John Bowen Solaris | Epic, Enormous & Expensive

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Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

2 жыл бұрын

A flagship synth from 2011, the John Bowen Solaris is both vintage and modern at the same time. It's all digital, but it can mimic both old analogs as well as the 80s hybrid synthesizers and more.
High quality&24 Hours Build Time: www.pcbway.com/
Support this channel on Patreon:
/ espenkraft
Check out the synth here:
www.johnbowen.com
The idea to use a Compact Flash card to store patches, presets, Wav-files and even the OS is a great concept in my opinion. Yes, it means you can loose everything if not careful, but as long as you have a backup of the card you can put it into another Solaris and boot it up to reveal YOUR Solaris.
Using the CF card does not mean the Solaris boots the OS from the card, you flash the Solaris from the card when there's a new OS update you want to install into the synth.
You do need to have the CF card present to have your presets and patches available though.
The demo song was made to showcase what I feel is the best part of the Solaris, the ability to mimic the classic hybrid synths like the Prophet VS, the PPG, and also synths like the Yamaha FS1R which uses formant shaping. The drum loop that comes up at the end is also out of the Solaris as you can create patches based off your own Wav-files.
The first part of the demo song is all recorded by hand, with a free flowing tempo. I also play an arpeggiated part on top of this.
The second part is recorded to tempo.
Some of the patches are part of this Solaris' preset bank, while some of the sounds are either edited presets or my own makings.
External FX used in the demo track: Valhalla VintageVerb, GFI Specular Tempus.
The demo track has been mixed and mastered using my well documented workflow and gear.
Find my music here:
iTunes Apple music: apple.co/35ZTdfR
Spotify: spoti.fi/38aoWMB
Bandcamp: espenkraft.bandcamp.com/
Google Play: bit.ly/2NrgXD9
Find my patches and sample packs through these links:
thepatchbay.co.uk/product/tal...
sound7.co.uk/products/italo-d...
Please join me on social media:
/ espenkraftmusic
/ espenkraft
/ espenkraft
I use DistroKid for all my releases onto streaming services.
Try out Distrokid yourself and get a 7% discount off your first year by using this link:
distrokid.com/vip/espenkraft
Growing up I listened to so much synth-pop and it's only natural that my own music takes inspiration from many of the acts I loved back then. I still love them and listen to them!
Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure, Thompson Twins, Tears for Fears, The Human League, Propaganda. FGTH, Ultravox, OMD, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Alphaville, A-ha as well as loads of artists doing what is now called Italo Disco. And many more great acts like Nik Kershaw, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Dire Straits ++

Пікірлер: 265
@danthreepwood2760
@danthreepwood2760 Жыл бұрын
One of the best sounding synths out there. Absolutely creamy and gorgeous sound.
@brunostroszek3928
@brunostroszek3928 2 жыл бұрын
Best money I ever spent on a synth. What you miss over KZbin is how absolutely massive this thing sounds in person. Just about any sound can be dialed in with some work.
@bobjoe7508
@bobjoe7508 2 жыл бұрын
This sounds absolutely amazing. It's the 21st century Matrix 12 (for lack of a comparison because this thing sounds like a ppg, dx7, and matrix all wrapped into one). I wish I had the money to buy one, maybe someday. Really cool that they included the PPG wave forms.
@christiand8243
@christiand8243 2 жыл бұрын
A video about the Solaris is a nice end year gift! Best wishes for 2022 Espen 🎄🎉🙏
@g-muni5855
@g-muni5855 2 жыл бұрын
Wow, love this synth. Only regret was backing out from the 2nd round of offered early on but you convinced me to get in on this next round of this amazing synth👍 Thanks Espen!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome!
@J._Campbell
@J._Campbell 2 жыл бұрын
Happy new year, Espen! Thanks for your works! Best wishes for you and your family!
@chrishorsten7980
@chrishorsten7980 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Espen for your continued dedication to 80’s music and synth tech! I finally bought your album and loved it! Happy New Year and keep up the great content.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks Chris!
@jawoody9745
@jawoody9745 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all of your videos this year.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@RayyMusik
@RayyMusik 2 жыл бұрын
A masterpiece of synth design by a real genius.
