Elektron Analog 4 - Andy Raynor nh

Andy Raynor nh Analog Four

Consider making a track, any track. Generally you will need 4 (maybe more) elements. Drums and percussion, bass, lead and pads, keys or chords. In approaching making a traditional track we hold these truths to be self evident. In approaching production you may look at 4 (or more) instruments to accomplish this task. Instead as part of a Deadmau5 challenge as part of his masterclass, the challenge was to create a finished track using only one synth. andy raynor nh

Andy Raynor nh - the obvious conclusion for me was to leverage the Elektron Analog 4. For those unfamiliar the Analog four is a four voice multi timbral synth which uses the Elektron sequencer allowing the user to lock each step to a different "sound" per step. This essentially means you can have a different sound for each step of the sequencer so long as you don't go over the allowance of four voices, long reverb or delays within the track would be a potential problem. andy raynor nh

So in order to accomplish this challenge I built a drum kit out of mostly short envelope hit from the A4 - a bass drum, snare drum, open and closed high hats using a noise oscillator and bingo - instant drums. I can sequence all of these on track one of the 4 tracks. Leaving 3 voices for bass and leads.

The next track is a bass track - I engineer to bass sounds to accompany the drums using oscillator 1 triangle and some filter overdrive and low pass the sound until I get it right. Add a little chorus in the amp section and the bass sounds just right. I sequence this to track 2. Now I have a bit of a song going.

On to track 3 this is the melody track - I make a noisy lead using a saw and give it a short almost percussive envelope with delay and reverb. Then I sequence it and now I have a viable chorus of the song. From here I can just jam out with different patterns in an arrangement.

But wait - I still have a whole extra track! On this track I sequence some chords for pattern 1 - a sweeping transitional noise for 4 bars on pattern two and then a set of different chords on pattern 3. Presto instant intro, chorus and bridge parts and my song is basically complete.

This approach to music, using one instrument for all of the elements is a great way to more fully understand the features and limitations of any instrument and a fantastic thing to try!

Andy Raynor nh