elektron Digitakt Digital Drum Machine User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- elektron
Table of Contents
Digitakt Digital Drum Machine
Digitakt
Quick Guide
Digitakt
THANK YOU
Thank you for purchasing Digitakt. Digitakt is a new compact drum machine and
sampler from Elektron. It contains all the necessary tools to make people move
to the beat. A digital and highly flexible sound engine, sampling capability,
a live-friendly sequencer, the means to control external MIDI gear, and
Overbridge support. Drum machines are something of an Elektron specialty. With
the Digitakt we show why. This Quick Guide will guide you through the basic
functions of this product. For more detailed information, please see the
Digitakt User Manual that you can download from www.elektron.se. We wish you a
happy digital experience. Have fun! – The Elektron Team
3
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 off 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 different from that to which the
receiver is connected. · Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Canada This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet
appareil numerique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003.
4
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. 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.
5
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. Connect the unit to an
easily accessible electrical outlet close to the unit. 5. When transporting
the unit, preferably use accessories recommended by the manufacturer or the
box and padding the unit was originally shipped in. 6. Do not install near any
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance
(including amplifiers) emitting heat. 7. Do not put the PL-2S Protective Cover
(Elektron accessory) on the unit while the unit is powered on. 8. This
product, in combination with an amplifier and speakers or headphones, is
capable of producing sound levels that can cause permanent hearing loss. Do
not operate for a long period of time 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 an extended 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.
6
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.
SOUND PEAKS · A brief signal will be sent to all audio outputs of the Digitakt
when the Test mode on the
Early Startup menu is activated. Remember to turn down the volume on all
speakers and headphones before activating Test mode. · During calibration
there will be loud and unpleasant sounds on all audio outputs. Disconnect
these during calibration.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE POWER ADAPTER · 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 as long as the cord is connected to the
power outlet. Pull out the power cord to completely disconnect the adapter. ·
In the EU, only use CE approved power cords.
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 1.1 CONVENTIONS IN
THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .10
2. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS…………………………………………………………………… 11 2.1 FRONT PANEL
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.14 2.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING DIGITAKT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3. SOUND ARCHITECTURE ………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 3.1 AUDIO VOICES.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 3.2 EFFECTS. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4. THE USER INTERFACE ……………………………………………………………………………………………17 4.1 SCREEN
NAVIGATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.2 PARAMETER EDITING . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.3 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.4 [FUNC] KEY PRESS COMBINATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.5 QUICK SCROLLING. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .18 4.6 COPY, CLEAR AND PASTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
4.7 THE NAMING SCREEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 4.8 OVERBRIDGE . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 4.9 CLASS COMPLIANT DEVICE. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 20
5. EXPERIMENTING WITH PATTERNS …………………………………………………………………….. 21 5.1 PLAYING
THE FACTORY PRESETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.2 USING CHROMATIC MODE . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 21 5.3 USING MUTE MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.4 TEMPO .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6. ABOUT THE TRACKS ……………………………………………………………………………………………..23 6.1 THE AUDIO
TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8
6.2 THE MIDI TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 6.3 EDITING THE
TRACKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 7. THE SEQUENCER
……………………………………………………………………………………………………24 7.1 SELECTING A PATTERN . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 24 7.2 PATTERN CONTROL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
7.3 PATTERN RECORDING MODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 7.4 TRIG TYPES . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 7.5 THE TRIG PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 25 7.6 GRID RECORDING MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 7.7
LIVE RECORDING MODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 7.8 STEP RECORDING MODE. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 26 7.9 PARAMETER LOCKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 7.10 PATTERN SCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 7.11 PATTERN
SWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 8.
