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

[@MStimming]

So, a few weeks after this review while using it every day the only thing I can do is to bow deeply to mister kreimer! Yes, it is difficult to play, yes, often its output is useless but it always sounds unique and it has the broadest horizon of any machine I have! Thank you sir for giving us a machine that finally makes a difference!

[@finngrim9763]

Mach noch ein Video drüber!

[@iwonowacki3287]

can you tell me what headphones you use in this video an why? please and thanks

[@janhenckell4178]

the output is useless but it always sounds nice??? what do you mean, what other output besides sound is there?

[@ganjabudweedful]

Jan Henckell im guessing he means most of what he creates is “useless” which is pretty subjective and depends entirely on the style music you make

[@vprice509]

@@janhenckell4178 Hi. He said "unique", right? Not "nice".

[@grizcuz]

In an era when lots of machines are either clones or heavily influenced by products of the past. You've really got to admire a manufacturer creating something entirely novel and deep. It's depth, sound (and price) might not be to everyone's taste, but I bet it builds a cult following and people will be using it well into the future.

[@ObKling]

Good point. How many synths being made today - most of them either of cheap build or knock-offs of something else - will people be scouring the used markets for in 30 or 40 years? Soma looks to have both the build quality and the uniqueness to stick around. Wish other manufacturers would take a few more risks.

[@SRDhain]

Agree. I think it's a fantastic move. It's unique in its open ended ness & inspires you to explore .

[@stickyfingazz2103]

it sound very 80 s dub to me .

[@rwalden87]

It sonically sounds great for the types of sounds that it makes. I agree that it will have a following for sure.

[@strelokknoize]

If we're lucky in 10yrs Behringer starts cloning SOMA products. A lyra for 299 bucks? Hell yeah!

[@ReasonedWhistle]

'Stimming reviews' is one of the best contents on the internets :)

[@zamplify]

I just want Stimming to explain hardware to me all day every day.

[@djjohnny5166]

Same

[@ferum2225]

I got one quite recently. It is perfect for my experimental setup. Since I worked with the lyra for some time, the build and complexity of this feels familiar. Funny: I actually did not use drum machines at all, since my project concentrates mainly on ambient / ritual / noise.. but when I heard this machine, I was hooked. I am an admirer of Vlad’s “organismic” philosophy. It plays perfectly into my “naive” and deliberate subconscious approach to this. I also bought the pipe, a few days ago and combine it with selfstyled noiseboxes etc. This is a dream for experimentators. If I was looking for an easy - to - use machine though, with ready - made sounds, I would decide for something else. Luckily, I do not need this. So - hail the Pulsar!

[@fts4life]

So it's the final boss of drum machines. Got it.

[@allilatif1600]

Quality Comment

[@noizekiller]

I say Rytm.

[@bernardlindeman4791]

Umm y rytm over machinedrum?

[@noizekiller]

@@bernardlindeman4791 Cause Rytm can do whole tracks with melodies and grooves. Check Glo Phase.

[@noizekiller]

@@mollyoko Not techno. More of a noise/ambient/glitch.

[@cyclespersecond1798]

The Pulsar-23 is a happy accident machine. I've never owned anything more bizarre, beautiful, and unpredictable. You can't set out to do anything standard with it or truly duplicate what you've done before. This is the beauty of what Vlad has created: a machine that feels alive. Disobedient, even. I have a few videos on my channel if you're curious. :)

[@skriptico]

"disobedient"... loved that!

[@elissitdesign]

How did you obtain the module?

[@cyclespersecond1798]

@@elissitdesign I pre-ordered from Soma right after I saw the Prototype video, so I was early on the list. It was certainly a weight financially, but while waiting I saved my pennies, and unloaded some old gear on Reverb. I haven't regretted this decision for one second.

[@mrrafsk]

Explaining why i don’t need one of these in my life only makes it sound even sweeter than before. This thing has character.

