Analogue Solutions Intros Maximus 8-Voice Mega-Polysynth

Analogue Solutions has introduced Maximus, a new “mega-polysynth” with a design ethos that creator Tom Carpenter says is “truly from the dawn of analog synths.”

Maximus will make its official debut at Synthfest UK 2023, scheduled for Oct 7th, 2023 in Sheffield, England.

In the meantime, here’s what Carpenter has shared about Maximus:

“Although we label this as a polysynth – it is so much more. We can’t think of a label to give this synth since it is so much more than that.

When you think of polysynth you think of flat synths with one set of controls that control all voices equally. By giving Maximus independent controls for every voice, you have more freedom to create unique styles of poly sounds impossible on traditional polysynths, whether they are hardware or software. You can dial up ‘traditional’ poly sounds (pads etc) or have something unimaginable different.

Because you can never dial up each voice completely identically, standard polys pads will sounds superbly vintage.

All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analog. We purposely steered away from digital, aside from of course the digital needed in MIDI and the mini-sequencers.

This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s – but new with parts still in production. For those who want a synth that could have been built in the 70s.

There are no gimmicks – this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.”

Specifications:

  • Voice – x8
    • 2 VCO
    • 1 Mixer
    • 3 12dB filters
    • 2 Full ADSR envelopes
    • 1 16 step note/modulation loop sequencer
    • 1 BBD style retro echo
    • 1 Main out VCA
    • 1 White Noise
    • 1 Sub Osc
    • 1 Portamento / Glide
    • 1 VCO tune Vernier dial
    • Generous selection of cross modulation controls.
  • Master
    • 1 VC LFO
    • 1 LFO with delay
    • 1 LFO
    • 8 channel stereo mixer
    • 2 Real spring reverbs
    • 1 Master control knobs
    • 1 Poly MIDI to CV converter
    • 4 Key modes
    • 2 MIDI Sync modes
    • 1 Multiple
    • Generous modulation routing
  • Misc
    • Metal cabinet
    • Birch ply real wood
    • Healthy set of jack sockets for patching on all panels
  • Optional AS400 keyboard
    • 61 full length keys
    • Weighted
    • Velocity
    • Aftertouch with VCA for modulation
    • 64 pad touch controller (can be split to 2×32)

Pricing and Availability:

Maximus is available to order now, with the following pricing:

  • AS300 main unit £22500 £19900 Launch price – batch 1 only
  • AS400 optional keyboard £1900 £1800 Launch price – batch 1 only

30 thoughts on “Analogue Solutions Intros Maximus 8-Voice Mega-Polysynth”

  1. The clear comparison to this is the Oberheim 8 voice. I’ve not played an 8 but I have played a 4 voice. They DO sound really big and amazing – they are like an orchestra where each note is subtly (or drastically) different. Almost like modular polyphony. They are also like setting up a mixer every time you want a new patch. The 4 voice had a very basic memory system to recall some CV controllable parameters and had a few macros for filter, etc. iirc.

    I’m glad this exists. I’m glad that Analogue Solutions are going big and grandiose with their designs. I don’t think this system would be practical for me but you never know. I look forward to audio demos at some point.

    I think the lack of pitch/mod wheels or some similar type of control on the keyboard is a missed opportunity. I hope Tom revisits that part of the design.

    1. Looks lika a 4 voice version should be relatively easy to implement.

      This 8 voice is gorgeous but a bit too big for me personally.
      With a 4 voice, half the height, i would start thinking about owning one.

      … then i looked at the price and thought:
      “How much eurorack you could get for that price?”

    1. You comment suggests that synthesists are the only musicians in the world that don’t invest in nice instruments, which completely ignores reality.

      Just about every high-end synth being made has sold well with musicians – the Oberheim OB-X8, Sequential Prophet 5, the AS Colossus, Moog’s modular reissues, the Korg ARP 2600 reissue, modular synths in general, the Schmidt, the UDO Super 6, the 3rd Wave – people can’t get enough of them.

