Isn't the Analog Four the most incredible and deep instrument from Elektron so far?

[rob_dylan]

Thanks a lot for the in-depth reply!

Will investigate and see just how crazy the A4 can go!

[maarzt]

purchased!

[aley]

I had a quick question regarding the MK1, are the interface and patch creation fairly similar between that and the MK2. I know they sound slightly different the MK2 has more low end etc but if I was watching someone create a patch on the mk2 would it be easy to follow along on the MK1 although it would sound slightly different?

[thejewk]

Yeah no problem at all. A button might be in a slightly different place, etc, but they both have the same menu functionality.

I have an Analog Keys and can follow along with any patch on either the MK1 or 2 machines.

[aley]

Thanks for the knowledge, apart from the low end is there much difference between to two? Sound wise and functionalality?

[aley]

Should probably watch ye video posted a few posts up

[LyingDalai]

Yeah, I’m sure this question has been answered a couple times in this forum.

[aley]

Yeah I know I do try and do as much research before posting a question but always good to get the most up to date info and see if anyone has anymore information. Will carry on reading up this thread. Thanks for the help.

[thejewk]

Yeah, I’ve not used a MK1 next to a MK2 but I’ve seen plenty of videos of both, and both sound like an Analog Four.

[LyingDalai]

I found it!

A4mk2 sound quality improvement vs mk1

They feel different Mk1 better size Mk2 better buttons with led. Also the distortion on the mk2 is cool with its new screaming possibilities this makes mk2 more outgoing than the introvert mk1. Also, but i am not sure cause i sold my mk1, i think it is easier to get better low end. In ob it doesnt matter but standalone it does matter. I.e. Once i recreated kick the gut on mk1 but with no succes Both cool though

Replaced my A4 mk1 with an mk2 and lovin it to heaven

I have had both mk1 and mk2 for OT, A4 and AR. While I prefer mk1 form factor, I much prefer playing on the mk2. And black versions are really gorgeous. The feel of the knobs makes it way quicker to operate, I almost never push the encoders now. The dedicated perf knob is really cool, I use it a lot. And yes, I like A4 mk2 sound way better too.

[jm2c]

I was contemplating upgrading from an AK to A4MKII… Ended up keeping AK and buying a Roland JD-XA instead. I think it’s the closest thing to an A4 Roland will ever come up with, and will surely sound diffferent to my AK. That third filter mode is bonkers on it! Will be fun running AK into its mic input

[Sip]

The JD-XA is a very interesting synth! I was close to purchasing a secondhand unit once. Used prices are quite low compared with MSRP. Would love to get your thoughts on it, especially beside an AK (of course they are very different in a lot of ways). In the not-so-near-future I could be in the market for one again…

[LyingDalai]

@Sip

Would love to get your thoughts on it

But we are going off topic, so let’s keep this for another thread, please

[William_WiLD]

If i buy another hardware synth it’s the Analog Four (again). It’s way more powerful than what we can think when analyzing the specifications.

I love having everything at my fingertips and being able to act unconsciously or inspired in real time—something that’s absolutely impossible with a plugin unless you pre-map everything to a controller (which very few people do because it takes so much time) - you have to know what parameter you will automate, map it and then try or make your automation (which is a conscious action). While unconsciously actions are the most interesting actions in Sound Design (To me) as it goes with the flow and not interrupt it…

I’ve never came across LFOs quite like the ones on this machine—the multiplier coefficients are just so clever. The possibilities they offer are insane. I could list all its strengths—there are so many… It’s by far one of the most powerful machines I’ve ever laid my hands on. A true joy for analog sound design. Since the Virus TI, no machine has offered plugin integration that turns it into such a Swiss Army knife—and Overbridge clearly surpasses Virus Control 3.0

I never achieve shit load of Presets on a plugin or any other machines than the Analog Four. (of course it have to do with a challenge I give to myself) but it was a memory I will remember my entire life.

But as any piece of hardware, you have to learn it in depth and take your time. And be prepared to invest time as well so the machine get back great juice to you in return. I feel like, reset and empty the factory library and make your own is a great advise (especially if you into electronic club music). As this machine is totally capable of pretty much anything analog.

[DoS]

@LyingDalai

for another thread

This one probably!

Roland JD-XA

I picked up a Roland JD-XA for a price I couldn’t pass on last week, so home it came. It’s a bit bigger physically than I wanted, and I wasn’t totally into the colour scheme with all the red, but thought it would cover a lot of ground. I didn’t realise until this weekend that it has had the matte overlays fitted already, instead of the glossy reflective surface that everyone was up in arms about. The first few times I messed about with it I was thinking I was probably going to sell it on quit…

[CCMP]

I understand a digression solely to the JDXA is off topic.

But, to keep it on topic, I’d add that the JDXA is the greatest companion ever to the A4 for anyone who is looking for a way to expand the keys range and hands on functionality.

For all the gear I’ve bought over the years, if I had to choose the best matching pair, I’d definitely say the A4mk2/JDXA is it.

[wowzer]

Too much adjustment because forum members do things wrong, is very annoying and in many cases unnecessary.

[Sip]

off topic depending on your perspective

Appreciate the feedback, that answered my question. As it stands, the AK is nearly too much for me even standalone, but that XA does have some stuff I’d love to have alongside.

I knew it was slightly OT but I was asking about it specifically as it goes with an Analog Keys… maybe I didn’t mention the AK enough in my post.

The Analog Keys is hard to top on feature density for modulation
Factor in the price, and no Roland keyboard stands a chance.

[CCMP]

As someone who has an A4mk2, an Analog Keys and a JD-XA, I completely disagree with this. It might be more money, but the A4mk2/JD-XA combo beats the AK hands down (and it should really).

Personally, I just get don’t on with the mk1 format after getting so used to the mk2.
I can’t imagine they’d do it, but I’d love an AKmk2 (with 6 voices and 49 keys please).

[Sip]

That’s fair. Although sonically, the AK and A4mkII are extremely close (and more or less have the same featureset). The only significant / objective differences I’m aware of are in the UI/UX. I’ve already made part of that up by installing an OLED screen on my AK. Doesn’t fix the encoder speed / less legible screen elements, but it’s much more readable. (Edit: and has the individual outputs plus the adjusted overdrive that the MkII has)

I don’t disagree with you on AKmkII, that would be pretty amazing. I meant as a single, standalone 4 voice analog synth, I still don’t think anything touches A4 mk1 or AK for modulation capabilities within the price range. I understand the pairing of A4mkII with JD-XA obviously would beat a single AK