Monomachine

Monomachine
Monomachine SFX-60
Manufacturer	Elektron
Dates	2004–2016
Price	SFX-6: US$1950 SFX-60: US$1540
Technical specifications
Polyphony	6
Timbrality	6
Oscillator	3×6
LFO	18
Synthesis type	Virtual analog Subtractive
Aftertouch expression	No
Velocity expression	?
Storage memory	6×128 patches
Effects	Yes
Input/output
Keyboard	37-key Velocity Aftertouch
Left-hand control	8× Rotaries Joystick (SFX-6 only)
External control	MIDI

The Elektron Monomachine is a synthesizer and music sequencer by Elektron. The Monomachine is available as SFX-60 model, which is a desktop sound module, and was available as the SFX-6 model, which has a keyboard and a joystick controller. During the last quarter of 2007 Elektron released the SFX-60 MkII, which is a revision providing higher signal-to-noise ratio, a slimmer design and the ability to add user waveforms, introduced with OS 1.20 in July 2008.

The Monomachine's major difference in comparison to other synthesizers is its sonic flexibility. The unit offers five synthesis methods: SID, VO, FM+, SuperWave, and DigiPro. It also offers multiple effects, which can be applied both to the internally generated voices and to external sources using the two audio inputs. The sequencer offers six tracks programmable either in real time or via a step input method similar to classic drum machines such as the Roland TR-808 or classic sequenced synths like the Roland TB-303 or Roland MC-202. A key feature of the sequencer is what Elektron refer to as a "parameter lock", whereby each sequencer step can be associated with a snapshot of all the editable parameters for a sound. Signals can be routed externally to three stereo or six mono outputs.

According to its designers, the Monomachine is designed to be a creative synthesizer and is not following the specs race as is common for today's synthesizers. The user manual states:

Synthesizers are available in many different types and forms. Nevertheless, for most part they follow the norm how a synthesizer of its era is expected to be. Development for musical tools generally comes in the form of new synthesis techniques or an increase in polyphony, memory or other quantitative elements. The advances in the music machine world have brought numerous good inventions for musicians. However, we believe usability is easily lost in the hunt for the highest specifications.

With the Monomachine we have tried creating a synthesizer free from prejudice, and focus on what actually spurs creativity without letting technology stand in your way. We want to inspire you to make sounds and music you haven’t even thought of.