Electron ANALOG 4 Reference Manual

A reference guide for using Elektrons Analog Four Synthesizer. A4 Is developed by Swedish company Elektron and is an analogue four voice synthesizer. 2 Analogue Oscillators, 2 Sub Oscillators and a Noise Osc per voice. It contains 4 synth tracks, FX Track, CV Track, and Sequencer.

ANALOG 4 REFERENCE GUIDE

A BLUESKYREPUBLIK PU

BLICATION

ANALOG 4 REFERENCE GUIDE

A BLUESKYREPUBLIK

PUBLICATION

INTRODUCTION

This guide is designed as a reference, based more on workflow. Full details are given in the official A4 manual and hence this guide a quick reference rather than in depth detail on each parameter. It should be used in conjunction with the official A4 manual. It is ideally suited for new users but hopefully there is also something for the more experienced user too.

Conventions used in the text

[FUNCTION] Physical Buttons are shown in square brackets.

(LEVEL) Rotary controls shown in curved bracked.

Combinations are shown with a + inbetween control sequence i.e. [FUNCTION] + [KEYB C1]. Items shown in red on the A4 are selected by [FUNCTION] + X.

Elektron: www.elektron.se

Elektron Forum: Elektron User

Blueskyrepublik Videos: www.youtube.com/user/BlueSkyRepublik

CONTENTS

1. REFERENCE IMAGE

2. CONFIGURATION

3. GLOBAL

4. TRACKS & SOUNDS

5. KITS

6. SEQUENCER

7. PERFORMANCE MODE

8. CHAINS & SONGS

9. MIDI & CV

10. OTHER I/O

11. MISCELLANOUS

2. Configuration

The A4 contains 4 Voices, with 2 Osc, 2 Sub Osc and noise Osc per voice plus a ladder filter and a multimode filer each.

Voice 1 to 4

Voice X (x4). Parameter pages are shown

Ouput Section

OSC 1

Page 1

OSC 2

Page 1

Noise OSC

Osc1 Page 2

LADDER FILTER

MULTIMODE FILTER

Filter Page 1

Overdrive Distortion

1/2 Mod & Sync

Osc2 Page 2

Sub OSC 1 Page 1

Sub OSC 2 Page 1

AMP

VCA/PAN/ ENV/VOL

CHORUS

DELAY

REVERB

ENVF

Page 1

Modulation Section (Env & LFO)

External Routing (to FX Track)

ENVF

Page 1

2x ASSIGNABLE

DESTINATION

FILTER CUTOFF’s

FIXED DEST

ENV2

Page 2

2x ASSIGNABLE

DESTINATION

LFO1

Page 1

2x ASSIGNABLE

DESTINATION

LFO2

Page 2

2x ASSIGNABLE

DESTINATION

INPUT

Left

INPUT

Right

PAN

VOL

CHORUS

DELAY

REVERB

CHORUS

DELAY

REVERB

Song Structure

3.0 Global

Accessing Global Settings

Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB C2]

Navigating menus

1. Select Global Slot in global Menu

2. Use the [˄] and [˅] buttons (under the display) to navigate up and down the menu options

3. Use the [<] or [>] buttons to select each parameter setting for the selected option

4. Press [Yes /Save] to confirm / save the selection. Some parameters auto save and this selection isn’t required.

5. Press [No / Reload] to cancel and backup from menu

Track 1 (Synth)

Track 2 (Synth)

Track 3 (Synth)

Track 4 (Synth)

Track 5 (FX)

Track 6 (CV)

SONG

•

Series of Song

Rows incl Chains

•

Max 16 songs

•

Songs are

played row by row – top to

bottom

PATTERN

•

Trigs for Synth, CV &

FX + Trigless Locks

•

Parameter Locks

•

Trig Mutes

•

Accent. Swing &

Slide Trigs

•

ARP & Note

parameters Linked Kit info Track length / Time Signatures

BANK

8 Banks host 16

Pattern 1 (A01)

A02

A03

KIT

•

Up to 4 Sounds

(1 per track) plus CV and FX track. Max 128 kits.

•

Level Settings

•

Performance

mode parameters

•

Kits are linked to

patterns for sequencing

_ _: 1x

A02 A01 A02

00: 4x B01

01: 1x D04 A04

02: 2x H01

03: 1x A01 A02

CHAIN

•

Sequence of

patterns shown in a song row.

•

Max 64 chains are

available with 256 patterns

Global Slot Selection

Up to 4 storage slots are available to save global configurations

1. Select Global Mode

2. Select ‘Global Slot’ in the menu options

3. Use [<] or [>] to select the desired slot

4. The setting flashes until [Yes / Save] is pressed to confirm. Any global parameter changes will be stored in the selected slot

Synth Config Setup Not recommended to change

1. Select Global Mode

2. Select ‘Synth Config’ in the menu options

3. Press [Yes / Save] to select

4. Select the ‘Master Tune’ and use [<] or [>] to adjust (440Hz default)

5. Use [<] or [>] to select ‘Calibration’

6. ‘Calibration’ op up widow appears, select [Yes/Save] to start or [No/Reload] to cancel.

Other Options available in the GLOBAL settings (detailed elsewhere)

• Midi Config

• CV Config

• Sysex Dump

• OS Upgrade

4 Track & Sound Control

Track Configuration

Track 1- Synth Track, used for synth sounds per track Track 2- Synth Track, used for synth sounds per track Track 3- Synth Track, used for synth sounds per track Track 4- Synth Track, used for synth sounds per track Track 5- FX Track, used for effect send setup and external audio Track 6- CV Track, used for controlling external CV and Gate signals.

