Analog Keys

Back in 2014, this synth arrived as Elektron's first true polyphonic analog powerhouse, blending their legendary sequencing smarts with a keyboard that finally let you play chords hands-on instead of just programming them.

It packs four voices of pure analog subtractive synthesis, each with dual VCOs boasting triangle, saw, square, and pulse waveshapes, plus dedicated sub-oscillators and a noise generator for extra grit. Dual filters per voice—a 4-pole ladder lowpass reworked for thunderous bass and a 2-pole multimode—pair with three envelopes, two LFOs, and a deep mod matrix for endless tweaking, all fed through per-voice overdrive and global chorus, delay, reverb sends. The 37-key semi-weighted action feels responsive with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, controlled by a parameter-locked joystick, while four tracks handle sequencing, arpeggiation (six types per track), and CV/Gate outs for modular pals. Built tough at 660 x 390 x 93 mm with internal power and separate stereo track outputs, it's a compact studio centerpiece that sequences external gear via CV but skips MIDI out for synths.

Players love its weighty, modern analog tone—deep bass, lush pads, snarling leads—that stands apart from vintage clones, with the sequencer earning raves for live performance tricks. That said, the tiny screen and button-heavy workflow demand some menu time upfront, though devotees swear it's worth submitting to the Elektron rhythm.