Syntakt: A Year in Review - Is it a Game Changer or Just Hype?
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- As a long time user (since its been out) of the Syntakt I wanted to provide an in-depth review on one of my favorite pieces of gear. In this video, we'll explore what the Syntakt is, its features, advantages, and drawbacks. We'll also dive into my personal experiences and opinions after using it for a year, ultimately addressing the question: Is the Syntakt worth your investment?
All the music except for the intro segment (00:07 - 00:58) was made by myself using the Syntakt. All the sounds are raw from the box and there has been no post processing added.
As usual I spent wayyyy tooo much time editing and working on this video so if you enjoyed please give a thumbs up and subscribe :) Also yes I'm aware I wasn't looking at camera at times, this is my first real on cam video I've created :)
#weareelektron #digitone and #syntakt
Video Chapters:
00:00 - Intro Jam
00:07 - Intro
01:04 - What is the Syntakt?
03:25 - Beginning of Pro's
03:49 - Analog FX Block
05:41 - Sound Shaping Capabilities
05:52 - Onboard FX - Delay & Reverb
06:03 - Overbridge
06:12 - Keyboard Mode
06:36 - Analog Bass
06:57 - Trig Modifiers
07:40 - Center of Dawless Laboratory
08:26 - Song Mode
08:26 - Build Quality
09:12 - Start of Con's
09:25 - Cost
10:39 - Not a one stop shop
11:20 - Won't replace your sample library
12:03 - No True Polyphony
13:05 - Does the box get hot?
13:33 - No Arpeggiator
13:58 - Final Thoughts
Additional Clips used in video:
Comments from Free Beat's video - • A Great Groovebox That...
Comments from Bad Gear Review - • Bad Gear - Elektron Sy...
Elektron Syntakt Video - • Syntakt - At A Glance
Generic shots - motionarray.com/
Song mode clips - • Quick pattern chains u...
Digitakt shots - • Elektron Digitakt Drum...
Modal Cycles - • Introducing Model:Cycles
LFO shots - • Syntakt LFO Page
Additional Syntakt shots - • Elektron Syntakt Digit... - Hudba
I've also had mine for over a year. For paying live gigs, the Syntakt has been my favorite and most useful piece of gear. I use it as a drum machine and three mono synths - it's like having four pieces of gear in one tiny box. The analog kick sounds absolutely bonkers. I also really like the programmable ducking envelope to let my kick through. It really helps with a live mix. I can fit my entire live rig in a backpack now. It's seriously convenient.
If you're just sitting in your studio using a DAW and you don't play live, this probably won't be a piece that you'll like. But if you're a professional performer, there is a rule you need to live by: the fewest pieces of gear possible. Fewer power supplies, fewer cables, fewer things to go wrong, fewer instruments to focus on. You can set up fast, break down fast, and during the show you will be far more likely to get in the zone when you only focus on one or two instruments. I think I've played every groovebox that has ever been made and I think this one is my favorite. The most important thing in a groovebox is how accessible and fast it is to control live. I can change the most parameters in the shortest amount of time with this one.
Couldn't agree with you more on some of the points you made. I don't perform live anymore but the accessibility and immediacy that you have to alter and edit sounds is another strong selling point for the Syntakt.
Have you tried the Analog Rytm 2?
@@justintonation9726 Yea I had one for a few years. I recorded a couple of albums with it. I eventually sold it after I began using the syntakt. I really like the performance macros and scenes that you can program on the Rytm, and of course the ability to sample really opens things up. But there was enough crossover similarity between the syntakt and the rytm, and I prefer synthesis to sampling, that I decided to let one of them go back into the wild.
I consider hetting one for sofa gigging at home away from home. I can be reluctant to fire up even a laptop in sofa.
How offgrid/unquantized does it go? Struggled with their other boxes on that front so was kinda intrigued
Sold my Deluge to get the Syntakt after learning about Overbridge. Immediately fell head over heels in love with it and bought a Digitakt and brand new Octatrack mkii within a month or so. Elektron - thank you!
Great gear to own. Any reason you owned the Digitakt and the Octatrack? I originally had the Digitkat and replaced it with the Octatrack for Stereo sampling vs mono.
Damn the deluge for this? Ouch 🤕
I've been buying drum machines, and the like, since the mid-80s, and personally I'd say sound wise the Syntakt is one of the most inspiring beat boxes I've ever used.
I hear many say it doesn't have that sampled punch, but I always tend to layer multiple bassdrums and snares, and with the Syntakt I still use that same technique.
As a result, I've created some of my most heaviest sounds, and rhythms, on the Syntakt, my only real gripe is the lack of individual outs, as someone who works entirely OTB, and has a lot of outboard, I find the lack of individual outputs mildly annoying,
- but in no way a deal breaker,
- ALL the engines are superb IMO, as are the effects and processing.
