“The biggest and best all-in-one modular step sequencer, offering flexibility and playability”: Analogue Solutions AS500-SEQ review

What is it?

The AS500-SEQ from UK-based Analogue Solutions is a beast of a step sequencer, fully analogue and offering a total of 64 steps with a variety of hands-on play modes.

Originally available as part of the huge Colossus synth that retails for a whopping £32,000, the AS500 can now be purchased separately for those whose budget doesn’t stretch quite that far.

The sequencer comes in a sturdy metal case with the majority of the front panel taken up with an 8 x 8 grid of knobs and switches. Firing it up from the internal clock, the knobs light in yellow to show the active step with the patterns running vertically down the unit, and then from left to right.

Each knob controls the pitch output with a switch that sends the gate to either the X or Y gate output or JUMPs to the next column. The Y gate output can be used either to trigger a different voice or to mute a step if left unconnected. JUMP is a novel feature that we haven’t seen elsewhere and allows a lot of hands-on control to vary the sequence. The top row of switches offer RESET rather than JUMP which as you would expect takes the pitch back to step one.

The 64 steps of the AS500 are split into two banks, each with its own CV and X/Y gate outputs. These can be used as a single set of 64 steps or two sets of 32.

Performance and verdict

There is no separate clock input for the right-hand side but the MODE selector knob offers some options here. When set to SERIAL the sequencer will play all 64 steps but if you flip the FILL mode switch and tap the FILL button the sequencer will flip from the left-hand side to the right-hand side set at the end of the bar. The number of times you activate the FILL button controls how many times the fill will loop before returning to the main sequence.

The other three modes either play both sides synced at the same clock rate or offset the rate for the right-hand side by a half or a quarter. With these modes you can either play two different melodic lines or a lead and a bass for example. Alternatively you can use the right-hand side as a modulator; with RANGE and GLIDE at maximum it makes for a great filter cutoff modulator.

Both outputs feature a master range and a glide control; unfortunately there is no per step slide.

There is an internal clock available with a knob and a dedicated CV input, as well as an external clock in and a clock out; a button and input allows master reset.

The AS500 prides itself on being 100% analogue; unlike its predecessor the Megacity, there is no quantisation built in so you’ll have to use a tuner or tune by ear. The STEP button is used to step through each knob sequentially to help you tune them in.

Although housed in a sturdy metal case, the potentiometers, toggle switches and jacks are what we would describe as Behringer style. By this we mean they are not secured to the case at all, they just poke through the panel and we would imagine are soldered directly onto the PCB below. We feel like this is likely to cause issues, particularly with the switches, as these are designed to be played not just switched occasionally. You can feel the whole switch moving when you toggle it so it’s hard to see how the stress on the solder joints is not going to cause these to fail eventually.

This is without a doubt the most hands-on, playable step sequencer on the market – the large format makes it a joy to use. The AS500 is a marketed as a premium product, designed and hand-built in the UK. While the design and functionality are superb, sadly the build quality is not quite what we would expect for the high price tag.

MusicRadar verdict: The biggest and best all-in-one modular step sequencer, offering flexibility and playability. If you can afford it you’re set for serious fun!

Hands-on demos

Analogue Solutions

NEW: Analogue Solutions AS500-SEQ 64-step Analogue Sequencer - YouTube

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Specifications

• 64 steps (series mode) or 2 x 32 steps (2-channel parallel mode)
• 2 CV outputs with Range and Glide (Portamento)
• 4 Gate outs (2 per channel)
• Jump and Reset – activate from MIDI note, Push Button and external Gate
• Fill In and clock divide modes for variation
• Compatible with Eurorack and most analogue synths with CV/Gate input
• Voltage-controlled clock
• Many options for sequence control
• Solid steel and aluminium construction
• High-quality sealed potentiometers, sturdy switches
• Unique LED matrix-style teardrop-raining LEDs
• Power Supply: Mains adapter.
• Dimensions: 292 x 85 x 382mm.
• Weight: 2,200g.
• CONTACT: Analogue Solutions