I just bought a second one recently because I always regretted selling the first one. This is a hugely underrated synth that sounds amazing and is really fun to play, once you spend some time learning the interface.
Just bought one - lets see. What really sold me was that people it sounds amazing and it is Multitimbral and I really would appreciate a Multitimbral Synth, because I really do not like stacking sounds in a DAW. I sit the whole day in front of a PC a work and I want to spent my free away from it if possible.
for unknown reasons the AK and A4 (both mk1 and 2) became kind of underrated synths and with absolutely no reason in my opinion....It is not that easy to make them sound properly but when you do it they go to almost unexplored territories.
Worth mentioning that you get pretty much all the features of this on the A4 with the recent OS update. If you don't have the money or room for the keys, you're only really missing the joystick and individual voice outputs.
Very, very cool review. Nick, I would be forever in your debt if you would make a, say, 4-part in-depth tutorial/demo series of this or the plain Analog Four. Okay, I know that is totally unrealistic, but that is my dream :)
Expect to see a lot of these in a few years time with broken off keys. It was a bad idea on the later ARPs and it's a bad idea now. It's not like much dust gets under the keys anyway - just needs a quick wipe with a cloth every so often.
DCOs, no VCO. The Elektron website/manual say: "Both oscillators of each voice are analog, with all their elaborate waveshaping completely analog, and with their pitches controlled digitally." That´s the definition of DCO. Nothing bad about it, but let´s be clear.
***** Nick made a mistake and I just corrected. DCOs are still analogue, but they´re not VCO. There´s no autotune like P5, JP8 or Andromeda. No osc FM too, like most DCOs. To my ears DCOs in general sound colder than VCOs... but that´s my opinion. It´s a shame that DSI and Elektron don´t openly call their DCOs what they are. Look at my user name... DCOs on Juno6/60 are one of my all time oscillators... and I have used basically all analogue synths, vintage and modern.
I wish the settings for velocity and aftertouch were more accessible. Sometimes tweeking a sound doesn't do much because velocity totally dominates the basic settings, for example effects. You dial reverb down to zero but it doesn't go away because the (almost secret) velocity setting kicks it back in with full force.
Apparently there is a guy who fixed the exposed keys underneath for $30. Not tried it myself, but Look up "analog keys UnderBridge" if anyone is interested.
Now, this is an excellent start! An analogue synthesizer, that you can actually control and play, the way you want... instead of the usual dings and pops of repeating analogue audio sequences. Certainly, any type of technology will sooner or later get refined... I'd prefer sooner lol We could start with 16 tracks of pure analogue, digitally controlled. Add power of individual track effects, like Waldorf Q+ Roland FantomG or Korg Kronos (which are both digital but still impose limit on tracks). Better sequencer control for creating ...then we could finally have powerful enough machine, to create lavish background pads (with real world like control, as Karma could do), strong string production, and enough power for all the rest triangle / square / pulse bleeps and blobs in our music, and be able to play it as a real musical instrument, as opposed to using the mouse.
Very cool machine, sounds great and has everything you need in terms of modulation and sequencing options. I have to agree with Nick about the questionable design choice regarding the keys, this might get nasty if your AK is mounted on a keyboard stand with another synth beneath it, you may accidentally hit the protruding keys while changing from one synth to another and I'm not sure how long the AK's keys will withstand such impacts. Apart from that, the AK seems to be a good choice if you're looking for a highly versatile analog synth with a great sound, too bad it's completely out of my price range, as it was/is the case with all Elektron products. Ah well, can't have it all I guess.
NOTHING is as good as a MiniMoog Voyager. I started with it and all other synths from Dave Smith to Roland to Oberheim just lack something and can't match it. Whether it's just the pure tone of it, heavy duty all American build or ease of use. I love so many other makers, including this oddball Elektron computer thing, but just sayin'... Moog. It's the real thing.
this is insanely good. has this been used in scoring? I recall some of the patches from trippy 90s movies. I just cant name em on the get go. How much does one cost nowadays and where would you buy it? Thanks
i love always your reviews, because they are honest and you explain all great my friend!!! i am using my analog 4 and yes... electron is such a fine company and they create such great gear! i love my analog for and will never sell it!
Excellent review as always. This is such a cool keyboard. I'm surprised I don't see people using this more, or hear more about it. It seems like it kinda went under the radar... Maybe they don't do much in the way of marketing? It reminds me of an analog version of a Nord (with the 4 part multi-timbral on the front panel). Sounds very good, too. Seems really good for the price, actually... Polyphonic analog for this price! Less than half of a DSI. For some reason I wasn't a super huge fan of the filter... But I do like that it has an analog overdrive that goes into the distortion range. Overall though I think it sounds really nice and modern for analog.
