A4 to AK - worth it?

plusn · 2014-05-02T14:21:19.000Z

I have been to my local music store today and i was testing the Analog Keys for a few hours.

Well…good thing…creating patterns is definitely easier than on the A4 or for gods sake on the Mnm.
But…the tiny display…on the AK it is even worse…i had to bend over the machine in order to properly see the values. Right next to it, was the new Clavia NL4 sitting, which i tested as well, no problem of rme there to tweak a sound…on the AK it´s a sorry Elektron…but the micro display really makes it for tweaking sounds a pain in the ass for people with bad eyesight like me.

So no AK for me.

I think i will get again a Vermona Perfourmer plus Arturia Beatstep and use that additionally to the Mnm, Blofeld, TR8 and Sub 37.

barmyarmy · 2014-05-05T13:15:20.000Z

thanks guys - particularly interested in the workflow differences - how exactly does the jogwheel and joystick change things for you personally (and keys I guess).

wiresandstraps · 2014-05-06T12:19:37.000Z

I had an analog four and now have an AK.

The scroll wheel makes a big difference, as browsing sounds and using it for various other functions makes some tasks easier.

The joystick is hit or miss imo. The fact that you can’t record it into the sequencer makes it useless for most of what I do. I’m guessing it will be more useful to guys who play live than anything.

Sequencing patterns is much faster with the keyboard built in, and the multiple outs are a life-saver when I want to use it with outboard or to mix down. Also, the visual feedback on what notes are on what step is helpful.

I don’t think it’s worth it to switch from an A4 to AK… the overbridge should compensate for the lack of outs on the A4, and you can always just use a midi controller if you need a keyboard. The jogwheel isn’t a game changer.

udenjoe · 2014-05-06T14:05:14.000Z

I’ve been debating (lurking this thread) about the same thing. My plan is to sell the A4 and Indigo 2. Then replace both with the AK.

I don’t use the Indigo 2 as much as I should. I had the motherboard replaced not long ago.
This would save space and simplify my setup.

I’m not sure if I’m thinking rationally. I should probably not bother.

Mattstacks · 2014-05-09T16:30:42.000Z

I have both as well and I agree with the other statements in this thread.

I use the AK differently than the A4; Especially the poly aspect.

I tend to play more chords with the AK and I also use the live record function a lot more.
With the A4 I mainly used the small keyboard to trigger the sound I was tweaking and to change the key as I was sequencing the trigs.

With the AK I tend to use the live record and actually play the notes and then adjust the trigs’ plocks after that.
Entirely different workflow; I find that I now use the A4 for percussion and bass (single note trigs) and the Ak for strings, pads, and chords.

The screen is rather annoying though, it seems to best used standing above it which isn’t exactly how I work (especially when creating a sound).

If they would of simply angled it rather than have it sit flat it would of made a ton of difference.
I have my A4 in a case that allows me to angle it and I prefer to use it that way. Sadly there is no way to change the angle on the AK.

One more thing; the AK has a rather large empty area on the right hand side of the keyboard. I find myself placing my forearm on said area and leaning over to tweak the knobs (kind of like you would to sleep on a desk at school) I find that I am thankful for this as it seems to be the most comfortable way to dig into the parms.

d2ba · 2014-05-10T20:34:07.000Z

My advise get a new AK and buy a used A4 from Ebay ($850 -$899 seems to be going rate)
Then you will have an unbeatable 8 voice system
Go go used for A4 --3 year warranty is transferable

Dave B

barryfell · 2014-05-11T03:43:54.000Z

""Mattstacks"":

I have both as well and I agree with the other statements in this thread.

I use the AK differently than the A4; Especially the poly aspect.

I tend to play more chords with the AK and I also use the live record function a lot more.
With the A4 I mainly used the small keyboard to trigger the sound I was tweaking and to change the key as I was sequencing the trigs.