But I understand Elektron are trying to keep the user within their own ecosystem, I view Elektron devices a little like I view Apple devices.
It's a quality device, and that comes at a quality price...
- love to ALL, feel no hate
thank you so much for making this video u made up my mind!!
Awesome video. Eventhough after watching it I've got more concerns buying it, it was really interesting to watch. Greate review
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the comment man.
That jam during the Cons section is great!
There were a few during that section and the full length tracks are available on the channel. Thanks for the comment!
Great vid. It's my first groovebox and indeed my first Elektron box. I took me a while to learn how to use it efficiently but now I can say I love it and will probably keep it forever.
The Song mode is truly great and helpful, especially for live performances.
Most importantly, it sounds great-sweet spots all the time, everywhere.
Glad it was helpful! I love hearing from all the Syntakt users.
Absolutely love these vids. Subbed
Thanks so much 🙏 I’ll be sure to make more!
Nice talk, I also love the Boston album in the background though.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. I was waiting for the record comments, ha! Can't go wrong with Boston's debut.
@@subliminalsequences I annoyed my parents and neighbours too much playing their albums, their guitars almost made me cry.
Personally I find that there needs to be more machines to choose from, both percussive and tonal, as well as voice management similar to digitone.
I would really dig if we get more machines. I think I've used them all in some capacity at this point, so I agree.
Voice management with monophonic tracks?
yeah, as in make them polyphonic for the digital voices, same as the digitone. Shouldn't be a big deal, right? @@pianobryguy
It would definitely be cool if possible!
Great summary! My use case with it is different in that I use it as my one-box-to-rule-them-all kind of device and for that I need something like the opposite of your needs: about 8 tracks for melodic stuff and 4 tracks for drums. :) I love it both as a sketchpad and as a way to quickly create whole song sketches that can then be stemmed out into the DAW for further processing, layering and mixing. I sometimes make whole new tracks in a matter of hours on it. That said, I really do find the lack of polyphony and sampling to be limiting. For that reason, I keep looking at the Push 3 as a potential replacement. It's twice as expensive, of course, but it's also far more versatile. But of course also entirely different and more of a production center than a groovebox/drum synth.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. I've actually watched one of your videos on Elektron and dig what you're doing on your channel. Appreciate the creator support. That's interesting that you use more melodic tracks on the Syntakt. I never got into the Push series have you used that before? I used to have the ableton apc40 controller in the past.
The algorithm sent me. Really enjoyed the video.
Welcome aboard!
Syntakt is the drum and sequencing hub for my little setup!
I’m playing everything though it. Love this machine.
Sounds like a similar set up as mine, I really love it also, especially when running external gear through it.
One more thing, I'm not huge on the chord machine, but the unison/detune settings are great and basically turn it into a wavetable synth voice.
I'll have to mess around with that, great idea.
Wow Harrison- what a great video! So glad to see you on camera. Really great production values, nice lighting. What type of Mic are you using? Do you have a boom set up also? Can’t wait for the next video 🎉
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm using a Shure SM7B.
I feel like the digitakt is a great "head node" for a hardware setup mainly because it has 8 midi tracks. IIRC EZbot uses it to drive his four-box setup (DT, DN, ST, OT, the latter as performance mixer).
I've got the Digitakt and M:C, which I use together with eurorack and a minibrute 2S. The DT is the central clock/transport, feeding the eurorack via mutant brain (controlling Pam's) and it also goes directly into bitbox micro. Actually, now that I'm writing this, it occurs to me that I could use the midi/sync B on the DT to clock Pam directly, freeing up two gate outs on the mutant brain....
Anyway, this works nicely cuz i can get traditional A B A' B' type phrases into the modular from the DT or use the more "nonlinear" sequencing tools inside the modular.
The Syntakt would be a huge step up from the M:C, but it's easier to spend in smaller bursts on the modular than in one big chunk on the ST.
it’s a game changer for sure. great vid. subbed
Thanks for the sub and comment!
What game did it change? This is a barely updated device from the 80s 90s. Nothing groundbreaking
Really helpful, thank you for making this. I've been considering the Syntakt as my one-stop-shop pre-DAW workflow machine. The only Elektron box I've ever had is the Model:Cycles and I didn't spend enough time to fall in love with it. But the capabilities of the Syntakt are tempting back to Elektron again. The main thing holding me back is that they're not really portable - they're heavy, no battery, etc. Nowadays the Polyend Tracker Mini is my main kit - 8 stereo tracks with stem export. But I also deeply love my Roland SP-404mk2 and Synthstrom Deluge... they just don't get used as much these days because of their size & weight.
Glad you enjoyed! These comments are my favorite. It's not the most portable box but there are a few who have modded them with batteries. I haven't tried any Polyend products yet but its been on my radar. How is the trackers workflow?
