Elektron Syntakt The Top 3 Underrated Features

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  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 93

  • @GeorgeL909
    @GeorgeL909 2 роки тому +13

    I'm always down for more Syntakt vids, thanks for this! My biggest surprise was that if you crank the feedback and mod values on an SY tone, increase the ratio up high, and throw on a snappy envelope and filter, you can make a nasty metallic trash can snare that hits very hard compared to the default snare engines. That and the massive sounds you can sculpt out if SYbits leads me to believe there's a lot of potential under the hood of the Syntakt if you get creative with the filters and envelopes!

  • @1UpBebop
    @1UpBebop 2 роки тому +4

    Thanks so much for keeping the Syntakt hype going. Kinda sad how many people have moved on from it. Even Cuckoo (who I donate to and Patreon to so not a shot at! ha) started videos on it and just dropped it. Oh well. I upload shorts of performances on my channel/instagram/twitter and I get messages and comments all the time of people asking me what it even is. Like actually electronic musicians who OWN Elektron gear and others have no clue what it even is/does. I feel like Elektron kinda dropped the ball on this one. People who have it and know of it, love it. Those who don't, have no clue about it. Hoping it gets a second wind like the Model series -forgotten about shortly after arrival, then 1 year later considered a classic pieces of gear.
    Also Syntakt and it's 4 note polyphony over midi + new Volca FM is SUPER versatile. That's my go to combo for all my chords and ambient layering. Keeps everything small and powerful.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Yeah I’ve noticed that too. I think it is because right after it came out all of the superbooth stuff dropped. Thanks for watching!

    • @BrockDavisson
      @BrockDavisson 2 роки тому +1

      I think they need to stop giving it to just random youtube influencers for the sake of views because many of the hardcore people would rather watch something that is more informative like what Eric does here, compared to someone that wouldn't know where the filter is on these boxes, but because they have 120,000 followers that is how they got it!

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +2

      @@BrockDavisson I think what happens a lot with the bigger channels is that they have so many pieces of kit to learn and review, they can only do one or two videos before they move on to the next one. Little guys like me don’t have that ‘problem’ ;)

    • @Asyouwere
      @Asyouwere 2 роки тому

      What do you mean Cuckoo has dropped it? Did he state that somewhere?

  • @liberthorn
    @liberthorn 2 роки тому +1

    It is refreshing to see this style of product review. The demonstration reviews, for me, are face value. Your syntakt reviews have helped cement my faith that it is the groovebox I was looking for.
    The flexibility of different channel types and the speed in which one can synthesize drums and synth sounds (compared to mouse and computer) is what I am looking for.
    Thank you for the incredible content and perspective.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Thanks so much for watching. I’m really glad it was helpful!

  • @lrkx_
    @lrkx_ 2 роки тому +2

    Great tips, thanks 🙏 Timing is perfect as mine arrived on Friday, so this gives me more to use in my exploration! :)

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

  • @minimal.camera
    @minimal.camera 2 роки тому +11

    Great video, as always! on the topic of MIDI tracks, I feel like that's the biggest missed opportunity / feature request opportunity for the Syntakt: let a track send MIDI and trigger an internal synth engine simultaneously! I upgraded from the Model:Samples to the Syntakt as my primary drum machine. With the M:S I got into the habit/workflow of using a sample to try out an idea, then if I liked it, sending that MIDI out to a more powerful external synth, just like you discussed here. But what I found is that instead of it needing to be an either/or situation, I found a lot of happy sound design accidents by layering my 'good enough' sample with my carefully designed sound on the external synth. The interplay of the two is often better than each on their own! And mixing between the two is a great source of evolving sounds. Basically the same concept behind the Analog Rythm - layering samples with synths. I really want to do this with my syntakt, and simply can't! Well, the workaround is to use 2 separate tracks, one as an internal synth and one as a MIDI track, and copy/paste the trigs. But that's needlessly cumbersome. The Model:Samples/Cycles call this 'MOUT' (for MIDI OUT), so I'll call it that here as well. Elektron, please add MOUT mode to the Syntakt! If the Models can do it, certainly the new hotness can do it too!

