MIDI, USB & integration · Digitakt II guide

10.1IntermediateOS 1.03+Manual §6.6 p.20, §13.1.1 p.68

Overbridge

Overbridge is Elektron’s software for tying the Digitakt II tightly into your computer DAW. Instead of switching your attention between the hardware and the computer, you get the instrument’s interface as a plug-in window inside your DAW project.

What it gives you

See, edit and automate the sound-shaping parameters on your computer screen.
Total recall: reopen your DAW project and the device’s preset parameters are exactly as you left them.
Audio to sample: set the sampler’s SRC to USB to sample audio using Overbridge (The SAMPLING menu).
More outputs: Outbox 8 adds analogue outputs to Overbridge-enabled Elektron devices (Outbox 8).

From the community

Exploring Syntakt OS 1.30 and Digitakt II with Overbridge // Live Dispatch
Elektron
Elektron’s live look at the Digitakt II running as an Overbridge plugin in a DAW.

10.2AdvancedOS 1.16+Manual §6.7 p.20

Outbox 8

Outbox 8 is a separate Elektron unit: an eight-channel audio/CV breakout box that can act as both a USB host and a USB device. For the Digitakt II it means extra analogue outputs, and a way to turn MIDI into CV for a modular rig or other CV-controlled gear.

What Outbox 8 can do

Add analogue outputs to Overbridge-enabled Elektron devices (Overbridge).
Convert MIDI into CV signals — pitch, gate, trig, linear and clock.
Act as an analogue output expansion for many USB audio class-compliant devices.
Work as a USB audio interface for your computer.
Serve as a USB MIDI-to-CV interface for external MIDI controllers.

It works with Overbridge-enabled Elektron units, USB class-compliant MIDI devices and many USB class-compliant audio devices.

Outbox 8 support on the Digitakt II

OS 1.16 added support for configuring Outbox 8.
OS 1.17 added the option to send the audio from the main outputs through Outbox 8.
OS 1.17 also lets you jump between channels in the Outbox 8 channel configuration menus with FUNC + UP/DOWN.

Key combinations

FUNC + UP/DOWN: Moves to the previous or next channel.Outbox 8 channel configuration menus

From the community

The Digitakt II and Outbox 8 Are Perfect Companions
YouTube
Sends individual Digitakt II tracks through Outbox 8 to external effects.

New Elektron Outbox 8 opens up Digitakt II.
keinseier
Routes several Digitakt II tracks to outboard effects through Outbox 8 while the rest stay dry.

10.3IntermediateManual §6.8 p.20, §13.1.1 p.68

Class-compliant USB audio and MIDI

The Digitakt II is a class-compliant (plug-and-play) USB device, so it works with computers and other class-compliant USB hosts without installing any extra drivers. A single USB connection carries audio and MIDI in both directions.

What you can do with it

Record the Digitakt II’s audio straight into your DAW over USB.
Stream audio and MIDI to and from supported computers, phones and tablets.
Sample from a connected class-compliant audio host by setting the sampler’s SRC to USB (The SAMPLING menu).

More USB options are in USB CONFIG (The SYSTEM menu), and the AUDIO ROUTING menu has USB IN and USB OUT settings (Audio routing). For a phone-based setup, see Setup examples.

10.4IntermediateManual §8.4 p.25, §8.5.1 p.25

Playing the Digitakt II from MIDI

You can play and control the Digitakt II from an external MIDI keyboard, controller or computer. Different note ranges do different jobs: the lowest notes fire the 16 tracks like drum pads, while higher notes play the active track chromatically.

What incoming MIDI does

Message	Range	Result
Notes	0–15 (C0–D#1)	Trigger the presets of tracks 1–16 respectively, whichever track is active — provided the tracks are on their default channels 1–16.
Notes	16–84 (up to C7)	Play the active track’s preset chromatically, from lowest to highest pitch, as the `TRIG` keys do in KEYBOARD mode.
Program change	0–127	Select patterns 1–128 (A01–H16).
CC and NRPN	—	Control many other aspects of the Digitakt II — see MIDI CC and NRPN reference.
Note G10 on the FX CONTROL channel	—	Taps the tempo (added in OS 1.10).

