Analogue Systems French Connection

Full Description

Recreation Of The Ondes Martenot

The French Connection is a remake of the classic Ondes Martenot instrument that dates way back to the 1920s. It utilises the combination of a ring attached to a string that slides to change pitch. The French Connection offers the expressive potential of the Ondes Martenot, coupled to the huge resources of the analog synthesizer. Located on the fingerboard below the string-guided ring are studs, which make it simple to locate conventional semitones. By combining the movement of the string with the depression of the amplitude button, you will be able to create smooth slides and vibrato easily.

String-Guided Ring

The Analogue Systems French Connection features a unique design, providing you with a ring that is attached to a string. Your finger can be inserted into it, and you can slide it across to create a glissando effect across the notes. Use the studs below to locate the semitones when moving the ring across the string.

The Joystick

The French Connection features a joystick with a self-centering mechanism, providing a smooth response across its full range. It features attenuators for finer control, reducing the output CVs approximately 0V at their minimum settings, while passing the full +/-10V ranges when set to their maximum. Each axis offers dual outputs, and each pair of outputs carry identical signals with their maximum operational values determined by the range controls.

The Button

The large brown button is used to increase the CV. When untouched and sat in the uppermost position, the button generates a CV of 0V. When you press the button, the CV rises progressively, allowing you to control the amount of CV to a maximum of approximately +10V. You can use the button to smoothly change volume whilst gliding the ring across the string. There is also a knob for changing the range amount. This allows for finer control. It enables you to control the amount of output CV between 0V and +10V.

Controller Selector Switches

These switches allow you to determine whether the pitch CV is controlled either by the keyboard or the wire controller, so you can still use the French Connection like a conventional keyboard. The first switch determines whether the keyboard or controller determines the pitch CV. The second switch determines whether the keyboard produces a conventional trigger and gate, or whether the button produces an amplitude CV.

Features

• Unique analog performance keyboard controller
• Recreation of the Ondes Martenot
• String-guided ring that changes pitch
• Self-centering joystick controller
• Button for generating and increasing CV
• Create slides and vibrato easily with combination of button pressing and string movements
• 4 switch combinations:
  • Button + Slider - imitates the Ondes Martenot
  • Keyboard + Keyboard - acts as a conventional CV+Trigger+Gate monosynth keyboard
  • Keyboard + Slider - control the pitch of sound using wire controller, but trigger envelopes using keyboard
  • Button + Keyboard - play the pitch of the sound conventionally using the keyboard; articulate notes using the button

Specifications

• Weight: 10kg