Vlad Kreimer Explains The SOMA Laboratory Pulsar-23 Drum Machine

Published on Feb 14, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"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.

Check out more from SOMA Laboratory here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/soma-l..."

Vlad Kreimer playing SOMA instruments @SUPERBOOTH18

Vlad Kreimer playing SOMA instruments @SUPERBOOTH18 from HerrSchneider on Vimeo.

"Vlad Kreimer performs on two instruments of SOMA who are famous for their unusual designs like the Lyra-8 synthesizer. In this video from SUPERBOOTH18 you can also see Vlad performing with the latest of Soma's instruments the PIPE."

LYRA-8 improvisation by Vlad Kreimer (ART-AURA 2017)

Published on Feb 10, 2017 Vlad Kreimer

"Free improvisation on LYRA-8 by Vlad Kreimer (LYRA creator)

http://www.somasynths.com"

SOMA DVINA as a Eurorack controller

Published on Mar 21, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"The main demo video of Dvina:"

SOMA DVINA (prototype)

Published on Jan 10, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"This is the prototype of the first SOMA electro-acoustic instrument. It was inspired by Hindustani classical music but European music can be also played with it, of course.
In the video, besides DVINA I used a specially built pre-amp with a simple built-in one tap delay and a small 100$ guitar cube.
If enough people are interested in buying the DVINA we can start production. If you are interested please drop me an email at omhohom@gmail.com

DVINA page: https://somasynths.com/dvina/

Vlad Kreimer 01.2019"

Introducing PIPE by SOMA Laboratory

Published on Jan 14, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

From the makers of the Lyra-8. Some additional details further below. Estimated price is 400 - 450 euros.

"PIPE is a voice / breath / mouth-controlled dynamic FX processor and synthesizer. It turns your voice into a powerful FX / beat / lead / soundscapes synthesizer and it offers unprecedented levels of vocal processing, really transforming the possibilities of singing.

At the moment, we are setting up mass production of the PIPE.
Here is the product page where you can get more information and preorder it: https://somasynths.com/pipe/

---------
the PIPE designed by Vlad Kreimer.
Idea, sounds, video, edition - Vlad Kreimer.
Source video streams for the background video art - Iliya Sidorenko.
Also, in the background used fragments of math fractals from 'Eye of the Universe' by Math Town.

Created by SOMA laboratory. 2018
somasynths.com
somasynths@gmail.com"

Additional details:

"Upcoming SOMA product.

PIPE is a voice / breath / mouth-controlled dynamic FX processor and synthesizer. It turns your voice into a powerful FX / beat / lead / soundscapes synthesizer and it offers unprecedented levels of vocal processing, really transforming the possibilities of singing.

Currently, the PIPE has 8 different algorithms: ORPHEUS, FILTERRA, REVERB, PULSE, BASSDRUM, OCTAVA, GENERATOR, HARCHO!

The PIPE consists of the hand held part and small commutation box with L R output jacks and DC IN.

The PIPE will be available in white and black versions.

The estimated net price is 400-450 euros, and the final price will be known after we set up the manufacture. We are expect the first serial batch of the PIPE in the winter end \ begin of the spring.

You can pre-order the PIPE now and be among the firsts who receive one. No deposit is required and you can cancel at any time. Just send your request to somasynths@gmail.com with 'PIPE pre-order' in the subject line. Also, please mention the country where you want the synth to be delivered and your phone number (it could be useful if our letter will get to spam).

Getting on the waiting list will automatically subscribe you to the PIPE \ SOMA newsletter, so we can keep you posted on the most important news."

PULSAR-23 in-depth explanation HI-HAT & Soft Tunes Demo

video upload by Vlad Kreimer

PULSAR-23 soft tunes

video upload by Vlad Kreimer

Vlad Kreimer PULSAR-23 posts

the PIPE by SOMA laboratory (the main demo video)

video upload by Vlad Kreimer

"PIPE is a voice / breath / mouth-controlled dynamic FX processor and synthesizer. It turns your voice into a powerful FX / beat / lead / soundscapes synthesizer and it offers unprecedented levels of vocal processing, really transforming the possibilities of singing.

