CHECK OUT SYNTAKT HERE Thomann (EU): thmn.to/thoprod/541892?offid=1&affid=623 Perfect Circuit (NA): bit.ly/syntaktPC Sweetwater (NA): imp.i114863.net/RyNgAv Affiliate links support the channel regardless of what you purchase and at no cost to you MORE SYNTAKT VIDEOS? Want 10 Syntakt tips?? Check my new video: th-cam.com/video/j9iPkiOujac/w-d-xo.html Responding to your comments in a video here: th-cam.com/video/LcXE7JErkwc/w-d-xo.html Also a 16 minute music/sound demo: th-cam.com/video/aBVoetUL_Q8/w-d-xo.html
I'm currently considering Digitakt vs Syntakt. What would you suggest for my fist hardware and do you think that if I purchase Syntakt the Digitakt would be redundant?
@@andrzejkucharzyk9970 If you have to choose between the 2 i would definetly go for a digitakt. it is cheaper and you get the world of sampling as an extra.i have the digitakt and ordered the syntakt because i hoped for a monomachine XXL. but the syntakt does not inspire me like my other elektrons. the syntakt has to leave my studio, i would even consider buying a second digitakt than buying a syntakt in the future, except elektron brings a firmwareupdate for the syntakt to sample and with more synthengines. at the moment at least for me it should not have synt in the name. as always everyone has its own opinion, so the developers saw something different than me, maybe they know more about future options ;-)
@@lab-by-the-sea Hey DJRex, thanks for the reply. Its kind of too late cause ive already bought Syntakt and im immensely inspired by this thing :). Bear in mind that is my first Elektron box. I think that Syntakt naming is quite intuitive cause it supposed to be mainly drumbox (hence the "takt" part) and since its not sample based but rather synthesis based there is "Synt" part. I think there will be time in the future when i will purchase Digitakt too :)
been working way too hard on this vid… I totally missed the Machines typo. Yes. It should be Machines and not Maschines. I blame my Native Instruments Maschine for this! 😆☕️
I think Elektron has a real winner here. Unfortunately between the 8 other of their machines I own (ridiculous I know) it doesn't really bring anything new to my studio. But there is a lot to like here.
I know technically the Syntakt is nothing new, but none of the other Elektron machines have captured my attention quite like this one. I think it hits a really good niche in the market for people who feel the AR is too expensive, and aren't so interested in the Digitakt's sampling or Digitone's tonal stuff. The lack of Overbridge support on the Model:Cycles kind of stopped me from buying that as well, so it's good to see that the Syntakt supports it. Great video as always Bo!
@@Judasz696 exactly that. You can multitrack all the individual tracks from Syntakt, Digitakt etc. into your DAW. It also gives you access to software plugin-style control over the features of the hardware, which is cool.
@@servantsounds The lack of overbridge support for the model:cycles is a dick move, especially if in their ad campaign for the models:cycles they explicitly state that they are known in the music world for that exact software...without disclosing that it doesnt support that product...
It's probably better suited for me than the digitakt as I'm a little bit lazy when it comes to loading samples or sample from audio input. It's a great synth and it's difficult to resist to its call :)
It's easy to overlook another benefit of sound-locking that I didn't realize until I watched and listened to you demonstrate it. It's not just that you can have a different sound on each beat of your track (and therefore more sounds in your composition); it's that each sound on a single track can have its own level and effects. But then you can still apply track-level effects like overdrive which strikes me as being like having a "bus" in a DAW. Very cool. Anyway, nice demo, Bo!
I think Syntakt is a good first buy. It has synth engines which are a bit easier to use than using samples. But if you want to sample then Digitakt is the way to go
Looks like a greatest hits from Elektron with bits of the Heat, Digitone, and Rytm plus new stuff. Maybe even some ideas from the Octatrack in terms of performance mixing. Whilst it doesn’t replace those if you have them it seems like the one to go for if you’re on the fence about any of the others. With functionality beyond a groove box it’s a thumbs up from me. There’s always something magic about a BoBeats Elektron review too …
There is no one better to give the world a first glimpse of a new Elektron product. Excellent video with some very ear pleasing examples along the way. Well done.
Hey Bo! Have you ran into an issue where P locks on the analog FX block simply do nothing? I followed your process [and double checked with loopop] and I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. I'll make a drone bass on track 5, assign it to the FX block, press record to enter the sequencer, and hold the steps I want while turning down the low pass filter to 0 just to try and hear it working. The drive / filter / LFOs seem to work in real time, but not on the step sequencer. Can't get the amp ducking to work at all under any circumstance 😢
@@BoBeats Thanks so much for checking! At least I’m more confident now that I isn’t user error lol. Hopefully Elektron support can help me out, will update if we find a solution!
@@BoBeats Solved! Made a little vid re-creating the problem in case anyone else asks.Turns out the FX sequencer can be muted in mute mode, oops lol. My amp ducking and FX P-locks are now working :D th-cam.com/video/bO_9FAq5Jxc/w-d-xo.html
I have the Digitakt, Digitone and the A4, out of the three boxes, I prefer the drums on the A4 MK1, personal opinion syntakt will be a good drum machine for a first time Elektron buyer, you get a taste of most of their devices in one box
i was waiting for this for so long ! this is probably the only elektron box i need for now..i would like to hear the fm engine more and also some metallic stuff like in the machinedrum..thanks!
Can anyone please tell me the purpose of the audio inputs? I assume they're to route external audio through the FX? Otherwise I have no clue because they cant record samples, unfortunately.
The audio inputs can be used for alot of things: Route audio thru the FX (delay and reverb), run external audio thru the analog FX block which has alot of features that apply to the external inputs too. So basically you could use the syntakt as an external analog stereo FX processor with analog drive, lfo's, envelope, filter.
@@BoBeats Oh nice, like the idea of using the filter for other my synths as I sold my Analog Heat and that's the only thing I miss 😅. Thanks for the reply Bo!
