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Elektron Syntakt - User Manual

Elektron Syntakt
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Syntakt
User Manual

Table of Contents

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Summary

FCC Compliance Statement

Legal Disclaimer

Important Safety and Maintenance Instructions

Safety Instructions for the Power Adapter

Guidance on safe usage and ventilation for the power adapter.

Sound Peaks

Information regarding potential loud audio signals during test mode.

Restart Procedure

Instructions for performing a complete restart of the Syntakt.

Introduction

Conventions in This Manual

Explanation of symbols, formatting, and terminology used in the manual.

The Syntakt

Panel Layout and Connectors

Front Panel

Detailed description and identification of all front panel controls and displays.

Rear Connectors

Identification and function of all rear panel input and output connectors.

Setting Up and Starting the Syntakt

Step-by-step guide for initial setup and powering on the Syntakt.

Quick Start

Playing the Factory Presets

Instructions for navigating and playing pre-loaded patterns and sounds.

Tempo

Guide to adjusting the global or pattern tempo and tap tempo functionality.

Using Keyboard Mode

How to use the TRIG keys for chromatic playing and scales.

Using Mute Mode

Method for muting or unmuting individual sequencer tracks.

Editing Parameters

How to access and adjust track parameters using DATA ENTRY knobs.

Syntakt Sound Architecture

Digital Voice Type

Overview of the digital sound engine and its components.

Analog Drum and Analog Cymbal Voice Types

Description of analog sound engines for drums and cymbals.

Send Effects

Explanation of how delay and reverb send effects are utilized.

Analog FX Block

Details on the analog drive, multimode filter, and amplifier components.

Analog FX Block Routing

Instructions for routing tracks and external inputs through the FX block.

Overview of the Syntakt Data Structure

+Drive

Information about the +Drive storage for projects and sounds.

Data Structure

Explanation of how projects, patterns, and sounds are organized.

About the Tracks

Details on audio, MIDI, and FX tracks within the Syntakt sequencer.

MIDI Tracks

How to use tracks for controlling external MIDI gear.

The FX Track

Functionality of the dedicated FX track for analog drive and send effects.

Interacting with the Syntakt

Screen Navigation

Methods for navigating menus and sub-menus using keys and knobs.

Trig Keys

Explanation of the uses of the TRIG keys for sequencing and control.

Rotary Encoders

Details on the function and operation of DATA ENTRY and LEVEL/DATA knobs.

Key Behavior

How keys function individually and in combination with other keys.

Parameter Editing

Guide to adjusting track parameters using DATA ENTRY knobs.

Quick Scrolling

Techniques for faster menu and list navigation.

Copy, Clear, and Paste

Commands for copying, clearing, and pasting data within the Syntakt.

The Naming Screen

Method for naming sounds, projects, and other files.

Pop-up Naming

Using the pop-up menu for convenient character input during naming.

Keyboard Mode

Using the TRIG keys to play sounds chromatically and in scales.

Keyboard Setup Menu

Options for configuring scales, root notes, and keyboard layout.

Mute Mode

Functionality for muting or unmuting tracks globally or per pattern.

Trig Modifiers

Using trig modifiers to alter track sounds during performance.

MIDI Notes

Triggering Syntakt functions via external MIDI note data.

Overbridge

Information on integrating Syntakt with computer DAWs via Overbridge.

Class Compliant Device

Details on Syntakt's USB compatibility and audio/MIDI streaming.

Backing Up the Syntakt

Procedures for backing up and transferring projects and sounds.

Patterns and Sounds

The +Drive Sound Library and the Sound Pool

Overview of sound storage options: +Drive library and Sound Pool.

Playing a Sound

Methods for playing sounds using TRIG keys or external MIDI devices.

Editing a Sound

Process for adjusting sound parameters on the active track.

Loading a Sound

Instructions for loading sounds from the Sound Browser or Manager.

Saving a Sound

Steps to save edited sounds to the +Drive.

