Review: PULSAR 23 by SOMA // 10 Patch ideas, tips, and full tutorial

If you like the ideas, tips and insight in this video, there's plenty more in my ever-expanding book of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here:
► Patreon: / loopop
Check Pulsar 23 prices here (affiliate links help that channel):
► Sweetwater, Amazon: hmmm I couldn't find it there
► Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/soma_puls...
Other gear in this video:
► 0-CTRL from Make Noise
► Pam's New Workout from ALM
► Keystep 37 from Arturia
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music:bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Overview
2:40 Connectivity
6:10 Synth controls
8:45 Bass drum
9:35 Bass
12:00 Snare
13:10 Pitch seq
14:05 Hi hat
14:55 Clock div
16:20 Trig loopers
20:35 MIDI
22:00 Effects
24:45 SHAOS
28:20 PATCH IDEAS
28:25 Hanductivity
29:10 LFO FM mod
30:00 LFO as osc
31:00 Hard sync
31:50 Using noise
32:30 Env mods
32:45 Patch chains
33:30 Quantized loops
35:55 External clock
36:30 3/4 jam
37:35 Pros & cons
42:25 Outro jam
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@blaythessteuer]

this synth makes me want to get a better job

[@sinepilot]

Don't feel too bad. I went and got that better job and I'm still waiting for my Pulsar.

[@ToddVaules]

Well it seems that this comment was made somewhere at the end of 2020, however I’d like to nominate it for the best comment on KZbin for the year 2021. That is the most straightforward no bullshit comment I think I’ve ever read on the Internet. It uses few words to describe the feeling that almost everyone in the world has felt. We all wish for better a better job to afford something (or perhaps someone?). There’s no argument, or valid criticism, that could be aimed at it. My verbose reply on the other hand could be ripped to shreds.

[@iiisuu]

Ok cool, it made me wanna quit mine and learn PULSAR 23.

[@ryanholmberg]

For real

[@endless_arps]

I did , and got a Pulsar last month ✌️ Upgrading your life is always a good idea , just make sure it's not a realy shitty job!

[@Soundwrecker]

+2 years, I own a P23 and this is a great overview even today. Thank you for the depth of understanding (such as using a discreet VCA in example) and your approachable style.

[@georgescdoodle]

I'm so glad you got around to reviewing this synth! Been looking forward to it.

[@busch028]

The intro jam is HOT!!! Can’t wait to watch this video in its entirety later. Thank you so much for answering my question regarding the alligator clips! As always, you have my ever-expanding appreciation for your hard work!

[@Sousless]

That's the most anticipated piece of gear that I need to wait so much to get. I ordered it, but it's 9 month wait for me (6 already passed). Thanks for the video!

[@29372]

I never fully understand a piece of gear until loopop explains it to me. Well done sir!

[@TheNimasan]

just got mine yestarday. i played with it just couple of hours and it alraedy belongs to my fav instruments in my studio!!! i really dont know what this soma guys do but despite being a modular junkie, i really love everything they do. lyra is from another space, cosmoswas my fav gear 2022 and now this beast. i am really blown away!!! thx to vlad, grzgorez and the rest of the team 🙏

[@samadhist]

Yessssss! Thank you so much for doing this one! I bought a Pulsar Buddy from electric kitchen to do odd time signatures, and am patiently waiting for my spot to own the pulsar-23 itself. Your coverage is superb and there’s a reason I contribute on patreon. Excellent review of exceptionally cool hardware. Well done.

[@electric.kitchen]

Thanks for the mention, Devin! Pulsar Buddy - for those that don't know is a clock system add-on I designed and built for Pulsar-23 to make the loopers work in odd time signatures: Want 3 bars of 7/8? You got it! It also will generate triplet and other tuplet pulses (3:5 anyone?) - You can see me playing it in the videos on my channel.... and you can buy one (or a kit) over at shop.electric.kitchen/

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

EPIC VIDEO! WICKED DRUM MACHINE!!!! Thanks for sharing this. I've been interested in the PULSAR and you nailed the overview, tips, and ins and outs. Here's a drink to world peace!

[@Getthenderson]

I bought a second hand Lyra-8 about 3 weeks ago, looked into soma and fell in love with the Pulsar 23, am on the waiting list and was wondering where your video was and bam here we go.

[@0neTwo0neTwo]

just FYI, at around 14:00 you mention there being some weird electricity thing preventing the touch plates on the 0-Ctrl from responding. I think the rule is that at least two patch cables must be connected from the 0-Ctrl and the device to establish proper grounding / functionality. =-) thanks for another cool video filled with inspiration.

[@AvianBreak]

It is products like this and the Subharmonicon that convince me we are still just getting started with electronic instrument innovation!

