Digitone MIDI Tracks - Sequencing External Gear (feat. Korg Volcas)

[@oscarfriberg7661]

My jaw dropped when you demonstrated how to control CC values with LFO. This is opening up so many great new opportunities for my Volcas.

[@mortgagejunglist]

Just went through this again but with the new USB-MIDI capability updates in digitone, happy to report it works

[@dadam3994]

Thank you so much, I'm so happy to find out that we can control and parameter lock the Volcas directly from the Digitone, it's a good surprise for me !

[@PM-yz8fx]

I was struggling to use the DT sequencer in my DAW, after about 1 hour of nothing I told myself, let's see if Oscillator has some tips...and voila' , what you did is not even related to USB and DAW connection, but all of a sudden thanks to your video, magically everything made sense. Also that trick of connecting the cc values to the LFO is so neat! I am using it with various Kontakt VST instruments and with self learning cc function it works wonders. As usual you are absolutely great! Elektron should pay you :), how on earth one can find the things you do in a manual! Thanks a lot, your video are always a great source of inspiration.

[@lozza9789]

Brilliant explanation. I have a Keys I use with my DT but have not explored this side of things before. Understanding how to control external gear with the DT properly is worth its weight in gold. I was struggling to understand how it would work when the DT only has two inputs for external gear, but you're using those two for the Keys and sending those from the Kick, to your USB interface. I understand this now! I'm going to hook up my Keys and my Roland TB03 to my DT and have fun exploring how they can be externally sequenced and tweaked/locked all from one unit, my DT. Just effing awesome! Thanks so much!

[@OscillatorSink]

The Midi sequence tracks are an absolute gift aren't they?

[@knobs_matrix]

Wow, so many posibilities. Thank you for this video 💥💥💥

[@monodux]

This video just changed my whole life. I have to thank you again- you inspired me to get the Digitone in the first place, and I’ve been playing with it extensively during the election madness here in the states. I hadn’t yet considered the midi tracks. Goodness, what a game changer. Cheers!

[@OscillatorSink]

Have fun with it and try to keep your mind in a happier space!

[@FrozenLonesome]

This is exactly the tutorial I needed. Had my Digitone for 5 days now and could not figure out how to enable midi send. Looking forward to driving my Peak, BS2 and IPad synths from my Digitone. Thanks!

[@OscillatorSink]

Have fun with it!

[@ringandtones]

Good job explaining how to MIDI sequence CC values on other synths. I remember it took me quite a while to understand. I felt neither was it obvious how to do it nor well explained in the manual.

[@maxmatson1578]

I just bought me a digitone used with no manual so I need all the help I can get thank you for this!🎹🎧💫😵🙏✌

[@OscillatorSink]

No worries, but the Digitone doesn't come with a full manual anyway and things change with firmware updates so it'd keep going out of date - head to the elektron site and download the current version, it's only a week old!

[@larsuk9578]

Great video thanks! The manual is not super clear on the midi tracks so that helped a lot. One time saving tip is that the midi out can be setup to USB, MIDI or both. Mine was configured to USB so it took me a little while to figure out why it wasn’t triggering my external synth... 😬

[@19silas89]

With this video you help with my general „MIDI Problem“, I don‘t understand it fully, so that I can start now with a bunch of opportunities. Thank you.🙂

[@BettinaCalmon]

You saved my life man, I saw many videos before, no one was showing how to configure the midi in the Digitone, so I was connecting the cable only and hoped to sync like that. I can sleep in peace tonight thanks to you. Lol Appreciate the great content. :)

[@OscillatorSink]

Sleep well, it's best to MIDI when you're well rested!

[@jean-pierrejoubert6140]

Thanks again for the breakdown. As I mentioned on Facebook, I tried this with my Volca Beats last night. Some interesting things to note: 1. The Digitone doesn't have a ratcheting function like the Digitakt, so if you're missing something like that you may need to find a workaround. (Haven't found one yet but haven't looked too hard.) 2. The notes used by the Beats aren't sequential. In fact, they're spread out seemingly at random, so you need to reference the MIDI data document for each different drum voice that you want to trigger. I haven't done this yet, but I think the most practical way to handle this would be to use something like a Brother tape machine and print out a sticker with the note numbers so that you can stick it onto the Beats as a quick-reference. As I said, I'm not too keen on the snare so if I keep this I may want to mod it, but otherwise it sounds pretty good ... especially when you run it through the Digitone's Master Overdrive!

[@OscillatorSink]

Yeah I really hope they bring the ratchet feature to the Digitone or allow the arpeggiator to be p-locked (which kinda achieves similar things), although, of course, at the moment you can't access the arp on the Midi tracks so that's another feature request!

[@oblomurg]

Are you saying that if I connect my Volca Drum Modeling Drums to a ext midi track of the Digitone it won't receive the sequence?

