Angler

is an almost fully analog, monophonic synthesizer, featuring two custom designed analog linear relaxation VCOs, the Fred's Lab classic FL A847 2-pole filter, built-in stereo delay / chorus / flanger effects based on PT2399 delay lines and a flexible 96-step sequencer.

The instrument can be controlled using MIDI (notes & clock) via DIN jack or USB MIDI Host — connect any USB MIDI controller directly, no computer needed and no need for extra cables to power the MIDI controller! External audio sources can be mixed into the output or routed through the built-in effects.

Angler will be available in two versions:

• Semi-kit version — soldering of THT parts + montage required
• Fully assembled version

Limited quantity.

Pricing and availability: to be announced.

Status

We presented Angler for the first time at SynthFest France 2026 (mid-April 2026), where it received a lot of praise and interest. It was clear to us that the combination of the synth format, the easy user interface, the retro look and the great characterful sound was a winner.

We also received spot-on feedback from many visitors, and while giving the demonstrations we realized that the machine needed further development before being released. A few major points needed improvement:

• VCO tuning, a tendency to fall flat in the lower frequency range, and serious detuning when using the CD4026 waveforms
• Overheating, especially when using the USB Host function with power-hungry controllers, which does not help the VCO tuning either
• Signal bleeding in the oscillator mixer
• No possibility to route the external input into the analog filter
• Some controls (such as resonance or the second oscillator waveform) not controllable via MIDI

Given all this, we decided to rework the instrument and build a third hardware revision before presenting the ultimate Angler to our very demanding public!

In this new revision, the filter resonance circuitry has also been reworked to provide CV control: Angler will sound even more nasal and nasty, providing the needed dose of acidity!

Technical aspects

All Fred's Lab instruments are manually assembled in Germany.

Angler is an almost fully analog monophonic synthesizer with a rich, hands-on signal path, deep MIDI controllability and USB MIDI Host feature!

These are the detailed technical specifications of the machine.

Sound Engine

Analog part

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• 2x Analog Linear Relaxation VCOs
• Multiple analog waveform shapers for VCO1:
sine, triangle, pulse & PWM, custom CD4026 waveforms
• Linear FM & pulse-width modulation from VCO1 to VCO2
• 1x FL A847 2-pole VCF (as found in ZeKit / Töörö)
• 1x FL A847 VCA
• 2x Analog AD or ASR envelopes
• External audio input — mix to output or send through built-in effects

Effects

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• 2x PT2399 analog delay lines
• Modes: mono delay, stereo delay, chorus, flanger
• Computer-controlled delay time and modulation

Sequencer

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• 96-step sequencer with quick pattern recall
• Clock IN and OUT with start/stop over 3.5mm jack

MIDI Controllable Parameters

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• VCO 1 & VCO 2 pitch
• VCO1 waveform selection
• VCO1 pulse width
• Both envelope times and modes
• Delay line length and modulation

Connectivity

• 12v Power input — 2.1mm jack
• USB A MIDI Host — connect any USB MIDI controller directly
• MIDI IN and OUT — 3.5mm TRS jack (configurable format)
• Clock IN and OUT — 3.5mm TRS jack with start/stop
• Audio input — 6.35mm TRS jack
• Main output — 2x 6.35mm TS jacks
• Headphones output — 6.35mm TRS jack