Elektron - Tonverk

Electrons and sampling are inextricably linked. With the Octatrack and Digitakt, we have already seen two extraordinary concepts for sample-based music-making that differ significantly from classic samplers – and have had a major influence on how we think about sample-based music today. The Tonverk is not simply a mixture of Octatrack and Digitakt, but brings its own vision to the table — and Elektron has been actively expanding that vision with meaningful workflow and performance refinements after launch (MIDI timing/latency fixes, deeper undo/redo, and more).

In terms of size, it lies between the two aforementioned machines. A keyboard is integrated into the surface, clearly showing that this is an instrument for melodic and harmonic composition. Accordingly, we can work with 36 different scales, use 16-voice polyphony per step, program up to 256 steps per pattern and track, and load multisample instruments – or create our own multisamples with the Auto Sampler. Since the first OS versions, Tonverk’s “external-instrument capture” side has also been tightened up, with fixes aimed at MIDI jitter and audio/MIDI latency to make Auto Sampler and larger setups behave more predictably.

Instead of rattling off all the features one by one – there's a clear list for that – let's take a look at the strengths of this device and what sets it apart from others. The Tonverk was developed with a specific focus on polyphonic sampling. Everything is optimised to support these capabilities in the best way. A key example of this is the auto-sample function for external (and internal) instruments: imagine you're building a complex patch using your modular system or within your DAW. With Auto Sampler, you can automatically create a custom polyphonic instrument from it – Tonverk samples each note of the scale individually for you, so you can then use them creatively. And with OS 1.1.0, Tonverk gained a genuinely game-changing new direction: Grainer, a granular SRC machine that can transform those same samples into drifting pads, tempo-synced stutters, and expressive “played” granular textures — polyphonic granular, right on the tracks.

Tonverk offers eight audio tracks, each of which can also be 8 monophonic, multitimbral subtracks – with their own sample, sequencer and parameters! Everything here is ultra-flexible! In addition, there are effects that are not found on other Elektron devices. These can be applied to audio tracks as well as to the four bus tracks, three send tracks and one mix track. The routing possibilities are extensive – both internally and externally. Recent OS updates pushed this even further with new mixing/routing control like Post‑FX pan, plus more flexible bus dynamics via selectable sidechain sources on the bus compressor. There’s also a dedicated Shape machine for bus/send tracks (dual shelving + envelopes/stereo width options on those routing tracks) that expands tone shaping without the “this costs an FX slot” feeling.

So there is so much to discover – try it out for yourself! And if you tried it at launch: it’s worth revisiting now — Grainer + the newer FX and performance/QoL updates materially change what Tonverk “is” in practice.

FEATURES:

• Machines (per audio track):
• SINGLE PLAYER - single WAV files (mono or stereo) polyphonically
• MULTI PLAYER - load multi-sampled instruments from the library or create your own multi-sampled instruments
• SUBTRACKS - adds 8 monophonic, multitimbral Subtracks to one track, each with its own sample, sequencer, and individual parameter controls. 8 in 1!
• GRAINER (SRC machine) — polyphonic granular processing for turning samples into playable textures, rhythmic stutters, and evolving sound beds
• 8 × stereo audio tracks
• 4 × bus tracks
• 3 × send effect tracks
• 1 × mix track
• 4 × selectable machines per audio track (Single Player, Multi Player, Subtracks, MIDI (also selectable on the bus tracks))
• 2 × assignable LFOs per audio track
• 2 × assignable FX LFOs per audio track
• 1 × assignable modulation envelope per audio track
• 2 × assignable LFOs per effect bus, send effects, and mix
• Extensive routing options e.g. external Input mixer with routable outputs
• Diverse sound library (single samples, drum sets, multi-sampled instruments, and presets)
• Post‑FX pan control (audio tracks, buses, sends) for placing the entire processed signal in the stereo field
• Bus compressor sidechain source selection (choose any track or external input as the sidechain driver)
• Shape machine on bus/send tracks (dual-shelf shaping + envelope/width tools)

MIDI TRACK FEATURES:

• 16 note polyphony per step
• 16 × assignable CC controls
• 2 × assignable LFOs per track
• Performance features
• Keyboard mode with 36 different scales
• Song mode
• Chord mode
• Improved MIDI timing/latency stability through post‑launch OS updates

SEQUENCER FEATURES:

• Up to 256 steps per pattern and track
• Arpeggiator per audio & MIDI track
• Polyphonic sequencing
• Individual pattern length per track
• Individual time scale multiplier per track
• Parameter locks
• Trig conditions & trig chance
• Retrig (audio & MIDI tracks only)
• Micro timing
• Sequencer lanes
• Random Arp mode (added post‑launch)
• Pattern Mute (added post‑launch)
• Undo/Redo improvements + Subtracks workflow refinements + Arp sequence rotation
• Trig preview

Versatile Audio-Effects collection (dependent on track type)

• Comb +/- Filter
• Filterbank
• Low-pass Filter
• Multimode Filter
• Infinite Flanger
• Panoramic Chorus
• Phase 98
• Warble
• Chrono Pitch
• Frequency Warper
• Compressor
• Degrader
• Dirtshaper
• Daisy Delay
• Saturator Delay
• Rumsklang Reverb
• Supervoid Reverb
• Steel Box Reverb (added post‑launch; “character” reverb inspired by early digital / ’90s plates)
• Filter Folder (added post‑launch; available on send FX in OS 1.2.0
• Wider FX availability across more track types (expanded routing/processing flexibility)

HARDWARE:

• 128 × 64 pixel OLED screen
• 4 × ¼” impedance balanced audio out jacks
• 2 × ¼” balanced audio in jacks
• 1 × ¼” stereo headphone jack
• 48 kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters
• 2 × USB-C port
• MIDI In/Out/Thru
• SD Card slot (SD Card included)
• Class Compliant USB Audio

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Dimensions: W 286 × D 176 × H 63 mm (11.3″ × 6.9″ × 2.5″)
• Weight: approximately 1.85 kg (4.08 lbs)
• 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting holes. Use M4 screws with a max length of 7 mm
• 64 GB SD card and Elektron USB-C cable included