I'm a bit confused about the polyphony bit. So it has a chord mode but can't be played polyphonicaly outside of that mode? Not even with a keyboard? Aside from that bit it's a must have. Cancelled my digitone order and going to get this now.
Correct: 12 voices All are monophonic The chord mode is not true polyphonic, its just a couple of oscillators tuned to different notes 4 note poly for midi tracks
this speaks loudly to me. love my digitakt, but prefer synthesizing drums. love the digitatk/tone square format, much preferred over AR/OT. i think there are some people watching who may not understand the difference between digitakt digital sample sequencing [capable of some degree of granular synthesis] and digital synthesiszed drum engines in general, then to further confuse; all that in combination with analogue engines. big fan of the mixer and external processing and digital/analogue effects implementation. even without having played one, i can safely say this would make an incredible first piece of gear. what lucky bastards the younger generation, being born into a world where this exists. can see this one being the brain of many setups. such a fantastic sound sculpter and composition tool. think i'll be on the market. thank you for the insightful vid bo!
I keep reading these negative comments but then I hear a perfect sound coming off the video, like, I don't buy any gear in this price range but I really like how this sounds.
It sounds like it sounds in the video. Go check my 16 minute music demo. Its all 100% Syntakt. No post processing. I don't ever post process demo/review sounds. Trust your ears. If you like it you like it, if you don't you don't. Sound is subjective.
thanks. i ended up getting a digitakt because i wanted to continue and expand some things I've been doing with a secondhand ES-1. it is the only ”expensive” gear i own, but it seems like a classic and I got to try out the elektron workflow so why not? it is useful to have a box that can sound good and record it directly. having onboard eq, filters, compression with good sounding reverb and delays... makes that happen. I think the syntakt goes a step further because it has the analogue insert effects. a nice thing about having a digitakt is that watching a video about the syntakt can still teach you things since some tricks are in both. that's why i am back watching this.
Would this be a good piece of kit that I could use my three synths with I was looking for a drum machine and sequencer to build some teckno sounds with it I also want to play some rock and roll so looking for a good beat box so to speak
Great review and thank you for sharing - have recently purchased a Syntakt and this really helps - currently in the phase of getting to know the ST. It is way cool and immediate (much more so than my Digital or Digitone). I really dig the Digitone because the FM sound is so much fun to play with - hours of tweaking. Also tried an Analog Rytm MK2 today - that is a beast the analog sounds on the ARM2 are really cool, so warm and fat ... performance knobs and all are great. BUT expensive, the large pads don't feel great, might be just me. I know the performance macros are more powerful that the ST and it's an all in one machine. Was considering a swop ST for ARM2 but after the ARM2 test run I think I'll stick with the Synakt - it has a certain sweat spot (dollars/performance/form factor/immediacy)... dont need it but add an Heat + FX to the ST and man that is a very small footprint beast.
Being a frequent user of both Sonicware 8bit warps, and XFM, this is an interesting development for Elektron. These devices do many of the things the Syntakt does.
@@roryjineffect Indeed! Interesting development, for sure. I love being a Sonicware guy. The Doc, and team, are doing amazing stuff! I'm really looking forward to Smpl Trek. I don't have the Bass n Beats yet, or an ELZ-1. I can say without question however, the 8bw, and XFM, are amazing simple, yet incredibly powerful.
For some reason this device reminds me of my first bit of gear, the Korg Electribe EM-1, but of course this has way more features. Your single track demos were awesome Bo, thanks for the review. I think I'm sold :)
Well done on the video, great content explained pretty darn deep enough for those interested in it. The velocity modifier keys reminds me of the 1986 Yamaha RX5 drum machine where the pads were not velocity sensitive but there was a 'job' when you could assign a drum to the top row of 12 pads and edit each pad for volume, pitch etc then play those into a pattern for a more human feel.
The performance controls are cool hopefully the Takt and Tone get the updated firmware too. Was expecting a bit more though tbh its a bit of a mish-mash of their machines rather than a new concept. Feel like this a groove box that will attract a lot of new comers and will sell well but perhaps not appeal to those that have been producing for quite sometime. Maybe i just need to have a play around on it.
Think it has a lot to offer me after 30 odd years producing. I have all the synths I’d ever need, but this can be a more-than-adequate foundation to build around. This will be my only Elektron box in my studio and will likely push my Nord Drum 2 out. Modern features and Overbridge make this a dead set winner for me. I’m not a big ‘samples’ guy, and this looks like a ripper drum synth-sequencer thing to me. I got one on the way.
@@BoBeats wow thats cool wouldnt have thought of that combination. would be nice to see the exact dual vco settings, or is there also a simliar factory patch? (don't have syntakt yet, its on order)
Jordan from simply synthesizer group here. Any chance we could get a tutorial on how to make ACID BASS? I have been trying but I'm not getting that sound. 😕
Hey Bo its a realy nice video but can you explain me whats the diffrent from this maschine if i have the digitak, the digitone the mk2 two times and the anoluge 4 what can this mashine more than all the other maschines together from elektron.thanks for the answer.
I would have liked a model groove box style digital synth with 4 voices. This thing is great but not something I need in my setup. This and the new SP 404 would make a fantastic combination.
Digitone is a sweet companion because you get a polyphonic synth/groovebox. Adding the syntakt on the other hand will do drums, lead, bass very well but not chords or anything truly polyphonic. So it depends on what you feel you lack for your music making. want more melodic elements? Digitone! Want more drums, bass, lead, go syntakt.
This seems like a decent upgrade for the Digitakt or Model:Cycles or Model:Samples. It seems like it would somewhat ease the process of setting up tracks while starting a new song, since it's more about dialing in the desired sound instead of trying to find the right sample. The performance modifiers and CC routings are a nice touch too. Personally though, the reason I haven't used my Digitakt lately is because of the workflow, which is still almost identical on the new Syntakt. I find it frustrating and demotivating trying to build songs from 64-step patterns with p-locks. Elektron's sound engines are fantastic, but I hope someday they might consider packaging those with a different workflow.
