AMSynths AM8132 (2022–Present)

A no-trim, slider-driven CV mixer that nails the Roland 132’s look and function—without the vintage headaches

Overview

Slap this module into your rack and you’ll swear you just unearthed a long-lost Roland 132 from a dusty Tokyo studio basement—same grey panel, same clean white silkscreen, same satisfying 20mm sliders under your fingertips. But don’t be fooled: the AM8132 isn’t a relic. It’s a modern, no-compromise take on Roland’s dual 4-channel CV mixer from the 1979 System 100M, built by someone who actually lived through the original’s quirks and Behringer’s awkward consolidation of it. Rob Keeble, the engineer behind AMSynths, had been sitting on this design since 2009, waiting for the right moment. When Behringer merged the 132 CV mixer with the 165 portamento into a single, cramped module, Keeble saw the opening—and the AM8132 was his answer: pure, unapologetic slider-based CV mixing, done right.

This isn’t just nostalgia bait. The AM8132 delivers two completely independent 4-channel mixers in a 16HP Eurorack format, each with non-inverted and inverted outputs, precision slide controls, and front-panel access to everything. It’s built for real patching, not just display. Whether you’re summing LFOs for complex modulation, blending sequenced voltages, or layering envelope generators, the AM8132 keeps things tactile and immediate. And unlike the original Roland 132, which required careful trimming and suffered from inconsistent op-amps, the AM8132 uses modern RC4580 op-amps and a precision +10V reference—no calibration needed, ever. That’s a quiet revolution for anyone who’s ever cursed while balancing trimmers with a multimeter at 2 a.m.

Specifications

Key Features

True Dual 4-Channel Design with Inverted Outputs

The AM8132 doesn’t cut corners: two full 4-channel mixers, each with its own set of inputs, level sliders, and both non-inverted and inverted outputs. That inverted output is more than a convenience—it’s a compositional tool. Need to flip the polarity of a mod source for counter-phase movement? Patch it directly. Want to create opposing filter sweeps from a single sequencer? Done. The original Roland 132 offered this too, but with less accessible trimmers and a more fragile build. Here, the inverted outputs are front-and-center, ready for real-time manipulation. And because each mixer is completely independent, you’re not forced into shared signal paths—ideal for complex, multi-voice patches where control voltage integrity matters.

Precision Preset Voltages with Default Patching

Buried in the design but brilliantly useful: two dedicated precision voltage sliders, one for 0 to +10V and another for 0 to -10V, each with its own output jack. These aren’t just test points—they’re patchable sources. Even better, when no external signal is plugged into Input 3 (+10V) or Input 4 (-10V) of either mixer, the internal precision voltages automatically default in. That means you can instantly access stable, calibrated offsets without patch cables. Need a quick +5V bias for an LFO? Slide it in. Want to offset a sequencer by -3V? There it is. It’s a small detail that eliminates the need for a separate offset module in many patches, saving both space and patching complexity.

Modern Build, Vintage Aesthetic

Keeble didn’t just clone the circuit—he upgraded it. The original Roland 132 used CA3140 op-amps, which varied in performance and required trimming. The AM8132 uses RC4580s—low-noise, high-slew-rate op-amps that are stable out of the box. No trims, no drift, no fuss. The front panel is powder-coated with silk-screened graphics that perfectly mimic the Roland 132’s look, right down to the font and layout. The 20mm sliders are custom-made for AMSynths and topped with colored caps for visual clarity. And in mid-2023, the module transitioned from through-hole to surface-mount (SMD) components, cutting production time and cost without sacrificing reliability. The result? A module that feels like a vintage artifact but performs like a modern workhorse.

Historical Context

The Roland 132 was never a star. Released in 1979 as part of the System 100M modular line, it was an enabler—a utility module for larger setups where CV routing got messy. Roland sold around 2,000 units over three years, mostly to studio pros building multi-cabinet systems. It wasn’t flashy, but it was essential. When Behringer announced their 100M series, fans expected faithful recreations. Instead, they merged the 132 and 165 into one module—sacrificing the 165’s MPX (gate-selectable portamento) and cramming tiny slide pots into a cluttered layout. For purists, it was a letdown. Keeble, who had already attempted the 132 clone in 2009 and 2018, saw the gap. His AM8132 isn’t just a response—it’s a statement: that some designs deserve to stand alone, unmerged and un-compromised. It’s also part of a broader trend: boutique builders stepping in where mass-market clones fall short, offering higher fidelity, better ergonomics, and obsessive attention to detail.

Collectibility & Value

The AM8132 isn’t a vintage collectible—yet—but it’s already a staple for Roland 100M system builders and Eurorack users who value clean, reliable CV mixing. New units sell for £89 directly from AMSynths, a fair price for a hand-assembled, UK-designed module with premium components and finish. Used units are rare on the secondhand market, but when they appear, they fetch between £80–£100, depending on condition. There are no known failure points: the RC4580 op-amps are robust, the sliders are high-quality Alps variants, and the SMD redesign improved long-term reliability. The only caution? Avoid counterfeit panels or knockoffs—this module’s value is in its authenticity and build quality. If you’re building a 100M-inspired system and want something that looks and functions like the original but won’t drift or fail, the AM8132 is worth every penny. It’s not flashy, but it’s indispensable.

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