Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX X User manual

FUSEBOX X
user manual

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
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FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 2

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on buying the FUSEBOX X synthesiser. FUSEBOX X is part of the
Analogue Solutions range of analogue music equipment. FUSEBOX X is a precision
electronic musical instrument. It combines all the often needed music electronic
circuitry to make a powerful music synthesiser in one compact module.
No compromise has been made with the construction of FUSEBOX X. Cheaper
options in parts have not been used
• Full rugged steel/aluminium case - no plastic mouldings
• Good quality smooth, metal potentiometers, fully sealed against dust
• Good quality knobs with spun aluminium caps
• High grade double sided circuit board
• High quality 16bit DAC for MIDI-CV conversion
• Stable MIDI to CV
• Stable analogue oscillators
• Designed, built, tested and assembled in the UK
•True retro analogue voice and modulation circuits to give an authentic retro
sound - no DSP.
•Real wood sides.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 3

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
WHY DO I NEED THIS SYNTH? WHAT’S SO SPECIAL?
FUSEBOX X is a compact true analogue mono synth in a neat, smart, small
package.
When we say real analogue, we mean that the entire audio path and all modulation
is entirely analogue, using circuits based on awesome sounding vintage 1970s
designs. Their circuits are not locked down by CPUs. Controls are not quantised and
read by CPUs. With the exception of the MIDI to CV circuit, which by its nature must
have a digital element, and the control sections of the sequencer (which even in
vintage sequencers is digital), FUSEBOX X really is analogue and the sound benefit is
immediately apparent!
We get many good comments about how good Analogue Solutions products sound.
How wonderful, warm and full of character they are.
The synth has been designed by Tom Carpenter, a musician and a big fan of
electronic music. He knows how to program a synth and what should be expected. It
was not designed by an engineer or steered by committee, or men in suits. So, the
modulation choices and range of sounds they produce have all been carefully thought
out and quickly give you those sounds you want: huge bass, synth leads, percussion,
effects, modular style sounds.
FUSEBOX X CAN BE AS COMPLEX OR AS SIMPLE AS YOU
WANT IT TO BE
We have given this synth a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the
patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities.
We have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar synth layout that,
together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great
sounds.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 4

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
FUSEBOX X Layout
!
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 5

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Differences
Major Differences Between v1 and X (v2):
Tri-phonic mode (three note poly).
More jacks! Some rocker switches replaced with jack sockets for more patchability.
The Interval Generator and Patternator pots replaced with precision type.
440Hz tuner tone.
Interval Generator clock input - allows automatic transposition in a variety of ways.
Bar1 / Note0 trigger outputs - versatile alternative ways to trigger the Patternator and
Interval Generator.
Arpeggiator replaced with mini step sequencer.
Wider range of playable notes via MIDI.
Many internal performance tweaks.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 6

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
FUSEBOX X:
SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR
FUSEBOX X is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue.
Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue
using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits,
no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue
synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So FUSEBOX
X has a genuine old sound.
Audio Applications
MONO SYNTHESISER
FUSEBOX X is for use any time you need analogue sound effects, fat basses,
screaming leads, beeps, tones, zaps, and all the other crazy sounds associated with
analogue synthesis. Use in place of your boring digital synths and DSP soft synths.
EFFECTS PROCESSOR
FUSEBOX X has an audio input socket, so you can feed external sounds through
the on-board analogue filters for analogue processing.
DRUM SYNTHESISER
FUSEBOX X is able to produce electronic percussion – kick, snare, hi-hats, cymbal,
etc.
MODULAR SYNTHESISER
FUSEBOX X is partially pre-patched but, nearly all of these patches can be
cancelled using the switches and controls. It has such a wide range of modulation
routing possibilities that it is almost as versatile as a full modular and can produce the
same types of sounds, without the mess and confusion of cables. Even so, it has a
large selection of patch sockets that enable you to re-patch itself, or, to connect it to an
external modular.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 7

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
MIDI (DAW Use) or CV & Gate?
This unit can be used with a MIDI keyboard (or DAW, or sequencer), CV keyboard,
or, you can use it with an analogue sequencer.
You can even use it just on its own using the Patternator and Interval Generator.
It can also be used by MIDI and CV at the same time! So you could have an
analogue step sequencer playing a little melody, then using a MIDI keyboard (or MIDI
sequencer) transpose the analogue sequence.
Circuits Included
Analogue Oscillators
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Analogue Low Frequency Oscillator
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4 Analogue Filter Types
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Analogue Mixer
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Analogue Amplifier
MU;*OC@*(5"*a;*<;#*#%*McV.*<%*9#*9<*5BQ56<*h%A;"i,*MU9<*5BB%Q<*-./0123*3*#%*a;*'<;&*5<*
5"*;:;(#<*A$%(;<<%$,*
2 Analogue Envelopes
MU;$;*5$;*#Q%*0J<*`*;5(U*U5S9"F*(%"#$%B*%S;$*@MM@Cjb*/./M@!Wb*5"&*(%\a9";&*80C@kX
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5"&*V;B;5<;*5$;*a%#U*(%"#$%BB;&*a6*#U;*<5\;*(%"#$%B,*/5S9"F*<A5(;*Q9#U*5B\%<#*"%*
(%\A$%\9<;*9"*l;T9a9B9#6,*
Modulation
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<%'"&<*#%*a;*A$%&'(;&b*9"(B'&9"F*A;$('<<9%"*5"&*h\%&'B5$i*<#6B;*<%'"&<,*
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 8

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
MIDI
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CO*5"&*(%"#$%B*S%B#5F;<*%'#A'#<*5B<%,*
‘Patchable’ External CV Control Sockets
-./0123*3*U5<*\5"6*9"A'#*5"&*%'#A'#*5'&9%*5"&*CO*<%(g;#<*P*#%*5BB%Q*#U;*<6"#U*#%*a;*
;:;()S;B6*$;PQ9$;&*#%*\5g;*";Q*<%'"&<,*
MU;*<%(g;#<*5B<%*;"5aB;*9#*#%*a;*;5<9B6*'<;&*Q9#U*0'$%$5(g*5"&*%#U;$*\%&'B5$*<6<#;\<,*
MU;6*(5"*a;*A5#(U;&*#%F;#U;$,*
Sequencer
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Patternator
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5"5B%F';*<#;A*<;R';"(;$*5"&*5"*5$A;FF95#%$,*
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Interval Generator
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FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 9

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Mounting Options
FUSEBOX X can be orientated and configured in several ways;
VERTICAL (TALL)
As standard, it comes as a vertical desktop unit just like Telemark.
HORIZONTAL (FLAT)
It is possible to reconfigure it so that it is a flat table top unit, like its cousin Leipzig-3
is. This requires some minor screwdriver work. Essentially remove the 5 front panel
black screws, rotate the front panel 180 degrees, then re-screw.
Note: It was designed to best be used in the tall orientation.
RACKED
Remove the wood sides and fit optional rack ear brackets, and rack mount the whole
assembly. 7U height.!
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 10