Here you can find a demo of the additional four algorithms: [posted here]

---------
the PIPE was designed by Vlad Kreimer.
Idea, sounds, video, edition - Vlad Kreimer.
Source video streams for the background video art - Iliya Sidorenko.
Also, in the background used fragments of math fractals from “Eye of the Universe” by Math Town

SOMA laboratory 2018
somasynths.com
somasynths@gmail.com"

Additional PIPE by SOMA posts

A synth design masterclass by SOMA SYNTHS Vlad Kreimer.

video upload by mylarmelodies

"In this talk, Soma's Vlad Kreimer explains the unique difference behind 'organismic' synths like the Lyra-8 or Terra vs. everything else. He also explains how other synth brands could be more organismic - and why they may want to be. I believe ideas in this can inspire synth designers as well as anyone designing modular patches..."

This was delivered at Machina Bristronica 2023, check out the event and attend the next event in 2024 here:
▶︎ https://ra.co/events/1788966

CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening thoughts
1:50 What is 'Romantic' Engineering?
5:28 The need for imperfections
9:46 Static digital oscillator
10:22 ...vs analog oscillator
12:30 ...vs a violin.
15:47 Musician vs The Sound They Want
22:15 The secret of Lyra-8
25:12 Triggering Emotional Resonance
27:39 What is an Organismic synth?
31:08 Organismic: The Visual Analogy
32:31 Linear Synth vs Organismic
36:10 Vlad's Challenge to Synth Brands
37:19 Q&A: Macro controls vs Organismic
40:23 Q&A: What synths does Vlad admire?
41:47 Q&A: What is TOO MUCH 'organismic'?
43:02 Q&A: How do you know when a synth is done?
45:16 Q&A: Can we truly perform synths that aren't organismic?
48:19 Q&A: Beyond touch, what other ways can we control synths?
50:29 Q&A: Will people commit to learning to play instruments?
51:47 Q&A: Vlad's Dream: The brain-to-music interface!
53:10 Q&A: What is the Soma design 'difference'?

Meet The Makers: Vlad Kreimer of Soma Labs

Published on Jun 2, 2018 sonicstate

"Vlad Kreimer is a visionary chap, his early experiments in electronics sent him in some unusual directions, created in isolation in his native Ukraine (where he also invented his take on the sampler). These ultimately leading him to the excellent Lyra 4 and more recently the Lyra 8 which we reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed - its the physical manifestation of Vlad's desire to create instruments which break out of the standardized interfaces of modern instruments and encourage the user to explore creativity in a different way. These were built to provide Vlad with the instruments he wanted to use - his performances are the very definition of alternative."

Meet The Makers:

SOMA Lab ORNAMENT-8 Organismic Sequencer

ORNAMENT-8 organismic sequencer. Demo (SOMA Lab)

Vlad Kreimer

"An experimental analog modular sequencer based on a completely new principle of synthesis of behaviour."

ORNAMENT-8 self developing composition (demo by SOMA Lab)

Vlad Kreimer

"Example of generative self-developing composition"

ORNAMENT-8 example of performance. (demo by SOMA laboratory)

via SOMA Lab

"ORNAMENT can be controlled via Eurorack-compatible Control Voltage. The output of ORNAMENT is also standard CV signals that can control LYRA-8, PULSAR-23, Eurorack systems and any equipment that can receive CV, including non-audio ones such as lighting setups or electromechanical installations. For controlling LYRA-8 we developed a special adapter for easy connection to the LYRA sensors while also preserving the ability to play it normally with your fingers.

The adapter attaches to LYRA’s surface using magnets which make installation easy and safe. ORNAMENT, as an organismic sequencer, complements LYRA’s organismic synthesis nature, making them a perfect pair.

ORNAMENT-8 is based on a completely new principle of synthesis of behaviour. Instead of a vertical structure with a tempo generator on top and some memory for storing sequenced events, we have a dynamic equilibrium inside a horizontal structure without any memory, just an infinite “now” that generates the next moment of behaviour. In certain key aspects, it resembles a neural network where there is no difference between “processor” and “memory”, where functions are blurred and all structures are very flexible. Because the ORNAMENT is fully modular, you can connect any number of ORNAMENTs into a single network, creating very complex multi-dimensional structures with the same complex behaviour. For those with philosophical inclinations, ORNAMENT is a playground the size of a box of chocolates where you can study fundamental laws of life and society, going beyond linear logical thinking.

ORNAMENT-8 was designed by Vadim Minkin, the new creative mind who recently joined SOMA laboratory. ORNAMENT is intended to be the first in a line of SOMA sequencers developing new principles of behaviour generation and control."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SUPERBOOTH19: Explaining SOMA Pulsar23 -- Interview with creator Vlad Kreimer

Published on May 13, 2019 LESINDES

"VLAD KREIMER is explaining concept and main functions of his new ambient drum machine PULSAR23."