This is a fantastic synth but I would gladly pay more for 6 oscillators. The smell is the plastikote box, my AK has no smell to speak of. The underkey cutout is for the cables sticking out of the Octatrack or RYTM. Allows the machines to fit together nicely.
Yeah a bunch of tutorials should always be there for beginners and pros alike. I hear you for the extra two voices. It'd make sense especially for keyboardists. Quite frankly though I'm surprised I haven't really missed it that much so far. There's a crazy amount of stuff you can do with just one track, especially with rhythmical things. I'll play the Rytm for the first time next week! Stoked!!
Högni Sigurðsson I know, it is rather transparent. I have bought the Analog Keys and just might get an Octatrack if I feel I need the live MIDI sequencing or the other features it has.
Any chance of Mark Tinley giving us his opinions on a video? His "guitarist" approach to a complex synth architecture (and his galaxy-sized intellect) would be fascinating.
StevismMusic the moog voyager has a very similar initial patch set up, it's weird. I don't know why they would have the filter closed and add resonance for what is supposed to be a blank slate. But any way, what I did was just set up my own "initial patch" to my liking and saved it in preset number one slot. Then I edit and tweak away and just save it under a different memory slot, leaving the initial patch as it was.
Dayum Nick!!! Been avoiding the new Elektron stuff until I'm fully satisfied I'm getting the best out of my MD+MnM (which I'm not!)... but this review gave me serious gear lust!!! If I could ask, is this the same sound engine as the Analog 4? Is it an Analog 4 with more outs and a keyboard? Because if so I just became VERY interested in the A4! Don't need another kb taking up space but those sounds....!!!
Great review. Interesting synth. However this machine has some cons for me: - oscillators are quite weak compared to other analog synths (almost VA sounding) - quite small display for complex machine like this - the biggest one - sequencer does not transmit data over MIDI, so you can't sequence other synths using MIDI
Paphun Dekel I thought it sounded a bit VA as well but that's before I learned it. You can get very modern sounds from this machine easily. After you understand how to use it, you can also get it sounding very vintage but it doesn't just happen. It's a very controlled and precise synth.
An amazing synthesizer, but definitely not for the synth newbie. Working it is a bit like computer programming with references to slots and various memory locations and menu diving a plenty. Also it is pretty unforgiving: if you don't know what to do, you can't just start turning knobs and play. The synth will just stare back at you with a blank "what the hell are you trying to do" expression. The manual expects a lot of pre-requisite knowledge, so be prepared to use Google and UA-cam a *LOT*. If you are using Overbridge to connect with your DAW, you will get a superb computer editor that will make things much easier, but again, getting Overbridge running is not for the faint of heart. Also it introduces a lot of latency while playing into the DAW, so there is a tradeoff. The AK sounds like nothing else. It is ALIVE. But be prepared, if you hate it, it will hate you back.
I am watching your review again since I just ordered an A4 module (for the second time...) to go with my RYTM. A unit like the AK would need several design upgrades to garner a purchase by me; otherwise my choice is the module. I would pay considerably more than the retail price for an expanded AK with: 6-8 voices, LCD 2X the size and angled upwards slightly to make it easier to read, chassis altered so that the underside of the keys are protected, 61 keys, MIDI sequencer in addition to CV on CV channels.
Such a great synth, one of my favorites. It would be my number one synth that I own if the learning curve hadn’t taken me so many hours of frustrating reading and web browsing.lol
So is this the new sequencers then? Pattern builders, 1-16, looped, copy & pasted - song. And it seems to me that a synth being "Analog" used to really mean something! Where as now, it's a case of it being marketed & promoted as analog, but it just means "doesn't sound as digital". It still looks & feels anything *but* analog tbh. It's a great sounding synth with a lot of "workstation" features that make it very powerful. But it's still limited to a certain handful of tracks, like the Roland Juno GI it tries to do as much as possible, but misses the target with a large price tag. Further confusing is how the Elektron Analog Four seems much more efficient & well designed than this even though the Analog Four is half a grand cheaper o_O Not everyone needs keys to make music today! I think many will sell, & the demos online show a vast diversity that this synth has. But is it a classic? I don't think it is. Thanks for the candid review. Really enjoyed it.
This review helped me make up my mind that this one is definitely not for me - i love the idea of a 1 box synth with a powerful sequencer but complicated menu diving has previously killed my love for electronic instruments, i crave the user friendly simplicity of gear with 1 knob per function...
I have not owned a Pulse. The raw sound of the Pulse's oscillators and filters may or may not be more pleasing to you. But apart from the sound, the feature set is so much more vast on the AK that you're, in a way, comparing apples and oranges.
I can honestly assure you that yes it seems that way when you don't own but once you know your way around it's super intuitive and very fast to get what you want, don't forget you won't get results from other gear that you'll get from this in the same amount of time. Try one seriously, not for ten minutes though, take one hone for a few days
It's the same! The only real difference to the A4 are - beside the obvious Keyboard - the individual Outputs for each of the 4 tracks. You get them on the AK but they did not made it to the A4.
