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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🙏

[@29372]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@gonzosightseeing]

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

[@andyscott2626]

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

[@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/

[@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. :)

[@perellovemusic]

Best review channel on youtube!

[@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

[@opheliasautopsy]

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

[@elitefitrea]

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

[@opheliasautopsy]

@@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@g3cd]

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

[@BURG]

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

[@loopop]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@TheIllestMD]

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

[@GroktheGonk]

Thorough and erudite as always ∞

[@darrenblondin]

Loopop is the Carl Sagan of astrosynthesis.

[@georgescdoodle]

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

[@paradiddle16]

Why am I drooling right now?

[@marleenvos4126]

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

[@ThatFanDoley]

Love the hard sync on the LFO❤

[@hardsync7873]

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

[@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...).

[@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...

[@Rollur1234]

Cool bass! Very good range of modulation ❤

[@hruine]

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

[@Rollur1234]

I like how this sounds!

[@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.

[@Skootavision]

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

[@RonCavagnaro]

I got my Pulsar yes it's great!

[@Digiphex]

What a cute dog!

[@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!

[@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!

[@kabir_st9866]

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

[@janhenckell4178]

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

[@evanpincus2203]

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

[@AmyKnoles]

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

[@jonnyhead]

Best user videos online, thanks

[@pk9mmpara]

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

[@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!

[@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. :)

[@coinoperatedboyoffic]

Can we have a spin-off series starring Loopup?

[@loopop]

This was the pilot - you wouldn’t believe the synth tricks he can pull off

[@neilparnell2089]

@@loopop Can we have him and Rex the Dog do a Colab?

[@loopop]

Partially. He’s willing to do a Lab if you know what I mean

[@DECIMA1]

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

[@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.

[@anothercouture]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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 ;)

[@rossmotus669]

Tnank you very much for your useful demos.

[@tufelkahonda5323]

Interesting! Thank You For The Video!!

[@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..

[@Dexba]

Since I cannot afford it, I try to get exposed to it as much as I can through videos ✨

[@arturmpuga]

holly fuck dude, that is like the ultimate love letter of the internet age 👌👌👌👌👌

[@livinproof718]

Same here bro same here

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

Me too... DaMn.. $1800...

[@Dexba]

@@D.Z.A.-kp8lf I mean, it is packing a lot of value* and interesting features, but hey, that's still more than the average monthly salary in soooo many countries! *considering the synthesizer market, especially eurorack

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

@@Dexba trust me..I'm in America and that is some people's monthly rent price

[@eladreltuc]

Woulda loved hearing it with a DFAM

[@PaulBoos]

I was thinking of with the Impulse Command myself or the Fusebox.

[@AndrewDuncanNZ]

Extra credit for having a border collie in yer video!

[@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...

[@DayflightTrok]

This is more than other systems can

[@just-ask]

sehr geil.

[@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

[@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?

[@andreaskitzmann7391]

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

[@loopop]

Thanks! And no I have not

[@unsinndj]

I want this NOW!!!!

[@BEDM]

It’s a work of art.

[@hoganteaoh]

man that bass arp at the star was fkn toit

[@འབྲུག-ན2ཅ]

industrial heaven i have to save for this

[@christopherpederson1021]

It can do hiphop too.

[@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. :)

[@MinusNoir]

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

[@marccarpenter2680]

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

[@stjohnmantle6219]

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

[@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!!

[@martinocruzcruz4483]

Need a Heavy Bass? i got you! Man these troll music producer ads jesus. good video LP

[@loopop]

Sorrrry ads pay the bills

[@steveambrose1734]

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

[@end-quote]

Great content like always :]

[@Bod8998]

Nice outro

[@PolinaZakh]

Thanks!

[@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

[@marcinlacfik8813]

This or perkons. Simple question ffs. 🎉🎉❤❤

[@monariver66]

Je suis contente ! J’ai les commentaires en français !

[@rodrigoroque4831]

22:01 Suicide"s Ghost Rider ;)

[@mchyiporosty]

i love your dog

[@loopop]

gotta admit I do too

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

Is it just me or could the envelope be a little bit more "snappy". Maybe the settings in this demo are not the full range, but i feel specially the attack could be faster. Not sure, something is "dulled" overall. Great box for experimentation though.

[@rolandmdill]

Yes the envelopes are not the nicest tbh. Pair it with the right module and it will sound significantly crispier

[@FUNKINETIK]

A Box of Cross Modulated Chocolates - like that. : )

[@chestnut40]

aaaaah what a nice dog :))

[@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

[@unsinndj]

Did you manage to keep this beast???

[@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

[@Lubushqa]

Can you please review the Waldorf Kyra?

[@digitaldobbie]

Does this mean I have to get a large supply of cheese when I buy this or does it come with cheese?

[@loopop]

The cheese and dog are not included, sorry I forgot to mention that

[@peppesedin1765]

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

[@stonedapesociety5628]

Please make a video with pulsar AND Eryca Synths Perkons!

[@RPLKTR]

"MIDI sync works well but not on the first looparounds or on the first few seconds so if you're used to all your instruments singing together the moment you hit play on the master clock you'll need to give Pulsar a loop or two to catch up." That drummer would not stay long in a band 😂

[@loopop]

for sure, or just mute his drums for a couple of loops if you like what he plays

[@xivivix7195]

4:20 loopup!