USER MANUAL

SOLAR 42 is a unique experimental electronic music instrument, analogue

microtonal ambient drone machine and semi-modular stand-alone synthesiz-
er. Perfect for live performances, creating soundtracks for movies or theatrical
productions, atmospheric soundscapes, microtonal and background music.
This is an improved version of its predecessor Elta Music SOLAR 50 model. The
SOLAR 42 offers a vast array of sounds that can be created. The instrument is
created with the inspiration taken from early electronic musical instruments of
the 1920s and 1950s, particularly Leo Theremin's instrument called “Harmoni-
um”, and from the soundtrack of science fiction movie "Blade Runner 2049"

EXT. R L VOICE 4 VOICE 5 POWER 12V DC 2A

AUDIO WET OUT DRY OUT

1 2 3 4 5
A 1 2 3 4 5
cv x cv y cv z
DUAL EFFECTOR

cartridge slot
BLEND MASTER 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

VOLUME

12345 12345 1 1 12345 12345

2 2

3 3
L/R
X Y Z fx
VOLT VOLT VOLT VOLT
L reset R
FILTER L

FILTER R
HOLD

HOLD

HOLD

HOLD
ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV
GATE

GATE

GATE

GATE
O env
out O env
out
freq res cv freq link freq res
O env
out O env
out
1 2 PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN
6 7

x10 fm am VOICE 3 octave 16' 8' VOICE 4 octave 16' 8' VOICE 5 x10 fm am VOICE 8
32' 4' VCO 1 L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R
32' 4' VCO 2
VOICE 1 VOICE 2 VOICE 3 EXT.AUDIO VOICE 4 VOICE 5 PREAMP VOICE 6 VOICE 7 VOICE 8
64' 2' VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL 64' 2'
x1 x1
out LO 1' LO 1' out
rate fm divider PITCH rate fm divider PITCH
amt tune tune amt
range VOICE range
hold loop EG VCA 1 hold loop EG VCA 2
MIXER
fm fm

HOLD
HOLD

in in
ATT RLS NOISE S&H pw pw ATT RLS NOISE S&H
attack decay sustain release attack decay sustain release

GATE
GATE

env out in clock out volt oct fm shape vco out gate in eg out vca cv gate in eg out vca cv volt oct fm shape sync env out in clock out 6
out cv out
out 4
out
5
ext 3
stages step 1 gate
step 2 gate
step 3 gate
step 4 gate
step 5 gate
ext. gain
wave rate offset X offset Y pulser clock gate out source attack release envelope gate wave rate

LFO A JOYSTICK 5 STEP SEQ. VOLTAGE PREAMP ENVELOPE FOLLOWER LFO B

TOUCH SENSITIVE CONTROLLER DRONE VOICES

1 6

2 7

3 8

SOLAR 42 does not look like a classic synthesizer which may confuse the user
due to complicated design. In fact, it is easy to use and program. It has 8 voices
as separate blocks, a mixer with pan and double effector and various blocks of
CV sources. The instrument is made in such a way that you can create
full-blown drone or ambient tracks on it without multitrack recording.

3
FEATURES

Two volt octave VCO voices with different waveform variations, morphing
and touch sensitive keypad controller for volt octave voices.
Six drone voices with separate push-button keypad
Two white noise generators,
Two S&H generators
Five LFO generators,
5 step sequencer,
Joystick
Preamp for contact mic + envelope follower
Stereo mixer with panoramic left and right channels
Dual 12 dB POLIVOKS filter
Dual cartridge effector combiner with CV control. Now you can load a
different effect on each channel.
Stereo audio output. Dry audio outputs volt octave voices. External audio
input.

OUTS VOLTAGE SPECIFICATION

DRY V4 V5: max. 1 V JOYSTICK: -10V…+10V

WET: max. 2 V left: -10V…-5V…0V
VCO: 10 V ( -5V…+5V) middle: -5V…0...+5V
EG: 0…8 V right: 0…+5V…+10V
ENV VOICES 1,2,3,6,7,8: -10 V…+ 10 V S&H: -5V…+5V
LFOs: 0…+10V VOICE 3, 5 MODULATOR: 0….+12V
PULSERL: -10V…+10V 5 STEP SEQ CV: 0…+5V
ENV FOLLOWER CV: 0…+10V 5 STEP SEQ GATE: 0…+10V
ENV FOLLOWER GATE: 0…+8V

POWER SUPPLY: DC 12V 1A…2A

WEIGHT: 5,4 KG (11,9 lb)
SIZE: 49,5 cm x 32 cm x 2,9 cm (5,6 cm height including potentiometer knobs)
SOLAR SET: SOLAR 42, cartridges kit, DC 12V2A power supply, instructions, 5 minijack patches,
sticker pack.

