All user reviews of 4/5 for the Elektron Analog Four

In very short:

4 voice synths used in mono or poly
analog subtractive synthesis: Tilt 2 + sub, noise, LPF + HPF series, about 3, 4 LFO
Digital effects: chorus, reverb, delay
Sequencer: Step 6 lines, 64 steps with automation (p-locks)
1 stereo output, 2 inputs, 2 outputs CV-Gate

UTILIZATION

The configuration is not simple at-first. The whole is to assimilate the logic Elektron.
It is rather well done, not as sub-menus that, we control the machine quickly.

Good: copy / paste at all levels: notes, patterns, patch, etc ... You can set up something quickly. P-locks that allow to vary any parameter can be the thing that makes the machines elektron pretty cool.

Less: false manipulations irreversible: removal of bad pattern. I wonder also if there is an "undo" function as computer?
I also find it lacks some tricks like: select all notes at once per 16 steps, or to apply a transposition and not the entire length of the pattern.
After I also love messages Pitch Bend / Modulation entered by external keyboard are recorded in the sequencer, well ...

SOUNDS

So how does it sound?

To make "bold, broad, deep, cosmic, funcky" genre Moog, Oberheim, etc. ...: NO.
It sounds pretty chiseled, precise, sometimes I can find a skinny, it lacks serious in low (must compensate the amount of resonance with HPF) I speak in comparison to the Pro One to kick it has. So for the big American sound that will not self.

Finally must stop trying to compare to any of vintage moog, the Analog Four precisely allows colder tones in any case less connoted. I therefore suggest more amateur electro minimal, experimental, techno delusions as to those who are looking for sounds analos conventional and stereotyped (that A4 can also in theory).

For my part I like to use it as a rhythm box synth or FX, the possibilities offered by the sequencer and P-locks make a different machine.

What bothers me most filters can generate significant noise (sort of breath) when the resonance is pushed (res boost enabled on the first filter) and self oscillation is quite hard to manage I think we pass too quickly from nothing to a very high level. After I also find that the filter is a little too "driven" I often drop the level of oscilloscope because of it.
Finally I regret the absence of wave tables, thus increasing the possibilities.

OVERALL OPINION

This machine I agree to the possibilities offered by the sequencer, the ability to control the old CV / Gate and the 4 voice synthesis. A similar price was something different than the usual offering.

That being said I think the A4 needs to be worked thoroughly and perfectly controlled. We can do things very well but you have to look with, spend time experimenting.

Recommended for those who enjoy home Korg electribe especially to complement the Octatrack, we go much further, but it requires more work and this is normal.

Others may prefer something more familiar in analog as a Prophet 08 or a Moog Voyager where it is easier to find the classic sounds.

This is a machine that is positioned halfway between the groovebox and analog synthéthiseur mono part.
The groovebox part consists of a step sequencer in which all parameters of the machine can be recorded for each step. There are dozens of settings at all levels: oscillators, filters, amp, LFO, effects, ... Making it a formidable groovebox! To complete the groovebox part there is a performance mode that can act on 5 different parameters from a single knob and no less than 10 pots can be configured for it. Making it one of the most powerful to live interargir machines (my little demo: )

The synth part is extremely rich (see the listing on the Elektron site). Each parameter (among the dozens) can interact with any other parameter. Making it one of the richest synthesizer sound design.
In fact it is four independent mono synths that Every one has its own synth part, its own arpeggiator, its own effects.

It is not (yet possible 1.06) past noon to control an external device.

That's what interests me, others will be interested in taking the CV / Gate ...

UTILIZATION

Operation is extremely simple and all was well pensé.Il just takes a little time at the beginning to understand the phylosophy of the machine.
The manual may not be necessary, especially given the richness of the machine. Anyway it would take several hundred pages for completeness of the description of all its functions.

This is an extremely rich machine. I had quite a machine, but none that offered so many possibilities. The only limit is the creativity of the user, and the time he wants to spend ...

SOUNDS

The sounds are quite special. Sounds analog with a digital touch. The advantage is that you get a broad range of sounds. The downside is that crazy pure analog will be a little disappointed.
I like that it is possible to get with this machine. I had a virus and I have a KingKorg and none of these 2 machines can not escape the sounds of the Analog Four.