@@subliminalsequences I think the workflow is relatively good, considering they built it to have an arranger from the beginning. Sample editing and shaping is fantastic, but both the Polyend Trackers are kinda underpowered in general, so they don’t really do timestretching like the 404s. If you can live with it, then it’s a really good sample based workstation.
I’ll have to check out the Elektron box battery mods. I’ve done two battery mods myself with my 1010music BlackBox and Roland Verselab.
Great video. For me personally Syntakt opened a door of dawless compact groove machine where I can do sketches and main loops. Some of the key features for me are the size and extremely well done workflow.
Appreciate the comment. How does it compare to the Digitakt or other groove boxes for you?
@@subliminalsequences thank you for your question. It is actually the first hardware groovebox I own. However I used to be a heavy Ableton Live and Push 2 user.
Nice video. I got my Syntakt when it came out and have used it on a lot of tracks. It’s good standalone or with other devices. The analog kick is particularly great. I think the Digitakt is still my fav Elektron product (I also own A4, digitone, models and cycles).
Thanks! I agree the analog machines produce great kicks. Dope Elektron collection!
Love the syntakt. Gives me inspiration every time I turn it on. Great to make a quick beat with a bass line and then jam with the analog synth lead. The display is good too.
The Syntakt can ignite my creativity and provide that burst of inspiration also, I just have to be careful not getting stuck in the 64 bar loop we all do :)
Haha. Guilty. I need to figure out the song mode
I've been on the fence with picking up this machine for the past month or so. Been doing a lot more with my eurorack setup and wanted to start sequencing drums via modules. Started thinking that this could likely do everything I wanna do in eurorack at a much cheaper cost and a pretty nice foot print. Thanks for your review! Def gave me some stuff to think about.
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for the comment and good luck on your music journey 🤘.
Nice info.. I’m still kinda wanting to try one.. but I’m pretty happy with what I have also Analog Keys is the best Elektron for me so far..
Thanks! Never tried the Keys but have always been intrigued. How do you like the sequencer?
@@subliminalsequences It’s a joy to program with the keys.. I use the 2 midi tracks to control my OB6 and PRO 3 so it’s very easy to get full tracks made..
It’s super nice and compact and built like a tank nothing I don’t like about it.
The keys are so cheap right now no brainer.
I found that I couldn't use it on it's own apart from in very specific circumstances.
It's kind of an 'add-on' box for something else.
Pairs really well with something like the EMX/ESX1 boxes or the MC-101.
I often have to force myself to make standalone music on it because as you mentioned, it pairs so well with other boxes and samplers.
As per usual, everyone wants everything. These machines are built to be intergrated into bigger systems. I have MD A4 DT and ST. together they are a force. 👊💥
Biggest con is no compressor imho. At least that makes it an “all in one” to a reasonable extent. Tbh. Just get an octatrack, accept the limitations and get rid of all the other elektron boxes. No need for ~2-8 sequencers in a setup.
Also, people should really just call that “fx block” a master track.
One more con that isn’t a missing feature. The mod buttons are.. well.. useless.
A compressor would be huge, never even considered it.
Nice overview, thank you. I'm a bit confused about the effects track. As far as I can tell, this box, like the Digitakt, has only reverb and delay as effects. So what's meant here by effects? It's not like it has chorus, flanger etc., right?
Thanks for the comment. Yes, no chorus or flanger. There’s overdrive, reverb and delay.
Thks for the great feedback / review !! By the way , Is scale mode availlable on midi tracks ?
I'm considering it , and for me one thing is that it has this ability to answer a lot of scenerios in a set up , making the need of other gears redundant , midi tracks sequencing is one of them (limited to 4 notes poly) , if it could have samples it would be perfect . As you pointed out , it's not as polished for hip hop and other heavy stuff , but sounds are pristine and a good starting point for quality layering , the other BIIIIIIGGGGG sellling pint for me versus Tr 8S and korg Drumlogue for exemple (witch i considered) is Overbridge , full recall and audio : superb !!
Hey! Thanks for the comment. Yes, keyboard/scale mode works for Midi. I agree if it had a sampler it would be the perfect box. Overbridge can be tricky but is great for polishing up your tracks. Makes a huge difference vs recording out into stereo.
Yep , by the way doin,g a review of Overbridge could be a great idea , the big plus versus for exemple Roland , is that you don't have to give up your main soundcard driver sto get the audio !!!
Small question : let's say i use the input in the syntakt to pass my Korg Minilogue xd , can i get this input as an output of audio in overbridge or only built in machines ?@@subliminalsequences
Got mine on release day in the uk love it would be nice to have a second filter on the analog track and resonance for the second filters but the kiks are extremely usable
Never even considered that but now its all I want, haha thanks for the comment.
What do you think about akai stem plus this?