I don´t think i´we ever seen any other relatively new synth that so many people want to sell just after they purchased it. It must be the ergonomics and bad keybed, cause I think it sounds good (perhaps not unique).
Vienreich yeah, I'm selling mine for a rev2. It's not hard to learn it just takes a day or two of getting familiar with it. I suppose I just underestimated my appreciation for dedicated knobs.
I have the Analog 4, and once I got my head around it, I started to like it (the OS revision was a big help too). I am kicking myself a bit for getting that when this keyboard is what I really want, but the AK wasn't around back then :) Any idea if you can output from the keyboard to CV, or is it just CV track? Curious if it could stand in as a modular controller once in a while.
***** More looking to see if I could play my modular using that built-in keyboard and the CV out (IOW keyboard->CV). It wouldn't be the usual config, but a nice option to have.
Pete Brown I would also like to know this... am I also correct there is no 'MIDI Out' for the tracks? Seems odd and have read conflicting statements on the matter.
Phil Mease Elektron makes a MIDI sequencer, and presumably they didn't want to cut into sales of that. The Analog 4 can sequence the internal 4 voices, plus CV. There's a dedicated CV track, but four CV outs (two gate/pitch pairs). You may wonder how you can use the second pair in that case. There are lots of options: you can set one of the other tracks to be the gate/CV source instead of sequencing internal voices (and do a duophonic patch on a different track, I assume). You can also use the other CV outs for things like clock signals. But no. No MIDI out for the track data. If you want a "do everything" sequencer, the Cirklon has a really good reputation. If I didn't already have an analog 4, I'd have gotten an AK. The sound is spectacular, and the sequencer is really good as well. It'll be interesting to see how the new DSI Pro 2 competes there.
When oh when are we going to see the MK2 I mean they've done a sequel to every other box of tricks. All I ask is a bigger better screen! Still nothing some gaffer tape & a magnifying glass wouldn't fix. Screw it I can't wait anymore 🤣
1111 hey i know its been out around for a quite awhile but i was wondering can you happen to make a video on the analogFour it happens to be very complicated machine and i know after once i get to knowing how to use it any how can you make a tutorial on analogFour if you havbent well thanks for the videos you make they are awesome cheers mate 1111
This is the coolest, most full featured synth (for the price) I've seen come out in years. Been looking to replace my Prophet '08 with something with a "play-in" sequencer; step sequencer programming on that thing is completely uninspiring, difficult and just plain takes too long! THIS looks like my answer at last! I don't think I'd even miss the 4 extra voices with a sub-osc on board either. There definitely aren't enough options in the affordable polysynth category to choose from these days, and with everything they've packed into this little guy, the bar has absolutely been raised!
Danielle Scribbins Features aside, what do you think about the sound of both synths? I'm trying to make my mind up on which should I get but can't test them...
I think they should run the design past you before produce the next one. That filter knob hand technique should never be needed. Those overhanging keys make me itch, I'd be scared to have it in front of me for fear of me getting up too quick and catching myself on it on the way up, or catching sleeves etc. It does have a sonic charm though.
Rather have the Moog Sub 37, or my latest acquisition the Little Phatty, and a workhorse piano like the Motif XF. But I do appreciate the attention to detail in all of Elektron's gear.
it seems like this piece has a lot of features and value for money. it does sound powerful and cool. i'm not so sure of the character for some reason .. not that i dislike the sound but i'm kind of used to vintage and modular so i'm not sure how i'll feel about that. but man, you can make whole tracks on this one and noodle away .. awesome! i have an andromeda and might sell it and get something smaller and cheaper but still with features and power. now this comes to mind and a prophet 8 in terms of features but i'd easily go for a juno 60 .. any advice? i see these elektrons go for fair prices nowadays and often switch owners .. i wonder why.
I have a love/hate relationship with my Prophet '08. I've owned it since they came out. In my opinion it's very much hindered by not having a sub-oscillator. Plus if you're wanting to program sequences with it, it's all step sequencing and very fiddly. I'm usually a knob per function guy, but I'd gladly take one for the team for this Elektron to be able to do all it can do. Also, depending on the day I guess I either loathe or really like the DSI sound. Be warned, it's brassy...almost always. I feel like it's real strength is more along the lines of a Juno 60, it's for playing pads, pseudo-combo organ patches and 80's poly synth parts. Basses are decent, sometimes even Moog-like...the 4 pole filter is "juicy" enough. The two-pole is practically worthless and you can't do much with it. From reading some of the other comments here though, the Elektron workflow isn't the easiest to get your head around, maybe that's the problem for people. One of my first synths ever was an ARP Solus, (basically a mini-Odyssey) so difficulty doesn't scare me much. I'm thinking of selling my Prophet '08 for one of these if that's any indication. If you do go Prophet, be sure to get the PE edition. You will hate your life having to deal with the original '08's rotary encoders.
