Rossum Electro-Music

Notes: ***Now featuring Assimil8or Software Version 2.0! Available to download here: http://www.rossum-electro.com/products/assimil8or/

The ASSIMIL8OR is a CV/Gate-controllable sampler with eight independent channels. Each channel is not only its own voice, but also has a separate audio output and a gate/trigger and three CV inputs. Given ever get two sample inputs and main outputs. Thus, Stereo Sampling and playback is possible. Mixed operation of stereo or mono is possible and is limited only by the maximum number of eight channels or parts.

The ASSIMIL8OR works with high-quality 24-bit AD and DA converters. Internally, however, sample and bit rate for lo-fi sound can be lowered, the latter is even CV-controllable. The samples can also be otherwise manipulated in many ways. Thus, the phase of a sample via CV or a different sample can be modulated. Likewise, the loop points can be controlled and the sample can be traversed with CV control (scrubbing), whereby wavetable similar effects could be achieved. The following parameters can be addressed via the gate / trigger and CV inputs:

- Pitch
- Level
- Bit Depth
- Phase Modulation
- Pan
- Scrub
- Sample Start
- Sample Length
- Loop Start
- Loop Length
- Release Decay

Samples and presets are stored on an SD card, which is easily accessible plugged into the module front.

Notes: Designed to provide a powerful, flexible sampling engine for modular synthesis, the ASSIMIL8OR Multi-Timbral Phase Modulation Sampler module is the latest incarnation of Dave Rossum's decades-long pioneering of affordable professional sampling technology.

ASSIMIL8OR provides eight independent channels of sampling with sound quality that can range from extremely hi-fi to low fi, all with extensive real-time CV control.

Assimil8or Specifications

Sample memory
2,300 seconds at 48kHz mono, freely allocatable between the 8 channels

Sample rates
48kHZ, 96kHZ, 192kHZ

A/D & D/A
24 Bits

Internal processing
32 Bits

Latency
100 microseconds at the Mix Outputs
180 microseconds at the Individual Outputs

Inputs

Sample L/R
2x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Gate/Trigger 1-8
8x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
1.6V threshold

Control Voltage A 1-8
8x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
96 kHz sample rate
Anti-alias filtered to 20kHz bandwidth

Control Voltage B&C 1-8
16x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
48 kHz sample rate
No anti-alias filtering

Outputs

Mix Outputs L/R
2x 3.5mm mono socket
1kO Impedance

Individual Outputs
8x 3.5mm mono socket
1kO Impedance

Power requirements: +/-12V via 16-pin, Doepfer-style connector
Current draw: 220mA +12V, 30mA -12V
Dimensions: 28HP (W); Panel to power connector (with connector plugged in) 25mm (D)

Supplied accessories:
1x Micro SD card
1x 16-pin, Doepfer-style cable
4x M3 screws
4x M2.5 screws
4x Nylon washers
1x Quickstart Guide

Notes: At the core of the EVOLUTION Variable Character Ladder Filter is Dave Rossum's enhancement of the iconic Moog ladder filter from the original E-mu Systems 2100 LPF module (which, incidentally, Dave counts as his favourite sounding of all of the analog filters he designed).

For EVOLUTION, Dave has designed new capabilities that not only allow you to dial in all of the outstanding qualities of the original 2100, but combine to let you create the sonic characteristics of a wide variety of other filter types.

They include:

- A Genus control that allows continuous voltage control of the number of filter poles (from 3 to 6 poles), essentially allowing real-time variation of Evolution's effective cutoff slope from 18dB/oct to 36dB/oct. LEDs give continuous indication of the current slope.
- A Species control that lets you vary the signal level into the ladder, letting you control the intensity of the filter's characteristic distortion. When in self-oscillation mode, this control modulates the amplitude of Evolution's output.
- Voltage controlled resonance with a variable Q Level Compensation control that controls the balance of the resonant peak and the frequencies below the cutoff frequency (which would otherwise be attenuated as the resonance is increased).
- An extremely accurate and temperature-stable frequency control exponential generator (accurate over 10 octaves), rivalling the specifications of the best analog VCOs.

Taken together, EVOLUTION gives you everything from the platonic ideal of the classic ladder filter to a vast selection of alternative filter characteristics.

And like all Rossum Electro-Music modules, it's solidly built, with machined aluminium knobs and high quality components throughout.

Notes: The only module named after a Swedish botanist? Possibly. Relentless synth innovator Dave Rossum pushes the boundaries again with a state-variable stereo filter offering through-zero frequency modulation. Sounds complicated. Sounds good.

