Analog Four - 5 Year Review: why all the early reviews are wrong , and an MKII comparison

[@loopop]

Hey everyone - a correction to this video: a while after I made it, Elektron decided to offer Overbridge for free to MK2 users as well, so there's no cost associated with it.

[@Rustik1722]

What is patch at 8:30 and then the patch as your show the gray version! Factory or yours? OMG. Venga Boys! Loo, so audio input thru on this vs Riddim? Can you apply fx to thru audio on Anal4 & Riddim? I am debating on which to get. Thanks as always

[@loopop]

@@Rustik1722 sounds simple enough to be mine ;) re effects on audio I don’t remember - please check the manual

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Superb review loopop! Love the Digitakt, craving for an Analog Four mk2 too!

[@wreignone]

Great video. Very refreshing to see a reviewer revisit something like this

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Of all my synths that I currently own, my Analog 4 is my favorite. So much deep exploration and best sequencer.

[@365daysofsongarchive6]

Thanks a bunch for making this video! I've been considering the MkI but wasn't sure. This seals the deal!

[@aiekmeeisnhdye]

loopop should be the head of marketing of every synth company

[@freak0n182]

thank you so much for making this. perfect intro for people interested and well spoken/presented. good shit, homie.

[@mindwizard3632]

great video. Many machines have come and gone in my studio, but I love my a4 and will never get rid of it. Thanks for sharing!

[@WxkR]

Thanks for the video! Very timely too because now is the time to acquire an A4 if you ever fancied one. This is a really amazing synth both regarding the sound and the sequencer options. It lacks nothing compared to now much more expensive synths. I wrote "now much more expensive" because thanks to Elektron releasing the MKII version, the original box's price dropped substantially. You can get brand new ones for $800 USD. The MKII might be better for some people in some aspects but for most people wanting to do music, whatever the level, professionally or for personal entertainment, the original A4 offers everything that is needed.

[@pedalfiles4441]

Picked up my A4 a month ago for 600$. The best synth for the price in my opinion.

[@isaac.anthony]

It would be SUPER COOL if you could do a follow up video, showing how to use midi to sequence external gear, now... Big thanks for all the vids!

[@cls6200]

I love my Digitone and Digitakt and just added an A4 mkI for $600usd. Pretty good steal for a 4 voice, 4 track analog synth with nice FX and all the goodies of the Elektron sequencer. I'm happy :) Glad I found this review!

[@audiolego]

Had mine since 2011. Now it's my step sequencer and it's great. Making sounds is synthiepoppy I love it

[@PaterTenebrarum1]

Thanks man, excellent overview. Precisely what I was waiting for.

[@simonhmackie]

Just "accidentally" won an eBay auction for a 2nd had Analog Four on an impulse (the price was just too good), so thsi overview is super-helpful, thanks!

[@jshell]

I have to thank you for this video and showing the Polyphony feature especially. I have a Monomachine and had assumed that the polyphony would be similarly implemented but this is much better! I was wondering whether to take advantage of the MK1 price drops and this video helped nudge me over the edge.

[@odalv7278]

One of the best analog synths, hands down!

[@nateonearth]

Absolutely love your videos. You bring understanding with ease.

[@sufferingprofusion1573]

Great in depth review. Not exactly for me, but your video really helped me understand. Keep up the great reviews.

[@Lumibug]

this is really helpful ! thx a ton, since MKII is abt to launch, original A4 price is dropped, im just abt to get one !

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

Still my favourite synth after all these years

[@AdamsOlympia]

The new Behringer Syncussion SY-1 sounds like an amazing match for Analog Four , giving a couple extra CV controllable analog drum voices -- freeing up more A4 tracks for melody/bass. This will give me an excuse to finally get some use out of the CV sequencing feature.

[@elissitdesign]

I love my AnalogKeys ❤️🎹 Learning the synth using Overbridge then moving to using the LCD will get you understanding how to program sounds quicker.

[@loopop]

Agreed!

[@Johnnyhaag79]

Analog Keys Mk2 would be amazing!

[@CC_Reads]

i feel like i could write a whole pop album with this thing. especially with sounds like at 8:00 too funnn

[@neuron05]

02:00 really nice beat

[@jukkaschannel2680]

Good look and perspective on this loopop! Thanks. You should also mention the Analog Keys which has many of the things already that are 'new' in the Mk II. Plus the nice 37 touch-sensitive, aftertouch keys and the rugged joystick controller. It's also reasonably priced on the second-hand market. Another plus is that it's also a nice controller keyboard.

[@Psychlist1972]

I love my Analog Four. The new version is gorgeous as well. Once you understand the Elektron workflow, it becomes an addiction. I have a Rytm and Heat, and want an Octatrack. :) One downside on the new version is that Overbridge is no longer free. There's a free version, but it's time-crippled compared to the one for the older device. So factor in an additional $100 on the new version.