Play the active track from a MIDI keyboard

Connect the keyboard to the Digitakt II.
Check the Digitakt II’s AUTO channel in SETTINGS > MIDI CONFIG > CHANNELS (MIDI configuration: sync, ports and channels).
Set your keyboard to send on that same channel.
Select a track with TRK + TRIG 1–16 and play. The active track’s preset plays chromatically, even when KEYBOARD mode is off.

10.5IntermediateManual §A.2.7 p.101, §5.3.2 p.17, §16.3 p.87, §14.4.3 p.79, §10.2.2 p.42, §9.3.3 p.33

The MIDI machine: sequencing external gear

The MIDI machine turns a track into a MIDI track. Instead of playing a sample, it sends notes, chords, program changes and controller data to an external synth, drum machine or computer — and the sequencer works as it does on audio tracks, with parameter locks, trig conditions, LFOs and micro timing. Any of the 16 tracks can be a MIDI track, alongside your audio tracks.

Play an external synth from a MIDI track

Connect the Digitakt II’s MIDI OUT to the synth’s MIDI IN with a standard MIDI cable.
Press SETTINGS, open MIDI CONFIG > PORT CONFIG, and set both OUT PORT FUNCTIONALITY and OUTPUT TO to MIDI (MIDI configuration: sync, ports and channels).
Select a track with TRK + TRIG 1–16, press FUNC + SRC and assign the MIDI machine (Audio tracks, MIDI tracks and machines).
Press SRC and set CHAN to the MIDI channel the synth listens on.
Set the synth to receive on that channel, place some trigs and press PLAY.

A MIDI track spreads its settings over the TRIG, SRC, FLTR and AMP pages. The FX page is empty, and the MOD pages work as on audio tracks except that there are two LFOs instead of three (The MOD pages (LFOs)).

TRIG pages. TRIG page 1 sets the defaults for every note trig on the track. NOT2–NOT4 add up to three more notes at fixed offsets from NOTE, so a single MIDI track can send four-note chords that transpose when you change the root. TRIG page 2 holds the FILL and COND trig conditions. Hold a TRIG and change any value to lock it to that step.

TRIG · MIDI track — TRIG page 1Press TRIG PARAMETERS on a MIDI track.

NOTETrig Note

Pitch of the note trigs. Press and turn A to step only through notes in the KB SCALE scale (Keyboard scales). In LIVE RECORDING mode, the TRIG keys you play in KEYBOARD mode set the pitch instead.

DATA ENTRY knob A

TRIG · MIDI track — TRIG page 2Press TRIG PARAMETERS twice on a MIDI track.

FILLFill

A separate trig condition tied to FILL mode: ON plays the trig while FILL mode is active, OFF plays it while FILL mode is not. See FILL mode.

SRC page. Pick the MIDI channel and send bank changes, program changes, pitch bend, aftertouch, mod wheel and breath controller data. Everything on this page starts at OFF and sends nothing: hold FUNC and press a DATA ENTRY knob to switch that parameter on, then turn the knob as usual. The same FUNC press switches it off again.

SRC · MIDI track — SRC pagePress SRC on a MIDI track.

CHANChannel

The MIDI channel the track sends on. OFF switches the MIDI track off. Can’t be parameter-locked.

Range OFF, 1–16

CC pages. Each MIDI track has 16 control change slots for whatever your synth responds to. Every slot is a pair: a SEL parameter picks the CC number and a VAL parameter sets the value sent. Slots 1–8 sit on the FLTR pages and slots 9–16 on the AMP pages — values on page 1, CC numbers on page 2. Like the SRC parameters, the VAL parameters start at OFF.

Send a CC to your synth

Press FLTR twice to open FLTR page 2 (or AMP twice for slots 9–16).
Turn a DATA ENTRY knob to choose the CC number for that slot, then press the knob or YES to apply it.
Press FLTR (or AMP) to return to page 1.
Hold FUNC and press the knob of the matching VAL parameter — VAL1 for SEL1, and so on — to switch it on.
Turn the knob to set the value. Hold a TRIG while turning to lock a different value to that step.

FLTR · MIDI track — FLTR page 1, CC 1–8 valuesPress FLTR on a MIDI track.

