New Elektron Machine

[commodorejohn]

$1850? Yikes. There's so many analog polys I could get for that kind of money.

[Infinity Curve]

None of which would have the elektron sequencer, parameter locks, the ability to use more than 1 preset per channel assigned to individual steps, etc.

Certainly you could compare this to other analog polysynths, but this is so much more than that and brings a ton of functionality not found in other synths, especially analog ones.

I'm still more interested in the normal version sans keys, as I can just hook up to one of my existing keys for that functionality, but as an all in one solution, the keys version seems pretty awesome!

[stf-ran]

I read the FAQs on the website. Internal power supply!!! Kudos to Elektron for staying away from the wall wart.

[commodorejohn]

I dunno. Yeah, features, yay for features. Still, when I could buy at least three good vintage polys or one major classic for the price of this, I think it would make me question how much I really want the fancy doodads.

[stf-ran]

The CV functionality on this and the Analog 4 are very compelling. Imagine sequencing super tight(i.e. robotic) bass lines in a Minibrute or anything else with CV/gate inputs.

[megamanx]

I just ordered the module version, as mentioned before don't need the keys, already have too many keysynths, but the OS update is worth buying it. I guess if you don't own a. poly analog keyboard synth, cv interface, and sequencer, it must be a good value.

[pflosi]

So if this finally means the A4 gets a proper poly mode, I'm sure as h**l tempted about that one again... The Analog Keys is a nice and logical move from Elektron, congrats!

[shaft9000]

seems intriguing, surely.
i'll be hunting one down to goof with for a bit...until then here's my initial reaction

-has a lovely sounding tri wave
-the poly modes are very creative, and linked to the sequencer which has per-step settings
-the fx sound good and are welcome (to be expected, really) in a new synth

on the other hand
- 4 voices is rather lean, polywise. and compounding this, 3 octaves suggests designating it to right OR left-hand duties during live use, while using another synth for bass or vice-versa. but then again the buzz of today is less can be more! ...right?
- such an uh, evocative/imaginative/poetic name and interface....and right after a korg analog called 'keys' debuts (an unfortunate yet ultimately forgivable derp). come to think of it, derp would be a better name than analog keys, especially if it's as awesome as we hope it is. be weird - whatever- just please don't be as generic as wall mart in naming your synth again, elektron.
- X/Ys are super-siiiick...but they're not modwheels. i would have liked at least a return-to-zero modulation controllerfor whammys, undulations and such, doods. a ribbon would be sweeeet, or perhaps the tilt-detector like on the radikal accelerator and in phones....i dunno, something besides just the aftertouch and a single x/y stick. call me greedy.
- the elektron-ified clicky-button interface may or may not work so well. it just initially 'reeks' of computer-keyboard..on a synth that probably should have more than 10 knobs. i have an Octatrack and it's OK; but it's one thing for a sequencer-y drum/groove whatever to give positive (and audible in this case) tactile feedback, but on a synth i find the smoother and more unambiguous the dials and switches feel, the better. we shall see if this is an aesthetic/UI boo-boo or not.

so (apart from the 3 octave limit) what we have here is a semi-viable alternative (but very different sounding) to a Jupiter 4, CS-50 or mofo, if that's you're bag. and also some welcome modern accoutrements, elektron-stylee. techno and synth-pop freaks rejoice - you've got a new axe to wield!
otoh church/cover/prog guys...go be boring! (or get high and keep praying to Bob for a new moog poly)

perhaps they're releasing a Big Brother to this with a full knobby interface and at least 5 octaves, 8 voices, modwheels yada...one can hope

[jaypodesta]

I'm pretty into this - but interested to see what is in the box too.

[ColorForm2113]

I just keep thinking about this when I read forums on the mystery elektron product

[Hybrid88]

So when do we get to find out what's in this box thingy? Hopefully before NAMM

[Stab Frenzy]

That would be great if it was that price, fingers crossed we don't get the typical Aussie pricing

$2299. The dollar's at 88c US at the moment, guess we can blame that.

[Hybrid88]

That would be great if it was that price, fingers crossed we don't get the typical Aussie pricing

$2299. The dollar's at 88c US at the moment, guess we can blame that.

Ah guess so, it'll probably be all of one place in Aus that stocks it anyway haha

[Aaron2]

I think this looks like a great machine, but what's the street price going to be? If you take the Analog Four at $1,300 plus the +drive already installed (which itself is $400), keyboard, etc., this has got to be in the $2,000+ range.

Didn't someone say that the +Drive is already present in the A4 but will be "unlocked" with a new OS?

I'd like some confirmation on that. If that's true, I'd have a hard time justifying the AK, which is essentially just the A4 with keys with a much larger capacity for storing patches. Why not just buy the A4 and upgrade to the new OS, right?

[Aaron2]

OK, I think I've answered my own question. If you check out Elektron's Facebook page, in answer to a recent question about whether "there be an os update in order to make the previous a4 owners have polyphony access," Elektron said the following:

Yes, free OS upgrade featuring - among many things - polyphony and +Drive storage coming for the Analog Four. Will be released Dec 9, same day as the Analog Keys starts to ship.

So I guess that's all the confirmation we need. I've also been surfing Elektron's forum, and some users have said that the +Drive hardware is already present on the PCB. It just needs to be "unlocked."

Having polyphony is also a big deal, too, of course.