People have mentioned immediacy, the Octatrack is basically instant, yeah you have to think in samples but it’s amazingly quick and has enough sound design to build any kind of specific sound you want, independent track bpm and the ability to “render to sample” from any tracks, it’s the closest thing you can get to a tracker, while the Syntakt never really felt like it wanted to BE something special, just a very flexible machine
I owned the Octatrack for a year and I agree, very quick to spin up new tracks. A little confusing to use though. I never fully wrapped my head around it, where the other Elektron Boxes I have owned made sense right away.
I think the Syntakt is very reasonably priced. It's limited in some ways compared to Polyend stuff, or the M8, but (a) 3½ analog voices, (b) analog effects with sequencing, (c) build quality + reliability. Over and above all that, the constraints of its sound engine are chosen deliberately. FM in particular can be very demanding to work with, and these sound engines are designed with macro controls that simplify but still allow a lot of range.
"We're selling you a synth you can't program, but that's ok because synthesis is actually quite demanding... for a little pea brain like you"
Polyend tracker is better compared to the Octa and Digitakt but vs the Syntakt it’s a whole different thing because it is an actual synth vs sample synths
@@SantiagoGT15 I was responding to the sentiment that "the Syntakt is overpriced," so I was trying to think of what I could compare it to. Perhaps the Roland grooveboxes such as MC707, TR8S or SH-4d are a little closer, and it's pretty easy to justify the ST's price compared to those.
As to whether the Tracker is "better" than the DT, I'd be interested to hear your reasoning. When I got my DT, it was basically between that and the Tracker, and I don't quite recall the reason I went with the DT. (Overbridge possibly?) I don't know enough about it to see anything it does that's "better." (Granular and wavetable? Better resampling workflow?)
As to the OT, many use it as a performance mixer or live looper. If you only look at it as a standalone device, it's surely overpriced and maybe hard to use, but I can't think of any other device that can do what it does as central node in a larger setup. It's such a chameleon that I don't think there's anything on the market that's directly comparable. Maybe the 1010 bluebox is similar in functionality, but the interfaces are polar opposites.
@@GeorgeLocke in my experience the sampler on the tracker has a different approach to the one on the digitakt, added bonus of granular and wavetable, the ability to retrigger like on the OT, ability to time stretch and repitch, and also to play random slice and random direction, I don’t know, seems to me more can be done on a tracker (and the OT) the digitakt doesn’t fall back but it doesn’t get into glitch and resampling madness as easily, I decided to sell my DT once I realized that samples could be taken much much further with the tracker/OT, ever tried making a song with the same sample? Just chop, apply filters, some bit reduction here and there and you can basically make a whole drumkit from a guitar chord
I also have the Digitakt, but the immediacy of my Syntakt appeals to me way more. I just hate to look for samples and I have not been able to manage my samples properly since basically forever.
EDIT: I guess together they really shine tho.😊
i feel the same
have both and i hardly use the digitakt because i apparently suck at sample management
with the syntakt, i turn it on and almost naturally jam away for hours on end
really hoping for a nice syntakt update soon because i'd love some more machines or maybe even one or two more effects 👽
Couldn't agree more. It's really nice to have those machines in the palm of your hand and its such a pain uploading samples. I often find myself using old libraries out of habit. Also yes, I think pairing a sampler with the Syntakt is a perfect combination.
I’ve bought one twice. It has an incredible quick interface. I always make new noises with it.
Actually I would argue if you’re not into sampling much, like me, this is a great first Elektron box that allows you to do complete tracks in one box, use a few MIDI tracks to sequence external gear when you want to, complete with good FX management.
Solid point!
Yeah, I don't like working with samples neither, and this groovebox is perfect : I couldn't decide what to chose between the Analog Rytm and the Cycles
@@s.r.b.4582Did you make a decision?
@@subliminalsequences yeah the syntakt :D hahaha
Any vst alternative for this ?
Are using your OT as the clock master when you pair with the Syntakt or the other way around? I'm so keen to get a Syntakt so I can mangle it with the OT :)
I use the OT for the master clock whenever I pair it with another device, either way works though.
@@subliminalsequences thanks to 'Fire Within'...I am a thousand dollars out of pocket as of yesterday and my OT has a friend :)
Where'd you get the space stock background? very cool
Thanks! It's stock video on Motion Array (motionarray.com/)
Thanks my friend @@subliminalsequences
This is my first elektron box, and Im getting it because i want a small dawless setup for some techno and dnb. Also Im curious about the famous elektron workflow, and since i needed a drum machine and sequencer with my TB-3 I decided to try this one out, got it used for 700 dollars. I hope I like it!! Loved the video
Thanks for the comment! Sounds like you got a great deal from the second hand market. I think you’ll love the workflow and Syntakt. Let me know how it turns out!
