Analogue Solutions Generator - Complete Guide Part 1 - Basic setup and Gate Control

Published on Dec 13, 2018 Sounds From The Shed

"Part 1 of a series of videos on the Generator Sequencer Covering Basic Setup and Gate Control"

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The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Videos by Mark Doty aka AutomaticGainsay

Published on Aug 2, 2017 AutomaticGainsay

Please support videos like this and hundreds of others by becoming a patron of Automatic Gainsay on Patreon.com!
http://www.patreon.com/automaticgainsay

Playlist:

1. 01- The Analogue Solutions Fusebox- Introduction

"Here is a piece of music created with the new Analogue Solutions Fusebox. All of the tonal aspects were created with the Fusebox. The song is based on a live performance of the bass line using a combination of the Interval Generator and the Patternator. These two functions, when used together, can create extremely expressive, changing, and changeable sequences.
An entire series on the Fusebox is forthcoming.

Most of the drums in this song were sequenced on an Ensoniq EPS-16+ using a combination of drum samples from a variety of sources, including the Alesis SR-16.

Chords, melodies, harmonies, sound effects, automated arpeggiation, and one drum fill were all multitracked after-the-fact."

2. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 1: Oscillator 1

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of oscillator 1 on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox, a fully-analog three-oscillator monosynth."

3. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 2: Oscillator 2

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of oscillator 2 on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox, a fully-analog three-oscillator monosynth."

4. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 3: Oscillator 3-LFO 2

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the 3rd oscillator on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox synthesizer."

5. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 4: Filter Types

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the filter present on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox."

6. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 5: Filter Functions

"Here is a demonstration of the sound of the functionality associated with the filter of the Analogue Solutions Fusebox synthesizer."

7. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 6: Mixing

"Here is a demonstration of the Mixing functionality present on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox."

8. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 7: Low Frequency Oscillator

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the LFO present on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox."

9. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 8: The Patternator

"Here is a demonstration of the functionality and resultant musical effects of the Patternator function on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox. The Patternator is the combination of a four-step CV sequencer with an 8-step gate sequencer."

10. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 9: Envelopes

"Here is a demonstration of the envelope functionality of the Analogue Solutions Fusebox."

11. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 11: Arpeggiator... or Sequencer?

"Here is a demonstration of the arpeggiator/16-step sequencer functionality of the Analogue Solutions Fusebox."

12. The Analogue Solutions Fusebox Part 11: Interval Generator and etc.

"Here is a demonstration of the Interval Generator functionality on the Analogue Solutions Fusebox. Some other functional elements are included in this demo."

Analogue Solutions Generator Sequencer Now Available for Purchase

Published on Sep 14, 2018 Analogue Solutions

"Generator sequencer - Loop points and Freeze. This video shows you some cool things you can do unique to this sequencer."

"Analogue Solutions plays to win with highly-versatile next-generation Generator step sequencer

KINGSWINFORD, UK: having made musical waves with a prototype presentation at SUPERBOOTH18 in Berlin before speedily selling out of its first batch, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce (approaching) availability of a second batch of its next-generation Generator step sequencer — a highly- versatile, multi-channel analogue appliance specifically targeted towards making it easy, fun, and intuitive to change generated rhythms and also play alternative sequences — as of September 14…

As implied by the CV & GATE SEQUENCE GENERATOR wording which is boldly blazoned across a pleasingly well-populated panel, Analogue Solutions’ next- generation Generator is no ordinary step sequencer. As a compact, slim form factor desktop design featuring three parallel-running, 16-step CV (control voltage) channels — CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C — and an array of associated hands-on controls housed in a rugged steel and aluminium chassis with no plastic mouldings (making it ideally suited to withstanding the rigours of the road while being equally at home in the studio, home- based or otherwise), Generator is actually a playable step sequencer at its musical heart. How, exactly, it does that is exactly what sets it apart from the run-of- the-mill step sequencing pack.

Put it this way: with Generator it’s not simply a case of setting up a short sequence of notes to be left looping ad infinitum, as is still the case with some step sequencers out there — though there is still something to be said for those mesmerising musical compositions conjured up by the repetitive note patterns pioneered and popularised by the likes of Germany’s homegrown Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream during their Seventies heyday and appropriated in many musical styles since; instead, its user interface is deftly designed to make it easy, fun, and intuitive to change generated rhythms and also play alternative sequences.

Firstly, four dedicated knobs offering patent-pending IReTiGaC (Intuitive Real Time Gate Control) can change the rhythm of the beats for the pattern playing by setting which of the 16 steps of the sequence will produce gates; slowly rotating each knob adds more beats in specific positions, thereby increasing the intensity of the rhythm. A pair of associated GATE pattern outputs are available alongside a FLIPPED GATE ‘copy’ — positive voltage with an inverted ‘state’ (so the output does the opposite of the main GATE outputs) — for flexibility when connecting to suitably-equipped analogue synthesisers, Eurorack modular system setups, or other analogue equipment. These output the rhythm set using those IReTiGaC knobs, and using both together with two different synths creates considerable interplay between them.

The wonderful world of the VOLTAGE GENERATOR is where Generator really steps up to the plate to offer some serious alternative action, though. This is a special kind of transposer/CV generator with six ‘slots’ — each activated using its own triangular-shaped gold-plated pressure plate. The corresponding knob above each plate is used to set the control voltage output of the VOLTAGE GENERATOR within an approximate range of 0-5V. Those voltage outputs can be sent straight to and mixed with CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C’s respective CV A, CV B, and CV C outputs sockets, with an associated SHIFT switch’s settings determining what goes where: setting said switch into its ‘up’ position results in the VOLTAGE GENERATOR being mixed with A, B, C (CV CHANNEL A, CV CHANNEL B, and CV CHANNEL C); ‘centre’ is off, and ‘down’ results in the VOLTAGE GENERATOR only being mixed with C (CV CHANNEL C). The VOLTAGE GENERATOR’s control voltage is also always available on its own CV output, allowing users to patch it back somewhere else — even externally (to a suitable synth or modular setup).

