Tutorial: Analog Four/Keys Sound Design - 10 features that will make your synth jealous

[@Fauxleroid]

I owned a mk1 but sold it years ago because I found it frustrating that there was only one stereo output. This one fixed that. I just ordered a mk2. Such an amazing synth. I’ve realised it’s an amazing partner for my Rytm.

[@Blarm]

10th time coming back to this video. When you're too lazy to read the manual and you love the look of loopop's fingers.

[@shatteredsquare]

Gorgeous fingers if I do say so...😁

[@sajp8859]

LOL Yeah-me too Blair 😂

[@sajp8859]

@Patrick Bateman Huh???

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

I iifc

[@CroixMedia]

Can't help but notice how excited you are with many of the features, when these tutorials are usually so dry. Shows how great this synth really is. Mine is coming today and I can't wait!

[@Amatteus]

How is it?. Happy?

[@syrus3k]

@@Amatteus probably still busy twiddling knobs

[@andreumateulamas]

@@syrus3k >probably got frustrated since it is so complicated to understand... and does not touch anymore.

[@RobertAdachi]

I love the logical flow and clarity of your tutorials. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@AntonioAlemanno_music]

@Loopop your videos are always extremely well done, even after 6 years, the best A4 tutorial around. Clear, high pedagogical level, straight to the point and accessible to beginners or pro level. Very needed especially since the Elektron's manuals are well known to be as easy to read as ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Thanks a ton!

[@loopop]

My pleasure, thanks for taking the time to write!

[@neonpop80]

Late to the party. Didnt realize the capabilities of this thing. I just saw 4 voices and the price tag and dismissed it. But having two Elektron 'Takts I'm loving Elektron products. This has made me take a second gander at this synth.

[@sajp8859]

I think my whole life these days is hearing about a new synth, listening to loopop demo it, then buying it. I ❤️ it! 😄

[@chefjonsf]

It's like buying wine, only more enjoyable on so many levels.

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Just picked up my new (to me) A4mkii yesterday, so loving this video more than ever now! How you don’t have a million+ subscribers is beyond me. Thank you so much!

[@zjenji]

Please do more of these. The A4 is so vast that you could do fifty of these videos with room to spare.

[@monsieurpatate303]

One of the best tutorials ever seen. Professionally made, with a summary, an oscilloscope and an FFT. So well that it made me want to buy an A4.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

FFT? Fast Fourier Transform?

[@jimlampshady]

Finding the audio-spectro-techno-graphs absolutely hypnotic. Very cool.

[@ANAAMALY]

Top notch walk-through and tutorial. I watched this video 10 months ago and it inspired me to purchase the A4. I'm finally getting over the learning curve and coming back to this video to sure up what I've learned. Thanks for the great work!

[@Amatteus]

So. How long it took you to understand all the functions?-. I am thinking in one but I am little scared of the difficulty of the machine.

[@tiffanzsolti]

@@Amatteus one year

[@adrianreyes4702]

Everything about this tutorial was great. Loved the sound too! Gonna listen to it tomorrow at work!

[@SjN7HETIK]

the HP bass boost trick is awesome and gives huge results. THANX, as always, really thank you Loopop for your clean, super-useful tuts n trix ;)

[@Matthewsavant]

I bought mine on launch and I have been in love with it ever since, easily a modern classic

[@Rustik1722]

Matthew savant What did you use for these sounds prior? Just wondering

[@ordinarypablo]

How do you like it so far?

[@jeli780]

I have the MK1 since 2015. still loving it!

[@dzaxys4643]

Discovered the bonus effect LFOs earlier today I have had mine for about a month and still finding new stuff love it

[@javsmith86]

When I am away from it, I am happy to remember how great the A4 is. Wonderful sound, and incredibly powerful! Thanks for reminding me...

[@HelicopterRidesForCommunists]

This man is the best at what he does

[@papaya160]

i came here a lot of times! for some reason i was one of 23 voting down which is a thing i didn't do. great job!