[@OscillatorSink]

No. It should do. What we'll need to work out is what that actually means - is it just a note per part, can it be played melodically etc. Have to wait for the manual to be finalised and actually lay hands on one to work the particulars out.

[@fahadha]

Came here to confirm 8 note midi polyphony per midi track and you did that straight away, brilliant! I'm used to the digitakt's 4 notes. Planning to combine both, reckon they'll make a powerful sequencing combo for old rack gear!

[@OscillatorSink]

Definitely - especially if the rack gear can be addressed by midi CC - that opens up a lot of possibilities!

[@fahadha]

@@OscillatorSink have you tried using a midi controller with these elektron boxes at all? Seeing that trick and it looks pretty cool

[@stujay]

Oof just found this video - and you STILL have the Digitone’s four non-midi tracks to layer on top of all of this if you want to, yah? (Thanks!)

[@OscillatorSink]

Yep!

[@ross_ykm]

Excellent walkthrough! Would love a demo of Digitone sequencing a relatively complex drum machine (TR-8S etc).

[@OscillatorSink]

At the moment I've only got the Vermona DRM-1 that I can use for that - and it doesn't have midi cc control so it wouldn't be as interesting - but when I get my hands on the Volca Drum - that looks like a prime candidate!

[@monkus1139]

Incredible find. Pair this with a koala sampler and you basically turned your digitone into a digitakt!

[@dwdougherty]

Brilliant tutorial; absolutely riveting. You’re an excellent teacher.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you so much!

[@t.n.3819]

The Digitone is the brain of my setup, or at least the conduit between Ableton and everything else. So many people seem to get hung up on the 8-voice polyphony (which has not been an issue for me at all), but once you factor in all of the external sequencing capabilities it becomes clear that it really is an incredible bargain. I think people also underrate its ability to moonlight as a digital drum machine; sometimes it feels like I have a mini Machinedrum jamming alongside my Acidlab Drumatix. Those crispy FM blips complement warm analogue toms very nicely. I wasn't much of an Elektronaut before this, but I can say without a doubt that the Digitone is my favorite groovebox ever.

[@OscillatorSink]

You won't find me arguing against any of those points! This was my first Elektron box too - seemed like an excellent deal to me!

[@christopherthomasrichardso9014]

I'm confused about the 8 voice polyphony. Is it only eight voices of the fm sounds? Eight voices of the volca sounds? Eight total?

[@OscillatorSink]

The Digitone can play 8 voices of its own FM synthesis. Each sequencer track can sequence 8 note polyphony each, so if you have synths to support that polyphony you can. Does that make sense?

[@christopherthomasrichardso9014]

@@OscillatorSink yes. thanks.

[@theenglisharmy]

Excellent vid. Concise and Quick. So many drag on. Thank you.

[@OscillatorSink]

No problem! Glad you found it useful!

[@simonking5702]

Awesome video, was using a BSP to sequence a Minitaur until last night, hooked up to the digitone and it's SO much better, havent used conditional trig's on midi yet but combining that with polyrhythms will be interesting! Thanks dude

[@OscillatorSink]

It's going to be super cool with the Minitaur - have fun with it!

[@simonking5702]

@@OscillatorSink yeah loads of fun, It's given the Minitaur a new lease of life. Going to try running the audio back through the Digi see what the effects sound like on the Minitaur tonight. I'll be hitting a lot of ur videos 👍

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Subbed! Such a great tutorial on using Digitone MIDI with synths! I want to try these out with my new Digitone and Roland synths for fun times.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel!

[@trigasurge]

This was great, thank you! Would absolutely love to see a Digitone & Perkons video, possibly with an Octatrack or Enjoy Godfather on tail end??

[@OscillatorSink]

Well, I have some of those on the list - sadly my ad revenue for a whole year wouldn't get me close to buying a perkons! I'd love to have a play with one though!

[@trigasurge]

In that case, Norand Mono, Elmyra & and a MIDI controlled FX unit of your choice?? Maybe a Zoia? Would love to see a mono synth & FX MIDI controlled by Digitone!

[@jmitmusic]

Awesome video, very helpful. Thanks!

[@goodnoyz]

How do you see the Digitone working along with a Vermona Perfourmer?

[@OscillatorSink]

Very well I'd assume, but then I like an Elektron sequencer with most things.

[@Hysteric_Subjects]

This is useful. I tried pairing my DN with Typhon last night, I am more familiar with the DN now than two months ago but the Typhon is brand new to me (and less intuitive imo). It was...meh, okay...I think watching this carefully will get me most of the way where I need to be however - cheers.

[@Hysteric_Subjects]

And of course if you did a video about Dreadbox Typhon and the DN I'd probably follow you into the fires of Mordor itself

[@OscillatorSink]

Tell Dreadbox that 😉

[@Mojo_Crypto]

Will have to try this out with my AS-1

[@LiquidProj3ct]

Thanks for the video. Could you please another one talking about scales (minor, major...) and their effect in DN step sequencer?

