Elektron Analog Four OS 1.55 Adds Euclidean Sequencer & Loops

TL;DR: Elektron has released OS 1.55 for the Analog Four (MKI, MKII, and Keys), adding a Euclidean sequencer mode with two algorithmic generators, page looping for focused editing, a Control All function for simultaneous parameter tweaks across all tracks, and an arpeggiator rotate function. It’s a free update that breathes new life into a synth first released in 2012.

• Euclidean sequencer mode: Two generators algorithmically distribute trig-like pulses across a sequence, allowing knob-twisting evolution of rhythm patterns.
• Page loop: Jump to and loop specific sequencer pages for focused editing, then de-loop when ready.
• Control All: Hold track and twist a parameter to control it simultaneously across all tracks, with easy recall to saved states.
• Arpeggiator rotate: Rotate offsets on arp sequences to break patterns and discover new melodic paths.
• Free for all Analog Four models: Available for MKI (2012), MKII, and Analog Keys, demonstrating Elektron’s long-term hardware support.

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The Euclidean Sequencer: Rhythmic Alchemy

We at Noxal have a soft spot for firmware updates that feel like a new instrument. The Analog Four OS 1.55 delivers exactly that, starting with the Euclidean sequencer mode. This isn’t just a checkbox feature; it’s a rhythmic playground. Two Euclidean generators algorithmically distribute trig-like pulses across a sequence, letting you add, subtract, and control their placement with a twist of a knob. The result? Patterns that subtly or dramatically shift, interlock, and evolve — all in real time.

I’ve spent many a late night with coffee and a sequencer, trying to coax movement out of static patterns. Euclidean generators do this effortlessly. They’re like having a drummer who’s both mathematical and unpredictable. Combine both generators, and you can create interlocking rhythms that feel alive. It’s the kind of feature that makes you rediscover a synth you thought you knew inside out.

For those who missed it, the Analog Rytm MKII got Euclidean sequencing earlier. Now it’s the Analog Four’s turn, and it fits beautifully. The Analog Four’s four analog voices, each with its own filter and envelope, become a polyrhythmic beast with this update. The Euclidean mode isn’t just for percussion; it works wonders on bass lines, pads, and leads, turning your sequences into evolving soundscapes.

Page Loop and Control All: Editing Reimagined

The page loop feature is one of those “why didn’t this exist before?” additions. It lets you instantly jump to the sequencer page you want to work in and loop it alongside any other specific pages. This means you can hang in one place, replay a section, and tweak until the sound is just right. When you’re satisfied, just de-loop and move on. It’s a workflow miracle for those of us who get lost in the weeds of micro-editing.

Then there’s Control All. Hold the track button and twist any parameter, and you control it simultaneously across all tracks. Want to drop the filter cutoff on every voice at once? Done. Want to sweep resonance across your entire mix? Easy. It’s a dangerous power — you can go off in whatever wild sonic direction surfaces — but the safety net is that you can always reload your saved state. I’ve already used it to create catastrophic happy accidents that turned into the backbone of a track.

These features aren’t just nice-to-haves; they fundamentally change how you interact with the Analog Four. Page loop makes editing surgical; Control All makes it chaotic in the best way. Together, they turn the Analog Four into a more fluid, more expressive instrument. We at Noxal appreciate when a company understands that workflow updates can be as valuable as new sound engines.

Arpeggiator Rotate and the Long Tail of Support

The arpeggiator rotate function is a smaller but welcome addition. It lets you rotate offsets in your arp sequence, ensuring it isn’t set in stone. This means you can find new melodic pathways without starting from scratch. It’s a subtle tool, but for those who live in arpeggiated textures, it’s like adding a new string to your bow.

But the real story here is Elektron’s commitment to older hardware. The Analog Four MKI was released in 2012 — that’s over a decade ago. And today, they’re releasing a free firmware update with major new features. I’m consistently impressed by this. It’s not just about customer loyalty; it’s about understanding that a synthesizer is a long-term relationship. Too many companies abandon products after a year or two. Elektron is showing that good support is a feature in itself.

There are a handful of other improvements — Save Trig to Sound is a nice little addition, plus various fixes — but the headline features are where the magic lies. The full changelog is on Elektron’s website, but trust us: this update is worth the download. It’s a reminder that firmware updates can be just as exciting as new hardware releases, especially when they transform how you work.

Who Should Care and What It Means

If you own an Analog Four MKI, MKII, or Analog Keys, this update is essential. It’s free, it’s substantial, and it will make you fall in love with your synth all over again. The Euclidean sequencer alone is worth the price of admission. The page loop and Control All are workflow game-changers. The arpeggiator rotate is the cherry on top.

For those who don’t own an Analog Four, this update might make you consider picking one up second-hand. The used market for Elektron gear is healthy, and with OS 1.55, the Analog Four is more capable than ever. It’s a four-voice analog synth with digital control, a powerful sequencer, and now, Euclidean rhythms. It competes with modern synths that cost twice as much. We at Noxal think this is a smart move: keep older gear relevant, and you keep your ecosystem alive.

This update also sets a precedent. If Elektron can do this for the Analog Four, what might they do for the Octatrack or the Monomachine? The answer is: we don’t know, but we’re hopeful. For now, Analog Four owners have a reason to fire up their synths and explore. And we at Noxal will be doing just that, coffee in hand, Euclidean patterns running wild.

I’ll be spending the weekend with the Analog Four, a fresh pot of coffee, and the Euclidean sequencer set to 5/4. My neighbours might not thank me, but my tracks will.