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FUSEBOX X
user manual

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Summary of Contents for Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX X

  • Page 1 FUSEBOX X user manual...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Introduc)on ..........................FUSEBOX X Layout ........................Differences ..........................FUSEBOX X: ..........................Audio Applica)ons ........................Circuits Included ......................... Moun)ng Op)ons ........................Safety Instruc)ons ........................GeKng Started .......................... Ini)al Tuning ..........................Circuits in Detail ........................VCO - Voltage Controlled Oscillators ..................LFO - Low Frequency Oscillator ....................Envelope Generators ........................ External triggering of the Envelopes ..................MIXER ............................NOISE / SUB ..........................
  • Page 3: Introduc)On

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Introduction Congratulations on buying the FUSEBOX X synthesiser. FUSEBOX X is part of the Analogue Solutions range of analogue music equipment. FUSEBOX X is a precision electronic musical instrument. It combines all the often needed music electronic circuitry to make a powerful music synthesiser in one compact module.
  • Page 4 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual WHY DO I NEED THIS SYNTH? WHAT’S SO SPECIAL? FUSEBOX X is a compact true analogue mono synth in a neat, smart, small package. When we say real analogue, we mean that the entire audio path and all modulation is entirely analogue, using circuits based on awesome sounding vintage 1970s designs.
  • Page 5: Fusebox X Layout

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual FUSEBOX X Layout 
 FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 5...
  • Page 6: Differences

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Differences Major Differences Between v1 and X (v2): Tri-phonic mode (three note poly). More jacks! Some rocker switches replaced with jack sockets for more patchability. The Interval Generator and Patternator pots replaced with precision type.
  • Page 7: Fusebox X

    Audio Applications MONO SYNTHESISER FUSEBOX X is for use any time you need analogue sound effects, fat basses, screaming leads, beeps, tones, zaps, and all the other crazy sounds associated with analogue synthesis. Use in place of your boring digital synths and DSP soft synths.
  • Page 8: Circuits Included

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual MIDI (DAW Use) or CV & Gate? This unit can be used with a MIDI keyboard (or DAW, or sequencer), CV keyboard, or, you can use it with an analogue sequencer. You can even use it just on its own using the Patternator and Interval Generator.
  • Page 9 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual MIDI MIDI is inten)onally kept simple – so you can concentrate on making new sounds and making music – not geKng )ed up with SYSEX programming. You get the all important control over filter cut-off using MIDI Velocity. There are other CV and control voltages outputs also. ‘Patchable’ External CV Control Sockets FUSEBOX X has many input and output audio and CV sockets - to allow the synth to be effec)vely re-wired to make new sounds. The sockets also enable it to be easily used with Eurorack and other modular systems. They can be patched together. Sequencer FUSEBOX X has a vintage style mini step sequencer. Similar to that found on the Roland SH101. Ideal for crea)ng simple melodic loops, that you can then transpose. Patternator FUSEBOX X has a very interes)ng and unique sequencer that is the love child of an analogue step sequencer and an arpeggiator. Use it to create short melodic note sequences, and / or use it to create rhythm paZerns. A great tool for inspira)on! Interval Generator The whole pitch of the synth can be transposed at the push of a buZon, and automated using the IG Clock In. There are six transpose seKngs you can program in using six analogue pots. Set the transpose level you want for each - and then using the push buZons you can transpose your melodic piece (that you can program in on the PaZernator or Sequencer) - to create live performance! The IG pots are not quan)sed - they are also analogue! FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022...
  • Page 10: Moun)Ng Op)Ons

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Mounting Options FUSEBOX X can be orientated and configured in several ways; VERTICAL (TALL) As standard, it comes as a vertical desktop unit just like Telemark. HORIZONTAL (FLAT) It is possible to reconfigure it so that it is a flat table top unit, like its cousin Leipzig-3 is.
  • Page 11: Safety Instruc)Ons

    DO NOT USE SOLVENTS OR CLEANERS, as this will deteriorate the exterior appearance of the equipment. Do not use a car wash or jet wash to clean this synth. PLACE Place FUSEBOX X soundly on a stable surface so it cannot fall off or over, causing it or yourself injury. POWER The unit needs a 18V DC minimum 800mA or higher.
  • Page 12: Gekng Started

    EXAMPLE SET UP Connect MIDI Out from your computer DAW MIDI interface or MIDI keyboard to MIDI In of FUSEBOX X. Optionally connect MIDI Thru/Out from FUSEBOX X to the MIDI In of another device. FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022...
  • Page 13: Ini)Al Tuning