@ToreHansen
@ToreHansen 2 жыл бұрын
Finally seen this video, great review and very great design and sound.
@kerzwhile
@kerzwhile 2 жыл бұрын
Mt GOD this thing sounds amazing! Seriously! Great opening tune too! 👌
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@von-fur-wegen-gegenolli9196
@von-fur-wegen-gegenolli9196 2 жыл бұрын
This looks pretty amazing! 😮
@mackadresse6095
@mackadresse6095 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Espen you make me discover a new World of Synth. Great work keep on going, you are an inspiration.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks! :D
@AndersEngerJensen
@AndersEngerJensen 2 жыл бұрын
Happy new year buddy! 🎅🏼🍾🎹🤓
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
The same my friend!
@jadanoliver6237
@jadanoliver6237 2 жыл бұрын
I didn't know about this till now. very cool and awesome . Just became a patron. Thanks Espen
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks Jadan! Awesome! :D
@MrSpasticdancer
@MrSpasticdancer 2 жыл бұрын
have a great new year mr kraft! great video as always
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@xp50player
@xp50player 2 жыл бұрын
A great synth to end the year with. Hope to see a little bit about John Bowen and some technology/development history regarding this synth in Part 2.
@dougsypeck7962
@dougsypeck7962 2 жыл бұрын
Wow I was jealous when you got the Matrix 12 but the Solaris? Not many people get to take one of those for an extended spin. The synth gods are smiling on you and that thing just sounds tremendous. And your fine demo track really shows it off well.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@spectre.garden
@spectre.garden 2 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to part 2. What a great sounding synth and demo! With a heavy heart, I opted not to buy one a couple of years ago, because I had the option to get a few other classics.
@PrototypeOnDemand
@PrototypeOnDemand 2 жыл бұрын
Always good vibes on ur channel 💯🔥
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@pizzagogo6151
@pizzagogo6151 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Espen, very cool you got your hands on one of these. The amount of option in the oscillators filters etc is pretty awesome, I’m not 100% sure if I like the sound that much...but the layout with the multi screens does seem fantastic- I can see why it commands a big price. Great example of a synth made as one persons vision of what a instrument could be..great bit of kit😁. Look forward to part 2- best wishes for the new year!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@thefool2007
@thefool2007 2 жыл бұрын
Stellar machine and wicked demo sir!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@EverettDudgeon138
@EverettDudgeon138 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely incredible. I think if I had the money I would get the Solaris over an OBX8, Quantum, Moog One any day.
@billybundorxo
@billybundorxo 9 ай бұрын
What about vs. the 3rd Wave?
@lassel1644
@lassel1644 2 жыл бұрын
Great Scott! What the heck is this? What a machine! Never ever heard of it🤔
@dmomcilovic9185
@dmomcilovic9185 2 жыл бұрын
Not many videos on this rare synth. Thanks Epsen
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@zeronyne
@zeronyne 2 жыл бұрын
I got to touch the white prototype at NAMM in the Propellerheads shared booth WAY before 2012. It was pretty amazing then. Glad to see a few were built!
@supercompooper
@supercompooper 2 жыл бұрын
He keeps making more runs
@supercompooper
@supercompooper 2 жыл бұрын
I love my Solaris. It really sounds massive and versitile. A lot of emotion comes through in the patches. Some of the best sounds I ever made were from it ❤️
@dietmarschlichtherle7061
@dietmarschlichtherle7061 2 жыл бұрын
Thanx for showing 🙂
@funkmachine6420
@funkmachine6420 2 жыл бұрын
Cool vid as always
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
I ordered mine Dec 2016 and sold some rather nice synths to fund it (Waldorf XTK among others) and I don't regret it. It has been under active development in all this time and it is way more powerful than when it was first released.
@emmarossignol4445
@emmarossignol4445 2 жыл бұрын
Damn, I kinda want an XTK or XT because I just love the sound and look. Those seem to have a vibe to me.
@davidbanner9001
@davidbanner9001 2 жыл бұрын
Wow, it's so beautiful. In so many ways.
