Elektron Digitone Keys User manual
Digitone Keys
User Manual
FCC compliance statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003.
European Union regulation compliance statement
This product has been tested to comply with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. The product meets the requirements of RoHS 2 Directive
2011/65/EU.
This symbol indicates that your product must be disposed of properly according to local
laws and regulations.
Legal disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a
commitment by Elektron. Elektron assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. Elektron may also make improvements and/or changes in the products and programs described
in this document at any time without notice. In no event shall Elektron be liable for any special, indirect,
or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits,
whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other action, arising out of or in connection with the use
or performance of this information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these instructions carefully and adhere to the operating advice.
1. Do not use this unit near water.
2. Never use aggressive cleaners on the casing or on the screen. Remove dust, dirt and fingerprints with
a soft, dry and non-abrasive cloth. More persistent dirt can be removed with a slightly damp cloth using
only water. Disconnect all cables while doing this. Only reconnect them when the product is safely dry.
3. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you place the unit on a stable surface before use.
4. Connect the unit to an easily accessible electrical outlet close to the unit.
5. When transporting the unit, use accessories recommended by the manufacturer or the original box and
padding.
6. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other equipment
(including amplifiers) producing heat.
7. Do not cover the device while the device is powered on.
8. This product, by itself or in combination with amplifiers, headphones or speakers, is capable of producing sound levels that may cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate at a high volume level or at a
level that is uncomfortable.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the unit.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when it is not used for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service technicians. Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged
in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or product damage:
• Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing and also avoid placing objects filled with
liquid, such as vases, on the unit.
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, nor use it in ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C as this can
lead to malfunction.
• Do not open the casing. There are no user repairable or adjustable parts inside. Leave service and
repairs to trained service technicians only.
• Do not exceed the limitations specified in the Electrical specifications.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE POWER ADAPTER ELEKTRON PSU-3b
• The adapter is not safety grounded and may only be used indoors.
• To ensure good ventilation for the adapter, do not place it in tight spaces. To prevent risk of electric
shock and fire because of overheating, ensure that curtains and other objects do not prevent adapter
ventilation.
• Do not expose the power adapter to direct sunlight, nor use it in ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C.
• Connect the adapter to an easily accessible electrical outlet close to the unit.
• The adapter is in standby mode when the power cord is connected. The primary circuit is always active
when the cord is connected to the power outlet. Pull out the cord to completely disconnect the adapter.
• In the EU, only use CE approved power cords.
RESTART
• For a complete restart of the Digitone Keys, wait for at least 30 seconds after turning it o before turning
it on again.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................10
. CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL ........................................................... 10
2. THE DIGITONE KEYS ..........................................................11
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS ...........................................12
3.1 FRONT PANEL ............................................................................. 12
3.2 REAR CONNECTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING THE DIGITONE KEYS .......................................... 15
4. DIGITONE KEYS SOUND ARCHITECTURE ......................................16
4.1 AUDIO VOICES ............................................................................. 16
4.2 EFFECTS .................................................................................. 16
5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE KEYS DATA STRUCTURE ........................17
5.1 +DRIVE .................................................................................... 17
5.2 DATA STRUCTURE ......................................................................... 17
5.2.1 PROJECT ................................................................................. 17
5.2.2 PATTERNS ............................................................................... 17
5.2.3 SOUNDS .................................................................................17
5.3 ABOUT THE TRACKS ...................................................................... 17
5.3.1 THE SYNTH TRACKS ...................................................................... 17
5.3.2 THE MIDI TRACKS ........................................................................18
5.3.3 EDITING THE TRACKS ....................................................................18
6. THE USER INTERFACE ........................................................19
6.1 SCREEN NAVIGATION ...................................................................... 19
6.2 PARAMETER EDITING ..................................................................... 19
6.2.1 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP ................................................................19
6.2.2 CONTROL ALL ...........................................................................20
6.2.3 [FUNC] KEY PRESS COMBINATIONS .....................................................20
6.3 QUICK SCROLLING ........................................................................20
6.4 COPY, CLEAR, AND PASTE .................................................................20
6.5 THE NAMING SCREEN .....................................................................20
6.5.1 NAMING POP-UP MENU ...................................................................20
6.6 HOLD ...................................................................................... 21
6.7 OVERBRIDGE .............................................................................. 21
7. QUICK START ................................................................ 22
7.1 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS ................................................22
7.2 CHANGING SOUNDS .......................................................................22
7.3 USING MUTE MODE ........................................................................22
7.4 TEMPO ....................................................................................22
7.5 EDITING PARAMETERS ....................................................................23
8. DIGITONE KEYS CONTROLS .................................................. 24
8.1 TRIG KEYS .................................................................................24
8.2 ROTARY ENCODERS .......................................................................24
8.3 PITCH AND MOD WHEELS .................................................................24
8.4 KEY BEHAVIOR ............................................................................24
8.5 MIDI NOTES ...............................................................................24
8.6 MODES ....................................................................................24
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8.6.1 CHROMATIC MODE .......................................................................24
8.6.2 MUTE MODE .............................................................................25
8.6.3 USER MODE .............................................................................25
9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS .....................................................27
9.1 THE +DRIVE SOUND LIBRARY AND THE SOUND POOL ...................................... 27
9.1.1 ADDING SOUNDS TO THE SOUND POOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
9.2 PLAYING A SOUND ........................................................................27
9.2.1 PLAYING A SOUND WITH AN EXTERNAL MIDI UNIT ........................................27
9.3 EDITING A SOUND .........................................................................27
9.4 SAVING A SOUND ..........................................................................28
9.4.1 SAVING A SOUND TO THE +DRIVE ........................................................28
9.4.2 SAVING A SOUND TO THE SOUND POOL .................................................28
9.5 SOUND SETUP MENU ......................................................................28
9.5.1 KEY SCALING A ...........................................................................28
9.5.2 KEY SCALING B1 .........................................................................29
9.5.3 KEY SCALING B2 .........................................................................29
9.5.4 FILTER KEYTRACK .......................................................................29
9.5.5 PORTAMENTO ...........................................................................29
9.5.6 VELOCITY TO VOL .......................................................................29
9.5.7 PITCH BEND DEPTH ......................................................................29
9.5.8 OCTAVE ..................................................................................30
9.5.9 PITCH BEND .............................................................................30
9.5.10 VELOCITY MOD .........................................................................30
9.5.11 MOD WHEEL .............................................................................30
9.5.12 BREATH CONTROLLER ..................................................................30
9.5.13 AFTERTOUCH ...........................................................................30
9.6 ARPEGGIATOR MENU ......................................................................30
9.6.1 MODE ....................................................................................31
9.6.2 SPD ......................................................................................31
9.6.3 RNG .....................................................................................31
9.6.4 LEN ......................................................................................31
9.6.5 ARP LENGTH ............................................................................. 31
9.6.6 OFFSET .................................................................................. 31
10. THE SEQUENCER ........................................................... 32
10.1 BASIC PATTERN OPERATIONS ............................................................32
10.1.1 SELECTING BANK AND PATTERN .........................................................32
10.1.2 PATTERN CONTROL .....................................................................32
10.1.3 PATTERN TEMPO ........................................................................32
10.2 CREATING AND EDITING A PATTERN ......................................................32
10.2.1 TRIG TYPES .............................................................................32
10.2.2 GRID RECORDING MODE ................................................................33
10.2.3 GRID RECORDING USING TRACK NOTE METHOD ........................................33
10.2.4 GRID RECORDING USING QUICK NOTE METHOD ........................................34
10.2.5 LIVE RECORDING MODE ................................................................34
10.3 TRIG PARAMETERS .......................................................................35
10.4 TRACK NOTE MENU ......................................................................35
