Analog Four MKII - Comparison with MKI + How to set up pedals

[@digitaldobbie]

Those industrial FM sounds aren’t becoming of you Cuckoo, I like the hypnotic Electro that you do. Top notch, never let the music in you die!

[@SamwellJamesMusic]

This guys is like the Bob Ross of music :)

[@emmanuelarts831]

Thats such a lovely comparison!

[@marsresendiz3075]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@stefanherzog]

Happy patterns...

[@AT-eh2eo]

Man I like the round buttons!! I welcome the improvement and even the new color scheme, but the round buttons were my favorite part of elektron gear!

[@KermodeMusic]

Perfect timing! I was thinking of going out and buying one today

[@Zhevros]

The new buttons look like they're soooo satisfying to press

[@spencerbible4191]

my god someone finally did it. someone finally made a gear demo video that isn't horrible.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! ❤️

[@spencerbible4191]

ur welcome! This vid really helped me. I think I'm gonna go with a Digitone. I just saw ur stream vid, gonna watch it. Any opinion? I know they're quite different, but I like FM synths and the 4 tracks as well as 4 midi tracks aspect seems really nice. Thank you!

[@Hesohi]

It's kind of cool that the two machines sync up so easily. Poly Mode with both could be amazing! (Love the new production queues)

[@johnbaudhuin7350]

now you're talking! I think a lot of people are too focused on whether or not it's a replacement. Hell, buy the new one and use both together!

[@raevon6845]

Great video! Cuckoo is hands down the best sonic reviewer. I really appreciate how you zoom specific button combinations in when you try to explain the a hardware workflow. cheers.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much Leon! Much appreciated! ❤️

[@2disbetter]

Thanks Cuckoo for the review and info. One of the things I noticed about the mk2 is how much bigger it is. One of the things I really loved about the mk1 series, was how it all fit in the black box. Felt very OG thinkpad to me, and I love it! I am happy that Elektron is moving forward, but I'm also happy that Elektron gear lasts forever, as I'll be having the a4 mk1 for a long time. Edit: Let me add that I do think this is an excellent way to prep for new gear that needs more space for the components.

[@Asiosky211]

The production value of your videos has always been amazing but lately the quality has been through the roof!! Great video Cuckoo can't wait to see what you have planned next! maybe a octatrack mk2 and analog four mk2 jam? ;)

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much! I had a focused week the other week, and decided to bring stuff up a notch. It'll be a bit experimental, perhaps, to find a good rhythm. It takes more time, but I wanna do it, so it's worth it!

[@Zhevros]

Omg I can't get over how good your video looks????

[@MrRexBaron]

I like your new production style .. And your jumper...

[@hubertoblanco]

Great Vid. Especially the pic in pic effects & the switches between MK1 and MK2. Big thumbs up ;)

[@justinupchurch1773]

Wow Cuckoo, your music's getting a lot better! Haven't seen a video in a while, really liking this song man, good job!

[@ANewVoid]

Personally I'll forever love my MK1--But I almost exclusively use it for pads where I find the softer bass response and "fuzzier" quality make it so delightfully pleasant and un-fatiguing. Even as a one trick pony it was well worth it in the amount it's been used.

[@hellohogo]

Most underrated piece of elektron gear.

[@station2station544]

Thanks again Cuckoo. You're the old stalwart of Elektron reviews. Knowledgeable. Got mine ordered.

[@chris.dillon]

Ha, the edits. Where you have the old and new gear cuts. I thought this was going to be a flashback. Of course your reviews and songs are great, love your stuff. I have those exp pedals, expression pedals are awesome! :)

[@hellcoreproductions]

Nice jumper!

[@MrBlueHaze]

You got me reconsidering the analog Rytm mkii now from my Mki if the changes are this significant.

[@truecuckoo]

Yeah I don't know anything about the Rytm MK2 yet other than the product announcement a while back. Sampling straight into it is a huge update though. And that quick performance knob is mighty useful. Eager to learn more about it!

[@Hhyperspace]

I expect the Overdrive to be better on the Rytm MKII to.

[@truecuckoo]

+Tempo Element I think the overdrive on the Rytm MKI sounds really great as is. Let’s wait till we hear it though. :)

[@claytonlevibrown]

good to see the lcd is not orange like all the japa-NES stuff. the synth sounds much more similar to normal (moog, roland, korg) analog synths. the real question, can it outsell a nord? Nice side by side comparison. Worthwhile video for sure.

[@Funbia]

Well, I have very nice overdrive-distoricion pedals as well a EQs. The real deal is the CV inputs, 4 outputs, and bigger size for a better performance.