SAMPLING……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28 8.1 SAMPLING FROM THE
EXTERNAL INPUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 28 8.2 ASSIGNING A SAMPLE TO A TRACK FROM THE +DRIVE . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 29 8.3 SAMPLE PLAYBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 30 9. TECHNICAL INFORMATION…………………………………………………………………………………..32 10. CREDITS
AND CONTACT INFORMATION …………………………………………………………..33
9
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL The following conventions are used throughout
the manual: Key names are written in upper case, bold style and within
brackets. For instance, the key labeled “FUNC” on the main panel is written as
[FUNC]. Knobs are written in upper case, bold, italic letters. For instance,
the knob “Level/Data” is called LEVEL/DATA. LED indicators like the Chromatic
LED are written like this:
10
2. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS
2.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1
2
3
4
5
6 78
Left
Right Input L Input R
MIDI In
MIDI Out Sync A
MIDI Thru Sync B
9
USB
DC In
Power
8 Voice Digital Drum Computer & Sampler
Master Volume
A
B
C
D
21
Level/Data Sound Browser
20
FUNC
19
TRK
18
Chromatic
17 16
15
PTN
Metronome
14
BANK
Mute Mode
Digitakt
E
F
G
H
TRIG
SRC
FLTR
AMP
LFO
10
Quantize
Assign
Delay
Reverb
Master
Imp/Exp Save Proj Direct Tap Tempo
YES Save Ptn
Rtrg/Oct+
11
1:4 2:4 3:4 4:4
Copy
Clear
Paste
NO
PAGE
12
Reload Ptn Time – Rtrg/Oct – Time +
Fill/Scale
KICK
SNARE
TOM
CLAP
COWBELL CLOSED HAT OPEN HAT
CYMBAL Quick Mute
13
MIDI A
MIDI B
MIDI C
MIDI D
MIDI E
MIDI F
MIDI G
MIDI H
1. MASTER VOLUME sets the volume for the main outputs and the headphones
output. 2. Screen. 3. [SONG MODE] opens SONG mode screen where different SONG
mode related
actions are performed. The secondary function accesses the Import/Export menu.
11
4. [SETTINGS] contains the management of projects, MIDI configuration, and
the System settings. The secondary function saves the current project.
5. [SAMPLING] opens the SAMPLING menu, where you perform the sampling. The
secondary function starts Direct Sampling.
6. [TEMPO] opens the TEMPO menu, where you can adjust the global/pattern
tempo and also adjust the swing. The secondary function makes it possible to
tap the tempo.
7. [NO] key. Used for exiting an active menu, backing one step and negating.
The secondary function is to temporary reload the active pattern.
8. [YES] key. Used for entering sub-menus, selecting and confirming. The
secondary function is to temporary save the active pattern.
9. DATA ENTRY knobs A-H. Used for setting parameter values. Press and turn
the knobs to change values in larger increments.
[PARAMETER] keys access the PARAMETER pages of the active track. · [TRIG
PARAMETERS] accesses parameters such as NOTE, VELOCITY, and other trig related
parameters. The secondary function accesses the QUANTIZE menu. · [SRC] takes
you to the SOURCE page that deals with sample playback on audio tracks. For
MIDI tracks this page has parameters such as CHANNEL, PROGRAM, and AFTERTOUCH.
The secondary function accesses the MACHINE menu. · [FLTR] accesses the FILTER
page. Here you find parameters for the multimode filter and its filter
envelope for the audio tracks. The secondary function accesses the DELAY page.
· [AMP] takes you to the AMP page, where you find parameters for the amplitude
envelope and effect sends. On MIDI tracks you find the CC settings here. The
secondary function accesses the REVERB page. · [LFO] accesses the LFO
parameters for the active track. The secondary function accesses the MASTER
pages.
10. The [ARROW] keys. Used for navigation and for setting some parameter
values. In menus, they are called [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT] and [RIGHT].
11. [PAGE] selects the active pattern page, if the pattern is made up of more
than 16 steps. The
12
consists of and which pattern page is currently active. The LED flashes on the
pattern page currently playing. The secondary function accesses the SCALE
menu. Pressing this key also activates Fill Mode (when GRID RECORDING mode is
not active).
12. [TRIG] keys are used for entering or removing sequencer trigs, and
parameter locks, in combination with the DATA ENTRY knobs. They are also used
to select a track, bank, and pattern, in combination with the [TRK], [PTN],
and [BANK] keys. The [TRIG] keys are also used as a keyboard in CHROMATIC
mode. The secondary function is to Quick Mute tracks. The [TRIG] keys lights
indicate trigs on the sequencer by lit red keys, while flashing red keys
indicates parameter locks, in GRID RECORDING and STEP RECORDING modes. When a
pattern is playing, or when LIVE RECORDING is enabled, a light “runs” along
the 16 steps of the sequencer across all (up to four) pages at the set tempo.
