We're pleased to present the new Pulsar-23 Andrew Huang Edition: a vibrant yellow version of the one-of-a-kind, organismic semi-modular drum machine made in collaboration between SOMA and the producer and YouTuber himself. SOMA's Pulsar-23 has become a go-to instrument for subverting the expectations of what a drum machine can or should do, attracting the interest of curious musicians looking for something a little bit different out of their drum synthesizer. With this version finished in a vibrant yellow personally chosen by Andrew Huang, the Pulsar-23 has become a favorite part of Andrew's studio due to its open-ended patching structure and rejection of standard drum machine tropes. The results may not always be what you expect, but like many other SOMA devices, Pulsar-23 creates a seemingly organic connection between the musician and instrument, tapping into the deeper parts of your subconscious mind to rely on instinct and reaction rather than conscious decision-making.
"In this video, inventor Vlad Kreimer of SOMA Laboratory explains his Pulsar-23, a one-of-a-kind instrument that is equal parts drum machine, modular synth, and circuit-bent playground. Check out his performance video with Pulsar-23 here:"
Vlad Kreimer Plays The SOMA Laboratory Pulsar-23 Drum Machine
Published on Feb 14, 2020 Perfect Circuit
"SOMA Laboratory's Vlad Kreimer came by to show off the Pulsar-23: a drum machine and modular synthesizer for creating intense, interactive rhythms and soundscapes.
At first glance Pulsar-23 might appear to be a typical groovebox, with dedicated bass drum, bass, snare drum, and hi-hat channels and an integrated sequencer. However, it breaks past the duties of a traditional drum machine by using exposed metal bars as modular patch points—making it in many ways more like a modular synthesizer or circuit-bent sound laboratory.
With multiple internal modulation sources, gritty lo-fi effects, simultaneous CV and MIDI support, and an extremely open-ended sound architecture, the Pulsar-23 is part groovebox, part generative sound sculpture, and part industrial doom soundscape device all rolled into one.
"PULSAR-23 is the upcoming organismic drum machine and rhythm synthesizer that is now in development at SOMA laboratory.
The video shows the laboratory prototype, which does not have the final look, the enclosure or the final panel design. Some minor features may change and some control options will be added. I've done the development of the main sound design and circuitry on it and now, when that part has been finished, I would like to introduce the project to the world.
For more information, how to buy, the price, when and where it will be available, please visit the SOMA site:
PULSAR-23 is an organismic drum machine that is currently in development at Soma. It has a semi-modular structure and consists of 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.
– 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 invertors.
Also, it has MIDI control and synchronisation and a lot of smaller modules such as 3 assignable attenuators and 2 dynamic CV sensors for CV generation etc.
The expected net price is 1,200-1,500 Euros. The exact price will be known when the industrial mass production version is ready.
The expected date of release is autumn\winter 2018\19.
The drum machine will be manufactured in Russia and Poland.
If you like the sound and the project you can get on the pre-order waiting list and be among the first ones who will receive PULSAR-23. Just send your request to somasynths@gmail.com with subject “PULSAR-23 pre-order”. In your mail, please mention the country where you want the synth to be delivered to and your phone number (it could be useful if our mails go to spam). No deposit is required."
"Scrotum Lab Mini-System audio out plugged into mixer input of Pulsar 23. Mono audio out of Pulsar 23 goes directly to sound card. No exterrnal efx added, no EQ and so on."
Scrotum Lab Mini-System & Soma Pulsar 23 [Part 2]
"Scrotum Lab Mini-System audio out plugged into mixer input of Pulsar 23.
Mono audio out of Pulsar 23 goes directly to sound card.
No exterrnal efx added, no EQ and so on."
"An assortment of 7 short improvised clips with the Soma Pulsar-23, all very techno, all with different configurations of gear. There's lot's to be said about the Pulsar-23, it is one of the most expressive machines I've come across in recent times. There is always something new to explore each time I turn it on. As an improvisational tool, this is amazing. Okay I'll stop gushing, you get my point. Vlad Kreimer is a genius and I put him in the same company as Don Buchla, Bob Moog, Roger Linn, Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim.
Each clip is recorded in a single take, with no editing or post production. I used a variety of clock sources and sequencers as indicated below. Some sections get rather crunchy and distorted, sorry! Pulsar23 runs into a Playdifferently Model1 mixer, that runs through an Elektron Analog Heat as the master bus.
00:00 Clip1 - Using internal clock source and looper-recorders, exploring kick and modulating effects.
02:10 Clip2 - Quadrantid Swarm audio running through the Pulsar23 and also modulated by the Pulsar. Beat Step Pro is the main sequencer.
03:52 Clip3 - Funky Techno with Beat Step Pro sequencing the Pulsar via MIDI.
06:21 Clip4 - Harder Techno jam with Beat Step Pro sequencing the Pulsar via MIDI.