[@inevitablecraftslab]

exactly what i thought, in/outs are awesome on the new one, but my mki is already so beaten up that its completely unrealistic to sell it, so i will stick with tha already great old one :)

[@mrclaytron]

Really great comparison. I don't think I'll be upgrading, but if I didn't have an A4 yet, I think the MK2 would have me reaching for my cash straight away. I'm looking forward to see the RYTM MK2 - I don't have a MK1, and the new sampling features have me very interested! Oh, and really nice production on your latest videos by the way - I like the masked detail views you've done! Cheers

[@truecuckoo]

+Clayton Wakefield thanks mate!! Yeah the sampling of the new Rytm will be a real game changer for making this machine work computer free. I suspect it’ll work just like on the Digitakt, but I have yet to see it in action.

[@WerkPl]

Hi, I prefer MK1. It has more character of it's own. I have a feeling this one is trying to be more moogish but still many many miles from moog's smoothness. I think it's nice to combine harsh Analog 4 mk1 with some smooth voyager / phatty sweeps :)

[@Matthewsavant]

WERK agreed. The MK1 sounds much better IMO

[@leetronix]

Great video CCOO. Prefer the design of the MK1 except without the MK1 screen of course!. Not sure I would feel the need to upgrade from the four although the drives sound punchier, and now the new boards are different size which screws up my bespoke holders (sighs).

[@reptilespantoso]

nice review (as always) thanks

[@AdamsBrew78]

I saved a few hundred and picked A4 this week. Basic sound engine sounds pretty much the same to me ... I may eventually get an Analog Heat , so that should help it more than match Mk2’s tonal variety on the low end. (Or just passing it through Saturn or Soundtoys Decapitator should do the trick)

[@0e0]

does the A4MKII sound exactly like the Analog Keys now?

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

Thanks bud, worth getting both!

[@morrisgabo8585]

stupid question , since the AF has 4 voices.... if i want to apply effects with pedals.... do i need to chain each voice to different pedal chains? that´s a lot of pedals!! not sure I can afford that.....

[@gordonbicknell7517]

I could hear a difference in the Drive. It sounds more like what I expect from an overdrive. I use the one on the MK I simply to attenuate the resonance. Maybe I'm expecting too much or using it wrong! I couldn't hear any difference in bass response though. Filter 1 sounds unstable at high resonance, a bit like the Steiner-Parker on my Minibrute. If this is correct then some will like it and some won't. I wonder if there will be an Analog Keys MK II. I really like the MK I.

[@FrankyJr]

cool style bro, keep making videos!

[@LamontStigler]

18:46 How to set up pedals

[@jenskuhnemann1241]

Would you say it is worth to exchange mk1 for mk2?

[@neolojism]

Interesting comparison, Cuckoo. Just to be pedantic, your A/B at around 11:00 uses the same parameter value for overdrive in both units, which you yourself said is an invalid comparison because the +ve values on the MK2 unit are more closely compared to the -ve values on the MK1 unit. In essence you're not comparing like with like here. Would you be interested in doing the same comparison (or a more detailed one) using +ve MK2 overdrive parameter values matched with corresponding -ve MK1 overdrive parameter values?

[@flob7753]

Can you please make a Tutorial just with the Analog Four MK2 like the mega tutorial with the Digitakt? Would be great ;-)

[@akbarassaran3861]

Great Content you have in your channel, always inspiring and informative. since you r familiar with three flagship elektron devices( I have watched all of them :) ) and also I have watched your mega tutorial on moog matriarch. Which one of these three complement the matriarch the best? Appreciate your time and regards.

[@strangersun7721]

I'd love a mark 2, but I recently found a mark 1 for less than $500 locally and couldn't pass it up.

[@TwistedMentality089]

Will there be a get started tutorial on the MK2 ? just got mine today , your tutorials are the best !

[@BoBeats]

Elektron Love! =)

[@truecuckoo]

+BoBeats 4ever! =)

[@BoBeats]

You are rocking a 4K camera now right? What do you use to keep a dslr in a 90 degree angle?

[@truecuckoo]

+BoBeats yes. GH5 here. It’s somewhat heavy. I’ve mounted a shelf above my table. On this shelf I’ve got a quick release plate mounted/ screwed onto it. The release plate has got several threaded holes to mount camera gear in. I’ve got a few arms and joints mounted to put the camera in different positions. I’m using products from Cinnevate. They’re good. But there are tons of options for this.

[@truecuckoo]

+BoBeats cinevate.com

[@benvanmassenhove]

@cuckoomusic Is it easier to set up the enveloppes? I have a hard time with making short agressive basslead stabs with the MKI :(

[@宋九四]

'm using elektron a4 mk2, and I turn Release on track 1 to the Max and make the long sound, and then I go to track 2 and make the sound, and then the Release on track 1 fails, and the long sound loses its sound. I wonder why.

[@宋九四]

cuckoo I need you😢

[@thomaskent3712]

Thank you very much for your work. I'd like to see soething about pedals with the Novation Ultranova and Casio XW-p1

[@fpsoundpacks]

I'm dying to know what patches we can do with the mk2!