I have a big disappointment to the sounds provided and banks provided. This is not a machine made variment to play quickly even if these features may suggest otherwise. If you want to make your own sound, its own sequence ... it takes time!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had almost two months. It is a machine that leaves me perplexed. One day she made me crack and one day, saw the work it requires to make his own movies, I'm two fingers to spare.
I use to accompany keyboards (Jupiter 80 KingKorg). The problem is that it quickly becomes repetitive if you do not take the time to program multiple patterns to accompany.
I also use it in fashion synth controlled from a keyboard. Same structure is monaural, the sound is huge! (Another little demo: )
I do not know if I would keep a long time in my set, but it is a machine that has a very strong potential for those who want to spend a little time.

What a good idea come from our Swedish friends. After the beautiful and intelligent Octatrack here the Analog 4, the body is not unlike its predecessor. Be careful not stop there because the two machines have nothing to do.

The sequencer

4 synth tracks
1 FX track
1 CV / Gate track
128 patterns
Up to 64 step patterns
128 Music
128 Kits
16 Songs
6 × arpeggiators
Individual track lengths
Features Swing, slide and accent
Track transposes
Micro timing
Parameter locks
Friendly Live Performance mode
Sound-per-step change
Instant Pattern, Kit and Sound reload
Full real-time control
Full MIDI Support
Track effects

Wideshift Chorus
Saturator Delay
Supervoid Reverb
Synthesizer parameters

Fully analog signal path
2 × analog oscillators
Variable waveforms for each oscillator
Oscillator and Sync modes AM
1 × 4-pole analog lowpass ladder filter
1 × 2-pole multi-mode analog filter
1 × analog overdrive circuitry
2 × ssub oscillator
× 1 noise oscillator
2 × assignable LFOs
1 × vibrato LFO dedicated
2 x LFO waveshape dedicated
1 × amp envelope
2 × assignable envelopes
2 x LFO fade envelopes dedicated
1 × noise fade envelope dedicated
1 × vibrato dedicated envelope
1 × AUTOBEND envelope dedicated
Hardware

Display 122 x 32 pixel LCD
MIDI In / Out / Thru with DIN Sync Out
2 x 1/4 "audio out jacks symmetrical
2 x 1/4 "audio in jacks
1 x 1/4 "stereo headphone jack
2 x 1/4 "dual CV / Gate outputs
48 kHz, 24-bit converters, D / A and A / D
Flash EEPROM upgradable OS
USB 2.0 port
Balanced audio outputs
Headphone output level: +19 dBu (55 Ω)
Main output level: +19 dBu
Output Impedance: 440 Ω unbalanced
Unbalanced audio inputs

Input level: +19 dBu maximum
Audio input impedance: 9 k Ω
Digital S / N Ratio: 102dBFS (20-20.000Hz)
Electrical Specifications

Unit power consumption: 14 W typical, 24 W maximum
Recommended Power: 12 V DC,> 2 A
Other

Sturdy steel frame (very strong)
Dimensions: W 340 x D 176 x H 63 mm
Weight: approx 2.35 kg (nomadic what!)

UTILIZATION

The use requires a period of adaptation, it is very logical and ultimately habits are consistently. For a first-hand take it goes fast if the basics of synthesis are there if ... It will take longer.
The manual is very well done but only available in PDF format on their website.
The sequencer is extremely simple to handle and promises of beautiful moments.
The interface is clearly to make interactivity 'live' studio or live.
In short this is a machine that allows 100% independent, with the exception of deep bass, to do everything without worries.
Editing is done with ease via the button 'Function'. Everything depends on the memory kits and sequencer with two different memory allocation. Logic but a little unsettling when you are not used to.

SOUNDS

The sound is very particular, very typical 'Elektron' shall we say. This is not trivial and it gives a special dimension to the machine. Here we are in one dimension 'hybrid', but nothing to do with the Evolver no, we're in a register more 'end' more 'digital'. I do not know in detail what it's related but I had the feeling of COD. In this video we see one of two bosses Elektron to demo the A4:

And what exactly is 'sound' of this machine! There was a demo that speaks well of the A4.
For me it is the new scene electro experimental ',' minimal ',' dubstep '' ambient 'etc ... To those who grew up with the warp or Kompakt label.
For lovers of the 'Moog', 'vintage 70's' and 100% analog should be tried before you and make your own opinion. It can be pleasing to the opposite effect.