With the AK I tend to use the live record and actually play the notes and then adjust the trigs’ plocks after that.
Entirely different workflow; I find that I now use the A4 for percussion and bass (single note trigs) and the Ak for strings, pads, and chords.

The screen is rather annoying though, it seems to best used standing above it which isn’t exactly how I work (especially when creating a sound).

If they would of simply angled it rather than have it sit flat it would of made a ton of difference.
I have my A4 in a case that allows me to angle it and I prefer to use it that way. Sadly there is no way to change the angle on the AK.

One more thing; the AK has a rather large empty area on the right hand side of the keyboard. I find myself placing my forearm on said area and leaning over to tweak the knobs (kind of like you would to sleep on a desk at school) I find that I am thankful for this as it seems to be the most comfortable way to dig into the parms.

Does that mean you can’t hear a difference in the bass between the the AK and A4 since you are choosing to use the A4 for bass?

barryfell · 2014-05-11T03:51:11.000Z

""d2ba"":

My advise get a new AK and buy a used A4 from Ebay ($850 -$899 seems to be going rate)
Then you will have an unbeatable 8 voice system
Go go used for A4 --3 year warranty is transferable

Dave B

Wow, super cheap.
They are regularly selling on eBay for £850 ($1,400) here in the UK.

Mattstacks · 2014-05-12T15:53:25.000Z

""barryfell"":

[quote=“Mattstacks”]I have both as well and I agree with the other statements in this thread.

I use the AK differently than the A4; Especially the poly aspect.

I tend to play more chords with the AK and I also use the live record function a lot more.
With the A4 I mainly used the small keyboard to trigger the sound I was tweaking and to change the key as I was sequencing the trigs.

With the AK I tend to use the live record and actually play the notes and then adjust the trigs’ plocks after that.
Entirely different workflow; I find that I now use the A4 for percussion and bass (single note trigs) and the Ak for strings, pads, and chords.

The screen is rather annoying though, it seems to best used standing above it which isn’t exactly how I work (especially when creating a sound).

If they would of simply angled it rather than have it sit flat it would of made a ton of difference.
I have my A4 in a case that allows me to angle it and I prefer to use it that way. Sadly there is no way to change the angle on the AK.

One more thing; the AK has a rather large empty area on the right hand side of the keyboard. I find myself placing my forearm on said area and leaning over to tweak the knobs (kind of like you would to sleep on a desk at school) I find that I am thankful for this as it seems to be the most comfortable way to dig into the parms.

Does that mean you can’t hear a difference in the bass between the the AK and A4 since you are choosing to use the A4 for bass?[/quote]
Honestly, I have not done a comparison.
I use the A4 for bass simply because I tend to sequence my bass lines rather than play them.

I’ll have to do a head to head bassline test and report back.
(something tells me that I wont be noticing much of a difference)

barmyarmy · 2014-05-14T16:26:00.000Z

OK just got my AK which I swapped for the A4. For me it is MUCH more fun (plus my Rytm arrived at the same time which is double fun). The workflow seems a lot more intuitive to me.

Aaron2 · 2014-06-04T20:28:06.000Z

""barmyarmy"":

OK just got my AK which I swapped for the A4. For me it is MUCH more fun (plus my Rytm arrived at the same time which is double fun). The workflow seems a lot more intuitive to me.

Good to hear, and thanks for all the responses on this thread. I’m seriously thinking about “upgrading” from the A4 to the AK as well.

dragon · 2014-06-20T18:42:18.000Z

Hi People,

First post from a new user (just placed an order for the AR).

I’m currently also deciding between the A4 and the AK. I have tried both in person.

I would prefer to have the Keys in theory. After using it for a bit, I found the aftertouch required more force to activate than I like. I had to press hard enough that it was difficult to do fluidly while playing. Am wondering if it tends to ‘soften’ up a bit with use?

I also found it a bit clumsy ergonomically. To situate myself to comfortably play the keys, I could not easily see/read the display which is rather small and relatively far away.

