Why doesn't Digital Feedback Blow Up Like Analog?

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"When I posted my first Plexiphon video, I got a few comments like ‘how about Bruxa x Plexiphon’, or better, ‘how about two Bruxae x Plexiphon’.
I think I can answer that now. Bruxa is a dominating module. This simply means, whatever you patch up, Bruxa is going to demand all attention. New to modular? Bruxa is a Bruxa is a delay/filter using a crappy karaoke toy chip. Sorry, it’s the ‘lo-fi delay’ that reached a cult status in the legendary Soma Lyra-8 Orga(ni)smic Synthesizer.
And then there’s the PoliMaths vs Maths discussion. Maybe they should have called it the PolyFunction, because it’s not Maths. It’s more like a ‘polyphonic function sequencer’, where a function is nothing more than a rise and fall. A slope or envelope depending on the Coast you’re on. It’s an attack/decay shape to sculpt a sound.
In this patch, I am using Echophon – the echo – as a clock, using the clock divider output. It’s a cool example of working with limitations. There’s no clock module in this case, but any ‘repeat’ that ticks is a clock. So today it’s not a tape delay, it’s just sending blips to PoliMaths’ activation IN. PoliMaths is like an eight channel sample and hold. When a trigger comes in, the module ‘activates’ by reading all knob positions (sampling) and holding them until the next activation. The channel index will decide which of the eight channels is affected. Depending on the SPAN mode/color, the channel will either be addressable (white), rotating (yellow) or fire all (cyan blue). If you’ve updated your PM, there’s a purple mode too (binary logic).
In this patch, the eight envelopes are distributed to various effect modules like Bruxa, more Bruxa and Plexiphon. Depending on knob settings (and especially ABSORB) Bruxa can make percussive sounds with its crappy chip. So what can we do with it? We can make a drum machine that nobody else has.
The patch itself is turning my effects units into an improvised lo-fi CMOS drum machine and Plexiphon is adding a bit of reverb. Even on full strength it can’t compete with the two Bruxae.
There’s an intermezzo where I’ll patch a long loop between Echophon, Mimeophon, Bruxa 1, Bruxa 2, Plexiphon and QPAS. In plain English, it’s making a long FX chain, but the end of chain is also the beginning. A snake biting its own tail. It’s like taking ugly feedback noise, and then try to sculpt it into something that faintly sounds like music – or a score from an 80’s horror sci-fi B movie with lots of sax and violins.
I was expecting something like throwing a mentos in a bottle of Coca Cola, but it didn’t happen. Instead, a nice abstract feedback patch emerged. It turned out to be pretty civilized.
In this video I discovered that feedback patching with digital modules is very different from using analog modules. A well designed digital effect doesn’t explode, it stays clear from crashing into digital brick wall and self destruct. In fact, digital feedback patching is more like continuous sound on sound dubbing. If you’re into chaotic feedback patching, you’ll benefit from adding at least one analog module, like a Serge wavefolder, waveshaper, filter or resonant EQ – or any other brand. Just make sure it’s using real analog components and real voltage instead of coded error handlers, limiters, exceptions and guardrails. In the analog domain, chaos is only bound to the rules of Mother Nature.
The ‘crappy drum machine’ patch is decorated by a second take with Error Instruments x This Is Not Rocketscience Kharper. I am running it through dual Bruxae and Plexiphon, where the PP gets modulation from Bruxa’s mysteriously labeled CV outputs. They basically contain CV related to Bruxa’s internal chip rumble. Nothing special, but super cool as a mod-source."

Soma Laboratory Terra Desktop Touch Synthesizer Light Wood with Decksaver and Soft Travel Case

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Live with 3 SOMA ENIGMA + TERRA + PULSAR-23

video upload by SOMA Laboratory

"Have you wondered what your lucky charm sounds like? That old key, a metal ring (or a pendant) you never take off: with ENIGMA, you can find out. It’s a synthesizer that reacts to metal objects, so you can give a voice to something you’ve carried for years.

