I’m not sure if this question is too general or too specific, but my current setup is basically Rytm MK2, Octatrack and Digitone. I have some other gear but this is the main stuff I enjoy using together.
I really like the Digitone, and would love to add more pedals to my setup, but with a single output this essentially turns it into a “single voice” synth. I’d imagine something like routing it through Overbridge with a computer and then out a multi-out audio interface (which I don’t have) could work, but I don’t really have a computer to dedicate for this easily.
I’ve been thinking about getting the Analog Four MK2, since it feels like it combines the power of Elektron workflow/sequencing with 4 tracks of “synth” and individual outs. I’m not that worried about it not being a many-voice polysynth, since I could do that on the Digitone or something else eventually.
But the question is, A4 is quite expensive, and I already have three Elektron boxes. I really like Rytm but there’s no arp, and OT has an arp Digitone feels much better at sequencing other things due to the keyboard. This makes me wonder if A4 isn’t “overkill” and maybe some other desktop synth (or a few smaller ones) wouldn’t basically replace A4 if I sequence them with Digitone, at “better features/more value/better options”.
That being said, I had a Digitakt before (sold it and got Rytm) and feel like the move from DT to Rytm was a huge upgrade, so not sure if A4 won’t feel similar compared to Digitone in terms of workflow/power. Internet seems to be pretty polarized/mixed on A4, with many people saying it’s underwhelming, and others saying it’s the best synth ever.
As a last sidenote, this is mainly about workflow/fun/immediacy. I feel like since I got Rytm + OT my drum capabilities and just speed of workflow are on another level than when I had just one, or when I had just Digitakt. But I’m not sure if A4 would do the same, or if I’m just projecting my Rytm experience on it.
I’m also not sure if A4 isn’t already a bit dated, I guess that might be a silly question, but Digitone is 8 voice for half the price, and if I get A4 it’s half the voices for double the price, and not sure if the “features” match up the difference like they do between Digitakt and Rytm.
But honestly I’m not sure what the other alternative is, I tried sequencing external gear via midi, but something about things being built in and having p-locks right there for all the parameters already mapped … it feels so much faster, and holy crap I was so surprised by how good the Rytm is.