VAL1CC 1 Value

The value sent for the CC chosen with SEL1 on FLTR page 2. OFF (sends nothing) until you hold FUNC and press its knob; then turn the knob to set the value.

FLTR · MIDI track — FLTR page 2, CC 1–8 selectPress FLTR twice on a MIDI track.

SEL1CC 1 Select

Which standard MIDI CC number VAL1 on FLTR page 1 transmits. Turn to choose a CC, then press the knob or YES to apply it — or hold FUNC and press the knob to MIDI-learn it.

AMP · MIDI track — AMP page 1, CC 9–16 valuesPress AMP on a MIDI track.

VAL9CC 9 Value

The value sent for the CC chosen with SEL9 on AMP page 2. OFF (sends nothing) until you hold FUNC and press its knob; then turn the knob to set the value.

AMP · MIDI track — AMP page 2, CC 9–16 selectPress AMP twice on a MIDI track.

SEL9CC 9 Select

Which standard MIDI CC number VAL9 on AMP page 1 transmits. Turn to choose a CC, then press the knob or YES to apply it — or hold FUNC and press the knob to MIDI-learn it.

MIDI-learn a CC number

Open FLTR page 2 or AMP page 2 on the MIDI track.
Hold FUNC and press the DATA ENTRY knob of the SEL parameter you want to set. The MIDI LEARN pop-up opens and the parameter flashes.
Move the control on your external device, so it sends a CC on the active track’s channel (from SETTINGS > MIDI CONFIG > CHANNELS) or on the auto channel.
As soon as the CC arrives, the pop-up closes, the parameter stops flashing and the SEL parameter holds the new CC number.
To cancel instead, press NO twice — or, since OS 1.01, repeat the FUNC + knob press that started it.

Naming CCs. Give a VAL parameter the name of what it controls on your synth: on FLTR page 1, hold FUNC and press and hold its DATA ENTRY knob to open the NAMING screen (Naming things). Since OS 1.01 you can also change characters with that parameter’s own knob while naming.

Key combinations

TRIG PARAMETERS: Opens TRIG page 1: note, velocity, length, probability, LFO trig and chord notes.MIDI track
TRIG PARAMETERS (press twice): Opens TRIG page 2 with the FILL and COND conditions.MIDI track
TRIG PARAMETERS, then press and turn A: Steps NOTE through the notes of the keyboard scale only.MIDI track, NOTE PARAM set to CHRO
SRC: Opens the SRC page with channel, bank, program and controller settings.MIDI track
FLTR: Opens FLTR page 1, the values for CC 1–8.MIDI track
FLTR (press twice): Opens FLTR page 2, the CC numbers for slots 1–8.MIDI track
AMP: Opens AMP page 1, the values for CC 9–16.MIDI track
AMP (press twice): Opens AMP page 2, the CC numbers for slots 9–16.MIDI track
Hold FUNC + press a DATA ENTRY knob: Switches that parameter on so it sends data, or back to OFF.MIDI track SRC page, FLTR page 1 or AMP page 1
Hold FUNC + press and hold a DATA ENTRY knob: Opens the NAMING screen to name that VAL parameter.MIDI track FLTR page 1
Press a DATA ENTRY knob or YES: Applies the CC number you chose for that SEL parameter.MIDI track FLTR page 2 or AMP page 2
Hold FUNC + press a DATA ENTRY knob: Starts MIDI learn for that SEL parameter.MIDI track FLTR page 2 or AMP page 2
NO twice: Cancels MIDI learn.MIDI LEARN pop-up
Hold FUNC + press the same DATA ENTRY knob: Cancels MIDI learn (OS 1.01 and later).MIDI LEARN pop-up
Hold TRIG + play up to four notes on a MIDI keyboard: Puts that chord on the held trig; the first note sets the velocity for every note.GRID RECORDING mode, MIDI track

Good to know

CHAN can’t be parameter-locked. Sequencer data always goes out on the channel it sets, whatever the track channels in MIDI configuration: sync, ports and channels say.
Retrigs aren’t available on MIDI tracks (Retrigs). Nor is control all, and MIDI tracks can’t be picked in CONTROL ALL CONFIG or COMPRESSOR ROUTING (The SETUP menu: kit and track settings).
A MIDI preset stores the SRC, FLTR, AMP and MOD pages. Save, load and manage MIDI presets like audio ones; they’re tagged MIDI automatically and can’t be loaded into the preset pool (Saving a preset).
Since OS 1.10, each of SEL1–SEL16 has its own default CC number.

