Nonlinearcircuits VCO Demo

video upload by Randy Piscione

"This is a demo of an older Nonlinearcircuits VCO, based on a Mikulic/Electronotes core with phase sync and pan-pulse circuitry from the Aries AR-338.

The video starts with a sequence, and scope shots of four of the five waveforms the VCO puts out. I didn’t bother with the triangle, but there is a pulse, then saw, then pan pulse and processed saw. These are eventually blended together, and then the left side VCO is faded in. This one is hard synced to another VCO. The equipment list is at the bottom of the description.

The PCB is not designed for Eurorack so I built a dual version to fit them behind a double panel. I originally built it in 2015, made a new panel in 2018, and it stopped working shortly after that. Each VCO required 50 hookups, so 100 wires, 200 solder joints. Ouch!

When it failed, for no apparent reason, I removed all of the point-to-point wiring, couldn’t figure out what happened, and put it aside for quite a few years. If only I had known then what I know now, the failure was a simple IC problem. I had purchased TL074s from eBay that turned out to be pirate versions. It would’ve been a one minute fix. I decided to tackle it again recently, and re-soldered all of the wires. Unfortunately, I used crap wire, so off those came, and I did it again! Still had some issues but with substantial help from John at PM Foundations, we were able to bring it back to life.

Sequence – Pamela’s Workout, Analogue Solutions Oberkorn, NLC VCO, PM Foundations 3080 VCO, Doepfer A-143-2 Quad ADSR, Bastl A B C (X2), Frequency Central Waverunner (X2), ALM Pip Slope, d:Machinery Red LFO, PM Foundations Mod+

Drums – PM Foundations ER-808 (TB-808 tribute)

Bass – PM Foundations SEM tribute modules (8080 VCO, 3080 VCF, ADSR-D, etc.)

String-ish thing – PM Foundations resemble (X4), Full Bucket FB-3300 VST, Full Bucket Modul Air VST

Lead – Mutable Instruments Anushri

Cameo pad – Roland Juno 60

I think that’s it."

Frequency Central / Moon Modular - 5U Desktop System X

via this listing

Additional NOISEBUG Listings

"Interested in the 5U modular format? This is a self-contained system that has only been used in our showroom!

Fully powered case and comes with patch cables. Plug & Play

Case: Moon Modular - T10

Frequency Central Modules:

- System X Oscillator x2
- System X Low Pass Filter
- System X Dual Amplifier
- System X Dual Envelope Generator

Includes 10x 1/4" patch cables of varying lengths"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Frequency Central feat. DARK STAR - Super compact full voice bursting with character and features!

video upload by Frequency Central

"Dark Star consists of 4 sections:

-Voltage Controlled Oscillator based on AS3340 with sawtooth, triangle and pulse waveforms
-Voltage Controlled Filter with lowpass and highpass options, Drive control, Sweep control which attenuates amount of Release CV
-Release generator with CV input for voltage control of release time. Option for sustain via jumper on rear panel.
-Voltage Controlled Amplifier

Together they form a pre-patched super versatile analogue synthesiser voice.

Additionally, each section is fully modular in it’s own right, so there are patch points for:

-1V/oct CV input
-PWM CV input – attenuator doubles as manual pulse width when no external signal is present
-Gate input for Release or Sustain/Release
-Release CV input for voltage control of Release time
-VCF audio input with attenuator, for introducing external audio
-VCF CV input with attenuator (1V/oct CV is normalised to this input)
-VCA audio input (VCF is normalised to this input)
-VCA CV input (Release CV is normalised to this input)
-Release CV output
-VCO audio output
-VCF audio output
-VCA audio output"

Frequency Central feat: Asteroids - exorcise your arcade stylee!

video upload by Frequency Central

"Here’s a quick demo showcasing a few uses for Asteroids.

The Asteroids on the left is allowing audio from Radio Music to pass when button #1 is pressed. Button #2 changes the station of Radio music when pressed.

The Asteroids on the right button #1 is being used to trigger Cosmic Background which is producing electronic percussion sounds. Button #2 is being used to extend Cosmic Background’s release time by applying 5V to it’s release CV input.

The audio in Radio Music is actually snippets from previously uploaded Frequency Central YouTube videos – can you spot which ones? State 700 is just being used as a mixer.

The Gnatophilidae Oxfordii is just there to intrigue. If you’ve read this far please comment 'When will that whacky Gnat module be available please please please?'"

