Analogue Solutions Filtopia is a new 3-oscillator analog monophonic Synthesizer with a 5-filter filterbank.
For many years, Tom Carpenter has been hand-building high-quality synthesizers in Great Britain with his company Analogue Solutions. Always fully analog, and so much so that you’re practically in hot water if you want USB or other digital features.
Analogue Solutions’ latest analog Synthesizer is called Filtopia, and it’s a unique one.
Analogue Solutions Filtopia
Filtopia is a new analog monophonic Synthesizer. Yes, another analog mono synth, but the new Analog Solutions Filtopia has a somewhat special signal path and structure.
At the core are three multi-wave VCOs with PWM, sync, and a cross-mod option (XMOD). Plus, there are two sub-oscillators to strengthen the signal and a noise generator to add character.
A small mixer section lets you perfectly mix the signal before it reaches the filter section. It is so special and unique that the synth bears the name “Filtopia,” derived from “filter.” It’s also described as the synth’s key USP.
The filtering area, which offers quite a lot, is located in the middle. It houses a filterbank with five analog filters wired in parallel. Each of the five filters has dedicated resonance, level, and modulation routings (EG 1, LFO 1, LFO 2, and sequencer).
The first, with LP to HP, and the last filters (BP to LP) offer cutoff control, while filters 2-4 have an offset. Plus, three oscillators can be routed to different filters. For example, the first to the LP/HP or the second to the bandpass.
Tweak the filter cutoff frequencies with some high resonance levels, and you can achieve formant-style filter sounds. This mimics the way the human voice works.
Thanks to the fully modulatable nature of the individual filters, you can create very exciting evolving filter sounds.
Classic Synth Features
Alongside the filterbank and its five filters, it also has a versatile modulation engine with three ADSR envelopes (filter, VCA, and AUX) and two multi-wave LFOs.
At the end of the signal path, Analogue Solutions Filtopia features two distinct VCAs. One is the main VCA with three selectable operation modes (EG3, MIDI Gate, or Thru). The second offers a built-in echo with control over the time, feedback, and level.
Further, it has an 8-step CV sequencer at the bottom. It can be used, for example, to animate the filters in the filterbank.
Connectivity
The Analog Solutions Filtopia interface has a few patch points that allow you to do more advanced sound design, such as different modulations and more.
On the back side, it has an audio input and a stereo output on two 6.3mm jacks (MAIN, AUX), a power supply input with an ON/OFF button, and 5-pin MIDI In and Thru. The latter also converts MIDI internally to CV.
There is no demo of the new Filtertopia synth yet.
Analogue Solutions Filtopia First Impression
Another analog mono synth, yeah. Indeed, there are tons of them. But Filtopia is a somewhat special mono synth thanks to its versatile filter bank. A beautiful synth for sure, and I’m eager to hear how it sounds.
Analogue Solutions Filtopia is available now for £1799. They will only build 200 units, and it’s handmade in the UK.
More information here: Analogue Solutions
One word: Drool
need to hear it.