The Sound Menu

Accessing and using the SOUND menu for sound management.

Sound Browser

Functionality for previewing and loading sounds from the library.

Sound Manager

Tools for managing sounds: import, export, rename, and tag.

Load Sound

Detailed steps for loading sounds into patterns.

Save Sound

Procedure for exporting the active track's sound to the +Drive.

Rename Track Sound

How to rename sounds using the NAMING screen.

Init Track Sound

Resets track parameters to default values.

The Sequencer

Sequencer Tempo

Adjusting tempo, global vs pattern tempo, and tap tempo features.

Basic Pattern Operations

Selecting banks and patterns, and pattern chaining.

Pattern Control

Starting, stopping, pausing, and resuming pattern playback.

Editing a Pattern

Introduction to pattern editing modes and trig types.

Grid Recording Mode

Method for inputting trigs using the TRIG keys in real time.

Live Recording Mode

Real-time recording of notes, parameter locks, and trigs.

Step Recording Mode

Inserting notes and parameter locks step-by-step.

Micro Timing Menu

Adjusting the timing of trigs for micro-timing effects.

Retrig Menu

Customizing retrig behavior for sequencer steps.

Quantize Menu

Applying quantization to micro-timed and off-grid trigs.

Metronome Menu

Configuring the internal metronome settings.

Scale Menu

Setting pattern and track lengths and playback scales.

Per Pattern Mode

Setting shared length and scale for all tracks in a pattern.

Per Track Mode

Assigning individual lengths and scales to each track.

Sequencer Features

Advanced sequencer functions like parameter locks and sound locks.

Parameter Locks

Setting unique parameter values for individual sequencer steps.

Sound Locks

Changing a track's sound on specific sequencer steps.

Trig Conditions and Conditional Locks

Applying rules to trig events based on conditions.

Fill Mode

Using FILL mode for temporary pattern variations.

Swing

Adjusting the swing ratio for rhythmic groove.

Copy, Paste and Clear Operations

Managing patterns, tracks, and trigs via copy, paste, and clear functions.

Temporary Save and Reload Pattern Commands

Saving and reloading patterns to a temporary memory space.

Chains

Sequencing patterns to create longer song structures.

Song Mode

Arranging patterns into songs for sequential playback.

The Song Edit Screen

Interface for creating and editing songs, rows, and settings.

Creating and Editing a Song

Step-by-step process for building and modifying songs.

Playing a Song

Instructions for playback, navigation, and control within Song Mode.

Audio Track Parameters

Editing the Audio Track Parameters

Accessing and modifying parameters on the SYN, FLTR, AMP, and LFO pages.

Trig Parameters Page

Settings for note trig actions: pitch, velocity, length, probability.

FLT.T

Filter Trig control for triggering the filter envelope.

LFO.T

LFO Trig control for triggering the Low-Frequency Oscillator.

PTIM

Portamento Time setting for pitch glide duration.

Portamento

Enabling and disabling the portamento effect.

SYN Page

Parameters for sound synthesis, varying by selected machine.

FLTR Page 1

Multimode filter parameters and its associated envelope settings.

FREQ

Cutoff frequency of the multimode filter and EQ center frequency.

RESO;GAIN

Filter resonance and EQ boost/cut settings.

TYPE

Selection of filter types, including digital and analog options.

ENV

Filter envelope depth for modulation of cutoff frequency.

FLTR Page 2

Envelope delay and filter envelope reset parameters.

BASE

Base frequency setting for the digital voice filter.

WIDTH

Width adjustment for the digital voice filter frequency range.

AMP Page 1

Amplitude envelope, effect sends, panning, and volume parameters.

SUS

Sustain level for the amplitude envelope (ADSR mode).

REL

Release time for the amplitude envelope (ADSR mode).

DEL

Delay send amount for sending audio to the delay effect.

REV

Reverb send amount for sending audio to the reverb effect.