13. [BANK] selects bank AH in combination with the [TRIG 916] keys. The
secondary function accesses the MUTE Mode.
14. [PTN] selects pattern 116 in combination with the [TRIG 116] keys. The
secondary function opens the METRONOME menu.
15. [STOP] stops playback. The secondary function is the paste operation.
16. [PLAY] starts the sequencer playback. Pressing [PLAY] a second time
pauses playback. The secondary function is the clear operation.
17. [RECORD] key. Activates/deactivates GRID RECORDING mode. Press [RECORD] +
[PLAY], to activate LIVE RECORDING mode. Press [RECORD] + [STOP], to activate
STEP RECORDING mode. The secondary function is the copy operation.
18. [TRK] key. Press [TRK] + one of the [TRIG] keys to select a track for
editing. The secondary function accesses the CHROMATIC mode.
19. [FUNC] key. Press, hold and press another key to access the secondary
function of that key. The secondary functions are written in orange on the
Digitakt front panel.
20. LEVEL/DATA sets the overall volume level of the active track. It is also
used for setting parameters and scrolling through lists. The secondary
function opens the SOUND BROWSER.
13
2.2 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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 or Overbridge use.
Use the included A to B USB 2.0 connector cable to connect to a computer host.
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. 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. INPUT L/R, Audio inputs. Use a 1/4″ mono phone plug (unbalanced
connection). 8. 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). 9. HEADPHONES, Audio output for stereo headphones. Use 1/4″
(Tip/Ring/Sleeve) phone plug.
14
2.3 SETTING UP AND STARTING DIGITAKT Make sure you place the Digitakt on a
stable support, such as a sturdy table, with sufficient space for the cables.
Make sure to switch off all devices before you connect the Digitakt to other
devices. 1. Plug the supplied DC adapter to a power outlet and connect the
small plug to the 12 V
DC In on the Digitakt. 2. Connect OUTPUT L/R from the Digitakt to your mixer
or amplifier. 3. To control the Digitakt from a computer, connect a USB cable
between the computer
and the USB connector of the Digitakt. 4. If you want to use MIDI to control
the Digitakt, connect the MIDI OUT port of the device
you wish to send data from to the MIDI IN port of the Digitakt. The MIDI THRU
port duplicates the data arriving at the MIDI IN port, so it can be used for
chaining MIDI units together. If you want to use Digitakt to control other
devices using MIDI, connect the MIDI OUT port of the Digitakt to the MIDI IN
port of the of the device you want to control. 5. If you want to sample audio
from external sources, connect the audio source to INPUT L/R or via USB. 6.
Switch on all units. Switch on the Digitakt by pressing the Power switch
located at the back of the unit.
15
3. SOUND ARCHITECTURE
The illustrations below show the Digitakt sound architecture, with its eight
audio voices, two send effects (delay and reverb), and master effect
(compressor).
3.1 AUDIO VOICES
SAMPLE PLAYBACK
ENGINE
FILTER ENVELOPE
OVERDRIVE
AMP
BASE-WIDTH MULTIMODE
FILTER/EQ
FILTER
AMP ENVELOPE
PAN
TO MIXER
DELAY SEND
REVERB SEND
3.2 EFFECTS
FROM EFFECT SENDS
DELAY
TO MIXER
REVERB SEND
REVERB TO MIXER OR OUTPUTS L/R
DELAY RETURNS
FROM USB
FROM AUDIO VOICES FROM INPUT L/R
MIXER
COMPRESSOR
PRE COMP
POST COMP
REVERB RETURNS
OUTPUTS L/R
16
4. THE USER INTERFACE
The screen shows all the information needed for real-time interaction and
editing on the Digitakt. The eight DATA ENTRY knob parameters shown will vary
depending on the given situation. Below is the main interface screen of the
SRC page.
