Elektron Transfer User Manual

1. Introduction

1.1 About Elektron Transfer

Elektron Transfer is a dedicated application for Mac OS and Windows designed to simplify the process of transferring files between your computer and your Elektron device. It offers a range of functionalities, including:

• Installing and updating your device's operating system.
• Transferring samples to and from your Elektron devices. The application supports various sample formats and sample rates, automatically converting them to the correct native format for your device.
• Creating backups of your device data, such as projects, samples, and sounds/presets.

The application features a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to easily transfer files. You can drop entire folders or zip archives directly into the application, preserving the original folder hierarchy. Elektron Transfer also utilizes native file types, facilitating the import, export, and sharing of samples, sounds, and projects. For instance, a project can be exported as a single file containing all project and pattern data along with its associated samples. Each device's internal file types have a corresponding desktop equivalent with a specific file extension (e.g., .dtprj for a Digitakt Project, .dtsnd for a Digitakt Sound). The software operates via a USB-MIDI protocol and does not require any additional drivers to be installed on your computer.

1.2 Supported Elektron Devices

Elektron Transfer supports the following Elektron devices:

• Syntakt
• Model:Cycles
• Model:Samples
• Digitone I/II/Digitone Keys
• Digitakt I/II
• Analog Rytm MKI/MKII
• Analog Four MKI/MKII
• Analog Heat MKI/MKII/+FX
• Analog Keys
• Monomachine
• Machinedrum

It is recommended to always run the latest OS for your device to ensure the best experience with the Transfer application, as your specific device OS may enable or disable certain features. You can find the latest Transfer release at www.elektron.se/support/transfer/. The latest device OS for your Elektron device can be found at www.elektron.se/support/.

1.3 Supported File Types for Each Elektron Device

Elektron Transfer supports the transfer of various file types, depending on the specific Elektron device:

* OS files can be transferred to the device using the SYSEX TRANSFER page.

1.4 System Requirements

1.4.1 Computer Operating System

Elektron Transfer supports the following computer operating systems:

• PC with Windows 7 SP1 or higher.
• 64-bit Apple computer with macOS 10.12 or higher. 32-bit architectures are not supported.

1.4.2 Computer Hardware Requirements

Elektron recommends at least the following hardware specifications:

• 4 GB of RAM.
• Intel Core i5 CPU.

1.5 Installing Transfer

1.5.1 Windows

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
2. Double-click the file named Elektron Transfer Installer.msi to run the installer software for Transfer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation program.

1.5.2 Mac OS X

1. Double-click the downloaded DMG file from Finder to mount it.
2. Drag and drop the Transfer.app file from the DMG into your Applications folder.
3. Unmount the DMG file by ejecting it via Finder or your Desktop.

1.6 Uninstalling Transfer

1.6.1 Windows

Use the Uninstall program option found in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features to uninstall Transfer. A computer restart may be required after uninstallation for all installed files to be removed.

1.6.2 Mac OS

On macOS, simply drag and drop the Transfer.app file from your Applications folder to the Trashcan to uninstall the application.

2. Using Transfer

2.1 Connection Page

2.1.1 Connecting Transfer to Your Elektron Device

1. Connect your Elektron device to your computer via USB and power it on.
2. Launch the Elektron Transfer application. On the Transfer CONNECTION page, select the appropriate USB MIDI port(s) for your Elektron device.
3. Click "CONNECT" to establish a device connection.

Once a device is connected, it will appear under AVAILABLE DEVICES. If you have multiple Elektron devices connected, you can switch between them using this section. If you are using macOS, Transfer may prompt you for permission to access your desktop the first time you launch it. It is recommended to allow this permission. You can revisit this setting later in macOS System Preferences.

2.1.2 Using the SysEx Transfer Page

If you encounter issues detecting or connecting your device, ensure that the latest OS is installed on your device. Transfer can be used to update your device's OS even if the device is not detected. To do this, click the link on the CONNECTION page that reads "go to the SYSEX TRANSFER page". Follow the instructions provided on the SYSEX TRANSFER page to upgrade your device. This page can also be used to upgrade your device OS when your device is in the EARLY STARTUP menu. On the SYSEX TRANSFER page, click "OS Upgrade via device startup menu" and follow the instructions. Crucially, ensure you select your MIDI interface instead of your Elektron device from the drop-down menu.

