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suzanna knowledge « Free Elektron »
Published on 03/02/14 at 15:37In 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.
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.