PAN

Stereo panning position for the track's sound.

VOL

Volume level of the track's amplifier.

AMP Page 2

Amplitude envelope reset, mode, and track routing settings.

LFO Page 1

Parameters for the Low-Frequency Oscillator 1 behavior.

SPD

Speed setting for the LFO waveform cycle.

MULT

Multiplier for LFO speed, affecting sync with tempo.

FADE

Fade in/out settings for LFO modulation depth.

DEST

Selecting the target parameter for LFO modulation.

WAVE

Selection of LFO waveform shapes.

SPH

Start Phase setting for the LFO waveform cycle.

MODE

Trig Mode settings for LFO behavior upon note trigger.

DEP

Depth and polarity setting for LFO modulation.

LFO Page 2

Parameters controlling the behavior of the second LFO.

MIDI Track Parameters

Editing the MIDI Track Parameters

Accessing and modifying parameters for MIDI tracks.

Trig Parameters Page

Settings for MIDI note trig actions: note, velocity, length, probability.

LFO.T

LFO Trig control for triggering LFO on MIDI tracks.

SYN Page

MIDI channel, bank, program change, and CC parameter settings.

FLTR Page (CC Value)

Setting values for up to eight assignable CC commands.

VAL1-VAL8

Controls for CC values, specified on the AMP (CC SELECT) page.

AMP Page (CC Select)

Selecting CC commands controlled by FLTR PAGE parameters.

LFO Page

Parameters for the LFO behavior on MIDI tracks.

SPD

Speed setting for the MIDI track LFO.

MULT

Multiplier for MIDI track LFO speed.

FADE

Fade in/out settings for MIDI track LFO modulation.

DEST

Selecting modulation destination for MIDI track LFO.

WAVE

LFO waveform selection for MIDI tracks.

SPH

Start Phase setting for MIDI track LFO.

MODE

Trig Mode for MIDI track LFO behavior.

DEP

Depth and polarity for MIDI track LFO modulation.

LFO Page 2

Parameters controlling the second LFO for MIDI tracks.

FX Track Parameters

Editing the FX Track Parameters

Accessing and adjusting parameters for the FX track.

Trig Parameters Page

Settings for FX track trig events: length, probability, LFO, filter, amp.

SYN Parameters Page

FX track analog drive parameter settings.

DRIVE

Amount of analog drive added to the audio through the FX track.

FLTR Page 1

Analog multimode filter parameters and its envelope.

FREQ

Cutoff frequency of the analog multimode filter.

RESO

Resonance setting for the analog multimode filter.

TYPE

Selection of filter types for the analog FX block.

ENV

Filter envelope depth for modulation of cutoff frequency.

FLTR PAGE 2

Envelope delay parameters for the analog filter.

AMP PAGE 1

Amplitude envelope, sends, panning, and volume for the FX track.

SUS

Sustain level for the FX track amplitude envelope.

REL

Release time for the FX track amplitude envelope.

DEP

Depth modulation for the FX track amplitude envelope.

DEL

Delay send amount from the FX track.

REV

Reverb send amount from the FX track.

PAN

Stereo panning position for the FX track.

VOL

Volume level of the FX track amplifier.

AMP PAGE 2

FX track amplitude envelope reset and mode settings.

LFO PAGE 1

Parameters for the first LFO on the FX track.

SPD

Speed setting for the FX track LFO.

MULT

Multiplier for FX track LFO speed.

FADE

Fade in/out settings for FX track LFO modulation.

DEST

Selecting modulation destination for FX track LFO.

WAVE

LFO waveform selection for FX tracks.

SPH

Start Phase setting for FX track LFO.

MODE

Trig Mode for FX track LFO behavior.

DEP

Depth and polarity for FX track LFO modulation.

LFO Page 2

Parameters controlling the second LFO for FX tracks.