[@Psychlist1972]

I see you cover the overbridge thing at the end.

[@nandoblondemobydick5438]

those we are Elektron experienced user at least me we don´t need the big screen and never use Overbridge which is a pain in ass and a loose of time, for that i use Softube Heartbeat which work much better, Elektron are live machines, what will be cool is more output on octatrack as well an spdif I/O could be very usable to quickly transfer from the Daw i.e. (and not need to convert ADor DA) to me Overbridge no thanks i even don´t use it free

[@zm6658]

brilliant breakdown. subscribed. appreciate it!

[@NondoPondo]

Overbridge messed-up my VSTz. Twos were deleted and replaced with an Elektron 32bit, threes just needed to be re-browsed and scanned. It may better be named "Overbite" or "Overreach".

[@eldontyrellcorp]

The analogue 4 definitely is a keeper. It's a fantastic synth with extended possibilities. Learning curve is quite steep, however... That's the only downside.

[@briansansone]

Listening to Blueman group before putting this together?

[@loopop]

yep

[@2disbetter]

Way after the fact on this video, but I REALLY feel like Elektron lost their way when they released the MK2 versions. They basically nailed the form factor in the MK1 series. I immediately looked a way when they changed the design so drastically. They had already nailed the design. To walk away from that just meant that the smarts ones were let go and the company was going in a different direction. Really unfortunate.

[@williammindreaders1029]

I really dig your bass sound is it your sound design, if it is it's well done ;)

[@hockinm]

Brilliant Teacher. Bought an AK, am a noob and this helped a lot.

[@gnrhsl1763]

Good Video ! Very much on point. but where can i find the videos about the fm synthesis ? They haven't been linked in the description

[@loopop]

Thanks and added!

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

how is it possible that it was paraphon and now with only an update polyphon? i mean... i thought that are dco´s so like real oszillator not digitals.. how can you change that by an update or was it implemented before? i mean you explained it but i dont really get it^^?? so does it finally have like 8 vcos (2 per voice) or is this sth else with polyconfig? like a paraphonic+ ?:D And how was ist 4 time paraphonic with only 2 dcos befor:D? wasnt it 2 voice than? would it theoreticly be possible that for example moog could do the same with the matriarch ? if not why :D?

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

oh i tried to understand it some more times.. so is it right every track got 1 oszillator and you can steal it in the track? so but do you also steal it when you play Multitimbral? like is it possible to play 4 voices on one keyboard side for example and 4 on the other or is than only possible with for example with only one voice per track? (4 times multitimbral)? and when you play polyphonicly and steel a voice but have the sequencer going does it work? like if one track uses 4 voices on one step, can you still play / play polyphonic? :D (sorry for so many questions, just try to understand ist:D)

[@guilherm3779]

Awesome video thanks!!! Was looking for something a bit more advanced than the circuit which I love looks like this is it!!!

[@vitoradamos605]

Mr. Looppop. I looked around the electron website. did nt see these updates you spoke about in their release notes. what is the actual number of the firmware update that includes these u. dates. thank you for your videos

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words and trust me it's there in the support section

[@vitoradamos605]

@@loopop kool You cant try out anything at music stores anymore-its all in AMAZONLAND-thank you so much ..be well

[@innerspacerace9196]

I picked one up 600$ plus 35$ slow boat usps Alaska I hope it survives Alaska shipping is notoriously postal brutal

[@realcountcb]

Is it possible to use the synthstrom deluge as a step sequencer for this? For all 4 voices or only 1 voice? Sorry if this is a stupid question. I'm still new to all this synth business and still learning alot :)

[@loopop]

Christopher yes you can, for all 4 voices - each on a separate midi channel or chords on the same one. The only thing is you would lose the parameter locks and microtiming, if those things are important to you.

[@realcountcb]

loopop Thanks a lot for the quick reply! And thanks for the many great videos as well :)

[@vinylwrap5571]

Proud AK owner here :P

[@ivayloivanov3744]

Can you assign the LFOs to attack and decay of envelopes?

[@danwarner5518]

What is making the drums at 10:30? Is that all in the A4?

[@loopop]

Yes

[@AdamsBrew78]

Elektron GAS is too real, folks .. Started with MD UW+ , a year later OT and immediately after, A4 ... They're all the most fun, creatively inspiring instruments I've ever used. It's like a drug addiction though, already dreaming of adding more Electron power to my setup. (Wish someone would sell me a Monomachine for under 1.7k) I'll probably have to settle for Digitone next though. Sadly I think Elektron's days of appealing to power users is behind them, so maybe the end to this GAS is in sight ;)

[@maconins123]

Had the mki than the mkii sold the mkii immediately and got back the mki. Both are awesome though

[@dangerbird64]

You had mentioned doing a separate video about the multi-map feature of the Analog Four. Do you still plan on doing that? (yes, please)

[@loopop]

Douglas Rice I did! Just search the channel

[@symbolicsoul290]

now it has midi sequencing... just scored an mk1 for less than half the price of an mkII

[@m.g.kroger]

Haven't heard any pads or soundscapes from an analog four (mki or mkii), I understand it's very sequencer oriented, but... is it capable of analog pads too?