The Eternal Now

video upload by davidryle

"American Format (5U) modular synthesizer performance in real time to a stereo track in Cubase.
For an atonal wash I used the Dove Audio Waveplane and WTF vco's through an Oakley Sound Systems Ring Modulator. I then sent it through A dotcom Q150 transistor ladder filter and a Lower West Side Studio Multimode Filter/Resonator and on to a fixed filter bank and a Frequency Central Stasis Leak digital delay. This drone wash comes in at the final section and ending.
The opening reed sound and accompanying organ sounds were derived from the Synthetic Sound Labs/Mutable Instruments (Braids) Woven Spirits module.
The initial reed sound is from the AUX output of the Woven Spirits through an SSL/Ian Fritz 5 Pulser and Oakley Sound Systems State Variable Filter. The filter is stepped with a random S&H from JNP Electronics.
The secondary organ chord sound is the Main direct output of the Woven Spirits in Chord mode. The combination of both elements are sent to an Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon in DMM mode. Feedback is applied as needed for the drone sustain throughout the piece.
The bass line comes in next with a pair of STG Soundlabs Oscillators through a Dove Audio D502 Multimode filter in -24dB LP mode. The pitch voltage is from the upper Q960 step sequencer. It's timing is from a Catgirl Synth Master Divider, clocked from a custom Dual LFO/Analog Shift Register of Ken Stone (Catgirl Synth) design. An additional tap from the STG oscillator through a Corsynth C103 Frequency Divider/Multiplier module for a sub-octave feed.
The melodic line blended into the latter section is from a pair of Q106 dotcom vco's which are pitch controlled by the lower Q960 sequencer. Each vco pitch is from a separate row of the Q960. The Q960's shift timing is from the CGS Master Divider module. The output is routed through an Empress Reverb pedal in Blue Ghost mode. Panning is from the LWSS/Yusynth Panning Mixer.
All pitch quantitization is through a Moon Modular 565 series setup.
Additional voltage modulation to the Woven Spirits module are from the STG Soundlabs voltage mini stores, and vaious LFO's etc. Timing for the additional sequencers is also managed by the Moster Divider."

Frequency Central Introduces AKROPOLI Advanced Generative Sequencer

video upload by Frequency Central

"Akropoli is an extension and enhancement of our successful Little Melody and High Towers modules, offering the features of both of these modules as well as some of it’s own unique features such as mute buttons per channel, manual transpose knob and 1V/oct transpose CV input. Akropoli operates using our proprietary TOOL V2 code, and can count in integers as well as multiples for even more subtle and evolving variations.

Akropoli is a generative sequencer based around clock divisions and a chromatic quantiser, used to create in-the-moment licks and riffs. It is more that the sum of it’s parts.

Akropoli’s internal operations can be considered as 4 clock dividers patched into a CV mixer via attenuators. The attenuators select notes over a 5 octave range, the clock dividers determine how often those notes are added to the mix. The final output of Akropoli is quantized chromatically for fast set up and continuously pleasing results. Akropoli has an onboard transposition knob, as well as a 1V/oct transposition CV input.

The 4 clock dividers are labelled A, B, C, and D. They all receive clocks from the same source, the divisions may be selected using the presets and the individual division selectors. The clock dividers can be set to count up, down, or to one of a variety of modes that move between counting up and down. For further information about Presets and Modes see the Little Melody User Guide.

https://frequencycentral.co.uk/produc..."

Ambient jam with the Sequential Prophet Rev2, Eurorack, Sloër, and Soma Cosmos

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jayhosking
A live, semi-improvised synthesizer jam performed entirely on hardware.

I went to the store to try out the Sequential Prophet Rev2 for fun, but they didn't have it set up on the floor.

"You should just take it home," the rep said. "Bring it back within 30 days if you don't want it."

So here we are, with the Prophet Rev2 at home. I love having so many voices that so easily can be panned into a binaural sound. The keybed and layout are fantastic and I just like playing it. The sound is great except when it isn't; something about the full-open filter or resonance is displeasing in a mix, though I often don't mind it on its own. Here, I made a binaural patch, with the same synth sound hard panned to left and right sides, but slight variation in the DCOs and "slop" (terrible word) leading to a very rich stereo feeling. One of those rare beautiful things you can do with only some polysynths (and software, of course).

In short, the Prophet Rev2 is a wonderful synth to explore with something of a frumpy sound, for better and for worse.