[@OscillatorSink]

Oh interesting, hadn't thought about doing one on that, hmm, let me add that to my ideas list and have a think about it.

[@AaronWelchMusic]

Diggertone :')

[@Charronegro_13]

Nice way of explaining. With the digitakt you can do the same thing but with +4 midi tracks?

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes exactly, although lower polyphony per track.

[@pauloabdalla8599]

Thanks again for the amazing video. I have a question I couldn’t find anywhere. Is that possible to run synth tracks on the digitone and sequence external gear at same time? For example, using the digitone for drum tracks and bass and external gear for analogue pads?

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, you have 4 internal synth tracks and 4 midi tracks and you can run them all together.

[@M0RGENDUGG]

Thank you! And it works perfectly with my Tetra! This is really insane 🤗

[@OscillatorSink]

No problem!

[@rgrant]

I am having some issues controlling my Novation Circuit (Set to receive MIDI CH1) with the DT. After connecting the cable I have followed these steps: 1. Set all the Sync Sends to ON 2. Set Output to MIDI 3. Set Output Port Func to MIDI 4. Set Midi 1 Channel to 1 5. Enable Midi Track 1 It isn't receiving clock or signals...am I missing a step or is there maybe something wrong with the MIDI cable?

[@OscillatorSink]

So two steps you haven't mentioned - is the Circuit's sync set to midi, or is it still internal? You say that you've set midi 1 channel to 1 - is that on the actual track or just in the Settings menu? But I'd also always check the midi cable...

[@rgrant]

@@OscillatorSink Solved: I was using the Midi to 3.5 adaptor from the Elektron, I needed to use the Novation adaptor!

[@nieam9283]

woahh, lemme know if i have this right, so you can have up to 4 separate sequences of the volca keys playing all at once?

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, on the Digitone. On the Digitakt you can have 8 (but fewer notes of polyphony on each).

[@nieam9283]

@@OscillatorSink that's plenty for me, right on! thank you!

[@dillipphunbar7924]

loved it..gr8 vid..what audio interface are you using now...is it in addition to overbridge?

[@OscillatorSink]

I'm still not using Overbridge to be honest. I will eventually, but I have a workflow now that doesn't really need it. My interface is a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8.

[@OM-sc1go]

Great video, this video made me buy the Digitone... are there any 0 coast users here? I've been trying to figure out how to parameter lock the 0 coast via Midi sequencing as you do here but there doesn't seem to be a cc chart with the parameters I want to lock (harmonics/overtone etc.) I don't know if it's possible as it seems to be more CV oriented :/

[@UberSynth]

Oscillator -Sink- Sync ✅

[@macpaz]

Fuck my arse, that is awesome. I hope this works with the analog rytm as well.

[@OscillatorSink]

Should do after that recent update that added the midi controller stuff.

[@HarshSingh-ie8ou]

Will it work the same way if i connect volca keys to digitone via midi cable and volca kick via sync cable with volca keys?

[@OscillatorSink]

No. Because you won't be able to send midi to the Kick in that configuration, so you'd have to sequence the Kick on the Kick's internal sequencer. All the sync cable sends is a pulse to keep the internal sequencers in time - nothing else.

[@benmironmd]

Question for someone awaiting their digitone anxiously :) can you easily save templates of useful cc maping that are likely to be reused and how might you do that?

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't think you can save templates (although I have to be honest that's not something I've checked for definite - just thinking of the menu structure I don't think you can), however, just like you can copy synthesiser track settings from pattern to pattern, you can do the same with MIDI settings - so what I've done is used the last patterns in the final bank of my current project to stash the settings I need; then I can easily jump there and copy them across to new patterns. Hope that helps!

[@benmironmd]

Oscillator Sink good idea and thanks for the response - I'll likely make a blank project to do just that

[@OscillatorSink]

No worries - enjoy your new synth when it arrives!

[@HOUSEMEISTER-BERLIN]

and another question, can i use the internal synth sequences (track 1-4) also for external gear, i couldnt figure it out... cause i can change the midi channel of track 1 for example, but it doesnt play the external synth??

[@OscillatorSink]

You cannot. Only the midi tracks send midi.

[@user-or3ce4gt2r]

Fantastic ! Thanks

[@Laskmusic]

Thank you this was so helpful!

[@OscillatorSink]

No problem, I hope it helped in your set!

[@cougarman8]

That was awesome! Thanks for the lesson!

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you for watching! Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@JDSoundsets]

May seem a silly Q but can you use the Digitones Midi via USB setup ie: Midi track 4 different VST's in a chosen Daw? I ask because the Analog Keys doesn't have Midi at the same time as the A4K Engine/Analog process Thank you

[@OscillatorSink]

I haven't tried, but I don't see any reason why not!

