The Analogue Solutions Ample is a compact desktop synthesizer with fully analogue circuitry. Apart from the MIDI chip, it uses transistors and op-amps, with no DCOs, digital LFOs or digital envelopes. The circuit designs date back to the mid-1970s. It works as a synth, a percussion source and an audio processor. The controls follow a familiar layout for newcomers, and the patching gives experienced synthesists more to explore.
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Three analogue VCOs: VCO3 can also run as an LFO with saw, triangle and square modulation shapes
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24 dB/octave filter: a four-pole low-pass filter, plus two full ADSR envelopes
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Two ways to patch: a patch pin matrix and jack sockets with audio and CV inputs and outputs, which also connect to Eurorack and other modular systems
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Sequencer and touch keys: a vintage-style 16-step sequencer and six touch keys that output set voltages for pitch or modulation
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Lo-fi echo: a built-in echo/delay
Ample combines ideas from several other Analogue Solutions instruments. The sound engine comes from Fusebox, the jack patch points from Concussor Eurorack and the pin matrix from Vostok. The echo is taken from Dr Strangelove, and the sequencer and CV touch pads from Generator.
The modulation routings cover a wide range of sounds, including percussion and modular-style patches. The jack sockets and the matrix extend these routings further. You can set the VCA to THRU so it stays open, which lets you run external audio through the filter and echo.
MIDI is deliberately simple, with no SysEx programming. Velocity can be routed to filter cutoff. Fifteen patch pins come with the unit.