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

THE SEQUENCER:

4 synth tracks
1 FX track
1 CV / Gate track
128 patterns
Up to 64 steps per pattern
128 Sounds
128 Kits
16 Songs
6 arpeggiators
Individual track lengths
Swing, slide and focus functions
Track transposes
Micro timing
Parameter locks
Friendly Live Performances
Sound-per-step changes
Instant kit, pattern, track and Sound reload
Full real-time control
Full MIDI support

SEND EFFECTS:

Wideshift Chorus
Saturator Delay
Supervoid Reverb

VOICE SYNTH (x4):

Fully analog signal path
2 analog oscillators
Variable waveshape is all waveforms
Oscillator AM and Sync modes
2 sub-oscillators
1 noise generator
April 1-pole analog lowpass ladder filter
January 2-pole analog multi-mode filter
1 analog overdrive circuitry
Filter feedback
2 assignable LFOs
1 dedicated vibrato LFO
2 dedicated waveshape LFOs
1 amp envelope
2 assignable envelopes
2 dedicated LFO fade envelopes
1 dedicated noise fade envelope
1 dedicated vibrato envelope
1 envelope dedicated AUTOBEND
3x individual effect Sends

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Impedance balanced audio outputs:
Headphones out level: +19 dBu (55)
Main outputs level: +19 dBu
Output impedance: 440 unbalanced
Unbalanced audio inputs:
Input level: +19 dBu maximum
Audio input impedance: 9 k
Digital S / N ratio: 102 dBFS (20-20,000 Hz)
Unit power consumption: 8 W typical, 18 W maximum.
Recommended power supply: 6 V DC, 3 A

HARDWARE:

122x32 pixel backlit LCD
MIDI In / Out / Thru with DIN Sync Out
2 x 1/4 impedance balanced audio out jacks
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 D / A and A / D converters
Flash EEPROM upgradeable OS
Electrically isolated USB 2.0 port

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Steel casing
Dimensions: W340xD176xH63mm
(Including knobs, jacks and rubber feet)
Weight: approximately 2.4 kg

POWER SUPPLY (PSU-3) ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Input voltage range: 100-240V (43-60Hz)
Input connector: IEC320-C8 (2 prong)
In-rush current: 40-60 A maximum
Output voltage: 12 V DC
Output current: 2.5 A max
Output connector: 5.5x2.5mm DC plug, power at center

USE

No manual but easy to understand if you know the basics

(PDF on the site)

Screen a bit tight but very intuitive !!

SONORITS

Unlimited Possiblit !!

The analog filters (2 per voice) are wonderful !!

No spares alas outputs but luckily the effects are effective (nice reverb)

NOTICE GLOBAL

No competition this price !!

I sold my Tetra for the A4.
Well it's not the same price but the sound is different (much better my taste) and OS better finished ...

Strongly polyphony !! (That is apparently PRVU ... pray that has be done !!)

- 4 channels
- Midi in out thrue
- CV gate (which I do not use)
- 2 outputs
- 3 effects
- Built-in sequencer

The machine is equipped with all what we used with Subtractive synth. I had some VA, I was surprised to not see more routing option between filters (it has two filters in series: a LP filter and a multi function), but all this works fine. Many editable parameters and automated. Enormous possibilities.

There is a built-in sequencer, making it a machine quite independently, it's great.

I'm not a fan arpeggiator but it is super well done, with the possibility of programming a lot there and mutate Rating: excellent.

I rather regret is the fact that there are only 2 outputs and 3 effects for all tracks (it's OK), it is mainly because the animal needs only a small little help in the bass, but in the end there other ways that it sounds.

At the sub menus, I find very disturbing ca not because everything is very well thought out. This is normal given the number of things that we should go to edit in some menus, but the machine is not lack of controls. More than three quarters of the things I need is accessible to me directly. In addition you can make "shortcuts" to change the settings you want via a single page (perf).

Level memory management and sound, it is almost like a computer.

Last longer, it opens the possibility of sequencing / modular control / old analog which opens great perspectives that I had not thought because it seemed to me very complicated.