[@michaelobrien8666]

Is there a way to get around the 4 track midi limitation on the digitone for sequencing external drum machines? Like if i wanted more than 4 drum hits from the external drum machine to me sequenced via the digitone.

[@OscillatorSink]

You can't get around the 4 tracks, but each step can hold up to 4 notes and those notes can be any note, so as long as you don't need to trigger more than 4 drum hits on a step, you could probably happily do the whole beat on one track most of the time.

[@orgoneheart]

Heya, thankyou for a great video, just Subbed and Thumbs up :) I was on the edge on wether to buy this synth next week. I think you have made up my mind, I was wanting it to control my Moog SubPhatty, and a few other bits and bobs. The Trig locks look great for using with the Moog since every parameter on it has CC values. Could I ask one question as I heard that the Digitone can't send out its ARP over midi to external gear. Is this true as that would be a real shame and I'd love an Arp for my Moog. Thanks again :)

[@OscillatorSink]

Thanks for checking the video out and the sub. Sadly, what you've heard is true - no arpeggio over midi track I'm afraid. I really wish there was because the arpeggiator on this thing is super powerful - almost a sequencer in its own right!

[@orgoneheart]

@@OscillatorSink Thank you for such a fast reply. Ahh that is a shame. Is there a way to record the Arp on to the FM tracks and then copy the data over to the Midi tracks as a work around? Still I think I will be ordering A Digitone on Tuesday as you have made up mind. I was torn between this and the MiniBrute 2s, but getting into Modular will just get extremely expensive hehe. Thanks again :)

[@OscillatorSink]

No, again, sadly not. I think you might find that getting into Elektron gear can be a bit expensive too... I'm plotting my next one now!

[@OttoMilde]

Brilliant! Curious to know how you would set up a Volca Drum since that Volca has midi-channels 1-6 or does it work setting it up with one midi-channel? I tried to use the drum-sequencer on my Beatstep Pro but that didn work. (I use your patches for the Volca Drum by the way and they are way better than the factory presets!)

[@OscillatorSink]

You can do it on the Beatstep Pro - if you use Arturia's Midi Control Centre software you can set a different channel per pad. Alternatively, you can also set the Volca Drum to work on a single channel in the Global Settings, so either of those will work. I'm glad you're enjoying my patches, they were good fun to put together!

[@megacosmic6507]

What would you say a good match for the Digitone is for utilizing all Midi tracks with a Drum machine. Volca beats?

[@OscillatorSink]

Volca Drum over the Volca Beats all night long. No comparison. Volca Drum would be a good match though yeah. The other obvious one is the model:samples of course (and that already has a great sequencer). Or, you know, just get a Digitakt....

[@friendlynoise]

Hi, nice and interesting video. Does the Digitone send the midi sequencer information over USB or just only over midi?

[@OscillatorSink]

It can do either (or both).

[@HOUSEMEISTER-BERLIN]

thanks for this video, very helpful. but one question, the internal arp of the digitone can not be used for external gear? i mean, that would be a shame, cause it worked in monomachine in octatrack. do you know something about that? thanks in advance

[@OscillatorSink]

You are correct, as of the current version the arpeggiator doesn't work on the midi tracks. Which is a shame as the arpeggiator is amazing.

[@HOUSEMEISTER-BERLIN]

@@OscillatorSink hey thanks for your quick answer. and it is a shame @elektronHQ pls make arpeggiator work also for external instruments, like monomachine and octatrack! thanks in advance

[@ev3400]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@OscillatorSink]

And thank you for watching!

[@thisfred]

Fantastic video. I'm having a hard time finding the MIDI splitter cable used here, does anyone know where I could find one?

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you. I got it from ebay, but, my advice is to spend a bit more and get something that's powered. That thing was always just a little unreliable, especially around dropping or holding notes. I've got a Kenton Thru-5 now and it's rock solid, gives me more splits and is still very inexpensive.

[@OscillatorSink]

But if you want the one in the video, it's this: www.ebay.com/itm/114271297597

[@thisfred]

@@OscillatorSink Thank you!

[@SanplerVarondaro]

excelente

[@dainiuskilaitis2144]

is there a way to control digitone effects on both volcas?

[@casualdecay6775]

If you plugged in a midi keyboard to the Digitone would it send midi through to the external synths you're controlling with the digitone midi? Looks like one of the ports says out and one says thru. Curious if they can actually both work as thru?

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't know. You can control the voices of the synth with a midi keyboard abs I think you can set up channels to control the midi tracks too - so I guess in that case the answer is yes, but it wouldn't be a true Thru.

[@Jamslerr]

Would this same concept work with the monologue?