[@pierrepaulin3346]

just bought this beast and would love to see more about this by you ! your videos are so clear dude ! cheers !

[@TenMilL]

Mine will arrive Wednesday and I really appreciate your entire presentation and clarity of how, what, and where things are. It is giving me a great understanding of the unit before I even get it. Well done and very professional!

[@timandtheocean]

My Analog Keys is still on a journey to me but I am already and expert. Thanks! such great tutorials

[@nathanspark4876]

That's why I own one ;) This synth is a well done analog monster and u r born to do tutorials my friend, u r really the nr 1 on YT, thanx for your amazing work, everytime!!!

[@nicogrubert]

Not the first video of you, which impressed me. Very good tutor skills with clear focus and table of contents. Hardware manufactors should pay you for each video you create. You already sold me the Polyend SEQ. Thanks a lot!

[@homelessballoon]

Your turorials are the best!

[@tonisalat5886]

Thank you for your tutorials. You just make it easier. God bless you 🙏

[@erikfischer2443]

Still the best tutorial of this amazing synth!

[@livinproof718]

I now have 4 Pieces of Elektron gear now ... thanks to this video

[@KiR_3d]

I'm going to buy A4 MKII today, guys. Will I regret? ) My friend, one famous psy chillout (not only) music producer, told me that he did sold his A4 mk2. Because he "didn't liked the sound of it". Honestly I don't know what to think about this.

[@rayderrich]

If this device had the 2 overlays you add in the video it would be 11/10. Thanks for a great video.

[@stevengr4]

I just wanted to echo other compliments about this tutorial. No fuss and focused. Thanks again.

[@loopop]

Steven Grandy thanks very much ;)

[@user-vd3if4wq6m]

Really great video describing features and giving brief description!

[@lorincooper2939]

Opened me up to BassDrum design using the Feedback > Osc1! Also the LFO / Multi-t fork > osc 1= FM is new to me, thank you! Opens so many doors!!+

[@NullStaticVoid]

Not sure why the A4 is so unpopular. But glad I bought mine for $500 from someone who didn't get it. It's a modular in a box, with full sequenced control of almost every parameter. Not sure why you can't Plock the arp settings. You know, for ratcheting and other range/time fun things? That would make it such an unbeatable synth!

[@leonidfedoseev3521]

Thank you! Very useful - with reading of manual in advance.

[@acretelafreniere]

Excellent video ! The oscilloscope on the left helps a lot in understanding the modulation of the synth. I recognize Spectrum on the right, but what is the plugin on the left? Thank you !

[@loopop]

Alexis Crête-Lafrenière Thanks! It’s called MOscilloscope

[@Tymosxior]

loopop, tell me plz how U get this oscilloscopes? There are on your tablet or this is just effect on your movie? Grettings!

[@TheAsdDsaQwerty]

@@Tymosxior I think it's a plugin being recorded from the computer and it is put there using after effects or any similar program

[@cellrok]

About the Sub-Osc: Can you also choose a different shape? And does that mean you could play up to 16 oscillators when using this technique (4x4)? Is there perhaps a hack to play the sub individually (or change the offset value on keypress/trig).. i guess it can be 4x fixed chords that won't make much sense musically, but perhaps you could make a huge detuned super saw work out, and for a evolving pad sound with multiple stages. Hmm. Interesting. Can't wait to test that.

[@odalv7278]

Thanks for reminding me what a beast of an instrument I have! 😊

[@peyrardjohann]

The best tutorial i've seen !

[@MattiasRickardsson]

Wow, what a splendid lecture! :-)

[@SamDonaldsonMusic]

Lovely detailed tutorial, thoroughly appreciate the time and effort that went in to this wonderful video! Im considering purchasing the A4Mkii, I have a limited background in subtractive synthesis and think all the waveform visuals presented in this video are really handy for visualising different sound design processes. Are these waveform visuals (such as those seen at 3:54) available to use in real time with the a4mkii when linked with a computer? If so please could you direct me on how to do this? Thanks again for the great content!

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@SamDonaldsonMusic]

@@loopop thanks for the reply, I'll have a look into that!