See Song Structure in Section 2

Loading a Sound to a Track

1. Select a track to edit (1-4) by pressing [Trk 1], [Trk 2], [Trk 3] or [Trk 4]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound

3. Select LOAD TRACK SOUND press [Yes/Save]

4. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse stored preset sounds

5. Select [Yes/Save] to load highlighted sound

1 Press [No/Reload] + [KEYBD D1] i.e. Sound for Quick Reload

Note: Sounds which are used in a sequencer pattern will show a step indicator to avoiding changing sounds used in other patterns

Track LED Status

LED to the right of the button indicates:

☼

Red

Selected for Edit Unmuted Audible

☼

Green

Deselected Unmuted Audible

☼

Amber

Selected for Edit Muted Inaudible

☼

Off

Deselected Muted Inaudible

Muting / Unmuting Tracks

Select [FUNCTION] + [Trk X] X = Track Number

Saving Sounds

1. Select a track with sound to store by pressing [Trk 1], etc

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound

3. Select SAVE TRACK SOUND press [Yes/Save]

4. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse to sound slot (max 128)

5. Select [Yes/Save] to store to highlighted sound slot

1 Press [YES/SAVE] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound for Quick Save

Renaming Sound

1. Select a track with sound to rename i.e. [Trk 1], etc

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound

3. Select RENAME SOUND press [Yes/Save]

4. Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change character

5. Use [<] [>] buttons to change text position

6. Press [Yes/Save] to store new name

Clear Sound from a Track

1. Select a track with sound to clear i.e. [Trk 1], etc

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound

3. Select CLEAR TRACK SOUND press [Yes/Save]

4. Press [Yes/Save] to confirm or [No/Reload] to cancel

Clearing a Track

1. Select a track to clear i.e. [Trk 1], etc

2. Select GRID RECORDING Mode by pressing [REC]

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear : Press again to UNDO

Copying / Pasting Track

1. Select a track to Copy i.e. [Trk 1]

2. Select GRID RECORDING Mode by pressing [REC]

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [REC] i.e. Copy

4. Select a Destination Track i.e. [Trk 2]

5. Press [FUNCTION] + [STOP] i.e. Paste : Press again to UNDO

Adjusting Sound Settings

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Sound

2. Select SOUND SETTINGS, press [Yes/Save]

3. Scroll to desired setting;

• Oscillator Drift – Select to increase warmth by adding subtle pitch drift

• Legato Mode – Active = Envelopes not retriggered for overlapping

keyboard or midi notes. Does not affect sequencer notes.

• Portamento – Pitch Slide between notes (Midi / Keyboard) Note Slide is used for sequencer. ON / OFF / LEGATO (Overlapping notes only)

• Velocity to Vol. How midi velocity will affect volume. OFF / LOG (Logarithmic curve) / LIN (linear curve) / EXP (Exponential)

• Velocity Mod

• Pitch Bend

• Modulation Wheel

• Breath Controller

• Aftertouch

Playing a Sound

Use the Keyboard Keys to play a sound

C# D# E# F# G#

●● ●●●

○○○○○○○○

C1 D E F G A B C2

Use the

[˄] [˅] keys to move the keyboard octave up and down. Octave Led

on the left of the keyboard shows current position

Simulating a Chord Sound

1. Select ‘5th’ as Sub Oscilator Type This will play a note 7 semitones below when playing notes

Editing a Synth Sound

1. Select a track with sound to edit by pressing [Trk 1], etc

2. To change the Track level use (LEVEL) Control (Left hand bargraph on display shows set level)

3. Select PARAMETER page to edit [Osc1, Osc2, Filters, Amp, Env, LFO]

4. Display changes to show the selected parameter list. Where 2 pages exist pressing the PARAMETER again will change to page 2.

See configuration section to see location of sound parameters.

Adding FX to Sounds

Chorus, Delay and Reverb are available on the FX track. See the configuration section for order of effects.

1. Select a track with sound to edit by pressing [Trk 1], etc

2. Select the Amp section by pressing [AMP]

3. Adjust the control for (CHO) (DEL) (REV) to change the send amount.

4. Select the [FX] Track 5

5. Switch to the selected effect by pressing the [Chorus],[Delay], [Reverb] button (these are indicated in grey under the performance buttons)

6. Adjust the effect settings as desired.

Note: The chain of effects means that Chorus signal can be routed to Delay and Reverb, Delay signal can be routed to Reverb.

Quick Save & Reload of Track

1.Press [Yes/Save] + [KEYBD E1] i.e.Track for Quick Save

1. Press [No/Reload] + [KEYBD E1] i.e.Track for Quick Reload

Parameter Set

10 per page

Page No Bar

Level for Track

TUN FIN DET TRK LEV

WAV SUB PW SPD PWM

120

OSC1

1:1:1

■

_ _ : [

A01 ]

KIT

gggg----YAZOO

YAZOOYAZOO

YAZOO

OFF

OFFOFF

OFF

OSC1

A01

A01A01

A01

4.1. Envelopes and LFO’s

The A4 has a number of configurable modulation sources.

Track 1-4 Each Contains

• An output stage AMP Envelope per track.

• 2 Configurable and routable modulation envelopes per track, ENVF and ENV2.

• The first envelope ENVF also by default is linked to the 2 Filter’s cutoff.

• Each Envelope as 2 assignable modulation destinations.

• T2 LFO’s per track are also configurable and routable to 2 destinations each.

• These modulation sources form part of the synth track section and therefore are saved

with the sounds.

FX Track contains

• 2 Additional LFO’s (each with 2 destinations) dedicated to modulating the FX track parameters.

• These modulation sources form part of a kit and therefore are saved with the kit.

Adjusting Amp Output section Envelope

1. Select the Track to Adjust eg [Trk 1]

2. Press [Amp] performance button to select the Amplifier output parameters

3. Adjust the ADSR and Shape setting as required.

Assigning an Envelope to a track sound

1. Select Track to adjust eg [Trk 1]

2. Select sound Envelopes by pressing performance button [Env]

3. Press [Env] button to toggle Page 1, ENVF and Page 2 ENV2 to the desired envelope.

4. Use control (G) or (I) to select Envelope destination

5. Adjust (H) or (J) to change depth i.e. amount of envelope used to modulate the selected destination

6. Adjust the other Envelope parameters ADSR etc as desired

Assigning an LFO to a track sound

1. Select desired Track to adjust eg [Trk 1]

2. Select LFO by pressing performance button [LFO]

3. Press [LFO] button to toggle Page 1, LFO1 and Page 2 LFO2

4. Use control (G) or (I) to select LFO destination

5. Adjust (H) or (J) to change depth i.e. amount of LFO used to modulate the selected destination

6. Adjust the other LFO parameters Speed, Wav etc as desired

Assigning an LFO to the FX track

1. Select FX Track to adjust [FX]

2. Select LFO by pressing performance button [LFO]

3. Press [LFO] button to toggle Page 1, LFO1 and Page 2 LFO2

4. Use control (G) or (I) to select LFO destination (FX Specific)

5. Adjust (H) or (J) to change depth i.e. amount of LFO used to modulate the selected destination

6. Adjust the other LFO parameters Speed, Wav etc as desired

5. KITS

A Kit is a combination of all 4 synth track sounds, FX and CV Tracks, Level Settings and Performance mode parameters. Kits do not necessarily need to contain any sounds. but sound settings are saved with kits. A pattern is always ‘linked’ to a kit. A maximum of 128 Kits can be stored.

