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Elektron Analog Keys 4-Voice Synthesizer Keyboard - Open Box

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$1,699.00

$1,299.00

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Quick Overview

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Analog Keys

The Analog Keys is a flagship analog synthesizer. Analog synthesis, digital controls, and unprecedented playability make it an instrument for the expressive musician.

Premium analog synthesizer

The Analog Keys is a four voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, capable of generating the finest basslines, chords, leads, and sounds imaginable. The warm and deep tone represents the pinnacle of analog synthesis and the acclaimed Elektron sequencer stands ready to arrange and warp the analog sounds in real-time. Complete the experience by treating the four voices with incredibly well-crafted master effects. A new world of sounds awaits.

Performance optimized

The Analog Keys is tailor-made for the stage. The 37 semi-weighted keys of the keyboard give instant fingertip control of the analog tones. The special performance mode offers direct access to user-defined parameters, and the joystick, capable of controlling up to fifteen parameters, allows for extreme morphing of sounds. Improvising when playing live has never been this easy.

Heart of the rig

Compatibility with other instruments is well catered for. Simply press a button to transform the Analog Keys into a MIDI keyboard, ready to control external MIDI gear. Thanks to the dedicated CV sequencer and the CV/Gate and DIN sync outputs, analog instruments of both today and yesteryear can be played, sequenced, and controlled with precision. Use the multitude of control options to breathe new life in vintage and modern rigs alike.


Features

Impeccable Sound

The 100% analog signal path of the four synth voices has been designed for providing a best-in-class analog sound. Two analog oscillators, two sub oscillators, dual analog filters and an analog overdrive circuit per voiceprovide that inimitable and organic sound. The power is striking.

Seamless Integration

The pieces just fit together. The keyboard, the performance mode, the MIDI controllerfunctionality, the assignable joystick, the CV/Gate and MIDI connectivity, and the fluent integration of the Elektron step sequencer are part of the reasons why the Analog Keys so effortlessly bridges the gap between artist and instrument. It is made to be played.

A voice for every situation

Voice allocation is fully customizable. The Analog Keys can be used as a polyphonic four voice synthesizer, as four separate monophonic synthesizers, in a four note unison mode with user defined pitch spreadbetween the voices, or anything in betweenLush chords and huge mono sounds: have it all.

Dual filter force

The 4-pole lowpass ladder filter and 2-pole multi-mode filter of each voice are incredible tools when shaping sounds. To add more sonic crunch, the filter section also contains a fully analog overdrive circuit. The saturation can range from gentle warming to total destruction. All bases are covered.

Brilliant FX

The effects section of the Analog Keys has been constructed from the ground up and is a perfect match for the strong analog tones. Use the Wideshift Chorus, Saturator Delay and Supervoid Reverb for situating sounds in acid cathedrals, the deepest abysses and head-spinning rotating rooms or for simply adding a final, subtle, audio finish. They make things shine.

The critically acclaimed Elektron step sequencer gives full control over synth and FX parameters. Create patterns and songs with ease and use parameter locks to lock track parameters to specific values. It is even possible to change Sounds per sequencer step; an unbeatable method when creating expressive patterns. The dedicated track sending CV/Gate signals is perfect for sequencing external analog instruments. Analog Keys is in control.

Wild modulation

The internal architecture opens up for extensive modulation possibilities. Each synth voice offers two assignable LFOs and envelopes, AM cross-modulation, oscillator sync and dedicated LFOs for both pulse width modulation and vibrato. The range of potential sounds is as wide as it possibly can get.

Massive storage space

The +Drive is the secret behind the vast internal space of the Analog Keys. Thousands of patterns and kits can be stored and recalled with ease. The over 4000 Sounds, all taggable and easy to locate, that can reside in the +Drive Sound Library are always close at hand. Save time by avoiding tedious recreation of analog sounds.This machine is instant.

Connections, connections

Individual stereo outputs for each voice plus a main output give audio routing freedom. The two audio inputs allow radicalanalog filtering and FX treatments of external sounds. Two dual CV/Gate outputs, a USB port and MIDI portscapable of sending DIN sync means the Analog Keys can communicate with everything from legacy instruments to computers. Get connected.