Delay, Reverb and Mixer Parameters

Editing the Delay, Reverb and Mixer Parameters

Accessing and adjusting delay, reverb, and mixer settings.

Delay

Parameters for the delay send effect, including time and feedback.

X

Ping-pong setting for stereo delay effect.

WID

Stereo width adjustment for delay signal pan.

FDBK

Feedback gain for the delay effect.

HPF

Highpass filter cutoff frequency for the delay effect.

LPF

Lowpass filter cutoff frequency for the delay effect.

REV

Reverb send amount from the delay effect.

VOL

Mix volume adjustment for the delay output signal.

Reverb

Parameters for the reverb send effect, controlling persistence and ambiance.

PRE

Pre-delay time setting for the reverb effect.

DEC

Decay time setting for the reverberated signal.

FREQ

Shelving filter frequency for reverb sound shaping.

GAIN

Shelving gain for dampening reverb above a chosen frequency.

HPF

Highpass filter cutoff frequency for the reverb effect.

LPF

Lowpass filter cutoff frequency for the reverb effect.

VOL

Mix volume adjustment for the reverb output signal.

Mixer Page 1

Track level settings for audio tracks 1-8.

TRK 1-8

Setting the track level for audio tracks 1 through 8.

Mixer Page 2

Track levels for tracks 9-12, FX, Delay, Reverb, and external inputs.

TRK 9-12

Setting the track level for audio tracks 9 through 12.

FX

Setting the overall level of the FX track.

DEL

Setting the overall level of the delay effect.

REV

Setting the overall level of the reverb effect.

Mixer Page 3

Routing and level settings for incoming external audio.

Settings Menu

PROJECT

Managing projects: loading, saving, and managing project files.

SONG

Performing tasks related to songs, including editing and loading.

RENAME

Renaming the active song.

CLEAR

Clearing the active song.

LOAD

Selecting and loading songs.

SAVE TO PROJ

Saving the active song to the current project.

PATTERN

Managing patterns: renaming, clearing, saving, and reloading.

RELOAD FROM PROJ

Reloading pattern data from the project.

AUDIO ROUTING (PATTERN)

Setting audio routing options on a per-pattern basis.

MIDI CONFIG

Configuring MIDI functionality: sync, ports, and channels.

PORT CONFIG

Configuring MIDI port functionality and signal types.

CHANNELS

Setting MIDI channels for tracks, FX, and auto channel.

SYSEX DUMP

Sending and receiving SysEx data for projects, patterns, and sounds.

SYSEX SEND

Procedure for sending project, pattern, or sound data via MIDI/USB.

SYSEX RECEIVE

Procedure for receiving project, pattern, or sound data via MIDI/USB.

AUDIO ROUTING (GLOBAL)

Setting global audio routing options for all tracks and effects.

EXTERNAL IN

Configuring incoming audio from INPUT L/R as stereo or mono.

MAIN

Customizing which tracks send audio to MAIN OUT.

SEND TO DEL;REV

Customizing which tracks send audio to Delay/Reverb effects.

USB IN

Routing incoming audio from USB devices into the Syntakt signal path.

USB OUT

Routing outgoing Syntakt audio to USB devices.

INT TO MAIN

Setting if internal audio is sent to MAIN OUT with Overbridge/USB.

USB TO MAIN [dB]

Amplification level for audio streamed over USB to the main output.

PRE;POST FADER

Setting if USB audio is pre or post track level.

GLOBAL FX;MIX

Applying global FX/Mix settings across all patterns.

SYSTEM

System settings: USB config, LED intensity, OS upgrade, format.

USB CONFIG

Configuring USB connection modes: Overbridge, USB MIDI, USB AUDIO/MIDI.

LED INTENSITY

Adjusting the brightness of key LEDs and the screen.

REMEMBER SUBPAGE

Recalling the last used parameter page subpage.

OS UPGRADE

Procedure for upgrading the Syntakt operating system software.

FORMAT +DRIVE

Erasing all content from the +Drive storage.