[@OscillatorSink]

Absolutely! It's what I'm doing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3LCZ4l9d712qrs

[@agustinmartinez7301]

hi, nice great video!!! One question, you can use the four tracks midi with 4 volcas and the four synth tracks of digitone at the same time? like 8 tracks? thank's in advance.

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, the midi tracks are separate to the synth tracks. 4 synth tracks + 4 midi tracks.

[@agustinmartinez7301]

@@OscillatorSink thanks :) ... now i am thinking on digitone or digitakt XD

[@ababyalbatross9016]

Neat trick, I'm keen to try sequencing some extra gear from my Digitone! What is that midi splitter cable you're using?

[@OscillatorSink]

Cheers! It's just something I found on ebay and took a punt on because it was cheap enough to risk it. I think it was a Ukrainian seller, but it was a while ago now. If you want something reliable and flexible you should check out the retrokits rk-004 - I'll be picking one up soon.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Very cool - nice explanation. The Digitone is deep! How many externals(HW) can the Digitone sequence (using a MIDI thru box)? Wonder how the Digitone works with the Roland Boutiques?

[@OscillatorSink]

Well, in the current firmware you can only have one MIDI channel per track so without some additional, external MIDI filtering that's 4 devices. Of course you could be changing those channels on different patterns to address other devices! I'd love to see MIDI Channel P-lock-able though - that'd be amazing, a different synth per step!!

[@OscillatorSink]

Oh and the boutiques seem like prime candidates for this treatment - I'd have to check the MIDI implementation to see what can be addressed by CC; I bet the SE-02 would be awesome though.

[@benmironmd]

Oscillator Sink - Keen to see this as well I have a jp08 I'm going to use this with as the onboard sequencer on the boutiques isn't very user friendly IMO.

[@OscillatorSink]

I wish I had a boutique to demonstrate it with! The D-05 would be 80s-tastic!

[@DamienPasquale]

Have done a video tutorial syncing a Moog Mother 32 and DFAM yet?? Would be nice cause I’d like to know how. Cheers 🍻

[@OscillatorSink]

Hi, I don't have either of those synths I'm afraid, but - just hook them up over midi and they should respond to midi clock - just make sure the Elektron is sending clock (in the midi settings menu).

[@AOC_dawlesspuzzle]

Hi, thank you so much. I want ask you, is possible control volca bass filter CutOff by midi CC ? if not, is bigg different between volca keys and volca bass ? And last question : is possible switch pattern on volcas with midi CC ? thank you.

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't have a Volca bass but looking at the midi implementation chart, you only have control over the eg amount, not the cutoff itself

[@lorechowiyangsuci3662]

Thats great. But can i use it to control 4 volca?

[@OscillatorSink]

Sure. You'll need a midi splitter to wire everything up but you have 4 tracks so as long as the Volcas are all on different midi channels, you're good to go.

[@anonymouscoward9643]

The volca drum works well - per step kit changes, waveguide tweaking, panning, all that jazz...it’s really interesting to have a kick midi track then add a fully loaded hi hat track with global probability set to 78% and some kit changes on some 16ths...definitely makes for a non-boring rhythm section 🎶

[@JimBo-jf2qp]

Oh man, you're stoking my GAS hard, dude :D

[@r.e.d.62]

Great info as always...I wonder how this would pair up with the Studiologic Sledge 2.0. Curious to hear your thoughts

[@OscillatorSink]

I'm not super familiar with the Sledge, but the crux of it is whether you have CC control over the parameters or not - so check that manual, if you have a big list of CC numbers then you're good to go! Even without that though, it's always a treat to sequence stuff with an Elektron sequencer!

[@hujuu]

Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thanks Mark!

[@jemski]

Thanks, you just answered the missing link question for my live setup...genius!

[@liquidghondi]

This might be a stupid question but can you combine the 4 tracks of the digitone and 4 midi tracks for a total of 8? Meaning if I wanted to connect my external synths but also use the digitones sounds?

[@OscillatorSink]

Not a stupid question. You might think that, but only the 4 MIDI tracks send MIDI, the 4 tracks for the Digitone's own sounds don't output midi (and don't have the same configuration options).

[@liquidghondi]

@@OscillatorSink I appreciate your response. Thank You.

[@MyJazzChannel]

Only downside powering the Volcas from same PSU is the annoying ground loop picked up by the mixer and as I can hear you also have in the background. Any idea how to get rid of that other than use separate PSU's for each Volca ?

[@Hakucho64]

I use inline audio noise suppressors; they have a 3.5mm TRS socket at each end.

[@ashleyhaak3487]

thanks for the great video! i have a problem, when i am sequencing my external gear (waldorf blofeld in this case), it keeps triggering the digitone as well. so when i play for example something on midi track 1, it plays the blofeld's sound correctly, but also triggers the digitone default sine at the same time. I have no clue how to fix this! your thoughts would be much appreciated!:)

[@OscillatorSink]

How is everything set up? Where are your midi (or USB) cables going to and from?

