Roland

SH-01

Analog paraphonic synthesizer with 2 oscillators, a multimode filter, a drone function, a white noise generator, 3 loopable envelopes and 30 patch points! The 2nd version of the Dreadbox Nyx is a very good analog paraphonic synth with a great amplitude on the settings. The quality of manufacture is there: real wood panels, steel case, very strong and resistant pots.  Without patch, we can find a sound close to ARPs although more versatile thanks to the multimode filter and the 2 mods in addition to the VCA and the LFO. We will also appreciate the drone mode which works perfectly with the cavernous embedded reverb. Patch points are welcome and allow you to take this module off the beaten track. It can also be easily integrated into a modular setup. In short, you can lose hours in sound design by switching from big analog bass to futuristic sounds.

GS Apollo I is an analog monophonic synthesizer featuring subtractive synthesis. The sound generation is entirely analog. It has two voltage controlled oscillators (VCO), a mixer, a voltage controlled filter and a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA). The control signals are digitally generated by a microcontroller, which is capable of processing three low frequency oscillators (LFO) and two ADSR envelopes (EG). The GS Apollo I interface was designed to be simple an intuitive. It has 18 knobs and 3 push buttons. It allows the generation of a great variety of sounds.

The Trax RetroWave desktop monosynth was designed for musicians who want the warmth and power of classic analogue synthesizer sound, created by a real analogue instrument, as opposed to a digital system. It is equally at home on stage, or in the amateur or professional studio. Use it to recreate those classic synth sounds once made by Moogs, Korgs, VCS-3s, ARPs, etc., or make your own unique sound patches that are perfect for today's music. Using the RetroWave is very intuitive - just turn knobs and flip switches to get the sounds you want. Unlike a digital keyboard, you are not stuck with a set of presets to limit your creativity! Keyboard or Computer ControlPlay soaring lead lines and powerful basslines in real time, or use your computer programs and a USB to MIDI converter cable, to achieve stunning, intricate sound patterns. Connect any keyboard or sequencer with a 5-pin DIN MIDI out socket to the R-1's MIDI input socket, and you have an complete analogue synthesizer system for live gigs and recording - no MIDI setup to worry about, just plug in, select a channel and play! You can also use it free-standing to create your own electronic sound effects for TV, video, DJ events, stage plays, etc., or to expand your existing analogue synth system.   PatchingThe RetroWave's comprehensive "pot and switch" patching system lets you to set up sounds without recourse to endless menu screens. This way, you create electronic music from scratch - the way Carlos, Tomita, Jarre, Perrey and all the other pioneers did in the early days of sound synthesis. Inputs and OutputsThe rear panel has inputs for 24V dc power supply, MIDI (via 5-pin DIN socket), gate, VCO CV (control voltage), VCO PWM (pulse width modulation), VCF CV, VCA CV and external audio (all 1/4" jack sockets). Output jacks are also provided for CV, gate +5V, velocity and audio. The jack sockets can also be used in conjunction with the supplied patch lead, for extra interconnections between modules that are not catered for by the internal patching arrangement. Power Supply And AccessoriesThe unit is supplied complete with a universal 24V dc power unit that will work on any mains supply from 100 to 240V ac,. There are three interchangeable plug tops - just attach the plug pin assembly that matches your local power supply socket.   A long 1/4" (6.35mm) mono jack to jack output lead is supplied, for connection to an external audio amplifier.   A short patch lead is also included, for making extra connections between internal sections as described above, or for connecting external effects units. Case and ControlsThe retro-styled steel case has a powder-coated, black and white paint finish. The construction is solid and robust, making the unit ideal for live performance use. The controls and switches are laid out as ergonomically as possible, with plenty of space around the control knobs, making programming rapid and easy. We deliberately avoided putting any sockets on the front panel, to keep the unit neat and uncluttered when in use - let's face it, nobody needs a tangle of patch leads getting in the way when trying to set up sounds! All potentiometers are robust, full-size units, and all switches are good quality toggle type, as opposed to fragile and unreliable slide switches.