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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
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What type of synthesis does the Elektron Digitone Keys use?
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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.
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How many keys does the Elektron Digitone Keys have and what is their action type?
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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.
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Is the Elektron Digitone Keys polyphonic, and if so, how many voices does it support?
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Yes, the Elektron Digitone Keys is polyphonic, supporting up to 8 voices, allowing for complex layering and rich soundscapes.
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What connectivity options are available on the Elektron Digitone Keys?
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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.
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Can the Elektron Digitone Keys be used as a MIDI controller?
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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.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Elektron Digitone Keys Sounds
Reviews
PROS
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FM synth with 4 tracks and dedicated outputs enhances setup flexibility
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High-quality keyboard doubles as an effective MIDI controller
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Combines sequencing environment with traditional synth engine for creative freedom
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Accessible yet deep sound design possible, from standard tones to FM synthesis
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USB Class Compliant for easy integration with computers and software
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Includes a four-track sequencer, two LFOs, and a filter for comprehensive control
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Supported by a strong online community and helpful tutorials
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Offers evolved software utilities and Overbridge for improved functionality
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Effective as a central controller with extensive parameter control
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Additional sound packs available for expanded sonic options
CONS
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Learning curve can be steep, requiring patience and time to master
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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
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The Digitone Keys' price drop to around $800 is attributed to market speculation on a potential Digitone 2 release.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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The Digitone Keys can be used as a quad mono with each voice having a discrete out by hard panning, doubling its output capabilities.
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The Digitone Keys is favored for live jams, offering versatility with multimaps and performance knobs, making it a focal point in setups.
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User experience
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Some owners find the Digitone Keys less intuitive as a controller when interfacing with VSTs, noting a trade-off between arp and chord functions.
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Some users found that the Digitone Keys' FM synthesis makes it less intuitive than subtractive synthesis, but rewarding once mastered.
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Switching between modes on the Digitone Keys requires pressing "func+ext," which some find inconvenient, reflecting typical Elektron design quirks.
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Some users find the keyboard on the Digitone Keys a bit rigid and shallow, often recording lower velocities than intended.
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Comparisons
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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.
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Compared to the Syntakt, the Digitone Keys offers more polyphony and is considered a flagship synth with integrated MIDI control and sequencing.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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Digitone Keys offers stereo audio inputs that can be processed with its internal effects, such as chorus, delay, and reverb, adding versatility to setups.
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The Digitone Keys' sequencer excels in creating unique, random sequences, which some users feel is unmatched by other devices like the Keystep Pro.
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The Digitone Keys offers dedicated outputs per track, enhancing recording flexibility and external effects routing without needing Overbridge.
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Some owners report that layering a mono voice with a poly voice causes issues, indicating potential limitations for live performance use.
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Additional knobs and buttons, such as the arp and hold, are highlighted for their role in building soundscapes, offering enhanced creative control.
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Critic Reviews
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Community setups
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Add recommendation1 alternative for Elektron Digitone Keys, curated by the Equipboard community.
$699.00 - $1,072.00
Same synth but without the keyboard. The linked video compares the two and talks about what's different in the Keys version.