From the community

Need more than three LFOs per track? Some owners patch MIDI out back into MIDI in and use MIDI tracks as extra modulation sources for their audio tracks. via Elektronauts: Digitakt II MIDI Loopback

Answering Digitakt II Questions! // Live Dispatch
Elektron
Viewer Q&A covering external MIDI sequencing, sidechaining and bringing Digitakt I projects across.

Digitakt 2 Live Lesson: Sampling and Sequencing Your Synthesizers
EZBOT
A beginner-friendly live lesson: sample an external synth, save presets and build a pattern from scratch.

10.6IntermediateManual §14.4 p.77, §14.4.1 p.77, §14.4.2 p.77, §14.4.3 p.79

MIDI configuration: sync, ports and channels

MIDI CONFIG decides how the Digitakt II talks to other gear: whether it sends or follows clock and transport, which ports carry MIDI, what the knobs, TRIG keys and mutes transmit, and which MIDI channels reach which tracks. Open it from the SETTINGS menu; it has three sub-menus — SYNC, PORT CONFIG and CHANNELS.

SYNC — clock, transport and program change

CLOCK RECEIVE: Whether the Digitakt II follows MIDI clock sent from external devices.
CLOCK SEND: Whether the Digitakt II transmits MIDI clock.
TRANSPORT RECEIVE: Whether the Digitakt II responds to MIDI transport messages from external devices.
TRANSPORT SEND: Whether the Digitakt II transmits MIDI transport messages.
PRG CH RECEIVE: When active, incoming program change messages select patterns — handy for changing patterns from external gear. The listening channel is PROGRAM CHG IN CH in CHANNELS.
PRG CH SEND: When active, the Digitakt II sends a program change message whenever the pattern changes, on the channel set by PROGRAM CHG OUT CH in CHANNELS.

PORT CONFIG — ports and what gets transmitted

TURBO SPEED: Press YES to start Turbo-MIDI speed negotiation; the speed is chosen automatically. Needs a MIDI interface that supports the Turbo-MIDI protocol.
OUT PORT FUNCTIONALITY: What the MIDI OUT port sends: MIDI data, or DIN 24 or DIN 48 sync pulses. With either DIN setting, no MIDI data goes through the port.Range MIDI, DIN 24, DIN 48
THRU PORT FUNCTIONALITY: The same choice for the MIDI THRU port.Range MIDI, DIN 24, DIN 48
INPUT FROM: Where incoming MIDI is accepted from: DISABLED ignores all incoming MIDI, MIDI listens only to the MIDI IN port, USB only to the USB port, and MIDI+USB to both.Range DISABLED, MIDI, USB, MIDI+USB
OUTPUT TO: Where outgoing MIDI goes: DISABLED sends nothing, MIDI uses only the MIDI OUT port, USB only the USB port, and MIDI+USB both.Range DISABLED, MIDI, USB, MIDI+USB
OUTPUT CH: Whether the DATA ENTRY knobs send on the auto channel or on the track channel.
PARAM OUTPUT: Which type of MIDI message the DATA ENTRY knobs send. The parameter numbers are listed in MIDI CC and NRPN reference.Range CC, NRPN
ENCODER DEST: Whether the DATA ENTRY and LEVEL/DATA knobs also send MIDI. See the table below.Range INT, INT + EXT
TRIG KEY DEST: Whether the TRIG keys play the Digitakt II, send MIDI, or both.Range INT, INT + EXT, EXT
MUTE DEST: Whether muting and unmuting affects the Digitakt II, sends MIDI, or both.Range INT, INT + EXT, EXT
RECEIVE NOTES: When active, you can play the Digitakt II from an external MIDI keyboard. See Playing the Digitakt II from MIDI.
RECEIVE CC/NRPN: When active, an external MIDI device sending CC or NRPN data can control the Digitakt II’s parameters.

