
  • Advanced FM synthesis engine
  • Intuitive interface with real-time control
  • Integrated sequencer with parameter locks
  • Onboard effects for sound sculpting
  • Compatibility with Elektron’s Overbridge software

Product specs

Brand Elektron
Model Digitone Keys 37-key Digital FM Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Elektron Digitone Keys use?

The Elektron Digitone Keys utilizes digital FM synthesis, offering a range of algorithms that provide rich and complex sound textures suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

How many keys does the Elektron Digitone Keys have and what is their action type?

The Elektron Digitone Keys features 37 full-sized keys with a semi-weighted action, providing a balance between the feel of traditional pianos and the responsiveness needed for electronic music performance.

Is the Elektron Digitone Keys polyphonic, and if so, how many voices does it support?

Yes, the Elektron Digitone Keys is polyphonic, supporting up to 8 voices, allowing for complex layering and rich soundscapes.

What connectivity options are available on the Elektron Digitone Keys?

The Elektron Digitone Keys offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI, providing versatile connectivity for integrating with other gear and DAWs.

Can the Elektron Digitone Keys be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Elektron Digitone Keys can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control other MIDI-compatible devices and software with its 37-key layout.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Elektron Digitone Keys Sounds

Video thumbnail for Elektron Digitone Keys Sounds by Perfect Circuit

Elektron Digitone Keys Sounds

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Elektron Digitone Keys 8-Voice Polyphonic Digital Synth | Reverb by Reverb

Elektron Digitone Keys 8-Voice Polyphonic Digital Synth | Reverb

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Sound of Digitone Keys #1 by Elektron

The Sound of Digitone Keys #1

Elektron

Elektron

Video thumbnail for Digitone Keys First Impressions! by SUTURE SOUND

Digitone Keys First Impressions!

SUTURE SOUND

SUTURE SOUND

Video thumbnail for Elektron Digitone Keys vs Yamaha Reface DX - Battle of the FM Synths! by Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Elektron Digitone Keys vs Yamaha Reface DX - Battle of the FM Synths!

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Video thumbnail for Elektron Digitone Keys | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Elektron Digitone Keys | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Elektron Digitone Keys | Exclusive First Look | Gear | Thomann by Thomann Synthesizers

Elektron Digitone Keys | Exclusive First Look | Gear | Thomann

Thomann Synthesizers

Thomann Synthesizers

Video thumbnail for Should You Buy the DIGITONE (KEYS) in 2024? by nedogled

Should You Buy the DIGITONE (KEYS) in 2024?

nedogled

nedogled

Reviews

PROS

  • FM synth with 4 tracks and dedicated outputs enhances setup flexibility

  • High-quality keyboard doubles as an effective MIDI controller

  • Combines sequencing environment with traditional synth engine for creative freedom

  • Accessible yet deep sound design possible, from standard tones to FM synthesis

  • USB Class Compliant for easy integration with computers and software

  • Includes a four-track sequencer, two LFOs, and a filter for comprehensive control

  • Supported by a strong online community and helpful tutorials

  • Offers evolved software utilities and Overbridge for improved functionality

  • Effective as a central controller with extensive parameter control

  • Additional sound packs available for expanded sonic options

CONS

  • Learning curve can be steep, requiring patience and time to master

  • Overbridge might have compatibility issues with some DAWs as AU plugin

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elektron Digitone Keys.

Value and pricing

  • The Digitone Keys' price drop to around $800 is attributed to market speculation on a potential Digitone 2 release.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that the Digitone Keys lacks CV outputs, which may be a deciding factor for users needing to integrate with CV-based gear.

    Source
  • The Digitone Keys can be used as a quad mono with each voice having a discrete out by hard panning, doubling its output capabilities.

    Source
  • The Digitone Keys is favored for live jams, offering versatility with multimaps and performance knobs, making it a focal point in setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the Digitone Keys less intuitive as a controller when interfacing with VSTs, noting a trade-off between arp and chord functions.

    Source
  • Some users found that the Digitone Keys' FM synthesis makes it less intuitive than subtractive synthesis, but rewarding once mastered.

    Source
  • Switching between modes on the Digitone Keys requires pressing "func+ext," which some find inconvenient, reflecting typical Elektron design quirks.

