Friends,
Let’s say we’re looking for an analog synth.
It must be multi-timbral. And it must have a sequencer worth its salt.
What options do we have, besides Analog4 / Keys and Tempest?
Remember - analog, not VA, and multi-timbral and a proper sequencer. Not just “Oh, you can insert notes but that’s about it”. But properly done, for some actual composition, now.
A sequencer worth it’s salt, up against the A4/AK is a tall order, especially for multi-timbral.
The synths with sequencers that are up there with Elektron that come to mind are the Sub37 and the Pro 2, but though they are paraphonic, they are only mono timbral (also the Pro 2 has digital OSCs, but no one holds that against it).
Check out the JD-XA http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-jdxa
It’s not known for its sequencer, though it is better than most.
There’s also the Tetra, but it’s a gated sequencer, and lacking in many ways.
Same goes for the P08.
Pair of Minilogues could go pretty far too.
Thanks, @AdamJay I’ve searched and come up with nothing. While it was expected, it was worth a shot.
Couple of Moog Mothers chained, tho? Three of them would be about the price of an A4 or Tempest.
and still only 3 OSCs.
Kinda limiting if you’re after the power of multi-timbrality, but very very fun, none the less.
Evolver is capable of similar styles (and then some) by sequencing each OSC individually (2 of the 4 are analog), though very different, still.
If you’re willing to go vintage an Ensoniq ESQ-1 might fit the bill. It has your multitimbrality down and has 8 voices with analog filters. It also has a sequencer that you can write songs with.
Which brings us to the Poly Evolver, I guess.
Ah, cool, thanks. I’ll be sure to check it out.
If you have not yet played a Sub 37, you should try one out.
IIRC, Andreas had one for some time.
And from time to time, I still miss it.
I have. It’s a beauty. If Moog ever did something multi-timbral, I’d go for that and not look back.
Modal 008?
Don’t you think that the sequencer of the Minilogue is extremely limited? I just can’t get much joy out of it… (the sequencer, the Minilogue itself is a really fun instrument)
Ah, yes. It’s beyond even my imaginary budget, but yep, that’s like the Andromeda of the ages.
I must mention that my Analog Keys is married to my Radikal Technologies Spectralis 2, which is a hybrid analog/digital beast, and via Trigger Groups, definitely multi-timbral, and a sequencer that even does more than Elektron sequencers.
In a purely analog path synth that’s multi-timbral of the likes of the Alesis Andromeda, and without being paraphonic, must have a set of analog filters for each desired voice. Other than the Tetra and Tempest, the other DSI offerings just have a layer A/B.
It simply is very, very expensive to make a modern day equiv. of the Andromeda at this point and to be honest, many people do not take full creative advantage of multi-timbral digital synths, when I could for example on my Waldorf Q have my DAW playing 16 different voices. Same on my Virus. Analog Multi-Timbral probably will continue to be rare as hen’s teeth.
The Elektron Analog Keys is the most readily and economically available, incredibly deep analog capable of 4 voice multi-timbre and much more considering the P-Locks/Sound Locks using the excellent sequencer.
The Sub 37 is a great beast of a synth.
Between the motion sequence lanes and its ability to sequence polyphonically, no… not “extremely” limited.
True, true. I’ve been stripped from gear for quite awhile, except for a Novation Circuit, but will soon move away from it and onto a more proper instrument. I miss the keys and the depth of sound design, but want a complete environment for producing foundations for songs as well.
Though one voice, paraphonic and strong, could get me pretty far. I guess if I would cut one corner, it would be the multi-timbral part. I’d say, the stronger the sequencer, the less I’d miss the multi-timbrality.
Why is the AK not being considered?
Between the sound locks, trig conditions, FX, and 4 OSCs per voice (5th tuned subs! 
) , it can go incredibly far as a multi-timbral synth / analog workstation.
It’s absolutely considered. I’m just scanning for options, but the ones I identified at first - the Keys and the Tempest - are certainly attractive. So I’m just scouting. You never know what you might’ve missed.
I very much love the raw sound of the Moog. Lots of the stuff coming out from the Keys and the modern Prophets, sound great but more often than not, I can’t tell the difference between their sounds and a real good VA synth. That’s on me, of course, my ear’s no better than that.
As for a Sub37, though … that sound stuck with me, still ringing in my ears from time to time.