@MrDudleytheCat
@MrDudleytheCat 2 жыл бұрын
The Solaris is a beautiful synth to play. Yes it is all digital but the controls work together in this magical way and it has a special sound. It is one of my favorite synths of all time and I've played MANY of the flagship analog polysynths, both vintage and modern.
@lassel1644
@lassel1644 2 жыл бұрын
Yes its Digital and that means Better!
@zxbryc
@zxbryc 2 жыл бұрын
It has a DAC does it not? Virus was digital too. DX7 was digital. Whether digital or analog... neither is affordable!
@PhilAndersonOutside
@PhilAndersonOutside Жыл бұрын
@@lassel1644 It means it can certainly do more, a lot more. If one has a really discerning ear it's not pure analog sounding, no, but it sounds so damn good, so damn diverse, it's an astounding, powerful machine.
@novalogue
@novalogue 9 ай бұрын
in a magical way - filter Cutoff starts working at about value 30 - that kind of magic haha
@PhilAndersonOutside
@PhilAndersonOutside Жыл бұрын
Synth sounds very much like 1980s Tangerine Dream. The Tangram through about Tyger. Love how deep of a hybrid sound it has.
@dav1dbone
@dav1dbone 2 жыл бұрын
Love these synths with multiple displays.
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
Inspired by Oberheim Xpander I suppose.
@maurumsynthwave618
@maurumsynthwave618 2 жыл бұрын
Always waiting for your videos ... Greetings ....
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@wishcloudstudios
@wishcloudstudios 2 жыл бұрын
Wow. Now I want one. Thanks. 😂😂😂 Great video as always!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@donkeyadaml.
@donkeyadaml. 2 жыл бұрын
Very good video and performance. 👍👍👍Happy New Year 2022 🥂🎆 Have a great new week.😊 Greetings. 😎
@dmomcilovic9185
@dmomcilovic9185 2 жыл бұрын
Glad I bought one two years ago, number #34. Will never sell
@Kneichion
@Kneichion 2 жыл бұрын
Loving this Synth...
@evskis
@evskis 2 жыл бұрын
Ergonomically, reminds me of a hybrid of the best layout and functionality of the SY99 / K2600 / E4K (serious matrix modulation + filters). All serious machines, and this seems to have packed them all up plus a memorymoog in there. Jaisus. Brilliant demo and sound design, as always 👍
@BooXdk
@BooXdk 2 жыл бұрын
Great video 👍 Seriously... Even if this synth couldn't produce a single sound, the displays and overall look would still make me want to own one 😁
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@JayKaufman
@JayKaufman 2 жыл бұрын
I had a friend's sit in my studio for roughly a year and it is possibly one of the most beautiful sounding VA synths I've ever heard. There's very little it can't do sound-wise. It sounds digital when you want it to, analogue when you want it to and in between when you want it to. It's really a straight forward synth to use and it's easy to just dive in and program sounds as you wish. My friend even helped work on some of the initial OS for John Bowen. Sadly, he sold his but he's expecting another. The one he owned had some issues with the outputs sending out a louder signal on the right side than the left.
@texacomann
@texacomann 2 жыл бұрын
Hallo Espen Kraft! You own the crown of the synthesizers, a jewel! I have sonic core dsp cards with All of John Bowen Synthesizers on it! There is a Solaris Synthesizer too, but it eats DSPs for breakfast..... 😁🤘Cool show, you are rich now!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
This is not mine.
@Fallingoverbackwards
@Fallingoverbackwards 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft nice that someone loaned this out. If i had oodles of money I would gift synths out to great youtubers such as yourself
@texacomann
@texacomann 2 жыл бұрын
Yes He is a good man. Have fun with it and a good time.
@Aetila
@Aetila 2 жыл бұрын
This is how synths should look like, with tons of display and pots! 🙂
@allio3340
@allio3340 2 жыл бұрын
Tanks Estteffan
@suadcokljat1045
@suadcokljat1045 2 жыл бұрын
Great synth.
@seanchristophersynthesizer6999
@seanchristophersynthesizer6999 2 жыл бұрын
I had the white Solaris and regret selling it a couple years ago. It had some unique sounds, and I also loved the lighted mod and pitch wheel.