SOMA Pulsar23

PULSAR-23 by SOMA. Demo of polyrhythmic capabilities

Published on Jun 18, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

"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/

Vlad Kreimer.
SOMA laboratory
June 2018"

PULSAR-23 in-depth explanation SNARE DRUM

video upload by Vlad Kreimer

Vlad Kreimer PULSAR-23 posts

New PULSAR-23 Organismic Drum Machine and Rhythm Synthesizer From the Makers of Lyra8

PULSAR-23 by SOMA. Laboratory prototype demo.

Published on Jun 13, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

"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:

You can write to me personally: omhohom@gmail.com

Vlad Kreimer.
SOMA laboratory
June 2018"

Additional details via SOMA

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."

"Smoking Together" improvisation with two SOMA PIPEs

Published on Dec 10, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

Artists: Anna Mikhailova, Vlad Kreimer.

New LYRA8-FX Eurorack Module by SOMA laboratory

LYRA8-FX by SOMA laboratory (demo) Published on Mar 21, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

"New SOMA product. Estimated net price 190-220 Euros.
More information you can find here:
https://somasynths.com/lyra8-fx/

As the tonal generator used KOTELNIKOV SM042 VCO.
https://www.sssrlabs.com/
As the LFO - Doepher A-111-5
As the step sequencer - Doepfer A-155

The panel in the main part of the video is the laboratory prototype.
The mass production version is HQ scratchproof photo aluminium.
Photos of the final panel you can find here:
https://somasynths.com/lyra8-fx/

Vlad Kreimer. 21.03.2018"

Also see LYRA-8 as an FX processor (SOMA laboratory) (LYRA-8 with external IN only is the equivalent of LYRA8-FX)

"LYRA8-FX is an FX processor that can give you a significant part of the mysterious LYRA-8 sound.
LYRA8-FX consists of the FX section from the LYRA-8, expanded with CV controls and packed into a Eurorack module.
It contains a double modulated lo-fi delay with cross-feedback and the unique possibility of self-modulation, where the delay output signal modulates its own sample rate. Also, it packs a parallel distortion with CV control of the drive. The distortion is after the delay.
It’s much more than a delay – you can get a simple reverb, comb filter, chorus and much more cool FXs which are hard to describe.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ORNAMENT-8 Tutorials

video by Vlad Kreimer

Playlist (start the player above and use the controls on the bottom left to skip around):
1. ORNAMENT-8 Tutorial Part 1 (basic connection)
2. ORNAMENT-8 Tutorial Part 2 (Euclidean rhythms, Synchronisation)
3. ORNAMENT-8 Tutorial Part 3 (Operating modes)
4. ORNAMENT-8 Tutorial Part 4 (Сonstructing of Rhythms using clock division)
5. Ornament-8 Tutorial Part 5. MIDI and External Sync.
6. Ornament-8 Tutorial Part 6. PASS Out. Splitting of Triggers.
7. Ornament-8 Tutorial Part 7. X2 input and TIME modulation.
8. Ornament-8 Tutorial Part 8. Control Voltage and Modulation.

See Soma Laboratories Vlad Kreimer: 3 Big Questions posted earlier today.

SOMA Laboratory Pulsar 23 - Vlad Kreimer @SUPERBOOTH19

Published on May 11, 2019 Superbooth Official

"Presentation of SOMA sound and philosophy by SOMA's founder and sound designer Vlad Kreimer."

Vlad Kreimer plays the Dvina through the Cosmos at Superbooth (2023)

video upload by DECIMA1"

"In this video Vlad Kreimer [SOMA] plays the Advina through the Cosmos at Superbooth (2023)."

Also see (from 2019): SOMA DVINA as a Eurorack controller

Additional Dvina posts | Additional Cosmos posts

Soma Laboratories Vlad Kreimer: 3 Big Questions

sonicstate

"Vlad is the force of nature behind Soma Laboratories, responsible for some of the most brilliantly eclectic and sonically awesome instruments of recent times - check out our look at the Lyra-8 and Pulsar-23, for example. As well as creating instruments Vlad also is a pretty adventurous performer with them too, and he has a unique and philosophical view on the creative process and the interface between performer, instrument and music. We filmed some 'Meet the Makers' interviews with him at SuperBooth which are definitely worth a look if you haven't already seen them, and we were intrigued to hear his take on the 3 Big Questions."

sonicstate Meet the Makers