[@serdarsaydan]

do you plan in the future a comparison video for AF mkII vs digitone??? and does it make sense???

[@truecuckoo]

Well.. it does and does not make sense. They're too different. But suddenly you're in this position where you want a new deep sequencer synth, and you like both A4 and Digitone... Then there's a dilemma. Ha ha..

[@chrislynch6048]

Well cool demo

[@oscargoestogravel]

Hey Cuckoo! Nice video! I'm so confused.. Should I buy the cheaper used A4 MK1 or new MK2. It will be my first elektron.. Thanks!

[@truecuckoo]

You'll be absolutely fine with the MK1. It's great, and compact'ish. But if you absolutely can't stand the thought of not having access to this new Overdrive, the new buttons and screen, the separate outputs, the control inputs etc... And perhaps you prefer the more comfy and efficient, slightly larger layout of the MK2? Well then you might be regretting.

[@oscargoestogravel]

Thanks man! I think I'm gonna buy MK2 :))

[@inevitablecraftslab]

i would like an interface like in the teenage engineering op-1 for envelopes etc, that would be cool. i love my mki a4 bought it when it came out and still my most versatile synth. tbh ito me this IS the most versatile and awesome synth ever made :)

[@el_dani]

thanks a lot for the video, looking forward for some more MK2 content - what about the digital effects, did they also get an upgrade or are they sounding the same as in MK1?

[@truecuckoo]

+Bibi thanks! I think the digital side is probably identical.

[@jakek6510]

Difference between the digitakt and this? Could someone explain to me, thanks.

[@truecuckoo]

+Uni Verse This is an Analog synthesiser. It plays sounds and tones modelled and generated by the synth. Digitakt is a digital sampler. It plays back snippets of audio recordings that you can manipulate, but it doesn’t generate any sounds without samples. You can sample straight into it, or send over samples from a computer.

[@XanderEwald]

Wow, that was quick!

[@harrymerchant8944]

With all the new superb analogs the last coupe of years being released I've started using the A4 less and less.I thought I would always use the P lock stuff but in my music it doesn't suit it very well so I use the A4 as a sound module pretty much and it just takes to much tweaking and squinting at a tiny screen. Its a great synth/groove box though but I see now its def not suited for everyone.

[@truecuckoo]

Yeah I hear you. I think it's only natural that one's attention travels between equipment and instruments, and then settles in your own preferred style of use. I think the A4 thrives when used actively to the maximum. I've played whole gigs with the AKeys doing precisely everything. It actually works really well. But only when pushed to the limits :) And that is not for everyone. But I'd like to get everyone to open up to the sequencer. It's very powerful.

[@AxmGeet]

Please do more with the Analog Four MK2!

[@harrisonmalone]

Oh man I would love to own this thing 😍

[@sp-404hypnodiqsoundjunkie8]

Harrison Malone try a no interest, play as you pay plan, that's what I've been doing. Wish I'd discovered this year's ago. I've acquired a DIGITAKT and many other great gear through them, which I would have never been able to afford otherwise.

[@harrisonmalone]

I'll look into that! Right now I'm just trying to get by with a MacBook Air with Logic Pro installed 😑 would love if you subscribed to my channel man I post stuff like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6rch2Cupc6qg7c

[@Exorcist_ali248]

SP-404 HypNodiQ SoundJunkie Actually that's useful, I didn't know you could do that! Lol

[@sp-404hypnodiqsoundjunkie8]

Dissonance Music yeah, i just found out by searching for instrument financing/ payment plans. Zzounds is the bomb!

[@Vurt72]

would have been interesting to hear the difference between AK and this.. good video though, like always :)

[@leNotstrom]

Yep i would like to hear an AK vs MK2 comparison too, please

[@setphaser]

May I ask? It looks like sound design on this thing is pretty fiddle compared to something like a sub 37 where there's knob per function? And yes the video is made really well. Very transparent as to how you do things, but also tightly scripted, no time wasted. But keeping the charm of your videos throughout. Well done

[@truecuckoo]

+setphaser hello! I think the sound design menus are well organised, and after doing it for a while it becomes structured, at least to me. But when creating modulations for performance knobs, modulations for velocity, pitch bend, after touch etc, that part is pretty tedious. I always improvise my videos and edit them afterwards to get a bit more efficient.

[@inevitablecraftslab]

nah just looks like. in reality once you get used to it is completely fluent, like with all elektron stuff.

[@CaveWay]

Great vid. But how do you stay so tan?

[@truecuckoo]

+Cave Way colour grading.. and Greek genes.. and exposition to sunlight .. and colour grading ;-)

[@discophone_6214]

Awesome! Are you happy with it?