You can program the joystick to make filter sweeps etc! Check out this guy if you want more in depth view of what you can do with the "AK": ua-cam.com/users/cuckoomusic
I HATE this machine for being so difficult to learn. The LEAST thing you could do was include a nice manual/tutorial. Its almost as if they did this synth to their circle of friends. I also absolutely adore this AK and love it to death for the sounds I sometimes manage to create. God damn you for not making proper tutorials for musician not too much into technical side of things
well now, 8 months later, I'm still where I was when I wrote that. The difficult learning curve was too much for me so I fucked it over and threw myself over to other awesome synths that are not god damn labyrinths
I love the smell of synths in the morning, it smells like victory
rodzeroher
Smells like debt :)
@@gvickerschtick that's why u use a Visa with 0 percent interest for 24 months. Jk
I just bought a second one recently because I always regretted selling the first one. This is a hugely underrated synth that sounds amazing and is really fun to play, once you spend some time learning the interface.
Just bought one - lets see. What really sold me was that people it sounds amazing and it is Multitimbral and I really would appreciate a Multitimbral Synth, because I really do not like stacking sounds in a DAW.
I sit the whole day in front of a PC a work and I want to spent my free away from it if possible.
Good to hear the synth smell was evaluated proper
That lead sound at the end reminds me of the specials "Ghost Town"..
Please, Stop, I have no money left....
Another winner from Electron. I have an Analog Four (did not need another keyboard synth) and just love it.
On other Elektron gear, im pretty sure you can change the knob resolution. They are set to slow as default.
I want that new-synth smell in my studio!
♬ Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest... of the channels
Nobody reviews gear half as good as you
Sonicstate, you're the best ♬
for unknown reasons the AK and A4 (both mk1 and 2) became kind of underrated synths and with absolutely no reason in my opinion....It is not that easy to make them sound properly but when you do it they go to almost unexplored territories.
Thank you! your reviews are the best!
Worth mentioning that you get pretty much all the features of this on the A4 with the recent OS update. If you don't have the money or room for the keys, you're only really missing the joystick and individual voice outputs.
Very, very cool review. Nick, I would be forever in your debt if you would make a, say, 4-part in-depth tutorial/demo series of this or the plain Analog Four. Okay, I know that is totally unrealistic, but that is my dream :)
"You either get it or you don't"
A beautiful choice of words....
hurts to see how he lifted it up, one side was leaned on its jacks, as a synth freak, man thats just reckless behavior !!
Oh man I just posted that too. WT Fuck
It hurts to see you torture the connectors at 0:42
Nice in depth review though! :D
yes, and he did it just before the keyboard torture. :)
Thought he was gonna twat it with a hammer at one point ffs
Expect to see a lot of these in a few years time with broken off keys. It was a bad idea on the later ARPs and it's a bad idea now. It's not like much dust gets under the keys anyway - just needs a quick wipe with a cloth every so often.
It's been 5 years. Aint seen one. This is a myth.
DCOs, no VCO. The Elektron website/manual say: "Both oscillators of each voice are analog, with all their elaborate waveshaping completely analog, and with their pitches controlled digitally." That´s the definition of DCO. Nothing bad about it, but let´s be clear.
*****
ua-cam.com/video/ZJRa-_RuCCs/v-deo.html
***** Nick made a mistake and I just corrected. DCOs are still analogue, but they´re not VCO. There´s no autotune like P5, JP8 or Andromeda. No osc FM too, like most DCOs. To my ears DCOs in general sound colder than VCOs... but that´s my opinion. It´s a shame that DSI and Elektron don´t openly call their DCOs what they are. Look at my user name... DCOs on Juno6/60 are one of my all time oscillators... and I have used basically all analogue synths, vintage and modern.
Yeah sorry about that, was a bit sloppy of me there.
+juno6 +juno6 DCO is definitely the correct term, but you know, people still use the term VCO kinda generally, too; it's all over VAs and stuff.
"A BIT menu divey"...LOL That's an understatement!
I wish the settings for velocity and aftertouch were more accessible. Sometimes tweeking a sound doesn't do much because velocity totally dominates the basic settings, for example effects. You dial reverb down to zero but it doesn't go away because the (almost secret) velocity setting kicks it back in with full force.
Sounds really, really nice. But looks like a bit of a PITA to program sounds.
it's not that bad on the analog four, this having to lean over the keys on this thing sucks
Apparently there is a guy who fixed the exposed keys underneath for $30. Not tried it myself, but Look up "analog keys UnderBridge" if anyone is interested.
Another great sonicstate review.
