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."
Here's the Analogue Solutions Colossus at work creating a smooth, rhythmic
sequence with some bonus percussion elements that are brought in via the
joystick.
5. Analogue Solutions Colossus Battleship Torpedo Launch 6. Analogue
Solutions Colossus - more than a synthesizer 7. Analogue Solutions Colossus
delivery
Customer report:- Yesterday, on July 14th 2020, I received delivery of my
Analogue Solutions Colossus mega synth -- and I can officially confirm that
synthesizers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a
generation.
It is at once: enormously impressive, and it begs to be
touched, fondled, turned, pinned (matrix), patched, and played.
In
my short time with this sonic work of art, the Analogue Solutions Colossus is
indeed a dream synth that is wrapped in a meticulously formed wooden case.
I love it, and I look forward to sharing it with you soon. -Rez
8. Analogue Solutions Colossus - more than a synthesizer (widescreen)
---
And one from rezfilter:
Analogue Solutions Colossus Lifestyle Video
rezfilter
"Analogue Solutions Colossus - more than a synthesizer.
A video overview of the beautiful lines of this magnificent synthesizer."
"Here are several 'songs' that were made entirely with the Analogue Solutions Nyborg 12 synthesizer. All musical tones you hear were generated with the Nyborg 12.
All of the songs were multitracked in one way or another for polyphony.
Sequencing was provided by the DSI Pro 2 sequencer. Live performances were provided by the hands of Marc Doty. Drums were comprised of beats programmed with the Korg Gadget and occasional supplemental loops from GarageBand.
If you enjoy these videos, or benefit from them, or both, how about considering heading on over to Patreon.com and becoming a supporter of Automatic Gainsay?
I'll be your best frieeeennnnnd! :)
Thank you to Analogue Solutions for their superior synthesizers, and for their allowing me to make these videos. And their patience."
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).
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"
"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.
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!
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…
We've seen the demo videos including initial details (scroll down when you get there). We now have the official press release and the price: £499.00 GBP, $599.00 USD, and €589.00 EUR.
"Analogue Solutions spreads synthBlocks series wings with tiny Treadstone true analogue mono synth
KINGSWINFORD, UK: hot on the heels of its inaugural Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove so-called synthBlocks (launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim), British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to widen the self-explanatory series’ scope with Treadstone — taking the same smart, small, and affordable desktop design-driven analogue attributes of its similarly superior-sounding 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 — as of January 19…
Treadstone takes its intriguing name from a fictional highly-classified, heavily-guarded secret program that features in the series of books based on a fictional spy and associated feature films; it is shut down as the thrilling plot thickens, alas. As the latest addition to Analogue Solutions’ synthBlocks series — squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware sound-sculpting creativity to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer-based creations, the tiny Treadstone true analogue mono synth is far from fictional, however; hearing is believing, but it would, without question, make for a superior-sounding, space-saving desktop addition to any discerning film composer’s creative studio space — or anyone else’s, for that matter!
More meaningfully, maybe, Treadstone treads far from carefully, but boldly goes where few analogue synthesizers dare to win... with an all-analogue audio path and modulation circuits based on superior-sounding designs dating back to the mid-Seventies, so 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 ‘all-analogue’ affairs. Analogue as in really analogue — aside from the MIDI-to-CV circuit (which, by its very nature, must include a digital element) — in other words.
Update: video & description added below.
video upload by Analogue Solutions
"This is a limited edition black version of the classic Colossus synthesizer!
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.
The original Synthi was so large it wouldn’t fit through a standard doorway. We didn’t make that mistake but don’t underestimate its size. It will be prominent in your studio, or art gallery!
It is sized at 1585mm wide, 700mm deep and 655mm high and weighing in too big to fit on the scales. It’s not entirely practical, but to be impressive physically and in sound. It will be an awesome centrepiece for your studio.
Playlist:
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command - Staccato Jam - Akai Tom Cat on Kick duties
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command - Locked
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command Sine of the Time
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command - Bit Crusher
The built in Bit Crusher effect on the Impulse Command takes me to Dimension City.