[@TheFlippertube]

Some 18 months after ordering and 2 months after shipping, I received mine yesterday. After immediate fiddling about, I returned to this and the loopop video. It hadn't occurred to me until this moment that you two play it very differently. Looking at your final jam, you are approaching it a bit like the Lyra; as a unified single instrument. In contrast, Loopop seemed to approach it more like components on a Eurorack; patching each of the 4 synths into the composition. I appreciate that Vlad has taken conscious steps to create an instrument with such an inviting canvas for different mindsets.

[@thewideeye]

The machine that has the spirit of Peter Christopherson/ Sleazy (Coil/ Throbbing Gristle). He would have loved it playing on this one. Thanks Kreimer, and thanks Stimming for yet another amazing overview.

[@djjohnny5166]

Ditto

[@ObKling]

I know what you mean about the tactility / sensitivity of the machine. I have a Lyra. I would say it's a somewhat limited synth, actually. The Pulsar seems capable of a lot more variety. But I do love using it for its mysterious, instrument-like nature. i feel like I have to charm it. i feel like I'm using the interface from Existenz.

[@Vilendank]

I was just watching Vlad's video and him playing with the bass drum. I thought to myself; "this David Cronenberg but for sound design." lol

[@GingerDrums]

Yes the Lyra is a wonderfully magical one trick pony. This is more of a legit sound design tool. I agree fully

[@robtronik]

this machine is about as close as one gets (besides the other Soma synth) to an organic fusion between man and machine that I've really ever heard/seen. I have the Lyra 8 machine and I absolutely am floored by its sonic capabilities - alien and powerful. I've been on the waiting list for the Pulsar-23 since December of last year. I wouldn't be surprised if I have to wait another year before my time comes to get it - these are not mass produced machines by any means. Can't wait.

[@Cidr0n]

You should get it within 6 months from now :)

[@RobertNaik]

I’ve started listening to Stimming music because of these videos and I’m really enjoying it. Which is funny because normally I listen to Alternative stuff.

[@maquettemusic1623]

I think it's priced well. The fact is, anyone working could eventually save up enough to buy this if they didn't buy other synths for a while. We've become spoilt by cheap chinese clones of old synths and expect everything cheap, then when someone actually makes something decent people still complain.

[@MStimming]

Word!

[@TheSunshineGroup]

People just complain bro ;)

[@taumaturgias]

totally agree

[@vprice509]

There are a lot of keyboard synths out there which are at least similar to other keyboard synths. Same goes for drum machines, samplers, groove boxes, effects pedals, contollers and DAWs. To the best of my knowledge there is no stand-alone instrument like the Pulsar 23. Mama told me not to get a tattoo of Vlad Kreimer. But what mama doesn't know won't hurt her.

[@guitdafunkadelik]

People are spoiled by marketing and can’t stand the fact they can’t own a new product that involved creativity and R&D. They prefer cheap when available, which benefits to the big industries than encourage new creations/creators. When not available they bitch about price instead of saving or making it possible. In these difficult times we should rather encourage creativity than be spoiled by the « I need them all GAS» Life is about choice -> make yours! Peace

[@MikeysteelUk]

The way Vlad has Stimming flustered. Never thought i'd see the day. Sign me up

[@chuckkentis7878]

Thank you for this most creative and spontaneous review. Really highlights what Soma is all about. When I watch Vlad’s video it’s about the journey and discovery. Excellent presentation! I’m on the list, can’t wait!

[@sock_park]

It was very brave of Martin to wear headphones during this review. Always looking forward to the next one of these. Thanks!

[@alexehlke707]

Yes, I was wondering if he was using some kind of safe limiter / compressor.

[@GavinskisTutorials]

Start time for main jam: 31:40 jam time

[@johansjolin6495]

I ended up buying a Drumbrute Impact after your video on that... here I am, having pre-ordered a Pulsar 23 looking for more videos on it, and here we are again, I found you again. I feel like I've come full circle somehow :D

[@tehnik333]

According to Soma, Pulsar 23 prize is 1500EUR net + 23%VAT = 1845EUR, DPD insured tracked shipping from Poland 29EUR. Decksaver 60EUR +23%VAT=73,8EUR. Thanks for the detailed review.