IMO the Syntakt is Elektron's best machine. I've owned all of them including some SID Stations. The Digi-format trio though, is really all on this level. I can create entire tracks on the Syntakt though effortlessly. It's absolutely incredible. It's also amazing to run other gear through (I'm currently running a MEGAfm through it).
Hey what is that grey tape player thingy you have there ?!
Hey! Maybe my Digitone..? What part of the video?
I see more and more people using it, I think it's going to become a staple like the other takts
I really hope so. I also hope that Elektron continues to develop "machines" for the Syntkat, like the SY Swarm and SY Raw.
You ahould try the rytm mk2. Id be curious of your review
I would love to demo that. Have you owned or played one?
The Model Cycles to me is so fun and great bang for the buck.
I would get one if I didn't have the Syntakt. They look fun :)
I have a syntakt and want to buy digitakt because sample sounds are better for drums. I have lots of polyphonic Synths too (boutiques, ob-6 etc) in my case, for me, which should be center hub (brain) ? Digitakt or syntakt?? what should be best scenerio as your experience. ?? Thank you for great video
Thanks for the comment! It depends on how you like to make music. If you use the Digitakt you'll have 8 internal audio tracks and 8 midi tracks so great if you have a lot of external devices. Where the Syntakt provides more internal audio tracks( with 12) which gives you more wiggle room if you aren't using external devices. I think the Digitakt is worth owning to just check it out if you've never owned and you like the Syntakt. You can't go wrong with either as the center hub.
@@subliminalsequences thank you
@anonymous_friend It is very hard to make recommendations because it depends very much on the timbre you want in your music. The Roland MC101 is very safe choice because it will add 4 different sound sources to your Hapax that can be chosen from a wide palette. But a synth that is very controllable , very deep with flavor (like the Syntakt) and polyphonic: I haven’t yet figured out for myself what that synth is. Currently alternating between the Wavestate and the Minifreak. Both have their strengths, but neither makes me feel I already found what I am looking for.
👀MFW seeing this video pop up on my algo feed with my bad gear comment on the thumbnail. 👀
Since that video I still use the Syntakt in my jams, but pretty much the same way: making solid basslines and added kicks and percussion.
My biggest gripe is you cant copy and paste machines quickly like you can on the dogitone. Im sure the argument is they want you to save that sound to your bank foe later recall, but in a live jam, this is jusy nore time and effort.
Solid video. Keep up the good work!
Hey! Haha, thanks for the comment. I'm glad you're cool with me using your comment. I thought it was a good one to show there are ppl who love this box. I have never had an issue copying machines but then again I don't do it live usually so that may be the problem as its not super smooth. Do you post any of your music?
@@subliminalsequences Yeah, I think the Syntakt has it's place in the -takt ecosystem and it has plenty of fans. After some updates it's kind of set itself apart from the Cycles, the device I find it closest to.
I do stream on my music channels every Tuesday. Here's a randomly selected jam from my archive: czcams.com/video/5i8W3E4Of1g/video.html
I'm currently on my 2nd Syntakt and I'm never selling it again. It is easily the best, most fun, most adaptable drum machine/groove box I've owned (a lot). Something about how easy it is to take an init project and turn those basic sounds into something else entirely different. The absolute biggest thing for me is the randomise parameter button combo. Using that on one or more can yeild amazing results that you might never dial in yourself. I can easily make a track to perform every day (if I have time). I'd put a love jam video up everyday if I could. Sadly work and life prevents that. 😂
What button are you referring to? I agree the Syntakt is great when starting initial projects, I can whip up new tracks very fast.
@@subliminalsequences press and hold a parameter button then press Yes. It works best on the synth button as have found that randomising filter and LFO etc don't always work too well. But sometimes they do
I agree that it has many limitations compared to a DAW but I think it doesn't pretend to replace it, and to finish a track in an acceptable way you will still need a DAW but if you like having dedicated hardware and it makes you feel good it's a great one tool for sure. To date, there is nothing physical that can replace the power, immediacy and convenience of a modern DAW.
Using it with a daw is the way to go
@@Garnassium Without too many words, yes that's exactly how it is in my opinion too
Solid comment here. I tend to enjoy the polish sound of my tracks more when created in a DAW, but I have way more fun making them on the Syntakt.
How do you use it within your daw? Do you use overbridge or just record one track at a time into a audio slot?
@@subliminalsequences Usually one track at a time, I'm still a newbie with Syntakt.
I put a blokas midihub between it and a midi controller. 8 and 3 voice synth.
Nice! I have paired mine with a midi solutions quadra thru which is similar to the blokas midihub.
Syntak+wavestate video. czcams.com/video/wgWQjeivjGk/video.htmlsi=M4_xlOw5CewgxePW
For me, it's more a synthesizer than a drum machine. I use it in a totally different way than most people, I think it's a great ambient machine
Thats great. Do you have any tracks on YT showcasing that? I'd be interested in trying that approach.