[@truecuckoo]

+Discophone_ Yeah.. for me it comes down to the sound. I think the new Overdrive and filter is opening up for a lot of great sounds. I’m faster with the Analog Keys workflow, but since this sounds much better, I’m thinking of a midi keyboard and the Four MK2.

[@stefan1024]

No mirror? :)

[@songs481]

so is this circuit upgrade exactly like the analog keys?

[@zacdior9402]

I thought there were actually going to be more improvements over the mk1. It's not a straight forward upgrade from mk 1 to mk 2 because I myself can't hear much difference. The only thing I was disappointed about on the mk 1 was the display is too small. Why can't these companies give large improvements that are worth the upgrade. Than these small offerings. Granted the display is better. However, I would want upgrades like more polyphony and a better drum machine etc.. In the groovebox type keep it analogue. Peace ✌️ out

[@Digiphex]

Am I watching Bewitched?

[@mono6839]

Heyho :) Thanx for comparing and explaining. U are very sympathic (right word?) Greetings from Berlin ! Mono

[@danieldemayo6209]

God damn you lol I've been dreading this day....I'm like yeah I don't need it I'm straight....now I want it! All good haha

[@JAdeWii_]

Nice and plucky sounds. JAde likey

[@truecuckoo]

+Dawless Jammin' thankss!

[@carycrank]

But where is the comparison? Only the Overdrive? Thats boring. Show us more. I think the difference is too less to show it, right?

[@KiR_3d]

My only complaint: they've made it bigger! Why?...

[@samuelyang1140]

Mk1 or Mk2? I'm so confused

[@truecuckoo]

MKII for the sound, screen, Quick performance knob. MKI for the more travel friendly form factor.

[@bigdap100]

...Fresh!

[@OllieMN]

another great video!

[@tristanpolliandersen3524]

Do more with elektron analoge mk2

[@tekrahmuzik777]

Mmm i want one but....is kinda expensive...i have so many synths that i cant justify this one too....

[@mapindicator]

look at that sweater game

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

You should do asmr videos

[@timmiller5975]

Finally it's out

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

whats your favorite song

[@Marc_Angel]

1:05 lol

[@qugas]

gr8 video!!!!

[@bigmanlizard7326]

why do companies put these tiny ass little screens on this type of thing and a massive black border and logo around in fill that space up with the screen pls

[@GalenAus]

i'm really struggling to justify buying this over something like a Novation peak at that pricepoint with half the voices

[@truecuckoo]

It's the sequencer, and all that Elektron performance depth. As a keyboard there are other genuinely great alternatives for sure.

[@claytonlevibrown]

two different thoughts on synthesis when comparing the peak to the analog four. I agree with cuckoo on the point that electron is giving you a sequencer and multiple channels of layered audio with a sound that can't be denied. To argue novation you'd have to realize the sound quality that distinguishes the peak from other synths. If you can hear the difference and you like it, okay, if you don't then go the other direction. I own the novation ultranova and there are pluses and minus for sure. All I can say is the peak is everything I wish the ultranova was. The peak can modulate every parameter and is true analog. Novation is really good at replicating real world sounds like flutes and organs and the kind of stuff you would get from an arrangement keyboard. the elektron's are mostly a synthesizer thing with synthesis at it's core. If you want synth + the option for non synth then you might consider the peak, otherwise if you're a hardcore synth nut that wants nothing but edm all the time go with the analog four. I've got this great flute patch I created on my ultranova that makes for a wonderful solo instrument, but then again I listen to classical music all the time and sometimes I want a variety of sounds. Bell tones and so on, etc. have a good one.

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Clayton Brown I thought the peak was digital

[@claytonlevibrown]

That's the tricky part about their sound synthesis techniques. In usage of their superior bell tones it may appear to be more like fm synthesis but in fact they are offering true analog synthesis with far more levels of audio output. Still there's no sequencer and that seriously saddens me every time another synth comes out with no sequencer. I've only begun using sequencers within the past year or so and I really like the limits to improve creativity.

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Clayton Brown it's a digital synth with an analogue signal chain. Is that what you mean? I love using hardware sequencers it's where creativity is found by chance :)

[@xchalibur77]

The first one was sized better

[@truecuckoo]

I think so too.

[@rlarudoox]

mr hosio push

[@olegkiselev6262]

Jumper for 80h ;))

[@NoName-sj4gh]

LOL 00:46

[@kaostrip]

ho your analog four is totally obsolete now ! run brought the new one !

[@albertomonaldi1226]

F

[@kaostrip]

ELEKTRON conclusion , go buy the new ELEKTRON MK2 quickly ! because this brand new ELEKTRON sound soooo muuuch better ! ELEKTRON work very hard !(to get your money ) ELEKTRON do a great job !(for get your money) ELEKTRON are the best ! (for get your money) do you know ELEKTRON ? i think its enough :-D