Kit Information

The Loaded Kit is displayed on the left of the display. The kit name will briefly change when a new track is selected to show the track sound

Loading a Kit

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB C1] i.e. Kit

2. Select LOAD KIT press [Yes/Save]

3. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse stored kits

4. Select [Yes/Save] to load highlighted sound

1 Press [No/Reload] + [KEYBD C1] i.e Kit for Quick Reload

Note: Small Circles are shown next to kits which are not used in a pattern

Reloading Kit to default saved status

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB C1] i.e. Kit

2. Select RELOAD

3. Use [<][>] to cycle Current Kit (KIT) or (ALL KITS)

4. Press [Yes/Save]

Saving Kits

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Kit

2. Select SAVE KIT press [Yes/Save]

3. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse to a kit slot to save the new kit to (max 128)

4. Select [Yes/Save]

5. The Naming Menu Opens to create a name for the saved kit. Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change character

6. Use [<] [>] buttons to change text position

7. Press [Yes/Save] to store new name

Press [YES/SAVE] + [KEYB C1] i.e.Kit for Quick Save

Note: Kit will be saved, linked to the currently selected pattern

Clearing Content of Current Kit (Initialize)

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Kit

2. Select CLEAR KIT press [Yes/Save]

3. Select [Yes/Save] to confirm

TUN FIN DET TRK LEV

WAV SUB PW SPD PWM

120

OSC1

1:1:1

■

_ _ : [

A01 ]

KIT

gggg----YAZOO

YAZOOYAZOO

YAZOO

OFF

OFFOFF

OFF

OSC1

A01

A01A01

A01

Renaming Kit

Open Kit to be renamed and save it to its current location which allows renaming at point of saving.

Copying / Pasting Kits

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB D1] i.e. Kit

2. Select the LOAD KIT or SAVE KIT Option, press [Yes/Save]

3. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse to a kit slot to Copy from and press [FUNCTION] + [REC] i.e. Copy

4. Use (LEVEL) control or [<] [>] buttons to browse to a kit slot to Paste to and press [FUNCTION] + [STOP] i.e. Paste

5. Select [Yes/Save] to confirm

6. SEQUENCER

The Sequencer is the tool for creating and editing patterns which control the synth, FX and CV playback. 16 patterns can be stored in one of 8 banks (A-H) giving a total of 128 Patterns. Adjustments in patterns are automatically saved.

Definitions

Note Trig

A Step in the pattern that triggers a note in the synth to create a melody or beat.

Step LED ☼ Fully Lit

Steps not configured to trig are shown off ☼

Trigless Locks

A Step in the pattern that does not trigger a note but triggers a parameter change (parameter lock)

Step LED ☼ Half Lit

Steps not configured to trig are shown off ☼

Parameter Locks

Allows unique setting of parameters for each trig. Can be used for Note and Trigless locks.

Sound Locks

Allows different sounds to be set for each sequencer step.

Overview of Sequencer

Pages are activated using the [Page] Button in Grid [REC] Edit Mode. [FUNCTION] + [Page] to Set up Grid / Scale settings

Steps – Trigs set for each step by selecting [TRIG] button

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○

Page

● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○

Page

● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○

Page

● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○ ● ○ ○ ○

Page

Selecting a Pattern

1. Press [Bank Group] to select the group from which to choose a pattern. Toggling the [Bank Group] switches between bank groups A-D and E-F.

2. Press [Bank A/E] or [Bank B/F] or [Bank C/G] or [Bank D/H] to select the desired bank. Example Shows Bank E selected.

3. The Trig Key LEDs will illuminate half bright ☼ for a few seconds where a pattern is loaded. Currently loaded pattern LED will show fully lit ☼

4. Select a pattern, while the Trig LEDs are illuminated, by pressing one of the illuminated [TRIG] buttons. The Pattern is then loaded and indicated on the display.

Patterns are named by the Bank + Trig Location, i.e. A01, E16 etc

Playing Pattern

1. Press [PLAY] to play the track

2. Select [STOP] to stop playback

3. To Stop all FXs and kill sounds press [STOP] [STOP]

Transport status is shown on the display

Pausing Playback

1. Press [PLAY] to Play the sequencer

2. Press [PLAY] while its running to Pause the sequencer

3. Press [PLAY] again to continue playback from paused position

Setting Tempo

1. Press [TEMPO] Button, Current Tempo is displayed

2. Use (LEVEL) control in units or [˄] [˅] buttons to adjust decimal setting.

Tempo is shown on the main display

Temporary Tempo Shift

1. Press [<] or [>] to shift Tempo +/-10% during playback or tempo setting

Immediately Change Patterns to beginning during playback (Direct Start Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Red ☼ ‘Pattern Mode’ LED indicates Direct Start mode is selected.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start straight away from beginning

A B C D ☼

E F G H ☼

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

TUN FIN DET TRK LEV

WAV SUB PW SPD PWM

120

OSC1

1:1:1

■

_ _ : [

A01 ]

KIT

gggg----YAZOO

YAZOOYAZOO

YAZOO

OFF

OFFOFF

OFF

OSC1

A01

A01A01

A01

Immediately Change Patterns at same step during playback (Direct Jump Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Yellow ☼ LED ‘Pattern Mode’ indicates Direct Start mode is selected.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start at the same synchronised step to the previous playing pattern.

Change Pattern at the end of current pattern to start of new (Sequential Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Off ☼ ‘Pattern Mode’ LED indicates Sequential (default) mode.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start at the end of the current pattern.

Saving a Pattern

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB F1] i.e. Pattern

2. Select the SAVE PATTERN option

3. Press [Yes/Save] – Pattern is saved

1 Press [Yes/Save] + [KEYBD F1] i.e. Pattern for Quick Save

Reload an active Pattern

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB F1] i.e. Pattern

2. Select the RELOAD PATTERN option

3. Press [Yes/Save] – Pattern is saved

1 Press [No/Reload] + [KEYBD F1] i.e. Pattern for Quick Reload

Clearing a Pattern

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear. Hold Until Timeout Window clears

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear again to UNDO Clear (if undo possible is shown on the display)

Copying and Pasting Pattern

1. Select Pattern to Copy

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [REC] i.e. Copy; to copy current pattern

3. Navigate using [BANK GROUP] & [BANK] + [TRIG] to select a destination pattern slot

4. Press [FUNCTION] + [STOP] i.e. Paste, Hold until Timeout window clears

6.1 Creating and Editing a Basic Pattern

Composing a basic Pattern using Grid Mode

1. Select the track to add a sound for a pattern i.e. [Trk 1]

2. Enter GRID RECORDING Mode by pressing the [REC] transport button. The REC Led lights red ☼ and Rec ● is displayed on the main display.