I was noodling on some chords and wanted accompaniment, so I started with the Cosmos (for some asymmetrical looping), and then took out my melodic eurorack skiff. It's been a while since I had it on the table, so it was nice just to hear these sounds again. Eurorack just leads me to places and sounds I might not otherwise find.

Ultimately, this jam came together in a day, and I'm always a little worried about those ones, because you might not like them as much the next day. So far, though, I'm pretty happy with it.

Thanks for listening.

Sequential Prophet Rev2 - pads
Walrus Sloër - reverb for Rev2
Soma Cosmos - looping for Rev2
Eurorack:
Qu-Bit Chord V2 through Endorphines Squawk Dirty to Me - organ sort of sound
Frequency Central Product - droning analog voice
4ms Ensemble Oscillator through Make Noise QPAS - hyperspace organ
Effects are described in the video, and include Happy Nerding FX Aid XL, Noise Engineering Melotus Versio and Desmodus Versio, Intellijel Multi-FX 1U
ALM Busy Circuits Pamela's New Workout - modulation for all the voices

Performed and recorded live, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

New Bubblesound SpringVerb Demos

SpringVerb606 video upload by bubblesoundmodular

https://www.bubblesound-instruments.com

"The TR606 meets the SpringVerb. the 606 is going through a Booster module and into the SpringVerb. The Frequency Central Berlin School sequencer is providing the CV for the filter cutoff of the SpringVerb."

bass1


"The VCOb is going into the 141 and then into the SpringVerb. Sequencing from a TB03 and modulation from the Frequency Central Berlin School."

bass2

video upload by

"VCOb into the 141 and off to the SpringVerb. This is a drone, the Frequency Central Berlin School is sequencing the filter of the SpringVerb"

high1

video upload by

"VCOb into the 141 and then to the SpringVerb. The Frequency Central Berlin School is sequencing the VCOb."

https://www.bubblesound-instruments.com

Frequency Central - System X and Keystep Pro

video upload by NOISEBUG

"The #frequencycentral #systemX is a complete and portable 5U analog #modularsynth - and it sounds amazing! With a midi controller or sequencer, System X
Is capable of a vast array of sound design techniques; from deep bass lines, duophonic harmonies and dreamy detuned pads.

The system includes five great modules:

2 full range VCOs, (each with dedicated LFOs for seamless frequency modulation and pulse width modulation.)

1 Dual-VCA

1 Dual channel Enevelope Generator

1 Low Pass filter

Learn more at Noisebug.net

#5u #modularsynth #synth #synthesizer #systemx #frequencycentral"

Synclavier Digital's Regen Gets Wider Release

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Regen Tutorials


Regen Quickies


You can find additional posts featuring demos of the Regen here.

Press Release follows:

"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: soft-launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim at the Synthplex® synthesizer expo and electronic music festival hosted at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, CA, USA with pre-orders opening for fulfilment in 2023, timeless synthesis product manufacturer Synclavier Digital is proud to announce wider availability of Regen — released as a desktop synthesizer that is, in short, a real regeneration of New England Digital’s seminal Synclavier® II digital synthesizer that took the pro audio industry by storm when introduced in its initial incarnation in 1980 (evolving beyond that to blaze more technological trails with polyphonic sampling and, ultimately, DAW — Digital Audio Workstation — capabilities well before that term was invented, even), extended and enhanced to take advantage of the increased computing power available today to make it as compelling in a modern setting as the prohibitively pricey original did during its time (finding favour with top-tier film composers, record producers, and recording artists), while the considerable cost and size reductions associated with Regen’s present-day design criteria conversely position it well within reach of (almost) anyone — as of June 29…

CLICK FOR MORE »

A Magic Pulsewave's STAR SONG - Programmable Optical Disc Based Sequencer

video upload by A Magic Pulsewave

http://www.melodyoracle.com

Press release follows:

Taking its cosmic inspiration from star charts and ancient astrolabes, STAR SONG is a rotating optical disc-programmed sequencer with a built-in minimalist synthesizer.

STAR SONG can be used either to play its own built-in pulsewave synthesizer, or in combination with the A.M.P. electronics WAVE EXPANDER (sold separately) to drive external analog and modular synthesizers.

HOW IT IS USED
To create sequences on STAR SONG, the seven translucent rings (orbits) of the optical disc are marked with a marker (included) or opaque tape. The disc is removable and additional discs are sold separately, allowing for indefinite storage of your favorite sequences.

The outer six rings control the tuned note selection and note-on/off sequencing. The innermost ring controls the cut-off frequency for the built-in bandpass filter.