4
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

BLOCK SCHEME 6
DRON VOICEs “CLASSIC” 7
DRON VOICEs “NEW” 8
VOICEs “VCO” 9
LFOs 10
JOYSTICK 10
SEQUENCER 11
CONTACT MIC + ENVELOPE FOLLOWER 12
SENSOR KEYBOARD | IN - OUT 13
SENSOR KEYBOARD | CONTROL 14
KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY 15
KEYBOARD’S CALIBRATION 20
MIXER 21
FILTERS 21
EFFECTOR 22
EFFECTOR’S CARTRIGES 23
WARRANTY 25

42
is the answer to the ultimate
question of life, the universe
and all things......

5
BLOCK SCHEME

AUDIO ROUTING

DRY OUT WET OUT L/R DRY OUT

L R

DUAL EFFECTOR

L R

DUAL VCF

L R

VOICE 4 MIX / PAN VOICE 5

VOICE 1 VOICE 2 VOICE3 VOICE 6 VOICE 7 VOICE 8

PIEZZO
EXT IN
PREAMP

CONTROL SIGNAL SOURCES

CV CV CV · GATE CV · GATE CV CV · GATE CV · GATE

CLOCK CLOCK

LFOs JOYSTICK SEQUENCER EGs VOICEs

1,2,3,6,7,8

GATE
JOYSTICK TOUCHPLATE KEYBOARD DRONE KEYS

PIEZZO SIGNAL

ENVELOPE
PREAMP
FOLLOWER

6
 DRON VOICEs “CLASSIC”

Each voice consists of 5 simple sawtooth generators (NO VOLT OCTAVE) that do not have a
logarithmic or linear voltage control like standard VCOs. There is only a PITCH KNOB – TUNE. 1st
generator has a tuning knob from С0 to G2; 2nd generator – from B1 to G3; 3rd – from D3 to B4;
4th– from E 4 to C6; 5th – from G5 to D7; It covers the approximate range of 8 octaves from B0 to
D7.

Attention! This is an approximate data. It may vary slightly in one direction or another.

1 2 3 4 5
MOD TUNE MUTE

OSC STATUS

12345

VOLT
HOLD

ATT RLS CV PHOTO-SENSITIVE

DETECTOR
GATE

O env
out

MUTE
Each of the 5 generators in one voice can be turned off or on by MUTE
BUTTONS allowing you to create different variations of chords and triads.
Two-sounds mode or using one generator. You can modulate the pitch of
TUNE
the oscillators using the MOD BUTTONS by sending any CV source to the
input of CV MOD or by using a light-sensitive eye that changes the frequen-
MOD cy of the oscillators. User surrounding light atmosphere also influences
ona PHOTO-SENSITIVE DETECTOR of the instrument, when activating a
MOD BUTTON on any generator the frequency (pitch) of a generator is
changed depending on the level of surrounding light.

If the MOD buttons are not switched on, the generators run stably, without
deviations!
The VOLT KNOB transposes down all 5 voice generators at the same time. After half the stroke of
the knob, generators start to modulate each other creating FM synthesis effect.

Voices are triggered using the pushbutton keyboard, buttons 3 and 8,

creating a 5V gate that triggers the Attack/Release envelope, opening the
VCA in the voice. External CV sources can be used to trigger the voice,
ATT RLS
driving the envelope. The output of the envelope can be used to trigger the
O env
out
next voice or to modulate the voltage on the filter or the effector.

7
DRON VOICEs “NEW”

New drone voices 3 and 8 are based on the DIY noise synthesizers created by Russian electro-sha-
man artist Papa Srapa, who made electronic devices with similar sounds in the early 2000s.
Sirens, bird cries, sounds of space monsters and firearms volleys, as well as the sounds of surf and
wind can be imitated with these drone voices.

x10 fm am Voices are triggered using a

pushbutton keyboard, particu-
larly buttons 3 and 8, creating a ATT RLS
x1 5V gate that triggers the
out Attack/Release envelope,
rate fm divider PITCH
amt opening the VCA in the voice. env out
range
External CV sources can be
fm
used to trigger the voice,
HOLD

in driving the envelope. The

ATT RLS NOISE S&H output of the envelope can be
used to trigger the next voice
GATE

or to modulate the voltage on

env out in clock out the filter or the effector.

Combining positions of four potentiometers and four switches provides great possibilities for
creating such kinds of sounds. The "sound machine" circuit consists of two Trigger-Schmidt oscilla-
tors. One of them which operates at low frequency is used as a square wave modulator (RATE
CONTROL, RATE SWITCH and CV OUT), while the other oscillator operates in the audio frequency
range between notes C0 and E7 (approximately) are used for tone generation. It has PITCH
KNOBS and RANGE SWITCH. Control knobs are used to adjust the frequency, depth and modula-
tion mode of the oscillator.

Switches can connect generators in one voice with four different combinations:

Continuous drone sound. The frequency is adjusted with PITCH potentiometer and RANGE switch.
1 FM and AM toggle switched to lower position. All controls are in leftmost position, PITCH potentiometer
starts at 1 o'clock + RANGE switched to select the pitch.