[@bibik44]

I got mine today:) But how to copy all midi settings (channel, cc) on track from one pattern to another?

[@OscillatorSink]

The same way you copy a sound from one track to another. Hold the source track button and tap Rec (copy), then hold the destination track button and hit Stop (paste). Enjoy your new instrument!

[@bibik44]

Oscillator Sink thank you very much! :)

[@olleandersson8054]

Hi. Great video. Regarding the myvolts power supply for multiple volcas..do you find it producing a higher noise level? I have tried at least two different but similar products (one being the volca mix) and the noise that came with it rendered it practically useless

[@OscillatorSink]

I haven't found the noise troublesome, but I'm only using two or three Volcas generally so your mileage may vary.

[@misteremagic]

Great video ! Seems we can’t use the Digitone arpeggios for external midi ?

[@OscillatorSink]

That is correct, sadly.

[@MrScheller]

Thank You!

[@jameshamilton5703]

Great tutorial -- can the Digitone play its internal sequences and midi sequences at the same time?

[@OscillatorSink]

Absolutely, you can have the two running together.

[@winduberry]

Where are midi note 2, 3 etc. on other elektron machines there is a page where you can input the second third notes etc for polyphony. Where is that page? Trying to put multiple drum notes on a trig manually.

[@OscillatorSink]

It depends on which machine you are talking about. On the Digitakt you do it on the Trig page by setting an offset from the root note using knobs B, C and D (see Section 12 of the manual). I don't know about the other devices because other than the Octatrack (where I've not done midi sequencing) I don't own them. The manuals tend to be pretty good though.

[@ForeignFamiliar]

Im going to try this soon but wanted to get your opinion before giving it a shot. Im about to receive the yamaha reface cp, which has midi in and can control different effects/sounds on it. Do you think it would be possible to have each midi channel triggering the different sound selections on the reface cp, such as one controllig rhodes, the other wurlitzer, another the clav, etc?

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't think the CP works as a multi-timbral device - you're using one sound at a time - which ever you have selected. However you can select which sound you're using by sending midi CC according to the manual (page 13 of the Data List manual which is a download from yamaha). CC 80 let's you cycle through them, but I don't believe you can play a Rhodes and a Toy Piano at the same time - nor can I find any evidence of the different sounds being able to be addressed on different channels.

[@ForeignFamiliar]

Oscillator Sink thanks for the quick response! Ill give it a shot, i wonder if i sequence the notes apart if it's able to jump between the different midi channels triggering it

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't think different midi channels will make a difference (unless you mean midi tracks on the Digitone) but you could certainly have note-less Trigs sending the midi cc to change the sound before sending a note - that should work.

[@ForeignFamiliar]

Oscillator Sink yeah sorry for not clarifying that's what i meant :) if it doesnt work ill try the noteless trigs! Thank you!!!! Awesome video btw, made me appreciate the volca keys a bit more that im trying to sell haha

[@alexeykurilo4381]

Did i understand correctly - 1,2,3 midi slots use one sound source (volca keys)?

[@OscillatorSink]

In this jam yes - let's me bring parts on that synth in and out seeing as I have 3 notes of polyphony to work with.

[@alexeykurilo4381]

@@OscillatorSink so if i have mono synth instead of volca keys i wont be able use this trick, right? Will it works with op-1? It has 8 voices.

[@OscillatorSink]

You can use this trick on a monosynth for bringing parts in and out (I do it with the Monologue here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3LCZ4l9d712qrs) but note-priority will take effect if you have two notes trying to play at once. OP-1 - I don't know how the Midi is set up on that, but should work OK!

[@isaacmedina]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3LCZ4l9d712qrs This one works : )

[@MrGeoffashley]

Would the digitone sequence monologue, drumbrute and/or reface??

[@OscillatorSink]

Yeah, that should work! The drum programing would be a little unnatural because any step where multiple drums are played would have to be inputted as a chord, but you could still do it.

[@MrGeoffashley]

Awesome...I realized after posting that I wouldn’t really need to sequence the drumbrute. It has a good enough sequencer on it’s own. Mainly wanted to sequence the monologue and reface, and then clock sync with the drumbrute.

[@MrGeoffashley]

This video also has some great Volca tips I can use for my Beatstep Pro. I’ve seen a bunch of videos with the Beatstep controlling multiple Volcas, but I didn’t know how to set the Volca midi channel before and setting up multiple Volcas hasn’t worked the way I had hoped. Can’t wait to try it!! I just recently started getting into synths this year..I’m a brass, percussion, and guitar player so this has been a whole different game to me. Having composition knowledge, but not the tech knowledge has been quite an annoying hindrance

[@OscillatorSink]

You'll get there - it'll be second nature before you know it!

