The Analogue Solutions Colossus is a jaw-dropping example of synthesizer design from UK synthesizer legend Tom Carpenter. Inspired by the ARP 2500 and EMS Synthi 100, with a staggering synthesis architecture with no compromise on components and features. For decades Tom has been in the business of creating a whole foray of synthesizers and was one of the first early adopters of the Eurorack standard, he has been steadily creating some of the most desirable and interesting machines of recent years, with the likes of the Vostok, Polymath, Fusebox and Nyborg just to name a few. Tom has always respectfully drawn influence from his peers, with subtle nods throughout his back catalogue to the likes of Oberheim, Moog and EMS, and during his time designing and building his machines, Tom has always dreamed of crafting a no-compromise modular synthesizer and that is exactly what Colossus is. Colossus gives a subtle nod to the EMS Synthi 100 and the ARP 2500 with its console-style layout, pin matrix’s, white livery and wood cabinet boasting an incredible modular synthesis architecture with twelve total VCO, 8 filters, two ring modulations, dual spring reverb, twelve VCA, two step-sequencers, two touch plate controllers, VU meter readouts and twin broadcast-quality swiss made 31 x 31 pin matrix’s and extra patching abilities across the bottom of the console…hell, it’s even got a built-in oscilloscope. This is a remarkable synthesizer, built to the very highest standard with zero compromises on the component choice and capabilities. Given the incredible amount of work that goes into each system, there will only be a few units commissioned.