Frequency modulation drone sound. Toggle switch FM to the up position. The modulation frequency
2 is adjusted with the RATE potentiometer and switch X1/X10, the modulation depth (deviation) is
adjusted with the FM AMOUNT and DIVIDER potentiometers. The device will generate a continuous
audio signal with various frequencies.

Amplitude modulation drone sound. The unit will produce an intermittent audio signal with a period-
3 icity defined by the RATE potentiometer and the X1/X10 switch, and a tone defined by PITCH and
RANGE. Toggle switch FM to DOWN position, AM to UP position.

Amplitude and frequency modulation of drone sound. Finally in the fourth mode we get an intermit-
4 tent tone with frequency modulation. The frequency of the interruption is set by RATE potentiometer,
the frequency of the tone is set by PITCH potentiometer and the depth of modulation is set by FM
AMOUNT and DIVIDER. The FM and AM toggle switch is in UP position.

To get a clean noise sound. Turn all knobs to the far left position, set all switches down, and set NOISE
5
control to maximum.

The white noise in these voices is additionally fed to the Sample and Hold generator through IN
jack. To start it you need to send any LFO or modulator source to the clock socket, which will set
the speed of operation.

8
 VOICEs “VCO”

Voices 4 and 5 Triangle core analog voltage controlled oscillator based around the famous AS3340
VCO chip. Alongside traditional wave shapes there are two more variable, morphing waveforms
(saw to inverted saw, sine to triangle). There are 6 waveforms in total.

octave 16' 8'

32' 4' VCO 1

64' 2'

LO 1'
tune
hold loop EG VCA 1

pw
attack decay sustain release

volt oct fm shape vco out gate in eg out vca cv

Features:

pulse width control (SHAPE) with CV input and attenuator;

linear FM input with attenuator;

8-position octave switch for quick and precise coarse tuning;

tune knob controls the pitch continuously over one octave;

external sync input;

six waveform outputs;

V/O input.

Voices 4 and 5 mirror each other except for two things. Voice 4 has a VCO output and voice 5 has
a SYNC input. In voice 5, the output from voice 4 is normalised to the FM input jack, which can be
adjusted using the FM attenuator.

VOICE 4 VOICE 5

vco out fm sync

By default, the V/O voltage and Gate from the touch keyboard goes the same on both 4 and 5
voices.

9
LFOs

There are two independent LFO A and LFO B on board, with the waveform tunable from square
to triangle and a knob set to the center position that adjusts the mix of triangle and square waves.

They are slightly different LFO speeds. LFO A is slow while LFO B is fast. These LFOs were
intentionally designed to produce positive voltage swing only, in order to connect them to the
photosensors of DRONE VOICES 1, 2, 6, 7 (since those are using red LEDs, which only work with
positive voltage levels).

out

wave rate

JOYSTICK

This unit has a small position-locking built in JOYSTICK made with a style of game consoles.

It has two voltage offset regulators and two CV outputs of X and Y axes. Maximum value of CV
voltages at extreme positions of X and Y axes -10V..0V.. +10V.

And with zero volts in the center!

offset X offset Y

Offseft left Offseft center Offseft right

0 +5 +10

-10 -5 0 -5 0 +5 0 +5 +10

-10 -5 0

offset X offset Y offset X offset Y offset X offset Y

10
 SEQUENCER

A classic, Buchla inspired 5-stage sequential voltage source. The output of each step can be
adjusted continuously from 0V to 5V with the corresponding potentiometer.

cv
out 4
out
5
ext 3
stages step 1 gate
step 2 gate
step 3 gate
step 4 gate
step 5 gate
pulser clock gate out

The sequential voltage generates sequences of gates and stored control voltages. It's equipped
with an internal clock, the PULSER that sets the speed of the sequencer, but you can use any other
external clock/trigger source through the EXT. CLOCK input jack to run the sequencer (for exam-
ple the LFOs or the CV outputs from the touch keyboard).

To create different articulations, the GATE switches turns off the GATE output for each step. This
does not affect the CV voltage output.

The STAGES switch sets the maximum number of steps in the sequence (3, 4, or 5). The PULSER
potentiometer sets the speed of the internal clock generator, this periodic signal is available at the
CLOCK OUT jack.

Touch keyboard also has a built-in sequencer (up to 16 steps). But this sequencer is physically
more convenient to adjust while playing.

To get a Buchla style, use the trigger output of the touch keyboard. Connect this sequencer's
PULSER pulse generator to the keyboard's CLOCK input. Alternatively, connect the keyboard's
internal pulse generator to the sequencer's EXT CLOCK jack.

There are many options for starting the sequencer from external sources.

11
CONTACT MIC + ENVELOPE FOLLOWER

Built-in (internal) contact microphone (PIEZZO) soldered right under the sensor keyboard (mount-
ed under the sun), turning the case of SOLAR 42 into a microphone.

A large palette of organic and physical sounds can be produced by scratching, tapping and more
generally by collecting any acoustic waves using the built-in effector with the cartridges. Amplifica-
tion stage is suitable for external contact microphones, electro-acoustic instruments like guitars or
plain line-level signals. With its built-in envelope follower and gate detector it can also be the
gateway between external audio sources and CV.

To mute the preamp, set GAIN to minimum or remove the volume knob on the mixer.

Envelope Gate
follower detector
level activity

ext. gain
source attack release envelope gate
PREAMP ENVELOPE FOLLOWER

Amplifier
clipping
indicator

Audio amplifier with 1M input impedance, up to 40dB of gain. This large gain ranges covers
everything - from the amplification of line- level instruments, to the magnification of tiny
sonic details captured by external contact microphones.

Ext. Source 3,5 mm jack connector.

External input bypassing the built-in contact microphone.

Envelope follower with attack and release and Envelope CV output

Gate +8V output.

12
 SENSOR KEYBOARD | IN - OUT

The Solar keyboard is a performance oriented touch controller featuring 12 capacitively sensitive
plates, equipped with highly accurate Volt/octave outputs, ready to connect to your modular setup
also.

External clock input. When a clock pulse is received the keyboard

CLOCK
automatically switches to external clock source. Recommended level: 0 to
+5V, though higher voltages are accepted.

V/OCT Volt/octave output, ranges over 8 octaves from 0V to +8V. By default the
signal present on this output is normalized to the Volt/octave input of the
VCOs (voice 4 and 5)
GATE LEFT 0 to 10V gate output. By default the signal present on this output is
(MAIN) normalized to the gate input of the envelope generators controlling the
voltage controlled amplifiers of voices 4 and 5.

GATE RIGHT 0 to 10V gate output.

PRESSURE Control voltage or Volt/octave output, ranges over 8 octaves from 0V to

+8V. The signal on this output is determind by ‘Behaviour’ and ‘Pressure
output’ parameters.
Arpeggiato reset input. A raising edge on this input resets the arpeggiator
RESET
to its first step. Recommended level 0 to +5V, though higher voltages are
accepted.

13
SENSOR KEYBOARD | CONTROL

The pushbuttons are used to transpose the output of the keyboard. Their
BUTTONS
behaviour depends on some settings.
In ‘Single behaviour’ when quantiser is enabled the pushbuttons set the
active octave range of the keyboard. In ‘Single behaviour’ when quantiser is
disabled the pushbuttons add an offset to the signal present at the Volt/
octave output. In ‘Twin and split behaviour’ pressing the pushbutton will
enable or disable the offset of the corresponding side of the keyboard.
When quantiser is enabled the amount of offset can be altered by
semitones over 5 octaves. When quantiser is disabled the amount of offset
can be finetuned in 0.0025V steps over 5V.
To change the value of the offset press and hold the button and rotate the
encoder (just make sure that currently no parameter is highlighted for
editing).

Rotate the encoder to scroll through the list of parameters, click the
ENCODER
encoder to to select a parameter for editing.

KEYBOARD To activate a plate’s designated note or voltage level, simply press it. This
PLATES value will be present on the Volt/octave output as analog voltage. For
tuning a note plate, press and hold it while rotating the encoder to adjust
its value. For successful adjustment, ensure that no parameter is currently
highlighted for editing.
The signal level present on the pressure output is directly proportional
to the readings of the capacitive sensors connected to the plates. It’s essen-
tial to note that the Solar keyboard is not force-sensitive but responds to
the surface area of flesh applied directly to the plates. The capacitive
sensor’s output increases with more finger surface area placed on the
plate.

14
 KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY

The keyboard’s functionality is determined by certain parameters. These parameters can be

grouped as follows:

BEHAVIOUR VIBRATO

PLATE/BUTTON EDITOR PRESSURE

MODE QUANTISER

ARPEGGIATOR CLOCK

SEQUENCER PRESETS

PORTAMENTO

BEHAVIOUR

SINGLE
12 key mode, the signal present on the pressure output is determined by the
‘Pressure output’ parameter (see below).
EXT.
AUDIO
R
WET OUT
L
In this mode, the keyboard separates into two distinct controllers, each equipped
VOICE 4 VOICE 5
DRY OUT
POWER 12V DC 2A

TWIN
with 6 note plates. In this configuration, the pressure output functions as the

1 2 3 4 5
A
Volt/octave output for the right side. While the two sides share the same parame-
ters, they can be played independently. 1 2 3 4 5
cv x cv y cv z
DUAL EFFECTOR

cartridge slot
BLEND MASTER 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

MOD TUNE MUTE

VOLUME

12345 12345 1 1 12345 12345

2 2

Similar to the twin mode, the keyboard can also operate in a split mode with two
3 3
L/R
X Y Z fx