[@GavinskisTutorials]

Something I love about the design of these Soma machines, so solid-looking, they have a very sexy heft to them. Always enjoy your reviews too Stimming, thanks

[@FaustinoSeven]

Sexy and Heft. Two words I never thought would go together.

[@TheFlippertube]

I have been waiting a year for mine. I just picked up the blackbox because I can already see that they will make a perfect couple!

[@ketamu5946]

First time Stimming doesn´t follow a red line. Wonderful to see him so overwhelmed by the possibilities.

[@TheNimasan]

after couple of months exploring it and if i even know 3 % of it and dig the last rabitt whole on youtube to learn more: this mashine might arguably be one of the greatest instrumnets ever made by human being...imo of course!!

[@thedrumunkey8582]

We need Stimming to explain how magnets work.

[@JesusGarciaNailed]

He couldn’t even if he wanted bc they’re just magic. But you already knew that. 😉

[@geecen]

Best synth reviewer by far! Thanks again Stimming.

[@rodrigolaporte274]

What an amazing instrument!!! I'm totally stoked. Also Stimming reviews are so so so cool.

[@douglasoliveira1588]

Great review, as always! Video suggestion: Stimming showing how he achieved certain sounds in some of his songs (of our choosing lol).

[@AndrewJohnClive]

Dude, your ingenuity and honesty is a wonderful beacon in the haze of mediocrity! Much love London.❤️

[@gonzosightseeing]

One of the coolest, craziest instruments on the planet. I've got some jam vids posted as I continue to learn the ins and outs of this beast.

[@TheNimasan]

beside lyra8 the most impressive instrument i've ever seen/owned. just got it couple of hours ago!!!

[@Ian-gw2vx]

Do you still feel the same ?

[@LouisSerieusement]

I didn't knew such a thing exist :o ! Thank you everyone !

[@youtubeii434]

I feel like they should add a panic button somewhere on this machine

[@regplasma7906]

Camp,amusing,honest, informative and compelling review as usual.Great test drive Stimming.

[@HazeAnderson]

I purchased a used Lyra-8 that helped the seller fund his Pulsar-23. I am hoping to get one too some day. :)

[@Gavinshortall543]

How are you finding the 8? I'm really wanting one

[@praticle]

I've never seen a reviewer seem so genuinely scared of an instrument 😂 That says everything you need to know about the pulsar lol

[@JayDeLaFunk]

Oh how I've wanted this video. Can we get Stimming to review household products as well?

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

Just let us know which one

[@aseomg]

Toaster

[@JayDeLaFunk]

Coffee makers are a reliable go to. However vacuums never go out of style.

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

Ase o/m/g Toasters are overused, should ve something new and fresh. He isn‘t so much into Oldschool gear.

[@petert7807]

Boutique coffee makers!!!

[@chipcrell242]

Thank you Mr. Stimming for your honest approach.. Watching you I’ve got a feel for the vast depth of this machine.. I’ve only had mine for a few days and it’s good to start from a place of truth..

[@chipcrell242]

During my wait for a chance to get a pulsar I was intrigued by Soma’s work ethic and magical genius.. so I bought a Lyra-8... mind blown.. it’s alive.

[@johnrichardson3297]

Telekom Electronic Beats love it when stimming takes a frustration break! Gold!

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

So you like him to be frustrated?

[@johnrichardson3297]

Telekom Electronic Beats hilarious... yes, here for the joys of experimentation 😁

[@HIFI1965]

Hi @Martin Stimming. I love your reviews. You should do a review of 1010 blackbox. The continous upgrades are great (If you don't have 1.5, you will appreciate it). What I think is more important than the features is how you include it in your workflow. I have two workflows. One is for tossing it in the backpack and making sketches, and the other in a live set. I'd love to see how you use it.

[@kurtstrickland7916]

Thank you Mr Stim! I thoroughly enjoy your videos...You make me smile X Come back to Australia, you are always welcome at my place! Come play on our Matrix Brute!