The Sequencer

  • 4 synth tracks
  • 1 FX track
  • 1 CV/Gate track
  • Up to 64 step per pattern
  • 6 × arpeggiators
  • Individual track lengths
  • Swing, slide and accent functions
  • Track transpose
  • Micro timing
  • Parameter locks
  • Live friendly Performance mode
  • Sound-per-step change
  • Instant Pattern, Kit and Sound reload
  • Full real-time control

Storage

  • 128 Projects
  • 4096 Sounds (+Drive Sound Library)
  • 128 Sounds per Project (Project Sound Pool)
  • 128 Kits per Project
  • 128 Patterns per Project
  • 16 Songs per Project

Send Effects

  • Wideshift Chorus
  • Saturator Delay
  • Supervoid Reverb

Synth voice features (×4)

  • Fully analog signal path
  • 2 × analog oscillators
  • Variable waveshape on all waveforms
  • Oscillator AM and Sync modes
  • 2 × sub-oscillators
  • 1 × noise generator
  • 1 × 4-pole analog lowpass ladder filter
  • 1 × 2-pole analog multi-mode filter
  • 1 × analog overdrive circuit
  • Filter feedback
  • 2 × assignable LFOs
  • 1 × dedicated vibrato LFO
  • 2 × dedicated waveshape LFOs
  • 1 × amp envelope
  • 2 × assignable envelopes
  • 2 × dedicated LFO fade envelopes
  • 1 × dedicated noise fade envelope
  • 1 × dedicated vibrato envelope
  • 1 × dedicated autobend envelope
  • 3 × individual effect sends
  • Up to 4 notes of polyphony
  • Up to 4 part multitimbrality
  • Up to 4 note unison playback
  • Full MIDI support

Hardware

  • 37 key velocity sensitive Keyboard with aftertouch
  • Assignable X/Y joystick with pushbutton
  • 122×32 pixel backlit LCD
  • MIDI In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync Out
  • 2 × 1/4″ impedance balanced main out jacks
  • 4 x 1/4” stereo separate track audio out jacks
  • 2 × 1/4″ audio in jacks
  • 1 × 1/4″ stereo headphone jack
  • 2 × 1/4″ dual CV/Gate outputs
  • 48 kHz, 24-bit D/A and A/D converters
  • Flash-EEPROM upgradable OS
  • USB 2.0 port

Balanced Audio Outputs

  • Headphones out level: +19dBu (55 Ω )
  • Main outputs level: +19dBu
  • Output impedance: 440 Ω unbalanced

Unbalanced Audio Inputs

  • Input level: +19dBu maximum
  • Audio input impedance: 9 k Ω
  • Digital S/N Ratio: 102dBFS (20-20.000Hz)

Separate Track Stereo Outputs

  • Output level: +19dBu (55 Ω )
  • Output impedance: 1.2 k Ω unbalanced

Electrical Specifications

  • Acceptable power supply: 100-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz
  • Unit power consumption: 14 W typical, 25 W maximum.
  • Power inlet type: IEC 60320 C8
  • Recommended power cable type: IEC 60320 C7, rated for 240V and at least 2.5 A.

Physical Specifications

  • Sturdy aluminium chassis
  • Dimensions: W660×D309×H93mm (26.0×12.2×3.7″) (including power switch, knobs and rubber feet)
  • Weight: approximately 5.4 kgs (11.9 lbs)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the warranty of the Analog Keys?

3 year parts and labor.

Can the Analog Keys be played polyphonically?

Yes. Voice allocation is very flexible. The Analog Keys can be used in a four note polyphonic mode, in a four part multitimbral mode, and in a four note unison mode. It is also possible to mix and match between the modes.

What is the storage space of the Analog Keys?

Enjoy a greatly expanded storage space with the implemented +Drive. Store up to 128 projects, where each project can feature 128 patterns, 128 kits, 16 songs, 128 Project Sound Pool Sounds, and 4 globals. Furthermore, the +Drive Sound Library allows 4096 Sounds, all taggable and easy to locate, to be stored.

What is the difference between Sounds residing in the Project Sound Pool and those in the +Drive Sound Library?

Sounds can be loaded to a kit from either the +Drive Sound library or the Sound Pool of the active project. The difference between the two is that the +Drive Sound library can consist of 4096 Sounds, available to all projects, while a Sound pool is a part of a project and limited to 128 Sounds. The major benefit of Sounds loaded to the Sound Pool is the possibility for them to be Sound locked, meaning each step of the sequencer can trig a different Sound or, when in Multi Map mode, that each keyboard key can play a different Sound. This feature is not available for Sounds located in the +Drive Sound library.

What about Multi map mode?

Multi map mode allows keyboard splits, pattern trigging per key, Sound trigging per key, and more. Thanks to the Multi map mode, for example analog drum kits, bass lines, and lead sounds can be played simultaneously. Ideal for performances and live improvisations.

What is the Performance mode?

In the Performance mode up to ten parameter macros, controlled by dedicated knobs, can be set up. A parameter macro makes it possible to control several track parameters at once by turning a single knob. 

Parameters assigned to a performance macro can be affected either in a positive or negative fashion when turning a parameter macro knob. This makes it possible to for example increase the pitch of the oscillators of track 1 while the cutoff parameters of the filters of track 2 are decreased. 

