Have you tried it? I initially dismissed it on the same grounds, but found that the knob placement is actually perfectly fine for me. And I do have big hands.
It sounds very “Moogy”, but in a more flexible Studio Electronics kind of way. 
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Hello!
Having just gotten my A4 setup to sequence my MS-20 mini, I’d have to say…whatever you choose…you’ll be doing your self a disservice not choosing something semi-modular that’ll let you take advantage of the A4’s sequencer. Getting my combo working has been like getting a whole new synth for a holiday gift!
BTW, I really like the sound of the MS20 and A4 together.
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Hey, could please explain what kind of advantages you have when pairing these two together? I’m new to semi modular synths, currently own a 0-Coast and I wonder, what kind of stuff are possible when connecting an A4 with semi modular gear?
I’m total noob when it comes to CV–but for one you can use all the advantages of the sequencer on the A4 basically. Right now I’ve got mine just setup to play notes (Pitch/Gate) so that takes up CV A/B. I’m using CV D/C just to control the filter cutoff of each filter–but you can p-lock all these parameters.
In the case of the MS-20 mini this is something you can’t do (I might be wrong here) with MIDI CC. I’m pretty sure it only receives note data over MIDI. But you can P-lock and control basically any parameter with a CV input on the MS-20 with the CV track of the A4. You can also use the LFOs on the A4 to control, again, any parameter with a CV input.
There are lots of youtube videos of people sequencing other synths with the A4 via CV, you might have to dig to find something really cool though. Dataline did just this little album with the MS20 and A4
Maybe it is just something to think about for the future (or not at all). I just find it fascinating and fun and I’m getting sounds out the MS-20 that would be hard to get otherwise because of its comparatively limited functionality to other synths that have more modulation options.
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I see, thanks! Very exciting stuff
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Basically your 0 coast gets a big upgrade. the analog four can sequence the 0 coast and/or use lfo’s/envelopes to modulate paramters on the 0-coast that have cv ins. You can also p lock those parameters.
you can route the 0 coast through the A4 audio in, apply fx or route it through the A4 filter.
you can also clock the 0-coast that it’s tempo follows the A4 tempo
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Excellent, tons of of possibilities! The Behringer D also has CV which I’m sure will come in handy 
From a semi modular point of view that’s why I’m down to these
Dreadbox Nyx
Moog Mother 32
Make Noise 0 Coast
Also maybe the Analogue Solutions Treadstone.
One of the above.
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Surprised there’s no mention of Pittsburgh’s SV-1, similar price to other semis mentioned but more feature-packed.
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for the money you could get a cs-15. Some beautiful vowelly contrast to super sharp new A4 mkii. Filters to die for and paraphonic to boot.
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Roland SE-02? Mine is coming tomorrow so I have no first-hand knowledge, but it looks amazing.
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Id love any of 'em! Unfortunately I cannot afford it this year.
The Pioneer AS-1 is one of the fattest mono synths out there… It’s a device that was marketed incorrectly so it’s not on most people’s radar… Check it out, you won’t be disappointed…
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AS-1 sequencer is great --its like a SH-101 exactly (but 64 steps)
The AS-1 or SE-02 are the best two monos for the price <$500. And in many ways are just as good as more epensive vintage monos.
It’s worth pointing out that a used A4MKI goes for about the same as a new SE-02 or 0-coast, at least here in Sweden.
So that’d be an addition to consider, just another A4, MKI style. The MKII for harmonics and tunes, the MKI for drums.
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So many great options to choose from, these are great times
Also, NAMM is just around the corner, who knows what new goodies will be revealed!
A bit older but:
Hypersynth Xenophone
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i know i will not reply to your question… But to me, buying a Mono Synth on top of the Analog Four MK2 is kind of luxury… i would looking at a Real Poly with a lot of voices (so i free up some voices on the A4 mk2) i would looking at other sound synthesis method opposed to another subtractive synth. (eventually)
Also there’s plenty of second hand Digital Synth or Analog Modeled (like Korg Radias, Korg MS2000R… Virus SNOW)
I really think I would watch to something different as a companion rather than something in the same territory. (unless you’re really after CV modulation or MOOG Filters…)
@NUoldNu : Edit : Yup Wavetable Synthesis as well … don’t like so much to program the Blofeld and its stepping filter cutoff (not smooth curves like stairs shape… don’t know how to translate that :p) but it’s a good one to consider…
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I think I’m more with @William_WiLD on this, in that the analog 4 is four X mono synths in one box.
Wouldnt you get more mileage from something that is at the other end of the spectrum? Maybe a Blofeld or a mordor type affair to complement the mono juices in the A4.
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I get what you mean. I really wish they would bring an updated version out, with an analogue filter and midi out on the ARP. If that happened, the Blofeld would be a hard synth to beat- I’m my humble opinion anyway
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