I’m keeping my DN, DT, Roland SE-02 and Modal CraftSynth 2. I’m thinking of selling my AK. I probably have enough with teh above 4 pieces, but what would you think might compliment my setup more than the AK?
Sound wise is fine-ish (love the FX though), but I have to admit that you can’t get more synth and sequencer for that money.
The clickety-clickety button action on the mk1 can get a bit annoying, let alone the stereo output only. Now since the mk2 has solved the latter, it might be time to dive in again…
Dobermate: I speak for everyone
Everyone: Oh, right… 
Oh no, I haven’t shared my opinion yet - just couldn’t resist a very short summary of the different opinions I’ve read here.
I’ll go straight to jail!
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I’ve been following the thread,
like it or not liking it is a matter of taste and what you are looking for in a synth…
instant gratification big sound vs multitimbral synth with lots of modulation and sequencer
but it takes a bit more work seems to be the argument…
I’m still only scratching the surface of my mk2 and I’m not the best sound designer
but when I’ve followed a few tutorials to make a sound I’ve been very happy with what I’ve made with the AF so far and if you add a bit of unison it really enhances it
My korg monologue has an instant bigger sound but it’s far less interesting synth that only makes 1 sound at a time, and tbh I can’t seem to fit the monologue into a mix well either like the AF
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This guy posted a few sound demos on his channel recently. Best sound demos I’ve heard of the A4. I don’t know how anyone can dislike that sound. Elektron did a great job.
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That setup sounds great! You’re probably pretty set with 2 x Elektron sequencers, analog mono (the SE-02 is great!), digital mono, FM poly.
I guess if you were to add something, it really does depend on what you feel is missing? Maybe:
- an analog / hybrid poly that can cover both traditional and modern stuff (Peak, Rev 2 etc etc)
- or a dedicated drum machine
- or something that’s unique and inspiring (from Soma or Ciat Lonbarde etc)
- or maybe an effects unit or some pedals to breathe different life into your current gear!
I don’t know what music you make, so it’s hard to recommend, give some more info 
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Yea, good stuff.
Love the A4 MK2 Pads video, in particular
I certainly don’t grin ear to ear when using my MK1 for pads, in the same way I do with Oberhausen, for example.
However, I do get the sound I want relatively quickly on my MK1, and never have an issue making it sit in the mix.
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It sounds fine IMO just very modern i guess.
Its an incredible package because of the modulations, sequencer, multi timbral etc but for someone looking just for a poly or mono synth without all the extras from the a4 there are probably better options i guess though the a4 sounds fine , in fact i like it very much for percussions , weird pads or sounds with a lot of movement.
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Yeah ! Thats a very nice demo !
I recently sold my AH, Eventide H9 Max, my audio interface and few other pieces. I have the “dark trinity” of which I’ve only used the OT. Learning the OT took all my time away from learning the AK and RYTM. I feel overwhelmed having the OT, AK, and RYTM along with my more modest setup at the moment, so I’ve put them away. I took them off Craigslist as well since most people here praise the AK/A4. I’ll sit down for a few days with the AK and RYTM to see if they spark any joy. I also decided to hold on to the OT despite it not having OB after I watched Barker’s Against the Clock episode on YouTube where he’s using it with the DN. The only FX pedals I still have are the Zoom MS-70CDR and Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2. I like doing a fair bit ITB (especially mixing) as well so don’t want or need a bunch of gear - especially FX.
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@sovietpop it IS modern. It is not competing with vintage synthesizers or expensive boutique modular systems with discrete components. It belongs to the current era with synths like the Bass Station 2, Sub 37, Pro 2/3, etc. It will never sound vintage because it’s not. That said, it sounds great for what it is and is a very capable machine.
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Hmm I guess it just shows how subjective sound is, but I was fairly underwhelmed by these demos. Except for a few patches in each video (Argon4, Tbmurk, Arpme, Full OD, Scottish Canada, Tape Rewind) they don’t really showcase the strengths of the A4. Part of it I’m sure is just down to the performance choices (slow attack sounds played fast, bass sounds played in higher octaves etc) and part of it due to showcasing bread-and-butter sounds that might have wider appeal… but I find Elektron’s own demos (as well as the Soundpack ones) to be way more interesting.
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I have 3 other synths- Roland System 1m with the sh-2 plug out, the MonoMachine, and a Roland Sh-01a. I find them all to do their own little job. If I want instant “fat” bass, I trurn on the SH-2 plug out. It’s just insane on the low end. If I want to just turn knobs and find happy accidents, the system1 is great at that. For WTF, I started trying to make this sound and came up with this other even better insane sound, I pick the MnM. For the 90’s Roland stuff, synth bass lines…acidy stuff, it’s straight to the sh-01a.
For pads that do crazy movement and can be all over the place…and synthetic drum sounds, I go straight to the AK. I have also been enjoying how many sound designing options there are on the A4, so if I have a sound in my head, I can usually get close on the A4 with some help from the internet.
I do like that it is very clinical in design…I don’t come up quickly with happy accidents, seems once the modulators start being added the accidents start.
Like the MnM for me…I think if I had to sell all these synths, I’d just stay with the MnM. The tones are very odd and digital…All the different kitsch machines, the gainstaging…ect. Unfortunately, the MnM is the new TB-303 in price. Gotta wait for Behringer to make one 
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I have to say that when I first got my Analog Four and hooked it up, most of the presets were plain horrible. To the point of me thinking that the machine was somehow broken.
I couldn’t understand that a manufacturer wanted to showcase a new analog synth with presets that sounded like harsh noise and somehow really digital. It wasn’t until I bought the Biosphere-soundpacks that I realized that the A4 was capable of beauty and fragility too.
Since then I’ve found a bunch of great soundpacks for my Analog Keys. At some point I need to reserve a day or two to get to the bottom of the synth engine myself. I’d like to be able to conjure cinematic analog pad sounds (a’la JX8P’s Soundtrack-preset) from it.
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Also, I don’t know if this interesting, but I love seeing the insides of my gear. Took the AK apart to put in a new screen. Only got one pic, but it shows the build…Looks like the inside of a military vehicle or something. So, if your looking to make it through WWIII, Elektron has your back.
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I think a lot of this thread is just differing approaches. another factor may be that so many Elektron boxes are very deep and of course you get out what you put into them. but some people are into having a lot of those boxes in their studio (lots of power in a small space), while others don’t like such a box at all, or only want to have one or two around.
point being: it seems pretty universally answered here that YES it can sound great. does it always? do you like working with it? different questions entirely.
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Who’s to say what’s “sounding good”?
I’ve been told a few people actually loved dubstep - as in this case, different strokes for different folks.
Feature-wise, it’s killing most of the synths out there hands down.
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I got the A4 for different reasons than most analog synths I have looked at (and gotten rid of).
I wanted to fill the stage up with soundscapes the DN would otherwise struggle at doing correctly.
So far I am very happy with it and have had a great time jamming.
It’s not front and center yet (it might be one day).
By itself I am not sure how I feel about the A4, but with other gear it sounds great.
As a healthy mix with an FM machine, so far it has been fantastic.
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out of interest whats front and centre?
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