10.5 VOICE MENU .............................................................................35
10.6 MICRO TIMING MENU .....................................................................36
10.7 PATTERN MENU ..........................................................................37
10.7.1 QUANTIZE ...............................................................................37
10.7.2 RENAME ................................................................................37
10.7.3 CLEAR ..................................................................................37
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
10.7.4 SAVE TO PROJ ..........................................................................37
10.7.5 RELOAD FROM PROJ ....................................................................38
10.7.6 IMPORT/EXPORT ........................................................................38
10.7.7 AUDIO ROUTING (PATTERN) .............................................................38
10.8 METRONOME MENU ......................................................................38
10.9 SCALE MENU .............................................................................39
10.9.1 LENGTH PER PATTERN MODE ...........................................................39
10.9.2 LENGTH PER TRACK MODE .............................................................39
10.10 SEQUENCER FEATURES .................................................................40
10.10.1 PARAMETER LOCKS ....................................................................40
10.10.2 SOUND LOCKS .........................................................................41
10.10.3 CONDITIONAL LOCKS ..................................................................41
10.10.4 FILL MODE .............................................................................42
10.10.5 SWING .................................................................................42
10.10.6 COPY, PASTE AND CLEAR OPERATIONS ................................................42
10.10.7 TEMPORARY SAVE AND RELOAD PATTERN COMMANDS ................................43
10.10.8 DIRECT TRACK TRANSPOSE ...........................................................43
10.10.9 DIRECT PATTERN TRANSPOSE .........................................................43
10.11 CHAINS ..................................................................................43
10.11.1 CREATING A CHAIN ......................................................................44
11. SYNTH TRACK PARAMETERS ................................................ 45
11.1 EDITING THE SYNTH TRACK PARAMETERS ................................................45
11.2 TRIG PARAMETERS PAGE .................................................................45
11.3 SYN1 PAGE 1 ..............................................................................46
11.4 SYN 2 PAGE 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
11.5 SYN2 PAGE 2 ..............................................................................48
11.6 FLTR PAGE 1 ..............................................................................49
11.7 FLTR PAGE 2 ..............................................................................50
11.8 AMP PAGE 1 ............................................................................... 51
11.9 AMP PAGE 2 .............................................................................. 51
11.10 LFO PAGE 1 ...............................................................................52
11.11 LFO PAGE 2 ...............................................................................53
12. MIDI TRACK PARAMETERS .................................................. 55
12.1 EDITING THE MIDI TRACK PARAMETERS ..................................................55
12.2 TRIG PARAMETERS PAGE .................................................................55
12.3 SYN1 PAGE (MIDI SOURCE) ................................................................55
12.4 SYN2 PAGE (MIDI SOURCE) ...............................................................56
12.5 FLTR PAGE (CC VALUE) ...................................................................56
12.6 AMP PAGE (CC SELECT) ..................................................................57
12.7 LFO PAGE .................................................................................57
13. FX PARAMETERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
13.1 EDITING THE FX PARAMETERS ............................................................59
13.2 CHORUS ..................................................................................59
13.3 DELAY ....................................................................................59
13.4 REVERB .................................................................................. 61
13.5 MASTER .................................................................................. 61
14. GLOBAL SETTINGS ......................................................... 63
14.1 PROJECT .................................................................................63
14.1.1 LOAD PROJECT ..........................................................................63
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
14.1.2 SAVE PROJECT AS .......................................................................63
14.1.3 MANAGE PROJECTS .....................................................................63
14.2 SOUNDS ..................................................................................63
14.2.1 SOUND BROWSER .......................................................................64
14.2.2 SOUND MANAGER ......................................................................65
14.2.3 CLEAR TRACK SOUND ..................................................................66
14.2.4 RENAME TRACK SOUND ................................................................66
14.2.5 SETUP ..................................................................................66
14.3 MIDI CONFIG .............................................................................66
14.3.1 SYNC ....................................................................................66
14.3.2 PORT CONFIG ...........................................................................67
14.3.3 CHANNELS ..............................................................................68
14.3.4 MIDI EXT MENU .........................................................................69
14.4 SYSEX DUMP .............................................................................70
14.4.1 SYSEX SEND .............................................................................70
14.4.2 SYSEX RECEIVE .........................................................................70
14.5 AUDIO ROUTING (GLOBAL) ............................................................... 71
14.5.1 ROUTE TO MAIN .........................................................................71
14.5.2 SEND TO FX ............................................................................. 71
14.6 SYSTEM .................................................................................. 71
14.6.1 USB CONFIG ............................................................................. 71
14.6.2 OS UPGRADE ...........................................................................72
14.6.3 FORMAT +DRIVE ........................................................................72
14.6.4 WHEEL CALIBRATION ...................................................................73
14.7 CONTROL INPUT A ........................................................................73
14.7.1 MODE ....................................................................................73
14.7.2 MODULATION ...........................................................................73
14.7.3 CV ZERO LEVEL ........................................................................73
14.7.4 CV MAX LEVEL ..........................................................................73
14.7.5 EXPRESSION LEARN ....................................................................73
14.7.6 REVERSE DIRECTION ....................................................................73
14.7.7 INVERT POLARITY .......................................................................74
14.7.8 SEND MIDI ...............................................................................74
14.8 CONTROL INPUT B .......................................................................74
14.9 MULTI MAP EDIT .......................................................................... 74
14.9.1 MULTI MAP MENU ........................................................................74
15. STARTUP MENU ............................................................. 78
15.1 TEST MODE ...............................................................................78
15.2 EMPTY RESET ............................................................................78
15.3 FACTORY RESET .........................................................................78
15.4 OS UPGRADE .............................................................................78
15.5 EXIT ......................................................................................78
16. SETUP EXAMPLES .......................................................... 79
16.1 DIGITONE KEYS WITH A MONOPHONIC BASS MACHINE ...................................79
16.2 DIGITONE KEYS TOGETHER WITH THE DIGITAKT .........................................79
16.3 CONTROLLING A SYNTHESIZER USING THE MIDI TRACKS ................................80
17. USEFUL KEY COMBINATIONS ................................................ 82
. TECHNICAL INFORMATION .................................................. 84
. CREDITS AND CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................... 85
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX A: THE DIGITONE KEYS FM SYNTHESIS ............................. 86
A.1 OVERVIEW .................................................................................86
A.2 THE OPERATORS ..........................................................................86
A.3 ALGORITHMS .............................................................................87
A.4 FM RATIOS ................................................................................87
A.5 THE OPERATOR ENVELOPES ..............................................................88
A.6 HARMONICS ..............................................................................89
A.7 SYN1 PAGE 1 PARAMETERS OVERVIEW ....................................................90
APPENDIX B: MIDI IMPLEMENTATION ........................................... 92
B.1 TRACK PARAMETERS ......................................................................92
B.2 TRIG PARAMETERS .......................................................................92
B.3 FM PARAMETERS .........................................................................92
B.4 FILTER PARAMETERS .....................................................................93
B.5 AMP PARAMETERS ........................................................................93
B.6 LFO PARAMETERS ........................................................................93
B.7 MIDI TRACK PARAMETERS ................................................................94
B.8 FX PARAMETERS ..........................................................................94
B.9 MISC PARAMETERS .......................................................................95
APPENDIX C: LFO MODULATION DESTINATIONS ................................ 96
INDEX .......................................................................... 97
8
1. INTRODUCTION
. INTRODUCTION
. CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
We use the following text formatting conventions throughout the manual:
• KEY NAMES
Uppercase, bold style and within brackets. For instance, the key labeled “FUNC” on the main panel is
called [FUNC].
• KNOBS
Uppercase, bold, italic letters. For instance, the knob “Level/Data” is called LEVEL/DATA.
• LED INDICATORS
Uppercase letters with angle brackets. For instance, the Pattern page LEDs are called: <PATTERN
PAGE>.
• MENU NAMES, MODES
Uppercase letters. The GLOBAL SETTINGS menu and GRID RECORDING mode are examples of that.
• PARAMETER NAMES, MENU OPTIONS
Uppercase bold letters for parameter names and certain menu options where you can make settings or
perform actions. For example, VOL.
• PARAMETER SETTING ALTERNATIVES
Uppercase letters. For example, OFF.
• SCREEN MESSAGES
Uppercase letters with quotation marks. For example, “QUANTIZE LIVE REC”.
