The Analog Solutions Treadstone is a patchable single oscillator analog synthesizer with MIDI and CV control, made by the UK synth maker Analog Solutions. It is the latest installment in the company's "SynthBlocks" trilogy, a range of small desktop units that sit somewhere between self-contained sound generators and patchable modular systems1. It is not a guitar pedal, though players interested in synth-style effects can find related desktop and pedal units on the Synth Pedals page.
Sound and filter
At the heart of the Treadstone is a single VCO made up of a combined sawtooth, square and pulse generator, with the final balance of the combined waveform set by a waveform mix control1. The filter is based on the classic SSM 2044 filter chip, now back in production, which could be found in Korg's Polysix and Monopoly synths among others. It is a 24dB/octave low-pass design, and MusicRadar's reviewer found it "gives a satisfying bite"1.
In use, the review team reported creating "some reassuringly analogue-sounding noises"1.
MIDI, CV and patching
The MIDI input feeds a MIDI-CV converter that turns note-on and note-off data into control voltages for the VCO and envelope generator sections1. All external interfacing, including MIDI, is via 3.5mm jack sockets.
Patch inputs:
- External CV inputs for pitch (one via an attenuator)
- Duty, for modulating pulse width
- External CVs for filter cutoff (one via attenuator)
- Audio In
- Clock In for the sequencer
- EG Trig1
Patch outputs:
- Dedicated square wave VCO output
- LFO square and triangle outs, good for vibrato and more controlled PWM
- Envelope out1
The envelope trigger options include a Drone mode that mimics a note-on/gate signal, an LFO mode where the LFO triggers the envelope in time with the LFO, similar to that on Roland's classic SH-101, and a Key mode that turns the amp envelope into a simple on/off affair1.
Power and connections
Power comes from the included 12V DC adapter1. The audio output is on a smaller socket, with an adapter to a larger 1/4" socket provided in the box, and the MIDI socket likewise converts to a standard DIN connector with the supplied adapter1.
The Treadstone handles all external interfacing, including the MIDI input, via 3.5mm jack sockets, and the Audio Out is provided with an adapter to a larger 1/4" socket1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict was positive, summing the unit up as "Lots of features in a very small footprint"1.
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Questions
Is the Treadstone a guitar pedal or a synthesizer?
It is a synthesizer, not a pedal. MusicRadar describes the Treadstone as a patchable single oscillator analogue synth with MIDI and CV control, and places it among small desktop units that sit somewhere between self-contained sound generators and patchable modular systems.
Does the Treadstone have MIDI?
Yes. It takes MIDI in through a 3.5mm jack socket, and Analogue Solutions provides an adapter that converts the socket to a standard DIN connector. The MIDI input feeds a MIDI-CV converter that turns note-on and note-off data into control voltages for the VCO and envelope sections.
What power supply does the Treadstone use?
Power comes from an included 12V DC adapter, so it does not run from a standard 9V pedal supply or a battery.
Does the Treadstone have a filter?
Yes. Its filter is based on the classic SSM 2044 filter chip, now back in production, which could be found in Korg's Polysix and Monopoly synths among others. It is a 24dB/octave low-pass design.
Is the Treadstone fully analogue?
The signal path and modulation are all analogue. MusicRadar notes the unit also has a lo-fi digital echo section alongside the analogue signal path and modulation.
What is the SynthBlocks trilogy?
SynthBlocks is a range from the UK synth maker Analogue Solutions, and the Treadstone is the latest instalment in that trilogy. The units are small desktop devices positioned between self-contained sound generators and patchable modular systems.
Sources (1)
- Analogue Solutions Treadstone review, MusicRadar, 2018-07-05