Now, this is an excellent start!
An analogue synthesizer, that you can actually control and play, the way you want... instead of the usual dings and pops of repeating analogue audio sequences.
Certainly, any type of technology will sooner or later get refined... I'd prefer sooner lol
We could start with 16 tracks of pure analogue, digitally controlled. Add power of individual track effects, like Waldorf Q+ Roland FantomG or Korg Kronos (which are both digital but still impose limit on tracks). Better sequencer control for creating
...then we could finally have powerful enough machine, to create lavish background pads (with real world like control, as Karma could do), strong string production, and enough power for all the rest triangle / square / pulse bleeps and blobs in our music, and be able to play it as a real musical instrument, as opposed to using the mouse.
Very cool machine, sounds great and has everything you need in terms of modulation and sequencing options. I have to agree with Nick about the questionable design choice regarding the keys, this might get nasty if your AK is mounted on a keyboard stand with another synth beneath it, you may accidentally hit the protruding keys while changing from one synth to another and I'm not sure how long the AK's keys will withstand such impacts. Apart from that, the AK seems to be a good choice if you're looking for a highly versatile analog synth with a great sound, too bad it's completely out of my price range, as it was/is the case with all Elektron products. Ah well, can't have it all I guess.
Lovely review, been curious about the workflow, having never used Elektron machines. Thanks!
is this analog synth as good as a Moog Voyager? A Dave Smith Prophet 12? An Alesis Andromeda?
They are all different from each other. Just choose the one you like best and keep saving your money for more synths.
NOTHING is as good as a MiniMoog Voyager. I started with it and all other synths from Dave Smith to Roland to Oberheim just lack something and can't match it. Whether it's just the pure tone of it, heavy duty all American build or ease of use. I love so many other makers, including this oddball Elektron computer thing, but just sayin'... Moog. It's the real thing.
Sick Battletoads pause jam at 18:37
this is insanely good. has this been used in scoring? I recall some of the patches from trippy 90s movies. I just cant name em on the get go. How much does one cost nowadays and where would you buy it? Thanks
i love always your reviews, because they are honest and you explain all great my friend!!! i am using my analog 4 and yes... electron is such a fine company and they create such great gear! i love my analog for and will never sell it!
Excellent review as always. This is such a cool keyboard. I'm surprised I don't see people using this more, or hear more about it. It seems like it kinda went under the radar... Maybe they don't do much in the way of marketing? It reminds me of an analog version of a Nord (with the 4 part multi-timbral on the front panel). Sounds very good, too.
Seems really good for the price, actually... Polyphonic analog for this price! Less than half of a DSI.
For some reason I wasn't a super huge fan of the filter... But I do like that it has an analog overdrive that goes into the distortion range. Overall though I think it sounds really nice and modern for analog.
9:33 that's where you do a teenage engineering sort of trick and attach a rubber band to the knob and a bigger wheel.
This is a fantastic synth but I would gladly pay more for 6 oscillators. The smell is the plastikote box, my AK has no smell to speak of. The underkey cutout is for the cables sticking out of the Octatrack or RYTM. Allows the machines to fit together nicely.
Yeah a bunch of tutorials should always be there for beginners and pros alike. I hear you for the extra two voices. It'd make sense especially for keyboardists. Quite frankly though I'm surprised I haven't really missed it that much so far. There's a crazy amount of stuff you can do with just one track, especially with rhythmical things. I'll play the Rytm for the first time next week! Stoked!!
They limit the capabilities so as not to cannibalize their own product line meaning the have other products that do midi sequencing
Högni Sigurðsson I know, it is rather transparent. I have bought the Analog Keys and just might get an Octatrack if I feel I need the live MIDI sequencing or the other features it has.
Why did you skip the Prophet 12? I'd love to see you review it
I tried but I couldnt get hold of one.
sonicstate too bad. I wished DSI would be more flexible and sending you a copy!
sonicstate Do you think you'll ever get a hold of the desktop module?
Nice review... Why there isn't any Nord reviews on Sonic Lab? I really like to see an A1 or 4 review...
I wish you guys would review how it holds up with the most recent OS
The recessed case beneath the keys: bad idea. What the heck were they thinking?
wow that modified init patch would drive me insane. hope there's a way to fix that.
nice! i've been hoping you'd do a review of this synth.
still very interested in this.
Any chance of Mark Tinley giving us his opinions on a video? His "guitarist" approach to a complex synth architecture (and his galaxy-sized intellect) would be fascinating.
Another great review. Thanks Nick.
StevismMusic the moog voyager has a very similar initial patch set up, it's weird. I don't know why they would have the filter closed and add resonance for what is supposed to be a blank slate. But any way, what I did was just set up my own "initial patch" to my liking and saved it in preset number one slot. Then I edit and tweak away and just save it under a different memory slot, leaving the initial patch as it was.
