Digitone 2 Macros: 7 Reasons You Should Use Them

video upload by Sineway

Also see Digitone 2 controlled by Launch Control XL 3 - Full one-take performance

"Are Digitone 2 macros the most underrated feature in the Elektron world?

In this video, I show how you can use the mod wheel macro to create *smooth, relative control* over multiple parameters. The best part? These macros stay consistent across pattern changes, meaning your fader always reflects the actual sound, even across pattern switches.

In this tutorial, I'm using the Launch Control XL 3 (thank you Novation for sending it over!) to map a single fader to several parameters at once - no value jumping, no mess, just clean transitions and full performance control. You can use just about any other midi controller for this to work.

And yes, I know macros aren’t new. Digitone, Syntakt, Digitakt 2 - they all have them too. But let’s be honest - it’s probably the most buried and menu-divey feature there is and most of us either ignored them, forgot they existed, or assumed they’d break everything mid-jam.

Turns out: they’re absolutely brilliant! It’s the first time I’ve added more cables to my setup and felt zero regret.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - How the macros work
01:21 - Benefit 1: Guardrailing your performance
01:55 - Useful shortcut
02:10 - Benefit 2: Seamless sounds across live sets
04:36 - Benefit 3: Better mixes
06:06 - Benefit 4: Easy mode
07:48 - Benefit 5: No more sudden midi cc jumps
09:38 - Benefit 6: More creativity
11:03 - Benefit 7: No more ruined projects
12:09 - Next video: My live performance setup (midi, tracks, faders)

🛠️ Gear used:
Elektron Digitone 2 (OG Digitone, Digitakt 2 and Syntakt all work too)
Novation Launch Control XL 3 (any midi controller with faders or knobs will do)
MIDI cable (just one!)"