Analogue Solutions Colossus

The Analogue Solutions Colossus is a hand-built, semi-modular analog synthesizer inspired by the legendary 1970s EMS Synthi 100. Designed and manufactured in the UK by Tom Carpenter, it is one of the largest and most ambitious analog synthesizers in current production. At over 1.5 metres wide and weighing around 55kg, the Colossus is not a synth you casually add to your setup — it is a statement instrument built for serious sound design and experimental composition.

Sound Architecture

The Colossus packs 12 analog VCOs with wave-variable controls, each offering four waveforms plus pulse width modulation, oscillator sync, and sub-oscillator capability. Any VCO can double as an LFO, giving you up to 14 modulation sources. The filter section is equally generous: four 24dB transistor ladder low-pass filters with a classic Moog-style character, plus four multimode filters based on a heavily modified Oberheim SEM circuit offering low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and notch modes. Four envelope generators shape the sound, while two spring reverbs and two ring modulators add further tonal variety.

Patching and Interface

The Colossus features twin broadcast-quality pin matrix panels for CV and audio routing — the same patching concept used by the original EMS Synthi 100. A built-in 64-step (2x32) analog sequencer, touch keyboard panel, oscilloscope, and joystick controller give you hands-on real-time control. Every connection is normalled so the synth makes sound without patching, but the matrix panels let you reroute signals in ways that would be impossible with conventional patch cables.

Versions and Variants

The Colossus range includes several options:

• AS100 Classic (£26,500) — The flagship. An L-shaped console inspired by the EMS Synthi 100, measuring 1585 x 700 x 655mm and weighing ~55kg.
• AS200 Slim (£23,500) — The same synthesis engine in a more upright, space-saving form factor (1585 x 330 x 750mm, ~40kg).
• AS300 Maximus — An even larger configuration for those who want more.
• Quartz — The Slim split into four separate rack modules (VCO, Mod, VCF, Seq), priced from £5,500–£6,900 each. This lets you build the system one quarter at a time to spread the cost, or use individual sections as expanders alongside existing modular gear.

All versions are built to order with hand-soldered through-hole components. A limited-edition black version has also been produced.

Who Is This For?

• Sound designers and experimentalists who want a vast analog palette with pin-matrix patching
• Studios and institutions looking for a modern equivalent of the classic EMS Synthi 100
• Synth collectors who want a flagship analog instrument built with no compromises
• Film and media composers needing a deep, hands-on tool for creating unique textures and atmospheres

Starting at £23,500 for the Slim and £26,500 for the Classic (before shipping and tax), the Colossus is one of the most expensive synthesizers you can buy new. The Quartz range offers a more accessible entry point from £5,500 per module. But whichever version you choose, this is hand-built, made to order, and offers a depth of analog sound design that very few instruments can match.