Ess and the Digitone - King of FM! #TSR19

I am a self confessed Elektron nut and it was my great pleasure to chat with Ess from Elektron about the Digitone FM synthesizer. Although not new (it was released last year), I felt that the way the Digitone offers a fresh look at FM it deserved another look. Ess also makes superb music that reminds me of the early 90s electronic music scene I was part of.

This video is from Thomann's fabulous Synth Reactor event that I took part in.

[elissitdesign]

I’m willing to bet there are lots of people wanting a solid tutorial series from Ess. There aren’t too many comprehensive tutorials on FM that break down workflow theories and concepts. I’d pay for it!

[mynewcolour]

Pretty rare to have a synth demo that covers so much background, concepts, real music, technical stuff and bonus hugs!

[bonsaibloom]

the hug at the end was so wholesome <3 you are both lovely people

[boombap]

Yoo thanks for this. Just got a DT and this guy is an absolute wizard. Amazing interview!

[LaymensLament]

Gotta say this Ess guy really seems to know his shit and also care about it, respect!

[wurlinnawurl]

Two years later and it is popular as ever.. I think it took a while for people to realize the digi's are not really cut down cheaper versions, but really there own thing.

[nerfytheclown]

So freaking good. I know it's years after, but I am getting my Digitone Keys tomorrow and I am super pumped. Eating this up.

[JC-bfzm]

Those "sketches" that Ess shared at the end sound soooo good! He's probably too busy but I would pay him good dollars for an online Digitone tutorial series.

[sndrcve]

Nice way to start and end with his music.

[steventaylor]

Great interview Gaz. The idea that these instruments share a kinship with early electronic games really resonates. Nice to hear Ess talk about what he does and how the Digitone came about. Spot on with the learning curve. They’re not hard to use, you just need to sit down and learn it like any game. Lots of people do that all the time. There’s a reward in that just like anything. So maybe the manuals put people off and a quick start guide would help with the core functions as I think you hit the nail on the head - where to start? Quick start guide ta da!

[dep]

Awesome vid, Gaz! Simon is such a cool dude! Amazing the work he did on the Digitone! So glad that I have it in my arsenal :)

[andrzejkucharzyk]

I love elektron, please dont change guys <3

[wm]

Awesome interview!!! Gus, please do more of those, you're really good at that! Great questions, great energy, just the right amount of humour, loving it!

[zrslugfm]

Really enjoyed this format. The DN was my first Elektron device since the Sidstation. Very lovely machine. Hope to see more of Ess’ work in the future.

[fnordboy]

What a fantastic interview/demo. I only recently picked up the Digitone, and absolutely love it. The Auvrel album is great as well I listen to it a lot. Ess has truly been the hit of TSR19 imo. All the videos he has been a part of have been great.

[natefalcon]

Amazing video! So happy I discovered this channel during lockdown. I will be buying this as my first synth after only using Ableton for the past five years. Ess's music is really cool also. Keep doing what you are doing Gaz!

[MichaalHell]

The opening is one of my favorite things to come out of the Digitone. Simon is straight up a genius

[Unifono]

great interview, thanks. And great tunes!!

[HotStrange]

The Digitone, I think, will go down in the Elektron Hall of Fame along with the Octatrack and MachineDrum. It’s become one of my favorite pieces of gear ever. So warm and lush sounding but can easily get into harsh, noisy, metallic territory. And having 4 tracks of midi sequencing make it a useful studio tool and potential “centerpiece” as well. Add in an interface, class compliant USB, midi control, amazing OLED screen, superior build quality, and the excellently integrated subtractive elements and you get a masterful piece of gear.

[MikkelGrumBovin]

Im just unwrapping my Digitone, that i got from Thomann -Music - and the first thing that pops up, on youtube, is this segment ! Im so stoked, happy and elated ! - Big Thanx to Elektron for the best sounding fm maschine, since the virus - together with my Moog Grandma, my Deepmind 12 and JD-Xi Crossover from Roland - 2018 and 19 has REALLY beefed up my machinepark - and im a Bassplayer ! - I love this planet, - Thanx to Gaz, for knowledgeable insights, positivevhumour, wit and allways on point Inquisitive nature, -.