Elektron Digitone User manual

Digitone
Master of the digital method
Quick Guide

3
THANK YOU
Thank you for purchasing Digitone. Digitone represents our vision of how FM synthesis can be
revitalized and modernized. Here’s how: combine FM sound generation with a classic subtractive
synthesis signal flow. You go from jagged chaos to mellow soundscapes in less than a second.
Digitone is one unique box.
Choose from multiple FM algorithms featuring carefully selected parameters. Shape the tones with
powerful filters. Arrange them with the intuitive Elektron sequencer, and then round it all o with the
stellar eects. Now enjoy the most spectacular sounds, seemingly emanating from some parallel
universe.
Become the master of the digital method!
- The Elektron Team
Digitone

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FCC compliance statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de-
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003.

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Legal disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not
be construed as a commitment by Elektron. Elektron assumes no responsibility for
any errors that may appear in this document. Elektron may also make improvements
and/or changes in the products and programs described in this document at any
time without notice. In no event shall Elektron be liable for any special, indirect, or
consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data,
or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other action, arising out of
or in connection with the use or performance of this information.
European Union regulation compliance statement
This product has been tested to comply with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC. The product meets
the requirements of RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU.
Your product must be disposed of properly according to local laws and
regulations.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Do not use the unit near water.
2. Never use aggressive cleaners on the casing or on the screen. Remove dust, dirt
and fingerprints with a soft, dry and non-abrasive cloth. More persistent dirt can be
removed with a slightly damp cloth using only water. Disconnect all cables before doing
this. Only reconnect them when the product is safely dry.
3. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you place the unit
on a stable surface before use.
4. Connect the unit to an easily accessible electrical outlet close to the unit.
5. When transporting the unit, preferably use accessories recommended by the manufac-
turer or the box and padding the unit was originally shipped in.
6. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any
other appliance (including amplifiers) emitting heat.
7. Do not put the PL-2S Protective Cover (Elektron accessory) on the unit while the unit is
powered on.
8. This product, in combination with an amplifier and speakers or headphones, is capable
of producing sound levels that can cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a
long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when it is not used for an extended time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service technicians. Servicing is required when the unit
has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.

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TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE
• Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing and also avoid placing
objects filled with liquid, such as vases, on the unit.
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, nor use it in ambient temperatures exceeding
40°C as this can lead to malfunction.
• Do not open the casing. There are no user repairable or adjustable parts inside. Leave
service and repairs to trained service technicians only.
• Do not exceed the limitations specified in the Electrical specifications.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE POWER ADAPTER ELEKTRON PSU-3b
• The adapter is not safety grounded and may only be used indoors.
• To ensure good ventilation for the adapter, do not place it in tight spaces. To prevent
risk of electric shock and fire because of overheating, ensure that curtains and other
objects do not prevent adapter ventilation.
• Do not expose the power adapter to direct sunlight, nor use it in ambient temperatures
exceeding 40°C.
• Connect the adapter to an easily accessible electrical outlet close to the unit.
• The adapter is in standby mode when the power cord is connected. The primary circuit
is always active as long as the cord is connected to the power outlet. Pull out the power
cord to completely disconnect the adapter.
• In the EU, only use CE approved power cords.
RESTART
• For a complete restart of the Digitone, wait for at least 30 seconds after turning it o
before turning it on again.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 10
. CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL ..............................................10
. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS.............................................................................. 11
. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ...................................................11
. REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS ................................................14
2. SETTING UP AND STARTING DIGITONE.......................................15
. SOUND ARCHITECTURE .................................................................................................... 16
3.1 AUDIO VOICES................................................................16
3.2 EFFECTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
. THE USER INTERFACE .........................................................................................................17
4.1 SCREEN NAVIGATION.........................................................17
4.2 PARAMETER EDITING ........................................................18
4.3 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP ...................................................18
4.4 [FUNC] KEY PRESS COMBINATIONS .........................................18
4.5 QUICK SCROLLING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.6 COPY, CLEAR AND PASTE....................................................19
4.7 THE NAMING SCREEN........................................................19
. OVERBRIDGE ................................................................19
5. EXPERIMENTING WITH PATTERNS ............................................................................... 20
5.1 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS .................................20
5.2 USING THE TRIG KEYS TO PLAY THE DIGITONE .............................20
5.3 USING MUTE MODE ..........................................................21
5.4 TEMPO ......................................................................21
6. ABOUT THE TRACKS ...........................................................................................................22
6.1 THE SYNTH TRACKS.........................................................22
6.2 THE MIDI TRACKS...........................................................22