You also find the following symbols throughout the manual:
Important information that requires your attention.
A tip that makes it easier for you to interact with the Digitone Keys.
120 heartbeats per minute.
10
2. THE DIGITONE KEYS
2. THE DIGITONE KEYS
FM synthesis is a very powerful synthesis method, discovered and pioneered by John Chowning in the late
1960’s. The metallic, yet oddly natural sounds generated by this new method quickly became popular, and
just a little bit more than a decade after Chowning’s discovery, they could be heard all over the Billboard
charts. FM sounds elevated songs by Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, the Cure, Queen, too many to mention
really. It was the sound of the times.
The first all-digital Elektron products, Machinedrum and Monomachine, both featured simplified FM implementations. FM synthesis is known for being dicult to program, and we wanted to make it more accessible. When we began designing Digitone Keys, we had a similar mindset, but this time we wanted to go much
further. Our ambition was to oer the full depth of FM synthesis but modernize it, streamline it, make it more
elegant. In a sense, we wanted to expand the notion of what FM synthesis could be and mean. And so our
work began.
Use the velocity and pressure sensitive keyboard together with the multitude of hands-on controls to lift
your performance to new heights. Twist a knob and hear how the sound changes and becomes animated.
A crystal-like bell sound turns into a tense, crackling drone, which seconds later morphs into a soothing
pad. Digitone Keys oers a unique approach to sound design and invites you to experiment. It is an endless
source of both familiar and other-worldly sounds. A glorious theme park located in an uncanny valley.
Digitone Keys is maybe the most unique synthesizer we have ever created. We hope you will enjoy it.
Sincerely,
The Elektron Team
Digitone Keys User Manual. This manual is copyright © 2019 Elektron Music Machines MAV AB. All reproduction, digital
or printed, without written authorization is strictly prohibited. The information in this manual may change without notice.
Elektron’s product names, logotypes, titles, words or phrases may be registered and protected by Swedish and international law. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This manual for Digitone Keys OS version 1.20 was last updated May 17, 2019.
11
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS
3.1 FRONT PANEL
1. MASTER VOLUME sets the volume for the main outputs and the headphone output.
2. PITCH WHEEL applies pitch bend and other assignable modulations.
3. MOD WHEEL applies assignable modulations.
4. [MIDI] activates the MIDI editing mode where you can edit the MIDI tracks. A lit [MIDI] key indicates the
MIDI editing mode is active. The secondary function opens the MIDI CONFIG menu.
5. [FUNC] key. Press and hold [FUNC], and then press another key to access the secondary function of
that key. The turquoise text on the Digitone Keys front panel shows the keys´ secondary functions.
6. [SOUND BROWSER] opens the Sound Browser where you can preview and load Sounds. The sec-
ondary function opens the Sound Manager.
7. LEVEL/DATA sets the overall volume level of the active track. It is also used to set parameters and scroll
through lists.
8. Screen.
9. [PATTERN MENU] opens the PATTERN menu, where you find pattern management. The secondary
function accesses the Import/Export menu.
10. [GLOBAL SETTINGS] contains the management of projects, MIDI configuration, and System settings.
The secondary function saves the current project.
11. [VOICE] opens the VOICE menu where you handle the track’s voice allocation.
The secondary function toggles unison on/o.
12. [TEMPO] opens the TEMPO menu, where you adjust the global/pattern tempo as well as swing.
The secondary function makes it possible to tap the tempo.
13. [NO] key. Used for exiting an active menu, backing one step and negating. The secondary function is a
reload from the temporary save of the active pattern.
14. [YES] key. Used for entering sub-menus, selecting and confirming. The secondary function is a tempo-
rary save of the active pattern.
15. DATA ENTRY knobs A–H. Used for setting parameter values. Press and turn the knobs to change values
in larger increments.
12
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS
16. [PARAMETER] keys access the PARAMETER pages of the active track. The color of the keys indicates
if the page is active (red/turquoise) or inactive (o).
• [TRIG PARAMETERS] accesses parameters such as NOTE, VELOCITY, and other trig related param-
eters. The secondary function accesses the SOUND SETUP menu.
• [SYN1] accesses the SYN1 page. Here you can find parameters related to the FM engine. For MIDI
tracks this page has parameters such as CHANNEL, BANK and PROGRAM. The secondary function
accesses the ARPEGGIATOR menu.
• [SYN2] accesses the SYN2 pages. Here you can find further parameters related to the FM engine.
The secondary function accesses the CHORUS page.
• [FLTR] accesses the FILTER pages. Here are the parameters for the base-width and multimode filters.
On MIDI tracks you find the CC value settings here. The secondary function accesses the DELAY page.
• [AMP] takes you to the AMP page, where you find parameters for the amplitude envelope and eect
sends. On MIDI tracks you find the CC select settings here. The secondary function accesses the
REVERB page.
• [LFO] accesses the LFO parameters for both synth and MIDI tracks. The secondary function accesses
the MASTER page.
17. <PATTERN PAGE> LEDs indicate how many pattern pages the active pattern consists of and which
pattern page is currently active. The LED flashes on the pattern page that is currently playing.
18. [PAGE] selects the active pattern page, if the pattern has more than 16 steps. The secondary function
accesses the SCALE menu.
19. [TRACK] [T1–4] keys. Selects the active track. The secondary function mutes the track.
20. The [ARROW] keys. Used for navigation and for setting parameter values. In menus, they are called
[UP], [DOWN], [LEFT], and [RIGHT].
21. [TRIG] keys enter or remove sequencer trigs and parameter locks, in combination with the DATA
ENTRY knobs. They also select banks, and patterns, in combination with the [PTN], and [BANK] keys.
The [TRIG] keys also function as a keyboard to play the Digitone Keys or to input notes chromatically
into the sequencer. The [TRIG] keys lights indicate trigs on the sequencer by lit red keys, while flashing
red keys indicates parameter locks, in GRID RECORDING mode.
22. [STOP] stops the sequencer playback. The secondary function is a paste operation.
23. [PLAY] starts the sequencer playback. The secondary function is a clear operation.
24. [RECORD] key. Activates/deactivates GRID RECORDING mode. Press and hold [RECORD], and then
press [PLAY], to activate LIVE RECORDING mode. Press and hold [RECORD], and then press [PLAY]
twice to activate/deactivate quantized LIVE RECORDING. The secondary function is a copy operation.
25. [BANK] selects bank A–H in combination with the [TRIG 9–16] keys. The secondary function accesses
the MUTE Mode.
26. [PTN] selects pattern 1–16 in combination with the [TRIG 1–16] keys. The secondary function opens the
METRONOME menu.
27. [MOD] key. Opens the MOD WHEEL parameter assign menu. The secondary function mutes the parameter modulations made with the MOD WHEEL.
28. [OCT/+] transposes the [KEYBOARD] range up or down one octave. The <OCTAVE> LEDs shows the
current transposition. The secondary function transposes sequencer notes up or down one octave.
29. [PTCH] key. Opens the PITCH WHEEL parameter assign menu. The secondary function mutes the pa-
rameter modulations made with the PITCH WHEEL.
13
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS
34 35 37
36
30 31 32 33
34 35 37
36
30. [HOLD] toggles the Hold function on/o. The secondary function toggles the Portamento function
on/o. The <PORTAMENTO> LED indicates the portamento’s on/o status.
31. [ARPEGGIATOR] toggles the arpeggiator on and o. The secondary function opens the ARPEGGIA-
TOR menu.
32. [MULTI MAP] toggles the MULTI MAP mode on and o. The secondary function opens the
MULTI MAP menu.
33. [MIDI EXT] toggles the MIDI CONTROLLER mode on and o. The secondary function opens the
MIDI EXT menu.
34. [TRACK NOTE] opens the TRACK NOTE menu where you can view and edit note-related settings
such as transpose, scale, and chords. The secondary function toggles chords on/o. [TRIG] keys
+ [TRACK NOTE] lets you add notes/chords in the sequencer (when in GRID RECORDING mode).