CALIBRATION

Procedures for oscillator calibration and factory restore.

Startup Menu

TEST MODE

Performing hardware self-tests and checking for errors.

EMPTY RESET

Erasing patterns and sounds while keeping +Drive data.

FACTORY RESET

Re-initializing the Syntakt to factory default settings.

OS UPGRADE

Alternative method for upgrading the Syntakt OS via startup menu.

EXIT

Exiting the Startup menu.

Setup Examples

Syntakt with a Monophonic Bass Machine

Example setup for syncing Syntakt with a legacy DIN sync bass machine.

Controlling a Synthesizer Using the MIDI Tracks

Using Syntakt's sequencer to control external MIDI synthesizers.

Useful Key Combinations

General Commands

Common functions like copy, paste, clear, and parameter changes.

Track;Pattern;Bank Select

Key combinations for selecting tracks, patterns, and banks.

Naming Commands

Key combinations for character selection and deletion in naming screens.

Saving and Reloading

Key combinations for saving projects and temporary pattern reloads.

Menu Access

Shortcuts to access various menus like SOUND, MACHINE, and FX.

Sequencer Shortcuts

Key combinations for tempo, metronome, trig, and timing adjustments.

Mutes

Key combinations for entering Mute modes and quick muting tracks.

Modes

Key combinations for entering Keyboard, Fill, and other modes.

Clear Track;Clear Pattern

Key combinations to clear track or pattern data.

Reset Parameters

Methods to reset individual parameters or entire parameter pages.

Randomize Parameters

Randomizing parameters on a selected page.

Sound;Trig Preview

Key combinations to preview sounds and trigs.

Song Mode Shortcuts

Key combinations for entering, exiting, and navigating Song Mode.

Technical Information

Electrical Specifications

Technical details on audio levels, impedance, and power consumption.

Hardware

List of physical components and connectivity options.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions, weight, and environmental operating limits.

Credits and Contact Information

Elektron Crew

List of individuals involved in the Syntakt development.

Preset;Pattern Sound Design

Credits for sound design and preset creation.

Contact Information

Official website and office address for Elektron.

Appendix A: Machines

Voice Types and Machines

Overview of Syntakt's voice types (Analog/Digital) and machine concepts.

Assigning a Machine to the Active Track

Steps to assign a specific machine to an audio or MIDI track.

Digital Machines

Detailed description of Syntakt's eight digital voice machines.

SD BASIC

Parameters for the SD BASIC digital machine.

PC CARBON

Parameters for the PC CARBON digital machine.

CP VINTAGE

Parameters for the CP VINTAGE digital machine.

CY ALLOY

Parameters for the CY ALLOY digital machine.

SY BITS

Parameters for the SY BITS digital machine.

SY TONE

Parameters for the SY TONE digital machine.

SY CHORD

Parameters for the SY CHORD digital machine.

SY TOY

Parameters for the SY TOY digital machine.

SY SWARM

Parameters for the SY SWARM digital machine.

MIDI (SYN page)

MIDI channel and parameter settings for the MIDI machine.

MIDI (FLTR page)

Assignable CC command settings for the MIDI machine.

VAL1-VAL8

Values for MIDI CC commands, specified on AMP page.

MIDI (AMP page)

Selection of CC commands for MIDI machine parameters.

DISABLE (MACHINE DISABLED)

Machine setting to disable sound output for a track.

Analog Drum Machines

Detailed description of Syntakt's analog drum voice machines.

BD CLASSIC

Parameters for the BD CLASSIC analog drum machine.

BD FM

Parameters for the BD FM analog drum machine.

BD PLASTIC

Parameters for the BD PLASTIC analog drum machine.

BD SILKY

Parameters for the BD SILKY analog drum machine.

BD SHARP

Parameters for the BD SHARP analog drum machine.

BD HARD

Parameters for the BD HARD analog drum machine.