@@subliminalsequences I don't intend to release any demo soon, not unfinished at least. But what I'm sure about is that the syntakt is a great machine for ambient or electro ambient music. I'm also looking forward watching some of your new tracks :)
I sure never heard gamechanger and Syntakt in one sentence, haha
I think for the dawless/Elektron fans it can be viewed that way but I get what you mean.
For me, the big problem is like depth on the sound design side.. otherwise I get a little anxious that I’ll sound too much like the next person.. so instead I have an A4 and a Rytm.. and presume one day I might get a digiton.. so the Syntakt just hasn’t appealed to me.. though I get the whole idea of it as a kind of distillation of other stuff Elektron has been doing.. I just kinda felt I wasn’t the target user.
Great take. How do you like the A4?
@@subliminalsequences it’s still one of my favorite synthesizers. It’s an odd thing that when people talk about it they don’t mention how capable it is as a synthesizer. I got an MK1 for, like, half the price, and it’s like.. one of the best deals in the industry at this point… though I think a lot can be said for the improvements of the MK2.. I’m thinking primarily about the filter, overdrive, and how the i/o works… I believe it’s a much more stereo instrument.
I think.. when it first came out people had a rough time with the Elektron workflow.. and if you we’re obsessed with synths, but not ready for the workflow.. you didn’t get on with it.. and I think that kinda impacted people’s perception of it. But yeah, I think it’s underrated.
Bought the Syntakt and sold my Digitone. After a few months I realized that it was never getting turned on. It does a lot, but nothing is really special. Being a do everything box it has to compete with Ableton Live, and it can’t. Plus, if I am sitting in the recliner relaxing and composing the Digitakt gets too hot.
I'll never sell my digitone, I just love it too much. Did you mean Syntakt or Digitakt when you reference it getting too hot?
Syntakt.@@subliminalsequences
Great video. From having it for about 7 months and then selling it, I think it's a great device. It's just overpriced for what it does. If you could load your own samples in it, I could justify the price point though.
Appreciate the comment. What did you replace it with?
@@subliminalsequences I got a Roland TR8S because it has its own drum synth engines, FM synthesis, stock samples and the ability to load your own samples. The TR Editor software makes it really easy to conduct sound design as well
I really do enjoy using the syntakt to start a track. The sounds are typically polished and powerful enough to be included in the finished product, although the cymbals and hats can sound thin without any DAW polish, but that's like most things.
Thanks for the comment. I agree the cymbals need a little polish, I would say the snares as well.
such a bummer it doesnt have two tracks of sampling...
I love my Syntakt. It's totally different than the Digitakt in that firstly 4 tracks are analog. A big difference for those who care. Second, you have a variety of synth engines, analog and digital which you didnt mention. You can have as many playing at once and with 12 tracks, that's overkill! The retrig buttons feel useless to me even though they can be customized, I find little to no use for them other than to mess around for fun for no more than 2 mins. I think they can update them with something more useful especially when they take so much space. Otherwise, the price is high but you are getting an all in one box that's pretty much a one stop shop on the go dawless electronic instrument. You can make full tracks with just this one thing.
Thanks for the comment. Great hearing other perspectives. I do agree the re-trig buttons feel like a gimmick and I don't use them that much.
I have a bit of a love / hate relationship with my Syntakt. The sound engines are very very good, but they seem to share a lot of DNA amongst each other so all different engines together doesn’t bring a very diverse palette. Elektron sequencers: I really like the clear way parameters are sequenced and locked in Elektron, but unfortunately that is about the only thing to love. What is in particular missing is decent step resolution for tracks, (highest is 4 pages of 16 steps) and chords /polyphony. By the way there is also hardly any engine that can play chords, except the “chord engine”. This all makes the Elektron boxes heavily skewed to loopy pattern music, like drum patterns or techno but it is less suited for music with melodic content, harmonic content, or longer developments /arcs. I usually end up sequencing my Syntakt from my Squarp Hapax or Deluge, because I find those sequencers much easier to use for the genres I try to make.
Hey! Thats interesting how you use other sequences. I agree with you on pretty much all your points and I have to use my DAW to typically create more dynamic, musical songs. How do you like the Deluge and why do you like the sequencer better?
@@subliminalsequences why do I like the sequencer better: grid based sequencers are more ergonomic for both displaying and entering large numbers of notes than “single row based sequencers”, on top of that the Deluge sequencer also can do tons of tracks in parallel with no limits to the length of tracks (or clips on tracks). So you are not confined to 4 or 8 bar loops. How do I like the Deluge as a whole: it provides an excellent sample player and decent synth (4 operator FM or 2 oscillator subtractive/wavetable), it can do audio tracks (complete recordings) as well as short samples. There is also a very nice arranger on the Deluge that also uses the button grid to display its timeline. So I would say the Deluge is a groove box that almost feels like it is a DAW, without feeling like a computer. (The screen is very small and is not that important). I like that a lot.
