The Elektron Analog Four (A4) represents a groundbreaking fusion of analog synthesis and sophisticated digital sequencing technology. This compact yet powerful groovebox combines four independent monophonic analog synthesizers with Elektron's renowned step sequencing capabilities, creating what many consider the ultimate analog groovebox.
Design and Build Quality
The Analog Four features a robust steel construction measuring 340 x 176 x 63mm, making it compact yet substantial. The interface is densely populated with buttons in black, white, red, and various shades of grey, following Elektron's characteristic design philosophy. The device includes a miniature keyboard for note input and performance, complementing traditional step programming methods.
The centerpiece of the interface is a 122 x 32 pixel LCD display that, while small, effectively presents vital information without unnecessary graphical flourishes. Eleven grey 'push and turn' encoders provide parameter control, working in conjunction with the display for comprehensive sound editing and sequencing control.
Sound Engine Architecture
Each of the four analog synthesizers features:
Oscillators:
- Two analog oscillators per voice (DCOs for stability)
- One sub-oscillator per main oscillator
- Classic analog waveforms: triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and more
- Variable pulse width on all waveforms
- Dedicated PWM LFO for each oscillator
- Ring modulation and amplitude modulation capabilities
- Continuously variable sync from hard sync to soft sync to none
- 'Metal' sync mode where both oscillators can act as sync masters
Filter System:
- Dual filter configuration: 4-pole ladder filter followed by 2-pole multimode filter
- Fixed audio path routing
- 4-pole filter with pre/post overdrive for bass-heavy sounds
- 2-pole filter with multiple modes: low pass, band pass, band stop, high pass, and peaking
- Both 1-pole and 2-pole variants available
- Dedicated filter envelope plus additional free envelope
- Independent modulation capabilities for each filter
Modulation and Control:
- Fast, responsive digital envelopes that can mimic analog circuit behavior
- Multiple LFOs including dedicated PWM and vibrato LFOs
- Two assignable LFOs with beat-sync capabilities
- Comprehensive parameter locking system (p-locks) for step-by-step parameter automation
Sequencing Capabilities
The Analog Four incorporates Elektron's advanced sequencing engine with:
Pattern Management:
- 128 patterns divided into 8 banks (A-H)
- Patterns up to 64 steps in length
- 1/384th step recording resolution for precise timing
- Grid Record and Live Record modes
- Micro-timing adjustment capabilities
- Variable quantize function at pattern or track level
Advanced Features:
- Parameter locks (p-locks) for real-time parameter automation
- Sound locks allowing different sounds per step
- Trigless locks for parameter changes without note triggers
- Trig mutes for non-destructive pattern editing
- Song mode with 16 songs supporting up to 256 pattern entries
- Chain mode for seamless pattern sequencing
- Arpeggiator on every track including effects
- Note and parameter slides for smooth transitions
- Interactive accent implementation
- Swing function and transpose capabilities
- Scale correction (currently major and minor scales)
Performance Features
Performance Macros:
- 10 performance macros per kit (one per encoder)
- Each macro can control up to 5 parameters simultaneously
- Bipolar macro capability
- Affects all tracks including CV and effects
- Named macros for easy identification
Real-time Control:
- Performance mixer for quick level adjustments
- Track transposition with exclusion options
- Real-time parameter manipulation without permanent changes
- Comprehensive performance-oriented interface
Effects Processing
The integrated effects section includes:
- Wideshift Chorus: Swirly modulation with flanging capabilities at short delay times
- Supervoid Reverb: Spacious reverb with infinite decay option, ideal for ambient applications
- Saturator Delay: Distorting delay with saturation, feedback control, and user-definable stereo width
Effects features:
- Individual send levels per track
- Natural decay when tracks are muted
- Two dedicated LFOs for effects modulation
- Full parameter locking and performance macro integration
- Audio input processing capabilities
External Connectivity and CV Control
CV/Gate Outputs:
