Digitone Keys Quick Guide
Digitone Keys THANK YOU Thank you for purchasing Digitone Keys. The Digitone Keys represents our vision of how FM synthesis can be revitalized and modernized. Here’s how: combine FM sound generation with a classic subtractive synthesis signal flow. You go from jagged chaos to mellow soundscapes in less than a second. Digitone Keys is one unique box. Choose from multiple FM algorithms featuring carefully selected parameters. Shape the tones with powerful filters.
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.
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. 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Do not use the 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 before 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.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS................................................................................ 9 1.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 1.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 2. GETTING STARTED WITH DIGITONE KEYS .................................................................. 14 2.
1. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS 1.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 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. opens the Sound Browser where you can preview and load 6. [SOUND BROWSER] Sounds. The secondary 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.
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.
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 toggles the Hold function on/off. The secondary function toggles the Porta30. [HOLD] mento function on/off. The LED indicates the portamento's status. toggles the arpeggiator on and off. The secondary function 31. [ARPEGGIATOR] opens the ARPEGGIATOR menu. 32. [MULTI MAP] toggles the MULTI MAP mode on/off. The secondary function opens the MULTI MAP menu. toggles the MIDI CONTROLLER mode on and off. The secondary func33. [MIDI EXT] tion opens the MIDI EXT menu.
1.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1. POWER Switch for turning the unit on and off. 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 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.
9. TRACK OUTPUTS L/M(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. 2. GETTING STARTED WITH DIGITONE KEYS 2.
2.3 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS You can find a number of preset patterns and Sounds 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, and so on.
1 2 3 4 8 5 7 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Bank and pattern. Pattern name. Pattern/Track transpose. Tempo. 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. 3.1 PARAMETER EDITING The DATA ENTRY knobs are used to change the values of the track parameters.
4. THE SEQUENCER The sequencer stores its information in patterns. A sequencer pattern controls the playback of the synth tracks and the MIDI tracks by the trigs entered on the sequencer. 4.1 TRIGS AND TRIG TYPES A trig is a sequencer event that you can place where you want the sequencer to perform an action on the Digitone Keys. There are two types of trigs available in the sequencer: Note trigs and Lock trigs. • Note trigs trigger notes on synth tracks and MIDI tracks.
4.4 LIVE RECORDING MODE LIVE RECORDING mode is the second method of adding trigs to the tracks. In this recording mode, the [KEYBOARD] and the [TRIG] keys are played in real time to input trigs to the tracks. You can also turn the DATA ENTRY knobs to enter lock trigs with parameter locks. 1. Press and hold [RECORD], then press [PLAY] to enter LIVE RECORDING mode. The sequencer starts to play, and the [RECORD] key starts to flash red. 2.
ELEKTRON THREE YEAR WARRANTY Elektron machines are sold with a three year limited warranty, starting from the date of the original purchase. Being able to prove the date of the original purchase with an invoice or a receipt is necessary if you require warranty service. If the machine should need a repair during the warranty period no charges will be applied for parts or labor. This warranty is transferable to other owners should the Elektron machine be resold during the warranty period.
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