Elektron Syntakt 12-Track Hybrid Drum Computer and Digital/Analog Synthesizer with Elektron Sequencer Syntakt

Elektron Syntakt – 12-Track Hybrid Drum Computer & Digital/Analog Synthesizer with Advanced Sequencer

The Elektron Syntakt is a compact hybrid performance workstation that merges analog circuitry with digital synthesis in a powerful 12-track groovebox. Designed for drums, bass, melodies, and experimental sound design, it combines synthesis, sequencing, and performance tools in a single portable unit built for studio production and live performance.

Hybrid Sound Engine Architecture

Syntakt features 12 tracks total, blending analog and digital synthesis engines:

• 8 Digital Tracks: Offer a wide selection of drum and tonal machines including kicks, snares, hi-hats, percussion, claps, bass tones, and synth voices, plus a sample-based player engine.
• 3 Analog Drum Tracks: Dedicated analog circuitry for kicks, snares, rimshots, tonal percussion, noise, and impulse-based sounds.
• 1 Analog Cymbal Track: Focused on hi-hats, cymbals, cowbells, and metallic percussion sounds.

Each track includes overdrive, filtering, and modulation tools, allowing deep sound shaping regardless of engine type.

Flexible Machine-Based Sound Design

Syntakt provides a library of over 40 sound machines, many derived from Elektron’s previous instruments and expanded with new designs. Each machine is tailored with specific parameter controls, ensuring only relevant sound-shaping options are displayed for efficient workflow.

This approach makes sound design both deep and intuitive, allowing fast exploration without overwhelming complexity.

Powerful FX and Processing Section

Syntakt includes a dedicated FX track capable of processing internal tracks or external audio. The FX system features analog distortion, multimode filtering, delay, and reverb, all of which can be sequenced for dynamic changes.

Effects can be used creatively for transitions, rhythmic modulation, gating, ducking, or dramatic live performance transformations.

Performance Control System

Designed for expressive play, Syntakt includes performance modifiers that allow real-time control over sound behavior:

• Retrig and velocity modifiers
• Two assignable performance modifiers for custom parameter control
• Keyboard mode with 36 scale options
• Octave folding for extended pitch range

All performance actions can be recorded directly into the sequencer for automation and playback.

Advanced Sound Shaping

Each track includes a full suite of sound design tools:

• Multimode filter (all tracks)
• Additional base-width and parametric EQ (digital tracks)
• Two selectable envelope types (ADSR and AHD)
• Two LFOs per track with multiple waveform options

These tools allow detailed control over tone, movement, and dynamics for both melodic and percussive sounds.

Sequencing Power

Syntakt is driven by Elektron’s signature 64-step sequencer, offering deep control over rhythm and composition:

• Parameter locks for per-step sound changes
• Conditional trigs and probability control
• Micro-timing and swing
• Per-track length and scale settings
• Euclidean rhythm generator per track
• Real-time and step recording modes

The sequencer supports both precise programming and spontaneous performance creation.

Song Mode & Arrangement Tools

Song Mode allows users to chain patterns into full arrangements, enabling complete compositions, setlists, or live performance structures beyond single-pattern limitations.

This makes Syntakt suitable for both live improvisation and structured production workflows.

MIDI and External Control

Any track can be converted into a MIDI machine, enabling control of external synthesizers and drum machines. Features include:

• 4-note polyphonic MIDI per step
• LFO modulation for external gear
• Assignable CC control parameters

This turns Syntakt into a central hub for hybrid hardware setups.

Connectivity and Hardware

Syntakt is built for studio and stage use with a compact, durable design:

• Stereo main outputs
• Stereo audio inputs for external processing
• MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN sync
• USB 2.0 for audio and MIDI connectivity
• OLED display for clear navigation
• Rugged steel chassis with VESA mounting support

Technical Overview

• 48 kHz / 24-bit audio conversion
• 12 total tracks (8 digital + 4 analog-based)
• Analog and digital overdrive per track
• Approx. 1.53 kg lightweight portable build
• Low power consumption, studio-ready performance

Factory Content

Syntakt includes over 1000 factory presets covering drums, synths, tonal instruments, and performance-ready kits, providing immediate inspiration and a strong starting point for sound exploration.