Indeed want to but there’s still a lot of questions that remain to be answered as even though Elektron has specs on site for AK, want to see: a posted comprehensive User Manual, exactly how they may or may not have made it possible to use my A4 with the AK, how the midi controller of external hardware synths is implemented, e.g.- if it will be glitch-free and seamless having the AK sequencer running at same time of hitting Ext. Midi button to layer any of my hardware synths to include my A4 AND if the midi controller implementation allows for a daisy chain of external midi synths and if any inherent limitations for instance on number of midi channels one needs/can use–for instance, will the AK only allow use of midi channels 5-16, reserving 1-4 for the A4/AK’s 4 tracks.
Also, whether that external keyboard controller function is ‘polyphonic’ but perhaps limited to only 4 voices or if when using the Ext. Midi on AK as controller one is not limited by the AK’s poly and it is an implementation of “Local Off” and how did they implement midi thru?
The A4 O.S. update is determining factor as well,and what it entails. Like, will we be able to assign different sounds to all the keys on an external controller minus of course the LED’s per key the AK has?
Do the played on AK keys’ dynamics such as after touch/velocity now get recorded into the AK sequencer and to say my A4 in same manner?
As a ‘player of keys and synths and classically trained pianist’ am wishing to integrate AK in set-up, need to also see this O.S. update to see what’s been enhanced to make it possible to do what I want without assumed need to purchase an OT or other machines to do that…only have two hands and a lot of other instruments to give attention to, so would want to know a lot more about features.
Will the AK allow the individual outs to do some wild stereo wide pans with tracks and effects?
The advanced joystick excites me! In controller mode, while the A4 onboard sequencer’s running, could I use that joystick as a ‘Vector Control Joystick’ to control my Wavestation SR, for instance?
Why so many determining factors and my questions posed?
Because before I even knew about the forum and the A4 was yet to be released , like now, both currently the new AK and back then, the A4 state “Full Midi Support”, and perhaps until now, that may be more than a split hair of fact for my needs. Have 5 incredibly intelligent project partners across globe that bought the A4 due to statement of “full midi support”, and since MIDI is actually pretty much universal in it’s agreement across different companies, this was not 'stupidity on ours or other’s parts–the term ‘ignorant’ simply means to not be aware or knowledgeable about a certain matter–two completely different things.
I read where people constantly are mentioning same wished features or this and that and do not see a problem stating how important more ‘full midi support’ is for mine and quite a lot of players whom integration amongst our other synths, not just Elektron Gear, with the AK’s midi controller functionality is needed for ‘other types’ of working with sound/music. So, do not see a real reason to be chastised ‘again’ for simply asking questions others may not find interesting to them…we all work differently and the AK will open path to A LOT more people to Elektron that do not wish to be slaved to a handful of Elektron boxes just to be able to do what proper midi and full midi should be able to do.
Because NAMM is just around the corner, am pretty sure I will keep my money collecting interest until both the ‘early adopter birthing pains’ of the AK show themselves, and what this new second machine exactly is.
Have said this before but all is in flux because I think we deserve a better User Manual PDF and updated one for A4, not only for newly added O.S. features, but a reworking of the whole A4 User Manual that’s not so much solely from an ‘engineer’s perspective’…and the exact same applies to the AK, especially at the amount of money one pays for both the A4 and new AK, think we deserve this, as one would expect from any other company’s new products. If unfortunately not, perhaps a ‘labor of love’ user manual of comprehensive nature could be done by proficient A4 player and charge for download?!
Looking forward to the forthcoming A4 Tutorials that Elektron has made…PLEASE let it not be only for new added functions and the AK connected to an OT again…the Elektron Way states ALL of the machines can operate independently if needed. (paraphrased)
Really like what I see with AK but I would think it would make much more marketing sense and pragmatic to have the User Manual for AK posted by now.
I just saw on HQ site that the release of AK has been moved back to December 12.
Are initial sales only direct from Sweden or will a few Distributers in USA and other Countries have demo models and sales as well? Thus far, the THREE major and typical sales places in USA that carry Elektron gear have absolutely NO idea on this as I have just asked.
Does this also move the new O.S for A4 back?
Am actually optimistic regardless of a lot of questions yet to be answered and can honestly state that if any answers to the aforementioned questions and some same ones posted early on in this new AK Forum Thread are convoluted and like the A4, the AK will ship with either no manual or a lackluster one and just assuming ‘people will again find workarounds’ rather than specifics, then I indeed shall pass because will just go ahead and order a Sequentix Cirklon Sequencer that I know will integrate well and has outstanding documentation for it’s vast capabilities.
Lastly, there’s the “what else at NAMM will be announced” because the competition within this “analog Spring” has become quite fierce, which has raised the bar, making this a great time to making music.