Performance mode is perfect when performing live. By carefully setting up parameter macros you might find that you don't have to leave this mode at all during your live set.

Can I use the Analog Keys as a MIDI controller?

Yes. Press the dedicated MIDI Ext button and the Analog Keys will operate as a MIDI controller keyboard. The keyboard, the encoders, and the joystick can now control external MIDI gear. The MIDI channels and CC parameters to be used in MIDI Ext mode are completely user configurable.

How many parameters can be controlled with the joystick?

Up to 15 parameters can be controlled.

What is the difference between the Analog Keys tracks?

Track 1 to 4 are synth tracks. Each track controls a synth voice. Track 5 is the FX track, which controls the chorus, delay and reverb. The CV track is used for controlling the signals sent from the dual CV/Gate outputs. The parameters of all track types can of course be parameter locked.

Does the Analog Keys use any special-purpose chips for its oscillators and filters?

No. The oscillators are constructed from the ground up, in order to obtain a richer sound and provide more features. The ladder filter is based upon discrete low-noise transistors, the multimode filter uses high-quality VCAs. The combination of tradition and innovation gives a unique sound with many possibilities not found in other analog or digital synthesizers.

Which parts of the Analog Keys are analog and which are digital?

Both oscillators of each voice are analog, with all their elaborate waveshaping completely analog, and with their pitches controlled digitally. The noise generator is digital. The two filters, and the overdrive circuit between them, of each voice are fully analog. The amplifiers are analog. The envelopes and LFOs are digital. Their design allow them to go well into audio range. 

The signal path from the oscillators to the audio outputs is completely analog. The signal path from the external inputs to the audio outputs is also fully analog. The digital send effects are parallel to the main audio path, and the wet signals from the digital send effects are mixed with the dry analog signal before the main output stage.

Can I use the analog filters of the Analog Keys to filter incoming signals?

Yes. The external inputs can be used for this. It is even possible to link the filters to form a parameter lockable filter bank consisting of up to 8 filters (4 ladder filters, 4 multi-mode filters).

What can I use the CV/Gate outputs for?

Analog equipment of all kinds can be sequenced with the dedicated CV track. Old and new synthesizers with Control Voltage inputs, modular systems, analog sequencers, etc. The four CV/Gate outputs of the Analog Keys can also be controlled by incoming MIDI data, which may eliminate your need of external MIDI-to-CV converters. 

The CV/Gate outputs can output Control Voltages for controlling any parameter or pitch (both V/oct and Hz/V with variable scalings and offsets), Trig & Gate pulses for trigging envelopes (both V-trig and S-trig with any levels up to 10 volts), and repetitive Clock pulses for syncing analog sequencers, drum machines, LFOs and more. The CV track also has dedicated envelopes and LFOs that can be output as Control Voltages. 

Even though there is just one dedicated CV sequencer track, the notes from any track can be the source of CV/Gate events, meaning that external synths can follow internal synth tracks. It is also possible for the FX track to host "hidden" notes which are not used by the effects, but instead for CV/Gate purposes – basically providing a second independent CV/Gate sequencer track in addition to the CV track. 

You can for instance send two pairs of CV/Gate to two external analog synths. Or one pair of CV/Gate plus two extra CVs to sequence other parameters like filter cutoff and volume. Or four trig signals to start various events. Or four completely independent CVs. Or any combination in between. Your analog studio can finally be controlled in the most efficient way by the notes, patterns and powerful parameter locks of the Elektron sequencer - or via incoming MIDI.

What is the USB port used for?

MIDI can be received through the USB port. The port can also be used when upgrading the Analog Keys OS.

What about the FX?

Tailored especially for analog synthesizers, the Wideshift Chorus features an adjustable center position of the modulation along with controllable depth around that point. The filters can be tweaked for BBD-type sonics.

The Saturator Delay features a user controllable overdrive block, injecting dirt into the signal. High feedback settings in combination with saturation will give rise to a gradually increasing level of filth that can be transformed to your own liking using the high- and low-pass filters.

With its wide stereo image and extended decay time, the Supervoid Reverb invites you for a ride into the abyss. The characteristics of this vast space can be altered with the high-shelving filter.

Does the Analog Keys have dedicated MIDI sequencer tracks?

No. Instead it features a dedicated CV/Gate track, controlling the two dual CV/Gate outputs. It is possible to use the Analog Keys as a MIDI controller though.

Are the Analog Keys and the Analog Four patch compatible?

Yes they are.

Does the Analog Keys and the Analog Four sound exactly the same?

The Analog Keys uses the same means of analog sound generation as the Analog Four, but features circuits fine-tuned for delivering deep bass.

Is the power supply of the Analog Keys internal?

Yes.

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