You can still join the first 'Family & Friends' release before the mass release, at a special NET price of 590 EUR (excl. VAT, shipping, customs, transfer fees) instead of the regular net price of 680 EUR.

Performance: Tim Kroker.
Video by @maks.alokhin (Inst)"

SOMA Laboratory Lyra-8 Organismic Drone Synthesizer (Rust)

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SOMA Laboratory Enner Analog Touch Synthesizer (Night Frog)

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SOMA FLUX multi-bow algorithms demo

video upload by SOMA Laboratory

00:00 - Algorithm "Chromatic"
01:52 - Algorithm "Fifths"
04:28 - Algorithm "Overtones"

Download the new firmware: https://somasynths.com/flux_firmware/

V3.0
Release date 09.09.2026
Manual V1.0
Algorithms V2.0
---------------
Added experimental multi-bow algorithms FIFTH, CHROMATIC, OVERTONES.

Reproducing Chaos, ENIGMA Synth Patch Template

video upload by substatica drones

"Demonstrating a free printable PDF patch template for the ENIGMA synthesizer, allowing us to record, or plan, object placement. The same objects in the same placement should reproduce the same sound. Play the ENIGMA synthesizer by placing metallic objects on its surface. The ENIGMA is available now from SOMA LABORATORY.

ENIGMA Patch Template PDF - https://substatica.com/enigma

ENIGMA is an innovative synthesizer fully controlled by the position and movement of metallic objects. Through a unique interface developed by SOMA, every metal object placed on the surface is transformed into sound. The shape, size, and type of object are entirely up to you. Coins, screws, fragments, gears, tools, and any other metallic artifacts will work. The interface sensitivity is extremely high — even a fractional millimeter shift of an object can alter the sound.

MIDI and CV clock sync are included , as well as MIDI note control."

Feel the sound, not the screen: TERRA synth

video upload by SOMA Laboratory

"Do you want to lose yourself in a direct, intuitive interaction with sound where every touch shapes the tone?

SOMA TERRA gives that. No screens, no menus, no obstacles between you and the music. Just a pure physical interaction, like with an acoustic instrument.

Follow an idea as it appears in your mind, shape it into a phrase, and make it part of your music.

Watch Tim Kroker turn this direct connection into a composition.
Video by @maks.alokhin (Inst)

#synthesizer #synth #musicgear #electronicmusic #somasynths"

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Dreadbox Abyss x Soma Warp

video upload by Billy Truant

"Plugged in for the first time and this little jam developed.

Dreadbox Abyss
Soma Laboratory Warp
Zoom L6 Max

Rest in Peace, UR"

PULSAR-23 and the PULSAR-23 1984 Limited Edition

video upload by SOMA Laboratory

"Inspired by the industrial atmosphere of 1980s sci-fi and the iconic '1984' theme, this edition features a stunning polished-steel chassis and a striking red LED scheme. It comes in a stark all-black carrying case with special red-white-and-black alligator clips and a typewritten certificate of authenticity, completing the industrial-dystopian vibe.

Technical Upgrades:
New oscillator design for the BD that produces an asymmetrically clipped triangle wave that can be overdriven to a square wave with the Drive knob.
Tune knob range expanded.
OMG pin is now an AC coupled FM input.
Also incorporates a new filter for the BASS section based on the polivoks filter.

And this is already available from SOMA US Division and limited quatity for SOMA EU."

EMS Synth room walk through

video upload by Goldsmiths Music

"The studios house a vast collection of vintage and state of the art electronic music instruments, equipment and facilities to suit to musicians, researchers, and artists with diverse creative practices and requirements.

In the studio’s 60 year history we have acquired a substantial assemblage of rare and unique electronic music-making, instruments, tools and technologies which have been at the centre of research projects across the department for many years.

Synthesisers & Drum Machines include:

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SOMA Laboratory Lyra-8 - Pink

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Soma Laboratory Lyra-8 Organismic Synthesizer

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"LYRA-8 is based on eight generators, which will be referred to as voices. Their design is not like a traditional subtractive synthesis VCO. Instead of having a linear or logarithmic dependency on control voltage, they resemble the tone generators in old electric organs. Hence the use of the term 'voices' instead of 'VCOs'. Lyra uses non-linearity a lot, and the voices are constructed in such a way that allows for non-linearity to express itself."

