Elta Music SOLAR 42N MK3 - Analogue Microtonal Ambient Drone Machine

Q: What makes the Solar 42N version different from the previous Solar 42F generation?
A: The 42N edition introduces specific workflow refinements over the 42F. Most notably, the low-frequency oscillators have been upgraded with global speed range switches, letting you toggle between ultra-slow sweeps and rapid audio-rate modulations. Additionally, the cartridge effects dock has been redesigned with a simplified loading mechanism, returning to the reliable original alignment form factor while retaining all of the 42F's filter shapes and built-in analog distortion.

Q: How are the drone voices tuned and controlled on the Solar 42N?
A: The six dedicated drone voices bypass standard chromatic scaling. Each features its own pitch dial, ranging through low, medium, and high frequencies to overlap and create beating, choral arrays of notes. They can be sustained indefinitely using the hardware "HOLD" switches or gated dynamically via the push-button keypad.

Q: What is the purpose of the ambient photosensor "dome" on the panel?
A: The translucent dome on the front panel is a light-dependent resistor (photosensor). It generates control voltages based on the ambient light of your workspace. You can activate light-modulation for the pitch of individual oscillators, allowing you to warp, bend, and trigger pitch changes simply by waving your hands over the unit or performing live in varying stage lighting conditions.

Q: How does the Cartridge Effects section work, and do I need to buy them separately?
A: No, the Solar 42N comes packed with a generous bundle of 13 physical hardware cartridges, with each cartridge containing 3 distinct themed spatial or modulation algorithms (like lush digital reverbs, delays, and choruses). You plug a cartridge into the deck to feed the left and right stereo audio lines, and you can dynamically automate the effects engine using the patchbay CV inputs or the built-in XY joystick controller.

- VCO out 10 V ( -5V - +5V) 

- EG   0 …. + 8 V

- ENV OUT VOICES 1,2,3,6,7,8  -10 V - + 10 V

- LFOs   0 .. +10V

- Pulser out  -10V…+10V

- ENV FOLLOWER  0…+10V, GATE 0…+8V

- JOYSTICK out -10V…+10V 

- S&H  -5V…+5V 

- VOICE 3, 5 modulator out 0….+12V

- 5 step seq,  CV out  0…+5V, GATE out 0…+10V

POWER SUPPLY  DC 12V 1A…2A

WEIGHT  SOLAR 42  5,4 KG (11,9 lb) 

SIZE SOLAR 42 length 49,5 cm x depth 32 cm x height  2,9 cm

(5,6 cm height including potentiometer knobs)

-Two v/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 S&H generators 

-Two LFO's and 3 Square pulse generators 

-5 step sequencer 

- Joystick

-Preamp for contact mic + envelope follower

-Stereo mixer with panoramic left and right channels

-Dual  analogue 12 dB  POLIVOKS filter

-Dual cartridge effector-combiner with CV control

-Stereo audio output. Dry audio outputs volt octave voices. External audio input

If you decide a product is not suitable within 14 days of delivery, you can return it to us for a replacement or refund. Returns must be unused and in their original, undamaged packaging.

Some items are excluded from our money back guarantee:
- Computer software that has been unsealed or registered
- Any item that comes directly into contact with the nose, ears or mouth

To arrange a return, just contact our customer service via our customer support form.

Every product at Blip comes with a full manufacturer's warranty for long-term peace of mind. As a specialist UK retailer, we fully support your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If your gear arrives faulty or develops an inherent problem in the first 30 days, we will provide a full refund or replacement. For faults developing after 30 days, we will facilitate a swift repair or replacement through the manufacturer's official service channels to ensure your gear is back in the studio as quickly as possible.