They explain it in the manual. It's set that way for a reason.
Dayum Nick!!! Been avoiding the new Elektron stuff until I'm fully satisfied I'm getting the best out of my MD+MnM (which I'm not!)... but this review gave me serious gear lust!!!
If I could ask, is this the same sound engine as the Analog 4? Is it an Analog 4 with more outs and a keyboard? Because if so I just became VERY interested in the A4! Don't need another kb taking up space but those sounds....!!!
Nick's practically giddy during his wrap-up at the end. :)
Love my A4, if they ever add poly-chaining between it and the A4K my wallet is in trouble.
Maybe there's a way to implement the OB-1 crank accessory for manual sweeps!
budfoon you just have to press filter and there is a dedicated knob.
Great review. Interesting synth. However this machine has some cons for me:
- oscillators are quite weak compared to other analog synths (almost VA sounding)
- quite small display for complex machine like this
- the biggest one - sequencer does not transmit data over MIDI, so you can't sequence other synths using MIDI
Paphun Dekel I thought it sounded a bit VA as well but that's before I learned it. You can get very modern sounds from this machine easily. After you understand how to use it, you can also get it sounding very vintage but it doesn't just happen. It's a very controlled and precise synth.
As powerful as a digital interface is, having dedicated controls for the filter section is a must for me.
Can you add ratcheting to the sequencer?
Define racheting. You can do "retrig" if that's what you mean. The sequencer is the bomb
9:05 did elektron take that concept from the cirklon or has that been a thing?
how does it differ from the Analog 4 ? is it essentially an Analog 4 with keys and a slightly different layout?
I just can't come at the A4 nor this. To me it's thin or lacks something. But I'm happy to recognize that for me, if its your thing cool!
Is it similar like the Jdxi where you can mute parts!?
An amazing synthesizer, but definitely not for the synth newbie. Working it is a bit like computer programming with references to slots and various memory locations and menu diving a plenty. Also it is pretty unforgiving: if you don't know what to do, you can't just start turning knobs and play. The synth will just stare back at you with a blank "what the hell are you trying to do" expression.
The manual expects a lot of pre-requisite knowledge, so be prepared to use Google and UA-cam a *LOT*.
If you are using Overbridge to connect with your DAW, you will get a superb computer editor that will make things much easier, but again, getting Overbridge running is not for the faint of heart. Also it introduces a lot of latency while playing into the DAW, so there is a tradeoff.
The AK sounds like nothing else. It is ALIVE. But be prepared, if you hate it, it will hate you back.
Thomas Kolb Isn't programming this like programming a Blofeld?
well it's not as deep as Kurzweil's VAST synthesis
Is this the same as the Analog Four but with a keyboard? Does anyone have a preference?
Is it the same as the analog four apart from keyboard & controls?
I am watching your review again since I just ordered an A4 module (for the second time...) to go with my RYTM. A unit like the AK would need several design upgrades to garner a purchase by me; otherwise my choice is the module. I would pay considerably more than the retail price for an expanded AK with: 6-8 voices, LCD 2X the size and angled upwards slightly to make it easier to read, chassis altered so that the underside of the keys are protected, 61 keys, MIDI sequencer in addition to CV on CV channels.
can the drum sounds be sampled into the sound library from external sources?
"Analog"
Such a great synth, one of my favorites. It would be my number one synth that I own if the learning curve hadn’t taken me so many hours of frustrating reading and web browsing.lol
So is this the new sequencers then? Pattern builders, 1-16, looped, copy & pasted - song. And it seems to me that a synth being "Analog" used to really mean something! Where as now, it's a case of it being marketed & promoted as analog, but it just means "doesn't sound as digital". It still looks & feels anything *but* analog tbh. It's a great sounding synth with a lot of "workstation" features that make it very powerful. But it's still limited to a certain handful of tracks, like the Roland Juno GI it tries to do as much as possible, but misses the target with a large price tag. Further confusing is how the Elektron Analog Four seems much more efficient & well designed than this even though the Analog Four is half a grand cheaper o_O Not everyone needs keys to make music today! I think many will sell, & the demos online show a vast diversity that this synth has. But is it a classic? I don't think it is. Thanks for the candid review. Really enjoyed it.
so this is basically a analog four with a keyboard and extra outs per each track ?
And the joystick. It's pretty nice actually! Also they say they've beefied the bass response a bit compared to the A4.
Yep, Put the second filter in peak mode and then raise the level to about 30 - 35. Be careful though you could blow a speaker.
Great gear we have here. Never hat this one on plan... Mmmhhh...
Sounds good but the interface I would find frustrating sadly.
