First Jams with the Solar 42

video uploads by Uncle Tony

"Second shot at making something with the Solar 42. This thing has incredible range. Wild noise and beautiful sounds. Here's one on the beautiful end."

1. Swell - Solar 42

Love that there's a 5-step sequence on this. Love anything in 5. I found this neat quirk of the Solar 42 where if you touch the nut that secures some of the patch points with a cable that's already plugged in, it causes the pitch on all the oscillators to detune together in this really nice way. Super cool.

2. Solar 42 - Grasslands

Here's one that's more laid back, peaceful and expansive. Love the white noise generators on this thing. The loop and hold functionality on voices 4 and 5 are really handy, too. I used those to make the repeating siren noises about halfway through.

3. Scamper - Solar 42

Here's something a little hectic and dissonant. Still learning to mix and balance the all the voices together.

4. Solar 42 Improv In G

Second shot at making something with the Solar 42. This thing has incredible range. Wild noise and beautiful sounds. Here's one on the beautiful end.

5. First Jam with the Solar 42

Getting to know the Solar 42 from @ELTAmusic. This thing is amazing. Looking forward to getting a better handle on it.

Superbooth 2023: Elta Music - Solar 42 - Microtonal Ambient Drone Machine

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2023, we spoke to Szabo from Elta Music about Solar 42. This ambient drone machine consists of six drone voices with two added VCOs. The Solar 42 comes with a brand new touch-responsive keyboard with built-in arpeggiator, portamento, vibrato, and quantizers that can be disabled to edge the synth into the microtonal world. The mixer has gain potentiometers for all the voices and the voices can be freely panned from left to right. The Solar 42 also includes a stereo VCF, stereo effect processor, and different algorithms including reverb and delay. The solar synth is semi-modular, has voltage inputs, and no presets. The solar synth is expected to be in production this summer, and its retail price is estimated at $1500.

The Solar 42 is expected to be available in stores from May onwards."

Is This The Best Ambient Synth EVER MADE??!!

video upload by Miles Away

"Review, sound demo and tutorial/walkthrough of the brand new Elta Music Solar 42 F synthesizer, a modern-vintage inspired experimental drone machine. Learn what’s new in the 42F update, how to use the SOLAR 42, and how it sounds (no-talking)."

0:00 - intro performance
1:49 - what is SOLAR 42F?
3:02 - original orchestral demo composition
4:49 - the sonic character of SOLAR 42F in melodic songs
6:37 - SOLAR 42 vs SOLAR 42F, what's new?
7:40 - exploring the swappable FX cartridge system
8:22 - String Ringer FX demo jam
9:51 - Generator FX demo jam with Strymon Night Sky
11:37 - Vibe FX cartridge jam with reverb
12:56 - Digital FX cartridge jam with distortion
13:45 - my favourite tip for recording SOLAR 42 in the studio
15:40 - tutorial / walkthrough of the front panel
16:36 - drone voices explained
19:07 - using the drone voices to make a chord progression
20:33 - VCO voices explained
23:23 - LFO Section
24:29 - VCO envelope and cross mod options
26:09 - sync and FM demo jam
27:37 - keyboard, scales and menu explained
28:26 - arpeggiator section options
29:59 - pressure control and hidden VCO vibrato LFO
31:34 - step sequencer demonstration
33:06 - special voices 3 & 6 explained
35:07 - sound design drone jam
36:39 - stereo filter section
38:43 - sample and hold patching
39:46 - contact mic & envelope follower
42:33 - joystick controller
43:31 - joystick and light sensor jam
44:55 - review with pros & cons
45:56 - should you buy this synth?
47:01 - outro jam

SOLAR 42 sound demo part 1

video upload by ELTA music

"Special pre-order price until the end of September 1500 euros + Cartridge pack 12 pieces 100 euros
Pre-orders shipping at the end of October. On sale in November 2023. At a price of 1700-1800 euros. Pre-order at sales@eltamusic.com

SOLAR 42 is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music. No midi, no presets.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. It is an improved version of the older SOLAR 50 model. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks.
The SOLAR 42 does not look like a classic synthesiser, which may confuse the user as it looks very complicated. In fact, it is easy to use. It has 8 voices as separate blocks, a mixer with pan and double effector, and various CV blocks.
FEATURES
Two volt octave morphing VCO voices
Multifunctional touch sensitive keypad controller.
Six drone voices with separate push-button keypad
Two white noise generators,
Two S&H generators
Five LFO generators,
5 step sequencer,
CV Joystick
Preamp for contact mic + envelope follower
Stereo mixer with panoramic left and right channels
Dual POLIVOKS filter
Dual cartridge effector combiner with CV control. Now you can load a different effect on each channel.
Stereo audio output. Dry audio outputs volt octave voices. External audio input.

