Analogue Solutions Treadstone User manual

Treadstone
user manual

Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on buying the Treadstone synthesiser. Treadstone is part of the Analogue
Solutions range of analogue music equipment. Treadstone 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 Treadstone. Cheaper parts have not
been used.
• Full rugged steel/aluminium case - no plastic mouldings
• Good quality smooth, 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
•Analogue voice and modulation circuits
• Stable analogue oscillator
• Designed, built, tested and assembled in the UK
•True retro analogue voice and modulation circuits used in the synth element to give an
authentic retro sound
•Real solid wood (not ply!)
WHY DO I NEED THIS SYNTH? WHAT’S SO SPECIAL?
Treadstone is a very compact true analogue mono synth in a neat, smart, small package.
When we say ‘real analogue’ we mean that the entire synth (apart from the post effects which
are digital yet sound analogue) audio path and all modulation are all entirely analogue, using
circuits based on awesome sounding vintage 1970s designs. The 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 digital echo of course), Treadstone 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 produced have all been carefully thought out and quickly give you those sounds you want:
huge bass, synth leads, percussion, effects, modular style sounds.
The synth is hand built with passion in England.
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
TREADSTONE 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.
But hopefully we have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar monosynth layout
that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great sounds.
Treadstone Layout
!
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
Treadstone:
SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR
Treadstone is a very compact full analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. The
synth and modulation element are 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 Treadstone has a genuine old sound.
Audio Applications
MONO SYNTHESISER
Treadstone 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
Treadstone has an audio input socket, so you can feed external sounds through the on-board
analogue filters for analogue processing.
DRUM SYNTHESISER
Treadstone is able to produce electronic percussion – kick, snare, hi-hats, cymbal, etc.
MODULAR SYNTHESISER
Treadstone is partially pre-patched but many 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.
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
MIDI (DAW Use) or CV & Gate?
This unit can be used with a MIDI keyboard (or DAW, or sequencer) or you can use it with an
analogue sequencer, such as Oberkorn.
You can even use it just on its own using the internal MIDI loop sequencer.
It can also be used by MIDI and CV at the same time! So you could have an analogue step
sequencer such as Oberkorn playing a little melody, then using a MIDI keyboard (or MIDI
sequencer) transpose the Oberkorn sequence.
Circuits Included
Analogue Oscillator
The VCO is very analogue and uses discrete components and op-amps. One oscillator, yet is
still sounds big - using PWM and Sub Osc creates a full warm and deep sound.
Analogue Low Frequency Oscillator
The LFO has triangle and square wave modulation signals.
Analogue Filter
Treadstone uses a four pole 24bB per octave multimode filter. The filter is a re-issue of the
classic SSM2044, as used in many classic synths such as the Korg Poly 6, Monopoly, Emulator,
SP1200.
Analogue Mixer
Audio signals such as the VCO, Noise, external audio are all routed to the VCF via an analogue
mixer.
Analogue Amplifier
The VCA can be set so it is always ‘open’. This allows Treadstone to be used as an effects
processor.
Analogue Envelope
The EG features ATTACK, SUSTAIN, and combined DECAY/RELEASE. It’s not really true to
say it is an ASR envelope, it really is an ADSR - Decay and Release are both controlled by the
same control. Saving space with little compromise in flexibility. It’s possible to drone or auto-repeat
the envelope also.
Modulation
Great thought has been placed into modulation route choices, allowing a wide range of sounds
to be produced, including percussion and ‘modular’ style sounds.
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
MIDI
MIDI is intentionally kept simple – so you can concentrate on making new sounds and making
music – not getting tied up with SYSEX programming.
In addition to pitch, trigger and MIDI clock, you get the all important control over filter cut-off
using MIDI Velocity (or a MIDI controller).
‘Patchable’ External CV Control Sockets
Treadstone has many input and output audio and CV sockets - to allow the synth to be
effectively re-wired to make new sounds.
The sockets also enable it to be easily used with Eurorack and other modular systems. They
can be patched together.
MIDI Loop Sequencer
Treadstone features a simple, innovative and creative MIDI loop sequencer. A really simple way
to input, edit and play up to 16 MIDI notes. A MIDI keyboard is needed to enter the notes. Or just
take your chance and listen what’s in there already!
A great tool for inspiration!
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
Safety Instructions
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING:
• Only use the correct power adaptor.
• 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, hipsters 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, supernovae, 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.
•Do not eat humus.
• Never open the case or attempt to make repairs. Refer any servicing to qualified
service personnel.
PREVENTING DAMAGE TO OTHER CONNECTED DEVICES
Treadstone has a very high dynamic range. It is capable of producing 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 Treadstone 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, and of course don’t use a
dishwasher or washing machine.
PLACE
Place Treadstone soundly on a stable surface so it cannot fall off or over, causing it or yourself
injury.
POWER
The unit needs a regulated 12V DC supply, minimum 500mA.
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Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
Treadstone - 4 Dec 2017 | Page !9

Analogue Solutions | TREADSTONE | Manual
Quick Start
Plus in the power, connect the audio out, patch LFO square wave out to MIDI Loop sequencer
clock in!! And play!!!
POWER
Treadstone comes with a power supply. It uses a power supply with a regulated 12V DC output.
Do not use PSUs with a lower or higher voltage. Use only regulated 12V DC. Centre is positive.
Plug the power lead into the rear of Treadstone.
MIDI
Treadstone has;
MIDI In - for sequencing from DAW or playing via MIDI keys.
Use the included mini jack to MIDI adaptor.
You can use a stereo jack lead to link this directly to some MIDI controllers like
Arturia Beat Step or Key Step, without using a MIDI lead.
Do not patch any thing other than the MIDI adaptor into here. Nothing interesting or useful will
happen.
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