Analog Keys - The Issue Thread

[grandaddy]

My Analog Keys, bought this month, also has a slightly warped body. I’ve decided not to send it back to the shop for this, even though I think for this money it should be absolutely level. I’ve instead taped a thin piece of black cardboard under one of the feet.

[Automux]

@""poonti""

[quote=“namnibor”]If being told by support to simply bend the case to correct the problem is their solution, when it’s obviously a design flaw, that’s the worst advice I have ever heard any manufacturer provide as a solution.
Does not provide confidence to lay my money down at all. Even any other small company such as DSI or Waldorf would not only replace instrument, but make a change at the manufacturing level.
Firm believer it’s the choice of having no support piece below keyboard to fully stabilize the unique aluminum sides and perhaps too thin of aluminum that’s contributing to this. Would be pretty wary of traveling with an AK even in a Pelican or SKB Case at this point. Sorry, but the truth.

I hear you, but I certainly wouldn’t use DSI as a good Samaritan here (encoders cough cough - there was no replacing NADDA, but they did offer a nice $350 upgrade instead, so yeah, DSI: bad example)[/quote]
Waldorf isn’t a good example either. I have a Blofeld with the low audio output and they have not responded to my support requests at all.

[wavestrike]

I had an issue. There was a screw or small part sliding around in the case of my AK. However, they sent me a new one and this one did not have any spare parts inside. The level was bad on the first one and much better on this one so they must be addressing it at least. My table is glass so the table is perfectly level. It is the AK that is now only just a little off but the first one was way off.

[mfx]

@""poonti""

I hear you, but I certainly wouldn’t use DSI as a good Samaritan here (encoders cough cough - there was no replacing NADDA, but they did offer a nice $350 upgrade instead, so yeah, DSI: bad example)

This is exactly why I sold my Pro 08. The build quality and lack of support for early adopters encouraged me to sell mine fairly quickly and has discouraged me to anything further from them. Not cutting my nose to spite my face but once stung, twice shy. Nearly got a Tempest, but again seen a few issues with the firmware, whilst usable discouraged me.

So here we are with an AK and other kit instead.

[modulargrey]

Just an FYI, mine will be going back for repair to the US shop. They need to use a new serial plate so my guess is the whole case might be replaced.

[Knownasmax]

I just want to say if the Analog Keys had 8 voices (or even 6) it would beat out everything else on the market without a doubt. It sounds so amazing but when I get into playing the notes dropping out is so depressing!

[mfx]

Encoders - can I ask if anyone else find the feel of the potentiometer movements are gritty. Not in sound but when twisting they feel they are not entirely free in movement, ie a very slight resistance and movement.
I can only describe as if there’s grit a very slight rubbing feel and extremely low noise? Im pretty light handed on the kit, but a sensitive soul. Only little thing that’s bothering me.

Thanks

[maca_namra]

Everything bout the AK is amazing I have to say. I’d definitely love even more voices. My only issue is that the arpeggiator has no automatic relatch function. And being able to use the hold with the arpeggiator is not the same thing before anyone says it. Would love to see a relatch option with the arpeggiator in future versions, or else an option for the hold function where the most recent used keys are held down rather than having to hit the button to hold onto notes.

[tonight]

@""nirun""

“The CV track is useless for 99.99% of users and has more to do with worrying about sales of the Octatrack than making a great Analog Keys.”

lol @ complaints about CV. It’s hilarious it’s called the Analog Four and people cannot see a use for control voltage parameter locking/sequencing

A ton of opinions float around about Elektron’s methodology, but I do think they included CV for very good reasons, and has been very useful to me sequencing/syncing outboard gear without midi.

I suggest borrowing a friend’s synth that has trigger/gate inputs and give it a whirl before speaking for 99.9% analog four/keys users- this kind of generalizing will not yield happy/clear responses from the users who do use the functions you dismiss as sales/marketing

yep agree my “anyone using the a4 cv outs?” thread is one of the biggest in the a4 section

[nottinhill]

This is 26 February 2017. Bought a brand new Analog Keys, wobbly casing, fixed by paper under left front feet. For 1400 eur, this is unexpected, even though I know how much work it must have been to design such a marvellous instrument.

[LyingDalai]

You might be true, but have you tried another table / stand ?
I found so many times that my problems had their origin between the seat and the table…
^^

[ChrisG]

Mine is ever so slightly off as well, and ever so slightly wobbly if I wiggle it (top left <-> low right). I get this all the time with gear, mostly with grooveboxes and similar things, those things you just, very gently, bend straight. Happens all the time. But the AK…I would try LyingDalai’s suggestion, place the AK on different desks/stands/tables, check the results. If it is still wobbly, contact Elektron, I don’t remember how the rubber feets are attached, but with their help you might be able to adjust it

[nottinhill]

Its standing on a 800 Euro USM Haller table made in Switzerland, the country of precision clocks, so no, it’s not the table =oP. But I bend the AK diagonally and its better now, I will bend more until it is perfect. I guess when you send your unit in, Elektron would unscrew the casing, bend it, and re-screw, so why not do it on your own. Feet are attached with some hexagon screw, so that would arguably be the more “intelligent” approach.

[Cosmic]

@nottinhill

Its standing on a 800 Euro USM Haller table made in Switzerland, the country of precision clocks, so no, it’s not the table =oP. But I bend the AK diagonally and its better now, I will bend more until it is perfect. I guess when you send your unit in, Elektron would unscrew the casing, bend it, and re-screw, so why not do it on your own. Feet are attached with some hexagon screw, so that would arguably be the more “intelligent” approach.

Maybe your floor is uneven then haha
The earth is round…