UTILIZATION

No manual in french, if the basic options are easy, advanced features are more hassle to capture. I am not a pro synthesis, I needed to ask some explanations on forums.

At first I was a little confused on the "stained" too. Non-experts work to tame the machine. So it is not easy at first, when one is accustomed and we understand, everything seems to flow naturally. (I say that but I made a pretty basic use, ie just pattern mode, I do not chain, and do not use the song mode, which a priori is another world.)

I will not repeat what has been said about the sequencer. It is very well done, it really is a huge plus for the machine. Length of track and a different scale for different parts would have been a plus.

It really is a very complete synth with lots of possibilities and ergonomics of its own. Personally, I'm in and ca annuity works very well despite the complexity and possibilities (I'm not gone as far as possible).

Say that it sounds not direct, it requires a little work.

One regret is that even when the backup is less instinctive, one must navigate a bit.

SOUNDS

We can do many things with this synth.

Sounds still good analog at first, but a lot of very fine adjustments are possible. You can really get a lot.

The effects of adding to its thickness. He deserved to have independent effects for each track.

It lacks bass, but with a good set we come to something good and down very low.

OVERALL OPINION

I have 2 months.
I'm not a musician at the base, I agree not too computer music. I am a true fan of hardware, I like machines that avoid having to program dozens of things in the machine A to B for the machine so something. The is a treat.

In synth, I've had a virus, evolver. Otherwise, I've had and tons of groovebox / bar / samplers.

It complements well the other Elektron machines, I have a OT and MD.

The machine is excellent, very complete, very independent, many possibilities.
Anyway, I was looking for Forsythe with a real sequencer, it is quite unique in its class.

Its weakness:
- Lack of separate outputs
- Lack of ease in the low

Maybe I dream to complete a specialist bass mono.

I bought OCCAZ (per usual), I remake choice. Given the options, it was worth every penny.

good features are available on the internet and on the site of elektron so no problem on that side of.

no control noon, otherwise it would be a ten.

UTILIZATION

So first it is necessary to recall the elektron philosophy is to equip these machines a super powerful sequencer to change sounds and sound settings at each step that can give totally organic electronic sequences or very but so very busy at this level limitation to four tracks is not really a problem I think.

You really have to try it before judging it as sequencer and how this machine is designed gives you total freedom in creation and all these options can be used. for example you have trig sound (not containing a locked audio), the trig without sound (containing just change the settings for a sound that would have been played previously, the trig mute (which allow you to mutate not previously activated but retaining those settings it to recall at any time. settings as well as swing and even a general transposition that can be applied to any (or any set) tracks.

more there is a performance mode or you can assign a dozen knob to the features you want and the Four-tracks, which can permetre if you have other machines handle live have fewer manipulations do some basic functions (mute tracks, change the parameters'' macro ")
And finally for the enthusiast exploration and improvised live you can use the save that will allow you to save a pattern as well love you and be able to live with the crazy pattern function, change all the parameters before returning to two seconds on your initial pattern, really strong.

In addition you have a well furnished and very flexible effects section, delay and reverb are really far away and the last update brings polyphony, a treat, with a setting for the assignment of the vote, plus two mono type poly track has two voices, or 3 + 1 or 4 voice poly.extraordinaire!!

in short it is a machine that will charm hundred percent. single (that is what I like with this machine) and very ergonomic, and do not be fooled by those who write the logic elektron is hot to take in hand etc.. This arch is wrong, and I repeat this machine can be tamed within hours of grip, manual and clear and precise and everything is organized with logic such as faith mastered it is almost longer necessary to read the manual. there is no button combination'' fanciful'' because everything has a meaning, and it's really very simple.

The only complaint I could make just the outer part sequencer'''' which offers only one track and cv / gate. which does not allow to control a lot of external synths and flange not evil beast at this level. (But this is relative depending on the price)







SOUNDS

Electronic sounds are very early, but when we triffouille well, you learn the differences between the two filters has made available and we ventured into the jungle proposed parameters, we understand that we will never around.

