This is where I disagree. It would have been a cheap update if they didn’t need to ad an entire DSP module for the FX, which can be routed before, after or around the heat block - that alone for me is close to magic, given how flexible AD/DA conversions have to be in the chain to allow that.
Sure, they didn’t update the analog circuitry or the controls configuration but the architecture and the hardware inside had to be upgraded. I’m pretty sure what they pulled off wasn’t easy and definitely not cheap. And if they invested all this effort into developing this box, I’m convinced they also have a roadmap with future updates.
All of their new platform boxes are built to allow adding new features (DT2, DN2 etc). The Heat MKII didn’t allow any meaningful upgrades with the firmware alone, so they brought out the Heat +FX - now all they need to do is add new effects to keep it fresh for years. That would make the entire R&D effort financially feasible.
Did you get the chance to open and compare the MKII and the FX versions? Would be interesting to see some pictures side by side.
I don’t expect to see Sharc written big on a chip tbh but I’m pretty convinced there’s a hardware difference since one can do digital processing and the other one not.
I think I’ve seen you post this before with the same YouTube short, which doesn’t really show anything at all in my opinion. You are claiming that the AH MKI can do these fx…. but it doesn’t… so what kind of claim is this? Can you post photos taken by you showing the Heat + FX board with the Heat MKII board? I’m extremely skeptical that they are the same, otherwise the FX would have been a firmware update.
https://youtu.be/wRz2dMgO1tM in this video the guy mentioning how complex it is bc it has to do so much digital to analog conversion and back and forth etc, I dont think its the same eaither
Exactly my point. The video is not really informative, that’s why I asked @stankeev if he compared the two side by side and took some photos. That would have been relevant.
Blockquote Sure AH mk1 can do some digital fx, not all 8, but at least most of them, like 5 or 6.
I assume by mk1 you mean the MKII, the one with the yellow screen. How do you know it can do “5 or 6” digital effects?
I don’t think Elektron would have released a new version for a box which otherwise could have been updated with a firmware. From a product development point of view it makes no sense. Would be a bad move also from the business perspective.
Don’t expect any updates for this unit. More change for MK4.
MK1 user, my most dissapointed elektron unit (get not the love from € it needed at that time of launch, was fast replaced with MK2…)
Quite the opposite. They make money releasing new hardware, adding free features via update to an existing box has to be difficult decision. More likely its with every new hardware release and why there are missing some “obvious” functions. They either intentionally hold on on these, making other boxes obsolete and not supported so you are forced to move on or - if the new machine is not released in time - they might add this to keep the sales going.
Either way I do believe AH sales are not insignificant, we would not be on its 3rd generation and I am sure good dd is done for each product and its list of functions with proper software release update calendar.
I would say they make money by selling hardware not by releasing it. Important distinction.
If I’m Elektron I basically have a choice to make if I want to stay relevant on the market:
I bring out a new box every one or two years, which comes with the hassle and cost of R&D, adjusting assembly lines, supply chains etc. - might make money if the product is good or lose money if it’s a flop.
OR
I release a box for which all those costs are supported once with the initial release (ideally as part of a broader platform), and then I can keep the box fresh with firmware updates for the next 6-7 years.
What would you choose?
New firmware upgrades are not painful, they are just part of the plan: they keep people interested after the initial interest starts fading, keep the sales going and save hardware upgrade costs (which are waaay higher in comparison).
I had no reason to be suspicious of Elektron so far (that’s why I bought their boxes). But if they bring a new Heat out and they don’t add any new effects on the MK3 I will admit you were right.
I really hope you’re not, though
Let’s aim for actual Feature Requests from here on in … the topic is lately so dense with off topic speculation it would be easy for a good FR to be lost in the noise … tia
Not to beat the dead horse of Tonverk FX being ported over, but after some time with the TV its frequency warper effect is something that would really shine if it could be added to the +FX. It gets some proper crazy sounds out of it and belting those before some crunchy analogue distortion would make for some very nice, wonky sound design.
Yes, it will be an outstanding update to add those Tonverk algoritms too.
I expect this will be done in the near feature to get the heatFX device actual, so people are still willing to buy. Just like for the Eventide H90 that is still expanding with new algoritms… I guess their main focus is now to get everything in place for their new product Tonverk… We have to be patience I guess…
Would be great if the AH+ would get a snap back function. Meaning: After tweaking press Flow + NO and all would get back to last saved setting. Just like on all other Elektron machines
but I’m pretty convinced there’s a hardware difference since one can do digital processing and the other one not.
