Analogue Solutions Fusebox X Semi-Modular Synthesizer

General

Built to meet the demands of the most creative and progressive of synth-nerds, the Analogue Solutions Fusebox X is a straight-up patch-and-rack (stand back and see what it does) semi-modular synthesizer packed with immense potential and incredible sound. Taking things further than the big orange Fusebox that came before it, this fat bucket of synthesizing fun has been given a few sweet upgrades. The oscillators can now be switched up to paraphonic mode - a feature that's become an analogue synth standard over the last few years - so instead of laying down a thick, layered sound, the individual oscillators can be used to shape polyphony. While this does effectively sacrifice one thing for the other, the choice ultimately lies in the hands of the user.

The Analogue Solutions Fusebox X: Patching

This is a semi-modular synthesizer, so while you can build a custom Eurorack system out of separate modules, this synth provides a fixed module setup. This layout isn't all that unfamiliar. The legendary ARO 2600 had the same layout, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The custom element comes in when you start patching, allowing you to perform a plethora of tricks, like modulating the pitch of an oscillator by sending it through the output of an another oscillator. Another bonus of the Fusebox X over the first-gen Fusebox is that the patch bay has been expanded: more patch gate and more routing options!

Who Needs This?

The immense array of options available, as well as the price, definitely make the next-gen Fusebox X an interesting chunk of gear for skilled sound-designers. This synth doesn't offer any on-board pianos, strings, or flutes - any sound this synth makes is sculpted by pure experimentation, so it demands an understanding of the craft. But, if you already have a working knowledge of synthesis, and love nothing more than building nests of patch leads, then this beauty is an undeniably powerful thing to have sitting in the studio; a powerful thing that comes complete with a sequencer and arpeggiator with an extensive filter; sync; two envelopes, and more.