[@arcota]

I'm looking forward to the sampling and stacking video Stimming

[@hasan7786]

I'm currently selling modules to purchase this. I'm halfway there as of today (thank you Reverb) and this video is very helpful in confirming my future purchase. Seems like a great time passer and very fluid drum machine. I've been really looking for weird to add to my stack.

[@GeorgeL909]

I'm gonna be one of "those" but... More Stimming forever please! Love these reviews

[@rossmotus669]

Purchased 4 months ago, used it intensively every day, my actual response about P23: 50% love, 50% hate. Great creative potential (sounds manipulation) but some unconceivable strangeness too (looper instead of a real sequencer, no real quantizer, different voltage scale issues and more). Of course it's too much expensive considering all the pros and cons. Just my modest opinion.

[@robertoquezada3045]

Well, you did it! Thank you very much. Nice done Stimming.

[@ALPHONSO_NANOOK]

this goes on mine favourite playlist

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

Stimming another master class in synths. Thank you sir for the great videos and education tutorials. You are a force to be reckoned with! Keep up the great work. A drink to world peace.....

[@proptosis2682]

lol did you see the same video i did

[@RonCavagnaro]

Thank you for your review! I love how it sounds and you did a great job reviewing! This is very nice to watch as I wait for mine!

[@dot.initial]

from 23:00 onwards it gets really interesting! nice thing to get space filled up in a rythmic construct - id like to hear it layered with a x0x device ..

[@beyondthegong]

Would probably be incredible along side a X0X box...

[@luisgomezvecchio406]

Long live Stimming reviews

[@EightsEverywhere]

hah love the honesty in this! it doesn't seem like an easy machine to review without owning it for some time

[@joelizquierdo8624]

This is awesome 😎 I love the sounds you’re making. Very well explained. I’ve seen other videos where they talk a little bit them go on jamming with it and forget to explain what’s going on. Excellent 🤘🏻

[@a1o1]

Great stuff - been looking forward to this. A future classic machine here.

[@odalv7278]

this sounds amazing… i would just sample out sequences and put it into a sequencer/sampler instead of playing it live (till mastered)!

[@salif130]

sublime, this seems to be of infinite versatility. a video on the alpha base jomox?

[@orangedogmusic]

Really cool description. I like how you are discovering as shoot the video. Feels like i am there experimenting with you. Thanks,

[@ripabroadcast]

imagine Czukay recorded by Conny on a free weekend and you got the idea but it looks much muchhhhh better in orange because orange is vitamine c.

[@tusk1_]

Love the demo, I feel like I'll be the same way when I get mine. Fun to figure out, frustrating to master.

[@Dogboy73]

Very cool. I’d love a cut down version of this that I could understand & afford.

[@luctmelod]

"...most of what you do sounds shit..." hahah! This is a very enjoyable demonstration. More like this with weird, esoteric machines and the awesome Stimming.

[@DaUrrl]

Stimming is the Morgan Freeman of gear reviews

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

Whatever that means 😬

[@BEDM]

Beautiful instrument. Thank you for this demo🙏🏼

[@tlatsegms]

Great sound💥

[@bahutu802]

The sounds are absolutely my cup of tea :) Sad I'll never be able to afford it, and even if I owned it, never would understand how it works :D Anyways, I think it's quite an impressive device / combination of modules. In a way, I think the 'B Drum Kastle' is some kind of lofi, way way less powerful clone for a 100 bucks :D Don't take it serious ;) They can't be compared. But I guess, they somehow had the same inspiration...

[@proptosis2682]

I just got one this week and have been toiling away incessantly in my basement. I'm basically retarded so if i can do it you can do it.

[@AndiGee]

the cable salad would kill me

[@danielhorton9929]

Is there anywhere I can learn how to use synths like this and I mean for extreme beginners? I mean teach me about all the cables and knobs on the synth? I am curious about this stuff...

[@online-person]

Hi! Vlad has done a series of tutorial videos that focus on each of the components in the system that might be helpful. Here is the bass drum module tutorial to get you started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6SyhqejbLGIhcU

[@goodboid]

Hey Stimming, please look at the Tanzbar 2. You mentioned somewhere that the Tanzbar was among your favourite gear. Would love to hear your take on the 2.

