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Average Price: $600
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Introducing the Elektron Analog Keys Synthesizer, a marriage of organic analog character with Elektron's expansive design. This synth sports 37 touch-sensitive weighted keys and a powerhouse four-voice polyphony engine, each equipped with dual sub-oscillators, analog-oscillators, analog filters, and LFOs per voice. Whether you're indulging in solo work or working on music production, the Analog Keys is designed to excel, offering seamless MIDI connectivity and a specially crafted Performance mode for direct access to user-generated parameters via an onboard joystick. An undeniable flagship product, the Analog Keys is the perfect fit for both your desktop production rig and live performances, effortlessly delivering lush synthesis.
Key Features:
- 37 touch-sensitive weighted keys
- Four-voice polyphony engine
- Dual sub-oscillators, analog-oscillators, analog filters, and LFOs per voice
- Fluid MIDI connectivity
- Performance mode for direct access to user-generated parameters
- Onboard joystick control.
Product specs
| Brand | Elektron |
| Model | Analog Keys |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Sweden |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 4 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Elektron Analog Keys synthesizer polyphonic?
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Yes, the Elektron Analog Keys is a four-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, allowing you to play chords and complex harmonies.
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What is the keyboard action of the Elektron Analog Keys?
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The Elektron Analog Keys features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both performance and studio use.
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How does the Elektron Analog Keys integrate with other MIDI devices?
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The Elektron Analog Keys offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity options, including MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI devices and DAWs.
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Can the Elektron Analog Keys be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Elektron Analog Keys is designed for live performance, featuring a 37-key keyboard, an analog joystick for modulation, and a powerful sequencer for real-time sound manipulation.
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What are the standout features of the Elektron Analog Keys' sound engine?
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The Elektron Analog Keys boasts a rich analog sound engine capable of producing deep basslines, lush chords, and expressive leads, complemented by the renowned Elektron sequencer for dynamic sound arrangement.
Videos
Elektron
Elektron Jam Session 3: Playing Analog Keys
Reviews
PROS
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Unique 4-voice polyphony with flexible sub oscillator per primary oscillator
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Instantaneous switching between voices offers unique performance
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Built-in keyboard enhances playability, high-quality keys
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Robust metal casing and well-built for durability
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Powerful sequencer with creative and wild possibilities
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Overbridge support for seamless computer integration
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Versatile sound capable of ambient to energetic tracks
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CV outs for expanded connectivity with other gear
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Extensive sound design and performance mode features
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Offers a distinct sound character, not mimicking Moog or Roland
CONS
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Learning curve can be steep for new users
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Sound engine may not impress against newer synths
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4-voice polyphony limited compared to classic polyphonic synths
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Some workflows may remain complex, even with practice
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Lacks protection under the keys; requires a case for transport
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Sound may not fully satisfy those seeking traditional analog warmth
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Elektron Analog Keys.
Features and functionality
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The joystick offers expressive control with pitch mod and separate 'up' and 'down' mod axes, enhancing performance capabilities.
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The Analog Keys' dual multi-mode filters significantly expand sonic possibilities, surpassing standard low-pass filters found in many synths.
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LED indicators above the keys help visualize sequences and note holds, proving beneficial for complex multilayered performances.
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The Analog Keys' keybed, made by Fatar, allows velocity and aftertouch routing to almost any modulation destination, enhancing its use as a master keyboard.
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The MIDI Ext button enables seamless switching between internal and external synth control without complex menu navigation, a feature praised for its convenience.
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The Analog Keys can function as four filter banks with 8 filters, 8 envelopes, and 8 LFOs, providing extensive modulation possibilities.
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User experience
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The sequencer changes patterns for all tracks simultaneously, which might require strategic use of copy/paste to maintain configurations.
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Some users find the encoders and small screen challenging for smooth sound design, suggesting using Overbridge for more precise control.
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The raw waveforms of the Analog Keys are not pure; for instance, the sawtooth waveform isn't a pure saw, and a clean square wave is best achieved using the sub oscillator.
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Build quality
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The keyboard has a stiffer feel compared to DSI models, and the joystick could benefit from more resistance for better control.
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Use cases and applications
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While not a traditional polyphonic synth, its architecture supports a unique quadratimbral monophonic mode, making it versatile for diverse musical applications.
