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..."

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."

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

First Month with Soma Pulsar-23: compilation of improvised pieces

video upload by Honeysmack

"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_"

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

Stimming reviews the Soma Laboratory PULSAR-23 (Electronic Beats TV)

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 Prototype of Mass Production version. the 1st Look

Published on Apr 30, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"We have done the first prototype of the final design!
Processing of the waiting list will be started soon.
You can meet us on Superbooth stand W325"

Check out the prototype videos of the SOMA PULSAR-23 here.

"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!"

PULSAR-23 in-depth explanation LOOPER & CLOCK

Published on Dec 26, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"A series of demo-videos with detailed in-depth explanations of PULSAR-23."

PULSAR-23

Sonic LAB SOMA Pulsar-23 Drum Synthesizer Review

sonicstate

"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."

SOMA Pulsar-23

PULSAR-23 in-depth explanation BASS MODULE

Published on Jan 13, 2020 Vlad Kreimer

"A series of demo-videos with detailed in-depth explanations of PULSAR-23."

You can find additional posts featuring the SOMA PULSAR-23 here.

PULSAR-23 demo (SOMA laboratory)

Published on Dec 14, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"All the soundtrack was created by PULSAR-23 and simple DAW editing.
No other equipment or FX was used, exception slight limiter on common mastering."

PULSAR-23

PULSAR-23 deep explanation BASS DRUM

Published on Dec 20, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"A series of demo-videos with a deep explanation of PULSAR-23."

PULSAR-23

PULSAR-23 in-depth explanation SHAOS

Published on Jan 26, 2020 Vlad Kreimer

"A series of demo-videos with detailed in-depth explanations of PULSAR-23."

SOMA PULSAR-23 posts

Pulsar-23 patch Volca Kick Simmons

video upload by Dj Puzzle

"My latest patch. Korg SQ-64 driving my drum synths. @Vlad Kreimer Pulsar-23, Korg Volca Kick, Volca Modular, Simmons SDS 800. @1010music Bluebox. #modularsynth"

PULSAR-23 by SOMA laboratory. Monday jam (checking of the recorders. prototype demo)

Published on Nov 27, 2018 Vlad Kreimer

"I've finished the upgrade of PULSAR recorders. Now they have 96 times better resolution and three levels of velocity that allows working with live grooves much better. Here are the test and some fun with the drum machine possibilities."

You can find previous posts with additional details on the PULSAR-23 by SOMA here.

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 »

SOMA Laboratory PULSAR-23 Drum Machine Jam Session At Superbooth

Published on May 12, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, we talked with SOMA Laboratory designer Vlad Kreimer, who showed us what his new PULSAR-23 drum machine with an extended jam session."

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."

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