@dosgos
@dosgos 2 жыл бұрын
Sounds fantastic. There is a Solaris Tabletop for $1500 savings! Not sure if the less expensive LCD screen versions are still sold or if everything is OLED now.
@Mefistophelees
@Mefistophelees 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing synth. I like that you can mix and match so much. It can do virtual analogue and virtual digital, but you can also do hybrids, virtual versions of synths that don't exist. It's a real sonic playground, it can do analogue, digital, hybrid, clean and dirty ...all at the same time if you want. I got the Prophet VS sample pack, since the Solaris has the VS waves I might have a bash at trying to recreate some of the sounds on the Solaris.
@SlaserX
@SlaserX Жыл бұрын
Definitely do it on the Solaris. I recently sold my VS for the same price as a new Solaris, and real talk, a real VS can never shake off the painful feeling of 80s cheese in every sound. Add two ticking time bomb chips and Aftertouch that is begging to die, it's not an idea synth to own.
@kevinbirge2130
@kevinbirge2130 2 жыл бұрын
Dream machine.
@pianokeyjoe
@pianokeyjoe 2 жыл бұрын
Oh Mercy! The synth SOUNDS like the movie SOLARIS lol! Very nice synth indeed. It makes for a great computer desktop wall paper image too! Sad the price is higher than ASM Hydrasynth though.
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
This isn't a compromise "built to a price point" synth. This is for people who want a powerful tool and can afford it.
@pianokeyjoe
@pianokeyjoe 2 жыл бұрын
@@6581punk I realized that when Espen pointed out the CF card and the back inputs and outputs. This synth is a COMPUTER with a keyboard on it, like the NEURON! I have to say the sounds being computer based can be endless. The thing that stuck out the most were the YAMAHA FM synth tones but with some funky strange auto bends, lfo effects and so on. I do love the light blue LCD screens, and wood sides. This synth reminds me of the Oberheim Matrix 12 in the design but with much better hardware.
@torarinvik4920
@torarinvik4920 2 жыл бұрын
The resonant filter is amazing, Kinda a little like a 21 century CS-80.
@yzimsx
@yzimsx 2 жыл бұрын
I would so like to order something from PCBWay, but I've only ever made one thing with a circuit board and I'd have to reverse-engineer the stripboard. ;) Thanks for great music, Espen, and happy 2022!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@lardosian
@lardosian 2 жыл бұрын
She's a beauty!
@bennethos
@bennethos 2 жыл бұрын
Ive had one too for 3y now. Loving it too, don’t forget the CS-80 ribbon above they keybed. The only disadvantage is that every time I see some new cool little synth (everything is little besides moog one or prophet xxx in comparison) on the market am like : nah, my solaris can do this
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I clearly show, use and speak about the ribbon controller above the key bed. In this video.
@duxgarnifex3678
@duxgarnifex3678 Жыл бұрын
This is awesome.Derek Sherinian from Sons of Apollo and Dream Theater fame uses this amazing synth too. Smoking awesome sounds. Since I can't buy a Waldorf Wave anymore this digital colossus brings an amazing sound engine to the stage.
@Fallingoverbackwards
@Fallingoverbackwards 2 жыл бұрын
Epic sound, has a jd-800 sound to it
@music2noise
@music2noise 2 жыл бұрын
brutal!
@dfloper
@dfloper 2 жыл бұрын
Some fun facts, my Creamware Pulsar and PowerSampler from 2000 still runs. The SHARC DSP used in the original Creamware cards had good realtime audio processing performance. Native audio using general purpose cpu's (x86, x64) needed more than 13 years to catch up in terms of raw performance. Still cannot touch dsp's for power consumption, latency. Tesla cars currently use Analog Devices SHARC DSP for audio processing. UAD uses SHARC DSP as well. Logitech uses a single SHARC DSP on their top of the range Video Conference system (to do Noise canceling, and audio processing), I opened one at work.
@ChrisCebelenski
@ChrisCebelenski 2 жыл бұрын
I was always curious about the Solaris, but it was hard to justify at the price. The sound is nice, and has a strong resemblance to digital wave synths such as the Wave (of which the wavetables are onboard). Others have mentioned the creamware heritage also, but it's really not the same as SCOPE for example. What makes it nice is the interface and immediate access to so much right on the panel. Hard to fault it (except price). A good digital chameleon with many possibilities.