So what, exactly, can be done with this visionary VOLTAGE GENERATOR? For starters, it can conceivably be used as a standalone six ‘note’ interval CV keyboard to directly play an external CV-equipped synthesiser, such as Analogue Solutions’ own Treadstone (taking the same smart, small, and affordable desktop design-driven analogue attributes of its similarly superior-sounding synthBlocks signal-processing siblings and applying them to a true analogue mono synth that packs a lot of patchable punch into a perfectly-matched, portable package). Patching possibilities abound as the VOLTAGE GENERATOR pressure plates are routed to its own outputs: the CV socket outputs control voltage, so pressing plates harder results in a higher voltage that can, for instance, be used to creatively control clock tempo, intensity, fill, or transpose via their respective INT CLOCK TEMPO, INTENSITY, FILL, and TRANSPOSE sockets. (The INTENSITY input uses a CV of approximately 0-5V to alter the intensity of the rhythm with more beats being added to the rhythm as the voltage increases; the FILL input is similar to INTENSITY, but only affects the last four steps to alter the pattern of notes in the last four beats of the sequencer.) The GATE socket outputs a gate that can be used to clock the sequencer, RESET or START it, for example. Additionally, another output voltage from the VOLTAGE GENERATOR can also be patched to alter internal clock speed or transpose. That said, there are also QUANTISED VG output sockets outputting the same signal which will quantise the VOLTAGE GENERATOR voltage to the nearest semitone (when using 1V/oct synths).

Thereafter, thanks to those three parallel channels of 16 steps, Generator steps back into more familiar step sequencing territory — albeit with dedicated start and end LOOP point controls for initiating interesting patterns — that plays well with any analogue gear that has CV and Gate inputs, including vintage or more modern analogue synths and Eurorack modular system setups. Since it does not feature a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) output, it is clearly not a MIDI sequencer — nor a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) control surface. Saying that, it is equipped with a MIDI IN socket, so allows sync, start, stop, and resend control signals to be sent from a DAW or MIDI sequencer. Speaking of which, using MIDI Note information, users can program their own ‘clock pattern’ that can run to clock Generator at the same tempo, half the number of notes to run Generator at half tempo, double the number of notes to run it at double tempo, or even mute the clock note pattern to silence Generator at a particular point before unmuting to get it running again, all the while creating rhythmic patterns to make Generator syncopate with DAW patterns — much more creative and gratifying than simply using MIDI sync alone.

Analogue Solutions is clearly playing to win with its next-generation Generator step sequencer — so much so that the likes of (the still-active) Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream should seriously consider playing with one (or more) onstage or in the studio. Speaking of which, English electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers already have access to two! That said, chances are musician, composer, arranger, record producer, and music programmer par excellence Martyn Ware would also approve... after all, he co-composed Sheffield synth-pop funksters Heaven 17’s influential single ‘Play To Win’ way back in 1981, at a time when synthesisers started to make a serious dent in the charts, exciting the ears of one teenage Tom Carpenter — Analogue Solutions’ future founder — in the process.

Priced at £629.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$749.00 USD/€679.00 EUR (inc. VAT), Generator is available to purchase through Analogue Solutions’ growing global network of authorised dealers — including Analogue Solutions itself — listed here: http://www.analoguesolutions.com/dealers/"

Modular analogue synthesizer in 6U case

via this auction
"Modules included:
Doepfer A-119 Ext In. Envelope follower.
Analogue Solutions M2CV Midi-CV 16 bit. Midi to CV converter
Analogue Solutions EG01 - Envelope. Full ADSR Envelope generator
Analogue Solutions VCO - RING MOD VCO and separate ring mod
Analogue Solutions VCO - DUAL VCO/LFO Dual VCO with wide range
Analogue Solutions SY02 - MULTIMODE FILTER A Korg-like filter (Diode ladder)
Analogue Solutions MX61 MIXER Patchable mixer, audio or control voltage
Analogue Solutions LFO1-VC LFO / S+H / NOISE Multifunction oscillator with wide range and many waveforms. Two additional outputs added.
Analogue Solutions LFO-NZ (modified to include /100 switch for ultra slow waveforms). Oscillator and noise generator
Analogue Solutions LFO-NZ, unmodified. Oscillator and noise generator
Doepfer A148 DUAL S+H. Two independent sample + holds
Doepfer A151 SEQ SWITCH. 1:4 or 4:1 pulse stepped multiplexer
Doepfer A149-1 RCV Quantised/Stored random voltages. Advanced randon control generator
Analogue Solutions MX224 MIXER INVERTER BUFFER, audio or control voltage
Analogue Solutions MX224 MIXER INVERTER BUFFER, audio or control voltage
Analogue Solutions SY01-SYNTH VCF/EG/VCA VCF, (Like EMS VCS3 design) and separate VCA with envelope follower
Doepfer A134 PAN Panning module, Dual complimentary VCA"

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Analogue Solutions Announces Colossus #4

I almost skipped posting this as the only news here is there's a 4th production run of the Colossus. I guess it's interesting knowing how many are out there. What's also interesting is I always assumed the Colossus was either built in a limited initial run, or it was built per order only. This is a mammoth endeaver and each one costs 25,000 GBP which comes out to $35,000 US. It is $4500 less than this little Sennheiser VSM201 Vocoder!

Note, the images in this post appear to be stock. You can find demos of the Colossus in previous posts here.

Press release follows:
""Analogue Solutions announces forthcoming fourth run of Colossus supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue

KINGSWINFORD, UK: following a showstopping showcase during its introduction at SynthFest UK 2019 in Sheffield, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce a forthcoming fourth run of Colossus — its supersized synth that trips back to the future of analogue, albeit symbolising so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with no fewer than 12 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) beating at its monumental musical heart, rather representing art, architecture, and superlative studio furniture at its hand-built best by taking its design cues from the colossal classic that is the EMS Synthi 100, although no Synthi circuit was cloned or copied in making the destined-to-be-classic Colossus fit for a new generation of high-flying owners — as of February 15…

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Meet Colossus - Analogue Solutions Rendition of the Classic EMS SYNTHI 100

You might remember Analogue Solutions EMS SYNTHI 100 for sale from previous posts. It appears they have put it to good use and designed their own version. P.S. I spotted this earlier this morning, but thanks to Soviet Space Child for sending in the link.

via Analogue Solutions:

"Available direct only... Come see Colossus at SynthFest (UK, 5/Oct)

Numbers will be limited - we are currently taking pre-orders, ready to ship in early 2020.

This is truly something special.

Price is £25K. This exclude any tax (most likely you can claim it back through your business). Shipping: Outside of UK it would need to be crated, onto a pallet, then freighted. Shipping and crating likely to be 500-1000GBP. If you aren’t too far from Calais there maybe other options.

WHAT IS COLOSSUS?
Analogue Solutions is excited to introduce Colossus, an exciting new mega-synth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.

Design inspiration is of course from the 1970’s EMS Synthi 100, however, no circuit from the Synthi has been cloned or copied. We prefer to make our own designs. We have chosen some of our favourite circuits from our own large back catalogue synths such as Polymath, Telemark and Vostok.