@@Lurkartiist Yeah, for sample-heavy styles, it wouldn't replace the Digitakt. Like sampling drum loops and using trigs to change the start point to get a chop-like effect. Ivar Tryti has made a bunch of fantastic songs that way, and the Syntakt can't do it. TBH though, the Digitakt isn't particularly good at that sort of thing. At least, not compared to other gear in its class, like MPC. It has some other pretty big downsides too... like, I was never able to get files to/from my Digitakt because it uses a proprietary protocol. Mono samples only. Very limited effects. Not very good at chopping, especially when using just one track for chops. It also has a pretty low limit on sample memory, which makes a lot of sample-based styles totally impossible. Like, the last song I finished used 3X as much sample space as what the Digitakt allows, and it wasn't even a very complex song. So I pretty much just used the Digitakt's built-in samples, tweaked to fit different songs. It did drums and midi sequencing. But it wasn't even great at drums. It took a while to set up each drum kit, and then it didn't even let me save the kit for reuse in other songs. And if I wanted to change the kit during the later stages of a song, like adjusting levels and timbres for a better mix after I had a few dozen patterns written, it required repeating the same edits on every single pattern individually. The Syntakt doesn't fix all of these things, but I think it'll work better as a drum machine. It seems quite a bit better for the kit-building part of the process, which happens right at the beginning of a song and was a major source of friction on Digitakt. It also has some extra performance features to create fills and variations on the fly, which reduces the need for extra patterns and reduces the downsides of having a bunch of patterns. Extra tracks too, so less need for p-locking different instruments in a single track to fit more tones in. And synth engines, so it has less need for external gear, or libraries of single-cycle waveforms, or samples in general. But I don't plan to get one. Instead, I got a brand new Akai Force a few months ago for $100 less than the Syntakt, and have been much, much happier with it. It's basically Ableton in a box, with a bunch of useful plugins included, and the best parts of MPC, and it's even mod-friendly thanks to running Linux. It changed the core question of my musical process from "what *can* I do, within the limitations of my gear?" to "what do I *want* to do?"
A combination of the digitakt and octatrack with 16 tracks... a REAL sampler with all the pros of both machines... plus a bigger screen, pads with velocity sensitvity, multiple outs etc. Can't be that hard, but I guess this is not possible, because the octa and digitakt would be worthless if they would release a machine like this 😥
Hi Bo! I think the solution to the performance controls at min 24:10 is to just turn TRIG off ( in the setup menu to the very left, which you see here at min 23:33) So you can choose if you want it to trigger or not! In that case your wish might have come true :)
Concerning the modifiers: indeed, it would be very useful that the buttons don't trigger the sounds, to add punctually more reverb to a sequenced hit. It would even be more awesome if for the same modifier, one could control several parameters. For example: first two buttons (out of the 4 modifier buttons) control reverb, last two control delay. That would allow to make something similar to "dub remix" (without having to switch from M3 to M4 for accessing different FX), would love that !!
Hi. Great channel, lots of useful info. Question. I was looking at buying myself a digitakt and digitone, however with the syntakt now available, what is the better option, could you help please
Digitone will give you the ability to play melodies and chords polyphonically. Its the better synth for making lead/pad/bass Digitakt is sample based and works best for making drum beats but you can also load bass, lead and pad samples. Syntakt is a bit like you took Digitakt but turned it into a drum synth + bass & lead synth. Its not great for pads tho. Digitone + Digitakt is an amazing combo. Syntakt + Digitone also works very well Wouldnt get Syntakt + Digitakt combo
Neat! My favorite Elektron unit is the Analog Heat (MKii), I hope they make something like that again! Like a sister unit to it or somethin, I really don't even know what it would be since the AH is so deep and unique but I'd love to see Elektron announce it haha
Not at all. As of recent I have reviewed: Korg Volca Fm 2 = it sounds good but it also has some annoying things Malevolent = had some issues Nanobox = one of them was pretty cool, the other one not so much NiftyKEYZ = really good Cobalt 5S = sounds good, but isnt super exciting So no. Everything isnt the greatest ever. But I do try and avoid spending a week or more on things I can’t see value in
mm...if you have no EleK machines this is a good option , not tempting me from the digitakt at the moment . I would love a 8 output option analogue for the digitakt .
Finally did a impromptu set at a Bar and heard the Syntakt on PA. OMG! I really have No Clue what I'm doing. I brought it cus I had Gas and wanted sumthin different. (But mainly for the Chords) But , WOW! I'm excited about WHAT I can build with it NOW that I heard it's potential.
After playing about with the chord machine for a few weeks I've become a little more familiar with it. On the whole, I still think it stinks, *BUT* I've managed to wring some nice drones and pads out of the unison modes, using the LFO to control a tiny bit of detune. Give it a go maybe.
I'm into the vibe of this, especially with analog drums on board. But it doesn't seem as versatile as the digitakt, which I already find a bit expensive compared to the MPC One. I'd be tempted if they came in at 600, but I don't think I could pay 800+. The synth sounds are not completely blowing me away either. As groovebox, it's got so much competition at many price ranges, including from Elektron.
Agreed… MC-707 has pattern chaining that can be saved.. Hence SONG MODE.. This thing can’t compete at this price range… $500us is a more accurate price point..
@@mikenagol69 I never messed with Roland's grooveboxes, but the 707 certainly seems like a nice middle ground between MPC's daw-in-a-box vs Elektron's intelligent drum machine design. You're giving up analog sound generation, but imo Roland's digital synths still sound good.
I'm excited about this groovebox but I can't believe they didn't make it usb-c and battery powered in 2022. Such a missed opportunity to make this the ULTIMATE groovebox.
