X0xb0x - The Beast

The Beast now offers something new in x0xb0xing…

5u format MOTM / Oakley x0xb0x(click here for a high-rez shot)

Desktop format x0xb0x(click here for a high-rez shot)

Having strived for cosmetic perfection in other machines (electrical perfection goes without saying), TheBeast has never felt the x0xb0x’s shell has lived up to its interior.

In light of that, TheBeast has been working hard on some new revisions, which comes in two versions.

Desktop machine

• • Custom milled and engraved front panels
  • White leds throughout (current balanced for pleasing brighness levels)
  • True power switch, with custom i/o board to match (no butchered tracks)
  • Constructed with all correct components (ie 2sc1583F – not just any old 2sc1583s!)
  • Fully tuned and calibrated as per Roland service docs

5u format machine –

• • A full 303 synth in 5u format
  • Custom engraved front panels
  • White leds throughout (current balanced for pleasing brighness levels)
  • Rear panel connection for standard x0xb0x psu
  • Constructed with all correct components (ie 2sc1583F – not just any old 2sc1583s!)
  • Fully tuned and calibrated as per Roland service docs

Both versions

• • Anodised and engraved front panels
  • The anodised surface is far more durable than the soft brushed aluminium of the original kits, and should maintain an excellent finish throughout the life of the product. The gloss black finish used in the desktop machine is particularly hard-wearing!
  • Correct component use

In an effort to do things right, every transistor in these machines is exactly the right spec. For example, transistors come in different specs, designated by the last letter of their part code. This means that a 2sc2291F isn’t quite the same as the 2sc2291G. In truth, its really very unlikely this will make much of a difference in the x0xb0x, however, in the pursuit of perfection, EVERY transistor in these builds is exactly the correct spec.

• • Power switch on the desktop unit

Following on from this desire to create the best available product, I remade the power board. There is only one tiny change, and that’s to add proper headers for the power switch. Again this is insignificant really, but I feel that attention to detail is key in producing quality products.

• • Rear panel connection for standard x0xb0x psu

The anodised surface is far more durable than the soft brushed aluminium of the original kits, and should maintain an excellent finish throughout the life of the product. The gloss black finish used in the desktop machine is particularly hard wareing!

• • Mounting requirements for the 5u version

The constraints of the 5u format have necessitated some difficult choices with regard to module mounting. The layout is intended to work with the Synthtech MOTM 19″ mounting rails, however, some custom systems may need adjustment. Full details can be found on the technical details page.