My look in the manual seems to indicate that the FM-synthesis has been much simplified … TBH … a little too much for me. Why…
From my FM-synths I am used to have for each operator:
- a tuning parameter for the frequency ratio
- a fine tuning or detunding parameter (also as a mod-destination)
- at least one ADSR (best available in a flexible mod-matrix)
The DTone supports two envelopes for all of the four operators only, if I did understand correctly. The combination of B1/B2 seems also to be for the sake of simplicity … which is okay, but both simplifications take away much of the typical sound design flexibility of FM.
Generally I would say … after listening to the sound examples … this new machine sounds great. And the combination with the Elektron sequencer makes the DTone rise on my shopping list, but not to the top 5.
But I would wait and spend more money, if Elektron would consider to give us a Digi4 (in analogy to the A4) with a full flexible FM, 6 operators, 6 ADSR, 6 LFO, more programms. Such a machine with a good operating interface (I like what I have seen on the DigiTone) would be in the top of my list instantly