If these are the only 2 points you find wrong with it... Well why isnt it the ultimate grovebox? Because the USB-Port is the wrong kind and it has no battery? ..... well everybody to its own, I guess
@@ickebins6948 It's the main thing, a groovebox is supposed to be something you can take with you anywhere and jam on the couch, in bed, or outside. Like picking up a guitar. It's not just a minor omission, it's a critical one. Don't get me wrong, I kind of get why. These boxes are made for live and studio performances, not as something that could wipe the floor of proper grooveboxes like the MC-101. But to me, this is a missed opportunity nonetheless. Elektron boxes are very power efficient and could last a really long time with rechargeable 4xAA, easily 6-8 hours. And with a powerbank, you could go on forever. The latter is technically possible with a cord that can convert up to 12V, but it's a hassle and they could have done that inside the box instead.
@@sinewaymusic I agree completely. It's great to have a dedicated workstation, but if I could just take it with me it would be a completely different experience. Making music in the studio is fun, at the beach though.... more fun
Yea this might be insane, but if I didn't know the pricetags, I might take the Circuit Tracks over this for the battery and sampling functionality. It's a shame Novation didn't update (or add to) the synth engine on there.
Good video 👍. I love my MPC One but I'm looking for a more jam-friendly groovebox to go with it (I'm not dexterous enough to MPC menu dive on the fly). I'm not sure I've found it yet but this could be a candidate.
@@BoBeats Ahh so you do not think a user of other groove boxes like Roland Mc 101 and MV1, Maschine would understand this one with ease?? You made it look soooo easy
@@magnuseriksson8081 All these machines have different software and user interfaces. Some of them tend to have a higher learning curve (slightly more difficult or just different workflow than average). That's all. It's similar to someone used to linear recording with a traditional DAW, and then learning Ableton.
Wow this looks awesome but being a newbie I'd probably get lost with all the options so I'll keep looking for something simpler and keep this one in the back of my head for future. Great showcase too :)
I think it would be the perfect box for my taste, weren’t it for the only two boxes I own are the Machinedrum and Analog Keys. I kinda feel the Syntakt is a mix between these two devices in a smaller and more portable form factor, but less deep in synthesis capsbilities. So can’t wait for the secondhand prices for digitone’s and OT’s to go down when this becomes readily availabe!!
Exactly! Also owner of the MD, AR and AK, I was really hoping for a 2022 revampled Machinedrum, and the Syntakt could have been that if it had 16 tracks, multiple outputs and uses the larger box format (much more better for livesets, in my opinion). But let's have a try and see what the Syntakt can do and how it compares to the AR mkII.
Would love to see some jams with it paired with the digitone. And a sampler -digitakt,MPC, maschine etc. Very excited for this machine. Already on order!
CHECK OUT SYNTAKT HERE
Thomann (EU): thmn.to/thoprod/541892?offid=1&affid=623
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MORE SYNTAKT VIDEOS?
Want 10 Syntakt tips?? Check my new video: th-cam.com/video/j9iPkiOujac/w-d-xo.html
Responding to your comments in a video here: th-cam.com/video/LcXE7JErkwc/w-d-xo.html
Also a 16 minute music/sound demo: th-cam.com/video/aBVoetUL_Q8/w-d-xo.html
I'm currently considering Digitakt vs Syntakt. What would you suggest for my fist hardware and do you think that if I purchase Syntakt the Digitakt would be redundant?
@@andrzejkucharzyk9970 If you have to choose between the 2 i would definetly go for a digitakt. it is cheaper and you get the world of sampling as an extra.i have the digitakt and ordered the syntakt because i hoped for a monomachine XXL. but the syntakt does not inspire me like my other elektrons. the syntakt has to leave my studio, i would even consider buying a second digitakt than buying a syntakt in the future, except elektron brings a firmwareupdate for the syntakt to sample and with more synthengines. at the moment at least for me it should not have synt in the name. as always everyone has its own opinion, so the developers saw something different than me, maybe they know more about future options ;-)
@@lab-by-the-sea Hey DJRex, thanks for the reply. Its kind of too late cause ive already bought Syntakt and im immensely inspired by this thing :). Bear in mind that is my first Elektron box. I think that Syntakt naming is quite intuitive cause it supposed to be mainly drumbox (hence the "takt" part) and since its not sample based but rather synthesis based there is "Synt" part. I think there will be time in the future when i will purchase Digitakt too :)
been working way too hard on this vid… I totally missed the Machines typo. Yes. It should be Machines and not Maschines. I blame my Native Instruments Maschine for this! 😆☕️
That's hilarious lol
I think Native Instruments will be somewhat understanding 😉
We appreciate your handwork man
Da wachine macheenz Vatto! Like cheech n GonGz styleZ?$🎼👑🧞♂️
Cool video
so excited to share this one with you all. Hope you enjoy todays video!!
This is such a great, in-depth walkthrough. Yours and Andrew's videos have got me hyped to try this for myself!
You totally need one
I think Elektron has a real winner here. Unfortunately between the 8 other of their machines I own (ridiculous I know) it doesn't really bring anything new to my studio. But there is a lot to like here.
glad to have you here Matt (people totally should check out your channel)
soo.... dyou bought is as well, yes?? 😛
Thank you! By far the most solid, intuitive yet also musically awesome review of this machine I have found!!!
Everything the man touches sounds sick! 👏🏼🎧
Oh snap - this thing looks amazing! Great video as always Bo!
I know technically the Syntakt is nothing new, but none of the other Elektron machines have captured my attention quite like this one. I think it hits a really good niche in the market for people who feel the AR is too expensive, and aren't so interested in the Digitakt's sampling or Digitone's tonal stuff. The lack of Overbridge support on the Model:Cycles kind of stopped me from buying that as well, so it's good to see that the Syntakt supports it. Great video as always Bo!
100% agree
What's overbeidge? Software of some kind to host up to daw?
@@Judasz696 exactly that. You can multitrack all the individual tracks from Syntakt, Digitakt etc. into your DAW. It also gives you access to software plugin-style control over the features of the hardware, which is cool.
@@servantsounds The lack of overbridge support for the model:cycles is a dick move, especially if in their ad campaign for the models:cycles they explicitly state that they are known in the music world for that exact software...without disclosing that it doesnt support that product...