3. Select the step page to edit (16 steps per page, 4 pages max) using the [Page] button (see Scale). The selected page is shown by the fully lit LED.

4. Select the steps [TRIG] buttons for a desired NOTE TRIGs. Pressing a Keyboard note first or as well as a TRIG will add Note Trigs. Step LED lights fully for the step.

5. Press [FUNCTION] + [TRIG] for a TRIGLESS LOCK on a step. Step LED is shown half lit.

6. Press [PLAY] to listen to the sequence

Shifting Sequence Steps (Grid Mode)

1. When in GRID mode (i.e. REC )Press [FUNCTION] + [<] or [>] to shift one step each press back and forth

Composing a basic Pattern using Live Recording Mode

1. Select the track to add a sound for a pattern i.e. [Trk 1]

2. Press [REC] + [PLAY] Buttons

3. Sequence plays and is set to record. The Main display shows Rec ● and Play ► and the REC LED Flashes in time with sequence.

4. Play the [KEYBD] Keyboard Keys in real time to record notes

5. To Erase notes in realtime press [TrkX] + [NO/RELOAD]. The trig step triggered while erasing will delete the trig.

Multiple [Trk] Tracks can be pressed and erased

6. Press [STOP] to stop recording AND playback. or

6. Press [PLAY] to keep sequencer playing but stop / exit recording mode.

Note: live recording uses micro timing quantize in GLOBAL -> Sequencer Config section

Setting Micro Timing of Trig Quantize in Grid Mode

1. Press [REC] to enter the GRID MODE

2. Press and hold a [TRIG] Key

3. Use [<] or [>] to adjust the TRIG uTM setting

1. Press [REC] for GRID MODE

2. Press [NOTE] setting button

3. Press and hold a [TRIG] key

3. Adjust (D) to tune Quantize uTM

1 2 3 4

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Quantize notes destructively while recording

1. While recording press [FUNCTION] + Press Encoder (D)

Immediately Change Patterns to beginning during playback (Direct Start Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Red ☼ ‘Pattern Mode’ LED indicates Direct Start mode is selected.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start straight away from beginning

Immediately Change Patterns at same step during playback (Direct Jump Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Yellow ☼ LED ‘Pattern Mode’ indicates Direct Start mode is selected.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start at the same synchronised step to the previous playing pattern.

Change Pattern at the end of current pattern to start of new (Sequential Pattern Mode)

1. Press and toggle [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP]

2. Off ☼ ‘Pattern Mode’ LED indicates Sequential (default) mode.

3. Select a new pattern. The pattern will start at the end of the current pattern.

Copying / Pasting a Sequencer Track Page

1. Select Track eg [Trk 1]

2. Select GRID MODE by pressing [REC]

3. Select Track Page [Page]

4. Copy Page by Pressing [Page] + [REC] i.e. Copy

5. Select Destination Page, [Page]

6. Press [Page] + [STOP] i.e. Paste: Press Again for Undo

Clearing Sequencer Track Page

1. Select Track eg [Trk 1]

2. Select GRID MODE by pressing [REC]

3. Select Track Page [Page]

4. Clear by Pressing [Page] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear: Press Again for Undo

Setting Length and timing of all track patterns (SCALE MENU - Normal Mode)

1. Select SCALE MENU by [FUNCTION] + [Page]

2. Select [<] or [>] to select and highlight SCALE section (lower bar indicates area selected)

3. Select [˄] or [˅] to Select the NORM check box (Normal mode). All track lengths are the same in Normal mode.

4. Select [<] or [>] to select and highlight PATTERN section, Left number = Number of Steps Selected i.e. 64/64. Note: 16 steps per page of the seq.

5. Use (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] to adjust setting

6. Select [>] to move to right number, i.e. Total Step length 64/64 (16,32,48,64 are the available options)

7. Use (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] to adjust setting

8. Change Time Signature with far right most number (options are 1/8X, 1/4X, 1/2X, 3/4X, 1X, 3/2X, 2X). Select [>] to move to far right number

9. Use [˄] or [˅] to select time signature

Note: Extending Patterns will also copy over the existing trigs

Quickly Changing Total Pattern Length

1. Select SCALE MENU by [FUNCTION] + [Page]

2. Press [Page] to toggle through selected pattern length. Page LEDs indicate Pattern length

Quickly Changing Pattern Steps

1. Select SCALE MENU by [FUNCTION] + [Page]

2. Press [TRIG] at selected step length position. Trig LEDs indicate step length

Setting Length of individual track patterns (SCALE MENU

- Advanced Mode)

1. Select Track eg [Trk 1] to adjust

2. Select SCALE MENU by [FUNCTION] + [Page]

3. Select [<] or [>] to select and highlight SCALE section (lower bar indicates area selected)

4. Select [˄] or [˅] to Select the ADV check box (Advanced mode). All track lengths can be set individually.

5. Select [<] or [>] to select and highlight TRACK section.

6. Adjust Steps and Length as per Normal mode above.

7. Select [<] or [>] to select and highlight MASTER section.

8. The First (left) number in this section indicates the total steps played before track restarts. Adjust using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅]

9. The Second (right) number is the Master time signature

10. Select another track and follow same process for other Tracks

Note: Chained patterns are affected by this setting. Also the INF setting (infinitely) will affect how this is.

Setting up a Click track (internal metronome)

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYB A1] i.e Click

2. Use [˄] or [˅] to navigate to selection

3. Use [<] or [>] to activate or deactivate metronome

4. Adjust TIME SIG NUMerator setting i.e. 4/4 (note measure)

5. Adjust TIME SIG DENominator setting i.e. 4/4 (beat measure)

6. Adjust PREROLL. Sets LIVE RECORDING mode count in, i.e.bars metronome sounds before sequence starts

7. Adjust VOLUME of metronome.

Quick start of Metronome

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD A1] [KEYBD A1] i.e. Click, twice to toggle metronome ON/OFF

6.2 Advanced Pattern Settings

NOTE Menu

The NOTE Menu [NOTE] allows control of the note settings for the active track and are used for the TRIGs. These are not stored with Kits.

These are typically used as default settings for generating a number of Trigs. For example changing the Length will allow trigs to be set using the new length.