07:08 Clip5 - TB-303 running through the Pulsar effects and filters.
10:04 Clip6 - Integrating with a Eurorack rack, using a combination of clock sources and Pulsar's looper-recorders. Crunchy and noisey!
10:56 Clip7 - Straight up Techno jam!
Gear featured in these clips:
Soma Pulsar-23
Arturia Beat Step Pro
Roland TB-303
EO Wave Quadrantid Swarm
Eurorack modular
Playdifferently Model1 DJ mixer
Elektron Analog Heat MkI
Follow me here:
http://www.instagram.com/_honeysmack_"
"Day 2 with the Pulsar-23 and i have read up and checked some tutorials on how the loopers and clock works and its starting to make sense . Here i also made the sidechain patch from rhe Synthdog manual ☺️"
"In our first episode of Novation Connects, we demonstrate how to sequence the Pulsar 23 and Fireball via midi with our Launchpad Pro, in a DAWless approach to music production.
Here's how to sequence external gear with your Launchpad Pro, using a DAWless setup. The Pulsar 23 and Fireball are connected to the Launchpad Pro via midi, allowing the user to send midi notes and cc parameters to both the Fireball and Pulsar 23. This allows you to sequence and control each instrument. The Launchpad Pro is mapped to send midi to each drum track on the Pulsar 23, and another midi channel on the Launchpad Pro is mapped to sequence the Fireball. This DAWless setup is great for both music production and live performance.
Novation Connects Episode 1 - Chapters:
0:00 - Using Launchpad's drum grid to sequence a pattern
0:41 - Creating variation with the Launchpad probability settings
0:52 - Sequencing with the Launchpad note mode and Mutate function
1:21 - Using Launchpad mute buttons to create variation
1:41 - Modifying pattern length to build tension
2:06 - Jamming with Launchpad's Sequence mode"
Novation Connects Episode 2:
We went DAWless with an AFX Station and Endorphin.es Pedals - it sounds BONKERS
video upload by Novation
In Novation Connects episode two, we show you how to use our epic AFX Station in a DAWless setup with Circuit Rhythm, the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal and Endorphin.es Golden Master.
This setup brings together the minds of Aphex Twin, who collaborated with us on the AFX Station, and Andrew Huang, who helped design the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal, to create a brilliant DAWless workflow.
Chapters:
0:00 - AFX Station - Endorphin.es Ghost - Circuit Rhythm - Endorphin.es Golden Master
0:37 - Manipulating sounds with the Endorphin.es Ghost
01:02 - Activating AFX Overlays
01:50 - What is AFX Mode?
02:37 - DAWless jam"
"A demo of the SOMA Pulsar 23 - taking a patch apart on the Pulsar 23 to demo how to build tracks using only the 4 voices for some nice and dirty atmospheric beats.
A much deeper dive with tips+tricks here:"
Pulsar 23 by Soma // 50 Tips Tricks and Ideas // Syncing with SH101 TR606 & deconstructing a track
"A deep dive into the Soma Pulsar23 analog drum machine. Deconstructing a track with plenty of patching ideas. Pairing with a vintage TR606 and SH101 s well as MIDI control and CV patching ideas."
"In our first episode of Novation Connects, we demonstrate how to sequence the Pulsar 23 and Fireball via midi with our Launchpad Pro, in a DAWless approach to music production.
Here's how to sequence external gear with your Launchpad Pro, using a DAWless setup. The Pulsar 23 and Fireball are connected to the Launchpad Pro via midi, allowing the user to send midi notes and cc parameters to both the Fireball and Pulsar 23. This allows you to sequence and control each instrument. The Launchpad Pro is mapped to send midi to each drum track on the Pulsar 23, and another midi channel on the Launchpad Pro is mapped to sequence the Fireball. This DAWless setup is great for both music production and live performance.
Novation Connects Episode 1 - Chapters:
0:00 - Using Launchpad's drum grid to sequence a pattern
0:41 - Creating variation with the Launchpad probability settings
0:52 - Sequencing with the Launchpad note mode and Mutate function
1:21 - Using Launchpad mute buttons to create variation
1:41 - Modifying pattern length to build tension
2:06 - Jamming with Launchpad's Sequence mode"
"Mastering the interface of a complex semi-modular synth with hundreds of controls and functions onboard is not an easy task even for the most seasoned producer. It’s too much to memorize, and continuously checking the user manual gets annoying and interferes with the creative process. Even with using the search function you still end up scrolling up and down dozens of pages and going back and forth to understand how related features interact, a process that is more fiddly than convenient.
Why does it have to be like that? Instrument manuals - even for complex machines - are still just plain linear text with a structure that doesn't reflect the actual interface or workflow of the product it describes. Despite all the technological advances of our digital age, user manuals are still based on the same principles of how information was organized and accessed in manuscripts from over 2,000 years ago.
