So who's ordering one?

I’m thinking about getting one to replace my Virus Indigo for live use (my current live setup is the Indigo + the Octactrack). I’d probably sell my A4 in that case as well. I like the idea of having access to a live sequencer in parallel with the OT.

My only concerns right now are that I don’t know what the solution will be for transportation - the joystick on the SFX-6 was always conspicuous to where it required a huge Pelican case for safety. So not having a case or gig bag I know will work makes me think I need to hold off until there is.

I also feel a slightly burnt by the paint job issues on my A4. I know there’s always risks to being an early adopter - c’est la guerre - it just makes me a little gunshy.

Who else is thinking about pulling the trigger?

I plan to order one. I will keep my a4 as I don’t see the reason to NOT have both. I sold my virus ti2 and a hand full of other pieces to justify the purchase. My initial setup will be ot, a4, and mduw on sequence duty with the keys as a more live implemented instrument. I’m really looking forward to the option of using the a4k or a4 depending on who I’m jamming with and in what context. All of that aside, a lot of people locally are on the fence about he a4k because they want to see it in person first before buying. Understandable. I’ve agreed to bite the bullet in order to let everybody locally get hands on.

Nope; I’m happy with the A4, which will now get the OS updates as well for polyphony and filter resonance. Besides, I have enough poly-keys in the studio, so the AK wouldn’t make any sense for me. If anything, I need to scale down big time…

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.

I am thinking about it but not happy with the Australian price of $2400. It should come in at $2000 after the exchange rate and postage so why an extra $400?

I already have the Analog Four, and one of the things I really like about it is the portability. Everything I need to make music, fitting in a laptop bag.

Even if I did need a keyboard, there is a strange omission on the Analog Keys: no sustain or expression pedal inputs. I also like wheels a lot, although the joystick does seem very nice. Therefore I’ll rather use the Mopho Keyboard with the Analog Four if I need keys - that also means adding a Mopho voice to the mix, which is good for variety’s sake.

All in all, I think the Analog Four is very refined and exact for my needs (save for the unmusical way of handling pattern lengths). I even like the feel of the button keyboard! The Keys, a great option for those who want that package, but perhaps not as “complete” in its design as the Analog Four.

Nope - just not seeing, feeling or tasting any differentiation from my A4 - and I’m already covered for joysticks and aftertouch if I really need them (assuming these are all supported in the OS as per the MnM stick settings) - might change once it hits the streets and we see what folks are pulling out of it - but so far its all a bit “meh” really.

This is my view as well, except I’ll be using a MNM instead of a MD. The way I see it is I’ll now beable to sequence 4 tracks and also have the option of playing some chords. It will also double my CV capabilities.

The AK caught my attention as I need a keyboard and it looks like the perfect controller for the Monomachine, but I don’t know how I’d feel about the small screen with the keys. I am now very interested in a A4 though, as I think it would be better for long programming sessions and is obviously more portable for live use, so I can thank the AK for potentially selling me on the A4, even with its weaker bass. :wink:

Pass

^^^^
The AK really caught my attention yet also made me more interested in the A4 when i thought about it more. This may also be a factor that I recently bought a Pelican 1620 for gigging and cannot fit a AK but can fit an A4. I intend to wait and see how things pan out. Either way, a A4 or Ak will shortly be part of my live rig.
Question though, where and whom stated the question about a “weaker bass”?

I sold my Octatrack and Monomachine to buy the AK synth. They will be missed but it´s time to move on.

Zup?


first, huh? :wink:

so that’s the no. 1 unit?

pic shows that the AK is lighter than it looks, that’s one thing I learned at the Berlin event, the alu case keeps the weight down (up?)

Yep, it’s the charity-one. It’s a bit darker than in the picture. Haven’t started it yet since it was kinda cold from the UPS-truck.

If I was in anyway ‘keyboard’ orientated then I’d have one like shot.
Unfortunately I’m not that way inclined & the A4 ticks all the right boxes for me. :slight_smile:

Ooh la la!


I like the pictures starting to pop up here. :+1:

@spanky: charity unit #1? Nice!

what’s the OS version? (should be shown in the lower right corner of the display for a short moment when booting)

It looks like “1.1 PRE” is flashing by when booting up.