The Minimax ASB (Authentic Sound Box) is a Minimoog synth in a retro box. Apparently the emulation is really very accurate, and Creamware, the manufacturer, has added a few modern extras like polyphony, a USB interface and a software patch editor in case you’re overwhelmed by all the knobs. And it sounds as if they had fun making it: “when the eye candy met the excellent tone, they decided to setup a family and are expecting offspring already in autumn”. The last time I heard wonderful English like that was when I was living in Tokyo.

I usually don’t talk much about hardware synths on Laptop Studio, but I just like this one for some reason. It’s a nice mix of old and new, and I like Creamware’s attitude. “We had a lot of fun developing this product and we are sure you will sense when you experience the Minimax ASB.”

The Creamware website has more details of the MinimaxASB. They write: You will know at first sight the synth legend that inspired the creation of the Minimax. It is one of the most famous and most popular synthesizers ever. Its sound is matchless – the powerful oscillators, the punchy filters, and the ultra-fast envelopes. The fully storable 12-voice Minimax is the perfect companion for rock and pop as well as for producing cult sounds for sound cult!

Specifications and Prices
Virtual-analog synthesizer (desktop unit),
6 voices, 128 factory presets and 128 user presets,
analog stereo input and outputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru,
USB-to-Host/MIDI interface, external power-supply unit
(12 VAC), plug-in like Windows remote control software

They also will be releasing the “Profit-5 ASB” (presumably a Prophet clone) in the next month or so. Soon you too will be able to produce cult sounds for your own sound cult.