Boomstar is a return to the raw power and purity of non-programmable discrete
analog, where STUDIO ELECTRONICS started in 1985. The snap and punch of hardware envelopes drive the Boomstar's
brilliant discrete voltage controlled circuits with unparalleled sonic clarity and versatility; refaced, and
revoiced, the Boomstar MKII is likely the ultimate desktop analog synthesizer for those who remember, and desire
still, analog synth sounds that changed the music, and sound seekers who have yet to discover that electric
magic and delight in their time—via MIDI or CV of course.
The Boomstar's alchemy of combinable waveform oscillations—with sub, OSC1-OSC2 sync—filter and oscillator xmod,
ring mod, 5 revered filter types, extensive modulation routing made easy via its 18+ toggle switches, and a
flexible software LFO, make sound and music design a daring delight. Hardware envelopes with invert, loop, drone
and master mode deliver that flexible, funky snap and shift.
The quick-turn shaft pots along the bottom for the hardware ring mod, noise, and feedback are diode-based for more complex and interesting harmonic distortion, and VCO Levels make vital sonic changes intimate, immediate, and indispensable; the adjacent overdrive switch adds beefy boost, warmth, and edge. 29+ pots ensure a fluid, intuitive groove over wide-ranging sweeps, and subtle tone variations: whip them suddenly and rhythmically into shape, or feather in the changes. Expect cleaner levels in and out of the 5 MKII filter models (MKIIs will still brown out but their headroom is more generous). Can't decide which model deserves your attention? It does help that Boomstar is a discrete, through-hole, hand-matched transistor, semi-modular desktop monophonic synthesizer, built in the U.S.A. to last, no matter which glowing circuit, handcrafted filter model you choose—the first time.
Legendary screaming high resonance Korg® MS20
Classic, buttery & boomy Moog® 24dB ladder
Creamy, dreamy, multi-mode Yamaha® CS-80
Ripping Jupiter-Juno Roland® magic
Lord Tom Oberheim's 2-pole 12dB, boxy & boomy gem
Powerfully resonant, thumpy and mid-rangy ARP® 2600
Sharp-dressed and snappy, single or multiple triggering (VCA 2), envelopes hearken back to our MIDIMINI roots; drone and master modes update the tech.
All discrete circuity, with our trademark hand matched transistors in the filter and amp.
Control Voltage, Gate, and External input connectivity for old school interfacing, speed, MIDI freedom, and external source processing flexibility.
1. Refaced for clarity of function, signal flow and an overall visual/tactile assist.
2. Revoiced for purity of tone—more headroom into amplifier; browning-out is delayed.
3. Diode-based feedback circuit for greater dynamic range and harmonic distortion content.
4. Exotic and rugged hand-picked and handcrafted lumber/microlumber sides: Bocote, Marblewood, and Pau Ferro.
5. Lined, fluted knobs and lined quick-turn pot shafts top and bottom for more precise programming and patch recall.
6. Metal-shafted pots installed throughout, apart from the envelopes, where the custom taper plastic-shafted pots are strengthened with an added bushing.
SidesExoticia® Bocote, Marblewood, and Pau Ferro, end bells are hand selected, handcrafted one-offs, and will vary greatly in grain and attractive imperfections, but they are always character rich, and easily transcend exact appearance expectation. Expect a richly figured hardwood. Sides are now mounted with blind screws, for a devastating... prettiness. CAUTION! Micro-lumber may appear even prettier when immediately in front of you.
Pre-MKII Boomstars can be upgraded to MKII visuals and knob/pot improvements.
$499 with end bells: chassis with SidesExotica® Bocote, Marblewood, USA-only Indian Rosewood, and Pau Ferro.
$249 remove and replace MKI pots and knobs: "Tonestar" fluted knobs and metal-shafted pots installed
throughout, apart from the envelopes, where the custom taper plastic-shafted pots are strengthened
with
an
added bushing: proper ENV pot tapers are not available in metal; top and bottom quick-turn pot
shafts
are
now lined.
Order hardware upgrades
For OS upgrade information click here
SPECS AND FUNCTIONS
Updating the VP 500 plotter driver is a quick and effective way to ensure longevity and reliability in your marking tasks. By following this guide, you can avoid common issues and maintain the precision your projects require.
If you are using a USB-to-Serial adapter (common for modern laptops), the is often the real problem. Use a high-quality adapter with a Prolific PL2303 or FTDI chipset. Update the adapter's driver before updating the plotter driver.
Before diving into drivers, let's clarify the hardware. The VP500 is a legacy vinyl cutting plotter, popular in the sign-making industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is known for its robustness, but it relies heavily on proper communication via serial (RS-232) or parallel (LPT) ports. Because modern computers lack these ports, the becomes the critical bridge between old hardware and new operating systems.
Technical Support Team Reading time: 8 minutes
While the driver is the software on your computer, is the software that runs on the VP-500's internal hardware. Updating the plotter's firmware can resolve bugs, improve performance, and add new features. This is a separate process from updating the Windows driver.
Once installed, standard default printer settings may not yield the best results for detailed CAD or GIS mapping projects. Fine-tuning the driver configuration is critical. Paper and Canvas Constraints
Select if you are connecting a single local plotter, or Dynamic Mode if you are discovering the plotter over an office network.
The Ultimate Guide to the VP 500 Plotter Driver UPD: Download, Installation, and Troubleshooting
Enable or Auto-Rotate features to prevent unnecessary paper waste when layouts do not match the physical roll width. Vector vs. Raster Graphics Rendering
Ensure you select the driver corresponding to your operating system architecture (e.g., Windows 10/11 64-bit or macOS Sonoma).
The operating system is forcing a default margins policy or scaling the document down to fit standard letter/A4 constraints.
If your office handles multiple plotting or printing units, a single UPD package can manage them all. This eliminates the need to maintain an extensive library of separate driver files. 2. Enhanced OS Compatibility
To prevent future downtime and ensure precise line weights in your technical drawings, implement these maintenance habits:
Plotters utilize continuous roll feeds or oversized architecture sheets. Navigate to Control Panel > Devices and Printers , right-click your VP 500 plotter, and select . Under the Paper/Quality tab:
Microsoft sometimes hosts legacy drivers. Search for "Graphtec" in the [Microsoft Update Catalog]. The VP500 driver may be listed under "Other hardware."