1
2
3
7
6
4
5
1. The current bank and pattern. 2. The current pattern name. 3. The current
tempo. 4. Eight track parameters. They show what the DATA ENTRY knobs control
and their
current parameter values. 5. The main volume setting of the active track. Use
the LEVEL/DATA knob to change the
volume setting. 6. The current track number/letter. 7. Track type. Audio (SMP)
track or MIDI (MID) track.
4.1 SCREEN NAVIGATION Use the [ARROW] keys [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT] or [RIGHT] to
navigate menus or sub-menus. The LEVEL/DATA knob can be used to scroll through
menus and lists quickly.
17
[YES] is used to affirm, select, enter sub-menus and tick/untick boxes. [NO]
is used to negate, deselect or go back one or more steps.
4.2 PARAMETER EDITING The DATA ENTRY knobs are used to change the values of
the track parameters. The positions of the parameters 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 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] key + [PLAY] to reset all the parameters in
the selected parame-
ter page to default values. · Press and hold a [PARAMETER] key to see the
exact values of the parameters.
4.3 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP Pressing [FUNC] while editing certain parameters will
make the parameter values jump to appropriate positions. The time of the
Delay, for example, doubles and halves the value, while the sample tuning will
jump in whole octaves.
4.4 [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 make a short
press on 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.
4.5 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.
18
4.6 COPY, CLEAR AND PASTE Copy, clear and paste commands are available in a
lot of contexts. Pressing [FUNC] + [REC] to copy. Press [FUNC] + [STOP] to
paste. Press [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear. Paste and clear operations is undone by
repeating the key press combination. See the different sections in the
Digitakt User Manual for more information on when these commands are
available.. 4.7 THE NAMING SCREEN The naming method is identical for the
various naming situations that appear when you save samples, 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] will erase letters. Press and hold [FUNC] to
access the pop-up naming menu. 4.8 OVERBRIDGE The Overbridge software suite
enables a tight integration between the Digitakt and a computer DAW. When
using Overbridge, the user interface for the Digitakt will present itself as a
clearly laid out plug-in window in your DAW. Access, edit, or automate
parameters for sound
19
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 convenient
total recall functionality. To use Overbridge, you need a Digitakt, a USB
cable, a computer running Overbridge, and a DAW. Read more about Overbridge
for Digitakt on the Elektron website. Please read the Overbridge User Manual
(available on the Elektron website in the Support section) to learn more about
its setup, uses, and capabilities. 4.9 CLASS COMPLIANT DEVICE The Digitakt is
a class compliant device (also known as plug-and-play). It means it does not
require any extra drivers to connect to your computer or other USB class
compliant hosts. The Digitakt can, therefore, stream audio and MIDI directly
over USB to and from supported computers/phones/tablets. It opens up several
exciting possibilities of what you can do with your device, for example,
record audio from your device directly over USB in your DAW.
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5. EXPERIMENTING WITH PATTERNS
5.1 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESETS You can find a number of preset patterns,
Sounds, and samples in the Digitakt. Follow the instructions below to get
started 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] key 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 will start 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.
5.2 USING CHROMATIC MODE You can use the [TRIG] keys to play any audio track
sample chromatically.
1. Select the audio track to play chromatically by pressing [TRK] + one of
the [TRIG 18] keys.
2. Press [FUNC] + [TRK] to enter CHROMATIC mode. The [TRIG] keys will light
up in a pattern that resembles an octave of a piano keyboard layout. Only lit
keys are playable.
3. Play the [TRIG] keys. The active track Sound will be pitched differently
for each of the playable keys. Press the [ARROW] keys [UP] or [DOWN], to
transpose the virtual keyboard up or down one octave.
5.3 USING MUTE MODE You can mute any of the sequencer tracks in this mode.
Unlike CHROMATIC mode, it makes no difference which track is active when this
mode is activated. You can access all tracks simultaneously.
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1. Make sure a pattern is playing. 2. Press the [FUNC] + [BANK] key to enter
MUTE mode. 3. Press any of the [TRIG] keys to mute the corresponding track.