POWER SUPPLY DC 12V 1A…2A
WEIGHT 5,4 KG (11,9 lb)
SIZE length 49,5 cm x depth 32 cm x height 2,9 cm (5,6 cm height including potentiometer knobs)
SOLAR SET - SOLAR 42, infinity cartridge, DC 12V2A power supply, user manual, 5 minijack patches, sticker pack.

https://www.eltamusic.com"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Elta Music - Solar 42 F

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Serge *from *Elta Music showcased the updated version of their popular Solar 42 synth, now dubbed *Solar 42F*. The main addition to this version is stereo distortion on the output, along with cosmetic updates like color-coded ports and firmware tweaks. According to *Serge*, these updates were made based on continuous refinement of the machine, with a focus on enhancing user experience. Despite not being a major overhaul, the changes are deemed very useful for users. All new Solars will be shipped in this updated version, including those with previously placed orders.

The Solar 42F features a streamlined mixer layout for easier navigation of voice volumes, along with the stereo distortion feature on the main output. The updated version will be the standard for all future shipments of the Solar 42, and with production underway, the new iteration promises to deliver an improved user experience without a price increase.

Solar 42 F Price: 1,800 plus VAT"

SOLAR 42 | AMBIENT SYNTH MACHINE

video upload by ELTA music

"SOLAR 42 is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music. No midi, no presets.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. It is an improved version of the older SOLAR 50 model. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks.
The SOLAR 42 does not look like a classic synthesiser, which may confuse the user as it looks very complicated. In fact, it is easy to use. It has 8 voices as separate blocks, a mixer with pan and double effector, and various CV blocks.

FEATURES
Two volt octave morphing VCO voices
Multifunctional touch sensitive keypad controller.
Six drone voices with separate push-button keypad
Two white noise generators,
Two S&H generators
Five LFO generators,
5 step sequencer,
CV Joystick
Preamp for contact mic + envelope follower
Stereo mixer with panoramic left and right channels
Dual POLIVOKS filter
Dual cartridge effector combiner with CV control. Now you can load a different effect on each channel.
Stereo audio output. Dry audio outputs volt octave voices. External audio input.

POWER SUPPLY DC 12V 1A…2A
WEIGHT 5,4 KG (11,9 lb)
SIZE length 49,5 cm x depth 32 cm x height 2,9 cm (5,6 cm height including potentiometer knobs)
SOLAR SET - SOLAR 42, infinity cartridge, DC 12V2A power supply, user manual, 5 minijack patches, sticker pack.

The music is recorded in one take and one track. Without any processing and external effects.

Pre-order at sales@eltamusic.com
https://www.eltamusic.com"

Additional Posts

SOLAR 42 sound demo part. 2

video upload by ELTA music

"Price 1700 euros + cartridge pack 100 euros
Pre-orders shipping at the end of October- November.
On sale in December 2023.
Pre-order at sales@eltamusic.com

SOLAR 42 is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music. No midi, no presets.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. It is an improved version of the older SOLAR 50 model. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks.
The SOLAR 42 does not look like a classic synthesiser, which may confuse the user as it looks very complicated. In fact, it is easy to use. It has 8 voices as separate blocks, a mixer with pan and double effector, and various CV blocks.
FEATURES
Two volt octave morphing VCO voices
Multifunctional touch sensitive keypad controller.
Six drone voices with separate push-button keypad
Two white noise generators,
Two S&H generators
Five LFO generators,
5 step sequencer,
CV Joystick
Preamp for contact mic + envelope follower
Stereo mixer with panoramic left and right channels
Dual POLIVOKS filter
Dual cartridge effector combiner with CV control. Now you can load a different effect on each channel.
Stereo audio output. Dry audio outputs volt octave voices. External audio input.

POWER SUPPLY DC 12V 1A…2A
WEIGHT 5,4 KG (11,9 lb)
SIZE length 49,5 cm x depth 32 cm x height 2,9 cm (5,6 cm height including potentiometer knobs)
SOLAR SET - SOLAR 42, infinity cartridge, DC 12V2A power supply, user manual, 5 minijack patches, sticker pack."

Elta Music SOLAR 42

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional Nightlife Electronics Listings

"This Elta Music SOLAR 42 - White Cream (Used) has been tested and is in excellent condition, comes with original box, patch cables, effects cartridges, printed manual/stickers and power supply.

Refer to photos for cosmetics condition.

Please note: this is the Solar 42 not the Solar 42F."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Solar 42 anti-GAS therapy 💸

video upload by Speldosa

"I created this song, that I named 'Drune', as a form of anti-GAS therapy with the respect to the Solar 42, where I set out to create an ambient piece with some form of drone bass together with a layer that used a 5-step sequence (the same number of steps that the Solar 42 sequencer has). I'm pleasantly surprised with how far I could get with the gear I already own.

I play the Expressive E Osmose live (using the factory patch called 'Stellaris') and send it to the Analog Four mkII where I add some reverb. The white noise and bass comes from a single, monophonic patch on the Analog Four mkII, where I play sustained drone notes utilizing all four voices. Everything then gets sent to the Syntakt where the additional elements are added, using a single pattern, before heading to the Analog Heat +FX for mastering. What you hear is recorded directly from the latter."