[@StudioMagnetique]

Creators finally looking forward rather than lazily relying on rehashing 'vintage'. SOMA can be thanked for that, but the fact that Moog, one of the originators in synth design in the first place is now creating some of the most forward thinking units (Sub-Harmonicon / DFAM) is just beautiful. I've been producing electronic music for nearly 30 years now and can honestly say this is a fine time to be alive if you're that way inclined.

[@staticdeclarations6058]

Just received mine today, absolutely blown away, one of the best synths I've ever used hands down

[@Djpuzzle]

I'm stoked I just got one.

[@quantum_ocean]

I just ordered the Yellow Limited Edition. Can't wait to get it.@@Djpuzzle

[@hardsync7873]

Very helpful tutorial, now I see more clearly with my pulsar! Thanks!

[@antfactor]

Another excellent walkthrough. Been curious about this well before they went into production. Thanks for "framing" what kind of machine this is, and equally-so isn't. Cheers and Best!

[@hruine]

Really cool thing, watch it for several months, I don’t know why, but I need it) thanks for the good review !

[@g3cd]

Wow, I've been waiting for that review. Loads of people have showcased it, but none is as in-depth as your analysis.

[@andyscott2626]

Someone commented on a different video that this is the End Boss of drum machines. Thanks for your work here!

[@AmyKnoles]

Brilliant as usual!! Both your video and this machine!!

[@TheIllestMD]

Nice Collie man! Very smart pups. Mine loves to take naps in front of the kick when I drum.

[@jonaseggen2230]

Compliments, kudos and admiration for the choice of songs you play whenever you do. Both good and funny. What Soma Labs are making must be the most interesting, soulful and high quality gear produced in the last few years. I'm not that into drums but this thing is really high, if not at the top of my "want want want" list. (After watching the whole video Pulsar 23 is atm in the lead) but "No, you can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want But if you try sometime you find You get what you need" Jagger/Richards Maybe a cheese review at some point? I got at least one paw in the air voting for this.

[@Rollur1234]

I like how this sounds!

[@Rollur1234]

Cool bass! Very good range of modulation ❤

[@GroktheGonk]

Thorough and erudite as always ∞

[@pk9mmpara]

I,m so happy when i have this gear in my hand many thanks for you,re perfekt turtorials many many thanks

[@vprice509]

How do you not have one billion subscribers by now? Sir, you are the Alan Watts of the synthesizer world. There will some day be debates about whether loopop was actually just one person, the first AI-enhanced human or a hybrid collective that spoke with one voice. :)

[@ThatFanDoley]

Love the hard sync on the LFO❤

[@tufelkahonda5323]

Interesting! Thank You For The Video!!

[@bahutu802]

What an impressive machine. It probably opens up space to discover for years. I'd like to see those metallic trigger pads on other gear... seems to be much more reliable and intuitive to use than bad designed (non-velocity-sensitive) cheap trigger pads / buttons found on other machines. My highest respect for the clarity and comprehensiveness of presentation. I wonder how long it took to prepare and learn all that stuff (I saw a video by Stimming, who seems to be a highly skilled electronic producer, but he was completely overwhelmed by the machine, although he also probably prepared for the review... well in a pinned comment, he wrote that he played with it day in, day out for 2 weeks afterwards, so if we're lucky, we see him perform live on the machine one day...).

[@perellovemusic]

Best review channel on youtube!

[@gonzosightseeing]

whoever thumbs down this --> quit music. Awesome vid loopop. You're a legend

[@rossmotus669]

Tnank you very much for your useful demos.

[@anothercouture]

Great video, maybe I should take up my preorder after all.

[@jonnyhead]

Best user videos online, thanks

[@BURG]

Gotta say that intro beat/groove was really somehting else. Nice tension to it! :) Great review as always! cheers

[@loopop]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@elitefitrea]

My spot finally came up on the waiting list. Can't believe I'm actually getting one.

[@InFamousProductions]

me too! I just sent the $$ so I can't wait! and I want to use my matrix brute send CV to it and back from it

[@emilygrave]

i just preordered mine this week. how long did y'all wait before it was on its way ?

[@elitefitrea]

@@emilygrave I got on the list the first week they went on sale I think. Perhaps a year and a half or so?

[@emilygrave]

@@elitefitrea wowzers , time to be extra patient in the meantime haha

[@gunterkeegan670]

@@elitefitrea I just ordered mine a week ago and was told 4 months.

[@paradiddle16]

Why am I drooling right now?

[@oliveribasta5929]

I love those drum machines that don't make only a drum sounds, where you can explore

[@edouardmusic]

In this case I highly recommend the DSI Tempest. Huge possibilities. Not easy at first. Worth the time.