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6.3 EDITING THE TRACKS.......................................................22
7. THE SEQUENCER ..................................................................................................................23
7.1 SELECTING A PATTERN ......................................................23
7.2 PATTERN CONTROL.........................................................23
7.3 TRIGS AND TRIG TYPES .....................................................23
7.4 PATTERN RECORDING MODES ..............................................23
7.5 GRID RECORDING MODE ....................................................24
7.7 LIVE RECORDING MODE.....................................................25
7.8 PARAMETER LOCKS.........................................................26
7.9 PATTERN SCALE ............................................................26
7.10 PATTERN SWING ........................................................... 27
8. THE DIGITONE FM SYNTHESIS.........................................................................................27
8.1 OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
8.2 THE OPERATORS ........................................................... 27
8.3 ALGORITHMS ...............................................................28
8.4 HARMONICS ................................................................29
8.5 FM RATIOS..................................................................30
8.6 THE OPERATOR ENVELOPES ...............................................30
. TECHNICAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................32
. CREDITS AND CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................33
INDEX............................................................................................................................................34

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. INTRODUCTION
. CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
We use the following text formatting conventions throughout the manual:
• KEY NAMES
Uppercase, bold style and within brackets. For instance, the key labeled “FUNC” on the
main panel is called [FUNC].
• KNOBS
Uppercase, bold, italic letters. For instance, the knob “Level/Data” is called LEVEL/DATA.
• LED INDICATORS
Uppercase letters with angle brackets. For instance, the Pattern page LEDs are called:
<PATTERN PAGE>.
• MENU NAMES
Uppercase letters. The GLOBAL SETTINGS menu is an example of that.
• PARAMETER NAMES, MENU OPTIONS
Uppercase bold letters for parameter names and certain menu options where you can
make settings or perform actions. For example, VOL.
• PARAMETER SETTING ALTERNATIVES
Uppercase letters. For example, OFF.
• SCREEN MESSAGES
Uppercase letters with quotation marks. For example, “QUANTIZE LIVE REC”.

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. PANEL LAYOUT AND CONNECTIONS
. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Polyphonic Digital Synthesizer
Digitone
12
13
23
24
14
15
6
521
25
20 21 22
19181716 7
9
8
11
10
3 4
1. MASTER VOLUME sets the volume for the main outputs and the headphones output.
2. Screen.
3. [NO] key. Used for exiting an active menu, backing one step and negating. The second-
ary function is a temporary reload of the active pattern.

12
4. [YES] key. Used for entering sub-menus, selecting and confirming. The secondary
function is a temporary save of the active pattern.
5. DATA ENTRY knobs A-H. Used for setting parameter values. Press and turn the knobs
to change values in larger increments.
6. [PARAMETER] keys access the PARAMETER pages of the active track. The color of
the keys indicates if the page is active (red/blue) or inactive (o).
• [TRIG PARAMETERS] accesses parameters such as NOTE, VELOCITY, and other
trig related parameters. The secondary function accesses the SOUND SETUP menu.
• [SYN1] accesses the SYN1 page. Here you can find parameters related to the FM
engine. For MIDI tracks this page has parameters such as CHANNEL, BANK and PRO-
GRAM. The secondary function accesses the ARPEGGIATOR menu.
• [SYN2] accesses the SYN2 pages. Here you can find further parameters related to
the FM engine. The secondary function accesses the CHORUS page.
• [FLTR] accesses the FILTER pages. Here are the parameters for the base-width and
multimode filters. On MIDI tracks you find the CC value settings here. The secondary
function accesses the DELAY page.
• [AMP] takes you to the AMP page, where you find parameters for the amplitude
envelope and eect sends. On MIDI tracks you find the CC select settings here. The
secondary function accesses the REVERB page.
• [LFO] accesses the LFO parameters for both synth and MIDI tracks. The secondary
function accesses the MASTER page.
7. The [ARROW] keys. Used for navigation and for setting parameter values. In menus,
they are called [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT],and [RIGHT].
8. <PATTERN PAGE> LEDs indicate how many pattern pages the active pattern consists
of and which pattern page is currently active. The LED flashes on the pattern page that
is currently playing.
9. [PAGE] selects the active pattern page, if the pattern has more than 16 steps. The
<PATTERN PAGE> LEDs indicate how many pattern pages the active pattern consists
of and which pattern page is currently active. The LED flashes on the pattern page
currently playing. The secondary function accesses the SCALE menu. This key also
activates Fill Mode (when GRID RECORDING mode is not active).