The three DEST settings compared

Setting	INT	INT + EXT	EXT
`ENCODER DEST` (knobs)	Knobs only affect the Digitakt II; no MIDI is sent	Knobs affect the Digitakt II and send MIDI	Not listed in the manual
`TRIG KEY DEST`	`TRIG` keys only affect the Digitakt II; no MIDI is sent	`TRIG` keys affect the Digitakt II and send MIDI	`TRIG` keys only send MIDI; the Digitakt II isn’t affected
`MUTE DEST`	Mutes only affect the Digitakt II; no MIDI is sent	Mutes affect the Digitakt II and send MIDI	Mutes only send MIDI; the Digitakt II isn’t affected

CHANNELS — which MIDI channel does what

TRACK 1–16 CHANNEL: The dedicated channel each audio track uses to receive parameter data, and to send it when you turn the knobs. OFF means that track’s parameter data is neither sent nor received.Range MIDI channel or OFF
FX CONTROL CH: The dedicated channel, in and out, for the DELAY, REVERB, CHORUS and COMPRESSOR pages plus the master overdrive. OFF means this data is neither sent nor received.Range MIDI channel or OFF
AUTO CHANNEL: The channel that always reaches the active track: a keyboard sending on it plays whichever track is active, which makes it quick to switch between audio tracks to play different presets. It’s also the channel used to record into MIDI tracks from an external controller.
PROGRAM CHG IN CH: The channel that listens for incoming program changes. AUTO uses the auto channel. Turn on PRG CH RECEIVE in SYNC for it to work.Range MIDI channel or AUTO
PROGRAM CHG OUT CH: The channel that sends program changes when you change patterns. AUTO uses the auto channel. Turn on PRG CH SEND in SYNC for it to work.Range MIDI channel or AUTO

Key combinations

LEFT/RIGHT: Changes the highlighted setting.MIDI CONFIG > SYNC and PORT CONFIG
YES: Changes the highlighted setting.MIDI CONFIG > SYNC
YES: Starts Turbo-MIDI speed negotiation.PORT CONFIG > TURBO SPEED

From the community

If other sequencers start every time you press PLAY, turn off transport send in the MIDI sync settings but leave clock send on. They stay in tempo without starting by themselves. via Elektronauts: Digitakt 2 Setup Advice with External Synths

Digitakt 2 Setup Advice with External SynthsElektronauts — Practical advice on clock, transport and channels when the Digitakt II runs a hardware rig.

10.7AdvancedManual §14.5 p.79, §14.5.1 p.79, §14.5.2 p.80

SysEx send and receive

The SYSEX DUMP menu sends and receives project, pattern and preset data as MIDI System Exclusive messages, through the MIDI OUT port or USB. Use it to keep copies of your work on another device and send them back later. Since OS 1.10 the Digitakt II can also import legacy SysEx data.

Send a dump

Connect the Digitakt II’s MIDI ports or USB port to the receiving device.
Get the receiving device ready to listen for incoming data.
Press SETTINGS, highlight SYSEX DUMP and press YES.
Highlight SYSEX SEND and press YES.
Press LEFT to move to the left column and choose what to back up with UP/DOWN or LEVEL/DATA.
Press RIGHT to move to the right column and choose exactly what to send — the choices depend on the left column.
Press YES to start sending.

SYSEX SEND options

PROJECT: Sends the active project: its settings, patterns and the presets in the pool.
PATTERN: Sends the selected pattern.

Receive a dump

Connect the sending device to the Digitakt II’s MIDI ports or USB port.
In SYSEX DUMP, highlight SYSEX RECEIVE and press YES.
Press LEFT to move to the left column and choose what to receive with UP/DOWN or LEVEL/DATA.
Press RIGHT to move to the right column and choose where it should go.
Press YES. The Digitakt II starts listening for incoming data.
Send the dump from the other device.
Press NO to stop listening.

SYSEX RECEIVE options

PATTERN: Stores a received pattern in the selected pattern slot.
PRESETS: Stores a received preset in the selected slot of the +Drive library. ANYWHERE puts it in the first free slot; the number of free slots appears to the right of the bank indication.