Sure the sound is not exactly that of a very big slobbery analog but with the last update and boost possible resonance is approached wild nature of certain analog ancestors.

in fact it is a bit like your girlfriend, if you guide it well it will be elegant and wild according to the desires, you really spend time with and exploring the boundaries (and even the word is poorly chosen, the beast) which is more simple with integrated sequencer, you create a sequence, the rejoinder on two or three tracks, mute it by turns each of the tracks and sought the sound you want.

more for novices synthesis, this machine is a godsend, you load a sound you like, on a track, you start with a basic sound on the track two trying to get closer to the original sound, then you will check or you are planted herself watching the parameters of the original track.

if you are passionate about synthesis and sound creation is the machine you need, besides the number of parameters available far exceeds anything I've tried.

In a word it sounds like you want it to sound when you are stubborn and motivated. and it does not try to copy any such existing trademark.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for almost a year, almost every day and I am far from having done the trick.
I use it with a Octatrack for resampling and add some effects as well as for drum maschine mostly part.

I love being able to do anything with, analog bar, synth madness, integrated sequencer and making it a tool built for live effects. I love the new update with 4000 sounds available at any time. I love the look, monolithic kubrikien, I love the modern sound and unlimited.

in fact one of the questions I ask myself is why buy something else, because in the new analog, (unless purely a keyboard player in mono), they have no advantage I think (and j 've tried a bunch.) in general they can internal effects (MiniBrute, microwave, latest innovation, the sub phatt etc.), they do not have that great sequencer, they do not have the 4000 available at any time, you can not also easily compare two or three phases of creating sounds. they have fewer parameters syntheses. and they do not compete price level.
Because for a few thousand euros, four tracks (and yet it is closer to six parameters with locks), effects, memory, unique modes of performance, size, etc., we get a sentence of two neo analog which do not offer half of them has two functions. if one wants a pedal effect is added, then a sequencer, etc., and the budget of the A4 you explode.

I know that all tastes are in nature but honestly if you hesitate on this machine, go for it, there are guarantees 30 days on websites etc, in case you change your mind, but you can not have Reviews on this machine without having to spend a good week at least above.

I hope this review has helped in at least one and I wish you all good music.

Small embedded keyboard, very convenient.
4 monophonic synths in the bike, very convincing effects, everything is editable on the fly.
We find all the parameters dedicated to the synthesis, connectors a little light (no separate outputs) but very good bills.
Connection via USB to the computer world.

UTILIZATION

For those who worked on Elektron, the grip is obvious, for others it will become familiar with the methodology Swedish firm, which once gained is very well thought out.
No paper supplied manual, it's a shame at this price ...
Easy editing and pushed all the synthesis parameters, effects and sequencer.

SOUNDS

I quickly get the desired sound, the quality, richness and diversity fits perfectly with what I want
to produce short, I enjoy, no machine to date I had given much satisfaction.
The sound must sculpt is not a machine to "Preset".

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a few months in a studio at the moment (www.radio-maxfm.com LiveAct on Tuesday, October 1)
I made the last fifteen years, this is the best machine all the time (quiet breathing, takes you ...) But I had a multitude of synths, drum machine, sampler, sequencer .. .
To this day my studio comes down to a good listener, the ANALOG 4 SPS-1, Juno 106, APC40, Macbook, Ableton Live and Motu.
There are plenty of other synths that tears, which are beautiful, but fat at some point when no life that music must make choices and I think there is so far no better value / price, it is a very good investment and more a machine that offers maximum possibilities and sounds.

https://soundcloud.com/dacover

Analog monophonic synth 4 votes separated on 4 tracks.
More track for the management effects on a external audio sources and mite management for an external module via the CV.
Each voice has 2 analog oscillators, each oscillator is completed by a sub oscillator. Plus a noise generator.

3 effects are proposed and Assayable (via a "send") to the slopes.
Chorus, delay and reverb.

Two filters (high pass, low pass ...) are offered by analog voice. They sound really good.

