Analogue Solutions Colossus Synthesizer Single Sequence

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Here's a single Colossus #synthesizer sequence captured via mobile. This was a demo sequence we used at Sweetwater during the AS visit and presentation. It was quickly taken apart via participants' hands, which is part of the fun of #Colossus and modular in general! Too cool not to share. :)

We have several configurations of the Colossus synth. Drop a line or visit the website for more information:

www.analoguesolutions.com"

Synthfest UK 23: Analogue Solutions - Maximus - 8 Voice Monster

video upload by sonicstate

"At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Tom from Analogue Solutions who gave us our first hands-on look at the Maximus Analog Synthesizer. While it might not be as colossal as its predecessor, the Colossus, the Maximus still packs a punch. This beast features 8 individual voices, each with its own sequencer, giving musicians the flexibility to craft a wide range of sounds, from lush pads to percussion elements. Maximus employs a vintage-inspired approach to tuning, with no central control, harking back to the 1970s ethos of hands-on control. While it is capable of huge polyphonic patches, Tom's vision for the Maximus is to offer musicians the ability to create diverse sequences and utilize the voices independently, allowing for rich sonic exploration. With its voltage-controlled filter and multi-mode options, it's clear that the Maximus draws inspiration from classic analog synths like the Oberheim SEM. Additionally, it boasts a five-octave keyboard with aftertouch and a unique touchplate with triggering and flexible CV capabilities. Analogue Solutions has embraced a normalization approach, making patching a breeze, while also providing the option to switch out circuits for advanced sound design. The Maximus also offers delay and spring reverb effects, further expanding its sonic palette.

With the first production run already sold out, tom is busy crafting the next batch and the Maximus should become available again in November 2023.

Analogue Solutions Maximus Price: £22,500"

You can find additional Analogue Solutions Maximus posts here.

Analogue Solutions Ample & Colossus Synthesizers - User Demo & SynthFest UK

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Analogue Solutions Ample synthesizer - demo made by JAM in Sweden.

Audio and video captured by mobile phone."

Analogue Solutions Colossus synthesizer - sequenced with Eurorack


Analogue Solutions Colossus synthesizer - sequenced with Eurorack. 2


"Analogue Solutions Colossus synthesizer - demo made by JAM in Sweden.
Sound by Colossus - sequenced with Euroack.
Audio and video captured by mobile phone."

Come see us at SynthFest 7/10/23 in Sheffield, UK


"Come see us at SynthFest 7/10/23 in Sheffield-

new Maximus and Ample synths will be there.

Come say hi! If you miss it, come next year!"

Analogue Solutions Colossus AS100 - MINT with EXTRAS

via this auction

"Analogue Solutions Colossus in mint condition, includes all original pins, cables, as well as a large quantity of tiptop audio stackable CV cables (highly recommended), a Doepfer Dark Link USB-MIDI-CV converter, an Eventide H90 stereo effects unit, legs and a two person bench for the synthesizer.

Works perfectly, sounds AMAZING, incredibly fun to play, this one is barely used!

It cost about 33k to get this into the states. If you don't want some of the extras can discount accordingly.

Local pickup only in Hollywood, CA."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Analogue Solutions Introduces MAXIMUS AS300 POLYSYNTH

On the heals of COLOSSUS and AMPLE, Analogue Solutions introduces the MAXIMUS AS300 POLYSYNTH. It is set to make its first physical appearance at SYNTHFEST UK this year.

Specs and details follow.

16 VCO / 8 Voice semi-modular polysynth.

Being built in small batches.

Batch 1 is avaialble to order now.

The price will increase for batch 2 due to horrific increases in all costs.

So get your order in now to lock in the price.

DON’T MISS OUT !

Available to order direct now.