Key combinations

UP/DOWN or LEVEL/DATA: Moves through the menu options and column entries.SYSEX DUMP menu
YES: Opens the highlighted menu option.SYSEX DUMP menu
LEFT: Moves to the left column, where you choose the data type.SYSEX SEND and SYSEX RECEIVE
RIGHT: Moves to the right column, where you choose the specific item.SYSEX SEND and SYSEX RECEIVE
YES: Starts sending the selected data.SYSEX SEND
YES: Starts listening for incoming SysEx data.SYSEX RECEIVE
NO: Stops listening for incoming data.SYSEX RECEIVE

From the community

10.8AdvancedManual §B p.109, §14.4.2 p.77, §14.4.3 p.79, §8.4 p.25

MIDI CC and NRPN reference

Appendix B lists the MIDI CC and NRPN numbers behind the Digitakt II’s parameters. Use them to control or automate the Digitakt II from a DAW, controller or another sequencer, or to see what its knobs transmit when you record their moves elsewhere. To play the Digitakt II with notes and program changes instead, see Playing the Digitakt II from MIDI.

The MIDI CONFIG settings involved

To receive: switch on RECEIVE CC/NRPN and make sure INPUT FROM includes the port you use.
To send: set ENCODER DEST to INT + EXT so the DATA ENTRY and LEVEL/DATA knobs transmit, choose CC or NRPN messages with PARAM OUTPUT, and choose the auto or track channel with OUTPUT CH.
Track parameters use each track’s channel from TRACK 1–16 CHANNEL. The delay, reverb, chorus and compressor parameters and the master overdrive use FX CONTROL CH instead. All of these are in MIDI configuration: sync, ports and channels.

B.1 Track parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Mute	94	—	1	101
Track level	95	—	1	100

B.2 Trig parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Note	3	—	3	0
Velocity	4	—	3	1
Length	5	—	3	2
Filter Trig	13	—	—	—
LFO Trig	14	—	—	—
Portamento Time	9	—	3	7
Portamento On/Off	65	—	3	8

B.3 Source parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Tune	16	—	1	0
Play Mode	17	—	1	1
Sample Bank Select	24	—	1	9
Sample Slot Select	19	—	1	8
DATA ENTRY knob E (machine-dependent)	20	—	1	4
DATA ENTRY knob F (machine-dependent)	21	—	1	5
DATA ENTRY knob G (machine-dependent)	22	—	1	6
Sample Level	23	—	1	7

B.4 Filter parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Filter Frequency	74	—	1	20
DATA ENTRY knob F (machine-dependent)	75	—	1	21
DATA ENTRY knob G (machine-dependent)	76	—	1	22
Env. Depth	77	—	1	23
Attack Time	70	—	1	16
Decay Time	71	—	1	17
Sustain Level	72	—	1	18
Release Time	73	—	1	19
Env. Delay	91	—	1	23
Key Tracking	92	—	1	69
Base	26	—	1	51
Width	27	—	1	52
Env. Reset	111	—	1	68

B.5 Amp parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Attack Time	79	—	1	30
Hold Time	80	—	1	31
Decay Time	81	—	1	32
Sustain Level	82	—	1	33
Release Time	83	—	1	34
Env. Reset	88	—	1	41
Mode	87	—	1	40
Pan	90	—	1	38
Volume	89	—	1	39

B.6 Euclidean sequencer parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Pulse Generator 1	—	—	3	8
Pulse Generator 2	—	—	3	9
Euclidean Mode On/Off	—	—	3	14
Rotation Generator 1	—	—	3	11
Rotation Generator 2	—	—	3	12
Track Rotation	—	—	3	13
Boolean Operator	—	—	3	10

B.7 FX parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Bit Reduction	54	—	—	—
Overdrive	57	—	—	—
Sample Rate Reduction	55	—	—	—
SRR Routing	56	—	—	—
Delay Send	84	—	1	36
Reverb Send	85	—	1	37
Chorus Send	12	—	1	35

B.8 Mod parameters — LFO 1

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Speed	102	58	1	42
Multiplier	103	—	1	43
Fade In/Out	104	—	1	44
Destination	105	—	1	45
Waveform	106	—	1	46
Start Phase	107	—	1	47
Trig Mode	108	—	1	48
Depth	109	59	1	49