Disc on/off and disc direction are toggled from touch contacts on the front panel, and disc speed is controlled from the central rotary control.

Additionally, there are 1/8" inputs to control rotation speed and rotation direction with an external source.

The addition of WAVE EXPANDER makes the STAR SONG into an incredibly versatile GATE (6 channels) and CV (1 channel) sequencer, as well as providing the STAR SONG’s tuned audio oscillator over five separate octave divisions (four audio and one sub-audio), 12 outputs in all to integrate into your modular system.

Multiple STAR SONG units can be synced by using an external clock signal, and you can even slave STAR SONG to your existing MELODY ORACLE/WAVE EXPANDER combo.

SING THE CYCLES OF THE SPHERES, with STAR SONG, a “revolutionary” new sequencer.


TECH SPECS:
Disc Rotation: 0~15RPM
Panel Controls: Disc rotation on/off, disc rotation rate, disc rotation reverse.
Synthesizer: Quasi-monophonic pulsewave, 8 tuned notes, each with three octaves used in any combination. Sequenced via optical disc.
Tone Filter: Bandpass, optically-controlled.
Audio Output: ¼” LINE (5V p-p)
AMP LINK Output: CAT 5 or 6 w/SHIELDED connector (compatible with WAVE EXPANDER and future AMP accessories only).
Motor Clock Input: ⅛” 0-12V. ON @>7.5V
Disc Direction Input: ⅛” 0-12V. CW @>7.5V
DC input: 15VDC, 2.1mm, tip positive (US adapter included)


STAR SONG MSRP: $456
EXTRA STAR SONG DISCS MSRP: $13
WAVE EXPANDER MSRP: $321

CLICK FOR MORE »

MiniMod & Ribbon Controller - AJH Synth Eurorack Ambient with Gemini 2412 'SEM' style Dual Filter

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"A 2-voice ambient performance using the Doepfer ribbon controller with the AJH Synth MiniMod eurorack modular system, here incorporating the Gemini 2412 'SEM-based' dual multimode filter/VCF. Simple 2 note/2 VCO chords are shifted in pitch with the Ribbon, and pressure sensitivity used to control the Gemini's overall frequency, and the level of pitch vibrato from the Dual LFO module, which has a built-in VCA. A third VCO via the Transistor Ladder Filter creates a single oscillator drone sound (a square wave with pulse width modulation/PWM), whilst the Dual LFO also modulates the frequency of this VCF, and both VCF's on the Gemini in position to each other. The Gemini is used as a stereo filter, with both going of it's VCF's going to separate VCA's and audio channels to creates a stereo panning effect.
The Gemini can be used as 2 filters in series, or in stereo with a single audio input signal, but here both filters are processing a different VCO via their individual inputs, whilst the global Dual Frequency CV function of the module's central mix bus section allows them both to be controlled in unison, in addition to, or instead of their own individual CV control. This offers a huge amount of flexibility.
A suitably large reverb is added in post to add a film/movie soundtrack quality to the sound.

Check out the AJH Synth playlists for module 'User Guides', and 'Patch of The Week' videos, which will be either performances or 'how to' guides, detailing functions/methods, and a range of sounds, some familiar, some less so, containing a patch sheet at the end to show you how to construct it for yourself.

Video by DreamsOfWires"

Love Hultén NES3VOC - Custom synth

video upload by Love Hultén

"Custom NES themed synth with design and signal topology somewhat based on the Minimoog Model D.

Hardware included:

Arcano NESpoly
WMD Spectrum x2
4MS QCD
4MS QCD Expander
Intellijel Quad VCA
Intellijel Zeroscope x3
Doepfer A-118
Doepfer A-180-3 x2
Doepfer A-138b x3
Doepfer A-124 Wasp x2
Doepfer A-140-2 x2
Mutable Instruments Ripples
Frequency Central Wave Runner x4
Erica Synths Black Hole DSP2
Arturia Keystep37"

Elemnt Eurorack/Semi-Modular Jam (MI Plaits, FX AID, Grandmother, Tonus VCF) [No Talking]

video upload by Elemnt

"I recorded this jam recently & decided to release it for my birthday :)

Gear: Mutable Instruments Plaits, G-Storm Electro Tonus VCF, Frequency Central System X Envelope, Happy Nerding FX AID, Moog Grandmother & ADDAC200PI Pedal Integrator.
I created a sequence on the GM, just playing around from there"

