Voltage Controlled Oscillators
The core of the Vostok 2020’s monstrous analog tone comprises three fat-sounding VCOs. All the usual suspects are found in the control section: tune, glide, pulse width, and level, along with ample patchability. The Vostok 2020’s VCOs simultaneously output square and saw waves, and VCOs 1 and 2 include three suboscillators scaled to one, two, and three octaves below the main pitch. Snarling and brash, smooth and sonorous, and all points between, the Vostok 2020’s VCOs cover it all.
MultiMode VCF/VCA
The Vostok 2020 uses a multimode 12dB diode ladder filter, which draws its inspiration from a famed 1970s semi-modular synth. Diode ladders are famed for their non-linearity, which can produce slightly unpredictable sounds with a signature bite and an aggressively squelchy resonance. The Vostok 2020’s multimode VCF contains a highpass and lowpass filter that, like that aforementioned 1970’s semi-modular synth, are wired in series, meaning you can shape them to create wildly unique bandpass filtering. The VCA is built into the filter panel, and the entire section is loaded with CV patch points.
Modulators
Want modulation? No problem! The Vostok 2020 has plenty. It comes equipped with two VC LFOs with toggle selection of sawtooth and inverse sawtooth waves (with level control and independent output) and square and triangle waves (with level control and independent output). They also come with a CV-input for controlling the frequency of the LFO. Furthermore, the Vostok 2020 is armed with sample and hold, a white noise generator, and a ring modulator — all totally patchable!
Envelope Generators
The dual ADSRs perform all of the tasks you would expect along with a couple of fun features for further sound-bending. The units’ level control function zeros out at in the center position. Turned clockwise, it increases the level normally; turned to left, it becomes an inverter. The ADSRs also include a repeat function, that turns them into a pseudo-LFO, which you can shape with the attack and decay knobs for an extra injection of modulation.
CV/Gate Sequencer
A true analog step sequencer, the Vostok 2020’s CV/gate sequencer provides eight steps, with clock control via MIDI (using NOTE0 from the MIDI converter) or via an LFO square wave. The sequencer can be set to pitch, or you can use it for sending stepped control voltages to the envelope generators, filters, and LFOs. It has two gate outs, the second of which is a flipped gate. When used together, they can generate bouncy syncopated rhythms and organic analog grooves.
Joystick and Spring Reverb
The Vostok 2020 boasts two awesome creative tools to expand the heights of its soundscaping capabilities: a joystick and a real spring reverb. The front panel X Y joystick gives you tactile over any parameter, such as VCO pitch, LFO speed, filter cutoff, and more — the possibilities are endless! The spring reverb uses three actual springs to produce vintage-style reverberation. And it doesn’t just have to sit at the end of the signal chain; it can be patched into the modules — for example, between a VCO output and VCF input — for some out-there sonic experimentation.
Matrix Panel
The Vostok’s creative potential is already staggering, but its 484-point pin matrix pushes it way over the edge. The matrix lets you quickly connect any two points on the Vostok 2020, without having to use patch cables. Not only is it faster, but it also keeps the interface uncluttered, so you have a clear view of all of your patching. To make things even easier, most of the cable jacks are labeled with their corresponding pin jack on the matrix. While the matrix is supremely powerful on its own, using it in conjunction with the cable jacks turns the Vostok 2020 into an absolute behemoth of tweakability, primed for innumerable hours of patching madness.
Analogue Solutions Vostok 2020 Analog Semi-modular Synthesizer Features:
- Vintage-inspired all-analog semi-modular synthesizer
- Hand-built in England
- 3 fat-sounding VCOs with tune, glide, pulse width, level, and suboscillators
- 2 diode ladder VCFs based on a famous 1970s semi-modular synth, with highpass and lowpass filters wired in series
- Loads of modulation from 2 VC LFOs, sample and hold, and ring modulator
- 2 envelope generators with repeat function and inverter
- 8-step CV/gate sequencer for sequencing pitch and control voltages
- X Y joystick patchable to any point
- Real spring reverb with 3 springs and I/O patch points
- 484-point pin matrix opens up limitless soundscaping options
- Backlit ballistic signal meter
- External input for drum machines, guitars, vocals, etc.
- Built-in 440Hz tuner makes tuning the oscillators a breeze
- 6-input audio/CV mixer with normal and inverted outputs
- Rack-mounting hardware included