Please email to check current wait time Typically 2-6 weeks

AS300 main unit £22500 £19900 Launch price - batch 1 only

AS400 optional keyboard £1900 £1800 Launch price - batch 1 only

excluding crate, shipping and tax (all if applicable)

CIRCUITS

VOICE - X8
2 VCO
1 Mixer
3 12dB filters
2 Full ADSR envelopes
1 16 step note/modulation loop sequencer
1 BBD style retro echo
1 Main out VCA
1 White Noise
1 Sub Osc
1 Portamento / Glide
1 VCO tune Vernier dial
Generous selection of cross modulation controls.

MASTER
1 VC LFO
1 LFO with delay
1 LFO
8 channel stereo mixer
2 Real spring reverbs
1 Master control knobs
1 Poly MIDI to CV converter
4 Key modes
2 MIDI Sync modes
1 Multiple
Generous modulation routing

MISC
Metal cabinet
Birch ply real wood
Healthy set of jack sockets for patching on all panels

OPTIONAL AS400 KEYBOARD
61 full length keys
Weighted
Velocity
Aftertouch with VCA for modulation
64 pad touch controller (can be split to 2x32)

SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH MAXIMUS

Standard pad type poly sounds

Unusually Poly Sounds

Monophonic Synth Sounds

A mixture of Mono and Poly Sounds

Filmic / Epic ambience sounds

Rhythmic patterns, with a new sound on each key press.

Although Maximus can do traditional ‘pads’ it’s better suited to more unorthodox poly sounds. It excels also at unusual analogue loops and rhythms when it is played in cyclic mode. Have each voice set to a different type of sounds, and as you cycle through them you get very interesting patterns (melodic or otherwise).

Maximus does not have patch memory - just like the very first polysynths.

Every sound you create will be unique - the first of its kind ever to be produced. Your Maximus will never sound like anybody else’s. It will always be unique and yours.

WHAT IS MAXIMUS?
Tom Carpenter is excited to introduce Maximus, an exciting new mega-polysynth 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.

Although we label this as a polysynth - it is so much more. We can’t think of a label to give this synth since its is so much more than that.

When you think of polysynth you think of flat synths with one set of controls that control all voices equally. By giving Maximus independent controls for every voice, you have more freedom to create unique styles of poly sounds impossible on traditional polysynths, whether they are hardware or software. You can dial up ‘traditional’ poly sounds (pads etc) or have something unimaginable different.

Because you can never dial up each voice completely identically, standard polys pads will sounds superbly vintage.

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, aside from of course the digital needed in MIDI and the mini-sequencers.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production. For those who want a synth that could have been built in the 70s.

There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.

Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation.

AS300 main unit £22500 £19900 Launch price – batch 1 only AS400 optional keyboard £1900 £1800 Launch price – batch 1 only

Analogue Solutions Colossus Quartz Expander AS250-VCO

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"AS250-VCO This has a bank of 12 vernier VCOs, plus 2 Noise Generators, Random Voltage, Sample and Hold, Matrix Panel.

What is Colossus Quartz?

Tom Carpenter is excited to introduce Colossus Quartz, an exciting new range of add-on synth expanders, part of the Colossus range.

Colossus Quartz is the Colossus Slim split into quarters. This allows you to build the whole system one quarter at a time, spreading the cost, or just having single sections to use as expanders alongside your existing modular synthesizers.

Several benefits:

It enables you to buy one quarter at a time, so you can spread the cost eventually building up a complete Colossus System.

They can be used as expanders for Colossus.

And they can be used as expanders and used with other modular set-ups (Eurorack, 5U, etc)."

You can find additional posts featuring the AS250-VCO here, and Colossus here.

Analogue Solutions Colossus Quartz Expander AS250-VCF

video upload by Analogue Solutions

See this post for the initial announcement of Analogue Solutions Colossus expanders.

Analogue Solutions Colossus Quartz Expander AS250-VCF

"This has 8 Filters (4x SEM type, 4x Moog type), 8 VCAs, 2 real Spring Reverbs, 2 Ring Mods, 2 Slew Generators, Matrix Panel.

What is Colossus Quartz?