Supplier notes:
Following in the tradition of Evolution and Morpheus, LINNAEUS represents yet another Dave Rossum innovation in filter technology.

LINNAEUS is a stereo state-variable filter that provides the unique ability to linearly modulate its resonant frequency through zero into negative frequency, while maintaining stability. With extensive voltage control of nearly every parameter, Linnaeus lets you manipulate the filter's natural response curve in new ways, to create both subtle and dramatic timbral effects. And with a "one-knob-per-parameter" interface, LINNAEUS inspires sonic creativity that invites (and rewards) real-time interaction.

LINNAEUS's cutoff/resonant frequency is exponentially voltage controllable from sub-audio to ultrasonic frequencies, while its resonant gain (Q) is exponentially voltage controllable from 0dB to greater than 60dB.

LINNAEUS's channel output response characteristics are independently and continuously variable from Lowpass, through Bandpass, Highpass and Notch, to Low and High Shelving characteristics. Voltage control of the response characteristics are independently selectable for each of the two channels.

The linear thru-zero modulation is provided by an integrated modulation oscillator and/or an External Linear FM modulation input.

The voltage-controllable modulation oscillator can track the filter's exponential frequency or operate independently. The modulation oscillator's output waveform is continuously variable from Off through Sine, Triangle, and Sawtooth, to Square. The modulation oscillator output is summed with the external linear FM input and applied to the modulation index VCA, which controls the linear thru-zero modulation index from zero to 8X. The modulation index is, of course, also voltage controllable.

Notes: Following in the tradition of Evolution and Morpheus, LINNAEUS represents yet another Dave Rossum innovation in filter technology.

LINNAEUS is a stereo state variable filter that provides the unique ability to linearly modulate its resonant frequency through zero into negative frequency, while maintaining stability. With extensive voltage control of nearly every parameter, Linnaeus lets you manipulate the filter's natural response curve in new ways, to create both subtle and dramatic timbral effects. And with a "one-knob-per-parameter" interface, LINNAEUS inspires sonic creativity that invites (and rewards) real-time interaction.

LINNAEUS's cutoff/resonant frequency is exponentially voltage controllable from sub-audio to ultrasonic frequencies, while its resonant gain (Q) is exponentially voltage controllable from 0dB to greater than 60dB.

LINNAEUS's channel output response characteristics are independently and continuously variable from Lowpass, through Bandpass, Highpass and Notch, to Low and High Shelving characteristics. Voltage control of the response characteristics are independently selectable for each of the two channels.

The linear thru-zero modulation is provided by an integrated modulation oscillator and/or an External Linear FM modulation input.

The voltage-controllable modulation oscillator can track the filter's exponential frequency or operate independently. The modulation oscillator's output waveform is continuously variable from Off through Sine, Triangle, and Sawtooth, to Square. The modulation oscillator output is summed with the external linear FM input and applied to the modulation index VCA, which controls the linear thru-zero modulation index from zero to 8X. The modulation index is, of course, also voltage controllable.

LINNAEUS features include:

- Ultra-wide frequency range, exponentially voltage-controllable from sub-audio to ultrasonic via precise 1V/OCT and attenuverted CV inputs.

- Thru-zero linear frequency modulation via an internal modulation oscillator and/or an external linear FM input.

- Variable linear modulation index, voltage-controllable via an attenuverted CV input.

- Resonance (Q) exponentially voltage-controllable from 0dB to greater than 60dB via 6dB/V and attenuverted CV inputs.

- Continuously variable response characteristics independently selectable for each of the two channels via individual Response Enable controls. Characteristics include Lowpass (12db/oct and 6db/oct), Bandpass, Highpass (12db/oct and 6db/oct), Notch, and Low and High Shelving.

- Voltage control of response characteristics via an attenuverted CV input. Individual Response CV Enable controls let you independently enable or disable CV control of response for each channel.

- An integrated modulation oscillator with continuously variable waveform from Off through Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth and Square. Its frequency can be exponentially voltage controlled via an attenuverted CV input.

- A Track control that lets the modulation oscillator precisely track the filter's exponential frequency.

- Stereo inputs and outputs. LINNAEUS can process a stereo signal or two independent mono signals. While the two channels share the filter's cutoff/resonant frequency, the filter response characteristics can be independently controlled for each channel.

- The solid, high-quality construction you expect from Rossum Electro-Music.

What's with the egg?