Colossus is not a Synthi 100 clone - all circuits are non-EMS, Analogue Solutions’ design.

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Analogue Solutions Ample Synthesizer Now Available

Analogue Solutions Ample Synthesizer -- All Sounds Ample video upload by rezfilter

"Here's a little retro track I put together using only the Ample synth from Analogue Solutions. All parts were sequenced or played live from the Ample, utilizing the onboard Patternator sequencer throughout.

Ample begs to be touched, sequenced, pinned, and played. It's a culmination of all great things from AS."

Check with the dealers on the right for availability. Press release follows.

Analogue Solutions announces availability of Ample as ANALOGUE 3 VCO PATCH PIN SYNTHESISER blending best of past and present products

SHATTERFORD, UK: after a successful soft-launch at SynthFest 2023 in Sheffield, UK on October 7, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Ample to a wider audience as a desktop-friendly ANALOGUE 3 VCO PATCH PIN SYNTHESISER — beautifully blending the best elements of several of its past and present products to form a truly analogue modular system skilfully presented as a precision- engineered electronic musical instrument in a spacious (550mm x 262mm x 83mm) steel and aluminium case that also embraces ergonomic features such as VESA mount compliance, should desktop space be at a premium, all of which adds up to being a perfect fit for its appropriate appellation — as of November 29…

Ample adheres to Analogue Solutions’ tried-and-tested no-compromise construction formula, featuring a full rugged steel and aluminium case — no plastic mouldings here; high-quality metal potentiometers with smooth action, fully sealed against dust intrusion; high-quality knobs with spun aluminium caps; high-quality double-sided circuit boards; high-quality 16-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Convertor) for stable MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to CV (Control Voltage) conversion; stable analogue oscillators; gold-plated touch plates; plus true retro analogue voice and modulation circuits to give an authentic retro sound. Since Analogue Solutions’ innovative instruments are applauded for proudly possessing a truly vintage sound — synthesisers featuring fully-analogue audio paths with analogue LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and EGs (Envelope Generators), in other words, Ample is in good company as an ANALOGUE 3 VCO PATCH PIN SYNTHESISER.

But by beautifully blending the best elements of several past and present products — namely, the sound elements of Fusebox fabricated originally as an aptly-named, three-VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) true analogue monophonic synthesiser that favourably fuses the company’s characterful vintage sound with an advanced choice of modulation and melodic possibilities in a beautifully-built box; the jack points introduced in the long-discontinued line of Concussor modular synth drum modules (themselves dating back to the time when Analogue Solutions was the third company to start producing Eurorack format-compatible modules, magical as that might sound in today’s ever-expanding era of thousands of Eurorack modules being produced by hundreds — if not thousands — of developers, both bigger and smaller); the patch pin matrix introduced in the long-lasting Vostok semi-modular synthesiser series (that knowingly nodded and winked at its Russian ‘roots’ from a visual standpoint); the lo-fi echo featured in Dr Strangelove as a small and affordable desktop signal processor (that ushered in Analogue Solutions’ so-called synthBlocks series); and last, but by no means least, the sequencer and CV touch plates introduced in Generator as a highly-versatile multi-channel analogue step sequencer — to form a truly analogue modular system skilfully presented as a precision-engineered electronic musical instrument is what really makes Ample stand out amongst Analogue Solutions’ present-day products.

Put it this way: while Ample shares all of those features from some of Analogue Solutions’ ‘greatest hits’, it still has a sound of its own thanks to the circuits on offer: OSCILLATING is handled by three analogue VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators), each providing a wealth of features and modulation choices, with the VCO3/LFO 1 legend visually highlighting that the third oscillator can easily be utilised as an LFO (with saw, square, and triangle wave modulation signals), while LFO2/SYNC has a triangle wave output to total two LFOs; the LP VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) section is anchored around a four-pole 24dB-per-octave low-pass filter; the VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) can be set to THRU so it is always ‘open’ (allowing Ample to be used as an effect processor); the two envelope generators — EG 1 and EG 2 — each offer full control over ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE; extensive modulation routing choices allow for a wide range of resultant sounds extending into percussion and ‘modular’ territory, further extended by patching with the jack sockets and pin matrix; MIDI is intentionally kept simple so users can concentrate on creating new sounds and making music, with all- important control over filter cutoff available via MIDI Velocity; patchable CV control sockets allow the synth in question to effectively be rewired to make new sounds, as well as easily patched together with external Eurorack and other modular systems; the PATTERNATOR is a vintage-style 16-step sequencer; the six touch plates each output a set voltage, so can be used to pitch notes or as modulation signals — either way, they are truly inspirational in action; the pin matrix represents a neat (and flexible) way to patch the synth; and the ECHO section provides easy access to adding a little lo-fi echo or delay.

Audio applications abound when working with Ample as a synthesiser — excelling at analogue sound effects, as well as fat basses, screaming leads, and all manner of other crazy sounds associated with analogue synthesis; an effect processor — perfect for feeding external sounds through the onboard analogue filter and ECHO sections via external audio inputs; a drum synthesiser — suited to producing electronic percussion, including cymbal, hi-hat, kick, and snare sounds; and as a modular synthesiser — partially pre-patched, but with such a wide range of modulation routing possibilities that it is almost as versatile as a full-blown modular system, and capable of producing the same types of sounds but dispensing with telephone exchange-like cabling confusion in favour of making space-saving connections with removable coloured pins, yet still providing a flexible selection of patch sockets so it can quickly be re-patched into itself or to/from external Eurorack and other modular systems.

It is also worth noting in conclusion that while Ample can be used with an external MIDI keyboard or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), or an external CV keyboard or analogue sequencer, it is equally at home being worked with on its own using its internal step sequencer or pitch played via its six-touch plate ‘keyboard’. Whatever way anyone chooses to work with Ample, it could conceivably be argued that it is the best desktop synth of all — Analogue Solutions-wise or otherwise!

Limited quantities of Ample are already available to purchase directly from Analogue Solutions for £1,999.00 GBP (excluding tax/VAT) via its dedicated webpage (https://www.analoguesolutions.com/ample) while stock will soon be arriving at selected dealers (https://www.analoguesolutions.com/dealers).

