Designer Vlad Kreimer shared this sneak preview of the SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 drum machine.
Kreimer describes the PULSAR-23 as ‘an organismic drum machine. The PULSAR-23 features 52 knobs, 11 switches and over 100 inputs and outputs for patching, Eurorack integration, external mixing and processing and ‘live circuit bending’.
The PULSAR-23 offers 23 independent modules:
- 4 drum channels: Bass drum, Bass\Percussion, Snare drum, Cymbals\Hi-Hat
- 4 envelope generators with the unique ability to generate a sustain for the drum channels, turning them into noise\drone synthesizers.
- 4 independent loop recorders with the option for individual clocking. They record triggering events, not audio.
- Clock generator with an array of dividers as a very powerful tool for rhythm synthesis.
- Wide range LFO (0.1 – 5000Hz) with variable waveform.
- Shaos – a unique pseudo-random generator based on shift registers with 4 independent outputs, sample and hold and other cool features.
- FX processor with CV control incl. CV control of the entire DSP’s sample rate.
- Distortion.
- 2 CV-controlled gates.
- 2 CV-controlled VCAs.
- 2 controllable inverters.
The PULSAR-23 has MIDI control and synchronization, plus 3 assignable attenuators and 2 dynamic CV sensors for CV generation.
Details on pricing and availability are still to be announced. See the SOMA site for more information.
Am I the only one that initially read the description as “an orgasmic drum machine”?
Well, from the previous demos I’ve heard of it, I’d say it’s pretty orgasmic.
The sound is not particularly compelling IMO.
Yeah, i don’t understand why you would release a smartphone video of a musical instrument…
Agreed. But nontheless interesting.
That looks and sounds really interesting. Will be great to hear more of this in the coming months.
This might be cool gear, but it sounds like something I can do without in this video. Showing the device, with all the switches, knobs, and patch points is cool, but you absolutely have to make it sound amazing in the video. Even a quick sneak preview like this. I’ve been seeing a lot of that lately– gear that looks really cool or seems interesting on paper, but the demo or sneak preview video is totally underwhelming sonically. Another recent example: Waldorf Kyma. Incredible specs, totally boring demo.
Solution: send one to Mylar Melodies. He will fix your demo problem. Check out his youtube channel and see. Highlights: Stepper Acid, Intelligel Metropolis & Atlantis, Novation Peak. He actually comes up with interesting musical ideas in the course of the demo, which MAKES PEOPLE WANT TO BUY IT. Look in the comments of one of his demo videos. People shell out cash after watching. And I promise I am not Mylar Melodies posting under a pseudonym. I just think he gives great demo.
Replying to my own comment: check out the demo of the lab prototype from last year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=147&v=1W0kESmuWPU
This actually does have some good moments that sound interesting.
Yes, not the greatest of recording fidelity. I like this earlier video, of the prototype which is essentially the same AFAIK. Nice wild and wooly sounds.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1W0kESmuWPU
I like the fact that it is NOT a step sequencer, but rather 4 loopers. Don’t need another drum machine, but this bizarre little thing is most interesting.
I would refer you all to Vlad’s demos of the Pipe and Lyra, vs. the other Youtube videos showing what actual musicians are doing with them.
Nick took a swing at the Lyra, so I would LOOOOOVE a Sonic State of this.
The pinnacle of forever all time would be Nick reviewing (and singing into) the Pipe, but I understand why that won’t be happening any time soon.
Most interesting piece of gear I’ve seen in years. Very excited this will be released soon.
I’m surprised with it fitting metal bars. I thought it was only for prototype and final version would have mini jacks. I think stacking cables are much more efficient than alligator clips…
also about 100 times more expensive
It has both, mini jacks from external, transfer to the “metal bars” for internal modulation. I’d assume it comes with its own cables, which can be clipped to regular patch cables in a pinch.
Maybe its not the best way, but similar to what I do with my Folktek stuff that use those mini cables. I use alligator clips to link em with regular patch cables and into eurorack stuffs
metal bars would lost forever, jack inputs have a limited lifespan(although probably not all that bad)
YES. been waiting for this. commenters listen to the other video demos, the above video doesn’t even scratch the surface. Vlad already explained that the mini jacks would have made the instrument quite a bit more expensive.
It sounds fantastic! Cannot wait to hear more.
“The expected net price is 1,200-1,500 Euros.”
its good to have some idea / ballpark. Because i got VERY excited watching these videos. Now i can at least psychologically prepare myself price wise