[@datenight9342]

You're a genius! subscribed! can you midi sequence polyphonic content on a single track?

[@OscillatorSink]

You certainly can. On the Digitone each midi track has 8 note polyphony! Thanks for watching!

[@datenight9342]

@@OscillatorSink oh boy thats the news i want to hear. This rules out a dedicated sequencer for me! How would you rate ease of use for doing so? Looks like it's based on root note and intervals?

[@OscillatorSink]

Well you can just play parts in live if you want. Otherwise the best way to input chords in step mode is to hold a step and tap the "note" button. That brings you to the chord input page and you can turn notes on and off there.

[@OscillatorSink]

(there is another way, but it's a pain, so let's ignore it)

[@necronomicron5367]

does the digitone and digitakt have glide yet?

[@OscillatorSink]

It doesn't, but you can fake it using one-shot LFOs aimed at the pitch. It's not quite the same thing, but you can get quite deep control of it using plocks.

[@kylewall8521]

How would you go about setting up midi tracks in bitwig? I want to externally sequence soft synths

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't know Bitwig at all, sorry. A quick Google suggests you need a "note receiver device", but I'm afraid you might have to consult the manual.

[@kylewall8521]

@@OscillatorSink no problem, guess i'll rtfm

[@EllOPARK]

I want this💜💜

[@aleksd7832]

In the case of the Volca drum (with each of the 6 drum hits being on a separate midi channel ) how would you hypothetically route it over the 4 tracks on the elektron? I made it the auto channel and then sequence 2/3 hits per track. But what i don’t like is that i loose the ability to do the “step jump” repeats with the volca sequencer... so my understanding here is that you are entirely using the elektron sequencer keeping the volca sequencer clear so it does not compete?

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, this is all Elektron here, the Volca's are just acting as sound modules here. On the Volca Drum, if you're using the Digitone, you'd have to set the vDrum to single channel mode to get around the fact that you can't parameter lock midi channels. Oooorrr use the Digitakt like I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqGxq6BmqKysobM

[@aleksd7832]

thanks, yeah... figured that. A trade off one way or another. I will try this bad boy with my OT for more insanity. and report back... since i do loose 2 drum voices using digitone :( ...

[@joehoppard814]

Would love to see Digitone sequence Monologue

[@OscillatorSink]

That's very much on my list!

[@joehoppard814]

Oscillator Sink I have a Monologue - thanks in part to your excellent demonstrations and am lusting after a Digitakt which I believe has the same 8 midi-track sequencer as the Digitone. Thinking the 'takt would be an excellent 'brain' for the Monologue and my Volca FM.

[@888berg]

Do you have any DSI synths - would love to see that...

[@OscillatorSink]

I would love to have some. I promise you will have seen some by now if I had them!

[@luisgarciarios4988]

Hello there, great video thanks. How many tracks can it play simultaneously in different channels? I would like to expand the keys, is it possible to use a keyboard controller to play? regards

[@OscillatorSink]

Are you asking about the Digitone's internal synth engine? Or the MIDI tracks which control other synths?

[@luisgarciarios4988]

@@OscillatorSink yep, the midi tracks that controls other synths

[@OscillatorSink]

@@luisgarciarios4988 4 tracks. And you can control them with a keyboard.

[@luisgarciarios4988]

@@OscillatorSink thanks Man

[@shatteredsquare]

Did you say e a c h of the 4 midi tracks have 8 voices of polyphony e a c h?? Or is it like the internal synth tracks, 8 voices total divided up how you like between 4 tracks?

[@OscillatorSink]

Each. E a c h. Each of the 4 midi tracks has its own 8 notes of polyphony. This is different to the internal synth voices which are, indeed, 8 voices shared across the 4 synth tracks.

[@19silas89]

Try this with my microfreak and keys.

[@av4055]

Maybe a stupid question, but if i connect my volca fm with my digitone, does that give me 11 voices instead of 8, or does it keep the 8 voices of the digitone.

[@OscillatorSink]

It gives you 8 Digitone voices and, separately, 3 Volca voices. There won't be any dynamic voice sharing between them, that's just for the Digitone's internal voices.

[@davebell3684]

Ello mate, excuse me just asking loads of questions. I tried a drum machine and mono synth with the digitone today and could only get one or the other. Can I get midi clock out of the midi thru or do I need a midi splitter? I've a kenton but I'm trying to use as little kit as poss for a portable set up. Cheers.

[@OscillatorSink]

You'll need a midi splitter. The second output (thru) won't act as an out - which is a shame because that would be super useful.

[@davebell3684]

@@OscillatorSink thanks for replying man.

[@OscillatorSink]

No problem - good thing you've got that kenton!

[@davebell3684]

@@OscillatorSink hmm, a read of the manual suggests a USB lead might work.