B.8 Mod parameters — LFO 2

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Speed	112	60	1	50
Multiplier	113	—	1	51
Fade In/Out	114	—	1	52
Destination	115	—	1	53
Waveform	116	—	1	54
Start Phase	117	—	1	55
Trig Mode	118	—	1	56
Depth	119	61	1	57

B.8 Mod parameters — LFO 3

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Speed	78	62	1	58
Multiplier	52	—	1	59
Fade In/Out	53	—	1	60
Destination	28	—	1	61
Waveform	29	—	1	62
Start Phase	30	—	1	70
Trig Mode	31	—	1	71
Depth	86	63	1	72

B.9 Send FX parameters — delay

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Delay Time	21	—	2	0
Pingpong	22	—	2	1
Stereo Width	23	—	2	2
Feedback	24	—	2	3
Highpass Filter	25	—	2	4
Lowpass Filter	26	—	2	5
Reverb Send	27	—	2	6
Mix Volume	28	—	2	7

B.9 Send FX parameters — reverb

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Predelay	29	—	2	8
Decay Time	30	—	2	9
Shelving Freq	31	—	2	10
Shelving Gain	89	—	2	11
Highpass Filter	90	—	2	12
Lowpass Filter	91	—	2	13
Mix Volume	92	—	2	15

B.9 Send FX parameters — chorus

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Depth	16	—	2	41
Speed	9	—	2	42
High Pass Filter	70	—	2	43
Width	71	—	2	44
Delay Send	12	—	2	45
Reverb Send	13	—	2	46
Mix Volume	14	—	2	47

B.10 Mixer parameters — compressor

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Threshold	111	—	2	16
Attack Time	112	—	2	17
Release Time	113	—	2	18
Makeup Gain	114	—	2	19
Pattern Volume	119	—	2	24
Ratio	115	—	2	20
Sidechain Source	116	—	2	21
Sidechain Filter	117	—	2	22
Dry/Wet Mix	118	—	2	23

B.10 Mixer parameters — external in mixer

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Dual Mono	82	—	2	40
Input L Level	72	—	2	30
Input L Pan	74	—	2	32
Input R Level	73	—	2	31
Input R Pan	75	—	2	33
Input L Delay Send	78	—	2	36
Input R Delay Send	79	—	2	35
Input L Reverb Send	80	—	2	38
Input R Reverb Send	81	—	2	39
Input L Chorus Send	76	—	2	34
Input R Chorus Send	77	—	2	35
Input L R Level	72	—	2	30
Input L R Balance	74	—	2	32
Input L R Delay Send	78	—	2	36
Input L R Reverb Send	80	—	2	38
Input L R Chorus Send	76	—	2	34

The VAL parameters below are the CC values on the FLTR and AMP pages of MIDI tracks (The MIDI machine: sequencing external gear). Note that VAL1–VAL8 share their CC and NRPN numbers with the filter parameters in B.4.

VAL parameters (MIDI tracks)

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
VAL1	70	—	1	16
VAL2	71	—	1	17
VAL3	72	—	1	18
VAL4	73	—	1	19
VAL5	74	—	1	20
VAL6	75	—	1	21
VAL7	76	—	1	22
VAL8	77	—	1	23
VAL9	—	—	1	60
VAL10	—	—	1	61
VAL11	—	—	1	62
VAL12	—	—	1	63
VAL13	—	—	1	64
VAL14	—	—	1	65
VAL15	—	—	1	66
VAL16	—	—	1	67

Misc parameters

Parameter	CC MSB	CC LSB	NRPN MSB	NRPN LSB
Pattern Mute	110	—	1	104
Sample Slot	19	—	1	8
Sample Bank	24	—	1	9
Master Overdrive	17	—	2	37

10.9IntermediateManual §16 p.86, §16.1 p.86, §16.2 p.86, §16.3 p.87

Setup examples

The Digitakt II is happy alongside other gear. These three worked examples cover the main ways to hook it up: keeping a legacy machine in time with DIN sync, sampling from a smartphone over USB, and playing an external synth from the MIDI tracks. Each takes a few minutes.

Digitakt II and a monophonic bass machine. Thanks to DIN sync, the Digitakt II can start and stop an older bass machine and set its tempo.

