Elektron Digitone II OS 1.10: Chord Modes, Kit Previews, and Workflow Upgrades

The headline feature of OS 1.10 is the expanded chord mode system, which now offers multiple ways to input, shape, and perform chords. Users can select from Normal, Folded, Chord Root, Chord Center, Chord Spread, and Chord Memory modes—each providing a distinct approach to harmonic play. For example, Chord Root lets you define root note, scale, and chord type, while Chord Center introduces a center position for inversions, mimicking how musicians keep voicings close together.

Chord Spread takes this further by transposing every other note up an octave, creating wider voicings ideal for lush textures. Chord Memory is a particularly flexible addition: up to 16 custom chords can be stored and triggered, including those played from an external MIDI keyboard. The workflow for saving and recalling these chords is quick, relying on familiar Elektron key combinations.

Integration with the arpeggiator is seamless. The arpeggiator now features more speed options and improved rhythmic value displays, plus the ability to rotate sequences for evolving patterns. All chord modes interact with the arp, enabling dynamic, harmonically rich sequences that go well beyond static FM plucks.

OS 1.10 brings thoughtful workflow enhancements aimed squarely at performers and fast-moving creators. Kit Preview allows users to audition sounds from a kit before committing, streamlining the process of finding the right palette for a track. This is a small but significant improvement for anyone who juggles multiple kits in a session.

Another standout is the new overdub option for live recording. Instead of overwriting existing trigs, users can now layer new notes on top of sequences in real time. This opens up more fluid, improvisational recording—ideal for building up complex patterns or adding melodic lines over evolving chord progressions.

Track Swap is a workflow game-changer, letting users instantly exchange two tracks—including all their settings, presets, and sequencer data. This makes it far easier to reorganize a project mid-session, whether for live performance prep or just keeping things tidy during sound design.

The update also introduces a shortcut for parameter locking across all active trigs on a track, either by page or for the entire track. This accelerates the process of applying modulation or tweaks across a sequence, reinforcing Elektron’s commitment to hands-on, macro-level control.