The <CHORD> LED indicates the Chord functionality’s on/o status.
35. [USER MODE] opens the USER MODE menu for the CONTROL knobs. The secondary function
opens the USER MODE ASSIGN menu. Press and hold [USER MODE] for a second to toggle between
user and default parameter assignments.
36. [KEYBOARD].
37. CONTROL knobs are used for setting parameter values and can be assigned to control the parameters
on the PARAMETER pages. Press and turn the knobs to change values in larger increments.
3.2 REAR CONNECTORS
1 2
3
4
6
5
1. POWER Switch for turning the unit on and o.
2. DC In Input for power supply. Use the included PSU-3b power adapter, connected to
a power outlet.
3. USB For connecting the unit to a computer. For MIDI-control, data transfer or Overbridge use. Use the
included A to B USB 2.0 connector cable to connect to a computer.
4. MIDI THRU/SYNC B Forwards data from MIDI IN. Can also be configured to send DIN sync to legacy
instruments. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect another MIDI device in the chain.
14
7
8
9
10 11
3. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTORS
5. MIDI OUT/SYNC A, MIDI data output. Can also be configured to send DIN sync to legacy instruments.
Use a standard MIDI cable to connect to MIDI IN of an external MIDI device.
6. MIDI IN, MIDI data input. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect to MIDI OUT of an external MIDI device.
7. CONTROL IN Inputs for sustain/expression pedals, footswitches, or CV. Use 1/4” mono phone plugs for
CV signals.
8. INPUT L/R Audio inputs. Use a 1/4” mono phone plug (unbalanced connection).
9. TRACK OUTPUTS L(mono)/R Audio outputs for Track 1–4. Use L output for summed mono audio. Use
either 1/4” mono phone plug (unbalanced connection) or 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone plug (balanced
connection).
10. OUTPUT L/R Main audio outputs. Use either 1/4” mono phone plug (unbalanced connection) or 1/4” Tip/
Ring/Sleeve phone plug (balanced connection).
11. HEADPHONES Audio output for headphones. Use 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone plug.
3.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING THE DIGITONE KEYS
Make sure you place the Digitone Keys on a stable support, such as a sturdy table, with sucient space for
the cables. Make sure to switch o all devices before you connect the Digitone Keys to other devices.
1. Plug the supplied DC adapter into a power outlet and connect the small plug to the 12 V DC In on the
Digitone Keys.
2. Connect OUTPUT L/R from the Digitone Keys to your mixer or amplifier.
3. To control the Digitone Keys from a computer, connect a USB cable between the computer and the USB
connector of the Digitone Keys.
4. If you want to use MIDI to control the Digitone Keys, connect the MIDI OUT port of the device you wish
to use as a controller to the MIDI IN port of the Digitone Keys. If you want to use Digitone Keys to control
other devices using MIDI, connect the MIDI OUT port of the Digitone Keys to the MIDI IN port of the of
the device you want to control.
5. Connect an audio source to INPUT L/R or via USB if you want to process audio from external sources.
6. Switch on all units. Press the POWER switch on the Digitone Keys to switch it on.
15
4. DIGITONE KEYS SOUND ARCHITECTURE
AUDIO
ENGINE
OVER-
DRIVE
MULTIMODE
FILTER
AMP
BASE-WIDTH
FILTER
FILTER
ENVELOPE
AMP
ENVELOPE
FADE
ENVELOPE
LFO DESTINATION
PAN
DELAY
SEND
REVERB
SEND
TO MIXER
FROM EFFECT SENDS
TO MIXER
CHORUS
SEND
FILTER
AMP
FILTER
AMP
ENVELOPE
FROM AUDIO ENGINE
OUTPUTS L/R
PAN
DELAY
SEND
REVERB
SEND
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
CHORUS
SEND
TO MIXER
4. DIGITONE KEYS SOUND ARCHITECTURE
The illustrations below show the Digitone Keys’s sound architecture, with its eight audio voices, three send
eects (chorus, delay, and reverb) and master eect (overdrive).
4.1 AUDIO VOICES
FILTER
ENVELOPE
AUDIO
ENGINE
4.2 EFFECTS
OVERDRIVE
CHORUS
FROM INPUT L/R
BASE-WIDTH
FILTER
DELAY
CHORUS RETURNS
MULTIMODE
FILTER
DELAY
SEND
MIXER
REVERB RETURNS
AMP
AMP
ENVELOPE
REVERB
SEND
REVERB
DELAY RETURNS
PAN
REVERB
SEND
MASTER
OVERDRIVE
CHORUS
SEND
DELAY
SEND
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
REVERB
SEND
16
5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE KEYS DATA STRUCTURE
5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE KEYS DATA STRUCTURE
The illustration below outlines the Digitone Keys’s data structure.
+DRIVE
Projects, Sounds
PROJECT
128 PATTERNS
4 SYNTH TRACKS
(per pattern)
4 MIDI TRACKS
(per pattern)
SOUND POOL
128 Sounds
5.1 +DRIVE
The +Drive is a non-volatile memory capable of storing up to 128 projects. The +Drive also holds +Drive
Sound library, with the capacity of storing 2048 Sounds. Every project has access to these Sounds.
5.2 DATA STRUCTURE
5.2.1 PROJECT
A project contains 128 patterns. The project also stores general settings and states. The currently
loaded project becomes the active working state of the Digitone Keys. From here it is possible to edit the
patterns and Sounds of the project. Every time the Digitone Keys is switched on, it boots to the active
working state, the active project. Projects are saved, loaded and managed in the GLOBAL SETTINGS
menu. For more information, please see “14. GLOBAL SETTINGS” on page 63.
5.2.2 PATTERNS
The patterns are the primary data container for the Digitone Keys. 16 patterns are available for each of
the eight banks, which means that 128 patterns are available for each project. A pattern contains up to
four sounds (one for each synth track), sequencer data like trigs and parameter locks. It also contains
the settings on the TRIG page and BPM, length, swing and time signature settings. The pattern also
contains all the parameter settings for the four MIDI tracks. For more information, please see “10. THE
SEQUENCER” on page 32.
5.2.3 SOUNDS
A Sound is a collection of the synth track settings in the SYN1, SYN2, FLTR, AMP, and LFO PARAMETER
pages. Sounds can be stored either in the Sound pool of the active project or the +Drive Sound library.
The Sound pool holds up to 128 Sounds and the +Drive library holds up to 2048 Sounds. You can use the
SOUND MANAGER to manage sounds. For more information, please see “14.2.2 SOUND MANAGER” on
page 65, “9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS” on page 27, and “11. SYNTH TRACK PARAMETERS” on
page 45.
A Sound imported to a pattern, becomes an independent copy of the Sound on the +Drive
and is not linked to the original Sound on the +Drive. Instead, it becomes a part of the
pattern.
5.3 ABOUT THE TRACKS
5.3.1 THE SYNTH TRACKS
The Digitone Keys has four synth tracks. Each synth track holds one Sound. The Sound contains the
settings in the PARAMETER pages (SYN1, SYN2, FLTR, AMP, and LFO) together with the settings in the
SOUND SETUP menu and the ARPEGGIATOR menu.
Press one of the [T1–4] keys to select which synth track to edit.
17
5. OVERVIEW OF THE DIGITONE KEYS DATA STRUCTURE
5.3.2 THE MIDI TRACKS
The Digitone Keys also has four MIDI tracks. They are used to control external MIDI equipped gear. Each
MIDI track can trigger a chord of up to eight notes with adjustable parameters such as velocity
and length, control pitch bend and aftertouch, as well as eight freely assignable MIDI control change parameters (MIDI CCs). For more information, please see “12. MIDI TRACK PARAMETERS” on page 55.
A MIDI track can have any MIDI channel assigned to it, and several tracks can share the same channel.
If several tracks are assigned to the same MIDI channel the track with the lowest number has priority
regarding parameter conflicts.
The MIDI tracks function almost the same way as the synth tracks. Parameter locks, LFO modulation,
copy and paste commands are available. Each MIDI track also features micro timing, individual track
length, and time signature settings. The main dierence is that the MIDI tracks do not generate any
sound and the sequencer data instead transmits through the MIDI OUT or USB ports.