[@LittleZdy]

who is this awesome dude, demo-ing a must-have mesmerising machine.

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

You don't know Stimming? Check his other reviews bit.ly/EB-Gear_Reviews

[@jnny7182]

It sounds glorious

[@atom9249]

Great honest review - so many others are just far too positive about what they are reviewing that it becomes hard to trust or get a true sense of what the product is like.

[@lowlefty]

impressive review

[@MadelnMachines]

The Chris Liebing Records hit maker! I'd like to see you review a Jomox Alpha Base, Vermona DRM III and Division Department 01/IV. With that thing on stage you'll be knocking crocodile clips all over the place!

[@MrKeys57]

It kind of reminds of trying to learn flying a big jumbojet! - in this case aeroflot...

[@morkmon]

It looks so pretty

[@neurodub6748]

stunning review! whats the recording device used here..?

[@blakereinhart6495]

Looks like a Sound Devices recorder

[@leonard.c]

even if the video is horrible because this time Stimming really has no idea what he is doing, i really enjoyed it, this just shows how interesting and good the Pulsar is!! If not even Stimming knows what he is doing, this is really a propper beast, you need to learn how to handle! :D

[@PaulJBurns]

That would all fit quite nicely behind a Eurorack panel, saving lots of space. Regards.

[@deepsynth3495]

you need to start a review and tutorial channel, love your work man big time

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

In progress

[@aikighost]

Its kind of like the KORG ER1s more agressive insane analog older brother, this is going to be a classic just like the ER1.

[@alanc6752]

"Pulsar 23 - 12 months later " video would be very interesting.

[@ALPHONSO_NANOOK]

watching again :-)

[@juanbellavista564]

is a portable recorder on his right side? What's that please..

[@hihelloyou88]

thank you

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

one of the most raddest units I won't ever get my hands on

[@demian9562]

Our gear would do well with more of those WTF Knobs!

[@elissitdesign]

I love how dusty and dirty it sounds. Wonderful new concept with old analog flow.

[@christopherpederson1021]

it’s vintage straight from the gate

[@aumwermusicworks5963]

whats that soundcard / audio interface used on the right side ? curious

[@TheArtisticFlavor]

It looks to me like the Sound Devices Mixpre 3, which can be used standalone and battery powered.

[@12copablo]

Sounds great! :)

[@garystewart1438]

Thank you for your excellent insight into the possibilities of this extraordinary device and helping to identify that it really needs to be approached as an instrument that requires a particular amount of investment in time and dedication to really exploit its potential.

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

Definitely not a machine you master in 2-3 weeks

[@chipcrell242]

How do I unlearn the midi cc I learned the module to. Say I want to change it or have it not trigger that voice when I press that midi note?

[@TristanBaldi]

I'm afraid that if I buy this synth I'll start smoking again. Feels like I'd fiddle with the knobs half an hour and would need a cigarette break immediately. But I NEED IT

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

😂

[@trevchumby]

I think this machine works best with those herbal cigarettes

[@TristanBaldi]

@@trevchumby for sure!

[@No.0.o.0]

I can't wait to see what he does with it in 3 years.

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

for this you have to head over to musictalk.tech

[@WARDISWARD]

Your way of talking always reminded me of someone but I never knew who exactly Now I just found out , it 's the villain Raoul Silva in the james bond's 'skyfall , played by Javier Bardem :)

[@ElectronicBeatsTV]

But Stimming is way nicer 😉 Did you see his new reviews on www.musictalk.tech?

[@ArturTadevosyan]

Great review!

[@terrietonka7531]

Hmmm, nice... I´m new to this gear so, thank you... Your are very fast... :)

[@reason2910]

Wow you got the white version. Rare af

[@mubakka2642]

they are all rare basically. no one colour is more rare than another as you choose the colour you want when you order it.

[@kiloaakilo8077]

very interesting

[@avilynn_music]

36.33 I love this part

[@iguisard]

18:08 this should be the English dictionary to what modular sound synthesis is.