[@loopop]

M. G. Krøger of course. It plays very well as an instrument (I made another video about playing it expressively)

[@ronaldphillips5481]

Loopop Is it anyway possible to add a vocoder I`m sorry if this is a stupid question and shows I am entirely new to the synth world.

[@NullStaticVoid]

I picked up my A4 about a year and a half ago. It's love hate thing for me. I know it has sounds in there, and has a lot of sequencing features. But I also own a modular and several monosynths that all have ZERO menus. So I spend less time than I should with the A4 and it's Elektron siblings. As far as the new A4 MKII. I like that they increased the screen size. I also think it is great that there are more discrete jacks. But it's kind of strange how they made it so much bigger than they previous units? Also, I'm not going to pay for overbridge. It's low resolution. If it was 24-32 bits at 96k, MAYBE I would think about it. I also really think it is about time that Elektron give us an easier way to do tuples, dotted and triplet time. Me, I'm skipping the MKII. Probably get a Digitakt tho.

[@andrewmunsterman808]

NSV I have a Digitakt. It's easy to use

[@GrootsieTheDog]

So each track is four voices? So I can record a 4 note chord trig on each track on the first step? Or would a way to record multiple arpeggiators would be to trig a chord one step after the other?

[@loopop]

No, it’s four voices total

[@squishmusic]

I didnt get the polyphony thing. The original was 4tracks monophonic - now its 4tracks polyphony, but the max notes is still only 4? or is it 4 per track?

[@loopop]

4 voices - you can "spend" them all on one track or split them across up to 4 tracks

[@austropop1970]

Is it still worth it to buy the MK1 in 2023?

[@user-xc6zw5rc8t]

Honestly it’s a really good sh101/tb303 alternative a thing I hear a lot about it is “it’s more acid than acid”

[@sndrcve]

There’s no point comparing it to iconic devices. If you want the 303 sound buy a 303. Same goes for a 101

[@uilium]

🤔Did you say you could transpose or modify a sequence pattern in real time rather than just change the pattern!?🙂

[@station2station544]

Was your outtro music using percussion from the a4?

[@loopop]

Station 2Station yes all A4

[@aviolentpurple9925]

Does the Mki/Mkii have a mod matrix? I didn’t see one

[@loopop]

Not a central one no

[@Silkyy92]

I have a digitone but I was thinking about switching it for the analog four(most likely the mk1 because of price) what do you think will be better and why?

[@Silkyy92]

Also I'm waiting on the rytm mk1 in the mail so also what would pair best with that also comes into play

[@BrunoWiebelt]

that was detailed. thank you. great song

[@MrHodari]

can you make a video about the analog heat? I have one, I want to hear your thoughts on whether or not you think its special.

[@loopop]

Hodari Reuben Clarke thanks for asking. Unfortunately I don’t have one (yet....?)

[@Johnnyhaag79]

Thanks !! :)

[@VJFranzK]

Good discussion. Q: Is A4 or RYTM more stand alone? They seem designed to make you want both. ; - )

[@loopop]

I've not used the RYTM (yet...) but it has more tracks than the A4, so if you need a lot of sounds simultaneously and are making a beat RYTM is probably the way to go. A4 is more of a synth with a bonus ability to sequence analog drums (in 4 tracks or less). I'm sure it would pair well with the RYTM not to mention the Octatrack... perhaps that's the best duo for getting beats samples and a synth playing together.... maybe some one else can chime in though...

[@yjeeeek]

Rytm MK2 is analog drum machine AND sampler. It's a beast.

[@dominicstocker5144]

Thanks for the vid, does Overbridge still not come for free with the mk2, tho?

[@loopop]

It does, yes they changed their mind on that

[@dominicstocker5144]

loopop Great, thanks for the info

[@BehaviourBeats]

Great video, thank you :)

[@messer21]

Love my A4. So much fun

[@HarmonyMusic]

Great video, thanks!

[@mfb5642]

why does thing thing have zero midi send channels? Dons't that seem like a waste?

[@howardanderson3061]

Dude you cease to amaze me, another great review and analysis, in just under 12 minutes I feel that I really understand the Analogue 4 and what a powerful synth it is, both versions. There is however, one problem, now I really want to buy one. Lol....thanks man, great stuff

[@almightyEsquilax]

Uh did you mean 'never cease'?