I am so thrilled for this machine… hope to get mine delivered soon. Great review - as always. Thank you!
Me too. Mine should be here by Friday.
Thanks Bo! Can't wait to get mine this week!!
how did you manage to get it so fast
@@tendingtropic7778 😁 magic. ;)
Super special thanx for your great tutorial…learning so much with your video without to read the manual! Greetings 🖖☺️
It's probably better suited for me than the digitakt as I'm a little bit lazy when it comes to loading samples or sample from audio input. It's a great synth and it's difficult to resist to its call :)
Oh look, another little box of fun!
This is clearly a beast of a machinery
It's easy to overlook another benefit of sound-locking that I didn't realize until I watched and listened to you demonstrate it. It's not just that you can have a different sound on each beat of your track (and therefore more sounds in your composition); it's that each sound on a single track can have its own level and effects. But then you can still apply track-level effects like overdrive which strikes me as being like having a "bus" in a DAW. Very cool. Anyway, nice demo, Bo!
What would recommend as a first time elektron purchase syntakt or the digitakt. I am very new to all this.
I think Syntakt is a good first buy. It has synth engines which are a bit easier to use than using samples. But if you want to sample then Digitakt is the way to go
Looks like a greatest hits from Elektron with bits of the Heat, Digitone, and Rytm plus new stuff. Maybe even some ideas from the Octatrack in terms of performance mixing. Whilst it doesn’t replace those if you have them it seems like the one to go for if you’re on the fence about any of the others. With functionality beyond a groove box it’s a thumbs up from me.
There’s always something magic about a BoBeats Elektron review too …
back to the roots :)
There is no one better to give the world a first glimpse of a new Elektron product. Excellent video with some very ear pleasing examples along the way. Well done.
♥️♥️
Hey Bo! Have you ran into an issue where P locks on the analog FX block simply do nothing? I followed your process [and double checked with loopop] and I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. I'll make a drone bass on track 5, assign it to the FX block, press record to enter the sequencer, and hold the steps I want while turning down the low pass filter to 0 just to try and hear it working. The drive / filter / LFOs seem to work in real time, but not on the step sequencer. Can't get the amp ducking to work at all under any circumstance 😢
thats weird! as you can see in this video but also in my 10 Syntakt tips video it works for me
@@BoBeats Thanks so much for checking! At least I’m more confident now that I isn’t user error lol. Hopefully Elektron support can help me out, will update if we find a solution!
@@BoBeats Solved! Made a little vid re-creating the problem in case anyone else asks.Turns out the FX sequencer can be muted in mute mode, oops lol. My amp ducking and FX P-locks are now working :D th-cam.com/video/bO_9FAq5Jxc/w-d-xo.html
11:27 - I just destroyed my first project using this function... why doesn't it reverse to what it was before the tweaking?
Great review, very clear and musical . Thanks a lot
I have the Digitakt, Digitone and the A4, out of the three boxes, I prefer the drums on the A4 MK1, personal opinion syntakt will be a good drum machine for a first time Elektron buyer, you get a taste of most of their devices in one box
Id love to see a digitone review and/or tutorial!!! I love the way you explain stuff
Thank you!
Another great, timely review. Thank you! 👏🏻
i was waiting for this for so long ! this is probably the only elektron box i need for now..i would like to hear the fm engine more and also some metallic stuff like in the machinedrum..thanks!
Can anyone please tell me the purpose of the audio inputs? I assume they're to route external audio through the FX? Otherwise I have no clue because they cant record samples, unfortunately.
The audio inputs can be used for alot of things: Route audio thru the FX (delay and reverb), run external audio thru the analog FX block which has alot of features that apply to the external inputs too. So basically you could use the syntakt as an external analog stereo FX processor with analog drive, lfo's, envelope, filter.
@@BoBeats Oh nice, like the idea of using the filter for other my synths as I sold my Analog Heat and that's the only thing I miss 😅. Thanks for the reply Bo!
I'm a bit confused about the polyphony bit. So it has a chord mode but can't be played polyphonicaly outside of that mode? Not even with a keyboard?
Aside from that bit it's a must have. Cancelled my digitone order and going to get this now.
Correct:
12 voices
All are monophonic
The chord mode is not true polyphonic, its just a couple of oscillators tuned to different notes
4 note poly for midi tracks
this speaks loudly to me. love my digitakt, but prefer synthesizing drums. love the digitatk/tone square format, much preferred over AR/OT. i think there are some people watching who may not understand the difference between digitakt digital sample sequencing [capable of some degree of granular synthesis] and digital synthesiszed drum engines in general, then to further confuse; all that in combination with analogue engines. big fan of the mixer and external processing and digital/analogue effects implementation. even without having played one, i can safely say this would make an incredible first piece of gear. what lucky bastards the younger generation, being born into a world where this exists. can see this one being the brain of many setups. such a fantastic sound sculpter and composition tool. think i'll be on the market. thank you for the insightful vid bo!
Totally agree! The difference between Digitakt and Syntakt is huge!
thanks for your video. You have some very good sounds going on. Wich finally made me decided to order a Syntakt.
I keep reading these negative comments but then I hear a perfect sound coming off the video, like, I don't buy any gear in this price range but I really like how this sounds.
It sounds like it sounds in the video. Go check my 16 minute music demo. Its all 100% Syntakt. No post processing. I don't ever post process demo/review sounds. Trust your ears. If you like it you like it, if you don't you don't. Sound is subjective.
thanks. i ended up getting a digitakt because i wanted to continue and expand some things I've been doing with a secondhand ES-1. it is the only ”expensive” gear i own, but it seems like a classic and I got to try out the elektron workflow so why not?
it is useful to have a box that can sound good and record it directly. having onboard eq, filters, compression with good sounding reverb and delays... makes that happen. I think the syntakt goes a step further because it has the analogue insert effects.
a nice thing about having a digitakt is that watching a video about the syntakt can still teach you things since some tricks are in both. that's why i am back watching this.
