A question for those of you who changed from A4 to AK

zahush76 · 2013-12-25T03:33:30.000Z

Or got an AK and kept the A4.

I wonder about several things and happy to hear some input from users that got to try\work with both or perhaps even have them side by side.

The encoders feel any different? Is the build quality the same? Better?
Is there really any truth to the statement about the circuits on the AK being “fine tuned” and improved a bit over the A4 to deliver “deeper bass”.
The difference in workflow on the A4 (for the sake of argument, let’s imagine the A4 connected to a keyboard controller) vs the workflow on the AK.
If i’m seeing correct, there are some dedicated buttons and encoders on the AK, such as the huge encoder dedicated for browsing sounds, or some other functions that now have dedicated buttons (like the “kit\poly” button, or the “Multi Map” button etc).
So, is browsing sounds quicker on the AK? Is the workflow quicker? Considerably?

Just trying to make up my mind between getting an AK, or an A4 plus changing my controller to an 88 key controller. So i’m trying to form a list of pros & cons of each option.

zahush76 · 2013-12-26T13:04:35.000Z

Bump…
No opinions or experiences?

void · 2013-12-26T13:52:47.000Z

just flip a coin, head buys AK, tail buys A4.
you won’t be disappointed either way.

zahush76 · 2013-12-26T14:08:02.000Z

""void"":

just flip a coin, head buys AK, tail buys A4.
you won’t be disappointed either way.

HI. I appreciate your offer, but my question wasn’t so much about which one to buy. It was more concerning some differences in build quality, functionality, workflow (more dedicated buttons make a quicker workflow…?) etc etc.
Once i’ll get the facts - i’ll make up my mind without the whole coin scene

Allerian · 2013-12-26T15:25:30.000Z

The AK has a knob to select sounds. As simple as it seems, that one menu dive was a creativity killer for me on the A4.

Also, that bass thing doesn’t matter. They both sound quite excellent.

Ihatederekreed · 2013-12-26T15:38:49.000Z

Get and keep both if you can. My plan is using the a4 for monophonic (primarily) patterns along with the MDUW and OT, while treating the AK as a proper live instrument (primarily). The AK for me will almost replace my OP1 + iPad, as they have become my go to for live instruments being as everything else is so sequencer based. Obviously having the ability to use both polyphonicly or monophonicly as the need arises is a bonus. I myself am very excited for the possibilities of having both in a single setup. Worse case scenario, if after my AK gets here and I realize I only need one, I’ll sell the one that is least inspiring. Probably not tough.

Wish my AK would get here.

Question: MDUW + OT + A4 + AK = Quadrinity? I feel like it may need a new voltron style “title”. What will I call it when I add the MnM?

guga · 2013-12-26T15:50:03.000Z

""Allerian"":

The AK has a knob to select sounds. As simple as it seems, that one menu dive was a creativity killer for me on the A4.

Also, that bass thing doesn’t matter. They both sound quite excellent.

i had a chance to have a quick play with the AK and i’ve to admit that the keyboard plays its own role in terms of workflow but having said that, you can hook a midi keyboard to your A4 and you can get almost the same feeling.
build quality: the AK feels pretty solid. at first i thought the enclosure was made out of plastic but i then realized is actually made out of metal,
then again…the A4 has been out there for a longer period than the AK so it’s probably more ‘robust’ in terms of hardware/software but nonetheless, if they both share the same DNA … well, i’m expecting the AK to get to a ‘stable condition’ pretty soon
so basically, i would say: if you want the joystick, the keyboard and some of extra features, go for the AK otherwise the A4 is still a good choice, you won’t regret it … probably a bit like the SFX-6 and the SFX-60

…i believe you can use the knob on the left side of the screen to scroll the sounds…

guga · 2013-12-26T15:56:36.000Z

""Ihatederekreed"":

Question: MDUW + OT + A4 + AK = Quadrinity? I feel like it may need a new voltron style “title”. What will I call it when I add the MnM?

…mm, i was thinking something like the ‘Magic 5’ or M5 … but a google search gives a lot of different results already…

magic.jpg430×520 48.1 KB

zahush76 · 2013-12-26T16:12:01.000Z

""Allerian"":

As simple as it seems, that one menu dive was a creativity killer for me on the A4.

If i understand correct, the new OS 1.1 has changed the way you browse the presets on the A4.

Seems like the encoder to the left of the screen (the “level” encoder) is used for browsing. Also the trigger buttons for switching between banks. And the “search” option by name, as well as by category. This - on the A4.
I wonder how the AK’s different in this respect.

masaski · 2013-12-26T19:39:51.000Z

I’m interesting in adding an AK to my A4…

Anyone had the opportunity to use the combo hooked up yet?

Housecliche · 2013-12-26T20:57:28.000Z

Yeah the new way of browsing presets is very smooth in the new A4 OS - double tap the track key then twist or arrow to the sound you need - also it remembers your last filter state - so if your looking for ‘bass’ or ‘keys’ to audition on a certain track it’s very easy compared to before.

JimmyPulse · 2013-12-26T23:00:39.000Z

I read that the patches are compatible between A4 and AK, does that means that a Full Project backup is also fully compatible ? Hence you can work on one machine, then transfer via Sysex the full backup as-is on the other one ?

poonti · 2013-12-26T23:46:32.000Z

""masaski"":

I’m interesting in adding an AK to my A4…

Anyone had the opportunity to use the combo hooked up yet?

That combo would make a lot more sense if you could expand the voices, a la DSI PEK + PEK rack style. I’m surprised there’s no mode like this (would be a huge update though).

myhrman · 2013-12-27T00:05:28.000Z

""Jimmyscalp"":

I read that the patches are compatible between A4 and AK, does that means that a Full Project backup is also fully compatible ? Hence you can work on one machine, then transfer via Sysex the full backup as-is on the other one ?

Yes, they are fully compatible in terms of sysex

JimmyPulse · 2013-12-27T09:53:04.000Z

Thanks Myhrman, this may be a good point for me to get the AK too. A4 along with me when travelling abroad and leave the AK at studio or on stage.

disuye · 2013-12-27T10:04:14.000Z

""Allerian"":

The AK has a knob to select sounds. As simple as it seems, that one menu dive was a creativity killer for me on the A4.

Also, that bass thing doesn’t matter. They both sound quite excellent.

The new OS 1.1 addresses that for the Analog Four. Double tap any track button to it opens the Sound Browser: Audition over the top of your existing sound. Lovely.

Allerian · 2013-12-27T15:52:32.000Z

These keys are ridiculously nice.

masaski · 2013-12-28T10:53:56.000Z

Yeah not sure it’s as relevant with the elektron boxes focussing mainly on the performance aspect. I’m sure it would be possible via OS down the line, but the DSI units are a different animal so…

I have a Tetra and a Mokeys, and i never polychain them. I tried it out, but preferred having the nuances of both machines.