The functional description above describes LINNAEUS as originally conceived and designed by Dave. However, late in the beta testing process, Rossum's tester, Chris Meyer, raised the possibility of alternative behavior that would let LINNAEUS function as a self-contained (i.e., no input required) stereo oscillator and/or FM percussion voice with some really powerful timbral capabilities.

While Rossum were initially hesitant to try to shoehorn the new functions into the existing interface, once Dave had prototyped them, it was clear to us all that they were just too cool not to include. So, Rossum have provided them in the form of alternate firmware accessed by pressing and holding the Egg button.

LINNAEUS is 16HP wide and 25mm deep.

Power requirements (max): 155mA +12V, 36mA -12V. Reverse polarity protected.

Notes: An expander module for Rossum's powerhouse Assimil8or sampler module, the Locutus provides MIDI in, out and thru connections over 5-pin DIN sockets, letting you take full control of the module alongside other MIDI gear.

Supplier's notes:
Locutus is designed to interface Assimil8or with MIDI instruments, controllers, and sequencers to provide multichannel modulation and new polyphonic possibilities.

Locutus includes a special cable to connect to the Assimil8or CPU behind the panel.

Locutus is 6 HP wide and 25mm deep.

More pricing and availability information is coming soon.

Locutus is on display in the MIDI Association booth #9901 at NAMM 2023 where Locutus and Assimil8or will be performing with a Rossum SP-1200 Reissue, an Oberheim OB-X8, and other new and vintage MIDI-equipped instruments.

MIDI Association booth #9901 is dedicated to the MIDI@40 Lifetime Achievement Award winners, including Rossum Electro-Music co-founder Dave Rossum.

From the MIDI Association: "At Saturday's anniversary celebration, lifetime achievement awards will be presented to (or posthumously honour) legendary music industry innovators who created the modern music production environment of synths, drum machines, and sequencers, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Tsutomu Katoh, Roger Linn, Tom Oberheim, Alan Pearlman, Dave Rossum, and Dave Smith."

Notes: LOCUTUS is designed to interface Assimil8or with MIDI instruments, controllers, and sequencers to provide multichannel modulation and new polyphonic possibilities.

LOCUTUS includes a special attached cable to connect to the Assimil8or CPU behind the panel.

LOCUTUS is 6 HP wide and 25mm deep.

MIDI sources connected to LOCUTUS’ MIDI IN port can be used to modulate Assimil8or parameters using velocity, channel pressure, and MIDI CC (Continuous Controller) messages, select presets using MIDI Program Change (PC) messages, and/or optionally trigger Assimil8or channels with MIDI notes using user-selectable assignment modes. MIDI Setups can be configured with assignment modes including Dynamic, which intelligently cycles through Assimil8or’s channels to easily create polyphonic patches, Multi assignment modes ideal for playing multitimbral Assimil8or patches with MIDI sequencers, SP-1200 modes designed especially for triggering Assimil8or with SP-1200’s MIDI output, and more.

Locutus’ MIDI OUT port can be used to optionally transmit program messages when presets are changed and/or to send MIDI CC data based on the analog control voltages patched to Assimil8or’s 24 CV inputs. Using the new CV-to-MIDI options, Assimil8or and Locutus can be configured to control and modulate MIDI equipment using a eurorack modular system.

Notes: *** Free software update available as a free download, along with updated documentation, at the Mob of Emus product page on the Rossum Electro-Music website***

A lot to unpack here. Six-channel multipurpose oscillator/noise source/modulation generator with quantisation, trigger generators and even more. Seriously powerful all-round digital goodness.

Supplier's Notes:
Mob of Emus is a powerful music and sound design tool that packs an enormous amount of creative power into an amazingly compact 16HP module.

Mob of Emus gives you six channels of oscillators, noise sources, cyclical and 1-shot modulators (including LFOs, envelopes, and various other shapes), sample and hold waveshapes, slow random modulators, triggers, rhythm patterns, and quantization (of both internal and external signals) in pretty much any combination (well, any combination of six channels, anyway).

In addition to being able to independently program the function of each individual channel, Mob of Emus' Hex Mode provides a macro control layer that allows you to control all of its channels simultaneously (while maintaining the relationships of each channel's independent programming).

What's more, Mob of Emus' "harmonic" control structure makes it extremely easy to combine its oscillators into rich additive timbres, to combine its LFOs into stacked harmonic low frequency modulation waves, and to create modulation sources and triggers with intricate polyrhythmic patterns.