SOLAR 42 sound demo part 3

video upload by ELTA music

SOLAR 42 sound demos

00:03 DUNE 2 - «A time of quiet between the storms». Sketch
02:27 «FM DRONE»
04:02 «Shamanic voice»
05:42 «Quantum VJ»
08:08 «Desert» - Flamenco scale, drone voice 1 and Resonance reverb
11:05 Synthex-1 cartridge.
11:55 Sequence, bass and Infinity cartridge - program 2
14:09 Envelope follower filter bass
15:45 Ionian scale. Sketch

The new batch will be available in May-July. If you agree to wait about 3-4 months you can pay for the pre-order right away. The quantity is also limited."

Off to space, Bye // Elta Music Solar 42f is Incredibly Immersive

video upload by Dave Mech

"Hello HAL, do you read me? This is best listened to / viewed from beginning to the end if you want to get a good picture of the drone / ambient / cinematic journey the Solar 42 can take you on. I hope this trip to space will help you understand how this instrument can bend your mind into the 5th dimension. I knew I'd like the Solar 42 but it really clicked with me in a way I didn't expect. And I'm only scratching the surface here. And the sound.... It's seriously impressive in all aspects. The way all the voices are summed, the overdrive and fx, it's all sounding lovely.

Disclaimer: Elta Music send me this unit to play with and create a music video.
Disclaimer 2: Some post processing was used with iZotope Ozone. Another thing I did was feeding some of the right channel to the left channel after recording. While playing this piece I created a nice stereo effect with the filters in link mode. The downside was that this was a bit too extreme, certainly for headphones so I solved that in post.
__________________________________
Samples, Presets, Courses
https://davemech.live/shop"

Short live impro with Solar-42, Pulsar-23 and Ornament-8

video upload by Napotronix

"The Elta Music Solar-42 came in last Friday so had to take it for a spin :) Here it's hooked up to the Soma Synths Pulsar-23, Soma Laboratory Ornament-8 and with some external delay from the Erica Synths Zen Delay. All amazing devices!"

Solar 42: A unique cinematic drone synthesizer

video upload by David Hilowitz Music

A tutorial overview of the Elta Solar 42.

A Box Of Ambient [Solar 42]

video upload by Benn Jordan

"I realized when editing that this may look like a thematic outfit. This is seriously what I wear when I'm cold."

0:00 - Intro
1:53 - Making Synths During Wartime
4:35 - Zone Out With Me
8:50 - 24 Oscillators Playing C
11:18 - Zone Out With My Piano

Solar 42: A unique cinematic drone synthesizer

Solar 42 Live Jam - Futuristic Arps & Shifting Drones

video upload by Tarek Mansur

"This live jam explores the raw, organic energy of the Elta Music Solar 42, blending arpeggios, deep drone oscillators, and shifting bass chords into a futuristic soundscape. The arpeggiator pulses like a living machine, weaving intricate patterns that drift between light and shadow. Using the built-in tuner, I shape drones that breathe and morph, creating an ever-expanding sonic landscape. The bass chord progression add movement, grounding the ethereal textures while pushing the sound into cinematic, otherworldly dimensions.

A meditative yet dynamic performance. Alive, evolving and unpredictable."

The Only Thing Left - Solar 42

video upload by Uncle Tony

"A rainy day jam on the Solar 42"

SOLAR 42 | STALKER Tarkovsky improvisation

video upload by ELTA music

"In memory of Andrei Tarkovsky and Eduard Artemyev. Improvisation on SOLAR 42 for the film STALKER."

Elta Solar 42 Ambient Sync with Pro 3 and TR-8S

video upload by Creative Spiral

"First experimentation with Elta Solar 42, with sync to the TR-8S drum machine, and noodling around on the Sequential Pro 3."

Solar 42F Jam with Hydrasynth and Waldorf Iridium via External Input

video upload by Longstride

"This is not an amazing ambient music jam I'm afraid, this is just some guy, playing his Solar 42 for fun. I ran my Waldorf Iridium into the Solar via the External Input jack to try it out. The Waldorf was playing an arp sequence with the latch set so it was repeating. Then I played the Solar 42F with the external input coming through and I later overdubbed some Hydra-synth for a bit of variety. I'm not modular patch pro, very much still learning my way by experimentation."

SOLAR 42 | SOUND DEMO 5

video upload by ELTA music

00:49 Sketch 1 «Sequenza 12»
00:49 Sketch 2 «Hopelessness»
00:49 Sketch 3 «Basilica»
00:49 Sketch 4 «Machines»
00:49 Sketch 5 «Cinematic»
00:49 Sketch 6 with Pulsar 23
00:49 Sketch 7 «Blade Runner»

"SOLAR 42f is a unique experimental electro-music instrument, an analogue microtonal ambient drone machine. It will inspire you to find a new and spontaneous approach to composing music.
The instrument is oriented for live performances, creating film soundtracks, theatre soundtracks, atmospheric sounds, microtonal and background music. It is an improved version of the older SOLAR 50 model. The instrument was inspired by early electronic musical instruments of the 1920s and 1950s, notably Leo Theremin's «Harmonium» instrument, as well as science fiction film soundtracks."