Analogue Solutions Ample Review: The best AS synth?
All-in-one synthesizer!
3,2 / 5,0 | 
According to Analogue Solutions, Ample is a fusion of modules from a variety of other synthesizers. And this is exactly what makes the concept so exciting. It’s an analog jack-of-all-trades with many sections to play around with—a paradise for sound designers. Let’s take a closer look in our Analogue Solutions Ample review!
Analogue Solutions Ample Review – Highlights
- analog monophonic desktop synthesizer with a pin matrix
- solid metal case
- 16-step sequencer
- six touch-sensitive panels as interval generators
- analog bucket brigade delay
- CV inputs and outputs
- MIDI INPUT
- Audio input for external audio signals
Analogue Solutions Ample – endless sonic possibilities
Ample is a new monophonic analog desktop synthesizer from Analogue Solutions. Rumor has it that it contains “the best elements” of the company’s other products. It also contains elements in its design from models from the 1970s.
Analogue Solutions Ample Review: A clear user interface · Source: Marcus Schmahl
The sound generators from Fusebox, the connection points from the Eurorack module Concussor, the patch-pin matrix from Vostok, the echo from Dr. Strangelove, and the sequencer and CV touchpads from Generator can all be found in Ample.
Analogue Solutions Ample Review – The Sound
Ample’s modulation system is the first highlight that caught my eye. The huge pin matrix from the Colossus or Vostok synthesizers makes it possible to use the included pins, instead of patching cables, to explore the semi-modularity of the synth. And that’s a lot of fun! The routing is indicated graphically on the interface and is easy to understand. But it does take a moment to grasp for the uninitiated. Let’s move on with our Analogue Solutions Ample Review!
The matrix is clearly labeled. · Source: Marcus Schmahl
The (almost) purely analog synthesizer Ample brings along three analog oscillators, a noise generator, and a ring modulator. Each offers different modulation options. In addition to using VCO3 as an LFO with options for sawtooth, triangle, and square waves, there is a syncable dedicated LFO with a triangle wave output. A four-pole low-pass filter with 24 dB/octave is available for filtering. There are also two envelope generators in the ADSR section.
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Sound shaping with a lot of extras · Source: Marcus Schmahl
Besides the digital MIDI chip, everything in Ample is analog with actual transistors and operational amplifiers. There are no CPU-stabilized or quantized circuits, DCOs, digital LFOs, or digital EGs, which is rare among other so-called analogue synths.
Analogue Solutions Ample Review – the envelope generators · Source: Marcus Schmahl
Then, there is a 16-step sequencer called Patternator, a touch panel interval generator, an analog BBD (bucket brigade delay), a VCS3-style pin matrix for internal wiring, and two patch areas for audio and control connections. You can even use Ample as an effects processor for other audio signals via the audio input – let’s get going with our Analogue Solutions Ample Review!
All controls are easy to reach · Source: Marcus Schmahl
Unboxing
Unboxing Ample is, as you would expect, not very spectacular. Inside the box, you will find the sound generator, a quick start guide, several different colored pins for the pin matrix, some patch cables, and the external power supply.
Source: Marcus Schmahl
The hardware is not on the small side and takes up quite a bit of space. Unfortunately, the top metal plate, on which all the controls are mounted, protrudes quite a bit on both sides, front and back. I think this shouldn’t have been the case, and it is a little annoying.
Source: Marcus Schmahl
Sound design with lots of extras
Ample’s built-in pin matrix divides the modulation sources into three sections. One section includes the audio outputs, and another houses the modulators and the sequencer. You can route external signals in the middle via two 3.5 mm connections. There are also many Eurorack-compatible CV inputs and outputs available. These are ideal for connecting external devices with audio and control signals.
The pin matrix · Source: Marcus Schmahl
The built-in pattern generator works like a traditional 16-step sequencer with 16 knobs. With the six touch plates on the front of the Interval Generator, you trigger individual voltages with the touch of a finger. This gets particularly interesting for live performers. Depending on where the plates are connected, you can even use them to control pitches or any other feature of the Ample.
the six touch strips · Source: Marcus Schmahl
Otherwise, the sound generation is quite logically structured – if you’ve done sound design on any traditional synth, you’ll feel right at home. The Ample is pretty intuitive and easy to use. But only when you start using the modulation matrix does it get exciting. You can insert random pins into the matrix to connect different functions, inputs, and outputs. Sometimes, this can produce pretty insane results. Combine this with the powerful sequencer, and your next techno, electro, or experimental track is ready!
Conclusion on our Analogue Solutions Ample Review
Ample from Analogue Solutions is a pretty versatile synthesizer with incredible possibilities. It’s a real treasure trove for simple but also quite complex sounds. It’s a tool for sound designers who want to extend their hardware setup with an all-rounder.
There’s nothing negative to say about the Ample. Because the developer from England (yes, the synthesizer is designed, constructed, and handmade in England!) has thought of everything here. If you like the Analogue Solutions sound and you don’t mind the hiss and sizzle of real analog sound, you can’t go wrong with this.
It’s pin time! · Source: Marcus Schmahl
Ample is a lot of fun, but it is no substitute for a fully-fledged analog synthesizer. Combined with other sound generators, this desktop device is a pretty versatile machine that is ready for any experiment. That concludes our Analogue Solutions Ample Review.
Prices and specifications for the Analogue Solutions Ample
You can order the Analogue Solutions Ample at Thomann (Affiliate).
More on the Analogue Solutions Ample Review
Pros and cons of Analogue Solutions Ample
Pro
- analog monophonic desktop synthesizer with pin matrix
- solid metal housing
- integrated 16-step sequencer
- six touch-sensitive panels as interval generators
- analog bucket brigade delay
- CV inputs and outputs
- MIDI INPUT
- Audio input for external audio signals
Cons
- Nothing except the typical background noise that you have to live with
Videos on the Analogue Solutions Ample
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Originally published on Gearnews.de by Marcus Schmahl. Translation by Julian Schmauch.
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