Elektron Analog Four MKII Black

Elektron analogue Four MKII Black at a glance:

• Desktop Synthesizer
  
• Analogue
  
• Four tracks
  
• 2 oscillators
• 2 sub-oscillators
• Pulse width modulation
• Noise generator
• 24dB Lowpass filter with overdrive
• 6/12dB Multimode filter
• 3 ADSR envelopes with variable shape
• 2 LFOs
• Audio input
• Effects: Chorus, Delay and reverb
• Monophonic, polyphonic or unison
• Arpeggiator
• Live sequencer with parameter locks
• Extensive editing options
• Accent & Slide
• Pattern chain
• Song mode
• Configurable CV/Gate outputs
  
• Performance setup
• Full MIDI implementation
• Full DAW integration (via Overbridge)
  

Sound generation

Each channel consists of two oscillators, each with a sub-oscillator and an LFO for pulse width modulation. Unlike most other synthesizers, the analogue Four MKII can modulate the pulse width of all waveforms. There is also a tunable noise generator, which even has a fade-in envelope. The oscillator menu gives you access to amplitude modulation (in extreme settings, ring modulator-like effects are possible), oscillator synchronization, glide and vibrato. This mixture alone provides a powerful foundation that is suitable for a wide range of electronic sounds. There are two analogue filters connected in series to process the generated sounds: the first is a 24dB lowpass filter with overdrive, the second is a 6/12dB Multimode with seven different types. Both filters are resonant and sound balanced, round and typically analog.

Modulation

Each voice of the analogue Four MKII has two extensively editable LFOs, each of which can modulate two destinations simultaneously. In addition to various trigger modes, which can also be used as mini envelopes depending on the setting, the clock synchronization of the LFOs proves to be a great help, especially with loop-oriented music. All three envelopes are designed as ADSR envelopes and are equipped with a variable characteristic curve. The first envelope is permanently assigned to the VCA, the second is permanently linked to the two filter cutoffs and can also be addressed to two other destinations with their own intensity. Envelope 3 is completely freely assignable.

Sequencer & memory

The typical Elektron sequencer is one of the most powerful of its kind. Not only pitch and note length, but also shuffle, accent, slide, microtiming and Parameterlocks and individual step lengths can be programmed for each track. The actual track length is a maximum of 64 steps or four bars; longer patterns can be realized with dividers. The tidy user interface provides direct access to all relevant parameters. If you want, you can also connect a MIDI keyboard and play melodies and basslines. The Elektron analogue Four MKII stores a maximum of 128 projects. Each project comprises 128 sounds, 128 kits, 128 patterns and 16 songs.

Connections

The rear panel looks complete: in addition to the stereo output, there are four mono outputs for the individual tracks. Four configurable CV/gate outputs want to be connected to a modular system or an analog synthesizer without its own MIDI interface. The MIDI trio can also be used as a DinSync connection on the output side, which is indispensable for synchronizing a TB-303 or TR-606. Two inputs for expression pedals or control voltages make it possible to control the parameters of the analogue Four MKII externally. This variety is rounded off by a USB connection.