Press the [MIDI] key and then press one of the [T1–4] keys to select which MIDI track to edit.
5.3.3 EDITING THE TRACKS
The six [PARAMETER] keys open parameter pages which is where you edit the tracks.
• The TRIG page contains dierent parameters such as NOTE, VELOCITY, TRIG CONDITION and other
trig related parameters. The TRIG page parameters are not saved as a part of the Sound but as a part
of the pattern.
• The SYN1 page hosts the parameters that controls various parameters of the FM synthesis. For MIDI
tracks, this page contains parameters such as CHANNEL, PROGRAM, and AFTERTOUCH.
• The SYN2 page controls further parameters of the FM synthesis.
• On the FLTR page, you find parameters for the for the bandpass and multimode filters. On MIDI tracks
you find the CC value settings here.
• The AMP page for synth tracks hosts parameters for the amplitude envelope and eect sends. On MIDI
tracks you find the CC select settings here.
• Finally, the LFO page hosts LFO parameters for the active track.
Use the DATA ENTRY knobs A-H to edit the corresponding parameters. Press and turn a knob to adjust
its parameter in larger increments. Press and hold a [PARAMETER] key to see the values for all param-
eters on that page. For more information, please see “11. SYNTH TRACK PARAMETERS” on page 45,
and “12. MIDI TRACK PARAMETERS” on page 55.
18
6. THE USER INTERFACE
6. THE USER INTERFACE
The screen shows all the information needed for real-time interaction and editing on the Digitone Keys. The
eight DATA ENTRY knob parameters shown vary depending on which parameter page you have selected.
Below is the main interface screen of the SYN1 page.
1 4
8
7
6
2 3
5
1. Bank and pattern.
2. Pattern name.
3. Pattern/Track transpose.
4. Tempo.
5. Eight track parameters. They show what parameters the DATA ENTRY knobs control, and the current
parameter values.
6. FM algorithm (Displayed on the SYN1 and SYN2 pages).
7. Track volume level. Use the LEVEL/DATA knob to change the level.
8. Track number and track type. Synth (SYN) track or MIDI (MID) track.
The Digitone Keys features a screen saver that dims the screen after 5 minutes of
inactivity and turns o the screen after 60 minutes. Press any key or move any controller to
wake up the screen.
6.1 SCREEN NAVIGATION
Use the [ARROW] keys [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT] or [RIGHT] to navigate menus or sub-menus.
The LEVEL/DATA knob is used to scroll through menus and lists quickly.
[YES] is used to arm, select, enter sub-menus and tick/untick boxes.
[NO] is used to negate, deselect or go back one or more steps.
When in a menu or sub-menu, the [NO] key can be used to go back, one step at a time, all the
way to the main screen.
6.2 PARAMETER EDITING
The DATA ENTRY knobs are used to change the values of the track parameters. The positions of the pa-
rameters on the screen correspond to the physical locations of the knobs on the front panel. Some of the
parameters on the screen tell you what DATA ENTRY knob controls that particular parameter.
For example “(E).”
• The parameters are adjusted in larger increments if you press down the DATA ENTRY knob while turning
it. This function makes it quicker to sweep through the whole parameter range.
• Press DATA ENTRY knob + [NO] to reset the parameter to the default value.
• Press [PARAMETER] + [PLAY] to reset all the parameters on the parameter page to default values.
• Press and hold a [PARAMETER] key to see the exact parameter values for all parameters on that PA-
RAMETER page.
6.2.1 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP
Pressing [FUNC] while editing certain parameters makes the parameter values jump to appropriate positions. The time of the Delay, for example, jumps between 16, 32, 64 and 128 and the sample tuning jumps
whole octaves.
19
6. THE USER INTERFACE
6.2.2 CONTROL ALL
If you press and hold [MIDI] and change a parameter setting, this change aects this parameter in all the
synth tracks in the pattern. Press [NO] before you release [MIDI] to revert the parameter changes.
6.2.3 [FUNC] KEY PRESS COMBINATIONS
The standard way to use the [FUNC] key in combination with other keys is to press and hold [FUNC] and
then press the second key in the combination. For some key combinations, it is also possible to access a
sub-menu by pressing and holding [FUNC] + second key for a second.
6.3 QUICK SCROLLING
Scroll through menus using the LEVEL/DATA knob. Quick scrolling is possible on many menus. Press
[FUNC] + the [UP] or [DOWN] keys to move the cursor one menu page.
6.4 COPY, CLEAR, AND PASTE
Copy, clear and paste commands are available in many contexts. Press [FUNC] + [RECORD] to copy. Press
[FUNC] + [STOP] to paste. Press [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear. Repeat the key press combination to undo the
paste and clear operations. Please see the dierent sections in the manual for more information on when
these commands are available.
The copy clipboard can only hold one item at a time. When you perform a copy command,
the item copied replaces any earlier copied items. For example, you can not have both a
trig and a pattern copied at the same time.
6.5 THE NAMING SCREEN
The naming method is identical for the various naming situations that appear when you save sounds,
projects et cetera.
The [LEFT] and [RIGHT] arrow keys are used to navigate between the characters. Turning the LEVEL/
DATA knob or pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] arrow keys selects the characters. [FUNC] + [NO] erases
letters. [FUNC] + [YES] inserts space.
6.5.1 NAMING POP-UP MENU
A convenient way of naming is to open a pop-up menu that shows all available letters, symbols, and
digits. Press and hold the [FUNC] key when you are on the NAMING screen to access the NAMING
POP-UP menu.
20
Keep [FUNC] pressed and use the [ARROW] keys to highlight the character you want to insert. Once
there, release [FUNC] to add the character.
Copy, paste, and clear commands are available on the NAMING screen.
6. THE USER INTERFACE
6.6 HOLD
The hold functionality lets you keep a Sound sustained or keep an arpeggio running without the need to
press a key on the [KEYBOARD] or the [TRIG] keys. Every track has a separate hold state. MIDI CON-
TROLLER mode also has a separate hold state. Press [HOLD] to toggle hold on/o.
6.7 OVERBRIDGE
The Overbridge software suite enables a tight integration between the Digitone Keys and a computer DAW
software.
When using Overbridge, the user interface for the Digitone Keys presents itself as a plug-in window in your
DAW. Access, edit and automate parameters for sound shaping on screen. Always find your device preset
parameters in the same state as you left them when you return to your DAW project, with the useful total
recall functionality.
Read more about Overbridge use and availability on the Elektron website: https://www.elektron.se/overbridge/
21
7. QUICK START
7. QUICK START
This quick start guides you through some of the basic operations to start using the Digitone Keys right
away. First, connect it as described in section “3.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING THE DIGITONE KEYS” on
page 15.
7.1 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS
You can find a number of preset patterns, sounds, and samples in the Digitone Keys. Follow the instructions
below to start exploring your new instrument.
1. Press [BANK] and then press [TRIG 9] key to select bank A. The screen reads “BANK A : SELECT
PTN”.
2. Press [TRIG 1] to select the first pattern of bank A.
3. Press [PLAY] to listen to pattern A01.
4. Press [PTN] and then press [TRIG 2] key to select pattern A02. It starts once pattern A01 has
reached its end. Select pattern A03 by pressing [PTN] and then press [TRIG 3] key, and so on.
5. Press [STOP] to stop playback.
7.2 CHANGING SOUNDS
Each of the four synth tracks contains one Sound. You can use the SOUND BROWSER to preview and load
Sounds to the synth tracks.
1. Press [SOUND BROWSER] and then use the LEVEL/DATA knob to preview Sounds. You can also
double-press [T1–4] key to open the SOUND BROWSER.
