First major synth for this guitar player

daiku1 · 2014-06-16T08:14:01.000Z

I am intrigued by the Analog Keys/Four sound and just pulled the trigger on the Keys. Will arrive in July. I hope I can figure my way through it. Any tips for a novice! Very excited

bandersong · 2014-06-16T14:20:30.000Z

Since you’re a guitarist and I assume you have a pedal or two laying around

This is a Keys only tip:

If you have a pedal of some kind you can create a feedback loop running from one of the tracks with one oscillator on the input from the pedal and the other on whatever whatever wave you want. Set the filter to tracking as well and you can use the AMP page to shape the feedback.

Pretty crazy sounds that are not much like the standard fare you get.

Also read this :
http://www.elektron-users.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=28&func=view&catid=9&id=213870#213870

It’s a little advanced but it’s very useful

Aaron2 · 2014-06-17T21:06:24.000Z

Your post tells me two things about you: one, you have good taste in synths, and two, you’re brave. Brave, because, as a first synth, the AK will be tough sledding. All Elektron gear has a rather steep learning curve, and the A4/AK is no exception.

My only advice is to watch lots of YouTube videos, read the manual, and read this forum. And don’t give up, either. It’s going to be tough learning at first, but if you keep going, it’ll be well worth the effort.

Also, check out the “getting started” tutorial linked in this post: http://www.elektronauts.com/t/analog-four-getting-started-tutorials/5782. It’s helpful.

Cheers,

Aaron

FreeFall · 2014-06-17T22:15:20.000Z

Anyone new to Elektron gear is in for a brain scratching experience. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes befuddling, but usually very fun. Just keep it simple at first.

The manual and this forum will be your new best friends

I suggest giving youself lots of time to really learn how all the functions work together (sequencer, kits, sound machines, snapshots). The Elektron gear is so flexible, it can be overwhelming to get your head around it all. Focus on learning one or two things at a time.

Also, plan on loosing a lot of work in the beginning phases of learning. You will inevitably forget to make backup copies of things in the heat of having fun, or you also might realize that you’re having a hard time keeping things organized. Just don’t get too attached to anything you make, early on. You’ll see!