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Analogue Solutions Colossus Quartz Synthesizer Expanders

video upload by Analogue Solutions

Press release follows:

Analogue Solutions ‘splits’ Colossus AS200 Slim synth into ‘quarters’ to create Colossus AS250 Quartz range of expanders with possible piecemeal purchase

SHATTERFORD, UK: having shed some pounds off its ‘against-all-odds-created’ Colossus AS100 Classic super-synth (that took its inspirational design cues from the colossal classic personified by the rarefied Seventies-vintage Synthi 100, bravely built by British trailblazing entity EMS as one of the largest and most expensive examples ever birthed by anyone anywhere) to create Colossus AS200 Slim as a comparatively slimline version pitched as being a perfect fit for those with a little less studio space to spare or more restricted access for installation, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Colossus AS250 Quartz as a range of add-on expanders — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to enhance existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers while also allowing for piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost — as of May 2…

As a range of add-on synth expanders, each Colossus AS250 Quartz ‘quarter’ has a specific set of general features and is named accordingly: AS250-VCO — comprising a bank of 12 voltage-controlled oscillators (OSCILLATOR 1 through to OSCILLATOR 12), plus two noise generators (NOISE GENERATOR 1 and NOISE GENERATOR 2), RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR, SAMPLE AND HOLD, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panel; AS250-Scope — comprising four discrete voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA 1 through to VCA 4), four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two low frequency oscillators (LFO 1 and LFO 2), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) OSCILLOSCOPE as standard or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) OSCILLOSCOPE optionally available, and TOUCH KEYBOARD CONTROL / SEQUENCER; AS250-VCF — comprising eight voltage-controlled filters (with FILTER 1 through to FILTER 4 each of a SEM-type 12dB multimode design and FILTER 5 through to FILTER 8 each of a Moog-type 24dB low-pass design) with an associated VCA each, four envelopes (ENVELOPE SHAPER 1 through to ENVELOPE SHAPER 4), two spring reverbs (REVERBERATIONS 1 and REVERBERATIONS 2) with three real mechanical springs each, two RING MODULATORS, two SLEW LIMITERS, and a 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panel; and AS250-Seq — comprising a 64-step analogue SEQUENCER (capable of operating in four different playback modes), four backlit moving-coil SIGNAL METERS, two JOYSTICKS, two MULTIPLES, MAIN MIXER, and two SUB MIXERS.

Modular by nature, it goes without saying, though, that each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range features extensive patching capabilities with almost all parameters connectable via dedicated 3.5mm jack sockets, which when used in combination with those 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panels — patch using (included) 3.5mm mono mini-jack leads to/from the synth circuits themselves to any matrix channels to be used, then patch using (included) red (10 kΩ) and black (0 Ω) pins accordingly — allow signals to be easily split and sent to multiple destinations with minimal cabling. “It is impossible to test every combination of patch,” proclaims Analogue Solutions Founder Tom Carpenter, before adding: “Some patches might produce unusual but still interesting results, or you could get something not mixing or buffering in quite the way you expect — just remember this is a living analogue synth, not a giant software controller that has clinical ‘perfection’.”

Put it this way: all voice and modulation circuits involved in Colossus construction are 100% analogue; in fact, Analogue Solutions steered purposefully away from digital technology to the extent of avoiding any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connections — those in need can, after all, always turn to third-party MIDI-to-CV boxes or Eurorack modules — though there are, of course, digital elements to the sequencer control involved in the aforesaid AS250-Seq expander that are unavoidable. As a brief aside, it is worth noting here that classic analogue sequencers like ARP’s advanced-for- its-time Model 1601 (launched in 1976) deployed digital logic chips while the colossal EMS Synthi 100 — itself inspiring Analogue Solutions’ Colossus concept from the get-go — even featured a digital sequencer that was truly ahead of its time.

Each expander in the Colossus AS250 Quartz range is — in keeping with that Colossus concept — large scale... think large knobs controlling metal shaft potentiometers, multi-turn vernier-VCOs, and panel-dominating pin matrixes constructed from eye-wateringly expensive Swiss-made broadcast-quality signal routers. Reality has it that the Colossus concept is a no-expense-spared super-synth. Indeed, it is fair to say that high-quality-constructed synthesisers such as the ‘complete’ Colossus AS100 Classic or Colossus AS200 Slim — also art and architecture incarnate, incorporating beautifully engraved wood cabinetry creating exquisite studio furniture in itself — only come around once in a decade, or, possibly, a generation. It is, of course, also fair to say that this comes at a cost. Thanks to the timely introduction of Colossus AS250 Quartz — effectively ‘splitting’ Colossus AS200 Slim into ‘quarters’ to create a range of add-on expanders enhancing existing Colossus systems or other modular synthesisers, piecemeal purchase benefitting those wishing to build a complete Colossus system over time to spread the cost is now an option.

Limited quantities of the Colossus AS250 Quartz expander range are available to order — priced (excluding VAT and delivery) at £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCO); £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Scope); £6,900.00 GBP (AS250-VCF); and £5,500.00 GBP (AS250-Seq) — directly from Analogue Solutions’ dedicated webpage here: https://www.analoguesolutions.com/colossus-quartz"

Details on Analogue Solutions' Slim Colossus AS200 - Now Available to Order

Videos posted here and here. Priced at £23,500.00 GBP [roughly $29,586.85] (excluding VAT and delivery).

New press release with additional details: Analogue Solutions sheds some pounds from original Colossus super-synth, creating Colossus AS200 Slim ‘space-saving’ version

SHATTERFORD, UK: having spiritedly (and successfully) reimagined what an analogue super-synth could contemporarily become with the 2019-premiered, premium 12-VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) original Colossus taking its inspirational design cues from the colossal classic personified by the rarefied Seventies-vintage Synthi 100, bravely built by British trailblazing entity EMS (Electronic Music Studios) as one of the largest (and most expensive) examples ever birthed by anyone anywhere, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce that it is accepting orders for Colossus AS200 Slim — shedding some pounds as a ‘space-saving’ version of its now-named Colossus AS100 Classic predecessor, pitched as being a perfect fit for those with a little less studio space to spare or more restricted access for installation, yet compromising very little to achieve a 53% reduction in its footprint depth to a comparatively slimline 330 mm measurement as well as an associated 33 lb (15 kg) weight loss (and comparative £3,000.00 GBP price tag drop) in doing so, but beautifully designed, nonetheless, to elegantly stack on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic to form a dreamlike ‘double-height’ Colossus Double system, the likes of which has to be seen (and heard) to be believed — as of April 26…

As a ‘space-saving’ version of its Colossus AS100 Classic super-synth sibling, the comparatively slimline Colossus AS200 Slim’s so-called ‘VCO Panel’ is identical, including no fewer than 12 VCOs (OSCILLATOR 1 through to OSCILLATOR 12), each boasting high-quality multi-turn vernier dials acting as a very high FREQ (pitch) range control that also allow them to be pressed into service as additional LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), a four (sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and triangle) WAVEFORM count, PULSE SHAPE (allowing the pulse width of the square wave to be manually changed), and (output) LEVEL controls; associated VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATORS jack points include pitch CV (control voltage), SYNC in, and audio OUT for each VCO, while odd-numbered VCOs have SUB (sub- oscillator) outputs and even-numbered VCOs have PW (pulse width) CV inputs. In addition, NOISE GENERATOR 1 and NOISE GENERATOR 2 each have a pink and white noise-mixing COLOUR control and an associated output LEVEL control, complimented by a RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR with RATE and LEVEL controls alongside a SAMPLE AND HOLD generator with SOURCE and LEVEL controls for further flexibility.