SPLIT
VOLT VOLT VOLT VOLT
L reset R

sides, each having separate parameters. This configuration enables various

FILTER L

FILTER R
HOLD

HOLD

HOLD

HOLD

ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV ATT RLS CV

possibilities, such as having an arpeggiator on theOleft side and aO simple keyboard

GATE

GATE

GATE

GATE

O env
out O env
out
freq res cv freq link freq res env
out
env
out
1 2 PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN
6 7
VOICE 3 octave 16' 8' VOICE 4 octave 16' 8' VOICE 5 x10 fm am VOICE 8

on the right side.

x10 fm am
32' 4' VCO 1 L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R
32' 4' VCO 2
VOICE 1 VOICE 2 VOICE 3 EXT.AUDIO VOICE 4 VOICE 5 PREAMP VOICE 6 VOICE 7 VOICE 8
64' 2' VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL 64' 2'
x1 x1
out LO 1' LO 1' out
rate fm divider PITCH rate fm divider PITCH
amt tune tune amt
range VOICE range
hold loop EG VCA 1 hold loop EG VCA 2
MIXER
fm fm
HOLD
HOLD

in in
ATT RLS NOISE S&H pw pw ATT RLS NOISE S&H
attack decay sustain release attack decay sustain release
GATE
GATE

env out in clock out volt oct fm shape vco out gate in eg out vca cv gate in eg out vca cv volt oct fm shape sync env out in clock out 6
out cv out
out 4
out
5
ext 3
stages step 1 gate
step 2 gate
step 3 gate
step 4 gate
step 5 gate
ext. gain
wave rate offset X offset Y pulser clock gate out source attack release envelope gate wave rate

LFO A JOYSTICK 5 STEP SEQ. VOLTAGE PREAMP ENVELOPE FOLLOWER LFO B

TOUCH SENSITIVE CONTROLLER DRONE VOICES

1 6

2 7

Connection in SPLIT and TWIN mode

3 8

PLATE/BUTTON EDITOR
While highlighted you’re able to modify the value of buttons and plates. To
EDITOR
change the value of the buttons press and hold the button and rotate the encod-
er. For tuning a note plate, press and hold it while rotating the encoder to adjust
its value.

15
KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY

MODE
Sets the operation mode of the keyboard controller. In split mode each side can operate in
different mode.

KEYBOARD
Touch controlled keyboard, pressing a plate triggers a note corresponding to the
plate.

Arpeggiation is a common synthesizer feature that generates a looping sequence

ARPEGGIATOR
(arpeggio) when you press down a chord.

SEQUENCER A 16-step sequencer, transposed by the active note plate values.

ARPEGGIATOR

When enabled the arpeggiator will continue to play the arpeggiated sequence
HOLD
even when note plates are not held.

Sets the clock multiplication/division ratio for the arpeggiator.

CLOCK

DIRECTION Synthesizers with traditional piano keys will generate the order of the arpeggiated
sequence based on the incoming notes. Solar creates an arpeggio based on the
sequence number of pressed plates and

The direction parameter.

forward [eg.: 1, 2, 5, 8, 1, 2, 5, 8...]
backward [eg.: 8, 5, 2, 1, 8, 5, 2, 1...]
ping-pong [eg.: 1, 2, 5, 8, 5, 2, 1, 2...]
random

VARIATION
When enabled the arpeggiated progression will be played again transposed by
the selected intervall. The possible number of repeated variations can be: OFF
(no variation), x1, x2, x3

INTERVAL Sets the interval of repeated variations from 1 to 12 semitones.

Applies a rhythmic pattern to the arpeggiators clock source. Think of it as a gate

RHYTHM
sequencer between the clock source and the arpeggiators clock input. Steps that
are enabled will let through the incoming clock signal, while the steps that are
disabled will mute it.

LENGTH Sets the length of the rhythm sequencer from 1 to 8 steps

16
 KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY

SEQUENCER

Sets the way that the sequencer moves its index. When free mode is selected the
RUN
sequencer is clocked continously. In keyboard controlled mode the sequencer
moves its index only while a note plate is held.
LENGTH
Sets the number of steps in the sequence from 2 to 16 steps.

CLOCK Sets the clock multiplication/division ratio for the arpeggiator.

Sets the direction of the sequencer, the available options are in the following
DIRECTION
order:

forward: This is the default playback direction. The sequence plays forward
from left to right.

backward: The sequence plays in reverse, beginning with the final note of the
sequence.

ping-pong: The sequence plays forward in its entirety, then backward in its
entirety.

random: The sequence plays in continuously varying random order.

Press the encoder to enter the editor, rotate the encoder to select a step. When
EDITOR
a gate is selected simply press the encoder to enable disable that. When a
note/value fader is selected press the encoder to highlight it in order to edit. To
exit the editor press and hold the encoder for 1 second.

Has two options: continuous or gated. In gated mode the CV output will be
CV OUTPUT
updated only if the step’s gate is enabled. In continuous mode the CV output
always corresponds to the note value of the currently active step.

