On the analog keys it’s worth checking the LEDs above the keys (which shows which pitch is being played on a track). That’s the only thing not working on mine (which I’ve had for ages); one or two of the LED’s are dead (might be easy to fix, but to me it’s quite cosmetic so I haven’t even bothered investigating).
Just play each key on the keyboard and they should all light up. Otherwise I haven’t had any problems with pots or displays, but I haven’t toured with the thing or treated it badly.
Every time I turn it on and play it I’m surprised how good it sounds, which is weird because I had trouble getting it to sound “fat” or “warm” when I first got it. Now I have a couple of patches that are extremely bassy, fat, warm and analog sounding. Like always with Elektron gear they are journeys and take some investment.
My keys is pretty old. The “function” text is worn off, and the screen will need replacing at some point.
Theres not really a lot to check on it, just the few pots and keys. AK runs digitally controlled so probably don’t have to worry about circuitry.
Last year I had an entire room of keyboards. Now I’ve sold them all and kept just my AK. Yep, it’s THAT good. As someone who performs with it, I just cant think of anything that does the amount of things it does. All in a compact & useful package.
4 tracks of internal synths
Entire suite of send effects
INSANELY powerful sequencer
Sounds per trig for multi-sound at the measly cost of a single voice
Kits per pattern for craploads of variety
Basically an Arturia KS Pro with Midi update
Internal arranger to make entire sets
Overbridge to use it as VST
Performace Macros are stupidly good live
Smol synth easy to transport to gig
Use it as midi controller + conveniant input for your controlled synth.
Keys + Record = Easy to improv/latch midi loops
Individual outs for external FX
I’ll take AK over a $10000 Moog one anyday
Downsides
Tiny LCD screen is hot garbage
Everything’s behind menus
Setting up mods is very time consuming
MK1 Elektron Pots are low res dumpster trash
Reverb/Chorus quality not the greatest ( Compare to Virus TI which is similar in age & has fantastic reverb )