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Published on 09/25/13 at 06:22What 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 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!