Press again to un-
mute. The color of the [TRIG] keys indicates the mute status. Unlit keys are
muted tracks. Green keys are active tracks. 5.4 TEMPO To change the BPM
setting, open the TEMPO menu by pressing the [TEMPO] key. Use the LEVEL/DATA
knob to change tempo. Pressing the knob while turning it changes the tempo
eight BPM at a time. The [ARROW] keys [UP] or [DOWN] change the tempo in
fractional steps. Note that you can set both a tempo and a separate tempo for
every pattern. On the main interface screen, press and hold [ARROW] keys
[LEFT] or [RIGHT] to nudge the tempo 10% up or down temporarily. Release the
key to revert to the original tempo.
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6. ABOUT THE TRACKS
6.1 THE AUDIO TRACKS The Digitakt has eight audio tracks. Each audio track
contains one sound and the parameter settings in the PARAMETER pages TRIG,
SRC, FLTR, AMP, and LFO.
To select an audio track to edit, press and hold [TRK] key and then press one
of the [TRIG 18] keys.
6.2 THE MIDI TRACKS The Digitakt also has eight dedicated MIDI tracks. The
MIDI tracks are used to control external MIDI-equipped gear. Each MIDI track
can trigger a chord of up to 4 notes with adjustable parameters such as
velocity and length, control pitch bend and aftertouch as well as 8 freely
assignable MIDI control change parameters (MIDI CCs).
The MIDI tracks function almost the same way as the Audio tracks, with
features such as parameter locks, LFO modulation, micro timing, trig
conditions, individual track length and time signature settings.
To select a MIDI track to edit, press and hold [TRK] key and then press one of
the [TRIG 916] keys.
6.3 EDITING THE TRACKS The five [PARAMETER] keys open parameter pages that are
used for editing the tracks. The TRIG page contains different parameters such
as NOTE, VELOCITY, and other trig related parameters. The SRC page hosts the
parameters that deal with sample selection and editing of samples on audio
tracks. For MIDI tracks this page has parameters such as CHANNEL, PROGRAM, and
AFTERTOUCH. On the FLTR page, you find parameters for the multimode filter and
its filter envelope for the audio tracks. The AMP page for audio tracks hosts
parameters for the amplitude envelope and effect sends. On MIDI tracks you
find the CC 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.
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7. THE SEQUENCER
The Digitakt’s sequencer stores its information in patterns. A pattern
controls the playback of the audio tracks and the MIDI tracks by the trigs
entered on the sequencer.
7.1 SELECTING A PATTERN 1. Press [BANK] + [TRIG 916] key to select bank AH.
2. Press [PTN] + [TRIG 116] key to select pattern 116.
Patterns containing data are indicated with white [TRIG] keys. The currently
active pattern is indicated by a red [TRIG] key. Empty pattern slots are
indicated with unlit [TRIG] keys.
7.2 PATTERN CONTROL Press [PLAY] to start the playback of a pattern. Press
[PLAY] again to pause. Press [STOP] to stop the playback. The audio will be
cut off, but effects like the delay will continue to be heard until the delay
repeats have faded out. Quickly press [STOP] twice to stop playback of all
tracks and the fade out of the send effects. If you change patterns during
playback, the patterns will change after the current playing pattern reaches
its end.
7.3 PATTERN RECORDING MODES Digitakt offers three main modes of input when
creating or editing a pattern, GRID RECORDING mode, LIVE RECORDING mode, and
STEP RECORDING mode. To create a new pattern first select an empty pattern
slot in one of the banks.
7.4 TRIG TYPES You can use two types of trigs, note trigs and lock trigs, in
the RECORDING modes. Note trigs trig Sounds or MIDI notes on the chosen track
while lock trigs can be used to apply parameter locks without trigging notes.
Note trigs are indicated by red [TRIG] keys and lock trigs are indicated by
yellow [TRIG] keys. Unlit [TRIG] keys indicates steps that does not contain
any trigs.
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7.5 THE TRIG PAGE Press [TRIG] to specify the general trig actions for the
active track. Use the DATA ENTRY knobs to change settings. Note that parameter
locked trig settings will override the general settings.
7.6 GRID RECORDING MODE GRID RECORDING is a method of composing where you use
the [TRIG] keys to add trigs in the pattern grid.