      It doesn’t matter what instrument category you look at, beginners buy cheapy knockoffs, and experienced musicians save up for nice gear.

      1. “…beginners buy cheapy knockoffs, and experienced musicians save up for nice gear.”

        LOL. Many experienced musicians are “starving artists” who don’t bother with the, “…nice gear.”

        1. LOL. You may be confusing ‘longtime hobbyists’ with ‘experienced musicians’.

          All the experienced musicians that I know have put together careers to support themselves by finding the work that pays the bills, whether it’s performing, teaching, playing weddings, writing about music, doing commercial music or a combination of things. And they generally all have some serious instruments.

          This statement isn’t a slight against hobbyists, because I’d identify more as a hobbyist than as an ‘experienced musician’.

    1. Yea, all these modern Electrical Circuit thingies sound so stiff and artificial, they can never create the living sounds of a church organ hand-pumped by peons!

  9. £2,812 per two oscillator voice. The newly announced AS Ample Matrix has three VCO’s for £1999.
    Tom either thinks we are stupid or rubbish at math. As for the modulation, “generous” is missing a few details.

    1. Do you think synthesists are stupid, or just rubbish at music?

      Musicians don’t base their purchases on $ per VCO or cost per feature. If that were the case, we’d all use VCV Rack and that would be the end of it.

      This synth is pricey, gorgeous and not for me. But I’m glad it exists. I’ve personally saved up to purchase a couple of ‘uber-synths’ in the past, and have never regretted it.

      1. Thanks Torgood, I’m glad someone finally said it. I’m really tired of the dollars-per-oscillator comments I see all the time. I choose my instruments based on a number of things – character, workflow, ergonomics, beauty, uniqueness … that kind of thing. When something comes along that ticks all my boxes, I pull the trigger if I can afford it.

        The internet synth bean counters would probably think most of my stuff is overpriced junk.

      2. The only parameter worth looking at is price per kg.
        A 2-person haul (according to website) sounds like 60-80, if so, this one isn’t too bad – compare with eg the very expensive Volcas: 370-80gram @ 45 cent per gram!

        This one is just a measly 35-40 cent per gram, so go figure! (*)

        (*) exact weight left out in manual! What are they hiding??

  10. This looks like a wonderful synth, out of my price. I am glad they had the guts to build a true poly synth very similar to the FVS and 8VS Oberheim. I once owned a FVS and it was truly amazing. I regret every selling it but I was young and dumb back then. Now for around the same price you could get a refurbed FVS which in my opinion would be the better choice BUT this synth seems pretty dam cool. Be great if you could actually store programs then it would be a great on stage synth. For now most of us hope that Tome Oberheim, as a grand finally, introduce a new FVS.
    Hats off to Analogue Solutions!

  11. ldb’s NASA console view is understandable, but that’s part of Synth World. Whether its a Eurorack starter setup of a mere 8 modules, Cherry Audio’s SINES or Korg’s Wavestate, each voice has its own list of knobs to address. As Wendy Carlos once said, “Every parameter you CAN control, you MUST control.” It won’t be as much fun until you learn how the work becomes play.

    Of course, at 22,000 pounds+ per unit, one would assume that you already know how to synthesize yer arse off. 😛

    1. 4 by 2XM for approx a grand, or double it. toss in some utilities. won’t be as pretty, but it’ll be fun. these kind of things have their place. i would accept it as a gift any day.

  13. I cannot love this enough:) Already invested heavily in other directions, traditional Moog/ARP, Nonlinear C15, Studio Electronics and everyone else’s legacy, but this is a work of art and I’d be delighted to give it studio space…just stunning. Very best wishes to the maker, and Thank You!!

  14. Some part of me chuckles/cringes at the thought of someone purchasing this, working for months on album featuring it, only to find someone playing the final through a phone speaker.

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