[@candyflip6345]

Awesome video. Is it possible that I would be able to use the Digitone sequencer to control a Moog Minitaur?

[@OscillatorSink]

If it has MIDI in (which it does), then you can control it with the Digitone!

[@candyflip6345]

@@OscillatorSink Awesome! Thanks for the reply.

[@candyflip6345]

@@OscillatorSink I just got a MIDI cable and I've got the Digitone connected to the Minitaur. The MIDI light on my Minitaur lights up when I press keys on the Digitone. I have also successfully mapped some of the CC's to the Minitaur from the Digitone. The only problem I am having now is no sound is coming from the Minitaur? I have a cable running from the audio output on the Minitaur to the Audio input on the Digitone and still no sound is coming from the Minitaur? Im curious as to what I can do next to try and solve this?

[@OscillatorSink]

Have you gone into the master page (shift+LFO) and turned up the inputs on the Digitone?

[@candyflip6345]

@@OscillatorSink Thank you so much for the quick reply. This instantly fixed my issue! You're the man. Thanks so much for your helpful videos.

[@rey8318]

Can the digitone keys be used as an midi controller for an arp odyssey?

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, you should be able to do that using the midi tracks.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

Hello, digitone in own sequencer has only 4 tracks, but if I want to use more than 4 tracks couldI use some external sequencer like Arturia or else? Thank you for answering me.

[@OscillatorSink]

The Digitone has 4 internal tracks for its own sounds and 4 more to sequence midi. And yes, you can just synchronise the Digitone with another sequencer and use that for additional midi sequence tracks. There are lots of options as to what - but yes Arturia are definitely a company I'd look into, especially if you can wait a few months for the new Keystep Pro.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

@@OscillatorSink Thanks for the detailed answer. and to use midi tracks for Digitone or Digitakt I need a splitter like Through box?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@AlekseiDroganov that depends - if the gear you want to sequence has MIDI Thru you can just daisy chain, if not, then a decent splitter would be a good thing to have.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

@@OscillatorSink maybe advise me a couple of models😏✋

[@OscillatorSink]

@@AlekseiDroganov I don't have one myself, but the Kenton Thru is a classic and the Retrokits rk-005 is a splitter that can do a bunch of other cool tricks.

[@holydiver4728]

Thanks !

[@OscillatorSink]

No problemo friend!

[@weepwow]

Great video. Question: tried controlling the Novation Bass Station 2 (which I just got recently), using Digitone via MIDI. It worked initially, then stopped working.... any thoughts from anyone on what I might have done wrong? I only see one setting for MIDI on the BS2 ... Thanks!

[@OscillatorSink]

The obvious things to check: you changed the midi channel on the BS; you disabled MIDI Receive on the BS or set it to receive on USB only; you disabled MIDI Transmit on the Digitone or set it to transmit on USB only. Overbridge might mess with it too.

[@weepwow]

@@OscillatorSink Thank you, will check all of your suggestions.

[@maarzt]

@Oscillator sink - hi! totally get what you're doing here and trying to do it with my little UNO synth. having assigned it to a midi track i can play it from the keyboard (I have the keys) or the trig buttons but the DN sequencer doesnt activate the notes on the uno. any ideas?

[@OscillatorSink]

That's a weird one. If you've set up any CC mappings I'd maybe unmap everything to make sure that there's nothing messaging with the patch there. Is pressing play on the DN also starting the Uno's sequencer, because I bet that is a candidate for messing with things, so maybe try turning off the Send Transport setting on the Digitone (somewhere in the midi settings, don't recall where exactly). See if that helps...

[@maarzt]

@@OscillatorSink and heres something really funny - i can sequence the uno (connected same as it was to one of the DN's midi tacks) from a midi clip on my deluge, with no issue whatsoever. Ill try your suggestion tomorrow though cause i really do want to try what you did here with the conditional triggers etc

[@maarzt]

track was muted. please dont judge...:)

[@OscillatorSink]

Hahaha! Oh man. Always the last place you look! Glad it's working now!

[@maarzt]

@@OscillatorSink of course. while I have your ear I think I need some sort of mixer, rn I use the 2 inputs of the DN but I already have 2 more (synths) than can be connected at once. Do you have some sort of recommendation if I promise not to hold you to it? it doesnt need to be the bottom of the barrel either, price wise, but Im also probably not needing massive bells and whistles. just enough to expand as I acquire stuff (im in the throws of a middle age shopping spree and these are my sports cars) thanks!

[@ashleyhaak3487]

thank you!

[@InkyDaCaT]

Great video, you tried with deepmind yet?? Bank manager says soon yeppie!

[@OscillatorSink]

I haven't yet, but I will!!

[@InkyDaCaT]

Oscillator Sink fun ahead!! It will sound awesome!

[@blue_dream_steam]

Prime video