13
10. [TRIG] keys enter or remove sequencer trigs, and parameter locks, in combination with
the DATA ENTRY knobs. They also select, banks, and patterns, in combination with
the [PTN], and [BANK] keys. The [TRIG] keys also function as a keyboard to play the
Digitone or to input notes to the sequencer. The [TRIG] keys lights indicate trigs on the
sequencer by lit red keys, while flashing red keys indicates parameter locks, in GRID
RECORDING mode.
11. [TRACK] keys. Selects the active track. The secondary function mutes the track.
12. [BANK] selects bank A–H in combination with the [TRIG 9–16] keys. The secondary
function accesses the MUTE Mode.
13. [PTN] selects pattern 1–16 in combination with the [TRIG 1–16] keys. The secondary
function opens the METRONOME menu.
14. [TRACK NOTE] opens the TRACK NOTE menu where you can view and edit note
related settings such as transpose, scale, and chords. The secondary function toggles
the arpeggiator on and o. This key is also used to add notes in the sequencer (when
in GRID RECORDING mode).
15. <ARPEGGIATOR> LED indicates the arpeggiator's on/o status.
16. [PATTERN MENU] opens the PATTERN menu, where you find pattern manage-
ment. The secondary function accesses the Import/Export menu.
17. [GLOBAL SETTINGS] contains the management of projects, MIDI configuration,
and the System settings. The secondary function saves the current project.
18. [VOICE] opens the VOICE menu where you handle the tr-ack's voice allocation.
The secondary function accesses the UNISON menu.
19. [TEMPO] opens the TEMPO menu, where you can adjust the global/pattern tempo
and also adjust the swing. The secondary function makes it possible to tap the tempo.
20.[RECORD] key. Activates/deactivates GRID RECORDING mode. Press and hold
[RECORD], and then press [PLAY], to activate LIVE RECORDING mode. Press and
hold [RECORD], and then press [PLAY] twice to activate/deactivate quantized LIVE
RECORDING. The secondary function is a copy operation.
21. [PLAY] starts the sequencer playback. The secondary function is a clear operation.

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22. [STOP] stops playback. The secondary function is a paste operation.
23. [MIDI] activates the MIDI editing mode where you can edit the MIDI tracks. A lit [MIDI]
key indicates the MIDI editing mode is active. The secondary function opens the MIDI
CONFIG menu.
24. [FUNC] key. Press and hold [FUNC], and then press another key to access the sec-
ondary function of that key. The blue-green text on the Digitone front panel shows the
keys secondary functions.
25. LEVEL/DATA sets the overall volume level of the active track. You can also set param-
eters and scroll through lists. The secondary function opens the SOUND BROWSER.
. REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
1 2 3 4 5 6 87 9
1. POWER Switch for turning the unit on and o.
2. DC In, Input for power supply. Use the included PSU-3b power adapter, connected to
a power outlet.
3. USB For connecting the unit to a computer. For MIDI-control or Overbridge use. Use
the included A to B USB 2.0 connector cable to connect to a computer host.
4. MIDI THRU/SYNC B Forwards data from MIDI IN. Can also be configured to send DIN
sync to legacy instruments. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect another MIDI device
in the chain.

