The Squaver P1+ from Sonicsmith is a semi-modular, audio-controlled analog synth pedal, this single-oscillator, three-voice monophonic audio-controlled synth (ACS) is the closest you can get between the performer’s instrument/voice to analog synth sound. This “+” version expands on the former Squaver P1 by giving it a variable gate, wider sweep PWM and a smoother ENV, it expresses the instrumentalists’ performance to an analog synthesizer according to its frequency, amplitude and articulation. Built into the Squaver P1+ is an ACO100 oscillator chip, this has an audio input and synth output, as well as square and sawtooth waves mix knob which is located on the front panel as well as an OSC/SUBS mix and SYNTH/SRC mix knobs. The Squaver P1+ links up the analog audio, synth and CV performance, along with two envelope followers that can be assigned to either the VCA, PWM or the VCF whilst continuing to keep the CV ins and outs on the front panel to create your own patches.

The input preamp provides a strong and clean result with +40dB gain to accommodate line level sources, electric instruments as well as dynamic mics, the new patent-awarded auto-adjusting filter can work in 2 pole or 4 pole if more help with frequency detection is needed. There is an expression pedal input that can be used for either the VCF cut-off frequency, octave CV or harmony CV via the Expression destination 4 position switch or used with any other destination via its dedicated "Exp CV" output. The ENV is generated from an ENV follower that can extract the dynamics from the main audio input and a second ENV follower extracts dynamics from the side-chain audio input, this means you can switch between the two main ENV via a foot switch. The main input and side-chain input has Thru Jacks for chaining an infinite number of synths together for a multi-voice synth chain. An ENV knob can be adjusted to select how much to mimic the input dynamics from 1:1 to a flat response or completely reverse the ENV, there are ACO CV inputs for octave and semitones and the two CV inputs (one for harmony shift and one for octave shift) can be used for external CV sources like analog sequencers and LFOs. The two foot-switches "ACO CV In on" and "Side-chain on" offer real-time control over activating the arpeggiation CV inputs and engaging the alternative ENV follower input instead of the main input's ENV. This versatile Audio Controlled Synth works especially well when combined with other Sonicsmith gear, allowing you to get super experimental with your sound. RRP €550.05

Current Cheapest Price

5 out of 5

Pros

Plays analog synth along with the input audio

Extracts gate, pitch, envelope and trigger

CV from input audio

Blend between square and sawtooth waves

40 dB gain range

3 thru jacks for daisy-chaining multiple units

Side chain input accesses the 2nd ENV follower

LP, BP / HP, 12 / 24db/oct resonant filter

Total of 3 audio inputs, 5 CV outputs and 6 CV inputs