    So ensure every parameter that can affect the pitch of the VCOs are cancelled or zeroed. First set up the controls of FUSEBOX X to make a simple sound. Set Master Tune to the centre. Ensure the Patternator pitch control is set to zero.
  • Page 14: Circuits In Detail

    The best way to learn how to use FUSEBOX X is to go straight ahead and play with it. Reading of this manual may only be necessary for finer operational detail.
  • Page 15: Vco - Voltage Controlled Oscillators

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual VCO - Voltage Controlled Oscillators FUSEBOX X has three analogue VCOs. These produce the raw audio sound source for later processing. VCO3 can be detached from MIDI note and be used independently as a voltage controlled LFO - for modulation duties.
  • Page 16 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual VCO1 DETUNE Use this control to alter the pitch in small amounts to detune relative to the other oscillators. PITCH This control is used to attenuate any modulation signal that you patch into the socket below.
  • Page 17 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual XMOD - Cross Modulation Click right to turn XMOD on. This routes Square wave audio out from VCO2 to VCO1 pitch. Used for amazing effects! VCO2 DETUNE Use this control to alter the pitch in small amounts to detune relative to the other oscillators.
  • Page 18 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual WIDE TUNE Click right to dramatically increase the range of the DETUNE control. You can take the frequency right down to LFO speeds, and right up to much higher pitches. Ideal for using VCO2 as an LFO, or for extreme modulations effects.
  • Page 19 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual These can be patched to other circuits, for example, used to modulate the pitch of another oscillator. WIDE TUNE Click right to dramatically increase the range of the DETUNE control. You can take the frequency right down to LFO speeds, and right up to much higher pitches.
  • Page 20: Lfo - Low Frequency Oscillator

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual LFO - Low Frequency Oscillator In addition to being able to use VCO2 or VCO3 as modulators, there is a dedicated analogue LFO. It has two 2 Sine wave jack socket outputs and two Square wave jack socket outputs.
  • Page 21 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual This sets the amount of Sine wave LFO signal that will modulate all three VCOs’ Square wave pulse width. FADE IN This control sets a delay time for modulation. The time between hitting a MIDI key and the LFO signal to reach maximum.
  • Page 22: Envelope Generators

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Envelope Generators FUSEBOX X features two separate analogue envelopes. Just one is shown below: Fusebox EG is the familiar ADSR type - but with Decay and Release sharing the same settings using one control.
  • Page 23 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual EG RE-TRIGGERING When this switch is On (switch is down) the EGs will re-trigger (play again and again) for as long as a MIDI key is held down. The rate of re-trigger is taken from the LFO speed.
  • Page 24: External Triggering Of The Envelopes

    The main question is what should the gate voltage be? Many vintage synths require quite high gate voltages. Some as high as 10V. FUSEBOX X needs something around 6V. But you’ll find it also depends on power and impedances. So there is never any guarantee everything will trigger everything else.
  • Page 25: Mixer

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual MIXER The audio mixer has five inputs. Each input has a level control. Usually, patch VCO outputs into these jacks. Filtering External Sounds External sounds can be fed into the filter via the mixer.
  • Page 26: Filter

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Filter FUSEBOX X has a 12db / Octave analogue multimode filter. There are four filter types. Low pass, High pass, Notch and Band pass. FREQ Used to set the frequency cut-off. RES - Resonance Used to set the resonance / feedback level.
  • Page 27: Filtering External Sound Sources

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual The filter has two jack sockets inputs for external modulation. The adjacent EXT controls set the amount of modulation. VEL - Velocity Use this control to set how much MIDI Velocity will modulate the filter cut-off.
  • Page 28: Vca

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual The VCA - this is an analogue circuit that allows you to alter the audio level of the synthesizer. Typically the last circuit in the audio chain. VOLUME Controls the output level of the synth.
  • Page 29: Pazernator