@sub-jec-tiv
@sub-jec-tiv 2 жыл бұрын
It’s like Depeche Mode 1984 super digi-wonderland! Love it.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@christoroppolo8742
@christoroppolo8742 2 жыл бұрын
It’s a beast👽
@venomslair137
@venomslair137 2 жыл бұрын
It's a soundtrack making monster!! Just like the JD-800...!
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
It goes way beyond the JD-800. All the oscillator types and it can also do some level of sample playback too. The JD-800 is a great interface for a rather limited synth engine. Roland would have been better using the D50 engine as that had a form of VA engine. The JD-800 only has PCM waves as it is basically a Roland D70 with sliders. Of course the JD990 fixed up a lot of the weaknesses of the JD-800. I have both an 800 and 990 as you can use the 800 to edit the 990.
@matszh
@matszh 2 жыл бұрын
Sound-wise, this has always been my dream synth. Can’t justify the investment though. I ordered the new Roland JD-08 instead, which will take me a little bit on the way, paired with my Prophet REV2 and Reface DX :) Nice demo.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@trumjohannsmancave
@trumjohannsmancave 2 жыл бұрын
Vilken best!!😍🎹🔥
@modeswitching
@modeswitching 2 жыл бұрын
The interface reminds me a bit of my old Kurzweil 2600. But with the multiple screens it looks much easier to program!
@Hyper5nic
@Hyper5nic 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Espen! This truly is a wonderful (1st part) breakdown of some of what this synth is capable of! Amazing that there aren't any glitches in the filtered sound output when you turn the knobs. Those knobs must have really high resolution to sound so smooth! Allthough the notes aren't the same the riff at 2:10 and the following pad / chords instantly reminded me of Heaven 17's 'Let Me Go' . Does this mean that this synth is sounding so heavenly you'd consider letting (some of) your other instruments go? ;-)
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I would if the Solaris was mine. ;-)
@kropjesla01
@kropjesla01 2 жыл бұрын
Wow it is a bit overwhelming... takes a lot of time to get to know such an incredible instrument
@InterplainMusic
@InterplainMusic 2 жыл бұрын
Is this your new Crimbo Present? Lovely. Beautiful, saving for a Hydro-synth Deluxe.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@patriciaoudart1508
@patriciaoudart1508 2 жыл бұрын
I heard a coloration in the sound that reminds me my sold Korg M1... That's why I keeps my Juno 6, very limited and unexpensive, but ....
@smiljanicn
@smiljanicn 2 жыл бұрын
This is Creamware Pulsar with keys, really. Shame that so many people dont know what Scope is and their phenomenal cards Pulsar and Luna. Beautiful presentation Espen! Kudos to John for developing this beast and make it a reality!
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
If you look at a PC and it's just an x86 chip, RAM, storage and graphics card. It's what software you run on it that matters and the Solaris has great software. A Korg Kronos is just a PC in a box.
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
It is developed from the Creamware IP, but all of code was rewritten to be optimized at 96kHz.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@xp50player
@xp50player 2 жыл бұрын
@@johnbowen3071 It would be great to have this as a VST plugin. Roland porting their Analog Circuit Behavior synths to VSTs makes me think it could be done.
@JayKaufman
@JayKaufman 2 жыл бұрын
@@johnbowen3071 I love how you just chimed in in a nonchalant way! Hehe. You don't see many synth manufacturers doing that often on KZbin!
@midimoog
@midimoog 2 жыл бұрын
A great synth indeed. It employs various vintage waveforms and yet seems to reminds us that synthesizers have endless possibilities; not just bound to particular 'vintage' sounds. I wonder how the latest hardware version compares to the original Scope Fusion Platform version. Does anyone know?
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
If you are referring to my Scope plugin version, it obviously is related in the design, however, the sound has more ‘presence’, I think, plus the interpolation for the Waldorf and Prophet VS wavetables is accurately modeled, whereas with Scope, you lose that nice aliasing effect when you play in the lower registers.
