Producers and musicians in search of a hybrid analog/digital drum computer and synthesizer will be thrilled with the Elektron Syntakt, a compact drum machine with no less than 35 sound-generating machines that cover a wide range of drum and melodic sounds. Some machines have been reimagined from Analog Rytm and Model:Cycles, with deeper sound control for the latter, while others are entirely new to the world.
The live-performance-friendly sequencer not only works with the onboard sounds, but provides a means to control outboard MIDI equipment. Like all other performance machines by Elektron, the Syntakt offers parameter locks, which allow any sound-shaping function to be sequenced to any point on the sequencer; this results in powerful effects that are accurately timed. What's more, any parameters that have been adjusted can be undone at the press of a button. Full Overbridge support allows for full integration with DAW environments, including a dedicated VST/AU plug-in interface.
Syntakt 1.40 Firmware Update
- Added SP TWINSHOT, a dual sample player machine.
- Added Track relations functionality, letting you layer tracks together or use choking to have one track cut off other tracks. This is reached through the PATTERN menu.
- Added a FILTER PAN parameter to the FX track’s multimode filter.
- Added a configuration menu for the Control all functionality. This is reached through the PATTERN menu.
- Added new trig conditions: LST, Not LST, Not A:B.
- Added the possibility to prepare mutes for being muted or unmuted.
- Added a Personalize menu and moved the LED INTESITY, LED BACKLIGHT, and REMEMBER SUBPAGE there.
- Added a setting in the PERSONALIZE menu that controls how the DATA ENTRY KNOB knob behaves when adjusting the NOTE parameter. You can choose whether turning the encoder steps through notes chromatically, while pressing and turning follows the selected keyboard scale or the other way around.
- Added support for snap values when parameter locking.
- Improved the pattern selection view and interaction, including a separate screen for creating pattern chains.
- Added the possibility to add parameter locks to all active trigs on a sequencer page or track.
- Improved several parts of the UI, including a cleaner look for the modulation destination list, a page indicator when a group contains multiple parameter pages as well as better indication of envelope handles. When performing sound locks, the Sound pool list and its interaction behavior have also been improved.
Benefits
Digital track features (×8)
- 10 × selectable machine
- 1 × Bass drum
- 2 × Snare drum
- 1 × Cymbal/hihat
- 1 × Percussion
- 1 × Clap
- 4 × Tonal synth
- 1 × digital overdrive per track
- 1 × digital multimode filter per track
- 1 × digital base-width filter per track
- 2 × assignable LFOs per track
- Switchable to MIDI machine
Analog Drum track features (×3)
- 15 × selectable machine
- 6 × Bass drum
- 4 × Snare drum
- 2 × Rimshot
- 1 × Dual VCO synth
- 1 × Impulse
- 1 × Noise generator
- 1 × analog overdrive per track
- 1 × analog multimode filter per track
- 2 × assignable LFOs per track
- Switchable to MIDI machine
Analog Cymbal track features (×1)
- 12 × selectable machine
- 5 × Hi-hat
- 3 × Cymbal
- 2 × Cowbell
- 1 × Impulse
- 1 × Noise generator
- 1 × analog overdrive per track
- 1 × analog multimode filter per track
- 2 × assignable LFOs per track
- Switchable to MIDI machine
FX track features (×1)
- Delay and reverb automation
- Analog stereo overdrive
- Analog stereo multimode filter
- 2 × assignable LFOs
- Assignable to each track
- External in
Performance features
- 1 × Retrig modifier
- 1 × Velocity modifier
- 2 × Assignable trig modifiers
- Keyboard mode with 36 different scales
MIDI Machine features
- 4 note polyphony per step
- 8 × assignable CC controls
- 1 × assignable LFOs per track
Sequencer features
- 64 steps per pattern and track
- Individual pattern length per track
- Individual time scale multiplier per track
- Parameter locks
- Trig conditions & trig chance
- Retrig
- Microtiming
Send effects
- Delay
- Reverb
12-Track Drum Computer and Synthesizer
- All your sound crafting, sequencing, and performance needs are fulfilled, in an all-round music mega box that fits in your lap.
- Syntakt is a drum specialist, full of percussive possibilities, but its four analog and eight digital tracks can be used for melody, harmony, and bass sounds too.
- Experience epic sounds from the past, pulling others into existence from the future.
Meet the Machines
- There are 35 sound-generating machines to call on, covering a wide range of drum and melodic sounds. Some machines have been reimagined from Analog Rytm and Model:Cycles, with deeper sound control for the latter, while others are entirely new to the world.
