Analogue Solutions Polymath Synthesizer

analog-solutions-polymath-synthesizer

The Analogue Solutions Polymath is a new paraphonic analog modular synthesizer.

It is fully modular, in the sense that every thing can be detached and repatched. It doesn’t have to be used as a ‘poly synth’ or a traditional ‘mono synth’. It can be repatched to do whatever you wish.

Circuits can also be isolated and used in conjunction with other modular synths or synths.

Here’s a video introduction, via perfectcircuitaudio:

The Analogue Solutions Polymath Synthesizer

analog-solutions-polymathThe position of important patch points has been placed close together, where possible, so shorter patch leads can be used that won’t obscure too much front panel. For example, Mixer Out jack is placed next to the VCF Audio In jack. This means that it can be patched up to be a mono/poly synth with a minimal amount of cables.

Some voltages are pre-patched in a sense, via front panel pot’s or switches, but they can all be effectively removed from the circuit by setting them to ‘zero’.

There are ‘global’ PWM and Pitch Modulation controls, so that, if for example, you want to apply vibrato to all VCOs equally, you can do that with one cable rather than 4.

Polymath features a Spring Reverb. This doesn’t have to be patched in as a traditional effect, at the end of the signal chain. According to Analogue Solutions, it also ‘sounds cool’ when inserted between the Mixer output and VCF input.

Features

  • 4 VCOs. Each have Pulse Width, Portamento, Saw wave, Square Wave, CV inputs, CV outputs, Sync. VCO1 has Sub-Osc output too
  • Multimode VCF based on (not a clone) the Oberheim SEM (LPF, BPF, HPF, Notch) with multiple CV control
  • Audio input, to allow processing of external audio (vocals, for example, from your DAW, etc) through the filter
  • 2 LFOs
  • 2 ADSR Envelopes
  • 8 Step Analogue Sequencer with sliders
  • Arpeggiator – with Up, Down, Up/Down modes and Octave range
  • Poly Mode (Paraphonic)
  • Note Trig/ReTrig
  • Unison Mode for mega-fatness
  • Ring Modulation
  • Sample and Hold
  • Noise
  • Multiples
  • Adaptor
  • Spring Reverb – a triple spring Accutronics unit is used.
  • MIDI to CV Converter
  • Mixer
  • Inverter
  • Headphone Amp
  • VCA

The Analogue Solutions Polymath is available for US $4,230. See the Polymath site for details.

18 thoughts on “Analogue Solutions Polymath Synthesizer

  1. It’s funny, just bought an Alesis Andromeda A6, and was thinking they will never be able to build another 16 voice fully analog synth for that price point again. When it was new it was something like $4300 out the door? Nowadays, that synth would cost you twice that! This thing is beautiful…I want one, but it’s not a ” polysynth” as in the A6 fashion…that’s the last true Beast made…for course there’s the Schmitt, but $20000 is slightly out of my price range and still only 8 voices.

      1. 🙂

        I look at the value of an instrument in how much good music I can make with it, and I’ve made more, better music with VA, digital and cheap gear than I have analog and expensive gear. 🙂

        Also, I’m so tired of all of these retro analog synths. I want to see something truly new and unique with some crazy digital wavetable, or new kinds of synthesis. So tired of subtractive analog. I want a super digital synth that combines wavetable, FM, PD, and samples into an all new, forward thinking instrument designed to craft the sounds of tomorrow, something not infatuated with the sounds of yesterday.

        1. Seconded. I just got a lot less done with my “dream” analogue studio of monosynths…compared to my unglamorous setup of computer + iPad + controller + headphones… I’d entertain one piece again for playing but I almost find the analogue fetishism a green light to go in a completely other direction…contrarian perhaps but I’m finally getting into programming/experimenting with something other than the usual octave bassline sound…not better, just different 🙂

          1. Each to their own…
            If you want wavetable and other complex synthesis, there’s been plenty of those for many years. PPG and Waldorf are making amazing synths for IOS.
            Where this Polymath synth shines and separates itself from, is its sonic richness and detail. Cheaper alternatives don’t have those rich harmonics and analog discrepancies.
            This is a niche instrument, not at all meant to provide the sound of tomorrow.
            It’s for synth lovers who hunt for the perfect analog sound and this machine exceeds those expectations. This machine parallels the sounds of the old Moog modulars and ARP 2600. It’s cheaper than the aforementioned and you get a brand new instrument, not one that needs constant repairs.
            You have a valid point, but this is just another look on things.

        2. I’m gonna have to third this sentiment.

          Phase Distortion is similar to FM, but they produce completely different timbres. PD is much, much more “rough”.

    1. Ukuleles and xylophone. Oh wait, that’s the music of today. Hipsters, get the hell of my lawn. And try singing with a chest voice for a goddamn change.

  2. the yamaha dx 100 used in the demo seems more vintage , rightful and authentic than this analog paraphonic so steampunky hispteric .

  3. I just hope their build quality has improved – my experiences with both a Telemark (Mk1) and Leipzig (Mk1) where not very favourable to say the least – for the price point I would have expected better.

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