With an external trigger input, six CV inputs that can operate in six different control modes, six independent outputs, and an assignable mix output, Mob of Emus can operate as the heart of an almost unlimited variety of patches. And its 8 real-time controls will give you immediate hands-on access to a channel's (or all six channels') key parameters, inviting (and rewarding) exploration and improvisation.

Mob of Emus features include:

Six channels that can function independently or can be further controlled by a Hex Mode macro layer that lets you control all six simultaneously. Channels can be:
Wide-range digital oscillators
Noise sources
Cyclical and 1-shot modulators (including LFOs, envelopes, and various other shapes)
Sample and hold waveshapes
Slow random modulators
Triggers
Rhythm patterns
Quantizers (of both internal and external(!) signals)
Six CV inputs that can function in six different control modes
Eight real-time controls for immediate access to key channel parameters
Six individual channel outputs and an assignable mix output
The ability to store and recall 12 user presets
And much more.

Mob of Emus is 16HP wide and 25mm deep.

Power requirements (max): 130mA +12V, 25mA -12V. Reverse polarity protected.

As of March 2021, there has been a been a small bug fix to the recent software update for Mob of Emus.

The update fixes a bug where holding the Channel Selector Buttons for a short time to select a single channel and deselect any others was not working correctly.

The update fixes a bug where some Hex Mode parameters were not ignored when Hex Mode was set to off.

The update introduces a feature allowing users to double-click and hold the Hex button to reset all Hex Mode parameters and set Hex Mode to on.

Rossum Electro-Music made a change to the behavior of the LEDS when using the utility 'Display Software Revision'

Notes: With our MORPHEUS digital filter module, we're finally able to unleash the full power of the 14-pole Z-Plane Filters that Dave invented for the E-mu Morpheus synthesizer.

The MORPHEUS Eurorack module includes over 280 filter configurations, what we call Cubes. Each Cube is composed of up to 8 complex filters that you can picture as being at the corners of a three dimensional cube (hence the name). Morpheus gives you the ability to smoothly interpolate between those 8 filters within the cube's three dimensional space.

Due to processor limitations back in the day, the original Morpheus was capable of real-time morphing in one dimension, but interpolation in the frequency and transform dimensions were set at note-on and remained static for the remainder of the note. But even with that limitation, Morpheus offered sonic capabilities that are unmatched to this day.

With the MORPHEUS filter module, you now have simultaneous real-time CV control of all three dimensions, for dynamic timbral effects unlike anything you've ever heard before. In stereo.

Notes: With the MORPHEUS digital filter module, Rossum are finally able to unleash the full power of the 14-pole Z0-Plane Filters that Dave invented for the E-mu Morpheus synthesizer.

The MORPHEUS Eurorack module includes over 280 filter configurations, which are called Cubes. Each Cube is composed of up to 8 complex filters that you can picture as being at the corners of a three dimensional cube (hence the name). Morpheus gives you the ability to smoothly interpolate between those 8 filters within the cube's three dimensional space.

Due to processor limitations back in the day, the original Morpheus was capable of real-time morphing in one dimension, but interpolation in the frequency and transform dimensions were set at note-on and remained static for the remainder of the note. But even with that limitation, Morpheus offered sonic capabilities that are unmatched to this day.

With the MORPHEUS filter module, you now have simultaneous real-time CV control of all three dimensions, for dynamic timbral effects unlike anything you've ever heard before. In stereo.

Like all Rossum Electro-Music digital modules, all parameters are available for adjustment with a single button press. No menu diving.

Morpheus Specifications

Filter cubes: 289
Filters: 1000
Filter sequences: 200
Sequence steps: 20,000 Dynamically Allocated

Inputs: Audio L/R
2x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Full Level Frequency CV
1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Attenuverted Frequency CV
1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Attenuverted Morph CV

1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Attenuverted Transform/Distortion CV

1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance

Filter Sequencer Dec

1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
1.6V threshold

Filter Sequencer Inc

1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
1.6V threshold

Filter Sequencer Reset

1x 3.5mm mono socket
100kO Input Impedance
1.6V threshold

Outputs

Audio L/R
2x 3.5mm mono socket
1kO Impedance

Power requirements
+/-12V via 16-pin, Doepfer-style connector

Current draw
135mA +12V, 25mA -12V (maximum)

Dimensions
18HP (W); Panel to power connector (with connector plugged in) 25mm (D)

Supplied accessories
1x 16-pin, Doepfer-style cable
4x M3 screws
4x M2.5 screws
4x Nylon washers
1x Quickstart Guide