This review helped me make up my mind that this one is definitely not for me - i love the idea of a 1 box synth with a powerful sequencer but complicated menu diving has previously killed my love for electronic instruments, i crave the user friendly simplicity of gear with 1 knob per function...
if AK got a knob per function it would be a wall size modular and at the end of the day it is a modular
Great video
great synth and good review
this or the Pulse 2 + a decent midi controller???
greg chuchelo the integrated multitrack sequencer puts this device in a class of its own.
RhythmDroid I hear ya. What about sound wise alone? I assume you own or have owned them both at some point.
I have not owned a Pulse. The raw sound of the Pulse's oscillators and filters may or may not be more pleasing to you. But apart from the sound, the feature set is so much more vast on the AK that you're, in a way, comparing apples and oranges.
I would love to get into it but fear the menu diving might well be too much for me.
I can honestly assure you that yes it seems that way when you don't own but once you know your way around it's super intuitive and very fast to get what you want, don't forget you won't get results from other gear that you'll get from this in the same amount of time. Try one seriously, not for ten minutes though, take one hone for a few days
Great demo thanx!
One question:
Is the A4 the same as the Keys, but with extra keyboard?
Or is it a different synth?
It's the same! The only real difference to the A4 are - beside the obvious Keyboard - the individual Outputs for each of the 4 tracks. You get them on the AK but they did not made it to the A4.
okay, thank you!
I own the Analog Four... But this Multi Map knob is missing. Any chance to get the same functionality on a "regular" A4..?
I don´t think i´we ever seen any other relatively new synth that so many people want to sell just after they purchased it. It must be the ergonomics and bad keybed, cause I think it sounds good (perhaps not unique).
Its so god damn difficult to learn and get going with. I hate and love my AK with passion
Vienreich yeah, I'm selling mine for a rev2. It's not hard to learn it just takes a day or two of getting familiar with it. I suppose I just underestimated my appreciation for dedicated knobs.
I have the Analog 4, and once I got my head around it, I started to like it (the OS revision was a big help too). I am kicking myself a bit for getting that when this keyboard is what I really want, but the AK wasn't around back then :)
Any idea if you can output from the keyboard to CV, or is it just CV track? Curious if it could stand in as a modular controller once in a while.
***** More looking to see if I could play my modular using that built-in keyboard and the CV out (IOW keyboard->CV). It wouldn't be the usual config, but a nice option to have.
Pete Brown I would also like to know this... am I also correct there is no 'MIDI Out' for the tracks? Seems odd and have read conflicting statements on the matter.
Phil Mease Elektron makes a MIDI sequencer, and presumably they didn't want to cut into sales of that. The Analog 4 can sequence the internal 4 voices, plus CV.
There's a dedicated CV track, but four CV outs (two gate/pitch pairs). You may wonder how you can use the second pair in that case. There are lots of options: you can set one of the other tracks to be the gate/CV source instead of sequencing internal voices (and do a duophonic patch on a different track, I assume). You can also use the other CV outs for things like clock signals.
But no. No MIDI out for the track data.
If you want a "do everything" sequencer, the Cirklon has a really good reputation.
If I didn't already have an analog 4, I'd have gotten an AK. The sound is spectacular, and the sequencer is really good as well. It'll be interesting to see how the new DSI Pro 2 competes there.
***** Didn't they add that option in the new firmware update?
Pete Brown I'd say the Pro-2 is a different beast...
very great Sounds-nice info : )
Great synth analog ♫
you can find this guy now for 500 bucks, amazing :D
I'm looking to get into synths, would you recommend this or the Korg prologue with 8 voices?
@@TheDaniellouis I don't know the prologue very well, but I can tell you that the analog four with overbridge and python works great :)
When oh when are we going to see the MK2 I mean they've done a sequel to every other box of tricks.
All I ask is a bigger better screen!
Still nothing some gaffer tape & a magnifying glass wouldn't fix.
Screw it I can't wait anymore 🤣
1111 hey i know its been out around for a quite awhile but i was wondering can you happen to make a video on the analogFour it happens to be very complicated machine and i know after once i get to knowing how to use it any how can you make a tutorial on analogFour if you havbent well thanks for the videos you make they are awesome cheers mate 1111
excellent instrument - just snagged a second one cheap!
Hi Derek, could I ask how much you paid for it?
@@bigsby19 €650
This is the coolest, most full featured synth (for the price) I've seen come out in years. Been looking to replace my Prophet '08 with something with a "play-in" sequencer; step sequencer programming on that thing is completely uninspiring, difficult and just plain takes too long! THIS looks like my answer at last! I don't think I'd even miss the 4 extra voices with a sub-osc on board either. There definitely aren't enough options in the affordable polysynth category to choose from these days, and with everything they've packed into this little guy, the bar has absolutely been raised!
Dustin H I like it Allright but I'm selling it to get the rev2. I'd demo it personally if you can before you sell your prophet.