[@AsyncLive]

decent tutoriaL: especially two spectrometers and the contents by minute.

[@Wanttoknowabout]

Fantastic tutorial. You might already have moved on to something else, but would you be able to make a video on the sequencer specifically?

[@aki_gong6271]

Great reference guide as usual. Big thanks for sharing! Keep it up ;)

[@MathHammer]

I have the A4 and RYTM mk1’s and after looking at the used selling price and the new price for the mk2’s decided to just stay with the mk1’s.

[@stereohertz]

Hi. Nice video. I have a question. Are the “Parameter Slide and Parameter Note” functions available on Digi? Or are they only exclusive to Analog Four and Analog Rytm? Thanks.

[@davidrupture8892]

Thanks you have helped me understand so much more about this machine

[@kolvis6626]

I can see the improvement of the holographic displays between the release of this video and now. They still look cool tho!

[@zet0korp]

That overbridge oscilloscope is badass

[@Johnnyhaag79]

PLEEEAASE do a video on how this can control other hardware synths on the cv/fx track.

[@loopop]

You asked so nicely.... but wait. quick question because it would take quite a bit of time to make - I make videos because you can't experience an instrument through a manual. except for technical details like MIDI or CV control. I can't help with specific setup questions but is there something in the manual you didn't understand? Always happy to expand on general topics.

[@Johnnyhaag79]

@@loopop Thanks! :) The cv track is confusing to me I guess. Can it control a poly hardware synth like the peak? So if I use all 4 voices on the A4 1-4 tracks, What can I do with the Cv track? Can I control a poly synth with chords? I guess I'm finding only 4 voices limiting and want to know how much I can expand. And yes i already watched your video on how to make one voice into chords... Also can you do an Analog rytm video review? I'm sure that would get a billion views :)

[@loopop]

Johnny Haag ok first I would totally do a RYTM review if it got a billion views! Regarding CV - honestly I’ve never tried it, but even if I did, you couldn’t use it for Peak because Peak only accepts MIDI polyphony. Luckily A4’s latest firmware has a midi sequencer - so just use that :)

[@Johnnyhaag79]

@@loopop omg it will work?!! Wow my dream comes true! ok now ya gotta make a video on it :)

[@loopop]

Johnny Haag yes it will work! Now you gotta read the manual :)

[@LloydRobinson]

Bravo, very good tutorial, Sir. I Didn't know about page 2 so have downloaded the manual also.

[@follymax]

LoL

[@bartkoper9545]

On the beginning when you can choice kick or snare I can't such kind of possibility because I have clear slot. How I can fullfill with for example base sound they we have on the A4 ?

[@debontehond22]

Very good video. I bought one and want an oscilloscope and frequency analyzer too. What tools do you use?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@debontehond22]

Thanks

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

Excellent, thank you

[@rollonfood]

@loopop can you please tell me what the program you are using to see the wave forms, and do they tell you the frequency of the waves as well? thanks in advance.

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@rollonfood]

@@loopop thanks for replying! You're easily one of my favorite music production KZbinrs. I tried searching your uploads for any information on exactly why, and how the oscilscopes help with sound design. Could you answer briefly here? ( Perhaps make a vid? :). Also , i would pay money for some tutoring if you're interested in that. ! Either way, keep up the good work!

[@loopop]

Antonio Rollon thanks so much! I talk about using scopes in synthesis in my book available in patreon. Not taking on 1x1 students at this time, thanks for the interest though

[@JustinUrban1]

Was wondering if you thing this synth is a good pairing for a Techno/House setup with a Digitakt and MPC Live 2? I want a poly synth, but this seems to be able to do much more for a live setup.