I do like the octave buttons so close and the joystick.

I was leaning towards the A4 until I realized that only the AK has individual track outs.

That made me wonder what other differences there might be. Is there a list somewhere?

Thanks for any replies!

Aaron2 · 2014-06-21T06:28:16.000Z

Well, I just sold my A4 to fund the purchase of an AK, and I’m sure glad I did. Just having a real keyboard in front of you will help with both live sequencing and grid sequencing. I can visualize a pattern and can improvise so much more easily on a real keyboard. I also like pressing a trig and seeing the light above the corresponding note on the keyboard light up. It’s a handy reference. I think it’s also easier to use the polyphony function when you can play chords on a real keyboard across different octaves.

For me, anyway, the real keyboard makes me so much more productive. Almost immediately after opening the box, I starting putting down tracks that are becoming the basis of a song idea today. I don’t think I could have worked that quickly on that little A4 button keyboard.

Plus, you’ve got that programmable joystick. I haven’t used it yet, but I could see it becoming very useful, particularly in a live setting.

pmoldzio · 2014-06-21T07:10:51.000Z

[quote=“” Aaron2""]
Well, I just sold my A4 to fund the purchase of an AK, and I’m sure glad I did. Just having a real keyboard in front of you will help with both live sequencing and grid sequencing. I can visualize a pattern and can improvise so much more easily on a real keyboard. I also like pressing a trig and seeing the light above the corresponding note on the keyboard light up. It’s a handy reference. I think it’s also easier to use the polyphony function when you can play chords on a real keyboard across different octaves.

For me, anyway, the real keyboard makes me so much more productive. Almost immediately after opening the box, I starting putting down tracks that are becoming the basis of a song idea today. I don’t think I could have worked that quickly on that little A4 button keyboard.

Plus, you’ve got that programmable joystick. I haven’t used it yet, but I could see it becoming very useful, particularly in a live setting.
[/quote]

Same here, i enjoy the AK so much more, Even more i thought i would.
Totally different workflow. Small things like the jogwheel or the octavekeys fasten up melody making.
The LEDs give a cool Visual feedback (Must admit i reminds me a little of childrens learning piano )

dragon · 2014-06-25T06:21:21.000Z

I have noticed that the trigs on the AK are significantly smaller than the A4. For anyone who has switched, do you miss the bigger trig buttons from the A4?

JimmyPulse · 2014-06-27T17:50:50.000Z

Hi,
I have both versions. And having my A4 since its launch 1.5 year ago, I have to admit that the AK brings some very nice added values. Love also when you see on the keyboard leds which notes are activated by the arpegiator.

johnny · 2014-07-05T13:38:57.000Z

i currently have both and all the preset patterns sound exactly the same…even the bass. the AK also uses the filter 2 bass boost technique.

I really like the Ak package but actually appreciate the A4 slightly more…because it is impressive to see all of those features crammed into the small form factor of the A4.

64fingaz · 2014-07-06T13:42:21.000Z

Right now i own the Analog Four …and love it. I couldnt justify selling the A4 to get a Ak . I rather have both…that way i can sync both machines and have eight voices of sound.

Orwell · 2014-07-07T08:57:37.000Z

had an a4 before the update
now have a analog keys - I enjoy the sound and playability so much more on the keys
it is completely worth it as an upgrade
something about the keys and the joystick
also running the outs into analog effects and back into the inputs adds a vintage tone
I wold say the analog 4 sounds somewhat lush and pro but this could just be a placebo with the keys playability
I would say to anyone - go for the upgrade!!!

Uturunku · 2014-07-08T10:44:33.000Z

Guys, what kind of material is used in AK body? I mean does it made of plastic or metal? I see in specs that chasis is made of "sturdy aluminium " but what about top surface? How it feels? What about scratch-resistence? I like metal in A4 and I’m not sure about plastic in AK (in case if it is made of it)…