Danielle Scribbins Features aside, what do you think about the sound of both synths? I'm trying to make my mind up on which should I get but can't test them...
Can you transpose the sequence?
And scale
of course you can and you can decide which tracks are transposable and which not
Not quite seamless overdub at 22:00.
:)
I think they should run the design past you before produce the next one. That filter knob hand technique should never be needed.
Those overhanging keys make me itch, I'd be scared to have it in front of me for fear of me getting up too quick and catching myself on it on the way up, or catching sleeves etc. It does have a sonic charm though.
BUT Can I have one osc doing a bassline off the sequencer and three remaining voices on the keyboard separately ????
I mean independently :D Great video as always sonicstate !
Yes. Or two for the bassline and two on the "keyboard." It's [exhaustively] flexible... a recurring theme in Elektron gear.
yes, or if the bassline note is short enough you can have the bassline and other sounds just on one track :-) it's endless, nearly
Rather have the Moog Sub 37, or my latest acquisition the Little Phatty, and a workhorse piano like the Motif XF. But I do appreciate the attention to detail in all of Elektron's gear.
I want one just for the new synth smell..lol
Why on Earth did they make the display so miniscule?! It looks like it shows a lot of information ..... if you actually can see it! :-/
it seems like this piece has a lot of features and value for money. it does sound powerful and cool. i'm not so sure of the character for some reason .. not that i dislike the sound but i'm kind of used to vintage and modular so i'm not sure how i'll feel about that. but man, you can make whole tracks on this one and noodle away .. awesome! i have an andromeda and might sell it and get something smaller and cheaper but still with features and power. now this comes to mind and a prophet 8 in terms of features but i'd easily go for a juno 60 .. any advice? i see these elektrons go for fair prices nowadays and often switch owners .. i wonder why.
I have a love/hate relationship with my Prophet '08. I've owned it since they came out. In my opinion it's very much hindered by not having a sub-oscillator. Plus if you're wanting to program sequences with it, it's all step sequencing and very fiddly. I'm usually a knob per function guy, but I'd gladly take one for the team for this Elektron to be able to do all it can do. Also, depending on the day I guess I either loathe or really like the DSI sound. Be warned, it's brassy...almost always. I feel like it's real strength is more along the lines of a Juno 60, it's for playing pads, pseudo-combo organ patches and 80's poly synth parts. Basses are decent, sometimes even Moog-like...the 4 pole filter is "juicy" enough. The two-pole is practically worthless and you can't do much with it. From reading some of the other comments here though, the Elektron workflow isn't the easiest to get your head around, maybe that's the problem for people. One of my first synths ever was an ARP Solus, (basically a mini-Odyssey) so difficulty doesn't scare me much. I'm thinking of selling my Prophet '08 for one of these if that's any indication. If you do go Prophet, be sure to get the PE edition. You will hate your life having to deal with the original '08's rotary encoders.
You can program the joystick to make filter sweeps etc!
Check out this guy if you want more in depth view of what you can do with the "AK": ua-cam.com/users/cuckoomusic
yea you can, but there is currently no way to record joystick automation into the sequencer... Total bummer. Hope they fix that in an update.
MrDataline isn't too shabby himself. He put up some new videos recently, go check him out.
yeah ! Genelec ftw
Great review though. thanks
1449 Pounds
1749 Euros
1849 Pounds
Wait what? I assume you meant 1849 DOLLARS?
"it's got analog VCOs and VCFs....." no it doesn't. they're DCOs according to Elektron.
Synth/sequencer with a price of airplane))) But it sounds fantastic!
OMG when he tipped it over and made the audio outputs bear all the weight. Wont be bidding his stuff on ebay
Warning. Resonance will probably hurt your ears around 9:00 :P Nice review as always!
Thank you, friend from the passed
@@charlieaydin1377 "past"?
@@winstonsmith9424 thank you white knight for saving me.
Jah is in I an I Batty-Man!
nice cat hairs
Hahahahah, I noticed that too.
Ahh that new synth smell
elektron make such great sounds but god why do they insist on nokia 3210 screens
It smells like a new synth.
I didn't see a North American price
It's there, third position, just with a typo (pound sign instead of dollar).
1890$ if I recall correctly.
I HATE this machine for being so difficult to learn. The LEAST thing you could do was include a nice manual/tutorial. Its almost as if they did this synth to their circle of friends.
I also absolutely adore this AK and love it to death for the sounds I sometimes manage to create.
God damn you for not making proper tutorials for musician not too much into technical side of things
Hahaha, how's it now? :)
Vienreich How difficult is it compared to the Blofeld?
well now, 8 months later, I'm still where I was when I wrote that. The difficult learning curve was too much for me so I fucked it over and threw myself over to other awesome synths that are not god damn labyrinths
Such as?
Prophet 08, Diva, Zebra, Komplete 11 etc etc