If you've ever played with Elektron's Digitone synth and sequencer, you've heard the company's take on FM synthesis. While this particular kind of synthesis was first developed in the '80s by Yamaha, with its classic DX7 synth, FM was reimagined in the Digitone, which pairs an FM sound engine with classic subtractive synthesis tools. (Need an explainer on 10 types of synthesis? Read more here.)
Today, ahead of Superbooth 2019, Elektron has announced the Digitone Keys, which brings a whole new way to control the Digitone's FM sound engines, with a 37-key velocity- and pressure-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch, along with pitch and modulation wheels. (It's available for pre-order through multiple dealers on Reverb.)
In addition, there are a number of controls and features that allow for new voicings, sequences, and further tweakability, including dedicated keys for multi-mapping, portamento, and an arpeggiator.
A dashboard of eight assignable knobs lets you tailor and apply any modulator of your choosing and an array of stereo outputs that let you split individual tracks.
Finally, there are input options that not only let you bring in other audio sources to treat with the Digitone Keys, but also Control inputs to modulate the Digitone with CV gear.
Be sure to check out our full video above. And for another look, see our pal BoBeats' video review below. Find yours on Reverb here.