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5. MIDI OUT/SYNC A, MIDI data output. Can also be configured to send DIN sync to
legacy instruments. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect to MIDI In of an external
MIDI device.
6. MIDI IN, MIDI data input. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect to MIDI Out of an
external MIDI device.
7. INPUT L/R, Audio inputs. Use a 1/4” mono phone plug (unbalanced connection).
8. OUTPUT L/R, Main audio outputs. Use either 1/4” mono phone plug (unbalanced
connection) or 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone plug (balanced connection).
9. HEADPHONES Audio output for stereo headphones. Use 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone
plug.
2. SETTING UP AND STARTING DIGITONE
Make sure you place the Digitone on a stable support, such as a sturdy table, with suf-
ficient space for the cables. Make sure to switch o all devices before you connect the
Digitone to other devices.
1. Plug the supplied DC adapter into a power outlet and connect the small plug to the 12 V
DC In on the Digitone.
2. Connect OUTPUT L/R from the Digitone to your mixer or amplifier.
3. To control the Digitone from a computer, connect a USB cable between the computer
and the USB connector of the Digitone.
4. If you want to use MIDI to control the Digitone, connect the MIDI OUT port of the
device you wish to send data from to the MIDI IN port of the Digitone. The MIDI THRU
port duplicates the data arriving at the MIDI IN port so that it can forward data to other
MIDI units. Connect the MIDI OUT port of the Digitone to the MIDI IN port of the of the
device you want to control if you want to use Digitone to control other devices using MIDI.
5. Connect an audio source to INPUT L/R or via USB if you want to process audio from
external sources.
6. Switch on all units. Press the POWER switch located at the back of the Digitone to
switch it on.

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. SOUND ARCHITECTURE
The illustrations below show the Digitone sound architecture, with its eight audio voices,
three send eects (chorus, delay, and reverb) and master eect (overdrive).
3.1 AUDIO VOICES
AUDIO
ENGINE
OVER-
DRIVE
MULTIMODE
FILTER AMP
BASE-WIDTH
FILTER
FILTER
ENVELOPE
AMP
ENVELOPE
MIXER
DELAY RETURNS
FROM AUDIO ENGINE OUTPUTS L/R
FADE
ENVELOPE
LFO DESTINATION
PAN
DELAY
SEND
REVERB
SEND
TO MIXER
DELAY
SEND
CHORUS
DELAY
FROM EFFECT SENDS
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
REVERB RETURNS
CHORUS
SEND
FROM INPUT L/R
MASTER
OVERDRIVE
CHORUS RETURNS
REVERB
SEND
REVERB
SEND
REVERB TO MIXER
3.2 EFFECTS
AUDIO
ENGINE
OVER-
DRIVE
MULTIMODE
FILTER AMP
BASE-WIDTH
FILTER
FILTER
ENVELOPE
AMP
ENVELOPE
MIXER
DELAY RETURNS
FROM AUDIO ENGINE OUTPUTS L/R
FADE
ENVELOPE
LFO DESTINATION
PAN
DELAY
SEND
REVERB
SEND
TO MIXER
DELAY
SEND
CHORUS
DELAY
FROM EFFECT SENDS
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
REVERB RETURNS
CHORUS
SEND
FROM INPUT L/R
MASTER
OVERDRIVE
CHORUS RETURNS
REVERB
SEND
REVERB
SEND
REVERB
TO MIXER
AUDIO
ENGINE
OVER-
DRIVE
MULTIMODE
FILTER AMP
BASE-WIDTH
FILTER
FILTER
ENVELOPE
AMP
ENVELOPE
MIXER
DELAY RETURNS
FROM AUDIO ENGINE
OUTPUTS L/R
FADE
ENVELOPE
LFO DESTINATION
PAN
DELAY
SEND
REVERB
SEND
TO MIXER
DELAY
SEND
CHORUS
DELAY
FROM EFFECT SENDS
TO MIXER
TO MIXER
REVERB RETURNS
CHORUS
SEND
FROM INPUT L/R
MASTER
OVERDRIVE
CHORUS RETURNS
REVERB
SEND
REVERB
SEND
REVERB TO MIXER

17
. THE USER INTERFACE
The screen shows all the information needed for real-time interaction and editing on the
Digitone. The eight DATA ENTRY knob parameters shown varies depending on which
parameter page you have selected. Below is the main interface screen of the SYN1 page.
1 2 4
5
7
6
8
3
1. Bank and pattern.
2. Pattern name.
3. Pattern/Track transpose.
4. Tempo.
5. Eight track parameters. They show what parameters the DATA ENTRY knobs control
and the current parameter values.
6. FM algorithm (Displayed on the SYN1 and SYN2 pages).
7. Track volume level. Use the LEVEL/DATA knob to change the level.
8. Track number and track type. Synth (SYN) track or MIDI (MID) track.
4.1 SCREEN NAVIGATION
Use the [ARROW] keys [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT] or [RIGHT] to navigate menus or
sub-menus. The LEVEL/DATA knob is used to scroll through menus and lists quickly.

18
[YES] is used to arm, select, enter sub-menus and tick/untick boxes.
[NO] is used to negate, deselect or go back one or more steps.
4.2 PARAMETER EDITING
The DATA ENTRY knobs are used to change the values of the track parameters. The po-
sitions of the parameters on the screen correspond to the physical locations of the knobs
on the front panel.
• The parameters are adjusted in larger increments if you press down the DATA ENTRY
knob while turning it. This function makes it quicker to sweep through the whole param-
eter range.
• Press DATA ENTRY knob + [NO] to reset the parameter to the default value.
• Press [PARAMETER] + [FUNC] + [PLAY] to reset all the parameters on the selected
parameter page to default values.
• Press and hold a [PARAMETER] key to see the exact values of the parameters.
4.3 PARAMETER VALUE JUMP
Pressing [FUNC] while editing certain parameters makes the parameter values jump to
appropriate positions. The time of the Delay, for example, doubles and halves the value.
4.4 [FUNC] KEY PRESS COMBINATIONS
The standard way to use the [FUNC] key in combination with other keys, is to press and
hold [FUNC] and then press the second key in the combination. For some key combina-
tions, it is also possible to access a sub-menu by pressing and holding [FUNC] + second
key for a second.
4.5 QUICK SCROLLING
Scroll through menus using the LEVEL/DATA knob. Quick scrolling is possible on many
menus. Press [FUNC] + the [UP] or [DOWN] keys to move the cursor one menu page.

19
4.6 COPY, CLEAR AND PASTE
Copy, clear and paste commands are available in many contexts. Pressing [FUNC] +
[REC] to copy. Press [FUNC] + [STOP] to paste. Press [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear. Repeat
the key press combination to undo the paste and clear operations. See the dierent
sections in the Digitone User Manual for more information on when these commands are
available.
4.7 THE NAMING SCREEN
The naming method is identical for the various naming situations that appear when you
save sounds, projects et cetera.
The [LEFT] and [RIGHT] arrow keys are used to navigate between the characters.
Turning the LEVEL/DATA knob or pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] arrow keys selects the
characters. [FUNC] + [NO] erases letters. Press and hold [FUNC] to access the pop-up
naming menu.
. OVERBRIDGE
The Overbridge software suite enables a tight integration between the Digitone and a
computer DAW software.
When using Overbridge, the user interface for the Digitone presents itself as a plug-in
window in your DAW. Access, edit and automate parameters for sound shaping on screen.

20
Always find your device preset parameters in the same state as you left them when you
return to your DAW project, with the useful total recall functionality.
Read more about Overbridge use and availability on the Elektron website: https://www.
elektron.se/overbridge/
5. EXPERIMENTING WITH PATTERNS
5.1 PLAYING THE FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS
You can find a number of preset patterns and Sounds in the Digitone. Follow the instruc-
tions below to get started exploring your new instrument.
1. Press [BANK] and then press [TRIG 9] key to select bank A. The screen reads
“BANK A : SELECT PTN”.
2. Press [TRIG 1] key to select the first pattern of bank A.
3. Press [PLAY] to listen to pattern A01.
4. Press [PTN] and then press [TRIG 2] key to select pattern A02. It starts once pat-
tern A01 has reached its end. Select pattern A03 by pressing [PTN] and then press
[TRIG 3] key, and so on.
5. Press [STOP] to stop playback.
5.2 USING THE TRIG KEYS TO PLAY THE DIGITONE
You can use the [TRIG] keys to play any synth track manually.
1. Make sure you are not in GRID RECORDING mode.
2. Press [TRACK 1–4] keys to select the synth track you wish to play manually. The
[TRIG] keys are lit up in a pattern that resembles an octave of a piano keyboard
layout. Only lit keys are playable.
3. Play the [TRIG] keys. The active track Sound is pitched dierently for each of the
playable keys. Press the [ARROW] keys [UP] or [DOWN], to transpose the virtual
keyboard up or down one octave.