[@marleenvos4126]

the sound at 23:54 is almost like an Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine :)

[@end-quote]

Great content like always :]

[@kabir_st9866]

That intro track--I can imagine you putting that on your own rendition of The Clash's - Straight to Hell

[@Skootavision]

Me half asleep rescanning through the video: “Did he just say CHEESE??”

[@janhenckell4178]

looking foward to how loopop combines an ornament-8 with the pulsar

[@blue-notemitchandtheburnin348]

Does anyone know if an Arturia Drumbrute could be used to trigger the soma? More specifically, could I program a drumbrute then use the ‘outs’ of each individual drum to trigger the individual sounds of the soma? Apologies if it’s a dumb question. Cheers

[@lstlvls2521]

You can send the drum channels to both effects at once or choose which each one is sent to - clip the output of a channel to the input of one (or both) or the effects. :)

[@MinusNoir]

Great instrument and review. I'm thinking ... How it could be compared to Jomox Alpha Base?

[@adamjlipper]

Just got a Pulsar 23 and this was extremely helpful! @loopop, what was your OSC source for the arp during the 3/4 jam?

[@stjohnmantle6219]

Sorry if you've answered this already but what is the oscilloscope app you use here? Great review as always!

[@ThierryMaillardTV]

hello how do you save rhythms? because once the machine is turned off I turn it back on and the pattern is lost! thank you for your reply

[@CassowaryToenails]

Not only does it sound incredible but you can make patches with cheese? Edible patch cables are something I never knew I wanted. I can't wait to get one and get messy.

[@RonCavagnaro]

I got my Pulsar yes it's great!

[@johndjameson]

That intro sequence is hot, hot, hot! 🔥

[@UNSCPILOT]

Agreed, I need that drum something fierce

[@jdkgcp]

Just sounded like NIN too me

[@UloPe]

Yes! I’d love a full length version of that...

[@cecilkeebler4254]

Preordered a few months back. Not expecting to get it for some time though. I am look forward to pairing this with the Syntrx.

[@brianobush]

$$$ I also preordered mine late last year. I think you will have your Syntrx long before your P23.

[@cecilkeebler4254]

@@brianobush I'm in luck on that front as I already have the Syntrx. Oh well. First World problems all 'round ;)

[@PaulBoos]

Great overview - I've been thinking this thing would be another great semi-modular addition. This really convinces me of the versatility of it. I do wonder about the learning curve a bit though...

[@spaceairobic4045]

Hi, would love to see a review/ tut of the subsequent 37. as it is a beast of a machine and so versatile. I only can get about 40% out of it. thanks, love your work!

[@loopop]

Actually I am planning to do cover it soon!

[@steveambrose1734]

Hi loopop I see you have the instruo lubadh in your rack,can you do a review of that module please 🙏

[@jameswooster4250]

That opening groove you made is pretty damm sweet. I paid for mine a month and a half ago and still have not gotten it. hopefully any day.. it left Russia a month ago..

[@unsinndj]

I want this NOW!!!!

[@crazyFrankyy]

Please do Jomox Alpha Base this is another great drum synth !

[@caryragland714]

“If you run out of alligator clips just use cheese to connect “he said!! Awesomeness!

[@peppesedin1765]

are there a midi implant? or only midi learn for those two bass parameters?

[@darrenblondin]

Loopop is the Carl Sagan of astrosynthesis.

[@huge_bass]

hei! how about some further patching ideas specially around the diode & capacitors? :)

[@hekatonkheires4564]

Excellent review as ever👍🏻 What is it with. Border Collies and cheese? I had one whose eyes practically popped out of his head when cheese came out. Go Loopup!!

[@wlacsilbalazs]

I wonder, can you use dogs to connect the pins?

[@BEDM]

It’s a work of art.

[@marleenvos4126]

"hopefully we are on are way to a pleasing techno pattern instead of sending offensive morsecode to aliens" LOL, love your super dry humor

[@andreaskitzmann7391]

A great review as usual! Have you tried the Ornament-8 from SOMA?

[@loopop]

Thanks! And no I have not

[@kiranbrown5309]

is their a plugin for thes?i have reaper

[@AndrewDuncanNZ]

Extra credit for having a border collie in yer video!

[@cedric1886]

Nice review ! Anyone knows what’s the little black sequencer box (on the left, then on the right later in the video)

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's 0-CTRL from Make Noise

[@amartine01]

Hi Loopop, do you think the bass module can replace a bass monosynth like say an Erica Synth Bassline DB-01? Thanks for the video

[@loopop]

I've not tried DB-01 yet unfortunately

[@PolinaZakh]

Thanks!

[@peppesedin1765]

but can only see learn one on each voice for trigging the sound?