Tom Carpenter is excited to introduce Colossus Quartz, an exciting new range of add-on synth expanders, part of the Colossus range.

Colossus Quartz is the Colossus Slim split into quarters. This allows you to build the whole system one quarter at a time, spreading the cost, or just having single sections to use as expanders alongside your existing modular synthesizers.

Several benefits:

It enables you to buy one quarter at a time, so you can spread the cost eventually building up a complete Colossus System.

They can be used as expanders for Colossus.

And they can be used as expanders and used with other modular set-ups (Eurorack, 5U, etc)."

Biggest Pad EVER! 216 VCOs **FREE SAMPLES** Analogue Solutions Colossus

video upload by Starsky Carr

"How on Earth would you use a monster analog modular powerhouse in practise? Imagine squeezing one into your massive studio and having to meet a deadline for your latest blockbuster soundtrack. Incorporating such a retro-tech monster piece of kit into a modern workflow and studio always intrigued me. A couple of weeks with it and all is becoming clear.

It's a source of sounds and inspirations.... so sample them!

The sample packs are available here:
https://www.starskycarr.com/patches/c..."

Analogue Solutions Colossus w/ Lab Coat

via this auction

"It’s an amazing synth with the capabilities of 3 or 4 synths. 12 oscillators, 6 filters (ladder and mm) 4 ADR/S and 4 ADSR envelopes, sample and hold, slew, ring mod, pin matrix, 32 point sequencer x 2 and 2 capacitive touch 2 octave keyboards. stunning to look at."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Colossus: A once in a generation synthesizer

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the outrageous and jaw-dropping Colossus from Analogue Solutions.

A "colossus" thank you to Tom at Analogue Solutions for the very generous loan of this remarkable instrument.
https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

Thank also to Simon and Eli for their help with the video.

For my music, stems of my music, sample packs, Q&As and to help keep this channel going, please consider my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
1:07 Colossus
2:11 Demo 1: Fireflies
3:47 Synthi 100
4:28 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 1
7:34 Demo 2: Heft Side Brain
8:52 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 2
10:07 Demo 3: Peggio
11:31 The Colossus in the room
12:37 Demo 4: Helix"A look at the outrageous and jaw-dropping Colossus from Analogue Solutions.

A "colossus" thank you to Tom at Analogue Solutions for the very generous loan of this remarkable instrument.
https://www.colossus-synth.com/colossus

Thank also to Simon and Eli for their help with the video.

For my music, stems of my music, sample packs, Q&As and to help keep this channel going, please consider my Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/AlexBallMusic

0:00 Intro Jam
1:07 Colossus
2:11 Demo 1: Fireflies
3:47 Synthi 100
4:28 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 1
7:34 Demo 2: Heft Side Brain
8:52 Whistle Stop Tour Pt 2
10:07 Demo 3: Peggio
11:31 The Colossus in the room
12:37 Demo 4: Helix

Maxing out the QUARTZ // Analogue Solutions Colossus Modules

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What can you do with one of these? I run through how I created a track using a whole load of functions as a single patch on the Analog Solutions Colossus Quartz. It gave me 5 big juicy tracks on analog beef that worked together as a single entity.

There are 12 VCOs, 8 Filters, 8 Envelopes, 4 VCAs (plus 8 in the filters), 2 noise generators, S&H, random voltage generator, 2 spring reverbs, 2 ring mods, 2 32 step analog sequencers, an oscilloscope, touch control keyboard with 16 step sequencer, 2 31x15 pin matrices, a 10 channel stereo analog mixer, and 2 XY joysticks... ie a fair bit to play with. All analog of course.

Some free stuff plus patch banks and samples:
https://www.starskycarr.com"

Analogue Solutions Colossus Double the Dawless #shorts

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Here's a quick capture of a Colossus Double (AS100+AS200) jam session. Everything is dawless, using only the Colossus sequencers and onboard sound facilities."