1. Enter GRID RECORDING mode by pressing the [REC] key. The [REC] key lights
up red to indicate that GRID RECORDING mode is active.
2. Select the track to which you want to add trigs by pressing and holding
[TRACK] and then one of the [TRIG] keys. The active track is indicated by a
red [TRIG] key.
3. Place note trigs on the sequencer using the sixteen [TRIG] keys. To add a
lock trig, press [FUNCTION] and [TRIG]. Lock trigs may be entered on any step
of the sequencer, including ones containing note trigs. Quickly pressing the
[TRIG] key of any of the trigs entered will remove the trig. Pressing a [TRIG]
key of a trig and holding it slightly longer will prepare the trig for
editing, rather than removing it.
4. Select another track, and add note trigs and lock trigs. Repeat the
procedure for all the tracks you want to use.
5. Press [PLAY] to listen to the sequence.
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7.7 LIVE RECORDING MODE LIVE RECORDING mode is the second method of adding
trigs to the tracks. In this recording mode, all the [TRIG] keys are played in
real time to input trigs to the tracks. It is also possible to enter parameter
locks in real time.
1. Press and hold [RECORD], then press [PLAY] to enter LIVE RECORDING mode.
(Press [PLAY] twice while keeping the [RECORD] key pressed to
activate/deactivate automatic quantization.) The sequencer will start to play,
and the [RECORD] key will start to flash red.
2. Enter trigs to all tracks of the sequencer in real time by tapping the
[TRIG] keys.
3. Press [PLAY] to exit LIVE RECORDING mode while keeping the sequencer
playing. If LIVE RECORDING mode is active and [RECORD] is pressed, GRID
RECORDING mode will be activated.
4. Press [STOP] to stop both recording and playback of the sequencer.
7.8 STEP RECORDING MODE STEP RECORDING is a quick and straightforward method
of placing trigs on the sequencer. In this recording mode, you insert notes by
pressing the [TRIG] keys or via an external MIDI controller. The sequencer
then captures the note and automatically advances to the next step.
1. Press [RECORD] + [STOP] to enter STEP RECORDING mode. The [RECORD] key
starts to double-blink red. (Press [STOP] twice while keeping the [RECORD] key
pressed to toggle between STANDARD and JUMP mode).
2. Press a [TRIG] key to select the active step to where you want to start to
add note trigs. The active step is shown with a green [TRIG] key that double-
blinks. (If positioned on an earlier placed trig, it inherits the light
pattern of that trig). You can also use [LEFT]/[RIGHT] to select the active
step or skip steps.
3. Press and hold [FUNC] and then press [TRIG 116] key to add a note trig on
the corresponding track to the active step. The active step then automatically
advances to the next step.
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7.9 PARAMETER LOCKS Parameter locks enable all trigs to have their own unique
parameter values. The note trigs of an audio track can, for example, have
different pitch, amp or filter settings. It is possible to parameter lock all
parameters found on the PARAMETER pages, and you can apply parameter locks to
all types of tracks.
In GRID RECORDING and STEP RECORDING mode, press and hold the [TRIG] key of a
trig and then adjust the parameters you want to lock using the DATA ENTRY
knobs to apply parameter locks. The graphics on the screen becomes inverted
for the locked parameter and shows the locked parameter value. The [TRIG] key
of the locked trig will begin to flash, to indicate that the trig now contains
a parameter lock.
In LIVE RECORDING mode, turn a DATA ENTRY knob to add parameter locks to the
active track. The parameter will be locked accordingly and placed on the
sequencer steps.
7.10 PATTERN SCALE It is possible to change the length and timing of the
pattern. The leftmost figure on the screen shows the number of steps in the
pattern. The total length which is shown on the right determines the maximum
number of steps. The rightmost figure controls the time signature of the
pattern. If you use 17 steps or more in a pattern, the [PAGE] key can is to
toggle between the different pattern pages when in GRID RECORDING mode.
1. Press [FUNC] + [PAGE] to access the scale menu.
2. Use the [ARROW] keys [LEFT] and [RIGHT] to toggle between step length and
scale.
3. Use the [ARROW] keys [UP] and [DOWN] to change the settings. You can also
use the LEVEL/DATA knob to change settings.
