Elektron Syntakt 12-voice Drum Computer and Synthesizer
- Four expressive modifiers
- Keyboard mode with 36 different scales
- Sequencer: 64 steps per pattern and track
- MIDI In/Out/Thru
Elektron Syntakt Review
After a few quiet years, Elektron’s newest instrument is finally here: the Syntakt—a 12-track drum computer and synthesizer with both analog and digital synthesis capabilities. This hybrid drum machine and groovebox is the third member of the beloved Digi-series, following the Digitakt sampler and Digitone FM synthesizer. Syntakt completes the trio with its focus on powerful drum synthesis and live performance.
Most noticeably, Syntakt looks and functions a lot like its close sibling, the Digitakt. However, instead of using samples, it relies on synthesis for its drum machine sound palette.
At its core, Syntakt is a Digi-format instrument and follows the same streamlined menu structure, organization system, and parameterization style as the Digitakt and Digitone. Within a single Project, 128 Patterns store almost all the data for all 12 tracks, including both sound and sequencer settings.
Each Project has a Sound Pool, which holds 128 different sounds accessible across all patterns. These sounds can be triggered on a per-step basis within the sequencer using sound locks. On top of that, Syntakt supports full Overbridge compatibility and works as a class-compliant USB audio interface with computers, phones, and tablets, just like the other Digi models.
Elektron Syntakt Machines
The sound engine is built around “machines,” which you can think of as specialized algorithms. These ready-made programs bundle together numerous parameters, making sound design straightforward and intuitive.
On the first three drum tracks, you can choose from 15 different machine programs, including a variety of bass drums, snare drums, rimshot, a dual VCO synth, impulse generator, and noise generator.
The fourth and final analog track (cymbal) offers another 12 unique machines, such as hi-hats, cymbal, cowbell, impulse, and noise. Each analog track also gives you access to analog overdrive, an analog multi-mode filter, and two assignable LFOs.
On the remaining eight tracks, you can explore versatile digital machines with 10 options to choose from: bass drum, snare drum, cymbal/hi-hat, percussion, clap, and four tonal synths. Each digital track features a digital overdrive, multi-mode filter, base-width filter, and two LFOs.
Just like on the Digitakt and Digitone, all parameters are displayed with vivid, animated icons, giving you instant visual feedback and making sound tweaking both easy and fun.
Syntakt Effects
There are tons of effects options, too: delay, reverb, analog stereo overdrive, and an analog stereo multimode filter, plus two LFOs. You can assign these to every track, or even use them with an external input. The Syntakt works just as well as a multi-effects box as it does a synth, or you can use it as a combination of both.
There are also send reverb and delay effects. What might not be obvious is that you can route anything through the Analog FX Block, both from internal sources and external inputs.
Syntakt Sound Shaping
Another highlight of the Syntakt is its flexible audio routing. You can route any of your synth tracks or external audio sources through the FX box, which provides analog distortion and filtering, as well as a couple of LFOs. Plus, you can also run them through delay and reverb effects. This means the Syntakt is not just a powerful groovebox, but can also serve as your FXTAKT for external sources.
Along with a multi-mode filter for each track, you get two amplitude envelopes: an ADSR for rich synth lines and an AHD—perfect for sharp, percussive sounds. Each track also features two fully-equipped multi-wave LFOs with a variety of modulation destinations. In short, there are plenty of creative tools to help you shape your sounds in exciting new ways.
The Rear Panel
The rear panel offers a full range of I/O options. You’ll find stereo inputs and outputs on four quarter-inch jacks, along with MIDI In, Thru, and Out on standard DIN connectors. There’s also a headphone output on a separate quarter-inch jack, and a USB connection that provides class-compliant audio to your computer at 24-bit/48kHz, as well as MIDI over USB. Power is supplied by an external 12V PSU.
Syntakt Sequencer
Elektron devices are beloved by many musicians for their deep and inventive sequencers, and that tradition continues here. Syntakt features a 64-step sequencer with the classic parameter locks functionality, making it quick and intuitive to capture both notes and parameter changes in your sequences.
Of course, it also supports individual pattern lengths per track, individual time scale multipliers per track, trig conditions and probability, retrigger, and micro timing—much of what we’ve come to expect from previous devices.
The new modifiers mentioned earlier, which add new expressive possibilities, can also be recorded into the sequencer. The same goes for the effects. This way, you can precisely plan the input and output phases of the delay or reverb, or selectively shape your sounds.
- 12 Voice Analog + Digital Drum Machine and Synthesizer
- 8 digital voices and 4 analog voices (3 Analog Drum and 1 Analog Cymbal)
- Over 30 different Machines parameterize voices for specific musical goals
- Analog oscillators and multimode filter on analog tracks
- Signature Elektron sequencer with up to 64 steps per track, Parameter Locks, and more
- New Trig Modifiers allow for performative control over retriggering, velocity, and two assignable parameters
- FX Track with its own sequencer, analog filter, analog VCA, digital LFOs
- Delay and Reverb send effects
- Tracks may be configured for audio or MIDI sequencing
- External audio inputs allow for mixing and FX Track processing of outside sources
- Full Overbridge support
- Operational as a Class-Compliant USB audio interface
Why You Need the Elektron Syntakt
Honestly, for anyone who’s been waiting for a brand new Elektron box to use as the hub of their live rig, there’s really no reason not to think this is finally it. Sure, it’s more square-shaped than rectangular—which might throw off long-time Elektron purists—but still!
It comes loaded with 4-note polyphony per step, 8 assignable CC controls, and 1 LFO per track. Okay, it’s not a fully-featured sequencer, but the combination of multi-engine internal sound machines, external audio processing, analog and digital options, and 6 tracks with MIDI means it can absolutely be the centerpiece alongside other gear.
And of course, all the classic performance features are here: trig conditions, trig probability, retrig, and micro timing. In short, your sequences can be creative and non-repetitive—not stuck in a boring loop.
Plus, you get +DRIVE and the familiar project/pattern/sound pool workflow, all of which becomes second nature as you dive into more Elektron gear, especially with the recent improvements in their Transfer app.
Conclusion
We believe we’ve provided plenty of details about the Elektron Syntakt unit, and if you’re on the fence about whether or not to get this device, we hope this gives you that extra push to go for it. The Syntakt is a powerful instrument that will definitely enhance your music production toolkit.
If you have any questions about the Syntakt, feel free to leave a comment below or contact Elektron directly.