[@vitaliistep]

Thank you.

[@Unifono2012]

nice overview

[@thedrumunkey]

If you're on Windows and don't use ableton, just forget about Overbridge. It's a total joke. Latency is INSANE. Sound quality is worse than my behringer interfaces, etc. that they would try to charge for overbridge is nuts... it's still basically beta!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I agree that is why I use Ableton on Mac with 16Gb RAM and SSD drive. Also use good audio interface like Babyface RME that has low latency. I don't like how Elektron is now charging $100 for Overdrive in the new Analog Rytm MKII where it is included in past model for free.

[@sn_0x000]

i imagine elektron underestimated the resources needed to develop overbridge in the initial years. i think the new pricing is good for both elektron and the end user. they can determine how much money they can invest in building overbridge since people are paying for it as a separate product. for the end user, making it an optional buy is fair because not everyone wants overbridge. you're going to end up paying for the extra cost in manufacturing somehow.. would you rather that cost be bundled with the hardware or have it optional?

[@SupaSandeep]

Elektron have stated that the reason for the charge is that it allows them to price the unit cheaper. It's never been "free", they either add it in to the price of the unit or pay separately. They figured not everyone was using overbridge so it makes sense to sell it separately for those people who want to use it

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Software costs more money nowadays to create and produce due to the labor cost involved. I know as I work in software and hardware industry. The R&D is what drives cost and Elektron as a small boutique company needs to earn money to stay in business.

[@thedrumunkey]

At least it gives them something to do... Learning a trade, etc.

[@Vurt72]

the screen is not that much bigger actually, i compared it in photoshop (the actual screen, not the black bars around it), it's like 20% bigger vertically, slightly smaller horizontally. would have liked to see a proper screen, preferably with colors.. i even have modules in eurorack with color LED's displays, so a bit disappointing imo..

[@loopop]

Vurt72 me too but check again, it has twice as many pixels vertically

[@Vurt72]

Then your image comparison is wrong or you cut it out improperly. from your reference: piclair.com/data/qznda.jpg as you can see it's not a big difference at all really.

[@loopop]

The image comparison is as spot on as possible in Photoshop ;) - but you may be right, according to the specs there are 2x vertical pixels but they may be smaller pixels... I don't own one (yet...) I don't think 20% is correct but seems like you're right that it's not twice as tall physically

[@Vurt72]

i looked at some reviews, to me it looks like it can show 6 rows of information, while the previous showed 4 rows. The info is more easy to read on the new because of better layout of text and symbols. That's great but again, i think they could have made it a little better than that..

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

How do you set CV to work with modular devices on the A4? I have it connected to CV out A/B and inputs on 0coast and cannot get it working. Here is my setup imgur.com/a/s6di5

[@loopop]

Renaissance Man hey - I use other sequencers for modular so I never really dived into it but it’s on my to do list... unfortunately until then I refer you to the manual :/

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

no worries bud, I have a buddy who sequences his modular gear with it and will have him show me the setups. I spent most of the weekend learning how to get around my new Analog 4, Octatrack MKII, and Make Noise 0-coast at same time. Warning: never try to learn more than one complex piece of gear at a time!

[@loopop]

Agreed.... nice setup - a representative from all worlds ;)

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

thanks it is quite powerful in small footprint. I sample from the A4 and 0-coast into the OT and then mangle the heck out of the samples with FX from the OT and it is quite endless fun! Now if only I can get samples recorded from my other gear instead of recording white noise :-)

[@zacdior9402]

I say dear old chap, splendid review. Very informative. These intuitive videos are a great source of information. However, the information one supplied on the mk2 version mentioned here, would be like, one was reading that what Elektron had on their website! Peace ✌️ out

[@zibbybone]

synTHEEsis. Cool review, though.

[@loopop]

zibbybone thanks! And are you sure? Cause that's a lot of videos I have to re-shoot ;) I actually checked and Cambridge dictionary says "my" way is right but I actually like yours more ... so stay tuned for future videos where you and I show them what's what!

[@zibbybone]

Just razzing you. Us Yanks use the schwa in pronunciations, so we say SYNTHuhsis. I had an A4 a few years ago, but couldn't figure it out. Now that the price has dropped, I considering getting one again, especially after watching your video.

[@markchristopher2signal2]

Hi

[@ogasi1798]

just a thought about the end of the vid - perhaps remove it as no longer true about OB, even if just to protect your legitimacy as good reviewer

[@loopop]

That's a good point - and there's karma for you - I make a video about how the early reviews are wrong and then Elektron goes and changes their policy... maybe that's why they did it ;) Anyway, I added two annotations at the end of the clip at the relevant part. Thanks for bringing my attention to this.

[@MottiWolkenbruch]

I love you.