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Patternator The Patternator is an original type of sequencer to allow you to easily create short melodic rhythms. It is a blend between a step sequencer and arpeggiator. Patternator is two devices in one. It has a CV sequencer section and a step sequencer section.
  • Page 30 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual GATE SEQUENCER The gate sequencer is 8 step. It is used to create 8 step rhythm patterns that are used to primarily trigger the Envelope Generators. There are 8 steps and any or all of them can be turned on and off. When a step is on a gate signal is sent out the GATE jack, or to the envelopes (if selected on the EG TRIG rocker switches).
  • Page 31 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Some example BEAT control settings to give you an idea of how these affect the gate pattern. Don’t worry about it - just use them and they will make intuitive sense! Note, the knob positions are approximate.
  • Page 32 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual OUTPUTS FROM THE PATTERNATOR CV out Jack and Attenuator This is a CV output from the CV sequencer that can be patched elsewhere, such as VCO pitch or PW. PITCH Attenuator This control sets the amount of sequencer CV that is used to control the pitch of all VCOs.
  • Page 33 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual GENERAL PATTERNATOR USE By varying the number of CV steps that are playing, in conjunction with varying the step sequencer pattern, interesting poly rhythms can be created. Add use of the Interval Generator and you can get a complete performance going with JUST the...
  • Page 34 POLY, AND OTHER MODES POLY MODE Fusebox X can play in Unison (all 3 VCOs playing the same note) or in Poly. To activate, first ensure the SEQ is switched off, since the sequencer is a mono sequencer and still not work in poly mode. (Use a DAW or live playing to play Poly notes).
  • Page 35: Digital Sequencer

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Digital Sequencer SEQ & REST Press the SEQ button to activate the Sequencer. The Sequencer will memorise up to 16 MIDI notes. It will play them back in the order you played them in, continuously looping.
  • Page 36 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Direction (2 arrows) There are 2 playback modes. LED Off The notes will playback in the order they were programmed in. LED Solid (continuously on) The notes will first play back in reverse order.
  • Page 37 Sequencer will advance one step each time FUSEBOX X receives MIDI Note 000 (on the correct channel!) This is a very cool and versatile way to sync FUSEBOX X to a MIDI sequencer. The problem with standard MIDI Clock is it is always on or always off. You can’t manipulate it in any way mid-sequence.
  • Page 38: Sekng Midi Receive Channel

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Setting MIDI Receive Channel MIDI CHAN PUSH BUTTON This button is used to set the MIDI channel. Works best if you plug a MIDI keyboard direct to program rather than via a DAW.
  • Page 39 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual MIDI OUT / THRU Both these sockets acts as MIDI Thru. Fusebox X does not transmit its own MIDI date. 
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  • Page 40: Interval Generator

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Interval Generator The IG is a creative and simple way to transpose your Sequence and Pattern in real time using push buttons. It’s like a 6 key keyboard, where you can set the pitch of each to any note you want.
  • Page 41: Live Performances

    A drum machine can be used in conjunction. Use the MIDI out from the drum machine (transmitting MIDI clock) as a master. Connect the MIDI Out to the MIDI In of FUSEBOX X. Or of course using some kind of analogue clock or trigger from typically a vintage drum machine.
  • Page 42: Control Cv

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Control CV CLOCK IN A trigger or gate in here will advance the Interval Generator one step to the right. It only uses the first four positions. So it will loop from four to one and keep going.
  • Page 43 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual STEP1 If the Sequencer is running, then each time the sequencer loops, a trigger will be sent out of this socket. Use this to trigger other circuits, for instance, the Interval Generator CLOCK IN.
  • Page 44 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 44...
  • Page 45: Patch Sheet

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Patch Sheet Next page…. FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 45...
  • Page 46 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 46...
  • Page 47 Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual FUSEBOX X - 8 Feb 2022 | Page 47...
  • Page 48: Patch Examples

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Patch Examples Two patches to get you going. (Following pages). One is to run Fusebox from MIDI. The other is using the Patternator. Note: control positions are very approximate! If a control or switch isn’t labelled, it’s either not used, or you can just try your own settings.
  • Page 49: Changing Mechanical Configura)On

    CHANGING FROM VERTICAL TO HORIZONTAL ORIENTATION As standard, FUSEBOX X is a vertical machine much like the Telemark. It is possible to rotate the front panel to have it flat, like a desk top device. This involves some basic mechanics.
  • Page 50: No Signal

    Ensure the output volume is high enough. • Ensure FUSEBOX X mixer level controls are turned up, and that audio is • patched into the mixer. Certain extreme filter settings may filter out all of the signal or produce low level •...
  • Page 51: Specifica)On

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Specification Weight: 4.5Kg Size: 45 x 14 x 30cm Rack Size: This is a desktop unit. Rack ears are optional and not included. Power: External mains adaptor: 18V DC output 2.1mm plug, centre positive 800mA or higher.
  • Page 52: Warranty

    Analogue Solutions | FUSEBOX X | Manual Warranty FUSEBOX X comes with a 1 year (from purchase date) back to base warranty, (i.e. customer must arrange and pay for carriage to and from Analogue Solutions or the dealer from which purchased).

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