The Elektron Digitone II represents a significant evolution of Elektron's acclaimed FM groovebox, transforming it from a 4-track into a comprehensive 16-track synthesis powerhouse. This MkII revision maintains the intuitive Elektron workflow while dramatically expanding creative possibilities through increased polyphony, new synthesis engines, and enhanced sequencing capabilities.

At its core, the Digitone II is a digital synthesizer and sequencer that excels both as a standalone composition tool and as part of a larger studio setup. The unit's most dramatic improvement is the expansion from 4 to 16 synthesis tracks, supported by doubled 16-voice polyphony. This enhancement allows users to create complete arrangements within the device, utilizing it as both a melodic synthesizer and a comprehensive drum machine without track limitations.

The original 4-operator FM synthesis engine (now called FM Tone) remains the foundation, offering classic DX-style frequency modulation with user-friendly controls and eight preset algorithms. However, the Digitone II now incorporates three additional synthesis engines: FM Drum for percussive sounds combining 3-op FM with noise and PCM elements, Wavetone for classic subtractive synthesis with two wavetable oscillators and phase distortion, and Swarmer for supersaw-style stacked oscillator sounds perfect for pads and leads.

The enhanced filter section features multiple engines including Multi-Mode morphing filters, warmer Lowpass modes, parametric EQ, and specialized Comb filters that enable Karplus-Strong physical modeling techniques. These additions transform the Digitone II from purely an FM instrument into a versatile synthesis platform capable of everything from vintage analog emulation to modern digital textures.

Sequencing improvements mirror those found in the Digitakt II, with pattern lengths extended to 128 steps across eight pages. The new Note Edit mode provides precise control over individual notes within chords, while features like Euclidean sequencing, improved parameter layouts, and enhanced pattern management streamline the creative workflow. The addition of master Chorus and Overdrive effects, along with flexible track routing options, further enhances the unit's production capabilities.

Whether used as a standalone groovebox, a multitimbral sound module, or integrated via Overbridge as a DAW plugin, the Digitone II offers exceptional versatility for electronic music production across genres.

Technical Specifications

Synthesis & Sound Generation

• Polyphony: 16 voices
• Synthesis Tracks: 16 total (configurable as synth or MIDI tracks)
• Synthesis Engines (4 selectable SYN machines):
  • FM Tone (multiple FM algorithms)
  • FM Drum
  • Wavetone
  • Swarmer
• Per Voice Processing:
  • 1 × digital base-width filter
  • 1 × digital overdrive
  • 1 × digital bit reduction
  • 1 × digital sample rate reduction
• Modulation: 3 × assignable LFOs per voice
• Modulation Sources: Pitch bend, velocity, key track, mod wheel, breath control, aftertouch

Filter Section (6 selectable FLTR machines)

• Multi-Mode
• Lowpass 4
• Equalizer
• Comb-
• Comb+
• Legacy LP/HP

MIDI Track Features

• Polyphony: 16 notes per step
• Control: 16 × assignable CC controls
• Modulation: 2 × assignable LFOs per track

Sequencing

• Pattern Length: 128 steps per pattern and track
• Sequencing Features:
  • Polyphonic sequencing
  • Note edit per track
  • Arpeggiator per synth track
  • Sound per step change
  • Individual pattern length per track
  • Individual time scale multiplier per track
  • Parameter locks
  • Trig conditions & trig chance
  • Retrig (audio tracks only)
  • Micro timing
  • 1 × Euclidean sequence generator per track
  • Page loop

Performance Features

• Trig Modes (4 types): Tracks, Velocity, Retrigs (audio tracks only), Preset pool (audio tracks only)
• Keyboard Mode: 36 different scales
• Song Mode: Full arrangement capability

Effects

• Master Effects:
  • 1 × overdrive master effect
  • 1 × stereo compressor master effect
• Send Effects:
  • Saturator Delay
  • Supervoid Reverb
  • Panoramic Chorus

Hardware & Connectivity

• Display: 128 × 64 pixel OLED screen
• Audio I/O:
  • 2 × ¼" impedance balanced audio out jacks
  • 2 × ¼" balanced audio in jacks
  • 1 × ¼" stereo headphone jack
• Audio Quality: 48 kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters
• Digital: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
• MIDI: MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync out

Physical Specifications

• Construction: Sturdy steel casing
• Dimensions: W 215 × D 176 × H 63 mm (8.5″ × 6.9″ × 2.5″) including knobs and feet
• Weight: Approximately 1.48 kg (3.25 lbs)
• Mounting: 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting holes (M4 screws, max 7mm length)

Additional Features

• Diverse preset library
• Overbridge DAW integration support
• External sequencing with MIDI input capture

Notable Limitations

• No Direct Jump pattern switching
• No polyphonic aftertouch support
• Fixed wavetables (not user-loadable)
• No USB MIDI host port