Design differences — albeit, admittedly, of a purely visual functional nature — between the two super-synth siblings’ so-called ‘VCO Panel’ are apparent as Colossus AS200 Slim ships with a two-channel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) oscilloscope as standard, so it is clearly capable of displaying two waveforms at once, although a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) oscilloscope is available as an option (for an additional £500.00 GBP, excluding VAT). Thereafter, this panel’s two triangle and square wave- featuring LFOs (LFO 1 and LFO 2), four discrete VCAs (VCA 1 through to VCA 4) — used to change the level of audio and CV signals, and four A(D)SR envelope shapers (ENVELOPE 1 through to ENVELOPE 4) are implemented identically.

Implementation of Analogue Solutions’ next-to-no-compromise Colossus AS200 Slim design involved no changes being made to its well-stocked so-called ‘VCF Panel’ central to its colossal sound — where FILTER 1 through to FILTER 4 are a 12dB multimode VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) design while FILTER 5 through to FILTER 8 are a 24dB low-pass design, all sitting comfortably with four ADSR envelope generators (ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 through to ENVELOPE GENERATOR 4) each with three trigger modes, as well as two spring reverbs (REVERBERATION 1 and REVERBERATION 2) with three real mechanical springs each, two RING MODULATORS, and two SLEW LIMITERS — and so-called ‘Sequencer Panel’ — itself featuring four backlit moving-coil SIGNAL METERS together with a 64-step CV/Gate SEQUENCER capable of operating in four different playback modes.

Achieving a 53% reduction in Colossus AS200 Slim’s footprint depth to a comparatively slimline 330 mm to accommodate more restricted access for installation in comparison to the 700 mm depth allowed by the Colossus AS100 Classic — tilting the latter by 45 degrees effectively reduces that dimension diagonally to around 620 mm, however, which may well help with gaining access through unusually narrow doorways — meant making some design changes; at 750 mm in height, Colossus AS200 Slim is a little taller than the 655 mm-high Colossus AS100 Classic, therefore takes some of the features found in the Colossus AS100 Classic’s horizontal console and flips them vertically into one orientation. On the face of it, then, this inevitably involved some small compromises — not least that, though fully independent (as they are not internally wired to anything), Colossus AS200 Slim’s two vertically-mounted broadcast-quality 31 x 15 ANALOGUE PIN MATRIX ROUTING panels are somewhat smaller than those horizontally mounted in the Colossus AS100 Classic, while the latter’s two TOUCH KEYBOARD CONTROL / SEQUENCERS dominating its horizontally-mounted so-called ‘Touch Panel’ have had to be forsaken entirely in favour of a new vertically-mounted ‘Mixer Panel’ incorporating a 10- input stereo mixer, two fixed sub-mixers, and two joystick controllers. As a result, Colossus AS200 Slim actually provides more mixer inputs than Colossus AS100 Classic, which is no bad thing. That said, Colossus AS200 Slim’s four so-called ‘Jack Socket Patch Panels’ providing I/O from all circuits are the same as those implemented in Colossus AS100 Classic — other than now being vertically orientated, of course.

Clearly when it comes to Analogue Solutions’ spirited Colossus concept, there are now choices to be had. Having said that, those lucky enough not to be in a constrained financial position necessitating making a choice between buying a Colossus AS100 Classic or Colossus AS200 Slim could always consider taking the Colossus Double stairway to (analogue) heaven; after all, Colossus AS200 Slim has been beautifully designed to elegantly stack on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic to form a dreamlike ‘double-height’ Colossus Double system, the likes of which has to be seen (and heard) to be believed! Bearing in mind that a Colossus Double system ships as two separate units, at least two people are needed to lift a Colossus AS200 Slim on top of a Colossus AS100 Classic, with a third person highly recommended for moral support! The two super-synths concerned are safely secured together thanks to a selection of (provided) bolts to form one rigid unit. Ultimately, a Colossus Double system is as awe-inspiring to stand and look at as it is to play with.

Whatever way anyone might choose to approach achieving awe-inspiring Colossus Double system status — given that a Colossus AS200 Slim, of course, can be added to a Colossus AS100 Classic at a later date, it is incontrovertibly so much more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ with 100%-analogue voice and modulation circuits that steer well clear of MIDI and USB; it is also art and architecture incarnate, incorporating beautifully engraved wood cabinetry creating exquisite studio furniture in itself! After all, high-quality constructed synthesisers such as these only come around once in a decade — or, possibly, a generation!

Colossus AS200 Slim is available to order, priced at £23,500.00 GBP (excluding VAT and delivery) — directly from Analogue Solutions here: https://www.colossus-synth.com/buy — with delivery direct to the customer, complete with a selection of patch pins, 3.5 mm ‘mini-jack’ patch cables, and a IEC mains cable. Current delivery time is around two to three months after receipt of a £7,000.00 GBP deposit (excluding VAT and delivery) — payable to Analogue Solutions here: https://www.analoguesolutions.com/colossus-1 — with balance and shipping costs required shortly before despatch, though waiting will decrease down to around two weeks once Analogue Solutions has handled initial demand. (Should shipping be required, packing in a large wooden crate — can be completely ‘flat-packed’ for safe storage, should the customer wish to do so — is £320.00 GBP, with delivery by truck to most European countries estimated to be in the range of £300.00 GBP to £500.00 GBP and air freight to the USA estimated to be in the range of £1,700.00 GBP to £2,500.00 GBP.)

For more in-depth information (including variants, images, video, upgrades, support, and more), please visit the dedicated Colossus website here: https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

Analogue Solutions Generator Step Sequencer Jam HQ Audio

Published on Feb 15, 2019 rezfilter

"SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED!

Here's another live jam with the Analogue Solutions Generator Step Sequencer!