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command - Choppy Bass
Akai Timbre Wolf sequenced the Impulse Command
Akai Tom Cat sequenced the Vermona DRM 1 MK 2
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command Kick Drum
I thought I'd try to design a kick drum on the Impulse Command, as it has stereo filters the L+R channels can be set independently for a unique sounding stereo kick.
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command Cyber Train
Jammin on the Impulse Command with beats from the Akai Tom Cat and Vermona DRM
Analogue Solutions Impulse Command A Minor Incident
Sequenced by an Akai Timbre Wolf, drums sequenced by an Akai Tom Cat via midi to a Vermona DRM 1 MK3, Sub Bass from the Timbre Wolf.
"KINGSWINFORD, UK: British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to be celebrating its 25th anniversary as a true analogue synthesiser, sequencer, and Eurorack module-making specialist, showcasing its latest products at SUPERBOOTH18, May 3-5 in Berlin, Germany…
Analogue Solutions’ journey to electronic instrument-innovating glory has taken it along a (proverbial) long and winding road. Returning to ‘ground zero’, the aptly-named company was founded by Tom Carpenter in 1993, initially dealing in selling vintage electronic musical instruments while providing ancillary services such as repairs, modifications, manuals, and spare supplies. Since he was (and still is) a fervent fan of electronic music and also an active electronic musician himself, his natural instinct for programming synthesisers soon led him towards getting his hands dirtier, as it were, delving deeper into electronic instruments of his own making.
Moving onwards and upwards, Analogue Solutions settled into its innovative stride within a short space of time by becoming the third company to enter the then-emerging Eurorack market, making modules for the small-format modular system set in motion by Germany’s Doepfer Musikelektronik (with the 1996 introduction of its initial A-100 series modules). Fast-forward to today, though, and Analogue Solutions has released over 70 different modules; meanwhile, the market mushroomed with hundreds of module-makers — both bigger and smaller — seriously embracing Eurorack in pursuit of their now clearly-competitive craft.
Concentrating in more recent years on non-modular products, such as self-contained true analogue synthesisers — featuring fully-analogue audio paths with analogue LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and EGs (Envelope Generators) — and standalone sequencers, today Analogue Solutions is rightfully recognised as a critically-acclaimed British boutique electronic instruments innovator; indeed, its ever-expanding product range is now sold worldwide, with an accomplished client list that reads like a who’s who of electronic music, including such synth-centric luminaries as Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore, Erasure’s Vince Clarke, New Order’s Stephen Morris, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, and The Human League’s Philip Oakey, to namecheck but a notable few.
For making electronic music is what it’s all about for founder Tom Carpenter: “I’ve always loved electronic music, and my goal, as always, has been to create amazing-sounding, vintage-style analogue synths to enable musicians to create the music I grew up on and continue to love to this day. Although it’s now been 25 years, I still have so many ideas that I want to make into physical products. Put it this way: I’ve released four new products in the last six months, and, as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, I hope to have a further two products to showcase at this year’s SUPERBOOTH in Berlin, where we’ll be exhibiting.”
Analogue Solutions will be showcasing its latest boutique electronic instruments on Booth 0202 at SUPERBOOTH18, May 3-5 in Berlin, Germany. Go check them out... while wishing Tom Carpenter and his innovative company a Happy Anniversary!
For more in-depth info about Analogue Solutions’ products, please visit the company website here: http://analoguesolutions.com"
"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/"
First announced back in November, the new Analogue Solutions Nyborg-12 is now available.
"Analogue Solutions ships space-saving real analogue monosynth module with SEM-style filter
KINGSWINFORD, UK: British ‘boutique’ analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of its all-new Nyborg-12 — an Oberheim SEM-style 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER-equipped standalone monophonic synthesiser module with real analogue voice and modulation circuitry — as of February 4...