SD FM

Parameters for the SD FM analog drum machine.

SD NATURAL

Parameters for the SD NATURAL analog drum machine.

SD CLASSIC

Parameters for the SD CLASSIC analog drum machine.

SD HARD

Parameters for the SD HARD analog drum machine.

RS HARD

Parameters for the RS HARD analog drum machine.

UT (UTILITY) NOISE GEN (WHITE NOISE GENERATOR)

Parameters for the white noise generator utility machine.

UT (UTILITY) IMPULSE (POSITIVE;NEGATIVE POLARITY IMPULSE)

Parameters for the impulse utility machine.

SY DUAL VCO

Parameters for the SY DUAL VCO machine.

SY RAW

Parameters for the SY RAW machine.

MIDI (SYN page)

MIDI channel and parameter settings for the MIDI machine.

MIDI (FLTR page)

Assignable CC command settings for the MIDI machine.

SEL1-SEL8

Selection of CC commands for MIDI machine parameters.

DISABLE (MACHINE DISABLED)

Machine setting to disable sound output for a track.

Analog Cymbal Machines

Detailed description of Syntakt's analog cymbal voice machines.

CH CLASSIC

Parameters for the CH CLASSIC analog cymbal machine.

OH CLASSIC

Parameters for the OH CLASSIC analog cymbal machine.

CH METALLIC

Parameters for the CH METALLIC analog cymbal machine.

OH METALLIC

Parameters for the OH METALLIC analog cymbal machine.

HH BASIC

Parameters for the HH BASIC analog cymbal machine.

CY CLASSIC

Parameters for the CY CLASSIC analog cymbal machine.

CY METALLIC

Parameters for the CY METALLIC analog cymbal machine.

CY RIDE

Parameters for the CY RIDE analog cymbal machine.

CB CLASSIC

Parameters for the CB CLASSIC analog cymbal machine.

CB METALLIC

Parameters for the CB METALLIC analog cymbal machine.

UT (UTILITY) NOISE GEN (WHITE NOISE GENERATOR)

Parameters for the white noise generator utility machine.

UT (UTILITY) IMPULSE (POSITIVE;NEGATIVE POLARITY IMPULSE)

Parameters for the impulse utility machine.

MIDI (SYN page)

MIDI channel and parameter settings for the MIDI machine.

MIDI (FLTR page)

Assignable CC command settings for the MIDI machine.

MIDI (AMP page)

Selection of CC commands for MIDI machine parameters.

Appendix B: MIDI

Track Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for track level parameters.

Trig Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for trig parameters.

SYN Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for SYN page parameters.

FILTER Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for FILTER page parameters.

AMP Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for AMP page parameters.

LFO Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for LFO page parameters.

FX Track Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for FX track parameters.

VAL Parameters

MIDI CC values for parameters on the FLTR page.

MISC Parameters

MIDI CC and NRPN specifications for miscellaneous parameters.

FX TRACK PARAMETERS

MIDI CC and NRPN specs for FX track SYN, FILTER, and AMP pages.

Appendix C: LFO Modulation Destinations

AUDIO TRACKS

List of parameters on audio tracks that can be modulated by LFOs.

MIDI TRACKS

List of parameters on MIDI tracks that can be modulated by LFOs.

FX TRACK

List of parameters on the FX track that can be modulated by LFOs.

Appendix D: Unison and Chord Settings

Appendix E: Keyboard Scales

Index

Elektron Syntakt Specifications

General IconGeneral
Voices12
Number of Parts12
Number of Tracks12
TypeDrum Machine, Synthesizer
Synthesis TypesAnalog, Digital
FiltersAnalog multimode filter for analog voices
EffectsChorus, Delay, Reverb, Distortion
SequencerElektron sequencer
Memory128 projects, 128 patterns per project
ConnectivityMIDI In/Out/Thru, USB
Power12V DC
Weight1.53 kg
Sound Engines8 digital, 4 analog

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