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SOMA Terra & Flux Workshop with Tim Kroker at SchneidersLaden

video upload by SchneidersLaden

"Tim Kroker presents SOMA Terra & Flux in this exclusive pre-SUPERBOOTH 2026 workshop at SchneidersLaden Berlin – an excellent hands-on demonstration and performance of SOMA Laboratory’s innovative instruments.

See you soon at SchneidersLaden - Karl-Marx-Straße 186 / Berlin-Neukölln!"

SOMA Laboratory Pulsar-23 - 1984 w/ Extras

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"This SOMA Laboratory Pulsar-23 - 1984 (Used) has been tested and is in fully functional condition.

Comes with original box, power adapter, alligator clips, decksaver, and protective bag."

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SOMA Laboratory Pulsar-23 Semi-Modular Drum Machine (Orange) w/ Decksaver Lid & Carry Case

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SOMA Laboratory Flux Digital Performance Synthesizer (Pink)

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You can find demos of the Flux in addtional posts here.

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SOMA Laboratory TERRA w/ Custom Decksaver Lid Cover & Gig Bag Case

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Roma Modulare 2026 | International Synthesizers & Music Production Expo Set for September 2026

video upload by Roma Modulare

"⚡ Roma Modulare 2026 is here! The ultimate Expo in Italy for synthesizers and music production welcomes you to Rome! Explore 1200 square meters of indoor exhibition space to touch and test synth and pro audio products, enjoy captivating live music, and discover the latest trends and innovations in music tech. Get your tickets now!"

L'Opificio Italiacamp - THE LOCATION | Roma Modulare 2026

video upload by Roma Modulare

"We're warming up the engines for Roma Modulare 2026 at L'Opificio Italiacamp, happening September 18-19!
Let's explore the main exhibition area dedicated to synthesizer and music production. Get ready for an immersive experience with pro audio gear, eurorack setups, and captivating live music, all part of our meticulous event planning."

Press Release follows:

Roma Modulare 2026 announced as international synth and pro audio fair at unique new location in central Rome with early bird tickets already available

ROME, ITALY: organisers of Roma Modulare 2026 are proud to announce that the international synth and pro audio fair in question is to be held on September 18-19, 2026 as an unmissable two-day expo in central Rome, representing a journey into electronic music devices where creativity, passion, and experimentation meet at a unique new location — L’Opificio Italiacamp itself being billed as a centre for culture and education, born out of an urban regeneration project in the Ostiense-Marconi district that is one of the most vibrant areas of the capital city — boasting 900 square metres of exhibition space swarming with leading manufacturers of synthesizers and professional audio gear keen to show their latest wares, while early bird tickets are already available for anyone wishing to attend…

Organisers of Roma Modulare 2026 are on record as collectively stating: 'We live in an age where division is the norm, but making music requires unity. Today, the word ‘unity’ takes on a meaning that can profoundly shake and transform our roots and our habits. We want to continue strengthening the community of artists and creatives, who, together, make a valuable contribution to Italian and international music production everyday.'

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Orange Soma Laboratory Pulsar-23 Organismic Drum Machine

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"This Pulsar is in great working order with its original gig bag, power supply and alligator clips.

PULSAR-23 is an organismic drum machine designed by Vlad Kreimer. It has a semi-modular structure and consists of 23 independent modules. PULSAR can be used for the synthesis of percussion instruments and rhythms, bass and melodic lines, effects and sound landscapes, as well as a source of control voltage and powerful analog FX processor.The PULSAR functions in three different modes: stand-alone, MIDI control and CV control. Moreover, all the above features and control modes can work simultaneously in any proportion or combination.Additionally, PULSAR offers live circuit bending capabilities and the use of the artist’s body conductivity to create patches and cross modulations. PULSAR continues the line of organismic synthesizers begun by LYRA-8, but now in the area of percussion instruments."

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