The Elektron Digitone II, the successor to the popular Digitone groovebox, presents a compelling yet complex upgrade dilemma for musicians. While the original Digitone captivated users with its versatile sequencer and unique FM synthesis, its limitations in polyphony, track count, and drum sounds led some, like the author, to treat it primarily as a desktop synth. The Digitone II addresses these shortcomings head-on, offering a substantial increase to 16 voices and 16 tracks, alongside three brand-new synth engines designed to broaden its sonic palette. This enhanced functionality, however, comes at a premium, with the Digitone II retailing at $999, significantly higher than the original Digitone’s current used market price of around $350. This price disparity necessitates a closer examination of the Digitone II’s new features and whether they justify the increased investment.
A key concern for existing Digitone users is the preservation of the original’s distinct FM sound. The author, after rigorous testing, confirms that the Digitone II’s “FM Tone” engine faithfully reproduces the original’s sonic character, dispelling fears of a significant tonal shift. Loading presets designed for the original Digitone onto the Digitone II yielded indistinguishable results, affirming the continuity of the core FM synthesis engine. However, backward compatibility is not reciprocal; Digitone II presets cannot be loaded onto the original Digitone due to underlying technical differences, although these differences appear to be sonically insignificant. This assurance of sonic continuity allows users to focus on the Digitone II’s new sound engines and expanded capabilities.
The Digitone II introduces three new synth engines that significantly expand its sound design possibilities. “FM Drum” adapts the original FM engine for percussive synthesis, offering more tailored control over drum and rhythmic elements. “Wavetone” moves away from the glassy, digital textures of FM synthesis, exploring the territory of phase distortion and wavetable synthesis. This engine offers a softer, less harsh digital sound, capable of emulating classic electro and Krautrock timbres. Finally, “Swarmer” generates thick, layered sounds ideal for leads and organs by stacking six detuned oscillators atop the main oscillator. The introduction of these new engines diversifies the Digitone II’s sonic palette, addressing the limitations of the original and opening up new creative avenues.
The author highlights the Wavetone engine’s impressive ability to convincingly recreate classic electro and Krautrock sounds, indicating a notable expansion of the Digitone’s sonic territory. This new engine provides a welcome alternative to the characteristically digital FM sounds, offering a broader range of timbres for various musical styles. The FM Drum engine, specifically designed for percussion, addresses the original Digitone’s weakness in drum synthesis, providing a dedicated tool for creating rhythmic elements. Swarmer, with its layered oscillator architecture, fills the need for thick, evolving sounds suitable for leads and pads, further diversifying the Digitone II’s sonic capabilities. These new engines collectively address the original’s limitations, transforming the Digitone II into a more versatile and expressive instrument.
The increased polyphony and track count of the Digitone II fundamentally alters its workflow and creative potential. With 16 voices and 16 tracks, the Digitone II transcends its predecessor’s limitations, allowing for more complex arrangements and richer textures. This expanded capacity eliminates the need for external sound modules or workarounds to achieve the desired sonic depth, streamlining the creative process. The increased polyphony also enables the full realization of the new synth engines’ potential, allowing for complex layering and interplay between different sound sources. This enhanced functionality transforms the Digitone II into a complete music production tool, capable of handling more complex compositions and arrangements.
The significant price difference between the original Digitone and the Digitone II presents a crucial decision point for potential buyers. While the original Digitone remains a compelling option, particularly in the used market, the Digitone II offers substantial upgrades that justify its higher price for users seeking expanded sonic capabilities and workflow enhancements. The new synth engines, increased polyphony, and expanded track count transform the Digitone II into a more versatile and powerful instrument, capable of handling a wider range of musical styles and production tasks. The decision ultimately depends on individual needs and budget, but the Digitone II’s advancements represent a substantial leap forward in functionality and creative potential. The expanded sound palette, ability to handle more complex arrangements, and dedicated percussion engine make the Digitone II a formidable instrument for both live performance and studio production.