[@kevinbirge2130]

This is my dream machine. It’s hopelessly out of reach, but if I could choose just one piece of gear, would be this.

[@christopherpederson1021]

Well, when it finally becomes available in stores, you should get one. Though it costs $1800

[@marccarpenter2680]

I honestly want this this reminds of Metroid prime music how do I get one in the Future.

[@just-ask]

sehr geil.

[@nikolaystrelkovich879]

Dear loopop👋thanks for the video! Can you share, what plugin do you use as a live oscilloscope? Are there any plugins for Live 11? Thank you in advance

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@Lubushqa]

Can you please review the Waldorf Kyra?

[@part-slimer]

that pitch shifting reverb delay combo would make an amazing guitar pedal.... just pointing that out....

[@lstlvls2521]

Earthwquaker Devices Rainbow Machine sounds very similar to the CH mode of the Pulsar-23 effects section. :)

[@yanasitta]

I bet you get this question all the time but how do you have your oscilloscope set up for external hardware? I searched through your vids and didn't see anything about it. Thanks!

[@loopop]

I do - it's an overlay in post - software scopes by melda

[@sofokop]

What is the difference between the old pulsar and the new bd module update after 2022? They say that the osc isn’t stable and restarts , but in the down position it works as classic pulsar, I can’t understand which button go down. Can you help me please to understand if the machine has problem with the old module cause I’m gonna buy an old second hand pulsar. Thanks for your time!

[@loopop]

I don't know! Please contact the company and let us know back here?

[@thierrymaillard132]

please how to save his paternals on soma pulsar 23?

[@evanpincus2203]

This really does seem like one of the best drum machines of the 21st century

[@tkexit]

What is the brand of scopes that you're using in the video?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@zappaballoon]

could I use a quarter inch out on each channel in the back and record each voicing separately into ableton?

[@online-person]

yes, you can. the "1/4" pins on the front panel, bottom left" align with the 1/4" outputs on the jack, so any voice or source you want to record separately into Ableton would be connected there.

[@Digiphex]

What a cute dog!

[@TheJebBushOrchestra]

How is he getting those waveforms on his screen? What's the software/plugin?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@astrubalmcroque2906]

In a more grid based sequence style. How do you think this lil monster would interact with Tip Top Audio's Circadian Rhythms eurorack sequencer? it should be easy with Pulsar's eurorack's assignable patch bay i'm curious if it's posibble to sequence Pulsar with that module, an the generate time variations with Pulsars clock outputs, and with shaos section as well. do you think its possible ?

[@loopop]

Any CV based sequencer should work

[@Bod8998]

Nice outro

[@peppesedin1765]

i say use it with a stepsequencer and make glitchy magic with those cables. and record long takes and use what gets cool sounding. hit or miss device

[@chestnut40]

aaaaah what a nice dog :))

[@DECIMA1]

Apparently you can use cheese to connect these as well. 4:13 Proceeds to feed cheese to a cute pupper.

[@user-eg4zk5ko3o]

industrial heaven i have to save for this

[@christopherpederson1021]

It can do hiphop too.

[@astrubalmcroque2906]

So, in order to subtract or increase voltages i would need something like Maths in my modular right?

[@loopop]

There are simpler modules that can do the trick but maths will do a lot more

[@astrubalmcroque2906]

@@loopop thank you sir :)

[@qebo_a.retsis]

Hi Loopop! I was wondering how Pulsar-23 deals with static electricity, with having a metal case and all those metal pins exposed? I suspect the case must be internally grounded to the chasis but those pins? Cheers everyone 🙂

[@loopop]

Hey - just saw this ;) I don't know

[@scottsweatshirt9753]

Do we have DFAM-esque Advance Clock In/Trigger Out capabilities with this percussion behemoth? I was hoping to potentially sandwich between a few Moog semimodular pieces. Ace review as always!

[@loopop]

Thanks! Sort of, but you'd need a "clock multiplier" to get this to follow DFAM. It would probably be a better idea to drive DFAM's clock out of one of the clock dividers here based on the speed ratio you'd want

[@scottsweatshirt9753]

Appreciate the info and recommendation! So to follow this on through my chain, would I then be able to go from the DFAM on to the remaining modules and keep everything in sync? My goal would to control my whole setup with Digitakt as the brain: 1) Digitakt out via MIDI box to Minilogue XD and Pulsar 2) DFAM (via Pulsar clock divider) 3) Subharmonicon 4) Plaits 5) Moog Grandmother

[@loopop]

Should work - other than the first couple of loops as I show in the video

[@stonedapesociety5628]

Please make a video with pulsar AND Eryca Synths Perkons!

[@hoganteaoh]

man that bass arp at the star was fkn toit

[@matiasvidalgarcia1388]

Cool