I'm a Hapax user, and I'm considering getting some elektron devices, but I don't intend to use the elektron sequencers. Are the sound engines and fx worth it at that point? I see they are all monophonic, and that seems limiting. Are there any other devices you recommend to pair with the Hapax?
Hype.
Can’t deny the hype train on this one 🚂
@subliminalsequences I've had a lot of Elektron gear. The Elektron sequencer is great, and it leaves a lot of creative possibilities for those working out of the DAW.
But for those who work in a DAW, it's an unnecessary temptress.
Sent mine back after a week. I realised that I can do everything and much more in the DAW. The Fors Opal drum synth is a much cheaper option and integrates much better in Ableton. Overbridge is a great idea on paper but it brings complications that slow your workflow. You still have to properly eq and mix the Syntakt once you've created something. It just slows me down.
I felt it was just a box of presets with too many limitations.
Just my view.
No master compressor on the external input? I’ve had a Cycles for a couple weeks and I love it, Elektron FM is special…and makes me want a Syntakt, but for live DAWless stuff…you hate to see some staple features like that be omitted…
I keep hearing that. I wish I included in in my cons list! I think a master compressor would make the box even more self sufficient.
@@subliminalsequences it was an excellent video though! Definitely gave me some good perspective.
I am using sytakt with Waldirf Iridium, adds two layers of any imaginable sound, and has also an input with compressor, and analyzer, you could get a good mix out of this combo. Sequence Iridum with unused voices, or externally. Very compact setup, Iridium can also usb host midi controllers, but has no through port, but an Faderfox EC4 has 2 midi out, so easy routable.
I pretty much agree with what you say. the syntakt is my first elektron device, and sure, it's quite pricey, but then again it feels as if it is a stronger standalone device than its siblings, so...
of course there are limitations, but, the company would shoot themselves in the foot if they would add sampling right? - as much as I miss it ..!
I don't see them including overbridge on the octatrack, just saying...
and also, I am constantly discovering new possibilities and improving my skills, which feels pretty satisfying. and, they warned me about the steep learning curve, so it'd be a bit silly to start whining about having to invest effort and time to get most out of this machine, no?
thanks, I'm subscribing ;)
Thanks for the sub!
Hello , personally I love the idea of Syntakt but I truly hoping for a Syntakt's big brother that wouldn't be at all about the Analog Rytm.
A Syntakt on steroids in a very brief solution would be like this : 6 analog + 6 digital + 4 audio/sample tracks , more sound design options, power and features. More pots and more outputs.
Just love sitting in the park or public transport and getting creative with my Syntakt. But if you take a look outside of 'our' first world bubble it easy exceeds three month of peoples' wage.
That's awesome. How do you power it on the go?
One con I heard about Syntakt is that it is hard not to make it sound like Syntakt - same with Model:Cycles.
If you make a standalone music on it that can be the case. Do you own any Elektron products?
@@subliminalsequences Yes, I only use Elektron boxes - OT, A4 and DN. Sold Cycles. Want Machinedrum.
it's a hard sell when the digitakt is cheaper and more easy to use but i like the more tracks like ya said
If you haven't pushed the syntakt to it's/your creative limits(instead of posting countless feature requests on elektronauts), it will probably be on reverb/craigslist in a few months. Exponential hype decay when people get bored lol. I'm sure it will get blown out for $400, discontinued, and then suddenly spike to $3500 when someone gets famous with it, just like the mon-
It does more than ANY other elektron device.
I love my sample based Elektron boxes, but could never really click with their "synth machine" based ones. You can do a lot with them, but at the same time they feel way too constrained at times. I returned the Syntakt and do most of my work on my Digitakt/Drambo combo with a couple of extra synths these past years. (Drambo basically acts like an Octatrack MK3 on steroids with a large touchscreen)
Truly mind blowing setup that doesn't feel limited in any way. I can basically play complete improv sets for hours without any issues and it feels incredibly rewarding. Sure, I can do a bit more with Bitwig but I don't feel like I'm missing anything when I'm using my DT/ Drambo setup which is what I'm really looking for.
Love that setup too! Are you using additional plugins within Drambo? I love the modular aspect but find myself looking for quicker options sometimes. Also curious if you sequence from DT or in Drambo native? :-)
Are you rocking the Drambo app on an ipad? That sounds like a wicked setup. I get the constrained feeling, there are times I feel like I'm making the same music over and over again on the Syntakt. For me I try to stick to mostly percussion as I think there's a wide range of sounds you can achieve in that area.
