Studio Electronics ToneStar 2600 (32HP)

Full Description

Inspired By The ARP 2600

The Studio Electronics ToneStar 2600 is a powerful analog mono synthesizer voice module, with its design inspired by the classic ARP 2600. The ARP 2600 was one of the most renowned synthesizer units ever created, used in a wide range of recordings, known for its authentic mimicking of acoustic instruments. The realism and optimal control the ARP 2600 provided, cemented its placed in synthesizer history. The ToneStar 2600 combines the best qualities of ARP, Moog and Oberheim synthesizers to create this modular powerhouse.

Powerful Sound Design Capabilities

At the heart of this Eurorack synth module is an oscillator that spans eight octaves, accompanied by a Sub control, allowing you to dial in an octave below the main setting for added depth. The sub control is ideal for creating basslines and other bass-orientated sounds. One of the most unique features is the integrated White Noise generator, complete with external input patching for optimal flexibility. The LFO boasts an ultra-wide-range, fitted with rate and depth controls for versatile modulation capabilities. With 26 potentiometers and knobs in total, the ToneStar 2600 gives you comprehensive control at every step, providing virtually endless ways to create sounds. This allows you to achieve everything from punchy basslines to cutting-edge leads, industrial effects and more.

Versatile Modulation

The built-in 4-pole (24dB/octave) filter, bases its designed on the ARP 4072, whilst eliminating the 12kHz cutoff flaw. This filter provides further modulation control over your sounds, allowing you to shape and mould the way your tones sound. The module features 21 patch jacks in total, giving you the ability to patch anything connection to another. Its normalled signals patch boasts controls that are arranged in the order of signal flow, designed to improve your workflow. The voltage-controlled ADSR envelope and additional AR envelope provides added expressive capabilities, allowing you to change the shape of your tones, providing extensive modulation options. The synths design exhibits the same 2600-style sustain sink behaviour, keeping in tune with the original design.

Design & Layout

The ergonomic layout provides quick and easy access to all parameters, with a wide range of patch points located along the bottom of the faceplate. The design is split into three main sections: VCO, VCF and ADSR envelopes. The sections are clearly labelled with controls for everything you may need to achieve the sound you desire. The large, precision potentiometers provide optimal control over each of its parameters, with each control clearly labelled for quick and easy access. The 21 patch points include everything from waveform connections to modulation inputs, gate inputs, ADSR out, VCA CV and more. The sleek and stylish design requires 36HP of space, ideal as the main keystone with your modular setup.

Features

• Analog mono synthesizer Eurorack module
• Inspired by the classic ARP 2600 module
• Normalled signal patch, with controls arranged in order of signal flow
• Versatile modular connectivity with 21 patch jacks in total
• Oscillator spans 8 octaves with an added Sub control
• Voltage-controlled ADSR envelope for modulation flexibility
• 4-pole (24dB/octave) filter designed after ARP 4072 (but without 12kHz cutoff flaw)
• Voltage-controlled LFO with rate and depth controls
• Envelopes delivers same 2600-style sustain sink behaviour
• Integrated white noise generator and external input patching

Specifications

• FREQUENCY: Oscillator frequency attenuator.
• PULSE WIDTH: Variable pulse wave width control.
• OCT: +1/-1 octave switch.
• LFO ( ): Triangle wave low frequency oscillation to pulse width control.
• FREQ/PW: Oscillator frequency, or Pulse (square wave) width to ADSR modulation routing switch. Center off.
• GLIDE: Slew generator control.
• MOD (ADSR): Oscillation modulation via ADSR control.
• TRIANGLE/NO VCF: Triangle to VCA switch—bypasses VCF.
• SAWTOOTH: Sawtooth wave attenuator.
• SQUARE: Square wave attenuator.
• SUB: Square wave Sub Oscillator attenuator.
• TRIANGLE: Waveform output.
• SAWTOOTH: Waveform output.
• SQUARE: Waveform output.
• MIX: Composite waveform output.
• 1V/O: One volt per octave control voltage input.
• TUNE: Master fine tune (approx. -5/+ 5 semitones).
• MOD IN: Modulation CV input. Normalled to ADSR; ADSR is replaced when alt. source connected.

• NOISE: White noise generator output.
• LEVEL: Noise attenuator.

• FREQUENCY: Frequency, or cut-off attenuator
• RESONANCE: Resonance, or Q attenuator.
• TRACK: Keyboard/voltage tracking attenuator.
• DRIVE: Oscillator output to filter input attenuator.
• FREQ/RESO: Filter Frequency, or Resonance to LFO modulation routing switch. Centre off position.
• ADSR: Filter to ADSR envelope attenuator.
• MOD (LFO): Filter to LFO attenuator.
• EXT IN: External audio input.
• FIL OUT: Filter audio output.
• MOD IN: Frequency or Resonance modulation CV input.

• TRIANGLE/SQUARE: Waveform select switch (triangle core).
• DPTH (OSC): LFO to Oscillator control.
• SPEED: Speed or rate attenuator.
• DEPTH: Control voltage Input.
• TRIANGLE: Triangle wave output.
• SQUARE: Square wave output.
• SPEED: Speed or rate CV input.

• PCB Mounting Scheme: Through-hole
• Filter: Discrete, voltage controlled, 24/db/oct cascaded transconductance low-pass filter, employing six pairs of hand-matched transistors
• Size: 32hp
• Depth: 35mm including connectors