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
MU;*4-2*U5<*/9";*5"&*/R'5$;*Q5S;*\%&'B5)%"*<9F"5B<*5"&*5B<%*5*&;B56*I;5#'$;,*
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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/cGHG,*!&;5B*I%$*($;5)"F*<9\AB;*\;B%&9(*B%%A<b*#U5#*6%'*(5"*#U;"*#$5"<A%<;,*
Patternator
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5"5B%F';*<#;A*<;R';"(;$*5"&*5"*5$A;FF95#%$,*
.<;*9#*#%*($;5#;*<U%$#*\;B%&9(*"%#;*<;R';"(;<b*5"&*X*%$*'<;*9#*#%*($;5#;*$U6#U\*
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Interval Generator
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'<9"F*#U;*!J*CB%(g*!",*
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#$5"<A%<;*6%'$*\;B%&9(*A9;(;*e#U5#*6%'*(5"*A$%F$5\*9"*%"*#U;*Y5Z;$"5#%$*%$*
/;R';"(;$f*P*#%*($;5#;*B9S;*A;$I%$\5"(;m*
MU;*!J*A%#<*5$;*"%#*R'5")<;&*P*#U;6*5$;*5B<%*5"5B%F';m*
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

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Safety Instructions
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING:
• Only use the correct power adaptor - 230V for UK/EU (115V for N.America).
• Never handle the adaptor with wet hands.
• Never excessively bend the adaptor cable or get it trapped or place heavy
objects on it. If the adaptor cable becomes damaged, replace the adaptor.
• Ensure the unit is disconnected from the mains before moving or cleaning.
• Always disconnect the unit from the mains if there is lightning in your area.
• Ensure the unit is on a stable surface, and never place heavy objects on top of
it.
• Never allow young children, flat-Earthers, or animals to operate the unit or
adaptor.
• Do not use excessive force when using the controls or inserting cables to the
connectors.
• The unit should not be operated in the rain, near water, or at a foam party, and
should not be exposed to moisture.
• If the unit is brought from a cold environment to a warm one, the unit should be
left to reach the ambient temperature.
• Keep away from heat sources, such as radiators, ovens, heaters etc.
• Never allow it to get wet. Do not operate it near water, like pools, sinks,
bathrooms etc. Oh, we covered that already.
• Do not place beverages on or near it.
• Never open the case or attempt to make repairs. Refer any servicing to qualified
service personnel.
PREVENTING DAMAGE TO OTHER CONNECTED DEVICES
FUSEBOX X has a very high dynamic range. It is capable of produce loud signals of
very high and sub-sonic frequencies that could blow inadequate speakers if played too
loud. It is recommended that input levels to external equipment (mixers, amp's etc.) are
kept low when first connected, and then slowly increased to a useable level.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Any cleaning of the FUSEBOX X case should be done with a clean lint-free cloth. "
DO NOT USE SOLVENTS OR CLEANERS, as this will deteriorate the exterior
appearance of the equipment. Do not use a car wash or jet wash to clean this synth.
PLACE
Place FUSEBOX X soundly on a stable surface so it cannot fall off or over, causing it
or yourself injury.
POWER
The unit needs a 18V DC minimum 800mA or higher. Centre positive.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 11

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Getting Started
POWER
FUSEBOX X comes with a power supply.
Plug the power lead into the rear of FUSEBOX X.
MIDI
FUSEBOX X has;
MIDI In for sequencing from DAW or playing via MIDI keys.
MIDI Thru outputs a copy of what comes into the MIDI In socket.
MIDI Out outputs a copy of what comes into the MIDI In socket.
PATCHING
The VCOs are not hard-wired to the mixer (filter) inputs. So at the minimum you will
need to patch one or more of the VCO outputs to the VCF inputs via the mixer using
patch cables.
EXAMPLE SET UP
Connect MIDI Out from your computer DAW MIDI interface or MIDI keyboard to
MIDI In of FUSEBOX X.
Optionally connect MIDI Thru/Out from FUSEBOX X to the MIDI In of another
device.
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 12

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Initial Tuning
Once the MIDI and audio connections have been made it may be necessary to tune
in the VCOs to the rest of your music set-up. Allow a five minute warm up time as these
are true analogue VCOs – that’s why they sound so great!
There are many controls on this synth that can affect one or all of the VCOs! If just
one of these extra controls is in action, then you might think odd things are going on
with tuning. So ensure every parameter that can affect the pitch of the VCOs are
cancelled or zeroed.
First set up the controls of FUSEBOX X to make a simple sound.
Set Master Tune to the centre.
Ensure the Patternator pitch control is set to zero.
Ensure the Interval Generator is disabled.
Ensure the Sequencer is off.
Note, that patch leads plugged into the VCOs might also affect pitch.
Set VCO1 Octave to off.
Set Sync to off.
Set Xmod to off.
Set While Tune to off.
Set MIDI Pitch (VCO3) to off.
Turn VCO2 and VCO3 to zero volume so you can only hear VCO1.
Play, say, middle C on the keyboard. Using a digital keyboard as a reference, adjust
the tuning of VCO1 until it plays in tune with your reference.
Turn up VCO2 so both VCOs can be heard. Using the tune control of VCO2, tune it
to VCO1.
Finally, turn up VCO3 so all VCOs can be heard. You may prefer to turn down VCO2
at this point so you just hear VCOs 1 and 3. Using the tune control of VCO3, tune it to
VCO1.
This synth is truly analogue - and uses an old VCO circuit design to give it its great
sound. DON’T expect DCO or DSP style precision pitch.
The pitch will be in tune but have subtle shifts across the octaves due to their
vintage design. The drift right be more noticeable at high octaves. This is in part what
adds to the character and warmth of the sound. That’s the whole point!
FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 13

Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
Circuits in Detail
Here follows details on the sockets and controls, with brief simplified explanations of
what the circuits do. We have not gone into technical details on how or exactly what
each circuit does but tried to explain each control's function and effect.
This synth has been designed to be simple and intuitive to use, just like the original
analogue synth’s of the 70s and 80s. There are no multi-layered menus to work
through.
Anyone who has used synthesisers before should be familiar with the terms used
and therefore be able to predict their behaviour and how they affect the sound. The
best way to learn how to use FUSEBOX X is to go straight ahead and play with it.
Reading of this manual may only be necessary for finer operational detail.
There are many many web resources and books available if you need actual tuition
or explanation of how functions like LFO, ADSR, etc work or can be used.
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
VCO - Voltage Controlled Oscillators
FUSEBOX X has three analogue VCOs. These produce the raw audio sound source
for later processing.
VCO3 can be detached from MIDI note and be used independently as a voltage
controlled LFO - for modulation duties.
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
VCO1
DETUNE
Use this control to alter the pitch in small amounts to detune relative to the other
oscillators.
PITCH
This control is used to attenuate any modulation signal that you patch into the socket
below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack). An audio signal can also be used, such as the audio
outputs from the other oscillators.
PW - Pulse Width
This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform.
PWM - Pulse Width Modulation
Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the
socket below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack).
Square / Sawtooth
There are separate jack socket audio outputs for the two VCO waveforms.
These can be patched to other circuits, for example, used to modulate the pitch of
another oscillator.
OCT - Octave
Click right to transpose the pitch up one octave.
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
XMOD - Cross Modulation
Click right to turn XMOD on. This routes Square wave audio out from VCO2 to
VCO1 pitch. Used for amazing effects!
VCO2
DETUNE
Use this control to alter the pitch in small amounts to detune relative to the other
oscillators.
PITCH
This control is used to attenuate any modulation signal that you patch into the socket
below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack). An audio signal can also be used, such as the audio
outputs from the other oscillators.
PW - Pulse Width
This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform.
PWM - Pulse Width Modulation
Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the
socket below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack).
Square / Sawtooth
There are separate jack socket audio outputs for the two VCO waveforms.
These can be patched to other circuits, for example, used to modulate the pitch of
another oscillator.
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
WIDE TUNE
Click right to dramatically increase the range of the DETUNE control. You can take
the frequency right down to LFO speeds, and right up to much higher pitches.
Ideal for using VCO2 as an LFO, or for extreme modulations effects.
SYNC
Click right to turn SYNC on. This causes VCO1 and VCO2 to become synchronised
(in pitch). Use for Sync effects.
VCO3 (VCLFO)
DETUNE
Use this control to alter the pitch in small amounts to detune relative to the other
oscillators.
PITCH
This control is used to attenuate any modulation signal that you patch into the socket
below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack). Audio signal can also be used, such as the audio
outputs from the other oscillators.
PW - Pulse Width
This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform.
PWM - Pulse Width Modulation
Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the
socket below.
Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG, or from an external
modular system (eg Eurorack).
Square / Sawtooth / Triangle
There are separate jack socket audio outputs for the two VCO waveforms.
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
These can be patched to other circuits, for example, used to modulate the pitch of
another oscillator.
WIDE TUNE
Click right to dramatically increase the range of the DETUNE control. You can take
the frequency right down to LFO speeds, and right up to much higher pitches.
Ideal for using VCO3 as an LFO, or for extreme modulations effects.
MIDI PITCH
Click left to turn off / disconnect VCO3 pitch control from MIDI.
A typical use for this is for VCO3 to be free running and independent from MIDI
pitch, enabling it to be used as a modulator (LFO or otherwise).
GENERAL VCO CONTROLS (APPLY TO ALL 3)
MASTER TUNE
Used to alter the pitch of all three VCOs.
GLOBAL PITCH
This control alters the level of any modulation signal patched into the adjacent
socket. The modulation signal will affect all three VCOs.
For example, to get equal vibrato playing on all three VCOs, patch the sine wave
from the LFO into here.
VCO AUDIO!
To hear the VCOs one or more need to have their outputs patched to the inputs of
the Mixer section.!
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Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual
LFO - Low Frequency Oscillator
In addition to being able to use VCO2 or VCO3 as modulators, there is a dedicated
analogue LFO.
It has two 2 Sine wave jack socket outputs and two Square wave jack socket
outputs.
SPEED
This control alters the LFO speed / frequency.
CUT-OFF
This sets the amount of Sine wave LFO signal that will modulate the Filter
Frequency Cut-Off (sounds a little like wah-wah!).
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