Knobcon 22: Madisynths Frequency Central Acropoli

video upload by sonicstate

"Madisynths is a Reverb store and has a couple of new Frequency Central Modules:
Acropoli Sequencer with clock division used in a performative way, changing division on the fly, dropping in CV melody tracks.
Gate mode, scale mode are both CV controllable too, leading to a lot of creative options. There's only a couple in stock for now, but in the next 4-6weeks they will be coming in in larger numbers priced at $299.

https://reverb.com/shop/madisynths"

GEMINI 2412 User Guide Part 2: The Mix Bus (Dual Output, Audio, Frequency & CV control of filters)

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Part 2 of 3. The AJH Synth Gemini 2412 Dual Multi-mode SEM-based VCF explained. The 3-part User Guide will cover this very complex and fully-featured, yet simple to use analogue filter. This part will explain the central mixing bus section of the filter, and how it can be used to control the audio and CV balance, and cutoff frequency of both VCF's simultaneously, and how the dual filter (parallel) and cascaded filter (in series) modes work. Part 1 concentrated on the individual filters and their functions: [posted here] Part 3 will cover using the both filters together with the mixing bus, and how this element enables both VCF's to function together as a single, huge filter, either in series or parallel, along with patch examples, including using the Gemini as a stereo filter.

Video by DreamsOfWires

Index:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Dual Mode
02:17 Cascade Mode
06:01 Invert Function
10:38 Audio Mix
12:25 Mix CV (with an Envelope)
17:20 Mix CV (with an LFO)
22:38 Dual Frequency CV (D-FCV)
28:24 Patch Example (no talking)"

GEMINI 2412 User Guide Part 1: The Single Filter (Explaining the individual VCF with audio examples)

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"Part 1 of 3. The AJH Synth Gemini 2412 Dual Multi-mode SEM-based VCF explained. The 3-part User Guide will cover this very complex and fully-featured, yet simple to use analogue filter, starting with looking at one of the individual filters in isolation. There are also some audio examples, both with and without talking, and some example patches for just a single filter at the end.
Part 2 will explain the central mixing bus section of the filter, and Part 3 will cover using the both filters together with the mixing bus, and how this element enables both VCF's to function together as a single, huge filter, either in series or parallel, along with patch examples, including using the Gemini as a stereo filter.

Using the GAIN SWITCH with the Gemini to select High Resonance mode: [posted here]

Featured in this video:
'Assault on Precinct 13': https://youtu.be/fKyEDf2QkV8
'Brass & Blade': https://youtu.be/2KuP930dqcs
'Blade Runner CS-80': https://youtu.be/Tcts4oCyxaI

Video by DreamsOfWires

Index:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Overview
02:13 Physical examination
03:45 Module layout (single filter)
06:41 How it sounds
10:51 Frequency CV control
13:57 Resonance CV control
15:05 Input level & Drive
17:05 High resonance mode/Self oscillation
22:02 Sound examples (no talking)
26:14 Patch examples (no talking)"

Moog Format Jam

video upload by NOISEBUG

"Demonstrating the new Frequency Central Berlin School sequencer and the new White Face Arp filter. These two modules are running through bot Moon delays, the 530 Digital Delay & the new 531 BBD Delay.

All drums are coming from our Analog Drum System created by Noisebug."

https://www.noisebug.net/

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

Berlin School 960 Sequencer - Step Inputs/Outputs

video upload by O.Z. Hall

"This demo shows how to use the step inputs and outputs to control which steps in the sequence are played. This is a classic Tangerine Dream technique to break the monotony of playing the same 8 steps repeatedly.
I'm using the Swiss Daisy DSP as a virtual analog voice with delay. The controls I'm adjusting are the wet/dry mix, the envelop to VCF amount and the VCF cutooff frequency.
The simplest example of using the step in/out would be to take the step out from step 5 and connect it to the step in on step 1. This would result in the first four steps being played. (i.e. a reset to change the sequence length from 8 to 4 steps).
In order to quickly repatch to select the step out and step in, I have used a dual 4:1 selector switch, the Frequency Central 'Where" module:
https://synthcube.com/cart/frequencyc...
(no, I'm not paid for this link).
The top switch selects the beginning step; the bottom the ending step.
If the ending step number is BEFORE the beginning step number, the sequence skips the "ending" note and jumps (forward) to the "beginning" note.
One other wrinkle, the "step out" stays high for the entire step duration. I have turned this 100% "gate" into a trigger by running it through an A/D envelope.
One other note, I'm using row three to adjust volumes at each step."