    • @AcidTechnoMan5000
      @AcidTechnoMan5000 2 роки тому

      I find programming midi notes on the Elektron machines cumbersome. I have a squid I use for midi and it's lightning fast programming and far more capable IMO

  • @spot1119
    @spot1119 2 роки тому +1

    Bro I just got the Syntakt and have lots of gear to sequence with it. Thank you for a much more simple breakdown how everything is routed. Wish I could pick your brain for an hour or so.

  • @onsite2406
    @onsite2406 9 місяців тому +2

    Hey Surco, this comment probably belongs in your OXI-one videos, but there is a built-in scale quantized note editor on the Syntakt. You’ve mentioned this is only applicable when playing the keyboard and live recording, but there is another way as well. If you enter Step sequencer mode with rec+stop you can select individual steps, then you can turn the keyboard on. The keyboard will not show up in step sequencer mode unless you hold SHIFT. This way allows you to enter or edit individual steps while quantized to the scale you want.
    It’s not as immediate as the OXI-one but it is a top hidden feature imo and can hold someone over if they can’t drop $700. You could argue that the mod-repeat buttons also gives you a pseudo-Euclidean sequencer on the syntakt.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  9 місяців тому

      I've tried this and it hasn't worked for me. Maybe I'm missing something, but when I hold a step and turn the A encoder to change the note it always gives the notes in chromatic no matter what scale I'm in. Is there something in the settings you are able to do to make this work? If it does it's a great find, but in my testing I haven't gotten it to work. I just tried again now, and it still does not work for me. Also the performance buttons can only divide evenly, so it really isn't euclidean. The new euclidean on the Analog Rytm is awesome. It's way more powerful than most with two pulse channels and boolean operations. Really cool. I hope it makes its way to the Syntakt!

    • @onsite2406
      @onsite2406 9 місяців тому +1

      @@SURCOlive rotating the encoder does not work. Enter step recording mode, the selected step will be highlighted green. Tap the step you want to modify. If the keyboard mode is not active, turn it on like normal. You won’t see the keyboard, but it’s on. Hold shift and the keyboard will show - you are still in step recording mode so when you tap the desired note it will enter or update the note on that step.

    • @onsite2406
      @onsite2406 9 місяців тому +1

      I think it’s most useful as an editor of a live-recorded sequence if you want to edit a note you don’t like, which I believe is the main drawback you pointed out on the sequencer.

    • @onsite2406
      @onsite2406 9 місяців тому +1

      I’ll also reiterate that this is for step recording, not grid recording. You enter step recording mode with Rec+stop.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  9 місяців тому +1

      Ah, got it... yeah you still have to 'play it in' using the keyboard. The beauty of what the Octatrack does is quantizing the encoder input. The beauty of the Oxy is that it has the ability to quantize played in, encoder, and even random pitch generation in key separate from gate. It is another world. I do appreciate the tip though. Thank you for taking the time.

  • @sonicindustries227
    @sonicindustries227 2 роки тому +3

    Great demo Eric. It's on my radar now - thanks to you. The midi capabilities could be awesome used with the 0-Coast & Strega

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Those would be great partners. I’ve been looking at the East Beast and a West Pest as well.

    • @sonicindustries227
      @sonicindustries227 2 роки тому +1

      Yea they sparked my interest too.

  • @LuisTorres-qz5kr
    @LuisTorres-qz5kr 2 роки тому +2

    Great combo! Thanks for the "mini" Tutorial!

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks as always for watching!

  • @RobbekenSynthMusic
    @RobbekenSynthMusic 2 роки тому +2

    Nice tips!
    I love how flexible all the machines are. Just one of many can have multiple uses and really add utility to the Syntakt.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +2

      My favorite thing about the Syntakt is it’s flexibility.

    • @magicseadog8674
      @magicseadog8674 2 роки тому +1

      Elektron are really good at iteration and continued development in their designs.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Couldn’t agree more

  • @troyouttram
    @troyouttram 2 роки тому +2

    Great video 🙏. It’s a great sketch box that plays nicely with everyone ;) while also sounding great on its own.