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The sequencer's ability to trig lock settings per step allows for extensive parameter modulation, making it highly suitable for complex sound design projects.
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The Analog Keys excels in creating minimalist compositions and Radiohead-style music, especially when actively modulating sound parameters while playing.
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Software and compatibility
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Overbridge works well with Analog Keys, but using both AK and AR simultaneously may require an Overhub due to USB 1.0 on Analog Keys.
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Comparisons
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Analog Four MKII offers USB 2.0, audio enhancements, and improved build quality, but lacks a keys version, making it more costly.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 32 Ratings
150
Amazing and indispensable synthesizer
I use the Analog Keys live in an ambient, post-rock, shoegaze band.
Amazing all of the things the AK can do. Sound design is super fun. Performance mode is great live and for recording. Project and song management is a piece of cake. The CV outs are very useful. And not least of all, I think the AK sounds great with its own voice. I do not want it to sound like a Moog or a Roland or anything else. That is what Moogs and Rolands are for.
It is very well-built. Just watch the underneath of the keys—there is no protection there. Buy a case or gig bag for it.
97
Love/Hate
Due to my less-than-positive feelings about this instrument, I'm not going to write an in-depth review.
My basic feelings about this instrument are that of love and hate. I LOVE the sequencer. The Elektron sequencer is the bee's knees, and you can do some absolutely wild and creative things with the sequencer. In that respect, I'm not sure if there's another synth that is as powerful as the Analog4/Keys. The problem that I have with this board is that it just doesn't sound all that impressive in the 2021 synthesizer universe. There are so many synths available right now that have better sounding sound engines. I wouldn't be surprised if the latest generation of digital synthesizers sounded better than this synth's raw sound.
The build quality is great, and it's a very giggable synth. I'd recommend this instrument to anyone who loves the Elektron way, and anyone who wants a synthesizer with a world-beating integrated sequencer. If you are real player then I imagine there's probably at least 10 synthesizers in this price range that you'd enjoy playing more.
283
Another great Elektron Machine.
I absolutely love this synthesizer. I used to own a Monomachine, and this is basically like the analog version of the Monomachine. Not only do you get four monophonic tracks of synthesis (or four voice polyphony if you so desire) but you also get some great effects which can be sequenced and can be applied to external gear. Then you add the Elektron Overbridge, and it's a good workhorse synth.
I love this synth. 4 channels or 4xPoly . Nice sound nice bass. Performance modeis great. And the joystick..omg I love that little bugger sooo much.
Great synth, each and every parameter can be automated or even multiple parameters can be automated / put to performance mode / laid onto the joystick... multimapping ... you name it... elektron put it into it. Also elektron provides a whole lot of presets to get into sound shaping. If you already own elektron gear it's a charm to use. Sounds great.. AND! it has a diffrent analog filter than the analog four! Specially trimmed to low frequency use.
220
Amazing instrument!!!
This is one of the most powerful synths I've ever used, the keyboard is very high quality and really makes a difference compared to the A4 module.
Artist usage
Add artist
Thom Yorke uses the Elektron Analog Keys, as detailed on The King of Gear Tumblr page.
You can then retrospectively get surgical in how you build the sound up without the Trinity being involved. So the final sound is an Ableton vocoder mixed with the Elektron Analog Keys,
In the Spitfire Audio video "Creative Cribs - Paul Hartnoll (Orbital)," Paul Hartnoll is shown using the Elektron Analog Keys synthesizer at the 12:29 mark.
Com Truise posts a photo of his Elektron Analog Keys synth to Instagram, and captions the photo, "#LPequipment @weareelektron #analogkeys" (posted Nov 2014). In the comments, when someone asks Com Truise "How do you like it?" he replies, "I'm in love already, little beast sounds super thick!"
In this article you can see several pictures of his Analog Keys. He also states: "There are tools I use, like the Ableton Push, Maschine, and a synth called Analog Keys."
Featured on Legowelt's official site as a piece of gear used at some point on his productions. "Special Silver Wolf edition – Powerful swedish juicy analog workhorse with a very freaky sequencer and smooth playing buttery keyboard with excellent aftertouch sensitivity."
Album Usage
The Elektron Analog Keys has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Elektron Analog Keys, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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