An analogue renaissance has ensured that the one-time state-of-the-art sounds of analogue synthesisers have long since become highly sought after again. Why? Well, many musicians realised that the convoluted menu-driven access systems deployed on many ‘modern-day’ digital synthesisers with weaker sounds bathed in built-in effects are no substitute for the hands-on immediacy of having access to a control per function at hand when it comes to speedy sculpting of ear-opening and often powerful electronic sounds suited to a variety of musical genres. With more mainstream recording artists and producers than ever now relying on custom sounds as a result of this rising and renewed interest in analogue (subtractive) synthesis, is it any wonder, then, that yesteryear’s often wonderful-sounding (though not necessarily reliable) analogue classics are rapidly rising in value, pushing them out of reach of many musicians of more meagre means? Meeting this demand head on, more analogue synthesisers than ever before are available today from manufacturers both bigger and smaller. Into this healthy and highly-competitive climate comes Analogue Solutions’ latest analogue offering, the Nyborg-12 SEM synthesiser — so-called on account of its 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER, the same flexible filter with LP (lowpass), BP (bandpass), HP (high pass), and NOTCH settings that is used on Analogue Solutions’ own Telemark SEM semi-modular synthesiser, similar (though not identical) to Tom Oberheim’s original 1974-vintage SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module®), much sought after itself.
So what makes Nyborg-12 so special so that it stands out from the sound of the synth crowd? To put it bluntly, there are analogue synthesisers and then there are real analogue synthesisers. As Nyborg-12 proudly states on its rugged steel/aluminium casing for all to see (and hear): REAL ANALOGUE VOICE & MODULATION CIRCUITS
But what does that actually mean? Meaningfully, apart from its high-quality 16-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analog Convertor) for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to CV (Control Voltage) conversion (which, by its very nature, has to be digital), Nyborg-12 is absolutely analogue through and through, hand built (by humans) using real transistors and op-amps. Unlike other so-called analogue synths you’ll find no CPU-stabilised and quantised circuits, DCOs (Digitally-Controlled Oscillators), digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), or digital EGs (Envelope Generators) hiding here, thank you very much! Instead its circuitry is based on tried-and-tested, distinctive-sounding designs dating back to the mid-Seventies, so Nyborg-12 sounds suitably vintage in character. Cast aside those bland-sounding digital synths and DSP-based soft synths and dial in Nyborg-12 whenever fat basses, screaming leads, bleeps, zaps, and all manner of other sounds and effects associated with subtractive synthesis are the musical (and not-so-musical) order of the day (or night)!
Speaking of dials, Nyborg-12 boasts an abundance of high-quality, smooth potentiometers, fully sealed against dust intrusion, together with high-quality knobs with spun aluminium caps — all as appealing to look at as they are to turn! Two super-stable VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) — each providing a whole host of options and MODULATION sources — are available to start turning the most adventurous analogue musical dreams into reality. Thereafter, Nyborg-12 continues to follow the traditional, well-trodden analogue synthesiser signal path with its distinctive-sounding 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER; AUDIO MIXER (VCO 1, VCO 2, NOISE/SUB); LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) with triangle and square wave modulation signals and MODE switch to route CV2 (velocity control voltage) or S+H (Sample and Hold) signals to that 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER or those VCOs; VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), controllable from EG2 or GATE with BYPASS option (allowing Nyborg-12 to be used as an external effects processor) and CYCLE setting (so the envelope is constantly re-triggered by the LFO, allowing for hands-off sound effects); and ENVELOPE 1 (VCF) and ENVELOPE 2 (VCA). As such, it should feel familiar to anyone with a modicum of subtractive synthesis skills... so much so, in fact, that reading of its accompanying user manual may only be necessary for finer operational detail: “Do not use a carwash or jet wash to clean this synth.” Surely as good advice as you’re going to get from anyone anywhere!