OVERALL OPINION

I used a good week and I had plenty of time to set the camera in all directions. Nothing to say, this is extremely well done, thought, designed and manufactured. The synthetic possibilities are enormous and we feel a strength worthy of a Soviet tank. But because there is a but, the sound is focused, clearly assumed by the designers. Somewhere, the A4 is a machine 'UFO' away from endless neo-proto-vintage 'and, therefore, requires careful listening and testing to decide.
For my part, is adhering to its DSI and Moog I did not have the flash that I expected. But this is a personal observation (based on years of testing all kinds of equipment and very sharp taste) which shall in any way reduce the interest in the Analog 4 because it is a remarkable machine.
Enjoy!

The Elektron Analog Four has been one of my go to synths recently. It is a table top style synth that doesn’t take up much space on my desk. It has a 6 track MIDI sequencer and 2 audio inputs with 2 TRS outputs. There are no digital connections on this unit. It only weighs about 5 pounds and can be operated from DC wall connection or batteries. There are 128 presets on it and most of them are pretty good. The effects are simple, just reverb, delay and chorus but if you want to use some external effects once you get it into your DAW you can, that is easiest way for me to do it.

UTILIZATION

This synth only took me about 25 minutes to figure and get swing of, after I got the flow of the interface down the rest was simple because it seems to be pretty standard to most other synths that are the “table top” style.

SOUNDS

The synth engine is really good and it surprised me, I am able to get some unique and different from other synth sounds quickly on this unit because of how easy it is to change the presets to how you want them to sound. There are also 6 arps that can all be edited down to the sing, slide and transpose styles.

OVERALL OPINION

If you are thinking of purchasing this and have a little more money to spend take a look at the higher end table top synths from Elektron like the MonoMachine MKII and the SPS-1. Elektron has been coming out with great units like these for years now and I have used just about everyone of them. They also have some of the best customer service I have ever experienced and the warranty plans to back it up. I love all gear I get from Elektron and I love talking to them on the phone, they are very helpful especially if you purchase directly from them.

4 channel analog synth polyphony
Ergonomics type Elektron, for those who know the Monomachine or MachinesDrum is easy and for a beginner the manip using much the Function key is not so easy to assimilate
2 audio outputs; damage we would have liked more 4 separate outputs (one per channel) MIDI In, Out, Thru
CV Gate: personally I do not use but if you have an old synth with this type of connection ie it becomes a must
USB for now only used for transfers or MIDI control
Top sequencer, realtime recording or step
3 correst effect (chorus, delay, reverb) personally I put "ass" a TC electronic Firework and the fact that "serious"
I use Ableton Live and an APC 40. Synchro nickel

UTILIZATION

The general use is quite simple once mastered the concepts (Kit, Song, Chain etc.)
Some knowledge of analog synthesis are essential for the creation of sound "from scatch" nothing but the classic VCO, VCA, VCF
And like other model Elektron is little change the settings of each note one by one
Nice little keyboard that allows to generate melodies and manage recording transposed into play mode
No paper manual supplied but downloadable pdf. Given the rapid evolution of OS in Elektron is not stupid (but a bit shabby for Bécanne over € 1000 ......

SOUNDS

Machine VERY oriented techno, tranceCela said given the versability the 4 synth there is no obstacle to electro, trans, ChillOut may be even the musette (but then I'm sorry incompetent)
The sounds of bass, lead, FX sound great thanks to an analog filter section that I find remarkable.
Nice little arpeggiator since version 1.2B parameterizable as desired

OVERALL OPINION

I did last week
Grip fast enough (I already had a Monomachine)
Innovative concept, full sound synthesis, effects section nice although as I said I do not use sparingly
Good value for money compared eg Spectralis a much more ergonomic much less
Therefore outside the spectralis I do not see many competitor at this level (except perhaps the Quasimidi Polymorph of home fire) or you "fall" in the Korg EMX series or EA (but for the latter I had not hang)

In conclusion: I love this machine. Elektron guys are serious, innovative reagents. They evolve in a positive way their machine (it does not necessarily mean they leave the haste of bécannes with any OS just bugged but they certainly listening to the concerns of their users and implement good ideas)

I use it with Ableton Live MIDI Sync for drums (and APC 40). I stuck him in the ass a good multi effect (Fireworx TC) and it is nothing but happiness

Last bit of advice. I ordered directly from Elektron. Same price in VPC. UPS port with free tracking. 3 years warranty
Ordered on Monday (from Sweeden) arrived on Friday morning. Already registered in my name on their website
It is pro no?