John Bowen Solaris – a life’s work
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combination with the joystick. The five vowels can be morphed (moved (o;) in realtime …
John Bowen Solaris Synthesizer
4 “VCAs” (in reality: 5 stereo amplifiers)
As explained above, “VCA” is not correct, but we’ll stick to the label as Bowen did. We know they are in fact digital
amplifiers.
“There are actually five stereo amplifiers – the 5th one is at the end of the sound chain, just before the effects
section.” (John Bowen).
Each of the 4 main VCAs accepts an input signal from either its corresponding filter or Insert FX module. The
following VCA parameters can be tweaked: Input (filter, insert FX), Type (linear, logarithmic, sigma curve), Boost
(soft distortion), Level (volume) and InitPan (panorama position). There are also two modulation inputs. Source 1
modulates the amplifier’s level, Source 2 modulates the pan position. Many of the attached Solaris demos make
extensive use of the VCA’s panorama modulation.
5 LFOs
Solaris has 4 main LFOs and a special vibrato LFO. Each LFO supports the common waveforms (sine, triangle, ramp,
etc.) plus sample & hold, of course. Frequency is adjustable between 0.000 Hz and 500.000 Hz (audio range).
There’s also a parameter page with Delay, Fade In and Fade Out for smooth (“natural”) modulation. The LFOs can be
synched to MIDI Clock. Ah, yes … and the LFO speed may be modulated by any of the dozens of modulation sources.
By the envelopes, e.g., to get those great Yamaha CS-80 sound effects. Two of the attached sound examples refer to
this … they demonstrate LFO speed modulation by EG 6 … Listen to the samples, it’s worthwhile.
