Polybrute vs Analog Four MK2

[Trancer]

Regarding the question about the three synths.

The Polybrute, given its versatility, responds more to my wish.

Seeing more happy people, satisfied with the overall quality and others, it allayed my fears.

Here is my last question on the subject.

Polybrute or Analog Four MK2.

Beyond certain points that the Analog Four MK2 could not do compared to a Polybrute, the Analog Four MK2 still has some serious arguments.

Although only 4 voice polyphony.

Otherwise 4 channels to use it as a synth track.

What do you think ?

Polybrute or Analog Four MK2?

[stillshaded]

I would say that the main strength of the Analog four is using it as a groovebox, due to the paramter lock feature. If you're not interested in that, Polybrute is a far better option IMO.

[Danno]

Absolutely. Using the A4 as a polysynth is kind of missing the point. Low polyphony and not a ton of hands on control.

[cryophonik]

Yeah, very different synths. Get both.

[pdxindy]

Absolutely. Using the A4 as a polysynth is kind of missing the point. Low polyphony and not a ton of hands on control.

The A4 has Breath Controller, Modwheel, Aftertouch, Velocity and Pitchbend (for stuff besides pitch should you want it). Each can control 5 parameters. So the A4 is quite an expressive synth!

Also, because it has 4 tracks, you can put the same preset on all 4 and play it as a 4 voice MPE synth.

Some of my favorite expressive lead sounds are on the A4/K

[pdxindy]

What do you think ?

Polybrute or Analog Four MK2?

They are so different. It depends on what you want.

I have the Polybrute and the Analog Keys. I also had an Analog Four MKII, but I gave it to a friend cause I still had the AK.

With just the AK and Rytm, that is 12 simultaneous tracks. I can make whole compositions just in those 2 boxes and not need the computer at all. The Elektron Sequencers are fantastic. It's a fun world of its own.

The Elektron boxes are pretty fluid to do sound design once you get used to them, but for sure not as immediate and flowing as the Polybrute. The Polybrute has far more physical controls.

If you are mainly sequencing in the computer, then the Elektron sequencer becomes less significant. Setting aside the multi-timbrality and sequencer and just comparing synth engines, I would pick the Polybrute.

Do you have other synths? If not, you are left recording multiple passes on the Polybrute to get multiple tracks.

So, imo, it really comes down to your needs, what other gear you have and how you intend to use the synth you buy.

[christian f.]

A4
Dark, industrial, raw type of ambient, techno, dub sound.
You can produce and perform entire songs with ONLY the A4, either multi tracked or just with the 4 tracks.
PB
Polished bread and butter poly synth with enough modulation options and patch morphing to do weird and cool stuff.
You can play proper chords and synth parts on the PB the A4 can't

I sold my PB and still have my A4

[simmo75]

A4 is ok, Polybrute is next level in comparison.
I sold my A4.
A4 is ok as groovebox, but if that’s what you’re after, there’s way better options.

[ghettosynth]

Surely that's a comparison where you're trying to fill more than one need and are hoping that one of the two choices converges on both better than the other? The workflow is completely different. If I wanted a Polybrute I cannot see how the menu diving workflow of the A4 would be competition. If I needed to produce live techno with a small footprint, complete with sequencer, I cannot see how the polybrute would be competition.

[DrGonzo]

I'm echoing what everybody else said. If you want to do polyphonic synth stabs and use it as a traditional synth - Polybrute. If you want one box where you do most of the stuff, the A4. Four voices is crap when using it as a traditional synth. But four voices when used with the Elektron sequencer + plocks and soundlocks is borderline crazy powerful.

[zerocrossing]

I have the PolyBrute and an Analog Four MK1. I really like them both, but the lack of voices for the 4 makes it limited as a poly. I mostly use it for drones and odd kinds of sounds, weird leads and what not. Having 6 voices really makes the PolyBrute a true poly, and the patch morphing is really special.

[cryophonik]

I have the Analog Four mk2 and I tend to use it sort of like a groovebox, but not for drums - I use my RYTM mk2 and other drum machines for that. I use the Analog Four mostly for rhythmic elements, like repeating stabs, plucks, rolling bass lines, midbasses, etc. I tend to use it like four mono synths, rather than a poly.

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your answers and opinions.

Why I asked for an opinion on these two machines, even if not really comparable, is related to the sequencer and its functions.

Looking at the specs, the Polybrute wins hands down.

Which strikes me, even if the Polybrute has a plethora of modulation, a great motion sequencer, etc...

The Analog Four MK2, mother if only four voices, I can on the same voice, integrate different sounds and make a sequence per voice that includes different elements.

As if I had several tracks in one in a way.

It is true one of the big advantages of the Polybrute, 6 voices, practically a button a function, otherwise, quite simple apparently to make its settings via the matrix.

On the other hand the Elektron sequencer is a killer even if used in a single voice instead of a 4 voice polyphonic.

Second advantage for the Polybrute, the pads of pure beauty.

Even if excellent pads with the Virus Ti2 or the Nord lead A1, perhaps a false impression on their part.

It seems to me that much more organic, trippy with the Polybrute.

[T-CM11]

..., is related to the sequencer and its functions.

Looking at the specs, the Polybrute wins hands down.

I haven't compared specs, but I think that the Elektron's sequencer has a lot more functionality.
And that's great, if you like a VCR-programming-style interface.
I never liked painting-the-house-through-the-mailbox hardware. If I want a lot of functionality; my 2 options are: hardware with a lot of buttons/knobs/sliders, or... a computer.

(I'm not saying what you or anyone else should do, or like)

[Trancer]

Thank you for your reply.

Indeed the Elektron sequencer a marvel.

Always the learning part, not simple, but once mastered, pure happiness.

Now, what is special, not really conventional, is the Elektron ergonomics for an analog synth.

Much less immediate than a classic synthesizer.

But a treat the Elektron sequencer.