Studio Electronics today introduced four Boomstar modules for Eurorack synthesizers.

The modules feature several of the filter designs from the company’s Boomstar synthesizers and an AMP/VCA module.

Boomstar Modules:

• 3003 ( Roland Filter)
• 4075 (ARP Filter)
• 5089 (Moogy Filter)
• AMP / VCA (overdrive)

The modules are the first in a planned Boomstar Modular System – a collection of 11 modules that are designed to unleash the potential of the company’s Boomstar design.

“We’d like to think we’ve learned a few things, bringing the MIDIMINI, SE1-X, ATC-X, polyphonic CODE Omega synths, ModMax pedals, C2s, Pre 2, and Slate Pro Audio Dragon and Fox to market, and the air waves worldwide”, notes SE.

“Our Boomstar Modular System’s 5089 circuit mirrors faithfully the filter design from the Minimoog—it is not a style; it’s not a type, not reminiscent of, not vintage inspired—it is the analog sound standard manufactured anew, and how we love it so.  Apply the same thinking to our 4075, 3003, and SE80 filters vis-à-vis their originals, and you’ve caught our drift…”

The Boomstar Modular System

Here’s what SE has to say about the Boomstar Modular System:

Our 5089 has the roundest, slickest tone of all the Boomstar’s filters.  Go easy on it, and round, creamy buttery flavors wrap the oscillators in earthy warmth; smash it and a meaty, satisfying overdrive, and a maximum harvest of vintage 1960s and 1970s organic?sounding, second?order harmonic distortion fill the plate.  Every setting is balanced and bountiful.  Looking for traditional R ’n B baselines and leads?  Focus here on the rich saturation of this benchmark filter and its symmetrical cascades of generation-stretching timbres.  All Boomstar Modular filters are hand-built in the U. S.  Pick-and-Place all the way!

Our 4075 filter is the most requested of the Boomstar filter models, perhaps owing to its uniqueness.  Has there ever been a better match for a square wave?  It weaves dreams with “glidey,” 70s basslines, is a natural in the lead department, and feels as if a temper tantrum simmers a mere micron beneath its veneer of faux respectability.  Aggressive and articulate, this fresh ARP can snap punishing kick drum sounds out as well as color with bright, edgy, stringy tones for essential arpeggiations.

Our 3003 filter has the most gentle sonic touch of its partners in the Boomstar fold, but nevertheless is quite capable of shaping precise, very dynamic tone.  Whether or not this  STUDIO ELECTRONICS filter is filling its traditional baseline boxing niche, driving a harsh, liquid, acid-like tone, a softer more rubber-bandy SH-101-ish presence, or out of the bass range altogether, leading the way, all is within easy reach of this surprisingly warm and versatile VCF.  The 3003 can be distinctly vocal at times, especially when one is willing to put grittier, more distorted desires aside.

The amplifier (AMP) is a 2 stage Class A discrete design using 3 pairs of hand matched transistors. Envelope is usually applied to ST1/1.  ST1/2 goes thru an attenuverter and can be used for envelope or modulation.  ST2/1 goes to the 2nd stage, and is typically used for volume control.  ST2/2 goes thru an attenuverter and is typically used for modulation.

The AMP, the 5089, and the 3003 are Class A circuits. They draw more current from the +12 rail than from the -12 volt rail.  If the system power supply is under-sized, hum or buzz may be heard. In that case, larger filter capacitors and/or a larger power transformer will be needed.  The 4075 draws equally from both rails, and is more immune to hum.

Pricing and Availability

The filter modules are priced at US $269 (MSRP). The Amp is priced at $209. Each of the modules is now shipping. They plan to introduce the full Boomstar Modular System at the 2015 NAMM Show.