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"

Analogue Solutions COLOSSUS CLASSIC - (Limited Edition w/ Black Wood Sides)

via this auction

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"This demo unit was featured at Knobcon 2022, now on display here in our showroom. Can be freighted anywhere in the country, please contact us for more info!

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.

The original Synthi was so large it wouldn’t fit through a standard doorway. We didn’t make that mistake but don’t underestimate it’s 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 centre piece to your studio.

*diagonal dimension is a little less for those with tight door ways - about 620mm effective width.

Also we have found putting Colossus on its end, you can pivot it through narrow doorways (more details in the manual).

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, it doesn’t have MIDI or USB (there are plenty of MIDI converter boxes out there should you need that facility). This wasn’t designed to be the solution to your modern digital studio but rather a serious analogue power house of sound. There are of course digital elements to the sequencer control - that is unavoidable - even classic analogue sequencers like the ARP sequencer using digital logic chips. In fact the Synthi 100 features a digital sequencer.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production.

Colossus is large scale, featuring large knobs that control metal shaft potentiometers. VCOs have multi-turn verniers. The two enormous pin matrix panels dominate the horizontal panels - these are incredibly expensive Swiss made broadcast quality signal routers - 1 for CV and 1 for Audio.

There are two spring reverbs, touch keyboards, step sequencers, moving coil meters, joysticks and so much more. An immense expanse of jack sockets for additional patching within or without the system.

There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.

Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation."

Analogue Solutions Colossus Double-Stack Synthesizer - 1970s Archival Footage #shorts

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"👉Note: This video was NOT shot in the 1970s, and the Colossus synthesizer is available to purchase now! 😄"

Analogue Solutions Colossus Slim AS200 Synthesizer

video upload by Analogue Solutions

"Introducing the AS200 Colossus 'Slim', a synthesizer designed for those who want a powerful analogue sound in a smaller space.

🔗 AS website: https://www.colossus-synth.com/coloss...

This space-saving version of the original Colossus classic (AS100) compromises very little to obtain its smaller footprint, over 50% smaller, and is a little taller than the classic. It takes some of the features found in the classic's horizontal console and flips them vertically.

The Colossus Slim has more mixer inputs, fully independent pin matrices, and a lower price tag than the classic version. However, the classic version has larger pin matrices and touch keyboards. The Colossus Slim comes with a two-channel LCD oscilloscope as standard, while a CRT scope is available.

We've designed the Colossus Slim to elegantly stack on top of a Colossus Classic for a grand double-height system.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production. Colossus is large-scale, featuring large knobs that control metal shaft potentiometers, and VCOs have multi-turn verniers. The two enormous pin matrix panels dominate the horizontal panels - these are incredibly expensive Swiss-made broadcast quality signal routers - 1 for CV and 1 for Audio.

There are two spring reverbs, step sequencers, moving coil meters, joysticks, and so much more. An immense expanse of jack sockets for additional patching within or without the system.

Colossus is a serious analogue powerhouse of sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life. Synthesizers like this only come around once in a decade or possibly a generation. Visit the Analogue Solutions website for more information and to order your Colossus Slim today.

*Audio track is a live Colossus Slim performance, recorded without any multitracking or mixing."

Analogue Solutions Colossus : Modular Synth

video upload by Frequency Manipulator

Analogue Solutions Colossus Slim Sequence with Spring Reverb #Shorts

video upload by Analogue Solutions

Analogue Solutions Colossus Nighttime Jam

video upload by rezfilter

"What's this then?

Here's a little playing about on the Colossus AS-100 from this past weekend.

The live playing is being actively captured by Colossus's note sequencer on the touch key bed, which is then subsequently started - running in parallel with the 64-note step sequencer.

I believe this performance used 5 of the synth's 12 oscillators, and only 2 of its 8 filters, which in this video are being overdriven hard.

With its vast patching, pinning, modulation, and sequencing capabilities, you can be as simple or as complex as necessary to fit your application.

It never ceases to amaze me."

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