  • @MatthewLowes
    @MatthewLowes 2 роки тому +1

    Nice! Love those chord machine unison sounds. So much to explore on this machine! Thanks for sharing your insights. :)

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Thanks so much for watching!!

  • @andrewknox9360
    @andrewknox9360 2 роки тому +1

    Appreciate the video. I'm a newbie to production and this is the first 'serious' bit of gear i've purchased. I feel like there's a lot to like straight off the bat, but time and familiarity will start to open up new possibilities. I have a dusty old Machine mk2, and i feel like the combination of sampling, midi control and synthesis with the two could make for a fairly complete solution for simple grooves and arrangements.

  • @JoelGilardini
    @JoelGilardini 2 роки тому +2

    That keyboard fold features is something I would relly love to have also on Digitakt and Digitone!!!

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Hopefully the next round of firmware updates sends keyboard fold to the DT and DN, and input channel split mono control from the DT and DN to the Syntakt!

  • @Hysteric_Subjects
    @Hysteric_Subjects 2 роки тому +1

    Yeah man what you show there with the chord mode is what I was messing with the other night. Haven't actually paired it with my Typhon yet but it's on my agenda.

  • @Sinnersainthuman
    @Sinnersainthuman Рік тому +1

    great content Surco. Love my syntakt!

  • @otuon2441
    @otuon2441 2 роки тому +2

    This is my favorite time when people start finding out really cool creative ways to use synths. Can't wait to get mine.

  • @MarcoPolux
    @MarcoPolux Рік тому +1

    Great video! More in love with my Syntakt now 👍 👍

  • @markserdtse4518
    @markserdtse4518 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing tips! Thank you! Is it posible to control reset input on swarm from Syntakt?

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Not directly as the Syntakt doesn't have CV/Gate outputs, but connecting it via midi allows for full midi control. Thanks for watching!

  • @dreikycaprice
    @dreikycaprice 2 роки тому +1

    Great explanation thank you!

  • @eagereyes
    @eagereyes 2 роки тому +3

    Nice! It's also worth noting that you can send LFOs to MIDI CCs as well, which blew my mind the first time I read about it. This isn't specific to the Syntakt, it's a general Elektron thing. Also, I'm surprised that nobody seems to use the MIDI Thru ports. I'm pretty sure you can set them to duplicate the Out port, no need for a splitter if you just have two devices :) EDIT: Turns out the last part is not actually true, but I was convinced it was…

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      I thought about going into the LFO control of Midi CC but opted to keep this one short. The thru ports can be used as ‘sync’ ports for clock but not additional ‘out’ ports.

    • @eagereyes
      @eagereyes 2 роки тому +2

      @@SURCOlive I just looked it up, the PORT CONFIG page in the settings menu has an item THRU PORT FUNCTIONALITY that lets you configure it as another MIDI Out port by picking the MIDI option.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +2

      @@eagereyes That setting determines what type of signal the Thru output passes (MIDI, DIN24, or DIN48). It is unfortunately still a ‘Thru’ port and not an additional ‘Out’ port. That would sure be cool though. Maybe someday (MIDI 2.0 They have been working on?). Thanks for watching.

    • @eagereyes
      @eagereyes 2 роки тому +2

      @@SURCOlive Boooo! I was convinced this was possible, but you're right! I should have actually tried it rather than just looking at the manual, sorry!

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      @@eagereyes all good. I had to give it a try too. Always love those hidden features. I’m sure we will find more even though this one didn’t work out.

  • @spadehead
    @spadehead 2 роки тому +1

    Hey Surco - another great video. How have you configured the QS for MIDI - whatever I do I can't seem to get it working and have to use a MIDI-CV convertor which works but isn't ideal....

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      I think I got lucky. I plugged in the cable (using the correct adapter) and set the midi channel to the same as the Swarm, and it just worked. :)

  • @cliffymckernan6853
    @cliffymckernan6853 Рік тому +1

    Hi thanks for your advice on the Syntakt. Always very helpful. I have a question. Can I the Syntakt as the master for midi. But not for the clock. I want my Beatstep as clock so I can clock my moog dfam. Could you tell me how I can do this thanks

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  Рік тому

      You can do this for sure. The best step would need to be set to send clock and all other devices including the Syntakt would need to be set to receive clock. The Syntakt would then be set to send note and cc info while other synths were set to receive from it. It’s all in the settings of each device. It can be tedious to set up but not too complicated. Thanks for watching.

