Intrigued by the Elektron Analog Four, but not sure what to make of it? Above, we have what seems to be the first video of it in action. Again, very similar to the other Elektron devices in the programming workflow, but the Analog Four is showing itself off as a fantastic live device. The effects and sequencing just sound so cool live, and the amount of knobs and buttons really keep control quick. Overall, it just screams fun to me.
Finally, the full details of the Analog Four are officially out. I've copied and pasted the tech specs, but you can get a full rundown of the new beast here,. There's also a variety of sound demos on Elektron's official Soundcloud (heard above). In case you're wondering, the price is $1149. They will start shipping on December 3rd.
Early impressions: The control voltage and sequencer are the real winners here. As I mentioned in the previous post, Elektron have become experts with sequencing through hardware with their other devices, so there are some really exciting possibilities with 4 analog voice tracks and an effects track. Above, the sequences sound pretty awesome. Lots of squelchiness and warmth. The control voltage will please the modular lovers, and those of you who've recently picked up the MiniBrute will be able to interface it with the A4 quite easily. The effects will be a nice touch and make this stand out to live performers.
Time will tell how this stands up against the other products on the market-- the closest in functionality to it is the Tetra, but the Analog Four seems to have it beat on sequencing. The additional $300 dollars might put it at a disadvantage, but I'm guessing the Analog Four won't appeal to your standard synth fan-- it seems like a tool for those of you who are really into mastering one piece of gear.
via Matrixsynth, Filter Env
You can finally get a good look at the new Elektron Analog Four. Below are some early (unofficial, but very likely) specs for the new beast, which is said to start shipping on December 3rd. While some of you may initially say this looks similar to the DSI Tetra, it certainly seems to have its own set of extra features (which also makes me think it will hover right around the other Elektron price points at $1100-$1200). Some of Four's unique features include 2 filters per voice, "hi-quality" effects, and an easy to use sequencer.
Looking at the image closely, we can see knobs that are lettered (my guess is these can be mapped), the step sequencer across the bottom, 303-key like buttons on the right side, with synth parameters above them (Osc 1 and 2, LFO, etc). Below the screen seems to be 4 directional buttons for navigating the software, with Stop, Play, and Record below that.
From what I can tell so far, the Analog Four seems to fit perfectly with what we expect from Elektron-- the black box, buttons, screen, and colors all remind me of the Octatrack. Elektron products are known to have complex software abilities under the hood, so be on the lookout for that as well. I'm really hoping that the software controls on this synth make it an instant classic. It's fallen nicely into my "analog renaissance" prediction, too!
Keep updated by checking Tradition and Future Website, or Elektron's website. Also, check back here for non-official information, previews, and more.
"Specifications:
4 synth voices. 2 Analog oscillators per voice. 2 Analog filters per voice. 1 Analog overdrive circuit per voice. Multiple LFOs and envelopes per voice. Elektron step sequencer with parameter locks. Kit and Sound storage. All new hi-quality effects. 2x dual CV/Gate outputs. Dedicated CV/Gate and FX sequencer tracks. 2x External inputs. 2x Main outputs. 1x Headphones output. Analog Four
Elektron has released a new video to promote their new synthesizer, the Analog Four. While it's always great to hear about a new piece of analog gear, unfortunately the video shows us nothing about the product, its features, or its sounds-- unless you're assuming the soundtrack of the video is from it. This video seems more like what Sony does with their Playstation ads-- show off everything but the product, and try to tell a creative story. Judging by the comments on YouTube, many fans don't seem to be entertained-- they think the money for the ad would have been better spent on tech support for their previous projects.
I commend the effort to take a gamble on a cool ad for musicians, but I hope this doesn't turn into an overhyped analog box. All the Elektron reviews I've read have been nothing but positive, but the comments on this video really indicate that there are a number of unsatisfied customers-- one even says "Will be released in 2013, will work properly in 2015." Let's hope that's not the real case, and it's just a vocal group of YouTube outliers.
I'll post more as I find out about it-- let's hope the price is reasonable and its features are as inspired as this ad.
For more info and to join the Elektron mailing list for the Analog Four, click here.
EDIT:
Whoops, looks like there are some sounds on the web. Pretty awesome from what I can tell-- excuse my quick dismissal earlier...