Settings are:

NOT - Note Value VEL - Velocity LEN - Length uTM – Micro Timing, i.e. nudges Trig forward and back ENV – Controls if the ENVF Envelope should be retriggered when a new trig is activated ENV – Controls if the ENV2 Envelope should be retriggered when a new trig is activated LFO – Controls if the LFO1 Envelope should be retriggered when a new trig is activated LFO – Controls if the LFO2 Envelope should be retriggered when a new trig is activated

Enabling Track Transpose

1. Select Track i.e. [Trk 1]

2. Ensure ‘Track Transposable’ setting allows track to be transposed, i.e. [FUNCTION] + [Note]

3. Use [˄] or [˅] to navigate to ‘TRK X TRANSPOSABLE’

4. Use [<] or [>] to activate or deactivate

5. Check affected Track can be transposed using [TRANSPOSE] + [Trk X]

1. Select [TRANSPOSE] + [Trk X] to quickly select a track to transpose

With [TRANSPOSE] Pressed the Transposable Tracks are show fully lit LED ☼

Quickly Activating Transpose for a track

1. Select Track [Trk X] 2 Press and hold [TRANSPOSE]

3. Press [KEYBD X] any key, to perform the actual transposition

Note: Half lit ☼ TRANSPOSE LED indicates an active transpose in place

Locking Transpose mode

1. Select Track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [TRANSPOSE], Transpose LED remains lit ☼

3. Press [KEYBD X] any key, to perform the actual transposition

Note: Trigs cannot be set with the keyboard when transpose is locked.

Clearing Transpose Keys 1. Press [TRANSPOSE] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear

Changing Octave range of keyboard

1. Use [˄] or [˅] to adjust octave range, keyboard octave led ☼ reflects value

Destructing transpose (permanent transposition of trigs)

1. Select [Trk X] + [˄] or [˅]

Note: Transpose active is not needed for this function

Adjusting Pattern Swing

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD B1] i.e. Swing

2. Use (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] to adjust swing % from 50% to 80%

Setting a tracks mute mask per Trig (TRIG MUTE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP A/E] i.e. Trig Mute

3. Press the [TRIG] of the step to mute, LED lights fully ☼ for Muted Trigs in TRIG MUTE mode

Quick Mute of Trigs (TRIG MUTE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Select and Press Desired [TRIG] + [BANK GROUP A/E] i.e. Trig Mute

Bank A/E LED is Lit ☼ when TRIG is pressed if a Mute is in place

Clearing a tracks mute masks (TRIG MUTE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP A/E] i.e. Trig Mute

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear

Setting a Trig’s Vol / Filter ENVF Behaviour (ACCENT)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP B/F] i.e. Accent

3. Adjust the (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] to change setting (0-127), higher value means more accentuation.

4. Select [TRIG]s to be accentuated, which show fully lit ☼ in Accent mode

DEP Parameter in Filter ENVF affects amount of accent

Quick Vol / Filter Env Accent of Trigs (ACCENT)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Select and Press Desired [TRIG] + [BANK GROUP B/F] i.e. Accent

Bank B/F LED is Lit ☼ when TRIG is pressed if a Accent is in place

Clearing a tracks Vol / Filter Accents (ACCENT)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP B/F] i.e. Accent

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear

Sliding Notes between each other (NOTE SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP C/G] i.e. Note Slide

3. Select [TRIG]s to place a note slide, which show fully lit ☼ in Note Slide mode

Pitch slides from note prior to the selected Note Slide Trig

SLI Parameter in OSC2 affects speed of slide

Quick Note Slide between each other (NOTE SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Select and Press Desired [TRIG] + [BANK GROUP C/G] i.e. Note Slide

Bank C/G LED is Lit ☼ when TRIG is pressed if a Note Slide is in place

Clearing a tracks Note Slide (NOTE SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP C/G] i.e. Note Slide

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear

Sliding Parameters between each other (PARAMETER SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP D/H] i.e. Parameter Slide

3. Set a Parameter Lock on a desired TRIG (see Parameter Lock Section)

4. Select [TRIG]s to place a parameter slide, which show fully lit ☼ in Parameter Slide mode

Parameter slides from a parameter lock to unlocked and vice versa (one must be a parameter lock)

speed of slide is affected by current tempo

Quick Parameter Slide between each other (PARAMETER SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Select and Press Desired [TRIG] + [BANK GROUP D/H] i.e. Parameter Slide

Bank D/H LED is Lit ☼ when TRIG is pressed if a Parameter Slide is in place

Clearing a tracks Parameter Slide (PARAMETER SLIDE)

1. Select track [Trk X]

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK GROUP D/H] i.e. Parameter Slide

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear

6.3 Advanced Sound Pattern Design – Parameter & Sound Locks

Up to 128 different parameters can be locked in a pattern. All Parameters in the parameter pages, ARP and NOTE menus can be locked. Actual Parameters must be adjusted not performance controls.

Assigning a different sound per Trig (SOUND LOCK)

1. Select Desired Track [Trk X]

2. Set to GRID MODE by pressing [REC], Rec LED lit

3. Press and Hold the selected Trig [TRIG]

4. Adjust the (LEVEL) Controller to select a new sound. The available sounds appear in the browser on the left of the screen

5. Release the [TRIG] button and the sound is assigned to the Trig.

6. The Trig LED ☼ will Flash and by pressing and holding the [TRIG] button the selected sound is displayed.

Adjusting the parameters per Trig in GRID Mode (PARAMETER LOCK)

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Select GRID MODE by pressing [REC], Rec LED Lit

3. Press and Hold the selected Trig button [TRIG]

4. Adjust the Parameter using one of the DATA ENTRY Controls (A)-(J).

5. The Selected / Adjusted (locked) Parameter will indicate the value and display inverted while the Trig button is pressed.

6. The Trig LED ☼ will Flash and by pressing and holding the [TRIG] button the selected parameter is displayed and inverted.

Clearing individual parameters per Trig in GRID Mode (PARAMETER LOCK)

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Select GRID MODE by pressing [REC], Rec LED Lit

3. Press and Hold the selected Trig button [TRIG]

4. PRESS the DATA ENTRY Control (A)-(J) of the Parameter to clear

Trigs removed and re-entered also removes locks

Clearing all locked parameters in GRID Mode (PARAMETER LOCK)

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Select GRID MODE by pressing [REC], Rec LED Lit

3. Press and Hold the selected Trig button [TRIG] (or select multiple Trigs)

4. PRESS [PLAY] i.e. Clear

Adjusting the parameters per Trig in LIVE Mode (PARAMETER LOCK)

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Select LIVE RECORDING MODE by pressing [REC] + [PLAY], Rec LED Flashes

3. Adjust the Parameter using one of the DATA ENTRY Controls (A)-(J). Parameters per trig change as the control is adjusted through each step

Clearing locked parameters in LIVE Mode (PARAMETER LOCK)

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Select LIVE RECORDING MODE by pressing [REC] + [PLAY], Rec LED Flashes

3. Press and Hold the [FUNCTION] + [NO/RELOAD] over the period of the track to erase

Also switching to GRID mode allows individual erasure

6.5. Arpeggiator

The A4 has an Arpeggiator per track i.e. Total of 6, the settings of which form part of the pattern. These are not stored with the kit.