2.2 Drop Page

The Drop Page allows you to transfer device OS files, sample files, folders, or zip files containing samples directly onto the application's drop zone. Files are added to a job queue automatically. You can add more files to the drop zone while other transfers are in progress. The bottom of the application window displays a list of currently active transfers.

Samples

Various sample formats are supported, including .wav, .aiff, .mp3, and more. The precise list of supported file formats may vary based on your computer's OS and its built-in codecs. When you drop complete directory structures onto the Drop zone, Transfer recreates the corresponding directory structure on the device, even if you are transferring zip files. When transferring samples, Transfer creates a target folder named /transfers-YYMMDD, appending the current date. Files are converted and re-sampled using high-quality algorithms if they are not already in the native format supported by your device (typically 16bit/48kHz, mono). Files previously backed up by the Transfer application are transferred in a bit-accurate manner, preserving compatibility with your device projects.

2.2.1 Transferring Samples, Sounds/Presets, and Projects

1. Connect the Elektron device to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Transfer application on your computer.
3. On the Transfer CONNECTION page, set the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports to your Elektron device, then click "CONNECT".
4. Navigate to the Transfer DROP page. Drag and drop the files you wish to transfer. The samples, sounds/presets, or projects will be automatically transferred to the Elektron device.

2.2.2 Transferring OS Files and Upgrading Device OS (Standard Mode)

This is the standard method for transferring device OS files to your Elektron device using the Transfer DROP page to upgrade your device's OS.

1. Connect the Elektron device to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Transfer application on your computer.
3. On the Transfer CONNECTION page, set the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports to your Elektron device, then click "CONNECT" (or click "CONNECT" next to your device under PREVIOUSLY USED if it has been connected before).
4. On the Transfer DROP page, drag and drop the OS file. The OS file will be automatically transferred to the Elektron device, initiating the OS update.
5. On your device, press [YES] to confirm the OS update.

It is recommended to select USB MIDI mode on your Elektron device. This setting can typically be found under GLOBAL SETTINGS > SYSTEM > USB CONFIG, or CONFIG MENU > DEVICE > USB MODE, depending on your specific device.

2.3 Explore Page

The EXPLORE page provides a two-column view, displaying your Elektron device's contents on one side and your computer's contents on the other (or both sides can show device content). This interface allows for easy drag-and-drop transfers of files and directories between your computer and your device, or vice versa. You can also preview samples from your computer and rearrange content on your device.

2.3.1 Backing Up Projects, Sounds/Presets, and Samples to a Computer

You can back up your projects, sounds/presets, and samples from your Elektron device to your computer. Follow these general steps:

1. Connect the Elektron device to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Transfer application. On the CONNECTION page, select the USB MIDI port(s) for your device and click "CONNECT" (or click "CONNECT" next to your device under PREVIOUSLY USED if it had been connected before).
3. In Transfer, click the EXPLORE tab to open the EXPLORE page.
4. On the EXPLORE page, ensure "MY COMPUTER" is selected in the top-left drop-down menu.
5. In the top-right drop-down menu, select the type of file you wish to transfer.
6. Navigate to the desired files or folders in the window on the right.
7. Drag and drop the files or folders to your preferred folder under "MY COMPUTER".

For more detailed instructions on performing a backup from your device, please refer to your device's User Guide.

2.3.2 Transferring Files to an Elektron Device

The EXPLORE page can be used to transfer files from your computer to your Elektron device. Different devices support different file types; refer to section "1.3 Supported File Types for Each Elektron Device" on page 4 for details.