  • @davewebster689
    @davewebster689 2 роки тому +2

    The unison mode and chord engine is exactly the same with the Model:Cycles. Lifted straight from it pretty much. If the Syntakt wasn't so expensive I would consider replacing one with the other, but I think theres many more higher priority upgrades for me than getting a Syntakt

  • @faremissound
    @faremissound 2 роки тому +1

    This is super helpful, thanks! I’m curious what would you say it does (specifically in drum programming/drum sequencing) that the Deluge can’t? I know you like the Deluge for it’s flexibility and I’m trying to determine if there’s gonna be too much overlap in owning both devices? I currently own the Deluge and throughly enjoying it, but I haven’t done too much drum programming on it yet. Thanks again.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Glad you liked it! Syntakt and Deluge are VERY different. Deluge really excels in bigger projects with tons of tracks. It has very immediate workflow for scratching the surface of a ton of things, but depth of capability is often buried deep in the microscopic shortcuts or menus. I love it to jot ideas down quickly, but when I want to flesh them out, I bring them to more 'specialist' type gear. Syntakt is a very unique machine. It is built around (in my opinion) the best sequencer available in a groove box, which it also shares with all of the other modern Elektron boxes. Beyond that the synthesis possible is much deeper than in the Deluge, and having digital and analog synthesis in the same machine is a big plus. The Deluge can work with samples, which the Syntakt can not. That sample workflow is a bit clunky in the Deluge, so if you are really into sample based workflow, you might look elsewhere. Syntakt is really good for creating your own unique drum (and synth) sounds from an easy to navigate and understand workflow. It is a great step into the synthesis world if you are new to that, or something very easy to get great sounds out of if you are already synth-savvy. There is a bit of overlap, and a bit of specialization. I use them both for very different parts of my creative process, so I really never use them together. It all comes down to your personal workflow preference. I hope this helps. Thanks so much for watching!

    • @faremissound
      @faremissound 2 роки тому

      @@SURCOlive really appreciate it! Thank you!

  • @xisotopex
    @xisotopex Рік тому +1

    are you using the quadrantid swarm sequencer or do you sequence it from the syntakt?

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  Рік тому

      I’ve done both. The Swarm sequencer is fun for inspiration, but others have a lot more control. Thanks for watching!

  • @maarzt
    @maarzt 2 роки тому +1

    good one! how did you sequence that rolling bass? sounds super rapid

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      Thanks! It’s actually just straight 16th notes.

  • @syntience_music
    @syntience_music 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome! Question: if I want to sequence MIDI notes to an external synth with like 12 polyphony (like the Deepmind 12), will I be limited to the 4 polyphony of the Syntakt MIDI engine? Is there any workaround (like assigning 3 MIDI tracks to the same MIDI channel to sequence 12 polyphony?)

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      You can definitely assign multiple midi tracks to the same channel of a poly synth. THanks for watching!

    • @syntience_music
      @syntience_music 2 роки тому

      @@SURCOlive thank you for your reply!

  • @joserancel6255
    @joserancel6255 8 місяців тому

    Nice video...with diferences has the Syntak and the Digitone? For Techno of course...thanks

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  8 місяців тому +1

      Related to sound they are very different. Digitoe as an FM synth has a very crisp, cold, metallic sound. It is possible to warm it up but it takes a little more work. Syntakt is digital and analog oscillators, so it sounds warmer and richer. I like both types of sound, but I tend to use FM less. Syntakt can do FM but it takes a bit more work too. I hope this helps. THanks for watching!

    • @joserancel6255
      @joserancel6255 8 місяців тому +1

      @@SURCOlive thanks!!!!waiting for your video of Roland101+Analog Heat2fx😉

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  8 місяців тому +1

      @@joserancel6255 Its in the list. ;)

    • @joserancel6255
      @joserancel6255 8 місяців тому

      @@SURCOlive Ive just seen a video "my thoughs of syntak"👌👌👌.and i checked that you have aswell the Sh01a...it will be great when you do the video sh-101+analog heatfx..how do you use both devices...🙏🙏🙏Thanks a lot..