7.11 PATTERN SWING Adjust the swing setting of the pattern, to employ a
propulsive, rhythmic groove.
1. Press [TEMPO] to access the tempo/swing menu.
2. Set the SWING ratio from 50% to 80%, by turning DATA ENTRY knob E. The
default setting is equal spacing, 50%.
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8. SAMPLING
Digitakt can also sample audio. It can sample audio from external sources via
the external inputs or USB, and it can also sample audio internally from the
Digitakt itself.
8.1 SAMPLING FROM THE EXTERNAL INPUTS 1. Connect your audio source to the
INPUT L/R inputs of the Digitakt. 2. Press [SAMPLING] to access the SAMPLING
menu and then use DATA ENTRY knob G to set SOURCE to IN L+R. 3. Keep an eye on
the audio input meter and play the audio source and make sure that the volume
of the audio source is as strong as possible, but without clipping. Set MON to
YES to monitor the incoming audio through the Digitakt. 4. Again, with an eye
on the audio input meter and use DATA ENTRY knob F to set THRESHOLD just above
the indicated background noise of the audio source (when it is not playing).
5. Use RLEN to set the length of the sampling. 6. Press [YES] to arm the
sampling and then play the sound source. When the input audio exceeds the set
THRESHOLD level, sampling will start. 7. Press [YES] when you want to stop the
sampling. 8. Use the DATA ENTRY knobs A and C to set the parameters TRIM START
and TRIM END to trim the sample to the desired length. You can use the DATA
ENTRY knobs B and D to zoom in and out to make it easier to see where to trim
the sample. Press
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[FUNC] + [YES] to preview the sample.
9. Press [YES] to save the sample. 10. Name your sample and press [YES] again
to confirm the save. 11. Press [TRACK 18] to select the track to where you
want to assign the sample.
8.2 ASSIGNING A SAMPLE TO A TRACK FROM THE +DRIVE You can also assign samples
from the +Drive storage in the Digitakt to the tracks.
1. Press [SETTINGS] to access the SETTINGS menu, and then select SAMPLES and
press [YES].
2. Use the [ARROW] keys to navigate to the sample you want to assign, and
then press [YES] to select the sample.
3. Press [RIGHT], and then select LOAD TO PROJ and press [YES] to copy and
load the sample to the project.
4. Press [YES] to confirm. 5. Press [FUNC] + [SETTINGS] to exit SETTINGS
menu. 6. Press [TRACK] + [TRIG 18] to select the track to where you want to
assign the
sample. 7. Press [SRC] access the SOURCE menu, and then use DATA ENTRY knob D
to
select the sample you want to load. 8. Press [YES] to load the sample to the
track.
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8.3 SAMPLE PLAYBACK Once the sample is assigned to a track it can be triggered
either by the sequencer or manually by pressing a [TRIG] key. You also have to
ability to set the sample’s play mode and edit what portion of the sample is
played.
1. Press [SRC] to access the SOURCE page. 2. Use DATA ENTRY knob B to set the
PLAY MODE behavior of the sample.
· REVERSE The sample will be played back in reverse once every time it is
trigged. · REVERSE LOOP The sample will loop continuously in reverse between
Loop Position and Length. How long it will loop for is set with the LEN
parameter on the TRIG page The loop time is also constrained by the AMP page
envelope parameter settings HLD and DEC. · FORWARD LOOP The sample will loop
continuously between Loop Position and Length. How long it will loop for is
set with the LEN parameter on the TRIG page. The loop time is also constrained
by the AMP page envelope parameters HLD and DEC. · FORWARD The sample will be
played back once every time it is trigged. 3. Use DATA ENTRY knobs E, F, and G
to set the STRT, LEN, and LOOP parameters which define what portion of the
sample is played. Press [SRC] twice to access SRC page 2, in order to more
easily see these settings using the sample waveform.
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· STRT Start sets the start position for the playback of the sample.
· LEN Length sets the length of the playback of the sample. Start + Length
effectively defines the end point of the portion of the sample that is played.