@@schubertludwig For sure! Yeah I use FX with the morph slider in Drambo (Ocatrack style). And I do use some AUv3 plugins inside Drambo as well. Roughrider 3 & Monolit are both FREE and get used constantly. But I also use it to sequence stuff. Setting up chains with the gate+velocity and the CV quantiser lets you jam random grooves that are always in a determined scale which is extremely useful. But making a default template is a huge time saver that's for sure.
Currently, my main setup is Digitakt/Drambo with a LaunchControl XL and a Behringer EDGE & CRAVE plugged directly in the inputs. I had the Moog variants first, but had to return those because of QC issues. Honestly, I was never a big Behringer fan but these two boxes are gems for live improvisation.
@@subliminalsequences Yeah, Drambo is running on a 12.9 inch ipad. All audio is routed from Digitakt to Drambo and processed there. DT is both the audio interface and main clock. You can build incredibly versatile setups that fit in a small backpack this way. I have the same situation with Elektron's synth machine based boxes though, I tend to make the same sounds over and over again. I just think these synth machines are kinda gimmicky compared to their sample based machines.
I can make any sound I want with the Drambo modules in a more convenient (and much cheaper) way.
Octatrack and syntakt go hard
They do, is that what you rock?
Blah blah blah...ok.
Listen...
I HERE you but ...
I love my Syntakt. (Synthia)
It took awhile to get used to it compared to my MC707...
The sytakt is "different" but VERY CAPABLE and intuitive imo.
I like to pair it with a SP404MKII or P0133
The Lil animation helps me visually understand what's being manipulated...
And like I said ... it's Quick.
You can lay down FAT BEATS with just Analog Machines
And used the 12 Digital Tracks for Synths and made good Ambience.
Imo.
It's Strong
And I like the WARMNESS during the creations.
She's a Tank.
GREAT FOR TRAVELING TOO.
SHE'S my RIDE OR DIE BIRD.
73 Beats later and I still have soo much to create
Overhype or one of your favor electron boxes
One of my favs!
Snares are kinda garbo as far as realistic hard hitting ones, but for digital/electronic drums its the tits. The kick/ bass is also S-tier.
I should have gone in depth about this more but you're 100% right, the snares are trash. The kicks and bass are amazing.
Mc101. Is cool to
Why not do everything in your daw, guess I don't have patience to be clicking buttons to go to menú's and submenu's to make music...
I get that. I view it as another form of making music. It also inspires a lot of ppl where starting from a blank slate in a daw can be tough.
It’s good that everyone is different. Having gone through all the various trends since the early 90’s, working ITB was the least interesting to me. So much so that I stopped completely for a while.
Went back to hardware and the interest came back!
I disagree that it’s mostly a drum machine. Syntakt is incredible musical. It does rhythm & melody equally well.
Ugh......seems to overlap with my old Machinedrum. Thanks for the thorough review!
It's an ok groovebox but a step back compared to the past and what others are doing.
Kind of an expensive re-hash.
Why it sucks:
Has global FX
Midi tracks steal internal tracks
Not enough tracks compared to old Elektron machines
FX are samey and gets boring after some time
Retrig is nothing new
Not enough machines
It's not polyphonic and can only play all notes in a chord at the same time
No advanced routing posibilities
Cant play "real" special time signatures
The buttons are not 16 in a row
They finally brough back ctrl-all but can it do more??? (re-hash)
No arpeggiator, what!
I agree with you, the sounds are kind of weak and bland (More good/exciting machines... thx)
Great video.
Thanks for the comment! I agree with a good amount of your cons. The FX do get boring after awhile and the time signature comment is so true. I feel using a grid based sequencer puts you in a box for what you can create.
Nah...just a Lane Changer.
As in just another angle from Elektron?
That title is a bit click-baity. No Elektron device is "hype". Their entire product range, with NO exceptions, from day 1, has established a strong legacy of powerful, innovative tools for electronic music production. No device is perfect. Nothing. Not a Minimoog, not a CS-80, not a Juno 60, not a Casio SK-1 - NOTHING. But, some things are above being questioned as "hype". Elektron devices, including the Syntakt, all fall into that category.
So basically it's a mediocre sounding drum machine and a crap synthesizer... but at least it's nice.
certainly overprized
This product looks so dumb. It's is dorky and limiting. For the price you can get analog from multiple modules and a sequencer and mixer. Such limited I/O. My God how lame they just released this recently and they used that TI83 screen?!?!? That right there is a turn off. The click buttons dumb. It's tiny. It's 24bit rather than 32bit or 64bit.
i have one, havent jived at all with it. its in my closet. tbh ive had more fun with other synths.
That happens to me as well with other gear. How do you use the Syntakt?
@@subliminalsequences was using it for bass and trying leads. My norand and my uno pro x are more appealing to me. I think for me the syntakt has too much going on.