It's high time someone changed this! SOMA Labs designed a new and more user-friendly approach to synthesizer manuals that we believe should become the new industry standard, offering unparalleled efficiency and immediate access to relevant information through a visual (touch) interface.
What really is a synth's interface? You can compare it to a territory, like a town or a forest, where we have various objects placed in space. If each control has just one function we can compare it with 2D space, if we have multifunctional controls or menus we can speak about a 3D space. How do you best describe a space to someone else? Of course, with a map! What should a 21st century map be like? Interactive!
Just click on any button, connector or knob and get its description along with highlighting elements that are connected to or depend on it with the immediate possibility to check what they do.
As PULSAR-23 is a semi-modular instrument, all patching points have suggestions about which other patch points you could connect them to (about 1,000 patching tips!).
So it's also a kind of light patching tutorial.
The concept of interactive manuals can be developed much deeper and better, and we therefore invite our industry colleagues to further develop and refine this approach to user manuals for musical instruments. Let’s make synth manuals more user-friendly, easy to learn and more efficient, lowering the learning curve for new musicians and freeing up users' minds for pure creativity!
Another in our occasional series where we take a random collection of instruments and other elements and create a musical sketch. In this episode, we are using the Akai MPK Mini MK3 - which is the latest MIDI controller in the MPK mini series, this is connected to the korg NTS-1 mini digital synth and the Soma Pulsar-23 drum machine.
To connect it all together, we use the Retrokits RK006 - which can be a stand alone MIDI hub and host. We're using the keys of the MPK to play the NTS-1 via the USB connections, then the pads to play the Pulsar-23 over a MIDI connection. We programmed the controllers to match several NTS-1 parameters and set the Pulsar-23 to learn the trigger notes and a couple of additional controlling parameters.
Published on May 25, 2020 Telekom Electronic Beats
"Telekom Electronic Beats TV’s synth expert Stimming takes PULSAR-23, the new 4 drum channel organismic drum machine from Soma Laboratory for a quick test drive. For a retail price of around 1700 to1800 euros, the PULSAR-23 offers a semi modular structure, 23 independent modules and a powerful analogue effects processor, and is definitely not a machine for beginners. Let’s see what Stimming has to say about the latest product from Soma chief designer and visionary Vlad Kreimer."
"PULSAR-23 is an organismic drum machine that is currently in development at Soma. It has a semi-modular structure and consists of 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.
Also, it has MIDI control and synchronization and a lot of smaller modules such as 3 assignable attenuators and 2 dynamic CV sensors for CV generation etc.
In general, there are 52 knobs, 11 switches and over 100 inputs and outputs for patching, Eurorack integration, external mixing and processing, live circuit bending!"
"During our visit to Soma Sound Machines in Warsaw, as well as the factory tour and look at the Terra production unit, we also had the chance to see the new Pulsar-23 Utilities - a stand alone device with triggers, attenuators and a variety of amplifiers designed to just add gain or to add character by using some unique and antiquated amplifier technologies.
It is designed as a companion to the Pulsar-23 Drum Machine - which is possibly one of the most unusual drum machines you'll come across, but could be equally useful as a general box of utilities in modular world, though it still uses the crocodile clips and post system of the Pulsar-23.
Available in a few months we're told."
"Some more jamming on the SOMA Pulsar-23. It’s crazy how fast time flies by when you’re twisting the nobs and trying to find some nice patches.. I was actually supposed to try out one of the patches from the Pulsar-23 patch-book available on the SOMA website but never got to it because I just continued tweaking this 😁"
"Well, the Pulsar 23 does a good job being a drum synthesizer/machine, but this time it shines at being a spaceship AND time machine. It can instantly sound like 60ies electronica, so it took me back to my favourite retro science fiction fantasies and influences.
Plain Pulsar 23, no overdubs, no external fx.
Thanks for tuning in!"
"The main demo video of the prototype is here [posted here]
Here I show some of the PULSAR-23 possibilities go away from loops and create complex polyrhythmic structures.
This is the laboratory prototype, which does not have the final look, the enclosure or the final panel design. Some minor features may change and some control options will be added.
For more information, how to buy, the price, when and where it will be available, please visit the SOMA site:
https://somasynths.com/pulsar-23/
"Experimenting with building a patch using my Eurorack modular synth, and the amazing Pulsar-23 drum 'machine' from Soma Lab. All controlled by the @Arturia KeyStep Pro, which is an awesome central bit of gear for a setup like this.
Big thanks to my fellow Glaswegians @Signal Sounds for sending over the Pulsar-23 for me to check out. You can find it on their site at https://www.signalsounds.com/soma-lab..."
"Another unusual instrument from the brilliant mind of Vlad Kreimer of Soma Laboratory, the Pulsar-23 is an organismic drum machine. With four voices, extensive internal patching and interfacing, plus CV recorders and plenty of clock. We take a look."
