Elektron Syntakt – A Hands On Review
Overview
Having spent time with the Elektron Syntakt, I can say it’s quite the powerhouse! It’s a hybrid groove box and sequencer that combines both digital and analog synthesis in a way that feels immediately intuitive if you’re familiar with Digitakt or Digitone, but with entirely different synth guts under the hood.
The synth packs twelve tracks in total: eight digital drum and synth tracks, three analog drum and synth tracks, and one dedicated analog cymbal track. You’ve got your usual master delay and reverb effects, plus a really nice analog effects section with drive, filter, and amp controls that can add some serious warmth to your sounds.
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Getting To Know The Machines
Digital Tracks (1-8)
The digital tracks are where things get interesting. Each track can load one of ten different machines, and honestly, they’re not too shabby! The Bass Drum Modern is surprisingly punchy for a digital kick – you can tune it nicely and even play melodies with it if you’re feeling adventurous.
The snare options (Basic and Vintage) give you plenty to work with, and the PC Carbon percussion synth is incredibly diverse – I found myself getting lost in sound design with just this one machine. The clap machine has a neat trick up its sleeve too – swap out the envelope for an ADSR, and you can get some really interesting repeating effects.
But wait until you try the Bits Synth – don’t let the name fool you. This is actually a proper virtual analog synth with two oscillators and a noise generator. You can detune the oscillators, play with PWM, and then destroy it all with sample rate reduction if you want that retro gaming sound.
Analog Tracks (9-11)
The analog tracks are where things get warm and fuzzy. The Dual VCO is particularly nice – you can ring mod, do analog FM, or even combine both if you really want to get weird. Playing with the relative tuning creates some really interesting textures.
One of my favorite combinations is running the analog synth through the analog filter with some drive – it’s an instant recipe for rich, characterful sounds. The resonance can get pretty wild if you push it, but that’s part of the fun.
Effects Appeal…
The analog effects chain is a game-changer here. Unlike the digital delay and reverb (which are sends), the analog effects work as an insert chain, and you get to choose which tracks go through them. I found myself frequently routing my synth and kick through the analog drive and filter – it adds this subtle (or not so subtle, if you crank it) warmth that just works.
Here’s a cool trick I discovered: you can use the effects sequencer to create rhythmic ducking effects. Set up a simple kick and chord pattern, then use the effects track to trigger the ducking envelope in sync with your kick. Instant side-chain-style pumping, but with an analog character to it.
Performance Features
The new trig modifiers are a nice addition to the Elektron workflow. You get four modifiers that can control things like retrigs (note repeats), velocity, decay, and effect sends. What’s particularly useful is that you can reconfigure these to control different parameters – want that last modifier to control reverb instead of delay? No problem.
One thing I wish they’d add is the ability to apply these modifiers to running sequences. Currently, you can’t use them to transpose or modify notes as they’re playing, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Real World Pros and Cons
What I Love
1 – The synth engines are slightly simplified, but that’s actually a good thing – you can get to what you want quickly without diving through endless menus
2 – That analog effects chain is worth its weight in gold for adding character
3 – The sequencer is classic Elektron – rock solid and incredibly flexible
4 – Overbridge integration means you can record individual tracks when you need to
What Could Have Been Better…
1 – Only having stereo outputs feels limiting – individual track processing requires connecting to a computer
2 – I really wish it had some basic sampling capabilities
3 – The pattern system can be cumbersome when you just want to vary one track
4 – No master compressor with sidechain (come on, Elektron!)
Conclusion
After spending quality time with the Syntakt, it’s clear this isn’t just another groovebox – it’s a serious synthesis powerhouse that manages to stay immediate and fun to use. Yes, it has its quirks and limitations, but the combination of digital precision and analog character creates something special. It sits nicely alongside its Elektron siblings while carving out its own unique space.
While it might not be perfect (what is?), it’s become one of those instruments that consistently surprises me with new possibilities, even after extended use. Whether you’re sculpting sounds from scratch or just want to jam out some rhythms, the Syntakt delivers in a way that feels both powerful and playful.
Other Classic Synth or Drum Machine Products?
The famous Roland synths, drum machines and effects include: SH 101, MC 202, TB 303, TR 606, TR 707, TR 808, TR 909, Juno 60, RE-201 Space Echo. Behringer Deepmind 12, Behringer K2, Behringer Model D, Elektron Machinedrum, Korg MS-20, Moog Model D, Moog Grandmother, Nord Modular G1, Oberheim OB-6, Yamaha DX7.
Where Can I Find A Syntakt For Sale?