And speaking of communicating with the outside world, with an intentionally easy yet effective MIDI implementation — CUTOFF control of Nyborg-12’s all-important 2-Pole 12dB/Octave MULTIMODE FILTER is available via MIDI velocity or a MIDI controller — and external CV (Control Voltage) sockets for PITCH1 (VCO), PITCH2 (VCO), CUTOFF (filter), GATE (to trigger the EGs), and EXT (for feeding an external CV to various circuits), DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration or working with an analogue step sequencer (such as Analogue Solutions’ own Oberkorn) is a breeze. Better still, simultaneous MIDI and CV operation is possible, so users could, for example, use an Oberkorn to play a little melody then transpose that step sequence using a MIDI keyboard controller (or MIDI sequencer). Child’s play? Perhaps.
Note Nyborg-12 can be user configured in various ways to save space to suit. Shipping as a vertically-orientated standalone monosynth module (much like its bigger brother, the Telemark), it is possible to rotate Nyborg-12’s front panel so that it can be used horizontally as a desktop device. Optional wooden side panels can be screwed to a single Nyborg-12 (from its inside so no ugly screws are visible) or to two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together. It is also possible to rack-mount two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together using the optional matching rack ears. Either way, Nyborg-12’s modified software allows two Nyborg-12s to be poly-chained together to play as a single two-voice polysynth. Four-voice polyphony is also available upon request for those looking to really push the boat out and purchase four Nyborg-12s, though one Nyborg-12 is still a very versatile, super-sounding, space-saving standalone monosynth module in itself. One that will serve any adventurous analogue renaissance man, woman, or child well for many years to come.
Nyborg-12 is available to order online directly from Analogue Solutions (http://analoguesolutions.com/nyborg-12/) for £599.00 GBP (plus tax and delivery) or through an authorised dealer, as are its optional rack ears (£19.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery) and wooden side panels (£39.00 GBP, plus tax and delivery).
See and hear an ear-opening ensemble of Nyborg-12s in full flight here:" [posted here - also see this demo]
"AS announces availability of Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove synthBlocks signal processors
KINGSWINFORD, UK: British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions is proud to announce availability of Mr Hyde and Dr Strangelove — introducing its synthBlocks series of small and affordable desktop signal processors with two tantalisingly-named new products squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware processing to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer- based creations — as of November 17…
The synthBlocks series represents an all-new range of small and affordable desktop signal processors produced by British boutique electronic instruments innovator Analogue Solutions, an acclaimed company with over 24 years of designing serious-sounding synthesizers featuring fully-analogue audio paths with analogue LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and EGs (Envelope Generators) to its notable name. Similarly, synthBlocks are all-analogue affairs — albeit with some lo-fi digital effects thrown in for good (musical) measure. Menus and software are all eschewed in favour of a hardy hardware approach. As such, synthBlocks are squarely aimed at laptop and audio plug-ins-focused digital musicians wishing to apply analogue, hands-on hardware processing to their sometimes sterile-sounding computer-based creations. Cue simply plugging the synthBlocks in question into an audio interface’s I/O connections, then routing drums, synths, vocals, or whatever out of the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and through the transistors and op-amps of the synthBlocks and recording the results back into the DAW. Something similar can be achieved by connecting the synthBlocks to the auxiliary buss of a mixing console — just like any other effects processor. Whatever the workflow, turning the dials and flicking the switches by hand of course changes the sound in realtime — often with radical results. Results of course can be radically different — depending on which of the two available synthBlocks are applied to any given sound signal.
Many might have heard of Mr Edward Hyde, an abominable alternative personality of Dr Henry Jekyll, a fictional character in Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde gothic novella first published in 1886. However, hearing Analogue Solutions’ Mr Hyde in the here and now is something else entirely! As announced, Mr Hyde was the first out of the starting blocks in its synthBlocks series as an analogue filter effects box bringing subtle to extreme filtering and modulation effects to the analogue processing production table. To further aid ease of use, Mr Hyde has quarter-inch input and output jacks on its rear, so can be connected straight to an audio interface or mixer without the need for adaptors. The topside of its distinctive blood-red panel features minijack sockets to patch with a semi-modular synth, such as Analogue Solutions’ relatively recently released 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); ever-popular Eurorack small-format modular systems; or other modular systems.
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"
