AJH Synths Sonic XV

Like the MiniMod VCF, also the Sonic XV was inspired by a synthesizer, this time the filter section of the

Musonics Sonic V from the

70s. The 24 dB output was extended by a 6 dB lowpass and a bandpass and two waveshapers were added.

Similar to the MiniMod VCF, the resonance control thins out the signal a lot before it sounds shrill when you turn the control up. At high resonance, the filter can be played tonally via the 1V/Oct input. In addition, the resonance has a sweet spot in conjunction with the waveshaper, which provides effects reminiscent of science fiction movies of the 70s and 80s.

Smacky sounds are quite feasible, but just at the expense of volume. Smooth filter gradients are no problem at all for the Sonic XV. And if you want to get snotty, the waveshapers are just what you need. One processes the incoming signal, the other the resonance signal path. Both can be faded in via dry/wet control and the degree of saturation can be turned up continuously. Especially basses and 808 kicks benefit from this, but also complete beats can be easily enriched, although only in mono. Thanks to three BIAS modes, the bandwidth ranges from subtle saturation to official distortion. However, total destruction in the sense of an amp is not possible. It‘s a pity that there is no waveshaper behind the filter instead of in front of it.

Verdict

The Sonic XV is fun, which is mainly due to the waveshapers. But also the outs for 6 dB, 24 dB and the bandpass contribute to the flexibility of the module. And if you consider the many modulations, the filter is almost a no-brainer. Be sure to try it!