2. The SOUND BROWSER shows a list of all Sounds residing in either the +Drive Sound library or the
Sound pool. (You can press [BANK] + [TRIG 9–16] if you want to load a Sound from another Sound
bank in the +Drive Sound library). Turn the LEVEL/DATA knob or press [UP]/[DOWN] to scroll through
the list of Sounds. You can preview a Sound by highlighting it in the list and use the [KEYBOARD] or
the [TRIG] keys to play the Sound. Press [TRACK NOTE] + [UP]/[DOWN] to change octave up and
down on the Sound you preview.
3. Press [YES] or the LEVEL/DATA knob to load the highlighted Sound.
7.3 USING MUTE MODE
You can mute any of the sequencer tracks in this mode. You can access all tracks simultaneously.
1. Make sure a pattern is playing.
2. Press the [FUNC] + [BANK] key to enter MUTE mode.
3. Press any of the [TRACK] keys to mute the corresponding track. Press again to unmute. The light of
the [TRACK] keys indicates the mute status. Unlit keys are muted tracks. Lit keys are active tracks.
For more information, please see “8.6.2 MUTE MODE” on page 25.
7.4 TEMPO
Press the [TEMPO] key to open the TEMPO menu where you can change the BPM setting. Use the
LEVEL/DATA knob to change tempo. Pressing the knob while turning it changes the tempo four BPM at a
time. Press [UP]/[DOWN] to change the tempo in fractional steps. Note that you can choose between a
global tempo or use a separate tempo for every pattern. Press [FUNC] + [YES] to switch between GLOBAL
and PATTERN tempo mode. On the main interface screen, you can also press and hold [LEFT]/[RIGHT] to
nudge the tempo 10% up or down temporarily. Release the key to revert to the original tempo.
To tap a tempo setting, press and hold the [FUNCTION] key and tap the [TEMPO] key in a steady rhythm.
The average tempo of the taps calculates after four consecutive taps. By continuing tapping, the average
tempo keeps on updating.
22
7. QUICK START
Nudging the tempo is very handy when manually syncing Digitone Keys to a turntable or
an external sound source. Note that you do not need to be in the TEMPO menu to perform
tempo nudging.
7.5 EDITING PARAMETERS
Each track has six PARAMETER pages. Press [PARAMETER] keys TRIG, SYN1, SYN2, FLTR, AMP, and
LFO to access the dierent PARAMETER pages. These parameters aect the sound and signal in various
ways.
1. Make sure a pattern is playing.
2. Press [T1–4] to select one of the four synth tracks.
3. To change, for example, the cuto of the filter, press the [FLTR] key to open the FILTER page.
The parameter labeled FREQ changes the cuto of the filter. Turn DATA ENTRY knob E to change
the parameter value, and hear how the sound is aected.
Try out the rest of the PARAMETER page parameters to explore a variety of sound shaping possibilities.
• After you edited the parameters of a Sound, you can save it to the +Drive. For more infor-
mation, please see “9.4 SAVING A SOUND” on page 28.
• You can also randomize the parameter settings on a specific PARAMETER page on a
Synth track. Press [PARAMETER] key + [YES] to randomize all parameters on that page.
Every time you press this key combination, the parameters randomize in a new way. Press
[PARAMETER] key + [NO] to reset the PARAMETER page to its last saved state.
23
8. DIGITONE KEYS CONTROLS
8. DIGITONE KEYS CONTROLS
8.1 TRIG KEYS
The [TRIG] keys have several uses, including, playing the active synth track sound chromatically (not in
GRID RECORDING or MUTE mode). The [TRIG] keys also place trigs in GRID RECORDING mode. When
pressed in combination with the [PTN] and [BANK] keys, they select patterns and banks. The [TRIG] keys
light up to indicate the position of placed trigs and to indicate the selected bank and pattern.
8.2 ROTARY ENCODERS
The MASTER VOLUME is an absolute potentiometer. The LEVEL/DATA and DATA ENTRY knobs (with
which you set various parameter values) are relative encoders which may spin any number of turns. Pressing and turning these encoders changes their associated values at a higher speed.
8.3 PITCH AND MOD WHEELS
You can use the PITCH WHEEL and MOD WHEEL to modulate the active Sound in many dierent ways.
Usually, the PITCH WHEEL is used to modulate the pitch of the notes played, but on Digitone Keys you can
use it (and the MOD WHEEL) for much more. You can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to
each wheel. Press [PTCH] or [MOD] to access the wheels modulation settings. These settings are also
accessed through the SOUND SETUP menu. For more information, please see “9.5 SOUND SETUP MENU”
on page 28.
• If you assign a parameter to the [PTCH] wheel, it is modulated both positively and
negatively depending on if you move the wheel up or down. For example, the filter FREQ
parameter value is 45. You then set the [PTCH] wheel modulation of the FREQ parameter to +15. If you then move the wheel all the way up, the parameter value is 60, and if
you move the wheel all the way down, the parameter value is 30.
• You can copy the modulation settings from one Sound to another. Press [PTCH] or
[MOD] + [RECORD] to copy the modulations from the active track. Use [TRACK 1-4] to
select destination track and then press [PTCH] or [MOD] + [STOP] to paste the modulation settings.
• [FUNC] + [PTCH] and [FUNC] + [MOD] mutes the modulations introduced by the
PITCH WHEEL and MOD WHEEL.
8.4 KEY BEHAVIOR
As a group, the [TRACK] keys have radio button functionality, i.e., when a new track is set to be active, the
previous one is simultaneously deactivated. You can only select one track at a time. Likewise, the group
consisting of the six [PARAMETER] keys have radio button functionality.
The [FUNC], [PTN], and [BANK] keys are always used in combination with other keys.
8.5 MIDI NOTES
Sending MIDI note values from an external MIDI device (a MIDI keyboard or a computer, for example)
connected to the Digitone Keys via a standard MIDI cable or a USB 2.0 A to B connector cable can trigger
some of the Digitone Keys functions.
MIDI note numbers 0–127 (corresponding to notes C0–G10, the first through to eleventh octaves in the MIDI
range) triggers the Sound of the active track.
MIDI program change messages 0–127 will select pattern 1–128 (A01–H16) on the Digitone Keys. Additionally, MIDI CC and NRPN messages can be sent to control various aspects of the Digitone Keys. For more
information, please see “APPENDIX B: MIDI IMPLEMENTATION” on page 92.
8.6 MODES
8.6.1 CHROMATIC MODE
The chromatic mode for the [TRIG] keys is the default mode and is always active unless you are in GRID
RECORDING or MUTE mode. In this mode, you can use the [TRIG] keys to play the sound of the active
synth track (or send MIDI notes if you have an active MIDI track) chromatically. In CHROMATIC mode the
[TRIG] keys light up in a pattern that resembles an octave of a piano keyboard layout. Only lit keys are
playable. Press one of the [T1–4] keys to select the track you wish to play chromatically.
24
8. DIGITONE KEYS CONTROLS
Press the trig keys to change the chromatic note pitch of the sound. The range from [TRIG 9] key to
[TRIG 16] key is one octave. The whole range for both synth tracks and MIDI tracks spans eleven oc-
taves. Press [UP]/[DOWN], to transpose the virtual keyboard up or down one octave.
Notes trigged chromatically can be recorded on the sequencer in LIVE RECORDING mode. Find out how
this is done in section “10.2.5 LIVE RECORDING MODE” on page 34.
The active state of CHROMATIC mode (the portion of the chromatic keyboard currently visible on the
[TRIG] keys) is not stored per pattern but stays in the state as it was last set.
• You can always use the [KEYBOARD] to play a Sound chromatically, regardless if you
are in CHROMATIC mode or not.
• You can also use an external keyboard or controller to play the active tracks sound
chromatically. Connect the keyboard to the Digitone Keys and configure the external keyboard and the Digitone Keys MIDI AUTO Channel (GLOBAL SETTINGS > MIDI
CONFIG > CHANNELS) to the same MIDI channel. Then play the keys on the external
keyboard to play the active tracks sound chromatically. In this way you can play the
active track’s sound chromatically even if the Digitone Keys is not in CHROMATIC mode.
