I have been playing a lot of different synths in my days, both hardware and software.
From the beginning I was a Moog die hard fan. Later on I became obsessed by modular synths.
The latest baby in my collection is the Analog Keys. Now I have to say WHAT AN AMAZING PIECE OF HARDWARE!
Besides the tech side of it, which is totally insane and with so many possibilities, perhaps the best thing is the character of the sound. It doesn´t sound like anything else. Unique and musically inspiring.
I feel proud being a Swede.
Thank you Electron for making such great instruments.
Tomas
BTW You can download my latest album “She belongs to another tree” (100% synths quite trippy) for free at
Yeah it was the character that sold me on it. It definately has a personality. Some hate it. Me - love it. It actually was the instrument that made me get into electronic music after decades of guitar. Saw a Dataline vid and was like ‘fuck i need me one of those’ it took me to another place - beautiful. Vast like a midsummer sky…I aint no Cenk mind…!!! Im glad it did though my wallet and wife arent so enamoured… haha!!!
Impressive playing/composition on the parts I heard And nice sound design/oddness on the part of ‘Damn I Was Stung By A Zap’ that I listened to. I’ll def check the lp out properly when I get the chance.
It sounds like gritty and dirty which I like. Very vintage and in the same time ultra modern. Since I only had it for a week I need more time to get deep under the hood. It´s a synth that will suprise my for a long time.
I love it as well. Usually I use it alone in my home studio, but recently I jammed with two other guys in almost like a band like context. One guy played mainly bass on the sub37, one piano and I made melody loops and drums on the A4. Long story short. It is so versatile in a live jam context, I love it even more now. You try things, which you won’t do in studio situation. I imagine the Keys suited even more for this purpose.
I’ve lately given much thought to trading in my Analog Four for an Analog Keys because I could use a small format keyboard on my desk. How do you like the feel of the keys themselves? Do they hold up to your (very impressive) playing style?
Well to be honest, the keys are perhaps not as good as on my Moog Voyager. Here the response is super fast. But with that being said, it´s not bad at all. I know AK got some criticism for having a sort of “cut-away” under the keys. All this to prevent dust to get inside the machine. The other day however, I saw a company who sold this “insert” to be placed under the keys. Atm I don´t mind being without it , but I can imagine going on a serious tour, there might be a bigger risk to damage a key.
The joy stick is in my opinion perhaps too sensitive. It´s hard to make really small vibratos since there is a “stop” in the middle. I would prefer a joystick more like the Nord Leads. But then again, the Y axis would probably be harder to achieve.
I guess it´s a matter of taste as much as your experience of using it.
Thanks for the insight Tomas. Sounds like reasonable compromises all around, especially given the minimal difference in price between the A4 and Analog Keys. The size seems just right for a conveniently-placed desktop synth. I have better MIDI keyboards to use when i need them, but I have nothing but my Continuum within my immediate reach and while that is an awesome instrument, it is not terribly useful as a traditional MIDI controller. My only concern about swapping the Analog Four the Analog Keys is that my A4 is placed in a convenient position for utilizing its CV outputs with my modular system and VCS3. Maybe I should throw caution to the winds and get the Analog Keys in addition to the A4, rather than replacing one with the other…
I did an interesting thing using Studio One 3 as DAW.
In Studio One 3 you can add just the hardware keyboard into your DAW. (dunno about Ableton, Logic will not work) Anyway, this gives me the flexibility to use the AK internal sequencer along with the DAW sequencer. The result will be - for me - the perfect mix between repeating seq with parameter locks (AK), together with melody lines, fills, automation on 4 different tracks (DAW)
Of course, the 4 voice limit will always rule my world in this case
Damn youve made me lust for a four now … and ive got my eye on a few bits from namm too… nooooooo!!!
Reckon the 4 and keys would be a great setup. strong text
