Elektron Unveils Toneverk: The Polyphonic Powerhouse That Bridges Digitakt and Octatrack

Elektron has officially launched the Toneverk, a versatile polyphonic multisampler that represents the company's new flagship sampler. This 16-track powerhouse brings advanced polyphonic sampling capabilities that go beyond what either the Digitakt or Octatrack can offer.

From Leak to Launch

The Toneverk's journey to release began with intrigue and speculation. In late September 2024, mysterious images first surfaced on Elektron's own Elektronauts forum before being swiftly deleted, only to reappear on Reddit's synthesizer community. These leaked photos showed a dusty prototype labeled "Elektron Tonverk," sparking intense speculation about whether this could be the long-awaited Octatrack successor.

Elektron's response was characteristically cryptic, stating that "at any given time there are a number of prototypes in various stages of development" and that it would be "strange if we didn't have any since creating music machines is what we love doing." The company had quietly registered the Tonverk trademark in April 2024, lending credibility to the leak. After a year of anticipation and community speculation, the device has finally moved from prototype to production reality.

What Makes Toneverk Special

The Toneverk stands out with its polyphonic sampling architecture, something that sets it apart from most hardware samplers in this category. With 5GB of internal sampling memory and support for both mono and stereo sampling, it's designed for serious sound designers and live performers alike.

The device features four distinct machine types across its tracks:

• Single Player: Polyphonic playback of individual WAV files
• Multi Player: Loading and polyphonic playback of multisamples with velocity layers
• Subtracks: Expands each track into eight monophonic subtracks with individual controls
• MIDI: Full MIDI sequencing capabilities

Track Architecture and Routing

Toneverk's 16-track setup includes 8 audio tracks, 4 bus tracks, 3 send effects tracks, and 1 mix track, plus 12 additional MIDI tracks. This flexible routing system allows each track to have its own destination, enabling complex signal paths and creative processing chains.

The extended 256-step sequencer represents Elektron's most comprehensive sequencing platform yet, with individual pattern lengths per track, parameter locks, trig conditions, and retrigs.

Advanced Features for Modern Production

The Auto Sampler function automatically creates multisampled instruments from MIDI-connected hardware, specifying sample duration, velocity levels, pitch range, and spacing. This feature alone makes the Toneverk valuable for producers working with external synthesizers and drum machines.

Effects processing includes the signature Rumsklang Reverb, Daisy Delay, and a collection of creative processors like Dirtshaper, Degrader, Chrono Pitch, and Frequency Warper. Each track gets two voice LFOs, two FX LFOs, and a modulation envelope, with two additional LFOs on the mix bus.

Connectivity and Integration

The Toneverk features dual USB-C ports for USB audio routing, a microSD card slot for sample storage, 5-pin MIDI I/O, stereo input via two 6.3mm jacks, and four individual audio outputs (A, B, C, D). This comprehensive connectivity makes it suitable for both studio and live performance scenarios.

Availability and Position

The Elektron Toneverk is available now as the company's new flagship sampler, sitting above both the Digitakt and Octatrack in terms of capabilities. It comes loaded with a diverse factory library including multisampled instruments, Subtracks presets, and individual samples.

For producers seeking polyphonic sampling capabilities without the learning curve of the Octatrack, the Toneverk offers an appealing middle path. Its combination of advanced features, intuitive workflow, and comprehensive connectivity makes it a strong contender in the modern sampler market.