SSM2044 Compared to SSI2144 at Resonance

Published on Aug 18, 2018 AMSynths

"SSM2044 VCF chip with resonance varied from minimum to maximum, so a comparison with the SSI2144 chip can be made."

SSI2144 at Resonance

Published on Aug 18, 2018 AMSynths

"SSI2144 VCF chip with resonance varied from minimum to maximum, so a comparison with the SSM2044 chip can be made."

AMSynths AM8400 Jupiter-4 VCO Clone Waveforms

AM8400DemoMovie Published on Mar 11, 2018 AMSynths

"Quick demo of the various wave shapes from my Jupiter VCO clone, note the sawtooth waveform, is composed of curved steps."

via AMSynths:

"This is replica of the VCO in the Roland Jupiter 4, their first polyphonic synthesizer introduced in 1978. The original VCO is a unique design based around a 555 timer and a CMOS divider chip, which was not seen in any other synthesizer. The Jupiter 4 is famous for its powerful sounds and efficient controls. The constraints of microprocessors in 1978 mean there were only 16 sliders that could be memorised, which limited the functionality of the VCO to 4 octave range and 3 waveforms.

This VCO is the sound of early Human League and Depeche Mode albums.

Detailed Description

The AMSynths circuit is very close to the original except for a new Tempco based matched transistor pair rather than the obsolete heated uA726 chip, as the exponential generator and variable slider controlled Pulse Width rather than a 4-way switch.

The waveform shapes are created from the 555 timer which generates square waves that are divided down for the lower ranges. These square waves are used for the square wave output and are perfect and stable 50/50%. They are also approximated into a sawtooth which has as many steps as the range (16′ has 16 steps, 2′ has just 2 steps). The sawtooth wave is therefore not perfect and is made up of steps, this creates a different sonic shape as you change octave. The pulse width wave is created from the sawtooth rather than the square wave, and therefore has some variability in width, rather than being totally stable. Adjusting pulse width is effectively quantised by the sawtooth steps and jumps from one setting to the next rather than being smooth.

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Analogue Systems RS10 +Yarns + SEM20 + Polivoks + Intellijel Buff Mult eurorack

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

via this auction

ANALOGUE SYSTEMS RS-20
MUTABLE INSTRUMENTS YARNS
BUBBLESOUND SEM20 VSF
THE HARVESTMAN POLIVOKS
INTELLIJEL BUFF MULT

(AMSYNTHS MIRAGE FILTER for sale in separate listing)

perfectly working and in excellent cosmetic condition

CLICK FOR MORE »

New AMSynths AM8144 "Fat Keys" VCF SSI2144 Based Eurorack Filter Module

via AMSynths

"This module uses the SSI2144 chip to provide a 24dB Low Pass voltage controlled filter. This is a new chip based on the original SSM2044 from 1980. It is a cascade filter designed by Dave Rossum and Ron Dow, and re-issued by Dan Parks at SSI. It emulates the Moog ladder filter but with improved accuracy and lower noise using current mirrors.

This is a warm sounding filter with smooth frequency control and a resonance that gradually increases up to full self oscillation, a sound very reminiscent of the mid 1980's.

There are front panel controls for adjusting the Cutoff Frequency and Resonance as well as the level of 2x control voltages and 3x audio signal inputs. We have used high quality control knobs on the AM8144, a new atheistic for AMSynths modules.

There are six 3.5mm jack sockets on the right of the front panel;
3x Audio Signal Inputs (10V peak to peak)
2x Control Voltages (0V to +5V)
Audio Signal Output"

Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizer Filter VCF Build - Demo 01

Published on Feb 7, 2017 gstormelectro

"Audio and Video by G-Storm Electro c.2017

This video demos a Roland Jupiter-6 synthesizer clone filter VCF. This breadboard build took two days, and for me is the largest one I've built yet. Does this circuit sound as good as the original? You be the judge. Anyway, I really wanted to hear what it sounded like before deciding about building my own module.

I came across schematics for the Roland Jupiter-6 at amsynths.co.uk. They actually sell completed modules and PCBs, however they seem to be perpetually out of stock. This will be a nice companion multi-mode filter to go next to my SEM module. IMHO the SEM sounds buttery and creamy, and the Jupiter-6 is a complete savage with outrageous low end."

Update:

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ContinuumViolModular3

"Some spacemusic noodling on a Haken Continuum and Eurorack modular synth. Testing out a new to me AMSynths AM3060, Doepfer A130, and Evaton Technologies CLX module -> Turing Machine. Delay provided by TipTop Z-DSP Dragonfly Delay.

The Haken Continuum is using a slightly modified VlnVlaCelBass patch, with the expression pedal mapped to reverb time.

Live performance, excerpted from a longer noodling session."

New AMSynths Aqua Synthesizer In the Works

Some details via AMSynths

"The Aqua is a complete analog synthesizer inspired by the mono-synths of the 1970’s. A single VCO with sawtooth, pulse and sub octave square waveforms drives a 4-pole Low Pass Filter, which is connected to a final VCA with ADSR envelope. Noise, S&H and an advanced LFO complete the configuration. The synthesizer is analog with CV inputs for keyboard CV, gate and trigger – there is no MIDI. The Aqua is based on two PCB’s; one for the potentiometers and switches and a second for the analog circuits. The PCB’s mount to a powder coated and silk screened steel front panel designed by AMSynths.

Detailed Description
The Aqua is an all new design that uses modern components.

One wide range VCO with precision power rails, sawtooth and square waveforms.
-1 and -2 octave sub-oscillator waveforms.
VCF 8075 4-pole Low Pass Filter with matched transistor arrays.
CMOS based based ADSR with x0.1 and x1 timing switches.
S&H, Noise and high quality LFO with frequency LED and delay control.
VCO Range rotary switch provides 32′,16′,8′,4′ and 2’octaves.
VCO Fine Tune rotary potentiometer.
High Pass Filter with 4 modes including Bass Boost.
Portamento slide potentiometer.
Robust power connectors for +/-12V on PCB.
Non-illuminated 45mm slider potentiometers with plastic slider caps.
High quality metal baton slide switches.
3.5mm jacks sockets for inputs and unbalanced output, all mounted on PCB.
Pitch, Gate and Trigger 3.5mm jack socket inputs plus a variety of patch points.
NO MIDI input, please use a MIDI to CV with gate & trigger (e.g. Kenton).
Product Details

Stage 1: The Aqua will be available as an unpopulated PCB’s with a professional EuroRack front panel, customers need to buy and fit the components, AMSynths provide any hard to find parts. The Panel is rack mounted into a standard 3U 84HP EuroRack with rails within the customers case. The Aqua is powered via 12V using a standard Doepfer power socket.

Stage 2: The Aqua will also be available as a completed synth in EuroRack with all parts fitted and the synth tested.

There are no plans to sell the Aqua in a metal case with a mains power supply, and customers can design their own cases. Pricing and BOM will be announced when the PCB and Panel have been finalised."

AMSynths Jupiter 8 filter

Published on Apr 14, 2015 cane creek

"First test of AMSynths Jupiter 8 filter"

Brief NSFW flash at 2:42.

HAL Revealed

This one in via rosynth.

Now we know what was behind the red eye in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Rosynth messing around with his eurorack system in his studio.

Click and zoom for the full size shot.

"Analogue Systems Sorcerer keyboard/cabinet with RS-15 power supply + Moog MIDI CV GATE interface + the following modules:

Tiptop uZeus (for extra power!),
Elby Designs ED-115 SH Noise,
Intellijel: Rubicon + Dr. Octature + Corgasmatron + uVCA,
Frequency Central Wave Runner + System X envelope (x2),
Analogue Systems RS-20 Ring Mod, RS-95 VCO, RS-500E EMS SYNTHI filter, RS-100 Moog Style Low Pass filter, RS-230 CV Buffer, Mod Wheels,
YuSynth Minimoog VCF,
AMSynths 8328 the MIrage filter + 8109 JP8 LPF,
Doepfer A-124 Wasp filter"

AMSynths Newsletter - AM8019 Athena VCA & AM8328 Mirage VCF

"Newsletter March 2014
Latest News: Spring has at last arrived in the UK with the first few days of sunshine after many months of rain and floods. Over the last few weeks we have been developing new exciting modules, as well as refining some of the existing range, and shipping modules to customers! The new AM8105 Super JX VCF & VCA will be available in April, providing a really nice sounding 4-pole VCF with smooth oscillation and a VCA, all in one EuroRack module. It uses the IR3R05 Roland chip that appeared in the legendary MKS80 and MKS70.

Updated AM8012 and AM8075 filters will be shipping in April, with new vertical jacks and revised electronics, along with the new AM8125 Analog VCO which has 3 waveforms and sync.This month we are shipping AM8019 VCA's, AM8109 VCF's and a final run of AM8319 Diode Array Filters. The AM8019 is in stock now, the others will appear over the next 2 weeks, along with some AM8140 Dual ADSR's.

In the workshop we are continuing to develop the amazing Athena synthesizer, a PCB and panel project for Synthesizer DIY, as well as testing dual VCO EuroRack modules and a new LFO module based on the Jupiter 8 with variable delay and five waveforms.

This year we plan to continue to bring new modules to market and to increase the production volumes from the 115 we shipped in 2013.

Best Wishes and thanks to all our customers.

Rob Keeble
Owner and Designer, AMSynths"

http://www.amsynths.co.uk

"The AM8019 is a replica of the ARP 2600 Voltage Controlled Amplifier, which is a transistor VCA dating back to the ARP2500 and 1970. This EuroRack module makes use of matched transistor arrays and a high quality buffer Op Amp at the output stage. The VCA is designed to be used with the Athena VCO and VCF's, enabling a replica of the 2600P or Odyssey in a rack format to be achieved.

This 16HP wide module has have enhanced from the original 1970 ARP design with high quality components and additional control inputs, the circuit has been adjusted to provide a better HF response than the original design. The VCA is based on a Wilson Current mirror, and the AMSynths version uses matched transistor arrays to replace the discrete transistors. There are two signal inputs with level controls, one inverted and both pass through a 470nF capacitor which acts as a high pass filter at 10 Hz, thereby blocking any DC offsets.
The ARP 2600 VCO's have a DC offset which is effectively removed via this input (post VCF mixer) and thereby eliminates ADSR thumps. This means the AM8019 is not designed to be used as a ring modulator - see the AM1005 for this application. There are 2x linear control inputs and 2x exponential control inputs, all adjustable by front panel slider potentiometers. There is also a GAIN slider pot on the upper right hand panel, with an amber LED output signal level indicator. The slide potentiometers have been especially manufactured for AMSynths and we have used coloured plastic caps to give the VCA that vintage look and feel.

The discrete transistor VCA is a product of the 1960's before integrated circuits were affordable and the use of the CA3080 OTA chip. This modern and updated version takes the design into the modern era and provides a versatile and clean VCA. The Wilson current mirror and discrete VCA is used in a number of other AMSynths modules such as the AM8047 Multi-Mode Filter."

AMSynths Newsletter January 2014

"Latest News: Many thanks to all our customers in 2013 and we had a successful year shipping over 100 modules and bringing new modules to the market. In 2014 we aim to manufacture and ship a much larger quantity of modules, with some assembly helpers and a new panel manufacturer, so that there is no waiting list or empty shop. AMSynths will also introduce complete analog synthesizers for SDIY and as completed units.

This will start with the Athena dual VCO synth, and then be followed by an analog 16-step sequencer and the Aura 3 VCO synthesizer. The module release plan for 1Q2014 is; AM8140 Dual ADSR, AM8319 Diode Array VCF, AM8012 and AM8075 VCF's, along with AM8109 JP VCF and AM8125 VCO."

"AM8140 Dual ADSR
Overview: This module contains two traditional ADSR envelope generators that use transistors to switch between phases. This type of ADSR was widely available in the 1970's in analog modular and mono synths. Each envelope outputs both a positive and negative control voltage, with the maximum output level being +/-10V.

Click Here to purchase from our webstore."

"AM8071 SnowFall Filter
Overview: This module is a replica of the EMS diode ladder filter, and we have one AM8071 Mark 1 module still available. This has a mix of slide and rotary potentiometers and both Lag and Slope switches. The module is only 45m deep and therefore fits into Skiff Cases.

This module is 125 GBP, please email sales@amsynths.co.uk, if you wish to purchase this module. Only one left until the Mark 3 AM8071 modules arrive later in 2014."

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

CLICK FOR MORE »

New AMSynths Athena ARP Odyssey Clone

It looks like AMSynths, maker of various synth clone modules, is coming out with a full ARP Odyssey Clone.

via AMSynths, via electro-music.com

"The Athena Synthesizer is a complete analog synthesizer inspired by the ARP Odyssey. Two VCO’s with ring modulation drive a 4075 style 4-pole Low Pass Filter, which is connected to a final VCA with ADSR and AR envelopes. Noise, S&H and a LFO complete the configuration. The synthesizer is analog with CV inputs for keyboard CV, gate and trigger - there is no MIDI. The Athena is based on one large single PCB which contains the analog circuits and all the sliders and switches. It mounts to a powder coated and silk screened steel front panel designed by AMSynths.

Sign Up to our dedicated ATHENA SYNTHESIZER mailing list. Muffwiggler Thread is here:

Latest News 28/12/13

The front panel has been designed and mocked up, we will have a prototype panel made in Germany in January. Take a look at the picture – work in progress!
The first prototype VCO PCB has tested perfectly, nice and stable! See picture.
Test of the prototype VCA/ADSR/AR PCB in January, along with new VCF design (precision 4075).
First full sized single PCB will be prototyped in February.
Our slide potentiometer manufacturer is sending sample pots to us in early January, so we can check them and place an order.
AthenaVCO
Athena VCO prototype with Lumina sliders
Detailed Description
All the 1971 ARP circuits are upgraded and some of a new design, this is not a clone, but a synthesizer inspired by the work of Alan Pearlman.

Two wide range VCO’s with precision power rails, new transistor arrays with hard sync and ring modulation
4075 style Low Pass Filter with upgraded design to remove frequency limitations.
The Athena will also be available with upgraded 4023 and 4035 filters – total of 3x different main PCB’s to chose from (green , yellow and blue).
New high grade OTA based VCA to provide clean low noise audio output.
No High Pass Filter, to ensure a clear audio signal.
ADSR and AR envelopes with x0.1 and x1 timing switches.
S&H, Noise and LFO with frequency LED, LFO free run switch.
External CV1 and CV2 to VCF and VCA via slide potentiometers and switches. Can be used for Velocity and Aftertouch control.
VCO1 and VCO2 transpose switches provide +1/-1 octaves.
Portamento slide potentiometer and On/Off switch.
Robust power connectors for +/-15V on PCB.
Non-illuminated 45mm slider potentiometers with plastic slider caps.
High quality Switchcraft slide switches.
Synthesizer power standby on/off switch on front panel (right hand side).
3.5mm jacks sockets for inputs and unbalanced output, all mounted on PCB.
Output Level slide potentiometer and optional balanced output on rear XLR.
Pitch, Gate and Trigger 3.5mm jack socket inputs plus CV1 and Cv2.
NO MIDI input, please use a MIDI to CV with gate & trigger (e.g. Kenton)."

AMsynths AM8071 Snow Fall VCF

AMsynths AM8071 Snow Fall VCF from Mike Lynch on Vimeo.

"The First half of this video is an 'On The Run' style sequence with direct audio. The second half of the video unfortunately takes audio from the built-in camera microphone and shows the Snow Fall filter being modulated by a Make Noise MATHS."

Check out Mike Lynch's latest release on MATRIXSYNTH-C here.

AMSynths Snowfall v Mirage Filters

Published on Oct 21, 2013

AM8071 SnowFall Filter
"This module is a traditional diode ladder low pass filter, similar to that in the EMS VCS3, Roland SH-3, System 100 and Practical Elctronics Minisonic 2. The filter has a 4-pole ladder with an 18dB like response, thanks to the unique characteristics of diodes..."


AM8328 The Mirage Filter
"This module is based around the CEM3328 4-pole Low Pass Filter chip that was released in 1984, as one of the last filter chips and with some great features. It has differential signal inputs, an accurate exponential scale over 14 octaves and voltage controlled resonance. It has a unqiue feature, the signal level is automatically increased as the resonance goes up, thereby avoiding the usual signal level dropping off as resonance comes in. The CEM3328 was late onto the analog stage, just before digital filters appeared, so it only made it into the BIT01 and Ensoniq Mirage (and a few drum machines). So this chip has never really seen action, and was never under analog pot control, just lonely digital paranmeter access! In the Mirage it was not even allowed to oscillate…..We just love giving it a new lease of life in a new analog module!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEM_and_SSM_chips_in_synthesizers

modular bassline uLFO/ SnowFall VCF/ Digital VCA / echophon / René / Pressure points / Tame Machine

Published on Jul 13, 2013 heodesalciphron·118 videos

"modular bassline
voice : Bubblesound uLFO/ AmSynths SnowFall VCF/ WMD Digital VCA / MakeNoise echophon
drived by : Make Noise René / Pressure points / Flame Tame Machine
drums : Anushri / mfb 522"

AMSynths Update: AM8060SE JP6 VCF & AM8044 VCF & VCA

AMSynths Newsletter July 2013

"Latest News: Over the last few weeks we have been busy building modules for customers, as well as completing the testing of the exciting new AM8060SE JP6 filter, and a new VCF, HPF & VCA module the AM8105. Stock levels in the web store will start increasing again, and we are building AM8109 JP8 VCF, AM8140 Dual ADSR, AM8044 and AM8328 VCF's over the next month. So if you are after one of these modules, they will be in stock.

We will launch a very limited run of AM8320 VCF modules that use the CEM3320 configured to replicate the sound of SCI Pro One in late July. Details are here. If you wish to reserve one just reply to this newsletter. And finally, during August we should get round to launching some VCO modules, you can see the E-mu Systems Simple VCO that we have redesigned and replicated as the AM2210 here. Next projects to complete in the summer are both a Roland JP8 VCO and the ARP dual Athena VCO.

Best Regards
AMSynths"

"AM8060SE JP6 VCF
This new module is being launched in July with a batch of 10x modules going out initially to customers who have reserved the module. This is a dual SVF filter with low, band and high pass modes controlled by original Roland JP6 switches. The module goes into self oscillation at high resonance setting and we have carefully trimmed the design to ensure this is controlled, as SVF's can produce a huge signal level when oscillating, The original AM8060 used hard to locate IR3109 chips but we are now using SSM2164's which means we can build all the modules that customers want. Sound demos will be up on the web site soon."

"AM8044 VCF & VCA
The AM8044 module has a 4-pole low pass filter, as used in the Korg Poly 6, followed be a precision VCA. Just connect a couple of VCO's and a Dual ADSR (lie the AM8140) and you have a complete synth! A nice warm filter coupled with a very useful VCA, buy one in the webstore today at 125 GBP. Here is the link."

AMSynts JP6 8060 Demo

Published on Jun 4, 2013 pjoris2·46 videos

"Quick demo of the AMSynths JP6 filter"

Buchla Clone Sounds

Buchla Clone Sounds 1
Published on May 24, 2013 pjoris2·39 videos

"258j, 291j and 121d through what I'm keeping from my eurorack as effects unit. In this case: E580, STG Sea Devils Filterr, AMSynths JP8 filter, modulation from E355."

It seems like Buchla is all about short attack and decay sounds... Or not...

Buchla Clone Sounds 2

AMSynths May 2013 Newsletter - AM8044 Cascade VCF &VCA & More

"Newsletter May 2013
Latest News
Spring has arrived at last in the UK with at least one sunny day! At AMSynths we have been busy launching new modules and catching up on the backlog of reservations. Here is the latest news, check our web site here:

Module Plans
The popular AM8012, AM8075, AM8071 and AM8109 filter modules are in production and shipping to customers, along with the AM8328 Miarge Filter which we launched in January. The AM8044 VCF and VCA has now been launched with stock in the webstore. This module uses the SSM2044 chip to produce a very smooth filter and a simple VCA has been added after the VCF, which can either be used as a final level control or a 10V positive going envelope generator can be patched in.

The Dual ADSR AM8140 is the next module to go into production during May, along with the AM8060SE Dual State Variable Filter - with plenty of back orders to fill. The testing of the AM8027 Dual VCO has completed and the next stage is to build some production versions in June before we officially release the module for customer shipments.

PCB's and Panels
We launched PCB's and panels for customers that wish to build their own modules back in March, and they are proving very popular. We have a growing inventory in the web store, covering most of the Eurorack range. We have online Project Notes with BOM's and guidance on building and setting up.

E-mu Modular
One of the AMSynths projects for this year is to build an E-mu Systems Analog Modular synthesizer using panels from Exclusively Analogue, with some original E-mu PCB's and some re-designs that I have completed. You can read more about the project as it progresses over the next few months on our Blog."