  • @sCealt
    @sCealt 2 роки тому +1

    a friend lent me his digitakt for a week and im really digging (pun intended) the workflow. love the 8 midi tracks but i don't care much about samples.
    the syntakt seems to be the perfect groovebox for me.

  • @enemoy2650
    @enemoy2650 2 роки тому +1

    Do you think the Syntakt is suitable for Psytrance/ Goa, especially considering the analogue bass and kick? I would love to play that kind of music live

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      I think that is more about how you prefer to work. I’ve seen all sorts of artists get all sorts of genres out of the Syntakt because they gelled with the workflow. I love it for the music I make, but others prefer other boxes. It definitely has all the tools. Thanks so much for watching!

  • @Number01
    @Number01 2 роки тому +1

    Great bit size tutorial! What's your best midi solution for 12 midi signals coming out of the ST to 12 synths?
    Have you heard of the "MRCC MIDI Router Control Center"?
    Would this work?

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      MRCC would be great but maybe overkill. It is more of a switching matrix between a lot of sources (11 I think) and a bunch of outputs. If you were controlling it all from the Syntakt you would only need a large thru box. Kenton makes a one in 12 out thru box for $170. Hope you find the right solution. Thanks so much for watching!

    • @Number01
      @Number01 2 роки тому +1

      @@SURCOlive Thank you! I didn't know they made one with that many outs.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      @@Number01 they actually make a 25!

    • @Number01
      @Number01 2 роки тому

      @@SURCOlive Wow. Not sure if I'm there yet. I'm just looking to pull the band members (synths) together. Lol

    • @minimal.camera
      @minimal.camera 2 роки тому +2

      If you know how to solder, check out the Deft Audio DIY kits. I have the 2 in 10 Out and it is crazy good for the price! OK so my MIDI in jacks broke, but I'm sure that's my poor soldering and not the kit's fault!

  • @TropicalBrick
    @TropicalBrick Рік тому +1

    Wait, do i understand this correct, you can create patterns on the Syntakt and send them as midi (to the quadrantid swarm) and it will play the pattern on the syntakt?
    So I could save the sequences i needed for my set and then just change the pattern on the fly without having to reprogramme my Swarm live?

  • @matthewwilson3673
    @matthewwilson3673 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, question is will I still want a syntakt after I demo a mc707 which is similar price

    • @minimal.camera
      @minimal.camera 2 роки тому +2

      That comparison is all about the workflow. IMO Roland makes some of the worst menu systems and UI, but their boxes are crazy capable. While the feature list of the 707 dances circles around the Syntakt, I still prefer the Elektron workflow over Roland's.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому

      I would agree that it comes down to workflow.

  • @ytJnC
    @ytJnC 2 роки тому +1

    Can keyboard fold be set up so that the upper and lower rows are on different midi channels?

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Keyboard fold is for the active channel only. Thanks for watching!

  • @ytJnC
    @ytJnC 2 роки тому +1

    It appears that both the LR inputs go into the same effects. Is there a mode where each input could have different effects?

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Not currently on the Syntakt. I’m sure it will come in a firmware update as it was in the most recent update for the Digitakt and Digitone. Thanks for watching!

  • @RababaInc
    @RababaInc 2 роки тому +1

    more syntakt please 😊

  • @AhmetKizilay0
    @AhmetKizilay0 2 роки тому +2

    Agreed that chord is also my least favorite machine. With the chord machine I like using the unison x 4 and increasing the balance to get nice detuned sounds.

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  2 роки тому +1

      Yeah it makes a solid voice used like that for sure.

    • @kp8923
      @kp8923 2 роки тому +1

      It's a really great way to make chord progressions if you know music theory. The mistake everyone makes with the chord machine is trying to use it for chord planing, which ends up sounding corny

  • @新北京人在纽约
    @新北京人在纽约 Рік тому +1

    how make that fx buttons purple color

    • @SURCOlive
      @SURCOlive  Рік тому

      The colors change based on the mode. They are not freely changeable. Thanks for watching.