This video features the Generator (!), Nyborg(s) 12/24, Treadstone eurorack synth voice, Telemark synthesizer, and ARP kicks!

Generator is also managing clock for an Oberkorn that is triggering the kick patterns w/ cymbal.

Generator is a very compact and high quality step sequencer. It’s USP is that it is a playable sequencer. You don’t just set up a sequence and leave it looping. The UI is designed in such a way as to make it easy, fun and intuitive to alter the rhythm and to get alternative sequences playing using the real time touch pads.

Generator has plenty of scope for re-patching the signals using CV leads, or via the pre-configured switches.

Generator is super easy to hook up to your analogue synthesisers, Eurorack, and other analogue gear.

Sync to DAW is very easy and solid, using MIDI note 60. Play that note and the sequencer will step.

No menus of multi-button pressed. WYSIWYG front panel control.

Enjoy!"

Analogue Solutions Fusebox Pre-Orders Open

See the banners on the right for availability at your favorite shops!

And the official press release:

"AS accepts preorders for Fusebox analogue — as in really analogue — monosynth with advanced abilities

KINGSWINFORD, UK: with the first batch having effectively sold out in advance, British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce that it is accepting second batch preorders for Fusebox — an aptly-named, three-VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) true analogue monophonic synthesizer that favourably fuses the company’s characterful vintage sound with an advanced choice of modulation and melodic possibilities (in a beautifully-built box)... before plugging in any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cables, even — as of October 6…

As implied by the REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS ‘caption’ boldly blazoned across a brightly-coloured orange panel fronting a no- compromise steel/aluminium-constructed casing (with no plastic mouldings) that’s sure to stand out from (the sound) of the crowd — to partially paraphrase the early-Eighties British breakthrough hit from synth-pop pioneers The Human League (who have a soft spot for Analogue Solutions synthesizers themselves), Fusebox is a true analogue monophonic synthesizer in a smart, small package. Analogue as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI-to-CV circuit, which, by its very nature, must include a digital element, everything else is absolutely analogue. For Fusebox trades on real transistors and op-amps — no CPU (Central Processing Unit) stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), and no digital EGs (Envelope Generators), as are often found on other so-called analogue synthesizers. Since the circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid- Seventies, Fusebox proudly possesses a truly vintage sound. The kind of sound that the likes of The Human League made their own and continue to trade on to this day during an analogue renaissance that’s still showing no signs of abating anytime soon.

So, as an aptly-named true analogue monophonic synthesizer, Fusebox wears its colours well. With three VCOs beating at its musical heart, here is a precision electronic musical instrument that combines must-have electronic circuitry to create a powerful synthesizer statement seriously housed in an eye-catching, compact box. But this is to be expected given its industry pedigree, perhaps. After all, Fusebox was designed by Analogue Solutions founder Tom Carpenter. As a fervent fan of electronic music and also an active electronic musician himself, he naturally knows a thing or two about programming synthesizers. So his latest and greatest creation clearly wasn’t the result of engineering design decisions alone — nor driven by a steering committee of men (or woman) in suits. So what’s inside this beautifully-built box of subtractive synthesis tricks, then?

Those three VCOs, for starters — sawtooth and square waveforms available to each and all. And all have CV (Control Voltage) inputs for PITCH and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) alongside manual PW (Pulse Width) controls. Creatively speaking, though, there are some striking variations: VCO 1 has OCT (octave) and XMOD (cross modulation) FROM VCO2 switches; VCO 2 has a WIDE TUNE (range) switch — allowing a wide tuning range (right down into low frequency territory) — alongside an oscillator SYNC FROM VCO 1 switch; VCO 3 also has a WIDE TUNE switch, together with a MIDI PITCH switch control — can be disabled to make this a free-running oscillator, ideal for modulation. Meanwhile, VCO 2 and VCO 3 can both be pressed into service as LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) — as implied by their respective VCO / VCLFO ‘lettering’.

Leaving that OSCILLATORS section behind... well, almost, and moving, momentarily, into MIXING (with MUTE switches and additional audio inputs), here Fusebox features white NOISE and a SUB oscillator (taken from VCO 3). Thereafter, the all-important FILTERS section is centred around a 12dB MULTIMODE VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) featuring LP (Low Pass), HP (High Pass), BP (Band Pass), and NOTCH filters. Flexibility further abounds at the AMPLIFIER section with a VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) allowing for EG and THRU (bypass) switching; an advanced MODULATION section with a FADE IN (delay)-featured LFO; and an ENVELOPES section with two trigger option-friendly envelope generators (EG1 and EG2).

Elsewhere, the INTERVAL GENERATOR is a special type of pitch transposer that allows users to set six different pitches to each of the switches, then transpose the VCOs manually to create performances — perfect when used in conjunction with the ARPEGGIATOR and/or PATTERNATOR.

The ARPEGGIATOR allows an external MIDI keyboard to be used to program in the notes to be arpeggiated and will also transmit the notes to the Fusebox’s MIDI O (output). On top of that, the ARPEGGIATOR can also be used as a simple 16-step sequencer.
The PATTERNATOR is a unique type of sequencer/rhythm generator. Its four CV controls can be used to create melodic loops that can be changed in realtime using the RESET and SKIP switches. The eight-step gate/trigger pattern generator can be altered using the two BEAT knobs.

Needless to say, all Fusebox’s circuits have extensive minijack input and output sockets, so it can be cross-patched within itself to create an almost infinite range of sounds. Or it can be cross-patched with other synthesizers and modular systems for further flexibility. Fusebox is partially pre-patched in itself, but almost all of those patches can be cancelled using various switches and controls. Indeed, it has such a wide range of modulation routing possibilities that it is almost as versatile as a full modular system so can produce the same types of sounds — and all without patch cable clutter and confusion!

Complex or as simple as the end user wants it to be, as a monophonic analogue synthesizer, Fusebox can be used for analogue sound effects, fat basses, screaming leads, bleeps, blurps, zaps, and all manner of other crazy sounds associated with subtractive synthesis. Since Fusebox features an audio input socket, it is possible to feed external sounds through the onboard analogue filters for analogue processing purposes. It even has real ‘analogue’ hardwood sides — sustainably sourced, of course! Clearly, Fusebox is analogue — as in really analogue — through and through, then.


The UK price for Fusebox is £1,140.00 GBP (excluding VAT), available from UK dealers and Analogue Solutions directly. (Dealers will start seeing stock arrive as of October 2017: http://analoguesolutions.com/global-distribution/)

North American availability of Fusebox is being handled via Voltage & Company (http://www.vcousa.com) — full-service reps of high-quality manufacturers from around the world — with a retail price of $1,599.00 USD, while (most) EU distribution is being handled by Sonic Sales (http://www.sonic-sales.de) — one of the largest full-service MI (Musical Instrument) distribution companies in Europe — priced at €1,519.00 EUR (including VAT)."

Analogue Solutions Red Square Semi Modular Analogue Synth

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Analogue Solutions - Red Square - Demo - Acid

Uploaded on Mar 20, 2010 CampagnoloFIST·2 videos

"A simple 2 track demo to highlight the raw capabilities of the astounding Red Square semi-modular monophonic analogue synthesiser by Analogue Solutions.

Track 1 - Kick drum. A patch on the Red Square sequenced by an EMU MoPhatt arpeggiator.

Track 2 - An acid style pattern programmed into the arpeggiator of an EMU MoPhatt, sequencing the Red Square through midi. Live knob twiddling by drunkenman. aka. CampagnoloFIST!

No effects, automation or external processing were used.

Tremendously out of sync Video by drunkenman. "Hardware - You Know It's There!!!""

Analogue Solutions - Red Square - Oberkorn - demo - "first steps"

Uploaded on Jun 12, 2010

"A synth demo featuring an 'Analogue Solutions - Red Square' analogue synthesiser sequenced by an 'Analogue Solutions - Oberkorn' analogue step sequencer.

No edits, effects or external processing were used.

'Hardware, you know it's there!!!'"

Two additional videos from the auction previously posted here.

"Brief Overview of the Red Square:

Red Square is a patchable analogue monosynth that can also be used as an effects processor. It has some of the advantages of a modular synth (re-wireable synth circuits, external control, external signal routing) and the advantage of a pre-patched monosynth (easy to use, instant sound, tidy front panel). Its 1/4" jacks sockets mean it can easily be integrated into a studio just like any synth or processor.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Analogue Solutions Generator - CV & Gage Sequence Generator

via liquid sky berlin:

listprice 679 €
available in around 2 months

the info from AS says:

What is it!?

Generator is a highly versatile multi channel analogue step sequencer. It provides a fun and intuitive, yet powerful way to create rhythms and melodies with your modular and CV sequencers.

Why do I need this Sequencer? What’s so special?

Generator is a very compact and high quality step sequencer. It’s USP is that is is a playable sequencer. You don’t just set up a sequencer and leave it looping. The UI is designed in such a way as to make it easy, fun and intuitive to alter the rhythm and to get alternative sequences playing using the real time touch pads.

Generator has plenty of scope for re-patching the signals using CV leads, or via the pre-configured switches.

Generator is super easy to hook up to your analogue synthesisers, Eurorack, and other analogue gear.

Sync to DAW is very easy and solid, using MIDI note 60 (on channel 1). Play that note and the sequencer will step.

No menus of multi-button pressed. WYSIWYG front panel control.

Generator can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be

We have given this sequencer a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced electronic musician endless possibilities.

We have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar sequencer layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great patterns quickly.

No compromise has been made with the construction of Generator. Cheaper parts have not been used!

Full rugged steel/aluminium case - no plastic mouldings
Good quality smooth, fully sealed against dust
Good quality knobs
Gold plated touch pads
Analogue step voltages
Full 16 steps, 3 CV channels, Gate channel
Designed, built, tested and assembled in the UK
6 part Voltage Generator
So many sockets!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Analogue Solutions Fusebox X | A collection of sounds and patches

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Fusebox X is a 3-VCO true analogue mono synth with the legendary Analogue Solutions vintage synth sound.

Designed by Tom Carpenter – a user and collector of vintage sounds, and a musician with a passion for electronic music.

All the voice and modulations are 100% analogue. Fusebox features an advanced choice of modulation and melodic possibilities right out of the box before even plugging in MIDI.

Fusebox features no presets – each sound is unique and created by the user!

There is no quantisation, stepping, or locking in by CPU.

Fusebox is designed, engineered and built in England by Analogue Solutions who have over 24 years in the synthesizer industry.

Major Additions / Differences (from the original Fusebox)

-Tri-phonic mode (3 note poly).
-More Jacks! Some rocker switches were replaced with jack sockets for more patchability.
-The Interval Generator and Patternator pots were replaced with precision type.
-440Hz tuner tone.
-Interval Generator clock input - allows automatic transposition in a variety of ways.
-Bar1 / Note0 trigger outputs - versatile alternative ways to trigger the Patternator and Interval Generator
-Arpeggiator replaced with mini step sequencer.
-Many internal performance tweaks."

Analogue Solutions Generator Step Sequencer & Studio Electronics Boomstar 8106

Published on Aug 21, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"The Analogue Solutions Generator is a combination multi-channel sequencer and touch controller perfect for taking control of your modular or semi-modular synthesizers. Designed for real-time improvisational performance, the Generator allows you to alter the rhythm and generate variations by using the onboard touch plates. In this video, we use the Generator to tie together a setup that includes the Studio Electronics Boomstar 8106 desktop synth, Roland TR-08 drum machine, and a Koma Field Kit FX."

https://www.perfectcircuit.com

Analogue Solutions Generator Jamming Live

Published on Feb 14, 2019 rezfilter

"Here's a quick capture of the Analogue Solutions Generator in a live studio (modular) environment -- got some 2600 kicks, nyborg-12 snare, concussor drums and the AS Generator doing their thing(s).

I'm going to be adding more videos soon with better audio, so watch this space. Phone recording for now!

Generator is a great performance tool and is a lot of fun for creating new patterns, beats, and rhythms (on the fly) in your tracks."

Analogue Solutions Fusebox Goes Black with Patternator on Halloween

"Built-in Pattern Generation = Huge Creative Potential
With three flexible VCOs, a vibrant multimode filter, and lots of creative options for creating patterns, the Analogue Solutions Fusebox is a huge-sounding synth that's a ton of fun to manipulate in real time. Its built-in Patternator offers unique ways to create melodic loops and generate rhythms, and the arpeggiator can be used as a simple 16-step sequencer. When you've got a groove going, you can instantly transpose your sequence however you like with the Interval Generator — perfect for live performance. Complete with MIDI and CV connectivity, the Analogue Solutions Fusebox shows how much sonic power an analog monosynth can offer.

Built-in melodic potential and modulation capabilities
The Fusebox synth module offers a lot of creative potential even before you hook up your MIDI controller or sequencer. Its built-in arpeggiator can also be used as a 16-step sequencer, and you can use the Interval Generators to transpose your sequences on the fly. It gets really interesting when you start playing with the Fusebox's Patternator capabilities, which really impressed us at Sweetwater for its unique melodic potential. Generating patterns and rhythms with the Patternator becomes even more rewarding when you start tweaking the Beat knobs and CV controls to change your loops in real time.

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Night With the Analogue Solutions Fusebox Synthesizer

Published on Aug 20, 2017 Analogue Solutions

"Here's a fun little, one-nighter track using all sounds from the new Analogue Solutions fusebox synthesizer!

All tracks were recorded from the AS fusebox and layered into Logic as they were dialed in. A touch of reverb was used on a couple of the sounds just to position them in the track.

Fusebox is shown here in its horizontal position, but can also stand vertically or be racked.

CAUTION: The Interval Generator AND the Patternator were used in the creation of this track!

Just a sampler of things to come..."

Analogue Solutions Fusebox: Dirty, Filthy Bass Tweaking

Published on Aug 20, 2017

"Wait for it!

OK, a little fun reverse engineering a familiar bass line -- or not! :)

All in good fun, some NIN Closer remixing going on in real-time with the Analogue Solutions Fusebox synth.

This is by no means an attempt at a spot-on reproduction of the Closer bass line, but more a live tweaking and patching session with the new Fusebox synth showing only an inch of its sonic potential.

Fusebox can be as dirty or as clean as you require!

What's going on?

1. Fusebox is having its filter modulated by MIDI key/note velocity (Logic)
2. Fusebox pitch is being controlled via MIDI notes (Logic)
3. Patternator is creating patterns in real-time (intro)
4. Bass sound tweaked live on Fusebox while sampled beat resides on 2nd Logic track
5. Sound is dry without processing, and entirely Fusebox."

Tales From The Rack no.5 - Eurorack Performance.

Published on Feb 27, 2018 Richard Lacy

"Hello. Another tale from the Eurorack and a piece which started out as a ‘reel’ for the Make Noise Morphagene, recorded beforehand with the PPG Wave 2.2.

Perhaps the notable thing about this piece, is that even though it’s a big patch, most of the modules aren’t even breaking a sweat. They’re just doing simple jobs. There are some definite Floydian tendencies here; influences come to the surface sometimes….

As ever, it’s one pass and no overdubs (see the end of the Patch Notes for mixing info).

I’ve tried to make this one a bit more interesting visually (still using an iPhone5 with a shattered screen and it always drifts out of sync with the audio, which is infuriating!). It can be difficult to see what modules are in the system from the main wide shot, so I thought I’d add some close ups. Also, I have no idea how to edit video, so it’s time to learn.

Thanks for listening. If you like what I’m doing, please like and subscribe. Your support is most welcome!

Patch Notes:
Doepfer MAQ 16/3 is the clock source.
Clock to 4MS rotating Clock Divider and Frequency Central Pocket Calculator and some multiples.

1. PPG Wave sampled into Morphagene. Played by a clock divider. Metropolis pitch CV is modulating the slide control. Output to AQA Dual State Variable Filter, then to the TipTop Z-DSP (Halls Of Valhalla).

2. Gate output of the Metropolis is playing the Atlantis (main bass). Pitch CV comes from the Stepper Acid, running on a very slow clock. There’s a Switched Multiple in the pitch CV path, meaning I can choose a static bass note, or kick in the full chord progression.

3. The Stepper Acid is also playing the chords. The post Switched Multiple pitch CV is going to a few places:
Shapeshifter in chord mode: Cello 1. Shape modulated by an LFO.
Three Doepfer VCOs are tuned to the rest of a chord, the third requiring an offset generator.
All signals go to a Ladik mixer, then to an Analogue Solutions Telemark Filter. The filtered signal finally ends up in the Rainmaker, giving a bit of space.

4. Plonk. This is the guitar-type sound. Fixed note and the gate comes from the 4MS RCD on the div-3 output. Plonk output goes to the 4MS DLD.

5. Something I’ve done before, but I like it… 4MS Spectral Multiband Resonator. Bands tuned and locked. Band levels controlled by six Analogue Solutions AR Envelope Generators. The EGs are triggered from the outputs of of the A-149 Stored random Voltages.

6. Bass drum. Braids triggered by an Analogue Solutions SQ8.

7. Snare drum. Braids triggered by a Doepfer clock sequencer.

8. Hats. Doepfer white noise into a Telemark Filter. Doepfer ADSR and VCA doing the rest, triggered by the Turing Machine.

9. Perc. TipTop One triggered by the Turing Machine. The Turing Machine was locked throughout. I meant to alter the pattern partway through the track, but I forgot! All drum reverbs come from Pro Tools.

10. I still haven’t fallen out of love with Rings and Clouds in their most basic forms yet, so here they are doing their thing. Was determined not to use them, but I patched them in and they sounded ace. Doepfer Dark Time Sequencer is providing the notes and gates. Rings Position is being modulated by Tides, quite heavily towards the end. Rings is just repeating a four note sequence; it’s Clouds doing the time shifting and blurring.

11. The big filthy sound: pitch is coming from two Analogue Solutions SQ8 sequencers. Un-quantised, for more varied harmonics and going Evian a Doepfer Slew Limiter. There were only two Doepfer VCOs left by this point, so that’s what we’re using. Tuned in octaves, the square wave of one goes into the A-113 Subharmonic Generator, giving lower octaves and another intervals.
All these signals are mixed together, the intervals being a bit quieter, but their harmonic content is used in what comes next. It’s a lot of filtering!
First up is the AM Snowfall Filter, not taking much off the top, but there’s a thickness to the sound. Second is the Eowave Fluctuations Magnetiques. All four filters in use, with each one tuned to a different resonance, waiting to be ‘peaked’ by the changing notes. Third is the Dave Smith Character; this is where the big distortion is coming from. Lastly everything goes through an Analogue Solutions SY-03 for overall tone control.
By this stage, I’ve run out of reverbs and delays, so this is getting delay and reverb from Pro Tools.

12. Maths. Used as two envelope generators. These envelopes are fed into the ‘initial gain’ input of two Korg MS10s.
The first has fixed pitch, playing a high 7th. The second is playing root, sharp 5 and 7th. Notes from an SQ-8.
You can hear these gently fading in and out in a rather Floydian manner. External reverb and delay.

13. Korg MS20 has a sample and hold on the gate and is playing a low root note, used at both ends of the piece.

Nearly everything goes via a Mackie mixer (under the camera). I’m using this to bring parts in and out. From there, it goes to Pro Tools."

Analogue Solutions Generator - Complete Guide Part 5- Voltage Generator

Part 5 added to the main Analogue Solutions Generator - Complete Guide post here.