Would this be a good piece of kit that I could use my three synths with I was looking for a drum machine and sequencer to build some teckno sounds with it I also want to play some rock and roll so looking for a good beat box so to speak
It feels like I need to get this and the digitakt and digitone and sync them all together they seem to fill the holes the others are lacking
How is the low end? Ended up selling the rytm because of the missing low end in the club.
Great review and thank you for sharing - have recently purchased a Syntakt and this really helps - currently in the phase of getting to know the ST. It is way cool and immediate (much more so than my Digital or Digitone). I really dig the Digitone because the FM sound is so much fun to play with - hours of tweaking. Also tried an Analog Rytm MK2 today - that is a beast the analog sounds on the ARM2 are really cool, so warm and fat ... performance knobs and all are great. BUT expensive, the large pads don't feel great, might be just me. I know the performance macros are more powerful that the ST and it's an all in one machine. Was considering a swop ST for ARM2 but after the ARM2 test run I think I'll stick with the Synakt - it has a certain sweat spot (dollars/performance/form factor/immediacy)... dont need it but add an Heat + FX to the ST and man that is a very small footprint beast.
Being a frequent user of both Sonicware 8bit warps, and XFM, this is an interesting development for Elektron. These devices do many of the things the Syntakt does.
For less than half price of this box. For both combined.
@@roryjineffect Indeed! Interesting development, for sure. I love being a Sonicware guy. The Doc, and team, are doing amazing stuff! I'm really looking forward to Smpl Trek. I don't have the Bass n Beats yet, or an ELZ-1. I can say without question however, the 8bw, and XFM, are amazing simple, yet incredibly powerful.
@@DetroitMicroSound What’s the timbrality of those units referenced?
For some reason this device reminds me of my first bit of gear, the Korg Electribe EM-1, but of course this has way more features. Your single track demos were awesome Bo, thanks for the review. I think I'm sold :)
Glad you checked it out!
This looks like a slightly more suited to me version of the Digitakt. Very interesting.
100%
Time for coffee. Been waiting for the last hour for Bo to Show! Love that chord Maschine
Damn. I just got news of this thing yesterday and now here it is. Great video, as usual. Thanks
Syntakt is one of our central pieces at the moment. My favourite groovebox of all time. - Fletch
just ordered one so excited!
Have fun!
I’m still trying to learn the analog 4. This looks like one for experienced Elektron heads.
Analog 4 is deeper
How does control all work across machines with different parameters?
Since all machines have 8 parameters or less it just controls it accordingly
@@BoBeats so whatever control is on knob A gets changed for all the machines? And so on.
Well done on the video, great content explained pretty darn deep enough for those interested in it.
The velocity modifier keys reminds me of the 1986 Yamaha RX5 drum machine where the pads were not velocity sensitive but there was a 'job'
when you could assign a drum to the top row of 12 pads and edit each pad for volume, pitch etc then play those into a pattern for a more human feel.
Is this one better than the tr8s
Does the Digitakt include the soundlock-feature aswell?
yes!
Bo how you always so bodacious with those beats.? Great showcase. You da man.
Can we say that Syntakt can do all (and more actually) what Digitakt can, except sampling? thx
Yeeee you’r the first one to make me want to buy it 😬 good tweaking sessions !!!
Glad u checked the vid!
love the video as always! what do you think about a comparison video for rytm vs. syntakt? pretty please :)
Can the Syntakt send more than one note over MIDI at a time. Eg can it sequence a polyphonic external synth polyphonically. If you know what I mean?
The performance controls are cool hopefully the Takt and Tone get the updated firmware too. Was expecting a bit more though tbh its a bit of a mish-mash of their machines rather than a new concept. Feel like this a groove box that will attract a lot of new comers and will sell well but perhaps not appeal to those that have been producing for quite sometime. Maybe i just need to have a play around on it.
Think it has a lot to offer me after 30 odd years producing. I have all the synths I’d ever need, but this can be a more-than-adequate foundation to build around. This will be my only Elektron box in my studio and will likely push my Nord Drum 2 out. Modern features and Overbridge make this a dead set winner for me. I’m not a big ‘samples’ guy, and this looks like a ripper drum synth-sequencer thing to me. I got one on the way.
I have a digitakt and Digitone. Does it make sense to add this as well?
Can you make live sampling as in digitakt?
No
@@BoBeats thank you!!!
I really liked the Digitone, and this looks (and sounds) even better. Hmmmm... :-)
Great video once again, I like the chapter display, really helpful.
i like the acid bassline at around 3.50 min: what machine/settings was used for that?
Thats the dual VCO machine + lfo to filter and resonance
@@BoBeats wow thats cool wouldnt have thought of that combination. would be nice to see the exact dual vco settings, or is there also a simliar factory patch? (don't have syntakt yet, its on order)
Are separate outputs available for the tracks through Overbridge?
Really nice demo as always from Bo. Sounds a lot like model:cycles anyway so I’ll stick with my second hand M:C by now
Could you please do a video (or link one) running pulsar through syntakt? From connections to settings for both!?!? :)
great video. thanks bo!
Those demo tracks you made are slappin!
Jordan from simply synthesizer group here. Any chance we could get a tutorial on how to make ACID BASS? I have been trying but I'm not getting that sound. 😕
The key is using filter envelope and the 2 vco analog machine together
Hey Bo its a realy nice video but can you explain me whats the diffrent from this maschine if i have the digitak, the digitone the mk2 two times and the anoluge 4 what can this mashine more than all the other maschines together from elektron.thanks for the answer.
Working on a comprison video
I have a space ready for it next to my digitakt & digitone can't wait 🤓
🤤this looks amazing
Trying to decide if I need this I have an octatrak and a digitone keys. Do I need that analog drum sound?
I would have liked a model groove box style digital synth with 4 voices. This thing is great but not something I need in my setup. This and the new SP 404 would make a fantastic combination.
Indeed would be cool - Model groove with just the very essentials..
yes..... yes!