@midimoog
@midimoog 2 жыл бұрын
@@johnbowen3071 OMG OMG we have summoned god! All believers, now salaam! Thank you so much for answering. I absolutely love the sounds of your plugins, and today I've noticed that I should look into the hardware Solaris as well.
@tommiilee
@tommiilee 2 жыл бұрын
Great presentation Espen. Thank You. So, Virus TI2 will be next 🙂 with some retro and modern presets?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I never liked the Virus at all so that will not happen. ;-)
@tommiilee
@tommiilee 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Thank you for quick answer 🙂
@ShallRemainUnknown
@ShallRemainUnknown 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft It would nevertheless be VERY interesting to see your critical review if the Virus describing/demonstrating what you DON'T like about it. It would still be extremely educational! Happy New Year, Espen!
@kalaspace
@kalaspace 2 жыл бұрын
For your second part, Let me know if your Solaris has the preset fn cinema 2
@user-fb8hc5dc8x
@user-fb8hc5dc8x 2 жыл бұрын
Здравствуйте John, почему так мало обзоров на korg? есть у меня стареньки triton sampler, в чём его недостатки по сравнению с аналоговым синтезатором?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
If you want me to answer something you have to comment in English.
@normalizedaudio2481
@normalizedaudio2481 2 жыл бұрын
Nice sounding filters on that. There was Solaris OS from SUN.
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
John had the choice of running the engine at 48Khz or 96Khz (with reduced polyphony). He chose to run at 96Khz for higher quality, which is probably why the filters and synth sound so good. Less aliasing.
@InterplainMusic
@InterplainMusic 2 жыл бұрын
I like this new Ambient/Tangerine dream less 20 years sound..
@billybartcody3591
@billybartcody3591 Жыл бұрын
Some similarities with the Hydrasynth, it seems, with the "legion" envelopes and LFOs and the window/encoder setup.
@xsm5525
@xsm5525 2 жыл бұрын
I can already tell from the first 10 seconds I won't be able to afford it lol
@XPJV
@XPJV 2 жыл бұрын
I have New Roland Fantom, V-Synth GT & XT, JD-990 and few more.. Will this synth fill any gaps? Or I have it all covered?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I can't answer that for you.
@XPJV
@XPJV 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft, Thanks for your honesty! 😊
@analogsynthaficionado6027
@analogsynthaficionado6027 2 жыл бұрын
Different beasts entirely. The JD-990 can do great cinematic and evolving sounds utilizing the TVFs' and multiple envelopes, but sonically it sounds nothing like the Solaris. The JD-990 is a fantastic synthesizer but can be a bit too deep for many users to comprehend. The new Fantom does run ZEN-core expansions to create different sounds, but those engines attempt to recreate vintage Roland synths. ZEN-core's recreations aren't what I'd consider spot on to the synthesizers they try and mimic. This coming from a Jupiter X, 6, 8 and Juno 60/106 owner and former Fantom 8 owner. The V Synth GT and XT are your closest bet at creating unique and evolving sounds with character akin to the Solaris. Still they are on a different plane. Roland threw everything they could inside the V-Synths and that is a good thing, especially if you love to program. The Solaris excels at Wavetable and Vector synthesis with the added bonus of analog modeling with near endless modulation capabilities. The Solaris can do some wonderful analog emulations of Moog, Oberheim, and Roland, but consider those sounds to be more on the polite side. Much like the Jupiter 8 has a pleasing prettier sound to it compared to a Jupiter 4. The modulation capabilities along with Vector and Wavetable synthesis pair together to create some spectacular sounds akin to a PPG Wave. Minus the grunge of course. Toss in an analog emulation together with the Vector and Wavetable synthesis and you can achieve sounds only a few synthesizers are capable of. The Quantum, Waldorf WAVE, and vintage PPG's are probably the only similarly capable synthesizers. Thankfully Solaris has enough real time controls to make use of all of its features much simpler than you might think.
@soniklink-WKD4496
@soniklink-WKD4496 2 жыл бұрын
This thing sounds sweet, lush, sexy & every other cliche. Like u say it seems to have it all. Nice! :)
@hakanrydman4719
@hakanrydman4719 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing synth. How does this compare to the Hydrasynth?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I have no idea, never tried the Hydrasynth.