Applies a rhythmic pattern to the sequencers clock source. Think of it as a gate

RHYTHM
sequencer between the clock source and the sequencers clock input. Steps that
are enabled will let through the incoming clock signal, while the steps that are
disabled will mute it.

LENGTH Sets the length of the rhythm sequencer from 1 to 8 steps.

PORTAMENTO

PORTAMENTO
Set the speed of gliding (0 - 255), i.e. how much time it takes to transition from
one pitch to the next. This creates slew limiting effect on the CV output.

off - Portamento is always on.

LEGATO
on - Gliding happens only when two or more note plates are touched simultane-
ously (this parameter has no effect when arpeggiator is enabled).

17
KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY

VIBRATO

SPEED Sets (0 - 127) of the LFO that’s modulating the pitch (Volt/octave) output, thereby
creating vibrato effect.

DEPTH Sets the amount of modulation (0 - 127).

DELAY
Specifies a time delay (0 - 127) before vibrato begins to apply until it reaches the
full strength determined by the depth parameter.

When enabled, the modulation amount is altered by the pressure applied to

PRESSURE
CONTROL keys.

PRESSURE

OUTPUT
pressure - The voltage on the pressure output will continuously follow the
pressure applied to key plates.
ASR - Attack/sustain/release envelope generator.
AD - Attack/decay envelope generator.
LOOP - Looped AD envelope generator.
random - Outputs a random voltage whenever a plate is pressed.

Creates slew limiting effect on rising edge in pressure and random modes, sets
RISE
attack time in envelope modes (0 - 255).

Creates slew limiting effect on falling edge in pressure and random modes, sets
FALL
decay/release time in envelope modes (0 - 255).

QUANTISER

SCALE
Turn notes on/off of the scale applied by the note quantiser. When all notes are
EDITOR disabled, the keyboard functions as a microtonal keyboard. In this mode, it allows
for the exploration and performance of microtonal music, where pitches and
intervals can be finely tuned beyond the standard 12-tone equal temperament
system. This feature enables musicians to access a wider range of scales and
tonalities, opening up new possibilities for creative expression and experimenta-
tion in their compositions and performances.

Select and load a preset scale/mode to the quantiser and to the keyboard also.
LOAD
(Semitones, Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian, Blues
SCALE
major, Blues minor, Pentatonic major, Pentatonic minor, Folk, Japanese,
Gamelan, Gypsy, Arabian, Flamenco, Whole tone).

ROOT NOTE Sets the root note of the scale applied by the note quantiser from C to H.

18
 KEYBOARD’S FUNCTIONALITY

CLOCK

Sets the tempo of the keyboards internal clock within a range of 10 to 300 BPM
CLOCK
(Beats Per Minute). While this range might seem limited at first, it can be signifi-
cantly extended by utilizing the arpeggiator’s clock multiplication/ division param-
eter.

When a clock pulse is received through the CLOCK INPUT jack, the keyboard will
automatically switch to using the external clock source for synchronization. To
revert back to the internal clock, all you need to do is modify the BPM setting. By
adjusting the tempo value manually, the keyboard will resume using its internal
clock for tempo generation.

PRESETS

The keyboard can save 4 presets, containing the values of all the parameters
PRESETS
listed above, except the clock tempo. Rotate the encoder to scroll through presets
A to D, click the encoder to enter a sub-selection page where you can load, save
or initialise a preset.

19
KEYBOARD’S CALIBRATION

To enter calibration settings press and hold the encoder while powering up the synthesizer.

VOLT/OCTAVE OUTPUT CALIBRATION

Connect a multimeter to the Volt/octave output jack, scroll through the calibration points
(0V, 2V, 5V and 8V), by rotating the encoder adjust the output so that is as close to the
displayed value as possible.

PRESSURE OUTPUT CALIBRATION

Connect a multimeter to the Pressure output jack, scroll through the calibration points (0V,
2V, 5V and 8V), by rotating the encoder adjust the output so that is as close to the displayed
value as possible.

INIT CALIBRATION VALUES

Press and hold the encoder knob for 1 second to revert DAC calibration values to an initial
state.

DAC VOLTAGE REFERENCE SOURCE

Enables/disables the internal voltage reference of the DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Set
VREF to INTERNAL if using DAC8562 or DAC8563, set VREF to EX if using AD5663.

PRESSURE MINIMUM
Sets the minimum threshold for the pressure sensitivity. The voltage on the Pressure
output should start to rise after a plate is touched and just a small amount of pressure is
applied.

PRESSURE MAXIMUM
Sets the maximum threshold for the pressure sensitivity, that is at which pressure level
should the voltage at Pressure output reach its maximum level.

MPR121 CHARGE/DISCHARGE & DEBOUNCE

If the keyboard behaves unpredictably, as if it’s a sequencer clocked by a Geiger counter,
try increasing DEBOUNCE and/or lowering CHARGE/ DISCHARGE parameters. The best
practice is to keep CHARGE/DISCHARGE as high as possible and DEBOUNCE as low as
possible. By default the initial values should work flawlessly.