ARP MENU. Setting Note Playback of Arp

1. Select Desired Track [Trk X]

2. Open Arpeggiator Setup Menu,by pressing [ARP] button

3. Functions available are:-

MOD – Mode (OFF, TRU – Playback as per order entered, UP – ascending order, DWN – Descending order, CYC – Ascending then descending order, SHF – Random over octave range (set by RNG), RND – randomized notes.

SPD – Speed of Arp, sync’ed to tempo. RNG – Octave Range LEG – Legato control. ON – Plays overlapping notes, releasing old after new note. OFF – Sends MIDI note off before start of each arp note. LEN – Length of Arp notes NO2, NO3, NO4 – Offset in semitones for 3 arp notes (TRK KEY SCALE / TRK KEY NOTE in NOTES SETUP affect this setting)

Creating a ARP Sequence

1. Select Track (Trk X]

2. Set up ARP Settings as above.

2. Open Arpeggiator – [FUNCTION] + [ARP], Track is indicated on the left of display.

3. Set Length using Controller (E), Max length is 16.

4. Press [TRIG] buttons to select the desired ARP note (indicated on central display)

5. Press and hold [TRIG] + (A) Control to adjust trig offset. button to select the desired ARP note (indicated on central display)

7. Performance Mode

Performance mode is a powerful facility where up to 5 parameters, from any of the tracks, can be assigned to one single macro controller. A maximum of 10 performance macros are available, each assigned to a Data Entry knob (A) – (J). The Macro knob by default is 0-127 range, but bipolar settings are also possible. Performance mode settings are saved with the kit. Performance macros cannot be parameter locked.

Setting up a Performance Macro Controller

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [Perf] to enter Performance Menu

2. Select PERF CONFIGURE option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select a desired DATA ENTRY knob to control the macro by turning the selected knob or [˄] or [˅] and pressing [YES/SAVE] . These are named in the menu alongside the controller (A)-(J).

4. Set Parameter 1 (Use Controllers A & F)

• Press (A) to cycle through Track selections to desired track

• Turn (A) to select the chosen tracks parameter

• Turn (F) to select the depth (offset) of the original track value

5. Repeat Step 4 for the other 4 parameters, use controller B/G for Param 2, C/H for Param 3, D/I for Param 4, E/J for Param 5.

6. Press [YES/SAVE] to complete the setting

Naming / Renaming a Performance Control Macro

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [Perf] to enter Performance Menu

2. Select PERF RENAME option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select a desired DATA ENTRY knob to rename by turning the selected knob or [˄] or [˅] and pressing [YES/SAVE]

4. Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change character

5. Use [<] [>] buttons to change text position

6. Press [Yes/Save] to store new name

Setting Performance Macro knob to Bipolar (-64 to +63) mode

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [Perf] to enter Performance Menu

2. Select PERF CONFIGURE option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. In Edit mode, Press the (LEVEL) control until BiPolar is selected

Using the 5 Track mixer

1. Press [Perf] [Perf] to select Performance mode page 2, Perf LED lit dim.

2. Adjust The Track Levels using Track 1 = (A), Track 2 = (B), Track 3 = (C), Track 4 =(D) and Track 5 = (E)

Using the Track Mutes for immediate muting

1. Press [Perf] to select Performance mode.

2. Use Grid [Trig] 1-6 button to toggle Mute tracks.

3. Track LEDs also indicate the muted state as well as the display which shows a – for a muted track and a □ for playable track. The Trig LED also is

off when muted

Using the Track Mutes for delayed muting

1. Press [Perf] to select Performance mode.

2. Hold Grid [FUNCTION] + [Trig] 1-6 button to toggle Mute tracks in a delayed fashion. Muted / Unmuted when key is released.

3. Tracks to be muted display with a X and those to be unmuted with a +

8. Chains & Songs

Chains:Sequences of several patterns

Songs:Patterns and Chains structured in sequence to form a full song.

One Song is always active. Songs contain Song Rows (shown by row number i.e. 00,01,03 etc) and Scratch Pad Row (shown by _ _ )

Typical Workflow in structuring a Song

• Create or select sounds and assign to tracks, creating a Kit

• Develop a pattern sequence per track (Trigs, Locks etc)

• Set up and save patterns in banks. These will be referenced as

Bank + Pattern i.e. A01, B05 etc

• Use Patterns to build chains i.e. series of Patterns

• Configure series of chains for the song structure

• Mix and playback

Playback of Song

Editing a CHAIN

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select Option EDIT to modify an existing Song (may be cleared if a blank song is required). Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

1. Press [FUNCTION] + [SONG] i.e Edit

3. Song Structure appears with highlighted current pattern.

4. To insert a new Pattern, navigate to location before or after a pattern using [˄],[˅],[<],[>] (Highlighting a pattern will mean the pattern will be replaced rather than inserted)

5. Select [Bank Group] desired

6. Select [Bank X/X] + [TRIG] of Pattern to add to chain.

7. Pattern now appears in the chain at the desired location.

8. Navigate to the 1x (or cycle number) and adjust control (A) to set the number of chain cycles required in the song

_ _: 1x A02

A01 A02

00: 4x B01

01: 1x D04 A04

02: 2x H01

03: 1x A01 A02

Chain Mode Plays in Sequence Left to Rig

1x, 2x etc indicates number of times chain plays before moving to next song row

Song Mode Plays in numerical order, top to bottom

Current Pattern is highlighted as its played

A02

Clear a CHAIN

1. Enter Song mode as shown in the ‘edit chain’ section.

2. Select the cycle setting number (i.e. 1x), number is highlighted with a box when selected

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [PLAY] i.e. Clear : Undo function by repeating

Clearing single pattern from a Chain

1. Enter Song mode as shown in the ‘edit chain’ section.

2. Select the Pattern to Clear (i.e. A01), number is highlighted with a white box when selected

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [No/Reload]

Adding a new, blank scratch pad row

1. Enter Song mode as shown in the ‘edit chain’ section.

2. Hold Grid [FUNCTION] + [CHAIN] i.e. new.

3. A new scratch pad row will be added and the previous one will form a song row and added as 00. The current pattern will by default be the first pattern in the chain.