Sync a legacy bass machine

Program a bassline pattern on the bass machine.
Connect the bass machine’s output to your mixer with a mono 6.3 mm jack cable.
Connect the Digitakt II’s audio outputs to the mixer with two 6.3 mm jack cables, mono or stereo.
Run a DIN cable from the Digitakt II’s MIDI OUT to the bass machine’s SYNC IN.
On the Digitakt II, press SETTINGS, go to MIDI CONFIG > PORT CONFIG and set OUT PORT FUNCTIONALITY (OUT PORT FUNC on screen) to DIN 24.
Press PLAY on the Digitakt II.

Digitakt II and a smartphone. Because the Digitakt II is a class-compliant USB audio and MIDI device, it can swap audio and MIDI with a computer, phone or tablet: sample from the phone, record the Digitakt II on the phone, or even use the phone as an effects processor. This example samples from the phone.

Sample from a smartphone

Connect the phone’s data connector (Lightning, USB-C or whatever it uses) to the Digitakt II’s USB port with a suitable cable or adapter.
Go to SETTINGS > SYSTEM > USB CONFIG and select USB AUDIO/MIDI.
Press SAMPLING to open the SAMPLING menu and turn A to set the recorder’s source, SRC, to USB. The manual’s example screen shows this as USB L R.
Sample the phone’s audio as usual — see Recording a sample.

Controlling a synth from the MIDI tracks. Any MIDI track can sequence an external MIDI-equipped synth.

Sequence an external synth

Connect the Digitakt II’s MIDI OUT to the synth’s MIDI IN with a standard MIDI cable.
On the Digitakt II, press SETTINGS, go to MIDI CONFIG > PORT CONFIG and set OUT PORT FUNCTIONALITY (OUT PORT FUNC on screen) to MIDI.
In the same menu, set OUTPUT TO to MIDI.
On the main screen, press TRK + TRIG 1–16 to select a track that uses a MIDI machine — see The MIDI machine: sequencing external gear.
Press SRC and use CHAN to pick the MIDI channel the track sends on.
Set the synth up to receive MIDI in a way that matches what you set on the Digitakt II, starting with that channel.

Now program the MIDI track like any other and the sequencer plays the synth — see Patterns and banks to get going.

Key combinations

SETTINGS: Opens the SETTINGS menu.
SAMPLING: Opens the SAMPLING menu.
TRK + TRIG 1–16: Selects the active track.
SRC: Opens the SRC page, where CHAN sets the MIDI channel.MIDI track

From the community

10.10BasicsManual §6.9 p.20, §6.9.1 p.20, §6.9.2 p.21

Backing up with Elektron Transfer

Back up regularly — it’s your safety net, and a backup is also the easiest way to share projects, presets and samples with other people. Elektron Transfer, a free app for Windows and macOS, moves files in both directions. Download it from Elektron support.

Back up from the Digitakt II to your computer

Connect the Digitakt II to your computer over USB.
Open Transfer and, on the CONNECTION page, select the Digitakt II’s USB MIDI port(s).
Click “CONNECT” next to the Digitakt II under AVAILABLE DEVICES.
Click the EXPLORE tab to open the EXPLORE page.
In the drop-down at the top left, make sure “MY COMPUTER” is selected.
In the drop-down at the top right, choose the type of file to transfer.
In the right-hand window, find the files or folders you want to back up.
Drag them to where you want them under “MY COMPUTER”.

Send backed-up files to the Digitakt II

Connect the Digitakt II to your computer over USB.
Open Transfer and, on the CONNECTION page, select the Digitakt II’s USB MIDI port(s).
Click “CONNECT” next to the Digitakt II under AVAILABLE DEVICES.
Click the EXPLORE tab to open the EXPLORE page.
In the drop-down at the top right, choose the type of file to transfer.
In the drop-down at the top left, make sure “MY COMPUTER” is selected.
Under “MY COMPUTER”, find the files or folders you want to send.
Drag them to where you want them on the Digitakt II.
Answer any pop-ups asking which files to send and how to organise them — what appears depends on the file type.

For moving individual samples back and forth, see Transferring samples to and from a computer.

From the community