The VCO can modulate almost any parameter of the machine.

The machine is completely autonomous sequencer via a very powerful and easily configurable.

The controls are easily accessible via the 10 knobs.
A small screen, very small but very readable, allows the visualization of parameters assigned to the potentiometer which infinite stroke.
Management hit potentiometers is very ingenious. It can be so fine (it runs normally) or abrupt (by turning the knob while pressing it).

No MIDI outputs.
At the moment, it is not possible to control an external module via MIDI OUT. It only allows sync via MIDI CLOCK.
But it is apparently being studied in Elektron.

No separate audio outputs for 4 voices, but only one stereo output mix. Personally, I'm not bothered by it, the management of the 4 tracks being completely autonomous. The mix on the machine is quite easy.

UTILIZATION

This is my first Elektron. And this is my first real analog.
Control the machine outline is very simple.
All pages of parameters are easily accessible (This is written on the machine).
The sequencer is very easy to use. It is in the spirit of TR and other sequencers.
I watched some videos on the net to understand the philosophy of the beast. And when I received it, it took me a few minutes to get a first component, without looking at the doc.

The machine operates on several layers: the sounds (for the sound of a track), the kits (for a set of sounds), a pattern (for a sequence), a chain / song (for a set of pattern / sequence) .
So we start from the smallest element to a set.

But once you want to start the synthesis and deepen editions of certain parameters, it gets complicated.
The parameters are so many that get lost very quickly. But hey, I like fiddling with stuff to see what it does!


Performance mode lets you edit a dozen of configurable parameters according to the kit loaded. This mode allows you to play live on the sounds of the machine. Each parameter (or rather, series of parameters) can be assigned to a knob for grind live. We define the terminal min, max terminal and go!

Many options are available. This can make things at first a little confused. But the machine has a true logic, workflow and allows very natural once well controlled.

For the moment the documentation is in English, available on the Elektron. Personally, in the box I had a doc in Japan / Chinese ...

One of the other great advantages of this machine is that it is very small and easily transportable. Given its autonomous nature, I often spell "home studio" to mumuse with in the lounge. One can spend hours searching for a sound, a compo ... Without realizing it.

Another very very small more significant is the inclusion of a mini keyboard 1 octave directly on the machine. It avoids lug with a midi keyboard. When I say it enough in itself!

SOUNDS

The sounds are great!
We have a complete machine real and very powerful.

Oscillators are excellent!
They can really sounded very much!
Coupled with excellent filter and distortion, you really feel the difference between analog and virtual analog (I'm not talking about VST, I do know some).

I cracked on with the demo compo.
These are the sounds that really convinced me to purchase the Four Analog.

Effects provide an excellent overall sound character rendering. Especially the chorus.
In short, it sounds, overall, very well.

Small flat, if you go down a lot in the bass notes, we hear too much oscillation. But hey, it seems normal.
This being said, there is ample opportunity to make it sound good in low operator, wisely, sub oscillators.

I had a little trouble at first for integrated into a component. The sounds are so powerful, they "ate" the final mix too.

In the end, I assure you, you quickly learn to control his power.

I think that A4 can be any type of music. Simply make the small bank of sounds. There is no real limitation.
I do not think that draws no use for techno / dubstep ... Even if that is his vocation.

OVERALL OPINION

I used since a little over a month. And I fell in love!
She has everything it takes to be the heart of a composition.
An excellent sound, extra design, intuitive workflow ...
In short, it has everything you need, where you need it!

As I said, this is my first real analog, and I understand that some people say the differences between real and virtual analog analog. There are not the same grain, not the same heat to a VA.

She still has little problems, but I trust in the evolution of this bike (knowing that the polyphonic mode is being studied in Elektron).
Elektron has a very good reputation for the development and monitoring of their machines.

The price / quality ratio is unbeatable!
For the same price as a monophonic "standard", you have 4 mono and a sequencer. All in a very portable little box! So what more?!

With all this ... How not to love this machine? I could not resist anyway!