· LOP Loop Position sets the position in the sample to where playback will
return after reaching the Length Position (defined by STRT + LEN) if PLAY MODE
is set to FORWARD LOOP or REVERSE LOOP. The sample then loops between the end
of LEN, and LOOP.
The STRT, LEN, and LOOP parameters.
Start
Loop Position Length
FORWARD LOOP play mode.
Loop Start Position
Length
Start Length
Loop Position
Loop Position Start
Length
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9. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Impedance balanced audio outputs Main outputs level: +22 dBu peak Output
impedance: 440 unbalanced Digital S/N ratio: 108 dB (2020,000 Hz)
Headphones output Headphones out level: +22 dBu peak Output impedance: 55
Audio inputs Input level: +19 dBu peak Audio input impedance: 11 k Digital S/N
ratio: 110 dB (2020,000 Hz)
Unit power consumption: 7 W typical Compatible Elektron power supply:
PSU-3/b/c
HARDWARE
128×64 pixel OLED screen MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync out 2×1/4″ impedance
balanced audio out jacks 2×1/4″ audio in jacks 1×1/4″ stereo headphone jack 48
kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters Electrically isolated hi-speed USB 2.0 port
Power inlet: Center positive 5.5×2.5 mm barrel jack, 12 V DC, 1 A
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Sturdy steel casing Dimensions: W215×D176×H63 mm (8.5″×6.9″×2.5″) (including
knobs and feet) Weight: approximately 1.45 kg (3.2 lbs) 100×100 mm VESA
mounting holes. Use M4 screws with a max length of 7 mm. Maximum recommended
ambient operating temperature: +40°C (+104°F)
32
10. CREDITS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
CREDITS
PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Oscar Albinsson Johannes Algelind Ali Alper
Çakir Shelby Cinca Ufuk Demir Oscar Dragen Magnus Forsell Anders Gärder Fabian
Hundertmark Thomas Jansson Christer Lindström Jimmy Myhrman Jon Mårtensson
Viktor Nilsson Jean Michel Pepin David Revelj Mattias Rickardsson Martin Sigby
Gösta Welmer
ADDITIONAL DESIGN Johan Damerau Ufuk Demir Thomas Ekelund Simon Mattisson Olle
Petersson Cenk Sayinli
DOCUMENTATION Erik Ångman
CONTACT INFORMATION
ELEKTRON WEBSITE http://www.elektron.se
OFFICE ADDRESS Elektron Music Machines MAV AB Banehagsliden 5 SE-414 51
Gothenburg Sweden
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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. Items belonging to the Elektron Style range of products
(t-shirts, stickers, posters etc.) are not covered by this warranty.
This warranty does not cover (a) damage, deterioration or malfunction
resulting from accident, negligence, misuse, abuse, improper installation or
operation or failure to follow instructions according to either the Quick
Guide manual or the full User Manual for this product; any shipment of the
product (claims must be presented to the carrier); repair or attempted repair
by anyone other than Elektron or a certified Elektron repair center (b) any
unit which has been altered or on which the serial number has been defaced,
modified or removed; (c) normal wear and any periodic maintenance; (d)
deterioration due to perspiration, corrosive atmosphere or other external
causes such as extremes in temperature or humidity; (e) damages attributable
to power line surge or related electrical abnormalities, lightning damage or
acts of God; or (f) RFI/EMI (interference/noise) caused by improper grounding
or the improper use of either certified or uncertified equipment, if
applicable.
Warranty service procedure for machines bought from a retailer
Please contact their support if you need warranty service. You will then be
guided how to proceed with your errand. Note that the Elektron three year
limited warranty is in addition to any warranty your retailer may offer.
Warranty service procedure for machines bought from the Elektron Online Shop
Contact the Elektron Support at www.elektron.se if you need warranty service.
You cannot send a unit to a certified Elektron repair center unless agreed to
by Elektron. The customer is responsible for shipping charges if the machine
needs to be shipped to a certified Elektron repair center for warranty
service. Elektron covers the shipping back to the customer during the warranty
period. Should the unit be dead on arrival, or if the hardware malfunctions
within 2 weeks of the original purchase date, Elektron will cover the shipping
to a certified Elektron repair center.
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4115ENG-L
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>