    Source
  • Some users find the keyboard on the Digitone Keys a bit rigid and shallow, often recording lower velocities than intended.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the Keystep Pro allows independent pattern switching on each track, the Digitone Keys offers 128 patterns per project with 8 banks of 16 patterns.

    Source
  • Compared to the Syntakt, the Digitone Keys offers more polyphony and is considered a flagship synth with integrated MIDI control and sequencing.

    Source
  • Owners who switched from a Keystep to Digitone Keys appreciate the compactness and quality of the integrated keys, finding it more efficient than separate devices.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Digitone Keys offers stereo audio inputs that can be processed with its internal effects, such as chorus, delay, and reverb, adding versatility to setups.

    Source
  • The Digitone Keys' sequencer excels in creating unique, random sequences, which some users feel is unmatched by other devices like the Keystep Pro.

    Source
  • The Digitone Keys offers dedicated outputs per track, enhancing recording flexibility and external effects routing without needing Overbridge.

    Source
  • Some owners report that layering a mono voice with a poly voice causes issues, indicating potential limitations for live performance use.

    Source
  • Additional knobs and buttons, such as the arp and hold, are highlighted for their role in building soundscapes, offering enhanced creative control.

    Source

Build quality

  • An issue with buttons registering two presses instead of one was reported, affecting sequence starting and page selection, but was swiftly resolved by Elektron's service.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Elektron Digitone Keys

soundonsound.com

The Elektron Digitone Keys is a powerful and expressive FM synth that successfully combines a keyboard with its already robust desktop counterpart. While it excels in sound quality, sequencing capabilities, and build quality, the layout can obscure the display, making it awkward to use during performance. With only three octaves, it may not satisfy traditional players looking for a full-range keyboard. However, its versatile features, like multi-zone control and discrete outputs, make it an excellent choice for both studio and stage. A strong contender for any synth enthusiast, if you can adapt to its quirks.

positive

Elektron Digitone Keys review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Elektron Digitone Keys elevates your musical experience with its classy sound engine and enhanced live performance controls. While its innovative features and versatile design make it a compelling instrument, some may find the octave button placement awkward, leading to accidental presses. The overall aesthetic feels slightly mismatched, reflecting its dual nature as both a synth and a keyboard controller. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Digitone Keys impresses with its robust functionality and quality build, making it a worthy addition for both studio and live settings.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Huang uses Elektron Digitone Keys

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this May 18, 2019 video.

See how cEvin Key uses Elektron Digitone Keys

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Patreon

cEvin Key has added the Elektron Digitone Keys to his collection at Subcon Studios, as noted on his Patreon page.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Elektron Digitone Keys, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Elektron Syntakt
Elektron Syntakt Production & Groove
1
Hologram Electronics Microcosm
1
Moog Subsequent 37
1
Elektron Digitakt
Elektron Digitakt Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Moog Subharmonicon
1
Moog Mother-32
Moog Mother-32 Tabletop Synthesizers
1
Behringer Pro-1
Behringer Pro-1 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
P

petertrady

Gear IQ 50

1 alternative for Elektron Digitone Keys, curated by the Equipboard community.

Elektron Digitone

$699.00 - $1,072.00

similar sound

Same synth but without the keyboard. The linked video compares the two and talks about what's different in the Keys version.

More Elektron Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,444.00 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
51 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$304.30 - $652.00

# 14

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,507.48 - $1,899.00

# 15

Rank

Skrillex Charlie Puth Neil Halstead
68 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$389.00 - $538.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Trent Reznor Joe Duplantier
323 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 18

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$501.75 - $899.99

# 19

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
92 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$749.99 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Porter Robinson Nick Reinhart The Prodigy
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
47 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,948.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Deadmau5
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Jean Michel Jarre Richie Hawtin
52 artists using
Moog Minimoog Model D

$3,999.00 - $4,999.00

# 28

Rank

Kevin Parker Paul McCartney Mac DeMarco
330 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Matthew Healy Damon Albarn
35 artists using
Behringer Model D

$166.00 - $299.00

# 32

Rank

Mac DeMarco Clay Parton The Real Mike Dean
28 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides