"The next new module from AMSynths will be the AM8101 VCF. A faithful recreation of the the low pass filter in the SH-101 mono synth. We expect to start shipping production modules with red anodised aluminum panels in April. #eurorack #eurorackmodular #amsynths #analog #synthesizers"
"The AM8325 module is a recreation of the 2 and 4 pole filters in the Oberheim OB-Xa. The filter uses two AS3320 filter chips to produce an amazing sounding VCF. The 2-pole filter is a state variable, reminiscent of the Oberheim SEM, with low pass and high pass outputs. The 4-pole filter is a classic 24dB OTA low pass.
PRODUCT STATUS: IN PRODUCTION
Euro Rack Module: 14HP wide
The filter has two audio signals inputs with level control (OSC1, OSC2), frequency cutoff and resonance controls, along with two frequency modulation controls (MOD and ENV). There is also a dedicated keyboard input for controlling the filter cutoff from a pitch signal.
Front panels slide switches control whether the keyboard pitch CV is ON or OFF, and which filter mode is provided at the output:
2-pole low pass
2-pole high pass
4-pole low pass
There are six 3.5mm jack sockets mounted on the bottom of the panel;
Signal Inputs (x2)
CV Inputs (x2)
Keyboard Input
Signal Output.
The module comes with a 10-pin power cable and a set of mounting screws and washers (M3 silver)."
"Great news. Our sister company Coolaudio who designs mixed architecture semiconductors has just released the holy grail of synthesizer chips - a clone of the BA662A.
It is the THE chip responsible for the unique sound of so many classic synths.
Not only has Coolaudio cloned the BA662 “A” version, which is the highest specified version, they also managed to greatly improve noise performance and included even two chips in one packaging.
We’re beyond excited:-)"
The BA662 was used in the Juno-6/60/106, JX-3P and TB-303, Jupiter-4, and Jupiter-8.
"The BA662 is a custom made DC controlled variable transconductance amplifier (or OTA) that Roland had manufactured by Rohm from the late 1970’s and is now obsolete. There are two types of chip with different suffices; the A version has been selected for lower offset than the B version. They are further classified by gain/gm. The BA662B can only replace another BA662B, whilst an A can be used in either application.
To quote Roland from the 100M Service Manual: 'Color has great importance in circuits of some models'. However there is nothing mystical about the sound of the BA662, it is just a reasonable good OTA chip which is often carefully matched and selected."
"They just don’t make IC’s like they used to, and is this case, they just don’t make them at all! So, we decided to bring the BA662 back to life, in all it’s Frankenstein glory. This is a direct replica (to the best of our knowledge) of the now obsolete OTA, made from well matched transistor pairs. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for most applications. So if you have an old synth or effects pedal that is no longer synth’ing or effecting, this just might be the cure...
The BA662 clone is a replica of the very rare BA662 OTA which was used by Roland in a number of their synthesizers and effects pedals from the 80's. The internal wiring of the BA662 was reverse engineered from an original part by applying external voltages and currents, and seeing how it responded. For example, you can find out how many transistors are at the top and bottom of the output stage by measuring the saturation voltages. From this it was found that they used Wilson current mirrors. Also, by measuring the current consumption under varying signal levels, the value of the emitter resistor on the buffer stage was found. A fair bit of the anaylsis was based on recollections from seeing a datasheet a long time ago, and the fact that OTA's have very similar topologies."
"Introducing eleven new Eurorack compatible modules – all of them authentic reproductions of original “System 100M” circuitry from 1975. With ultra-fat oscillators and creamy filters the sound became famous in the early 80s used by artists like Depeche Mode, Human League, Tears For Fears but also Vangelis, Tangerine Dream and even Aphex Twin.
If you’re into super-fat bass sounds, in-your-face leads or flowing soundscapes, definitely check them out! All modules are incredibly feature rich, have tremendous patching capabilities and a lot of them come with dual function, like:
- 112 dual oscillator with 3 waveforms, PWM and two sync modes
- 121 dual filter with 3-channel mixer per filter
- 130 dual VCA, again with dual 3-channel mixers
- 140 dual envelope has 3 outputs per ADSR plus a built in LFO that can be triggered and phase synced
- 173 gates module comes even with four gates that can switch audio and 6 quad buffered multiples
- 297 has a dual portamento controller plus two independent CV mixers
- 150 brings a ring modulator, 2 noise generators, syncable LFO and a sample and hold generator
- 172 module delivers a 6-step phase-shifter, an analog delay, an LFO and a gate delay
- 305 is an output module a four-band parametric EQ, a 4-channel mixer, line and separate headphone output and even a tuning oscillator
- 182 there is a powerful analog sequencer with either dual 8 steps or 1-16 steps and tempo, portamento and gate time controls
- 110 is a complete synth voice with VCO, VCA and filter in a single module
#NAMM2020"
Update: Word is this might be an AMSynths joint project. From their website:
"Behringer Partnership In June 2019 I joined forces with Behringer to design analog synthesizers that will be manufactured in China and sold to customer across the world. I am working on a number of projects which I will let Behringer announce when they are ready. AMSynths is continuing to grow with more Euro Rack modules being manufactured, as well as complete synthesizers like the SH05 and Jupiter One. In 2019 I started to restore vintage music gear, and you will see the repair stories in my Blog. I am also creating videos of my modules and the vintage synths that they emulate."
Update: some product sheet scans in in via Soviet Space Child and a note on one of the forums from Uli.
"I like to share with you the initial drafts of our M100 Eurorack Series.
These are 13 MID's or concept documents we create for every single product as part of our PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) process before we hand them over to our R&D departments for development.
We haven't decided yet which of these modules we will actually produce as it is important that we achieve a certain production volume.
As usual do we appreciate your valuable feedback which will give a better indication of validity of these products.
Thanks!
Uli"
Modules:
SYSTEM 100 140 DUAL ENVELOPE/LFO
SYSTEM 100 112 DUAL VCO
SYSTEM 100 121 DUAL VCF
SYSTEM 100 130 DUAL VCA
SYSTEM 100 131 MIXER/OSCILLATOR/HEADPHONE AMP
SYSTEM 100 132 DUAL CV/AUDIO MIXER & CV GENERATOR
SYSTEM 100 150 RING MOD/NOISE/S&H/LFO
SYSTEM 100 165 DUAL PORTAMENTO CONTROLLER
SYSTEM 100 172 PHASE SHIFTER/AUDIO DELAY/GATE DELAY/LFO
SYSTEM 100 173 QUAD SIGNAL GATE/PATCH BAY
SYSTEM 100 174 PARAMETRIC EQ
SYSTEM 100 110 VCO/VCF/VCA
SYSTEM 100 182 Analog Sequencer
"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.
"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"
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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
"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."
"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.
"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."
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.
