Studio Electronics Boomstar SEM MKII Desktop Synth

Boomstar is a return to the raw power and purity of non-programmable discrete analog, where Studio Electronics started in 1985 with the Midimoog. The snap and punch of hardware envelopes drive Boomstar's brilliant discrete voltage controlled circuits with unparalleled sonic integrity and versatility. Refaced and revoiced, Boomstar MKII is likely the ultimate desktop analog synthesizer for those who remember, and desire still, analog synth sounds that changed the music, as well as sound seekers who have yet to discover that electric magic and delight in their time.

Boomstar's alchemy of combinable waveform oscillations – with sub, OSC1-OSC2 sync – filter and oscillator xmod, ring mod, 5 revered filter types, extensive modulation routing made easy via its 18+ toggle switches and a flexible software LFO, make sound and music design a daring delight. Hardware envelopes with invert, loop, drone and master modes deliver that flexible, funky snap and shift.

The quick-turn shaft pots along the bottom for hardware ring mod, noise, feedback: now diode-based for more complex and interesting harmonic distortion, and VCO levels make vital sonic changes intimate, immediate and indispensable. The adjacent overdrive switch adds beefy boost, warmth and edge. 29+ pots ensure a fluid, intuitive groove over wide-ranging sweeps and subtle tone variations: whip them suddenly and rhythmically into shape or 'feather in' the changes.

Expect cleaner levels in and out of Boomstar MKII filter models. MKIIs will still brown out but their headroom is more generous. The filter in this Boomstar SEM is based on the original Lord Tom Oberheim 2-pole 12dB/octave, boxy, reedy and boomy gem. So why not go 'off-synth' via the external audio input processing patch point: connect rhythm and color to non-native oscillations and pulses, moving in, around and through them?

Bocote, Marblewood and East Indian Rosewood end bells are hand selected, handcrafted one-offs and will vary greatly in grain and attractive imperfections, but they are always character-rich and easily transcend any 'exact appearance' expectations. Expect a richly figured hardwood. Bocote and Marblewood are CITES-compliant; Indian Rosewood is USA-only.

Boomstar is a discrete, through-hole, hand-matched transistor, semi-modular desktop monophonic synthesizer, built in the USA to last, no matter which glowing circuit, handcrafted filter model you choose.

• Refaced for clarity of function, signal flow and an overall visual/tactile assist
• Revoiced for purity of tone: more headroom into amplifier, browning-out is delayed
• Diode-based feedback circuit for greater dynamic range and harmonic distortion content
• Exotic and rugged hand-picked and handcrafted lumber/microlumber sides: Bocote, Marblewood and Rosewood
• Lined, fluted knobs and lined quick-turn pot shafts top and bottom for more precise programming
• Metal-shafted pots installed throughout, apart from the envelopes, where the custom taper plastic-shafted pots are strengthened with an added bushing