ENCODER DIRECTION
Determines the direction of encoder rotation. It has two states: normal or reversed.

SAVE CALIBRATION SETTINGS

Press and hold the encoder knob for 1 second to save calibration data and settings.

20
 MIXER

Mixer section of SOLAR 52 allows to control the VOLUME and PANORAMA for 8 voices,
EXTERNAL AUDIO and for signal from PREAMP

PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN

L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R

VOICE 1 VOICE 2 VOICE 3 EXT.AUDIO VOICE 4 VOICE 5 PREAMP VOICE 6 VOICE 7 VOICE 8
VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL

FILTER

Dual POLIVOKS filter utilizes the classic Soviet filter chip for a unique and iconic filter tone. This
filter will make your sound dirty and angry. With the resonance turned up, you won't lose bass
frequencies.

This dual POLIVOKS filter uses Soviet UD12 chips, which give a recognizable dirty tone. Due to the
inaccuracy of these chips, these filters cannot be identically identical and will differ slightly from
each other. This is not a disadvantage, but rather a highlight.

FILTER R
FILTER L

cv freq link
freq res freq res

FREQ - manual filter cutoff frequency RESONANCE - Filter resonance (boost the frequency near
cutoff point)

CV - you can control/automate filter cutoff via CV using CV in.

LINK - when switched on links CV on filter 1 to control both filters 1 and 2

21
EFFECTOR

Audio signals enter the effector (with cartridges) which is controlled by CV as well - the same
circuit is used in ELTA music CONSOLE pedal and SOLAR 50. Here the BLEND knob sets the effect
level. The MASTER VOLUME knob sets the overall volume WET OUT L and R channel. X, Y, Z
parameters controlled by CV -10V..+10V. SOLAR 42 now has one such block per left and right
channel. X Y Z, Blend and Master controls are shared.

DUAL EFFECTOR
cv x cv y cv z
cartridge slot
BLEND MASTER
VOLUME

1 1

2 2

3 3
L/R
X Y Z fx
L reset R

Each effect has its own parameters on the X, Y, Z knobs. Each cartridge has three effects. To use
it, just insert a cartridge on any side into the slot and press reset/load button according to the left
or right channel.

1-2-3 program selector – switches active effect from the cartridge. Press the L/R button when it
is OFF in order to load left channel effects. Press the L/R button when it is ON to load right channel
effects. You can also load different effects and cartridges on each channel of the effector. If you
remove the cartridge from the slot and switch the effect toggle or press the load button in the
selected channel, the effect will be erased from memory.

You can save the effect in the memory by switching to another channel. For example you load an
effect from a cartridge to the left channel then switch the L/R button to the right channel, now you
can insert another cartridge into the slot and load it to the right channel.

Insert the cartridge into the slot, either side. Select the effect loading channel with the L/R FX
button and the effect number with the 1-2-3 toggle switch, then press the RESET button of the
corresponding channel.

L/R
fx
L CHANNEL PRESS RESET L
L

L/R
fx
L/R R CHANNEL PRESS RESET R
L reset R fx R

22
 EFFECTOR’S CARTRIGES

CATHEDRAL MAGIC TIME

Various reverbs Pitched delays Classic Mod delays

Program 1: Shimmer Program1: Pitch delay Program 1: Delay reverb

X Octave up X Feedback X Feedback
Y Octave down Y Delay Y Delay
Z Decay Z Pitch Z Reverb

Program 2: Oct up delay Program 2: Reverse Pitch Program 2: Delay chorus

X Feedback delay X Feedback
Y Delay X Feedback Y Delay
Z Reverb Y Delay Z Mod depth
Z Pitch
Program 3: Space reverb Program 3: Delay Vibrato
X Feedback Program 3: Bell pitchdelay X Feedback
Y Delay X Feedback Y Delay/vibratorate
Z Reverb Y Delay Z Mod depth
Z Pitch

VIBROTREM FILTER VIBE

Modulation effects Filter and Wah Rotary phase mods

Program 1: Tremolo Program1: Auto Wah Program 1: Phaser

X Depth X Filter amount X Depth
Y Rate Y Evelope Y Rate
Z Reverb Z Reverb Z Reverb

Program 2: Vibrato Program 2: HP/LP filter Program 2: Flanger

X Depth X HP cutoff X Depth
Y Rate Y LP cutoff Y Rate
Z Reverb Z Resonance Z Reverb