8.6.2 MUTE MODE
You can use MUTE mode to mute any of the 8 sequencer tracks. Unlike CHROMATIC mode,
it makes no dierence which track is active when you enter MUTE mode. All tracks are accessed simultaneously. Press any of the [TRACK] keys to mute the corresponding track. Press again to unmute.
The color of the [TRACK] keys indicates its tracks mute status. Unlit keys signify muted tracks. Lit keys
signify unmuted tracks.
There are two dierent versions of MUTE mode on the Digitone Keys:
• GLOBAL MUTE MODE In GLOBAL MUTE mode, the muted tracks are muted in all patterns, and the
[TRACK] keys are lit red. If tracks are muted in GLOBAL MUTE mode, the tracks keys are lit red when
the pattern plays.
Press [FUNC] + [BANK] to enter GLOBAL MUTE mode.
Press [FUNC] + [BANK] to exit GLOBAL MUTE mode.
• PATTERN MUTE MODE In PATTERN MUTE mode, the muted tracks are muted only in the active
pattern, and the [TRACK] keys are lit magenta. If tracks are muted in PATTERN MUTE mode, the
tracks keys are lit magenta when the pattern plays.
Press [FUNC] + double-tap [BANK] to enter PATTERN MUTE mode.
Press [FUNC] + [BANK] to exit PATTERN MUTE mode.
The GLOBAL MUTE mode settings are saved together with the project. The PATTERN MUTE mode
settings are saved together with the pattern.
Tracks that are muted in both GLOBAL MUTE mode and PATTERN MUTE mode are shown with blue lit
[TRACK] keys.
• You can also use QUICK GLOBAL MUTE to mute and unmute sequencer tracks globally.
Press and hold [FUNC] and then press the [TRACK] keys to mute or unmute tracks.
• You can also use QUICK PATTERN MUTE to mute and unmute sequencer tracks in
the active pattern. Press and hold [PTN] and then press the [TRACK] keys to mute or
unmute tracks.
• Digitone Keys remembers the last used version of MUTE mode and accesses this version first when you press [FUNC] + [BANK].
8.6.3 USER MODE
As a default, the CONTROL knobs above the [KEYBOARD] controls the active track’s parameters print-
ed on the panel under the knobs. However, in USER mode lets you map any parameter to each of the
CONTROL knobs. The USER mode settings are saved as a part of the pattern, and therefore the selection of parameters are the same for all four track Sounds.
Press [USER MODE] to open the USER MODE menu where you can see the settings for the parameters assigned to the CONTROL knobs. Use [LEFT]/[RIGHT] keys to select USER or DEFAULT.
The [USER MODE] key is green when USER MODE is set to USER, and white when set to DEFAULT.
25
8. DIGITONE KEYS CONTROLS
Press and hold [USER MODE] for a second to toggle between USER and DEFAULT parameter assignments.
ASSIGNING PARAMETERS TO THE CONTROL KNOBS
1. Press [FUNC] + [USER MODE] to open the USER MODE ASSIGN menu.
2. Use LEVEL/DATA knob or the [UP]/[DOWN] keys to select which knob to assign a parameter to, and
then press [YES].
3. Use LEVEL/DATA knob or the [UP]/[DOWN] keys to select which parameter to assign to the selected
knob, and then press [YES].
4. Press [USER MODE], and then select USER to view your assignments.
QUICK ASSIGNING PARAMETERS TO THE CONTROL KNOBS
1. Press [USER MODE] to open the USER MODE menu, and then use [LEFT]/[RIGHT] keys to
select USER.
2. Press and hold [YES], and then turn the CONTROL knob you wish to assign a parameter to.
3. While holding [YES], use [PARAMETER] keys and DATA ENTRY knobs to select parameter.
4. Release [YES].
REMOVING PARAMETER ASSIGNMENTS FROM THE CONTROL KNOBS
1. Press [USER MODE] to open the USER MODE menu.
2. Use [LEFT]/[RIGHT] keys to select keys to select USER.
3. Press and hold [YES], and then press the CONTROL knob corresponding to the parameter you wish
to remove.
You can also use the PARAMETER knobs to remove the parameters assignments.
• When you select USER, the CONTROL knobs control the following parameters per
default:
1: Filter Attack
2: Filter Decay
3: Filter Sustain
4: Filter Release
5: Ratio C
6: Feedback
7: Reverb send
8: Filter Envelope Depth
• On a MIDI track, the CONTROL knobs control the VAL1–VAL8 parameters. For more
information, please see “12.5.1 VAL1-VAL8” on page 56.
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9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS
9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS
The patterns are the primary data container for the Digitone Keys. Sixteen patterns are available for each of
the eight banks, which means that 128 patterns are available for each project. A pattern contains up to four
sounds (one for each synth track), sequencer data like trigs and parameter locks. It also contains the default settings on the TRIG page and BPM, length, swing and time signature settings. A pattern also contains
all the parameter settings for the four MIDI tracks.
Each of the synth tracks can contain one Sound. A Sound that is imported from the +Drive or Sound pool
to a pattern becomes part of the active pattern. Any changes made to a Sound will therefore not aect the
stored Sound. It only aects the Sound in the active pattern. You can export (and in that way save) a
Sound from the active pattern to the +Drive. For more information, please see “14.2.2 SOUND MANAGER”
on page 65. Use the SOUND BROWSER to load a Sound to a track. For more information, please see
“14.2.1 SOUND BROWSER” on page 64.
When you import a sound to a pattern, it becomes a copy of the Sound on the +Drive. The
Sound is not linked to the original Sound stored on the +Drive. Instead, it fully becomes a part
of the pattern.
A Pattern contains:
• Four synth track Sounds.
• All parameter settings for the four MIDI tracks.
• Sequencer data like trigs and parameter locks.
• The settings on the TRIG PARAMETERS page, BPM, length, swing and time signature settings.
A Sound contains:
• The SYN1, SYN2, FLTR, AMP, and LFO PARAMETER pages settings for the synth track.
• All the settings in the SOUND SETUP menu and the ARPEGGIATOR menu.
9.1 THE +DRIVE SOUND LIBRARY AND THE SOUND POOL
Sounds can be loaded to a pattern from either the +Drive Sound library or the Sound pool of the active
project. The dierence between the two is that the +Drive Sound library has the capacity of 2048 Sounds,
available to all projects, while a Sound pool is a part of a project and limited to 128 Sounds. The primary
benefit of Sounds loaded to the Sound pool is the possibility for them to be Sound locked. This feature is
not available for the Sounds in the +Drive Sound library. For more information, please see “10.10.2 SOUND
LOCKS” on page 41.
9.1.1 ADDING SOUNDS TO THE SOUND POOL
You must first add Sounds to the Sound pool to be able to perform Sound locks.
1. Press [FUNC] + [PATTERN MENU] to open the IMPORT/EXPORT menu.
2. Select MANAGE SOUNDS, and then press [YES] to open the SOUND MANAGER.
3. Select the Sounds you want to add to the Sound pool by highlighting them and pressing [YES].
4. Press [RIGHT] to open the SOUND OPERATIONS menu.
5. Select COPY TO ... and then press [YES].
6. Select SOUND POOL, and then press [YES].
9.2 PLAYING A SOUND
Press the [KEYBOARD] or the [TRIG] keys to play the Sounds of the four synth tracks of the active pattern. The [TRIG] keys briefly lights up when pressed.
9.2.1 PLAYING A SOUND WITH AN EXTERNAL MIDI UNIT
You can also use an external MIDI device connected to Digitone Keys to play the Sounds. The MIDI
channels for of each of the synth tracks can be assigned in the MIDI CHANNELS menu, covered in the
section “14.3.3 CHANNELS” on page 68.
9.3 EDITING A SOUND
Press [T1–4] to select the track which Sound you wish to edit. Any changes made to a Sound are stored as
part of the active pattern.
Adjust the TRACK LEVEL of the active synth track with the LEVEL/DATA knob.
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9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS
Edit a Sound by adjusting the parameters found on the PARAMETER pages. Press the [PARAMETER] page
keys to access the PARAMETER pages. Use the DATA ENTRY knobs A-H to change the parameters. For
more information, please see “11. SYNTH TRACK PARAMETERS” on page 45.
You can always reload the Sound from its last saved state. Press [NO] + [TRACK] to reload the Sound.
If you want to export (save) a particular Sound with all its current parameter settings, use the SOUND MAN-
AGER. For more information, please see “14.2.2 SOUND MANAGER” on page 65.
The complete Sound, with all its parameter settings, may be copied to another track. Press [TRK 1–4] +
[RECORD], and then press [TRK 1–4] + [STOP] to paste the sound to the selected track.
9.4 SAVING A SOUND
After you edited the parameters of a Sound, you can save it either to the +Drive or to the Sound pool. For
more information, please see “9.1 THE +DRIVE SOUND LIBRARY AND THE SOUND POOL” on page 27.
9.4.1 SAVING A SOUND TO THE +DRIVE
A Sound that you save to the +Drive is available for any project.
1. Press [FUNC] + [PATTERN MENU] to open the IMPORT/EXPORT menu.
2. Select EXPORT SOUND, and then press [YES].
3. Turn the LEVEL/DATA knob or use the [UP]/[DOWN] keys to select an empty slot to where you
want to save your Sound, and then press [YES]. If you want to save your Sound to another bank,
press [BANK] + [TRIG 9–16] to select a bank.
4. On the NAMING screen, name your Sound and then press [YES]. For more information, please see
“6.5 THE NAMING SCREEN” on page 20.
5. On the TAGS screen, use the [ARROW] keys and [YES] key to select the appropriate tags for your
sound, and then select <SAVE> and press [YES].
9.4.2 SAVING A SOUND TO THE SOUND POOL
A Sound that you save to the Sound Pool is only available for the current project, but it can be Sound
locked.
1. Press [FUNC] + [PATTERN MENU] to open the IMPORT/EXPORT menu.
2. Select MANAGE SOUNDS, and then press [YES] to open the SOUND MANAGER.
3. Press [LEFT] to open the SORTING menu and select VIEW POOL, and then press [YES].
4. Turn the LEVEL/DATA knob or use the [UP]/[DOWN] keys to select an empty slot to where you
want to save your Sound.
5. Press [RIGHT] to open the SOUND OPERATIONS menu.
6. Select EXPORT TO HERE and then press [YES].
7. On the NAMING screen, name your Sound and then press [YES]. For more information, please see
“6.5 THE NAMING SCREEN” on page 20.
9.5 SOUND SETUP MENU
Press [FUNC] + [TRIG PARAMETERS] to open the SOUND SETUP menu. Here you can set a number
of Sound related parameters. Use the [UP] and [DOWN] arrow keys to move between the options. Press
[YES] to confirm your selection. Press [NO] to exit the menu.
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9.5.1 KEY SCALING A
Key scaling sets the level of how much the modulation output from operator A is aected by what note
you play on the [KEYBOARD]. If you set key scaling to 0, the modulation level is the same for all keys.
9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS
A higher setting decreases the modulation level more and more the higher you play the [KEYBOARD].
A lower level of modulation decreases the complexity of the tone in the higher frequencies, which is a
typical behavior in many acoustic instruments.
9.5.2 KEY SCALING B1
Same as KEY SCALING A, but for operator B1
9.5.3 KEY SCALING B2
Same as KEY SCALING A, but for operator B2
9.5.4 FILTER KEYTRACK
Keytrack lets the Multimode filter cuto frequency follow the pitch of the Sound. A setting of 100 makes
the filter track the oscillator frequency in note intervals. (0–100)
9.5.5 PORTAMENTO
Here you find settings related to the portamento. Press [FUNC] + [HOLD] to toggle the portamento on/
o. The <PORTAMENTO> LED indicates the portamento’s on/o status. For more information, please
see “11.2 TRIG PARAMETERS PAGE” on page 45.
• TYPE
TRACK. When you play notes, the pitch glides from the pitch of the last note played to the next new
note played on the track.
VOICE When you play notes, the pitch glides from the pitch of the last note played by a specific
voice to the pitch of the next new note played by the same voice.
LEGATO ONLY When you play notes, the pitch glides from the pitch of the last note played and
held (the last key pressed down and not yet released) to the pitch of the next new note played on
the track.
• SLOPE
CONSTANT RATE. The pitch glides linearly at a constant rate. Longer glides take longer time to
complete.
CONSTANT TIME The pitch glides linearly, but the glide is completed in a specific time, regardless
of the interval between the start and end notes. Glides over wider note intervals, therefore, have a
higher rate.
• AMOUNT
This setting enables partial glides where just the final part of the interval is included in the glide. For
example, a setting of 100 gives a full glide from start to finish. Lower values start the glide closer to
the goal pitch. With polyphonic portamento on chords, this can result in a shorter and less messy
glide.
• TYPE
GLIDE Ordinary continuous portamento.
GLISSANDO Quantizes the portamento to semitones.
• GATING
OFF The glide continues after the key is released.
ON The glide stops when the key is released.
9.5.6 VELOCITY TO VOL
Selects how velocity aects volume when playing the Sound from the [KEYBOARD] or a MIDI keyboard.
OFF means velocity does not aect the volume of the Sound.
LOG applies a logarithmic velocity curve. The volume dierence are greater between softer keyboard
presses than between harder.
LIN applies a linear velocity curve. The volume dierence between keyboard presses corresponds
linearly to the force applied.
EXP applies an exponential velocity curve. The volume dierence are greater between harder key-
board presses than between softer.
9.5.7 PITCH BEND DEPTH
Sets how much the PITCH WHEEL or pitch bend data from external MIDI devices, aects the Digitone
Keys.
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9. PATTERNS AND SOUNDS
9.5.8 OCTAVE
Sets the base octave of the Sound. This setting makes it easier to play the sound at the “right” octave on
the Digitone Keys [KEYBOARD]. It also makes Sound locking more practical since you can control the
octave setting on the Sound and minimize the need to transpose the sequencer notes to make two or
more Sounds work together.
9.5.9 PITCH BEND
Opens a menu where you can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to the PITCH WHEEL
or pitch bend data from incoming MIDI. Press [YES] to open the menu. You can also press [PTCH] to
access this menu directly.
You can select parameters from the SYN1, SYN2, FLTR, AMP, and LFO PARAMETER pages. Turn the
DATA ENTRY knobs A–D to select the track parameters that you wish to assign. Press [YES] to confirm
the selection. Then use DATA ENTRY knobs E–H to set the modulation depth of the parameters. The
depth is an oset of the original parameter value.
9.5.10 VELOCITY MOD
Opens a menu where you can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to the [KEYBOARD]
velocity or velocity from incoming MIDI data. The VEL parameter on the TRIG menu also aects the
assigned parameters. Press [YES] to open the menu. Setting up the parameters works in the same way
as for PITCH BEND.
9.5.11 MOD WHEEL
Opens a menu where you can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to the MOD WHEEL or
mod wheel data (CC #1) from incoming MIDI. Press [YES] to open the menu. Setting up the parameters
works in the same way as for PITCH BEND. You can also press [MOD] to access this menu directly.
9.5.12 BREATH CONTROLLER
Opens a menu where you can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to the MIDI breath controller command (CC #2). Press [YES] to open the menu. Setting up the parameters works in the same
way as for PITCH BEND.
9.5.13 AFTERTOUCH
Opens a menu where you can assign up to four PARAMETER page parameters to the [KEYBOARD]
aftertouch or aftertouch from incoming MIDI data. Press [YES] to open the menu. Setting up the parameters works in the same way as for PITCH BEND.
9.6 ARPEGGIATOR MENU
The ARPEGGIATOR menu controls the Sounds arpeggiator. The arpeggiator settings are part of the Sound
and saved together with the Sound. The arpeggiator is not available for the MIDI tracks. Press [FUNC] +
[SYN1] to open the ARPEGGIATOR menu. Press [T1–4] key to select the Sound whose arpeggiator are
edited. Press [FUNC] + [TRACK NOTE] to toggle the ARPEGGIATOR on and o.
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