Quick Pattern entry

1. In the standard page view a pattern can be entered into the currently selected chain slot. Pressing [CHAIN] + [<],[>] will move the position as indicated in the bottom left of the display

2. Select [Bank Group] desired

3. Select [Bank X/X] + [TRIG] of Pattern to add to chain.

4. Pattern now appears in the chain at the selected location. Need to change to Song view to see the full song structure.

Copying / Pasting Chains

1. Enter Song mode as shown in the ‘edit chain’ section.

2. To select the copy chain, a good method is to select the cycle setting number (i.e. 1x), number is highlighted with a box when selected

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [REC] i.e. Copy

4. Select the destination row i.e. the cycle setting number

3. Press [FUNCTION] + [STOP] i.e. Paste : Undo function by repeating

Play back modes for CHAINs and SONGs

Playback Configuration

CHAIN MODE

[CHAIN]

SONG MODE

[SONG]

Playback Action

OFF

☼

OFF

☼

Current Pattern is played repeatedly

☼

OFF

☼

Current Chain is played in sequence repeatedly

OFF

☼

Song Plays through all rows (incl scratch pad) then stops. Pressing [STOP][STOP] to return to the start position

On standard screen Row and Pattern are displayed bottom right corner Song & Chain Modes cannot be selected together

Song Display

►120.0

120.0120.0

120.0

Transport Status and BPM Tempo

0001:1

0001:10001:1

0001:1

Bars & Beats Played

----------------

TTTT––––64

6464

Pattern Transpose Offset

□□- □□□

Pattern Mute Status (Shows Track Muted)

- - - - : -

Start position of Next or Selected Pattern

Navigating Song Rows and Patterns

• Use (LEVEL) or [˄],[˅] to Navigate Up and down the Song

•

Use [<],[>] to navigate across rows

•

Songs can be played from any position after selecting a pattern and pressing [PLAY]

Adding a new Song Row

1. Select the row to enter a new row below

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [Yes/Save], new row is inserted below selected row, Pattern A01 is added by default.

Adding Chains and Patterns See the edit Chain section for adding patterns and chains

Rearranging a Pattern in a Chain

1. Select the pattern to move (highlight dark)

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [<] or [>] to move the pattern

Rearranging a Song Row in a Song

1. Select the row to move (pattern highlight dark)

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [˅] or [˄] to move the pattern

Adding Mutes to Patterns

1. In Song Mode, Select (Highlight) Pattern to Mute

2. Press [FUNCTION] + [Trk X] for the track to mute for the selected pattern Display shows muted track in bottom right corner when pattern is selected

Transposing a Pattern

1. In Song Mode, Select (Highlight) Pattern to Transpose

2. Press [TRANSPOSE] + [KEYBD X] for the new note setting for the selected pattern Display shows transpose pos in bottom right corner when pattern is selected

Saving a Song

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select Option SAVE using (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

3. Select a Song Slot to save to using (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

1. Press [Yes/Save] + [KEYDB G1] to save to existing location

Reloading active song (restore to saved version)

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select Option RELOAD using (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

1. Press [No/Reload] + [KEYDB G1] to reload

Loading a new song

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select Option LOAD using (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

3. Select a Song to Load and press [Yes/Save] to load

Clearing active song

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select Option CLEAR using (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] and [Yes/Save] to select.

3. Press [Yes/Save] to confirm

Renaming a Song

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD G1] i.e. Song to enter Song Menu

2. Select RENAME option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change character

4. Use [<] [>] buttons to change text position

5. Press [Yes/Save] to store new name

9. MIDI & CV

The A4 Has MIDI IN, OUT and THRU as well as 2 dual CV Outputs (A&B, C&D) for connecting to external devices.

9.1 MIDI Configuration

Setting MIDI Synchronization (Transport & Clock)

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select MIDI CONFIG option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select MIDI SYNC option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

4. Set up Configuration Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change parameter and [<] [>] buttons to change status.

• CLOCK RECEIVE,  = Accept External MIDI Clock

• CLOCK SEND,  = Send A4 MIDI Clock

• TRANSPORT RECEIVE,  = Accept MIDI System real time

messages (i.e. Play, Stop etc)

• TRANSPORT SEND,  = A4 Sends MIDI System real time messages (i.e. Play, Stop etc)

• PROG CH RECEIVE,  = Accept MIDI Control of Pattern Change / Queue

• PROG CH SEND,  = A4 Sends MIDI Control of Pattern Change / Queue

Setting the MIDI Port

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select MIDI CONFIG option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select MIDI PORT CONFIG option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

4. Set up Configuration Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change parameter and [<] [>] buttons to change status.

• TURBO SPEED,  = MIDI Transfer Multiplier (MIDI IN/OUT) for compatible devices

• OUT PORT FUNC, MIDI = Send MIDI Data, DIN 24 Sync, DIN 48 Sync

• THRU PORT FUNC, Same As OUT PORT Settings

• INPUT FROM = DISABLED A4 disregards incoming MIDI, MIDI

Listens only to MIDI IN Port, USB listens only to USB Port MIDI, MIDI + USB Listens to both

• OUTPUT TO = DISABLED A4 sends no MIDI, MIDI sends only to MIDI IN Port, USB sends only to USB Port MIDI, MIDI + USB sends to both

• PARAM OUTPUT = OFF Data Entry knobs do not send MIDI data, NRPN Data Entry knobs send NRPN MIDI, CC Data Entry knobs Send CC MIDI.

• ENCODER CFG = INT No MIDI Data is sent from Level & Data Entry knobs, INT+EXT Level & Data Entry Sends MIDI

• KEYBOARD CFG = INT No MIDI Data is sent from Level & Data Entry knobs, INT+EXT Level & Data Entry Sends MIDI

• RECEIVE NOTES,  = External MIDI Keyboard Active

• RECEIVE CC/NRPM,  = External MIDI Device CC/NRPN Active

Setting Up MIDI Channels

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select MIDI CONFIG option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select MIDI CHANNELS option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

4. Set up Configuration Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change parameter and [<] [>] buttons to change status.