Program 3: Chorus Program 3: Notch filter Program 3: Resonance

X Depth X Cut 1 flanger
Y Rate Y Cut 2 X Resonance

Z Reverb Z Resonance Y Rate

Z Mod depth

23
EFFECTOR’S CARTRIGES

PITCH SHIFTER INFINITY STRING RINGER

Octave and pitch Big Ambient effects Audio rate modulation

Program 1: SynthTaver Program 1: Resonance Program 1: Synthetic Ring

X Octave down Reveb X Frequency
Y Octave up X Pre delay Y Resonance
Z Direct Y Pre delay mod Z Sub
Z Decay
Program 2: Octaver Program 2: Ring Mod
X Octave down Program 2: O.D.D (oscillat- X Frequency
Y Octave up
ing dirte delay) Y Rate
Z Direct X Feedback Z Reverb
Y Delay
Program 3: Pitch Z Pitch Program 3: S&H Ring Mod
Harmonizer X Pitch Speed
X Pitch 1 Program 3: Resonance Y S&H Rate
Y Pitch 2
Delay
Z Freq Ring Mod
Z Voice mix X Feedback
Y Delay
Z Pitch

SYNTEX-1 DIGITAL GENERATOR

Bass synth Sample rate crusher Noise mini synth

Program 1: Vibe Synth Program1: Filter DAC Program 1: FM tone

X Vibrato Rate X Sample rate X Pitch 1
Y Resonance Y Cutoff Y Pitch 2
Z Sub Z Input gain Z FM 2-1

Program 2: Pulse Synth Program 2: LFO DAC Program 2: Ramp

X Tremolo Rate (oscillatingdirty delay) X LFO rate
Y Resonance X Sample rate Y Pitch
Z Sub Y LFO speed Z Pitch mod +/-
Z LFO amount
Program 3: Acid Synth Program 3: Voice
X Tone Program 3: Envelope X Cutoff
Y Color
crusher Y Pitch
Z Sub X Sample rate Z LP/HP
Y Envelope amount
Z Input gain

24
 WARRANTY

Please follow the instructions while operating with SOLAR 42 , because only this will guarantee the
proper work of the module and ensure the warranty from Elta Music.

Use the SOLAR 42 exclusively with the power supply unit (PSU) supplied with the system.
Powering it with other PSU units may cause permanent damage to the device.

Water is lethal for most electric devices unless they have been rendered waterproof. The
SOLAR 42 is NOT intended for use in a humid or wet environment. No liquids or other conducting
substances should be allowed into the module. If it happens, the module should be disconnected
from the main power supply immediately, then dried, examined and cleaned by a qualified techni-
cian.

Do not expose the instrument to temperatures above +50°C or below -20°C. If you have
transported the instrument in extremely low temperatures, leave it at room temperature for an
hour before plugging it in. Transport the instrument carefully.

Never let it drop or fall over. The Warranty does not apply to instruments with visual damage.
SOLAR 42 must be shipped in the original packaging only. Any instrument shipped to us for return,
exchange and/or warranty repair must be in its original packaging. All other deliveries will be
rejected and returned to you. Ensure that you keep the original packaging and technical documen-
tation.

If you discover any faults within 14 days, you have the right to return the product and
receive a new one. But only if the packaging is intact and has the original cosmetic
appearance.

After the 14 day period has expired, you are entitled to receive free servicing of the
instrument for one year.

Delivery is at the expense of the customer.

SOLAR 42 team:
Arseniy Tokarev – idea, design, development

Szabo Mate «DOBOZ» – PCB design, development multitouch sensor keyboard, firmware

Dmitry Churikov «mdr.MODULAR» – user manual

Timur Krekov – graphics, render images

Grygoriy Ryazanov – housing development

NA company, Marupe,Latvia – production, assembly, packaging

25
NUANCES AND PECULIARITIES

A clicking noise may be heard in the headphones or audio output when the instrument is
switched on. In this case turn the volume down to zero.
The headphone volume knob makes a crunching sound when it is turned.

You may still find some nuances. Please let us know!

It's not a bug, it's a feature :)

SOLAR 42 is a fully analogue instrument, except for the touch-sensitive multifunctional
keyboard and effector which are semi-digital. All oscillators, drones, mixer, preamp and
filter are analogue.
Since SOLAR 42 has two effector circuits, some effects on the left and right channels may
differ slightly from each other, creating a "live" stereo sound. The same applies to the filter.
A slight difference in the operation of the cutoff knob gives a voluminous stereo sound.
When GAIN is maxed out in the Preamp you'll hear a touch keyboard operation noise.
The photo sensors in 1-2-6-7 voices can pick up radiation from various daylight bulbs and
translate that into sound.
Do not use Master Volume at maximum, as you will hear digital noise from the effector.
This is because there is no VCA on the output of the effector to mute the output sound
completely. Use maximum volume on the mixer, and Master Volume at 3-4 o'clock
maximum.

Advantages over the old SOLAR 50 model

New drone voices
Volt/octave voices for playing notes from the multifunction keyboard
No noise from drone voices when switched off
New power supply with no noise and no "freezes"
More CV blocks
Panorama mixer
Stereo effector
Stereo output
Separate keypad for DRONE voices

26
Designer and engineered
by Arseny Tokarev

Made in Riga, LV
eltamusic.com