Polybrute vs Analog Four MK2

[cryophonik]

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

Much less immediate than a classic synthesizer.

I don't know that I agree with the immediacy complaints, although I do think that there is a lot of complexity in the devices that Elektron has done a great job of making relatively simple and consistent between their current boxes. I see people complaining a lot about the so-called menu-diving with the Analog Four (and other Elektron boxes), but I don't really see it that way. True, there is some functionality buried in menus pertaining to the projects and sample pool/sounds management, but I don't feel like I spend much time digging around submenus. I pretty much only interact with the controls in front of me. The main 8 encoders and associated buttons for each module are intuitive enough and the feedback on the screen is seamless. Almost everything else is either knob per function or just a Shift+ away.

[DrGonzo]

I think the Elektron workflow has got a bit of an unfair bad reputation of being hard to understand. When you understand the concepts of parameter locks and sound locks - it's actually really simple. But everything stems from the sequencer, when you get that everything is quite easy.

[ghettosynth]

To be clear, it doesn't really matter how far away the parameters are. Once you move away from the majority of the the synth manipulation being knob per function, then the experience is very different. For me, this is true even for otherwise excellent synths. For example the Matrix 12. It has a great interface, but it is not as immediate as a synth that allows you to turn two knobs in different functional sections at the same time. If what want you want to manipulate are not on the same page of the same section, then you will have to execute a button press to switch. If you have programmable controllers, then great, but you still have to set them up.

Further, once you use encoders, then the portal that you view the synth matters much much more because you have to be able to read them. I really liked the "programming the VCR" metaphor that was suggested earlier.

All of this reduces the spontaneity. This isn't really a criticism, per se, I'm just saying that I don't see these two synths being competitors for each other "as synths" without taking other needs into account.

[rod_zero]

Elektron boxes are designing for composition, jamming, they are deep dive boxes which you develop muscle memory as you spend time with them. I don't think they are "hard" but "demanding" in time.

It is very different to a synth as the polybrute, or any other which almost 1:1 knob per function, you sit, you read the name of the parameter and you tweak. It is more immediate.

For a first synth I would go with the polybrute by far.

[cryophonik]

I believe the OP mentioned in some threads that he already has a RYTM mk2, so he is presumably already familiar with the Elektron workflow. That obviously doesn't change the fact that the Analog Four mk2 and PolyBrute are very different synths/workflows, but it should give you some perspective as to his familiarity with Elektron.

[pdxindy]

Further, once you use encoders, then the portal that you view the synth matters much much more because you have to be able to read them. I really liked the "programming the VCR" metaphor that was suggested earlier.

All of this reduces the spontaneity. This isn't really a criticism, per se, I'm just saying that I don't see these two synths being competitors for each other "as synths" without taking other needs into account.

As soon as you switch presets on various mostly 1:1 synths, the knobs don't show the actual position and the spontaneity is also reduced.

In this regard, the Elektron boxes are very fast to edit. Even though they are multi-timbral, you can move from track to track and quickly edit stuff.

[pdxindy]

It is very different to a synth as the polybrute, or any other which almost 1:1 knob per function, you sit, you read the name of the parameter and you tweak. It is more immediate.

Except when you load a preset, none of the knobs are in the correct position.

[rod_zero]

It is very different to a synth as the polybrute, or any other which almost 1:1 knob per function, you sit, you read the name of the parameter and you tweak. It is more immediate.

Except when you load a preset, none of the knobs are in the correct position.

it is still the same parameter

[pdxindy]

It is very different to a synth as the polybrute, or any other which almost 1:1 knob per function, you sit, you read the name of the parameter and you tweak. It is more immediate.

Except when you load a preset, none of the knobs are in the correct position.

it is still the same parameter

yes, and set to the wrong position... I find that an impediment to immediacy.

In the end, I do not find that much difference between editing sounds on the Elektron boxes and my hardware synths with more 1:1 interfaces. That of course is based on my becoming proficient with the Elektron boxes.

And since the Elektron machines are multi-timbral, I prefer their approach with endless encoders.

[Trancer]

Thank you for your feedback and reviews.

It is true and I had the same behavior and apprehension not so long ago.

Elektron's philosophy is just apart from others.

A different workflow.

It's true that a synth can have a function button, but if you want to go deeper, you will inevitably have to go to the menus as well.

For example, the Jupiter XM, a great machine, but a lot of menus for editing and therefore not very ergonomic.

It is true that more manageable parameters on the front of Elektron products would be a plus.

But on the other hand it risks distorting the very concept of the product.

Especially for the Analog Rhythm and Analog Four which are the basis of analog.

It is true that it may be easier to have a synth, for example the Polybrute, with a lot of controls on the front, but at some point, you will still have to go to the menus for editing, etc.

I appreciate Elektron products more and more.

Indeed, I had an Analog Ryhtm Mk2, sold and took over a TR8S.

But I'm selling my TR8S, to take over an Analog Rhythm MK2.

Selling the Analog Rhythm MK2 was a mistake on my part.

Because the Elektron sound is still magic.

Regarding the Analog Four MK2, I think, buy it instead of the Polybrute.

I based myself on Youtube videos for the Analog Four MK 2 and not really a good idea.

The strength of the Analog Four MK2, like all Elektron products, is the possibilities of the sequencer.

Because very often the demonstration by some is more noise than music and it does not do the Analog Four Mk2 any service.

[T-CM11]

yes, and set to the wrong position... I find that an impediment to immediacy.

LED rings, like on the Nord Lead 3, would've been awesome. But also push it in the (for me) unaffordable price range.

The editor helps too.