I have the Digitakt and am debating on the Digitone or the Syntakt. Cant make up my mind.....Any advice?
Digitone is a sweet companion because you get a polyphonic synth/groovebox. Adding the syntakt on the other hand will do drums, lead, bass very well but not chords or anything truly polyphonic. So it depends on what you feel you lack for your music making. want more melodic elements? Digitone! Want more drums, bass, lead, go syntakt.
Perfect...I am getting into chill-lofi ambient and natural sound sources....so the Digitone would probably be better. Love your channel!@@BoBeats
This seems like a decent upgrade for the Digitakt or Model:Cycles or Model:Samples. It seems like it would somewhat ease the process of setting up tracks while starting a new song, since it's more about dialing in the desired sound instead of trying to find the right sample. The performance modifiers and CC routings are a nice touch too. Personally though, the reason I haven't used my Digitakt lately is because of the workflow, which is still almost identical on the new Syntakt. I find it frustrating and demotivating trying to build songs from 64-step patterns with p-locks. Elektron's sound engines are fantastic, but I hope someday they might consider packaging those with a different workflow.
you can't sample so how can it replace the digitakt ??? probably a good companion to the digitakt, that's how I'll use it
@@Lurkartiist Yeah, for sample-heavy styles, it wouldn't replace the Digitakt. Like sampling drum loops and using trigs to change the start point to get a chop-like effect. Ivar Tryti has made a bunch of fantastic songs that way, and the Syntakt can't do it.
TBH though, the Digitakt isn't particularly good at that sort of thing. At least, not compared to other gear in its class, like MPC. It has some other pretty big downsides too... like, I was never able to get files to/from my Digitakt because it uses a proprietary protocol. Mono samples only. Very limited effects. Not very good at chopping, especially when using just one track for chops. It also has a pretty low limit on sample memory, which makes a lot of sample-based styles totally impossible. Like, the last song I finished used 3X as much sample space as what the Digitakt allows, and it wasn't even a very complex song.
So I pretty much just used the Digitakt's built-in samples, tweaked to fit different songs. It did drums and midi sequencing. But it wasn't even great at drums. It took a while to set up each drum kit, and then it didn't even let me save the kit for reuse in other songs. And if I wanted to change the kit during the later stages of a song, like adjusting levels and timbres for a better mix after I had a few dozen patterns written, it required repeating the same edits on every single pattern individually.
The Syntakt doesn't fix all of these things, but I think it'll work better as a drum machine. It seems quite a bit better for the kit-building part of the process, which happens right at the beginning of a song and was a major source of friction on Digitakt. It also has some extra performance features to create fills and variations on the fly, which reduces the need for extra patterns and reduces the downsides of having a bunch of patterns. Extra tracks too, so less need for p-locking different instruments in a single track to fit more tones in. And synth engines, so it has less need for external gear, or libraries of single-cycle waveforms, or samples in general.
But I don't plan to get one. Instead, I got a brand new Akai Force a few months ago for $100 less than the Syntakt, and have been much, much happier with it. It's basically Ableton in a box, with a bunch of useful plugins included, and the best parts of MPC, and it's even mod-friendly thanks to running Linux. It changed the core question of my musical process from "what *can* I do, within the limitations of my gear?" to "what do I *want* to do?"
Interesting sounds but I really want a 16 track digitakt. One can only dream.
Join the club!
Couldn’t you just… get 2nd digitakt?
@@LoLaKoala true LoL
A combination of the digitakt and octatrack with 16 tracks... a REAL sampler with all the pros of both machines... plus a bigger screen, pads with velocity sensitvity, multiple outs etc. Can't be that hard, but I guess this is not possible, because the octa and digitakt would be worthless if they would release a machine like this 😥
Digitakt + Synthtakt = 20 Track drum powerhouse
Great video, uploaded at exactly the same time as loopop's...maybe the Synktact synced things?!
Hi Bo! I think the solution to the performance controls at min 24:10 is to just turn TRIG off ( in the setup menu to the very left, which you see here at min 23:33) So you can choose if you want it to trigger or not! In that case your wish might have come true :)
ive tried this and also discussed it with elektron and apparently it still triggers the track sound
@@BoBeats oh ok!!!! Let´s hope they fix it in a future update!!
@@BoBeats darn I was hoping this was it too
Concerning the modifiers: indeed, it would be very useful that the buttons don't trigger the sounds, to add punctually more reverb to a sequenced hit. It would even be more awesome if for the same modifier, one could control several parameters. For example: first two buttons (out of the 4 modifier buttons) control reverb, last two control delay. That would allow to make something similar to "dub remix" (without having to switch from M3 to M4 for accessing different FX), would love that !!
I like what you are doing in the drum machines section, that was sick.
Great review. Thanks 👍🙏
Hi. Great channel, lots of useful info. Question. I was looking at buying myself a digitakt and digitone, however with the syntakt now available, what is the better option, could you help please
Digitone will give you the ability to play melodies and chords polyphonically. Its the better synth for making lead/pad/bass
Digitakt is sample based and works best for making drum beats but you can also load bass, lead and pad samples.
Syntakt is a bit like you took Digitakt but turned it into a drum synth + bass & lead synth. Its not great for pads tho.
Digitone + Digitakt is an amazing combo.
Syntakt + Digitone also works very well
Wouldnt get Syntakt + Digitakt combo
Neat! My favorite Elektron unit is the Analog Heat (MKii), I hope they make something like that again! Like a sister unit to it or somethin, I really don't even know what it would be since the AH is so deep and unique but I'd love to see Elektron announce it haha
haha
everything is the greatest ever made with you
Not at all. As of recent I have reviewed:
Korg Volca Fm 2 = it sounds good but it also has some annoying things
Malevolent = had some issues
Nanobox = one of them was pretty cool, the other one not so much
NiftyKEYZ = really good
Cobalt 5S = sounds good, but isnt super exciting
So no. Everything isnt the greatest ever. But I do try and avoid spending a week or more on things I can’t see value in
mm...if you have no EleK machines this is a good option , not tempting me from the digitakt at the moment . I would love a 8 output option analogue for the digitakt .
