Elektron Analog Four

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.

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 !!)

The squenceur

4 synth tracks (mono although perhaps bientt polyphonic ??)
1 FX track
1 CV / Gate track
128 patterns
Up to 64 step patterns
128 Sons
128 Kits
16 Songs
6 arpeggiators
Individual track lengths
Features Swing, slide and accent
Track transposes
Micro timing
Parameter locks
Friendly Live Performances
Sound-per-step changes
Instant Pattern, Kit and Sound reload
Full real-time control
Full MIDI support

Track Effects

Wideshift Chorus
Saturator Delay
Supervoid Reverb

Parameters of synthesizers

Fully analog signal path
2 analog oscillators
Drives waveforms on each oscillator
Oscillator Sync modes AM
April 1-pole analog lowpass ladder filter
January 2-pole analog multi-mode filter
1 analog overdrive circuitry
2 Ssub oscillator
1 noise oscillator
2 assignable LFOs
LFO 1 vibrato ddibr /> 2 LFOs waveshape ddis
1 amp envelope
2 assignable envelopes
2 LFO envelopes fade ddis
1 bland noise envelope ddibr /> 1 vibrato envelope ddibr /> 1 AUTOBEND envelope ddibr />
Hardware

12232 Display LCD pixel
MIDI In / Out / Thru with DIN Sync Out
2 1/4? audio out jacks symtriques
2 1/4? audio in jacks
1 1/4? stereo headphone jack
2 1/4? dual CV / Gate outputs
48 kHz, 24-bit D / A converters and A / D
Flash EEPROM upgradeable OS
USB 2.0
Symtriques audio outputs
Headphone Output Level: + 19dBu (55?)
Main Output Level: + 19dBu
Output Impedance: 440? asymmetric

Among asymtriques audio

Level of: + 19dBu maximum
Audio Input Impedance: 9 k?
Digital S / N Ratio: 102dBFS (20-20.000Hz)

Electrical Specifications

Unit power consumption: 14 W typical, 24 W maximum
Food recommends: 12 V DC,> 2 A

Other

Sturdy steel frame
Dimensions: L 340 P 176 H 63 mm
Weight: about 2.35 kgs

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

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 !!)

It is best to go on the Elektron site to get an idea of ​​the capabilities.
In addition to providing four lanes 3 effects are available: chorus, delay and reverb. The effects are shared between the channels, but you can of course adjust the volume for each channel.
The sequencer is excellent, and function parameter lock is great (ability to change the settings or even the sound for a particular step).
The small built-in keyboard is extremely convenient.
Since the last update, you can play chords on the slopes, but be careful, it is limited to 4 global channels (so kind if you make an agreement of 4 ratings on the step 1 of track 1, there is more opportunity to play a sound on the other step 1 of the other tracks).

UTILIZATION

Quick grip. Personally, I'm somewhat in the menus, there is enough surface controller. If you are a regular Elektron machine, it does not pose any problems.

SOUNDS

Excellent I think. I wanted to make good bass, and beautiful tablecloths. It is possible, mission accomplished. Go take a look at videos made by users to report to you.

OVERALL OPINION

Before buying it I watched a lot of video on youtube to be sure of his abilities.
This is the machine that I always expected (multichannel synth, built-in effects, built-in sequencer, integrated mini keyboard). I used Ableton live, I do not use anymore.

What I like most is the parameter lock, as I have described above.
Since my purchase prices rose a bit apparently. I do not regret this purchase instead, since I bought an Octatrack.