1. Connect the Elektron device to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Transfer application. On the CONNECTION page, select the USB MIDI port(s) for your device and click "CONNECT" (or click "CONNECT" next to your device under PREVIOUSLY USED if it had been connected before).
3. In Transfer, click the EXPLORE tab to open the EXPLORE page.
4. On the EXPLORE page, ensure "MY COMPUTER" is selected in the top-left drop-down menu.
5. Navigate to the files or folders you want to transfer under "MY COMPUTER".
6. Drag and drop the files or folders to your preferred location on your device (on the right side).
7. Depending on the file type being sent, you may encounter pop-up windows asking for confirmation or how you want the files organized.

2.3.3 Reorganizing Files on the Elektron Device

You can also reorganize files directly on your Elektron device using Transfer:

1. Connect the Elektron device to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Transfer application. On the CONNECTION page, select the USB MIDI port(s) for your device and click "CONNECT".
3. In Transfer, click the EXPLORE tab to open the EXPLORE page.
4. On the EXPLORE page, select your Elektron device (e.g., Digitakt or Analog Rytm) from the top-left drop-down menu.
5. In the top-right drop-down menu, select the type of file you wish to organize.
6. Navigate to the files or folders you want to organize.
7. Drag and drop the files or folders to your preferred locations.

• Project files contain project data and associated samples (if applicable).
• Sound/Preset files contain Sound/Preset data and associated samples (if applicable).
• Note: The Elektron device's FACTORY folder is not accessible or visible within Transfer.
• When you select an audio file on the "MY COMPUTER" side, a preview pane allows you to listen to the audio file using your system's default audio interface. A brief file information summary is also displayed.
• Samples transferred from your Elektron device to your computer are stored in .wav format with bit-accuracy, ensuring they can be transferred back to your device while maintaining full project compatibility. It is crucial to keep these .wav files unaltered on your computer to guarantee compatibility. Editing these files may result in a different hash sum, preventing the Elektron device from loading them into projects. However, you can rename or move files on both the computer and the device without losing project compatibility.

2.3.4 Main Controls

Each of the two columns in the EXPLORE page features three main controls:

• UP: Navigates up one level in the folder hierarchy.
• CREATE FOLDER: Creates a new folder in the current directory.
• REFRESH: Updates the displayed files and folders to their current state.

2.3.5 Right-Click Menu

Right-clicking on a file or folder within the main windows of the EXPLORE page brings up a contextual menu with the following options:

• RENAME: Allows you to rename the file or folder (available for folders or sample files).
• DELETE: Removes the file or folder (available for folders or sample files).
• CREATE FOLDER: Creates a folder in the current directory (available for folders or sample files).
• REFRESH: Updates the file or folder to its current state.
• REVEAL IN EXPLORER/FINDER: Opens the file's or folder's location in your system's file explorer (available for files residing on your computer).
• SAVE TO COMPUTER: Saves the selected files or folders to your computer (available for project or sound/preset files).
• LOAD INTO SLOT: Loads the file into the selected slot (available for project or sound/preset files).
• COPY: Copies the selected file (available for project or sound/preset files).
• CUT: Removes the file or folder (available for project or sound/preset files).
• PASTE: Pastes the previously copied file to the selected location (available for project or sound/preset files).

2.3.6 Right-Click Menu in the Transfers Pane

Right-clicking on a file within the TRANSFERS pane brings up a menu with the following options:

• REMOVE: Removes the file from the TRANSFERS window.
• CANCEL: Cancels the ongoing file transfer.
• RETRY: Retries to send a file that has been stopped or canceled.
• RETRY RENAME: This option is available if you attempt to transfer a file with the same name as an existing file at the destination. It allows you to rename the file being sent to enable the transfer.
• AUTO-SCROLL: With this option selected, the file currently undergoing transfer remains visible in the TRANSFERS pane.

3. Credits and Contact Information

Credits

Product Design and Development

• Andreas Brykt
• Oscar Dragén
• Christer Lindström
• Jimmy Myhrman
• David Smallbone Tizard

Documentation

• Erik Ångman

Contact Information

Elektron Website

https://www.elektron.se

Office Address

Elektron Music Machines MAV AB
Banehagsliden 5
SE-414 51 Gothenburg
Sweden