maximus
What is Maximus?
Tom Carpenter is excited to introduce Maximus, an exciting new mega-polysynth with a design ethos truly from the dawn of analogue synths. It is more than a powerful analogue ‘workstation’ - it is also art, architecture, exquisite studio furniture.
Although we label this as a polysynth - it is so much more. We can’t think of a label to give this synth since its is so much more than that.
When you think of polysynth you think of flat synths with one set of controls that control all voices equally. By giving Maximus independent controls for every voice, you have more freedom to create unique styles of poly sounds impossible on traditional polysynths, whether they are hardware or software. You can dial up ‘traditional’ poly sounds (pads etc) or have something unimaginable different.
Because you can never dial up each voice completely identically, standard polys pads will sounds superbly vintage.
All the voice and modulation circuits are of course 100% analogue. We purposely steered away from digital, aside from of course the digital needed in MIDI and the mini-sequencers.
This synth is purely for those who want it just as it was in the 1970s - but new with parts still in production. For those who want a synth that could have been built in the 70s.
There are no gimmicks - this is pure synthesiser. A huge sound enclosed in a solid metal case wrapped in solid hardwood. No expense has been spared to bring this incredible machine to life.
Synthesisers like this only come around once in a decade, or possibly a generation.
Typically 2-6 weeks
AS300 main unit £22500
AS400 optional keyboard £1900
excluding crate, shipping and tax (all if applicable)
Some Things you Can Do with Maximus
Standard pad type poly sounds
Unusually Poly Sounds
Monophonic Synth Sounds
A mixture of Mono and Poly Sounds
Filmic / Epic ambience sounds
Rhythmic patterns, with a new sound on each key press.
Although Maximus can do traditional ‘pads’ it’s better suited to more unorthodox poly sounds. It excels also at unusual analogue loops and rhythms when it is played in cyclic mode. Have each voice set to a different type of sounds, and as you cycle through them you get very interesting patterns (melodic or otherwise).
Maximus does not have patch memory - just like the very first polysynths.
Every sound you create will be unique - the first of its kind ever to be produced. Your Maximus will never sound like anybody else’s. It will always be unique and yours.
List of Features
Voices:
8 Voice (16 VCO) Analogue Poly Synth.
Note, everything below is per voice. Ie 8 sequencers, 8 echo, etc.
Each Voice:
Voltage Controlled Oscillators
2 analogue VCOs.
Tune using Vernier Dial, with Detune
Portamento
MIDI/Key CV On/Off
Generous pitch modulation options including from external CV.
Mixer
Audio mixer, including external audio in.
Noise
Analogue noise generator.
Voltage Controlled Filters
Analogue SEM type multimode filter:
Low, Band, High Pass filters.
Versatile modulation.
Mini-Sequencer:
16 step pitch and filter cutoff sequencing.
One shot trigger mode.
Analogue Envelopes
2 full ADSR with several triggering options.
Voltage Controlled Amplifier
VCA!
Effects
Echo/Delay
Master Panel:
The master panel is where global modulation (modulation that is applied to all voices), global sequencer control, keyboard and MIDI set up, final audio mixing, stereo reverb and master outputs are all dealt with
Master Offset
Master Tune, Detune and Cut-off control.
Multiple
4 way multiple.
Low Frequency Oscillators
3x analogue LFOs, with complex set of modulations routings, inputs, and outputs.
LFO1 features delayed modulation.
LFO3 has CV control of frequency.
The LFO signals can be globally sent to all voices, and also to just VCO1 or just VCO2 of each voice.
MIDI / Key Set Up
Large choice of options for how the sequencer can be played or have its sequencers clocked.
Stereo Mixer
8 channel stereo mixer.
Spring Reverbs
2 triple-spring mechanical spring reverbs.
Outputs
Stereo Headphone and 1/4” master outputs.
Optional AS400 keyboard
