Yeah, the size is definitely annoying, but I think I’d find it easier to perform on a MK2, everything’s just a bit better spaced out and the screen is much better.
As I get older, I’m drawn more and more to big, ugly but more useable for my old ass eyes and cripple hands things.
I’m not super bothered about how something looks these days beyond how that affects useability.
I did have a MKI briefly (I didn’t give it chance) and I didn’t like the ‘clacky’ sounding buttons. I wish the mkii was a bit smaller but I like that it’s angled and much prefer the buttons and screen.
ive had the mk1 for a while now and never really use it for your typical subtractive synth sounds. I love it for the weird and wonderful and usually start all my songs by jamming on it for ideas.
I’m hard pressed to think of a more versatile 2 osc monosynth, let alone 4 in one package. I’m quite lucky in that I have quite a few synths and over the years have used tons more. I don’t think there is any sound that other 1 or 2 osc monos can make that the A4 can’t, and in many cases it goes way beyond.
But - that flexibility comes at a price, to dial in a great bass sound on a knob per function synth takes me about a minute tops, to do the same on the A4 could easily take 30 minutes. However once you have a bunch of sounds you like the A4 can switch per step, instantly and (mostly) flawlessly.
Really the reason not to get one IMHO is if you want easy quick programming.
The reason to get one is that you want an excellent sounding and very versatile synth with a tightly integrated sequencer, and don’t mind less immediate programming.
Definitely don’t get one. They’re awesome. You’d hate it.
The MKI’s are the sexiest. Definitely don’t get one of those.
Ha ha ha this thread should have a flame next to it. Didn’t know I was gonna illicit such a strong reaction. Basically i really want my next big (for me) purchase to be a new polysynth. I want to upgrade from my Volca Keys. I def want it to be analog as i have a DN and feel like i have the digital synth needs covered. Really don’t mind a steep learning curve. That’s kinda the point for me. I had my eye on the dreadbox nymphs but after seeing some vids and reviews of that I’m kinda turned off by the limited UI and effects. Then i realized if i just spent a little more money I could get a used A4 MKI and could have my analog synth needs satisfied for a while.
That just sparked an idea. I want to make some patches on mine where the envelopes are somewhat similar but other stuff changes and then switch them per step. That could be pretty awesome sounding if I dial it in right - kind of like that steppy filtered, Daniel Avery sound but with patches.
This thread really repeats other threads. Just read all the views on other threads.
But if you’re insisting: personal opinion is that A4 is awful as a poly; works best as 4 monos, but doesn’t sound as good as almost any other mono; horrendous workflow and UI; little payoff at the end off all the time you’ll spend programming it.
Good points: performance macros; CV control; Biome preset packs show it at its best.
@Gerry_Dorsey – the fan-brigade will likely bitch like hell about this 
feel free to message me personally if you prefer.
I’d say that for the going rates, if ALL you used an A4 for was to be a 4 voice drum machine, it would be a total bargain. So so capable. So many universes within.
Well I don’t know about the OP, but that’s talked me out of it.
Personally I’m still not sure if I like it or not.
Right now I’m using it for drones.
I wanted to get to know it, bought it and…well - not sure about it.
Sure sound-locks are dope and it works quiet good, both as a drum machine and a 4x monosynth. As a poly I would choose something else.
Unlike all theese very cool monosynths on the market, it lacks knobs and immediacy. But you’ve got those sequencer options, most monosynths have not…
Soundwise… well… it’s a modern sounding synth without much beef to it. Could be that a MS20, Mother 32 or the Odyssey got more character in this price range.
It’s more like a swiss knife than a specialist in my opinion.
Actually it dosn’t fit to my style. But I like it’s style, both optically and feature-wise.
I don’t dig it’s effects, too much. I mean - what is that delay about? It sucks!
I would say - Don’t buy it.
I’ll keep mine anyway.
(It’s what you do with it - not what it does)
Ive always felt the A4 as the least appealing of all the elektron machines. (At least until the model: line came out)
Not sure why.
I know what you mean.
I’ve always overlooked it, but just lately the idea of using its CV track and effects with my Polivoks has been really appealing.
Problem is, the more I dig into looking at it, the less I want it. There just seems to be a bit too much faff to get everything done. I really hate faff.
nah come on… was just ranting over my AR yesterday how bad the spaced out design is … super annoying. Just no reason – OT is perfect form factor!
I’d do anything for a mk2 in a mk1 case!
Get an A4 mk1 and check out if you like the sound. And if there will be a huge FW update someday for the mk2 (hopefully soon!) investigate if it’s worth it.
Get a midi to CV converter and use the Tracker then.
It does midi too, but it can be a touch inconsistent.
The CV implementation alone is worth the current used mk1 prices I think. 4 freely assignable CV outs with range scaling, LFOs, envelopes, elektron sequencing - pretty difficult to replicate that functionality any where else, and definitely not with all the memories, patterns, per step locks etc.
And the 2 audio inputs, through the decent fx alone is another great excuse/reason 
No faff required for the CV or ext ins TBH.
Same her for the Fusion Drone System. But it wasn’t that fun. (Tuning and voltage)
than sending it into the A4’s Track 1.
I guess for live applications it’s ther perfect setting. A lot inside the box. But if space is not the limiting factor…
Well - it’s too good to be bad - for sure - but is it bad enough to be good?
I get better drums out of OT…
easy… just subscribe to the waiting list for a cirklon and dream about having that functionality!
opposite for me.
It has its flaws though, as all Elektrons. still prefer it over the digitone.