You want the RYTM then.
Nice review.
This machine definatly has the Elektron sound and vibe. Looks like natural upgrade to the digitakt.
Finally did a impromptu set at a Bar and heard the Syntakt on PA.
OMG!
I really have No Clue what I'm doing.
I brought it cus I had Gas and wanted sumthin different. (But mainly for the Chords)
But , WOW! I'm excited about WHAT I can build with it NOW that I heard it's potential.
it sure sounds bad ass!
Is it fair to compare with Erica Synths LXR-02?
Cant say, havnt tried that one
After playing about with the chord machine for a few weeks I've become a little more familiar with it.
On the whole, I still think it stinks, *BUT* I've managed to wring some nice drones and pads out of the unison modes, using the LFO to control a tiny bit of detune.
Give it a go maybe.
I still really dont like it 😅🤟
love the machine section! NICE SOUNDS!!!! Love it! This thing will be an electro power house cant wait to get my hands on it :D
I'm into the vibe of this, especially with analog drums on board. But it doesn't seem as versatile as the digitakt, which I already find a bit expensive compared to the MPC One. I'd be tempted if they came in at 600, but I don't think I could pay 800+. The synth sounds are not completely blowing me away either. As groovebox, it's got so much competition at many price ranges, including from Elektron.
Agreed… MC-707 has pattern chaining that can be saved.. Hence SONG MODE.. This thing can’t compete at this price range… $500us is a more accurate price point..
@@mikenagol69 I never messed with Roland's grooveboxes, but the 707 certainly seems like a nice middle ground between MPC's daw-in-a-box vs Elektron's intelligent drum machine design. You're giving up analog sound generation, but imo Roland's digital synths still sound good.
Ugh, I need this now too!
I'm excited about this groovebox but I can't believe they didn't make it usb-c and battery powered in 2022. Such a missed opportunity to make this the ULTIMATE groovebox.
I wish it could fly. What a missed opportunity otherwise it would’ve been the ultimate ultimate groovebox
If these are the only 2 points you find wrong with it...
Well why isnt it the ultimate grovebox? Because the USB-Port is the wrong kind and it has no battery?
..... well everybody to its own, I guess
@@ickebins6948 It's the main thing, a groovebox is supposed to be something you can take with you anywhere and jam on the couch, in bed, or outside. Like picking up a guitar. It's not just a minor omission, it's a critical one. Don't get me wrong, I kind of get why. These boxes are made for live and studio performances, not as something that could wipe the floor of proper grooveboxes like the MC-101. But to me, this is a missed opportunity nonetheless. Elektron boxes are very power efficient and could last a really long time with rechargeable 4xAA, easily 6-8 hours. And with a powerbank, you could go on forever. The latter is technically possible with a cord that can convert up to 12V, but it's a hassle and they could have done that inside the box instead.
@@sinewaymusic I agree completely. It's great to have a dedicated workstation, but if I could just take it with me it would be a completely different experience. Making music in the studio is fun, at the beach though.... more fun
Yea this might be insane, but if I didn't know the pricetags, I might take the Circuit Tracks over this for the battery and sampling functionality. It's a shame Novation didn't update (or add to) the synth engine on there.
Why isn't the screen yellow, asking for a friend (my digitakt)
Because its not a digitakt
to pair it with the OT AE
Would be great to see separate video like the workflow section where you slow down and explain what you are doing at each step like a tutorial.
I have been considering making such a video
Owning a digitakt, is it worth getting this one or digitone? How do they all complement each other?
is that at 2:30 a typo??? Shouldn't it say machines instead of maSchines??
haha yes, its a typo
Good video 👍. I love my MPC One but I'm looking for a more jam-friendly groovebox to go with it (I'm not dexterous enough to MPC menu dive on the fly). I'm not sure I've found it yet but this could be a candidate.
Should be a candidate but maybe try one first. The workflow can be difficult
@@BoBeats Ahh so you do not think a user of other groove boxes like Roland Mc 101 and MV1, Maschine would understand this one with ease?? You made it look soooo easy
@@magnuseriksson8081 All these machines have different software and user interfaces. Some of them tend to have a higher learning curve (slightly more difficult or just different workflow than average). That's all. It's similar to someone used to linear recording with a traditional DAW, and then learning Ableton.
Wow this looks awesome but being a newbie I'd probably get lost with all the options so I'll keep looking for something simpler and keep this one in the back of my head for future. Great showcase too :)
Do you think it will be that complex, I hope to be able to create some simple tracks with this one with ease?? @bobeats Thoughts??
@@magnuseriksson8081 there's a few good tutorials on youtube. seems basic enough
I think it would be the perfect box for my taste, weren’t it for the only two boxes I own are the Machinedrum and Analog Keys. I kinda feel the Syntakt is a mix between these two devices in a smaller and more portable form factor, but less deep in synthesis capsbilities. So can’t wait for the secondhand prices for digitone’s and OT’s to go down when this becomes readily availabe!!
Exactly! Also owner of the MD, AR and AK, I was really hoping for a 2022 revampled Machinedrum, and the Syntakt could have been that if it had 16 tracks, multiple outputs and uses the larger box format (much more better for livesets, in my opinion). But let's have a try and see what the Syntakt can do and how it compares to the AR mkII.
Wanted a reason to replace my machinedrum
Still isn't the one
Does it have a poly mode for playing chords like on the a4?
No such mode. It should have imo
Oh, ok, got to the end. Yeah, that's what I want too!
Elektron timed this release well. I think we'll being seeing and hearing a lot of these on people's desks and studios.
Would love to see some jams with it paired with the digitone. And a sampler -digitakt,MPC, maschine etc.
Very excited for this machine. Already on order!
How much did it cost sir?
Well done Bo! I recently thought about getting the digitone but this box will probably also fit pretty good to my digitakt and octatrack ;)