@nisroch
@nisroch 2 жыл бұрын
How did you find it to stack up against the Prophet VS?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
VS is more crude in a good way, sounds more vintage. The Solaris is more slick, although it can sound vintage as well. For the VS sounds in isolation I would go for the VS, but as a sub that can do the VS and more, very well, the Solaris is fantastic.
@analogsynthaficionado6027
@analogsynthaficionado6027 2 жыл бұрын
The Solaris has all of the Prophet VS waveforms in it, but lacks the analog filters of the Prophet VS. The Prophet VS is a very unique sounding synthesizer. Crude as Espen states. Grungy but in a good way that is hard to describe. I have yet to find any synthesizer that can closely mimic the Prophet VS sound. The Solaris does do an excellent job at Vector and Wavetable synthesis though. The dynamic range and frequency response of the Solaris is something a KZbin demo can't convey.
@superblip9372
@superblip9372 2 жыл бұрын
@@analogsynthaficionado6027 the wavetable/ppg sounds are detailed and fun to modulate with the joystick
@philipford6183
@philipford6183 2 жыл бұрын
The very first track you played is crying out for Indian percussion (i could hear it in my mind!). Fascinating keyboard - I'd never heard of it until seeing this, so thanks. Was a VSTi version ever released?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
The Solaris has a very interesting background. Hopefully part 2 will shed some light on that.
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
No VSTi possible.
@dosgos
@dosgos 2 жыл бұрын
Users include: Jean-Michel Jarre, J.J. Abrams, Harry Gregson-Williams, Dave Porter, Ty Unwin, and Matt Johnson!
@supercompooper
@supercompooper 2 жыл бұрын
.. and most importantly .. Me :)
@bennethos
@bennethos 2 жыл бұрын
Let me also state that there is a fantastic owner community out there and development of firmware is steady. 1-2 a year with fixes and new add ons
@iamyourfuture808
@iamyourfuture808 2 жыл бұрын
Is john any relation to Jim Bowen?
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
Not that I know of...
@the_JTowny
@the_JTowny 2 жыл бұрын
I've been thinking about getting this plugin for my scope gear for years. Might have forced my hand there.
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
The plug-in will sound different than the keyboard. For example - the algorithm for the VS and Waldorf waves is emulated correctly in the keyboard version - the Scope system does not.
@the_JTowny
@the_JTowny 2 жыл бұрын
@@johnbowen3071 thanks for the reply. Is there a reason for that? Seeing as you're using the same super Harvard architecture dsp's in the synth. I've always found scope synths to sound exceptionally good. And now they do the SDK build your own software I was tempted to buy that and have a fiddle. Are you saying the plug-in sounds bad?
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
@@the_JTowny No, the plug-ins sound fine - just saying that, for these 2 (Prophet VS and Waldorf), the interpolation in the Scope library modules is not the same as the original synths. When I was at Hans Zimmer’s studios to make a version of the Waldorf Wave for his Scope system, I set up the Wave and his Scope setup in the room to start my work, and immediately one could notice the difference. I had to go let Hans know that it wasn’t going to be possible to accurately model the Wave’s sound because of this difference. (He said to go ahead and do as best we could. That plug-in I released later as the Quantum Wave plug-in for Scope, in 2005. I think Waldorf liked the name!)
@BorliBear-acqua
@BorliBear-acqua 2 жыл бұрын
I call it "Monster Synth" 😯
@jawoody9745
@jawoody9745 2 жыл бұрын
Oh my....!
@godot5082
@godot5082 2 жыл бұрын
Is that the hydrasynth from the past. Nice sounding
@HAENDEL_Music
@HAENDEL_Music 2 жыл бұрын
Hello, I'm currently looking to buy a new synth. The OB-X8 is way ahead. But listening to the Solaris, could I imagine that this is a better choice? What is your opinion?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Two very different synths, in almost every way.
@HAENDEL_Music
@HAENDEL_Music 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft ...well! In this case both!
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, that would be the best choice. ;-)
@VID525
@VID525 2 жыл бұрын
А в этом синтезаторе есть мультитрек? И на сколько дорожек?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
If you want me to answer something you have to comment in English.