- 4 CV outputs via 2 quarter-inch stereo jacks
- Configurable as notes, gates, triggers, or general control voltages
- Support for Octave/Volt and Hz/Volt protocols
- V-Trig and S-Trig gate compatibility
- User-configurable voltage output up to 10V (bipolar)
- Adjustable voltage reference for middle C
- Dedicated CV track with 2 assignable LFOs and envelopes
Sync Capabilities:
- MIDI In, Out, and Thru (switchable to DIN sync outputs)
- Roland Sync 24 and Korg Sync 48 protocol support
- Enables synchronization of vintage gear like TB-303 and drum machines
Connectivity and Storage
Audio I/O:
- 2 balanced audio outputs (quarter-inch jacks)
- 2 audio inputs with independent panning and effects routing
- Headphone output
- Input signals can replace oscillator waveforms
Data Management:
- USB port for backup and OS upgrades
- Compatible with Elektron's C6 application for SysEx backup
- 12V external power supply
- No built-in storage expansion (card slot absent)
Memory and Organization
Sound Architecture:
- 128 individual sound memories
- 128 kits (4 sounds per kit)
- Kit-based organization with one kit per pattern capability
- Sound locks enable different sounds per sequencer step
- Comprehensive save/load functionality for patterns, kits, and individual sounds
Limitations and Considerations:
- No individual outputs for the four synthesizers (shared stereo output)
- Compact interface requires familiarity for efficient operation
- Sound memory sharing affects patterns using sound locks when sounds are modified
- No built-in pattern/track naming (sounds, kits, and songs can be named)
Technical Specifications
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 340 x 176 x 63mm
- Construction: Steel chassis
- Weight: Not specified (described as "hefty" for size)
- Power: 12V external power supply
Audio Specifications
- Voices: 4 monophonic analog synthesizers
- Oscillators: 2 analog oscillators + 1 sub-oscillator per voice (8 main oscillators total)
- Waveforms: Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse (with variable pulse width), others
- Filters: Dual filter system per voice (4-pole ladder + 2-pole multimode)
- Filter Types: Low pass, band pass, band stop, high pass, peaking (1-pole and 2-pole variants)
- Audio Outputs: 2 balanced quarter-inch outputs, 1 headphone output
- Audio Inputs: 2 quarter-inch inputs with effects processing
Sequencing Specifications
- Patterns: 128 patterns in 8 banks (A-H)
- Pattern Length: Up to 64 steps
- Recording Resolution: 1/384th of a step
- Tracks: 4 synth tracks + 1 CV track + 1 effects track
- Songs: 16 songs with up to 256 pattern entries
- Chains: 64 chains maximum
- Parameter Locks: Unlimited per pattern
- Micro-timing: 1/384th note adjustment resolution
Control and Interface
- Display: 122 x 32 pixel monochrome LCD
- Encoders: 11 push-and-turn encoders
- Buttons: 16 step buttons + track buttons + function buttons
- Keyboard: Miniature built-in keyboard
- Performance Controls: 10 macros per kit (110 total)
Connectivity
- MIDI: In, Out, Thru (Thru switchable to DIN sync)
- Sync Protocols: Roland Sync 24, Korg Sync 48
- CV Outputs: 4 outputs via 2 stereo quarter-inch jacks
- CV Protocols: Octave/Volt, Hz/Volt
- Gate Types: V-Trig, S-Trig
- Voltage Range: User-configurable up to 10V (bipolar)
- USB: Data backup and OS updates only
Effects and Processing
- Effects Types: Chorus (Wideshift), Reverb (Supervoid), Delay (Saturator)
- Effects LFOs: 2 dedicated LFOs
- Send/Return: Individual send levels per track
- Processing: Audio input processing through effects chain
Memory and Storage
- Sound Memory: 128 individual sounds
- Kits: 128 kits (4 sounds each)
- Pattern Storage: 128 patterns
- Song Storage: 16 songs
- Backup: SysEx via USB and MIDI
- External Storage: None (no card slot)
Modulation
- Envelopes: Multiple per voice (filter envelope + free envelope minimum)
- LFOs: Multiple per voice (PWM, vibrato, 2 assignable + effects LFOs)
- Modulation Matrix: Comprehensive parameter locking system
- Performance Modulation: Real-time macro control system
Additional Features
- Arpeggiator: Available on all tracks including effects
- Scale Modes: Major and minor (additional scales planned)
- Swing: Global swing function
- Slides: Note and parameter slides
- Accents: Interactive accent system
- Transposition: Real-time track transposition
- Quantization: Variable quantize with pattern/track level control
