The Analogue Solutions Impulse Command is a revolutionary take on the traditional monosynth, designed as what the manufacturer calls a "sonic realiser" rather than a conventional synthesizer. This imposing desktop unit features a distinctive wedge-like console design with a black panel on a red base, creating an inviting and professional appearance. The instrument's philosophy centers around adventure and discovery, with creative design decisions that push users in unexpected directions.

At its core, the Impulse Command is a dual-oscillator, dual-filter analogue stereo synthesizer that challenges conventional synthesis norms. The unique dual filter system creates remarkable stereo separation, with the main cutoff (VCF-L) panned left and an offset cutoff (VCF-R) panned right. This configuration produces interesting interplay between the two filters while maintaining their independence in the stereo field.

The oscillator section features non-traditional mixing approaches, with VCO 1 hard-wired to a VCA controlled by EG 2, while VCO 2 and the sub-oscillator are routed to the same VCA but with dynamic control via MIDI velocity and Initial Level settings. This design philosophy encourages experimentation over precise parameter control.

The instrument includes two distinct sequencers: the "Sequencizer" with its 16 glowing knobs designed primarily for filter modulation and featuring creative pattern generation via the Reorder knob, and a MIDI Loop Sequencer that captures and plays back 16 notes with real-time transposition capabilities.

A mysterious "Patch" feature provides eight different internal signal routings that can be selected per step, creating wild rhythmic and percussive variations. The comprehensive patchbay offers extensive modulation possibilities while maintaining the instrument's adventurous character.

Technical Specifications

Synthesis Engine

• Type: Dual-oscillator, dual-filter analogue stereo synthesizer
• Polyphony: Monophonic
• Architecture: Semi-modular subtractive synthesis

Oscillators

• VCO 1:
  • Waveforms: Sawtooth, Triangle, Pulse (with PWM), Noise
  • Level: Fixed, hard-wired to VCA controlled by EG 2
  • PWM: Combined control via LFO 2 modulation intensity
• VCO 2:
  • Waveform: Square wave only
  • Level: Initial Level (IL) control + MIDI velocity dynamic control
  • Can be switched to use EG 1
  • Amount knob for dynamic control
  • PWM: Combined control via LFO 2 modulation intensity
• Sub-oscillator: Square wave, routed to same VCA as VCO 2
• Detune Range: Approximately 4-5 notes of play

Filters

• Type: Dual analogue 24dB low-pass filters
• Configuration: Single main filter with offset second filter
• VCF-L: Main cutoff (panned left)
• VCF-R: Offset cutoff (panned right)
• Resonance: Available on main filter, no CV control
• Modulation: Independent modulation for each filter (envelope or LFO)
• Aggro Control: Cross modulation from VCO 2 to filter cutoff
• MIDI Velocity: Can be added to filter modulation

Envelopes

• Count: 2 x ADSR envelopes
• EG 1: Can control VCO 2 level or either filter
• EG 2: Always controls oscillator VCA, can also control filters
• Trigger: CV trigger inputs available

LFOs

• Count: 2 x LFOs
• LFO 1: Triangle output available
• LFO 2: Square output, drives Sequencizer, provides PWM modulation

Sequencers

Sequencizer

• Steps: 16 steps (2 rows of 8 knobs each)
• Primary Function: Filter cutoff modulation
• Secondary Function: Pitch control (not normalized)
• Clock Sources: Internal LFO 2, MIDI clock, CV clock input
• Gate: Automatically generates gate signals
• Reorder Function: Multiple alternative step patterns
• Controls: Separate impact control for each filter

MIDI Loop Sequencer

• Capacity: 16 notes
• Input Method: Real-time recording of played notes
• Transpose: Real-time keyboard transposition
• Step Selection: Manual step selection and editing
• Clock: MIDI Note 0 for step advancement, Note 1 for reset
• Interaction: Can run simultaneously with Sequencizer

Effects

• Count: 8 digital effects
• Types: Multiple delays, reverbs, flanger, bit-crusher
• Configuration: Some mono, some stereo
• Parameters: 2 parameters per effect
• Mix Control: Wet/dry balance knob
• Selection: Rotary knob without position indicators

Patch System

• Count: 8 patches
• Function: Internal signal routing variations
• Control: Per-step selection possible
• Modulation: Responds to MIDI velocity and Sequencizer
• Architecture: 4 different internal signal routings

Connectivity

Audio Outputs

• Stereo Line Output: Main stereo output (rear panel)
• Mono Mix Output: Summed mono output (rear panel)
• Individual Oscillator Outputs: Sawtooth outputs for VCO 1 and VCO 2

Audio Input

• Line Input: Single line-level input routed to dual filter

MIDI

• MIDI In: Standard 5-pin DIN
• MIDI Thru: Standard 5-pin DIN
• Implementation: Full MIDI velocity sensitivity

CV/Gate Patchbay

• Pitch Inputs:
  • CV 1: Controls both oscillators
  • CV 2: Controls VCO 2 only
• Modulation Inputs: PWM, VCF-L cutoff, VCF-R cutoff
• Clock Input: For Sequencizer
• Trigger Inputs: Individual envelope triggers
• Modulation Outputs: LFO 1 triangle, LFO 2 square, envelope outputs, clock output
• CV Output: From Sequencizer with send level control

Physical Specifications

• Design: Wedge-like console style
• Panel: Black panel on red base
• Lighting: Glowing potentiometer caps, laser-cut side vents with light beams
• Form Factor: Desktop synthesizer
• Power: External PSU (rear panel connection)

Control Interface

• Knobs: Red, yellow, and glowing potentiometer caps
• Layout: Two prominent large knobs, scattered control arrangement
• Sequencer Interface: 16 glowing knobs in offset double row
• Visual Design: Distinctive red and black aesthetic with illuminated elements