- For you to create and personalize your sound, we’ve made sure you’ve got a set of parameter controls tailor-made for each machine. They let you quickly tweak the nature of each type of sound, showing you just the relevant options. Comprehensive without being overwhelming. Let loose with analog or digital overdrive, depending on the tracks you’re playing with.
- The graphics more than play their part too, with plenty of animated icons offering visual guidance and extra clarity on how each parameter affects the sound. The joys of tweaking shouldn’t only be for the ears after all.
Special Effects
- Syntakt lets you route any of your synth tracks or external audio sources through the FX block. This gives you analog distortion and filtering, and a couple of LFOs to go to town with. Additionally, you can also call on Delay and Reverb as powerhouse send effects.
- And, all of the above effects can be sequenced with the FX track. Have them kick in at just the right moment. Add accents and dramatic changes to the selected tracks or external audio. Or, use the FX track as a master track for ducking and gating effects.
Modify the Moment
Wield a little extra trig craft using the four modifiers, offering four varied levels of expression. Configure the first two modifiers to give you the retrig or velocity behavior you desire, and use the other two to access custom intensities of other parameters. They’re ready for action regardless of which synth track you’re using. And the best bit is that they don’t just give you that extra playability, they are fun in the here and now—so capture the moment by recording to the sequencer.
The Keys to the City
- Syntakt’s keyboard mode gives you a whole bunch of different scales to play with.
- There are some familiar faces and some, maybe a little less familiar, for you to try out, helping you discover new places and take things to another level.
- Play across a single octave like on a piano keyboard. Or use Fold, and have several octaves laid out in front of you.
Deep Sound Shaping
- Syntakt comes full of filter and envelope goodness. All tracks have a Multimode filter to put to use allowing you to emphasize different parts of your sound, with the digital tracks also able to call on Parametric EQ and a Base-width filter—an additional filter giving you even more sonic control.
- Choose from two amplitude envelope types to define the ideal contour of your sound. Try out the ADSR envelope—for your wicked synth lines—or the simpler AHD envelope—perfect for transient percussive sounds.
- All synth tracks have two full-featured LFOs with multiple waveforms and modulation destinations. Set your sounds in motion subtly or harshly, rocking the amplitude envelope, volume, filter, synth-engine settings, and even the other LFO, or pretty much any parameter you like. Then redefine space and time with a slice of reverb and delay.
Let Song Mode Sing
- Song Mode is a feature that gives you the possibility to create, edit, and play compositions made up of dozens of your patterns. This makes it a hugely useful feature for all kinds of scenarios and for all kinds of artists.
- Customize your backing track, leaving your hands free for other awesome gear. Extend beyond the limits of the 64-step sequencer. Create entire set lists in a single song. And that’s only scratching the surface of Song Mode’s possibilities.
Superior Sequencing
- The world class 64-step sequencer lets you bring dynamic soundscapes into existence, By controlling both structure and sound to such a degree, it’s like a musical instrument in itself. Simply holding any step and tweaking any parameter onto it is an ultrafast and detailed way of sequencing or go wild and record your escapades live.
- Build your composition one tonal nuance at a time, or real-time record every twist and turn you make.
Syntakt Central Station
- If you want to invite your other instruments to Syn City, they’re more than welcome. A MIDI machine can be assigned to any of the 12 synth tracks, with four-note polyphony, LFOs, and plenty more.
- Syntakt is also ready and able to connect to Class Compliant devices, meaning it can easily hook up to computers, smart phones, or tablets, for USB audio and MIDI. Connect with ease.
Sonic Stimulation
Syntakt comes loaded with a melting pot of sounds with which to craft your own story. There are over 1000 presets to dip into straight out of the box, enabling you to call forth musical inspiration from the get-go. With such possibilities at your fingertips, the only certainty is that you won't run out of options.
Overbridge
Seamless computer integration
- Overbridge is a free of charge software suite offering powerful tools and deep control when connecting compatible Elektron instruments to computers. And with Overbridge 2, the integration of both analog and digital instruments with DAWs is more effective than ever before.
Overbridge makes life easier for musicians
- When the beauty of hardware meets the advantages of software, your creativity takes center stage. Experience music-making made more fluid.
To DAW or not to DAW
- Dedicated VST and AU plug-ins connect devices as if they were software instruments, while the standalone plug-ins have built-in multitracking capabilities.
Flex some sonic muscle
- Stream multichannel audio directly through the plug-ins. Or, use your Overbridge machine as a high-quality sound card.
Stream by stream
- Affect digital computer audio with analog hardware processing. Or, process individual track streams from a device inside your DAW.