[@ghostsax]

thanks for the overview! just got a mk1 and loving it so far, it’s such a deep instrument and sounds lovely. i have a feeling i’ll be going on many sonic journeys with this one ^-^

[@alexmax9832]

A very simple question: how do you save a song, a piece composed and arranged on the analogue four? Since we do not talk about Overbridge. Thanks for the info

[@loopop]

Do you mean how to create a song chain or how to move it to a computer? Assuming the latter, overbridge doesn’t help you much - if you have an audio interface then you can just sample the output. If not, join elektron’s overbridge beta - I think that part already works

[@follymax]

Great job!! Very well explained

[@geohashi]

This helped a lot!

[@tendingtropic7778]

this is a great great video.thank you!

[@humanage1547]

do you have any thoughts on the analog keys vs MK2?

[@joshuamoore4560]

Hope to see you do a full blown tutorial on the A4 like you did for the Pyramid. That was one of the best full blown tutorials I've ever seen.

[@dominicstocker5144]

Very nice video!

[@shatteredsquare]

0:52 I wish you could do that with digitone so bad...one track for bass, one track for drums or fx, they both only use one voice, that gives you two extra voices to use on track 1 and 2, that's two tracks available with 3 note chords...or use 3 tracks of mono, that's 3 extra voices...track one can now do FIVE note pads...that would be awesome as hell!

[@loopop]

... but you can do that with Digitone

[@shatteredsquare]

@@loopop 😳 fantastic!

[@digimuzoo]

Can you also send tracks through usb back to the A4?

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

Elektron should hire you to do videos. Liked and subbed.

[@midinerd]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKTLp5luqNGWa9U

[@Korr123]

midinerd thats loopop?:)) nah

[@jshx709]

Really good overview! I'm thinking about a first synth (have a Rytm and Octatrack) and love the Elektron workflow.

[@loopop]

Moekie thanks ;)

[@wega4105]

Is this only about the A4 or does it concern Analog Key too. Thinking of the latter but is the tutorial only A4? 😊

[@loopop]

everything should be applicable

[@jackdawwithcrowbarbecausey6492]

Thanks again for this...hope you don't mind me asking advice, if I make a song with the A4 and the Minibrute 2S, both with multiple patterns - using the A4 as master, can it make the MB2S change pattern automatically via midi? so they're changing patterns together. It's really tricky to do it manually every time!

[@bramsanjanssan4908]

The LFO/ENV destination are parameter lockable?

[@FourTetTrack]

@loopop, how do you think updates have improved the A4 mk2 since the release?

[@spinnhelil7743]

Maravilloso video! Gracias

[@philypp2764]

How did you get the waveform displayed? Which programm or hardware or symbious of both do you use for that? Would help me and the understanding of others a lot! Thanks for that tutorial

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@philypp2764]

@@loopop thanks alot for the fast reply. Will try it out, cheers ! :)

[@peterlel7661]

Hey, great video, I really learned alot! Is it possible to give the four different tracks different lengths ? for example 16 steps for the first but a 5 step poly rythm at the second etc. ?

[@loopop]

thanks and yes

[@CleanConnections]

Why is there no analog keys mkii ?

[@thisall4real]

Thanks for great review/tutorial. What is that scope window that you are using to show the waveforms?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle

[@thisall4real]

@@loopop Thanks a lot. Ill check them out. Look like theyll be handy for learning to make patches..

[@jazzbeats8168]

is there a way to preview a specific trig?

[@claudiostano]

wow! how good are your reviews ??? great!!

[@juannnsaieggg]

I always wanted to know if the oscilloscope that appears in your videos in a vst. If so, which plugin is it?

[@loopop]

Juan Mango Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@hiparik1]

Nice video! What is the name of analyzer in this video?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@hiparik1]

@@loopop Thanks a lot

[@M1L31]

thanks for the great video! very good explainations

[@Tyetheberious]

Love your stuff! Quick question, do you know how many midi notes can be played per step, per midi track on the Analog Four MkII? Is it 4 like the Digitakt? 8 like the Digitone? Thanks.

[@yanneckgaensebluemchen1107]

This vs. Dsi Rev. 2, 8 Voice which one would you choose?

[@chrisgoebel]

What are those awesome screens that show up over your device?