• TRACK 1 CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the tracks synth, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• TRACK 2 CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the tracks synth, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• TRACK 3 CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the tracks synth, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• TRACK 4 CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the tracks synth, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• TRACK FX CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the track FX, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• TRACK CV CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel to control the track CV, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• PERF CHANNEL, Selects the dedicated MIDI channel for sending performance knobs, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• AUTO CHANNEL, Selects the MIDI channel to control the currently active track for keyboard / performance knobs, OFF means incoming messages disregarded

• PROG CH IN CH, Selects the Channel for Program Change inputs (Pattern change)

• PROG CH OUT CH, Selects the Channel for Program Change outputs (Pattern change)

Sending MIDI DIN Sync

1. Press [PLAY] to start clock with a 2 millisecond delay to allow devices to react.

2. Press [STOP] and [STOP] again will prepare sync and hold clock until [PLAY] is pressed or a midi start message is sent (no delay)

9.2 CV Configuration

2 dual (AB)(CD) ¼” , Control Voltage / Gate outputs and a CV Track for control of the output are available on the A4.

CV / Gate Overview

Typically CV/Gate signals were used on traditional analogue synthesizers as a means to communicate with each other. MIDI later superseded CV, however CV/Gate functions have again become popular to allow communication with older and modular equipment and where improved resolution is required.

Although the implementation of CV can vary, it typically uses a mechanism of Voltage per Octave (1V per Octave) and Hertz per Volt as controls. The A4 Supports both as well as a linear control voltage output.

Gate is a pulsed output to trigger note events. Two types are typically used, Voltage Trigger (VTrig) and Short Circuit trigger (S-Trig)

NOTE: It is important to use the correctly wired connections and cables when using CV/MIDI for the selected configuration to ensure proper operation and to protect the integrity of any hardware equipment.

Setting CV / Gate Settings

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select CV CONFIG option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select CV x CONFIG (where x is the selected channel A,B,C or D) option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

1. Select [CV] i.e. CV Track

2. Select [FUNCTION] + [CV x] where x is the channel, A,B,C or D

3. Set up Configuration Use (LEVEL) control or [˄] [˅] buttons to change parameter and [<] [>] buttons to change status.

• TYPE, Type of Signal sent to the output, GROUNDED = Turns CV Off, PITCH V/OCT, PITCH HZ/OCT, VALUE LIN, TRIG Note Start Short Pulse, GATE Long Pulse at Note Duration.

See Table for further details

CV / GATE Settings

Function Parameter Parameter Parameter

PITCH V/OCT

MIDDLE C

Overall Pitch Tuning

V/OCT

Pitch width of signal

---

PITCH HZ/OCT

TUNING

overall Tuning of Pitch CV

OCTAVE WIDTH

Pitch width of signal

---

VALUE LIN

MIN

Lowest allowed voltage

level

MAX

Highest allowed voltage

level

---

TRIG

LENGTH

Length of Trig signals sent.

Allows adjustment to match

equipment that needs

longer pulses

POLARITY

Selects the polarity of trig

signals sent (V Trig or S

Trig) to match equipment

connected

LEVEL

Sets Trig levels in volts,

typically 5V is adequate.

GATE

---

9.3 CV Track

The CV Track parameters will change depending on what the CV Configuration for each channel is set to. Typically the parameters that are common are TUN / FIN for Course and Fine Tuning, VAL, Voltage Level of CV (Value Lin), SRC, Notes for Sending to CV Output.

Selecting CV Track

1. Select [CV] i.e. CV Track

2. Select [CV x] where x is the channel, A,B,C or D for the selected CV channel. Parameters shown will change depending upon CV Config.

Assigning Tracks to CV Output

1. Select [CV] i.e. CV Track

2. Select [CV x] where x is the channel, A,B,C or D.

3. Adjust (E) Controller for assigning Track 1-4, FX or CV to CV Output

Identifying Output Connection required

1. Select [CV] i.e. CV Track

2. Select [CV x] where x is the channel, A,B,C or D.

3. Plug indicator at the bottom of display shows the Tip or Ring flashing showing how the connection will send CV/Gate signals

10. Other I/O

Installing KITS using SYSEX

Requires connection to external Sysex source i.e. PC or MAC via MIDI / USB MIDI and a SYSEX File Utility e.g. Elektron’s C6 SysEx Tool

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select SYSEX DUMP option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select SYSEX RECEIVE

4. Select KIT and location to store downloaded KIT, using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

5. System Waits to receive data

Use a SysEx tool to send KIT file

Installing PATTERN, SOUND, GLOBAL Slot, SONG using SYSEX

Follow same process as for KIT above

Saving KITS using SYSEX

Requires connection to external Sysex source i.e. PC or MAC via MIDI / USB MIDI and a SYSEX File Utility e.g. Elektron’s C6 SysEx Tool

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select SYSEX DUMP option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

3. Select SYSEX SEND

4. Select KIT and location to save to PC, using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

5. System Waits to send data

Use a SysEx tool to receive KIT file

Saving PATTERN, SOUND, GLOBAL Slot, SONG using SYSEX

Follow same process as for KIT above

Upgrading OS

Requires connection to external Sysex source i.e. PC or MAC via MIDI / USB MIDI and a SYSEX File Utility e.g. Elektron’s C6 SysEx Tool

1. Select [FUNCTION] + [KEYBD C2] i.e. Global Mode

2. Select OS UPGRADE option using (LEVEL) or [˄] or [˅] and [YES/SAVE] to select

1. Press [FUNCTION] while turning on the power switch to the A4

2. Press [TRIG 4] for OS Upgrade and confirm

3. System Waits to receive data

4. Cancel with [No/Reload] if necessary

Use a SysEx tool to receive OS Update file. System Restarts when complete and OS Version is show on startup screen

Connecting an External Audio Signal

1. The A4 has 2 (L & R) ¼” Inputs for connecting an external audio signal that feed into the FX Track. (See Configuration Diagrams)

2. Select the FX Track by pressing [FX].

3. Press [Ext In] and the set up parameters appear on the display.

4. The Volume, Pan and FX Sends for Chorus, Delay and Reverb are adjustable for the External Input.

11. Miscellaneous

Test Mode

1. Press [FUNCTION] while turning on the power switch to the A4

2. Press [TRIG 1] for Test Mode

3. The Diagnostic results should show 0 Errors, UI [+] and NVRAM [+]. If errors occur contact Elektron.

Erasing ALL Kits, Patterns, Sounds and Songs

1. Press [FUNCTION] while turning on the power switch to the A4

2. Press [TRIG 2] for Empty Reset and confirm

3. All Kits, Patterns, Sounds and Songs are erased.

Factory Reset

1. Press [FUNCTION] while turning on the power switch to the A4

2. Press [TRIG 3] for Factory Reset and confirm

3. The unit will be restored to factory settings.

Electron ANALOG 4 Reference Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual