Elektron Digitone II 8-Voice FM Synthesizer and Polyphonic Sequencer with Modern Sound Engine Digitone II

Elektron Digitone II – 8-Voice FM Synthesizer & Polyphonic Sequencer with Modern Multi-Engine Sound Design System

The Elektron Digitone II is a next-generation FM-based polyphonic synthesizer that expands the original Digitone concept into a more flexible, modular, and performance-focused instrument. It combines multiple synthesis engines, deep modulation, and Elektron’s advanced sequencing system into a powerful sound design workstation.

Expanded Multi-Engine FM Synthesis

Digitone II features four distinct synthesis machines, each designed for a different sonic approach:

• Wavetone: A dual-oscillator style engine with waveform morphing, phase shaping, and noise control for classic subtractive-style synthesis with modern flexibility
• Swarmer: A dense “super-saw” style generator capable of rich detuned clusters and evolving harmonic textures
• FM Tone: The classic FM synthesis engine for complex digital tones, evolving timbres, and metallic or harmonic-rich sounds
• FM Drum: A percussive FM engine optimized for drums, clicks, and tonal percussion, while still capable of melodic sound design

These engines allow the instrument to move far beyond traditional FM synthesis into hybrid tonal territory.

Modular Sound Design Workflow

Digitone II is built around a flexible machine-based architecture where synthesis engines and filter types can be swapped and reconfigured per track.

Each voice includes:

• Digital overdrive
• Bit reduction and sample-rate reduction
• Base-width stereo shaping filter

This allows deep tonal sculpting from clean digital clarity to aggressive, degraded textures.

Advanced Filter System

A wide range of selectable filter types expands sound design possibilities:

• Multimode filters
• Lowpass 4-pole filter
• EQ-based filtering
• Comb filters (positive and negative)
• Legacy analog-style low/high-pass models

Filters can be reordered within the signal chain for greater control over tone shaping.

Deep Modulation Architecture

Each voice includes extensive modulation capabilities:

• 3 LFOs per voice with multiple waveform options
• Assignable modulation to pitch, filter, amplitude, and synthesis parameters
• Support for performance controls such as velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel, breath control, and key tracking

Envelope options include ADSR for detailed shaping and AHD for percussive response, making the engine adaptable to both melodic and rhythmic use.

Built-In Effects Processing

Digitone II includes a full suite of integrated effects:

• Delay and reverb for spatial processing
• Chorus for stereo width and modulation
• Bit crushing and sample-rate reduction for lo-fi textures
• Overdrive for harmonic distortion

A master compressor with sidechain capability and global overdrive adds final-stage dynamics control and saturation.

Enhanced Sequencing System

The updated Elektron sequencer is a central feature of Digitone II:

• 128-step patterns per track
• Per-track length and tempo scaling
• Parameter locks for per-step automation
• Conditional triggers and probability sequencing
• Micro-timing for groove adjustment
• Per-track arpeggiator support
• Euclidean rhythm generator for algorithmic patterns
• Polyphonic sequencing with sound-per-step changes

This allows both precise composition and generative-style experimentation.

Performance Features

Digitone II includes multiple tools for expressive live performance:

• Chord mode with customizable voicings, scales, and memory storage
• Note editor for per-note control (pitch, velocity, timing, length)
• Multiple trig modes for velocity layering, retriggering, and preset variation
• Keyboard mode with 36 scale options
• Performance macros and real-time parameter control
• Song mode for full arrangement creation and setlist building

MIDI and External Integration

All 16 tracks can function as MIDI sequencer tracks, enabling full external instrument control:

• 16-note polyphonic MIDI per step
• 16 assignable CC parameters per track
• LFO modulation for external devices
• MIDI learning for fast hardware integration
• Saveable MIDI mappings within kits

Storage and Workflow

Digitone II includes a large preset library and kit system for fast recall of full sound setups, including synthesis parameters, modulation routing, and track configurations. Kits allow instant performance changes without overwriting project data.

Connectivity and Hardware

• Balanced stereo audio inputs and outputs
• MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN sync
• USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface
• OLED display for clear navigation
• Durable steel enclosure for stage and studio use

Technical Overview

• 16-voice polyphony
• 48 kHz / 24-bit audio processing
• 16 synth/MIDI tracks
• Advanced FM synthesis engine with multiple machine types
• Compact and portable design (approx. 1.48 kg)