[@loopop]

They're not real sorry - video overlays of software scopes

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

How would you rate the Elektron Analog 4 versus the wave table synths like Access Virus TI2 and Waldorf Blowfeld? Better or just different? If you had to pick one what would you get and why?

[@loopop]

Renaissance Man crap man that’s like 5 videos right there.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

No worries, I am happy so far with my new A4. It is easier to work with than the confusing menu system of the Virus or the Blofeld. Plus it plays well with Eurorack gear. I love the wave forms features. Easy to make bass, trance, drums, weird noises. I layer reverb and chorus on top of the 0-coast and it sounds really rich. The Virus is 2x as much as the A4 and I really don't see it sounding any better from my experience. Blofeld is good value and I would get one for wave table synthesis as it has those wave tables the A4 is missing.

[@roberto.a.cumsille]

very good video as always loopop. thanks ! what software do you use to monitor frequencies you use on several videos. good tool to have. thanks !

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@benhorton6940]

Great video man! Just bought one of these the other day and am in love! Do you know if its possible to play multiple sounds on one track?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes it is

[@benhorton6940]

@@loopop ok awesome! Don’t suppose you could point me to some instructions on how to do it? :)

[@loopop]

@@benhorton6940 It’s the first thing I show in this video…

[@benhorton6940]

@@loopop I must have missed it! How embarrassing sorry about that!

[@farmerfreakeasy]

Why does the numerical disappear everytime you change a knob ? The number starts to change as you move a parameter, then it just disappears ! This strikes me as rather strange, you shouldn't have to move a knob to find out if the frequency is on 82 or 83. Surely the screen should grant instant access to all 10 parameter knobs without you having to tweak them 1st ? ? ? PS: Then at the end of the video i notice that the modulation page doesn't "disappear the numericals". I can't buy a machine that disappears the numericals for no purpose.

[@not-hank-s]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[@LuchsLater]

Thank you for the video. Your explanations are very good and saved me to consult the manual. The oscilloscope and the spectrum analyzer are the icing on the cake.

[@allanroney]

Excellent video.

[@loopop]

Thanks ;)

[@markothe]

Are they going to put keys on it?

[@tonydonnelly783]

Thanks so much... great in-depth analysis of the a4mk2! Just subscribed to your channel 👍🏻

[@Unifono2012]

great video

[@isaac.anthony]

Do you know if anyone has done an update video, about how to sequence external gear with the A4? It's not super simple, could use a tutorial...

[@EightsEverywhere]

I wish someone would cover the CV outs and how that works with other synths

[@hitthesynth6417]

CV tools is deep but very complex and kinda unconventional... I'm working on a video on it..

[@m.g.kroger]

Very clear exposition of all concepts! Such a good video! This synth sounds amazing, yet is not user friendly, forcing you with menu dive of all parameters. It must be a pain to find out "where is what", all the times you have an idea...

[@mira-belleasso4061]

in fact it's the total opposit with all the elektron gear i had, the ideas come out of the box with you as an interface ,)

[@Amatteus]

@@mira-belleasso4061 This is easier or more difficult than other Elektrons.

[@mira-belleasso4061]

@@Amatteus easiest one will be the machine drum even if you can do crazy stuff with it and harder one will be octatrack because of all the things you can do and all ways of doing it for the a4 go for it really

[@andreumateulamas]

@@mira-belleasso4061 Thank you. I already have Roland TR8s as a drum machine.. Now i am considering this for rhythmic synth, but i am scared of the learning proces.. I had a ver bad experience with Akai mpc... compared to Ableton I could never understand the workflow and I had to sell it after wasting a lot of time trying to learn it... I am afraid that might happen to me again with this one... Ableton is so simple and easy. You can see what is happening , everything is visual..

[@thelebas6652]

BRAVO!!!! nice videos!

[@MinimalWave1982]

can u use the the effects through the individual outs? or they just available through the main outs ?

[@jduncan1980]

Only through the main outs... but you can route the sounds to the individual outs, and just the effects through the main outs, so you can still use them, they just won’t be on the actual individual outs...they’re send effects, so this makes sense.