@VID525
@VID525 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Good. I can also speak English. By the way. I am from Russia, Tula region, the city of Efremov. I'm also fond of synthesizers of the 80s. Available are: Roland S-330, Roland U-220, Roland D-110, Away Php, Ensoniq SD-1, Yamaha RX-11, Yamaha QX5 and Alesis D-4. My question was this. Is there a multitrack mode in this synthesizer that you have reviewed in this video? If so, how many tracks are there in this instrument for writing (or recording) notes?
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
This is not a regular synthesizer in that sense. This is more a modular synth, just without physical cables connecting it all together. You have 4 separate step sequencers you can use to input whatever you want and use just like on a modular synth.
@VID525
@VID525 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Understood. Thanks for the information. How do these sequencers work in this synthesizer? Will there be a video about this?
@johnbowen3071
@johnbowen3071 2 жыл бұрын
@@VID525 It is now a 4-track MultiMode. You can address each track (I call them Parts) on different MIDI channels.
@n8goulet
@n8goulet 2 жыл бұрын
I wish more keyboards would have a long ribbon controller like that.
@6581punk
@6581punk 2 жыл бұрын
It's on the Kurzweil K2500 as well. In fact, that also has a small ribbon controller on the left side underneath the pitch bender as well.
@beach_hike9006
@beach_hike9006 2 жыл бұрын
I don't understand why I haven't heard of this. Why do I always finish last.
@jeffevansmusic
@jeffevansmusic 2 жыл бұрын
I believe it runs at 96K and 24 bit internally which probably helps. Those displays look back lit though and I would not get one with back lit displays. They have a limited life. I see on the his website he is offering an OLED version which would be much better. It's a lot of money though. And considering the number of amazing soft synths that are around these days one needs to consider if its worth it. It does sound great though.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Operations are at 32bit floating points and audio runs at 96Khz.
@whaleguy
@whaleguy 2 жыл бұрын
Dear Espen, The 80's called. They miss you and want you back 😜😆 Jokes aside, I had never heard of this synth or company before.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
But you've definitely heard John Bowen's influence and impact on the world of synths. ;-)
@whaleguy
@whaleguy 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Oh, I need to go look him up. I had never heard his name before.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
You definitely need to do that. Some of the most iconic synth sounds is made by him and he worked on so many classic synths in the 70s and 80s.
@compuman81
@compuman81 2 жыл бұрын
not to mention he's a super nice and helpful guy too!
@bennethos
@bennethos 2 жыл бұрын
16:00 Muad’ib vocal from Dune :-D
@markkilley2683
@markkilley2683 2 жыл бұрын
How much? Sounds great.
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
You must check the website of the maker.
@o.b.v.i.u.s
@o.b.v.i.u.s 2 жыл бұрын
i think this kind of presentation should not use ANY signal processing... let's face it, you can slap a few things on a $99 mono synth and make it sound absolutely dreamy... JMO...
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
I'm not a lab scientist. I don't inspect raw data. I make music and my gear videos are put into a musical context and as such effects are part of the overall sound.
@o.b.v.i.u.s
@o.b.v.i.u.s 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Sure, I get that of course, but... I just think when you're showing us how "epic" and "enormous" a piece of gear is, it should be shown without the benefit of external processing so we can get a better idea of its power. That's all... ☮💟🌍
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
@@o.b.v.i.u.s Sure, I get what you want, but that's not how I do things. This channel is only about my workflow, techniques and presentation. Totally subjective and not biased by outside opinion. ;-)
@o.b.v.i.u.s
@o.b.v.i.u.s 2 жыл бұрын
@@EspenKraft Yes... And this is the COMMENTS section, where readers are free [ indeed, even _encouraged_ ] to make comments. So you posted and I commented; alles gut. ☮💟🌍
@EspenKraft
@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын
Alles gut :D
@mariusmitrea5462
@mariusmitrea5462 2 жыл бұрын
✨😇😇✨🎼🎹🎼🎹🎼💖💖💖...my mininova novation from 2014 sounds very much alike...✨✨✨🎹🎹🎹...wave tables...oscillators...great arpegiator...vocoder...✨✨
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