Solar 42: A unique cinematic drone synthesizer

More info on this very cool synth: www.eltamusic.com/solar-42
Support what I do on Patreon: / dhilowitz
Find my FILM & INSTRUMENTAL music here: davidhilowitz.bandcamp.com
Find my ROCK MUSIC here: manwomanchild.bandcamp.com

[@correlationstonone]

Instant Vangelis vibes from the Blade Runner soundtrack. Very cool.

[@MotoGreciaMarios]

Exactly.

[@eatdrinkwineguy]

First thing I thought too. Went straight to the comments to see who else thought the same.

[@Kroenen1895]

I thought the same thing.

[@RetrovexAmbient]

Itd be even closer if he used a highpass filter instead of a cutoff, very cool piece of hardware💜

[@HazyJ28]

I was thinking like.. The lead he designed would fit well in Mass Effect

[@EricBalcon]

The inventor of this machine deserve a huge amount of respect. This is stunning and so your video. Thanks

[@JamesHartnell]

Ah, right - doing his thing for the liberation of his country - that would get my respect. But making a synthesiser is probably more important. Maybe he's sickly or something, unable.

[@E_Proxy]

@@JamesHartnell his country is guided by a puppet put there by the US (as usual) that started the war.

[@scillyautomatic]

OK. I'm skipping lunch and putting the money in a jar. Starting to save my pennies for this box! Love it.

[@degrotekoningwouter]

Selling kidney brb guys🤣

[@exshenanigan2333]

Good luck saving 1800 Euro in a jar.

[@leontedumitru]

Unfortunately it's already sold out

[@scillyautomatic]

@@degrotekoningwouter Ooo! Kidney! Good idea!

[@navigator8222]

Consume new products

[@timdanyo898]

You’ve made this visually complex instrument at first look be totally logical and usable. This is now on my list for synth purchases. It’s an ambient sound color palette.

[@Bear2U]

Must be, says ambient right on the tin, paid promotioner told me 😉

[@timdanyo898]

@@Bear2U it was cool to hearing it used outside of an ambient construct too.

[@andrewkerridge2565]

You could score an entire movie with this thing. So cool

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

The absolute hero that designs and builds these deserves a Nobel Prize and his own planet to rule over. I'm saving up for one.

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

I mean for a Solar 42. Not a planet.

[@spicysalad3013]

@@hammalammadingdong6244 :wheeze: I'm glad I'm not the only person who thought of that

[@KnapfordMaster98]

A synth with zero sliders and only knobs is such a vibe. Vintage reissues could probably save a lot of space and cost by going with that approach, it has such a fun look to it.

[@noahtotten]

You’re right about the cost thing, but I’ve found sliders at or under 40mm to use the same amount of panel space as pots! Sure, one might want bigger sliders, but imo 35-40mm is plenty of travel for parameter adjustment. typically the combination of pots and sliders is the best way to make space efficient panels. Sliders also have other benefits like only needing a single finger to operate, meaning they can be bunched closer together, unlike pots. I totally agree that the all pot design on this is great though!

[@byron2837]

Hey David, love the video. This is on my wish list. You mentioned that you wouldn’t recommend his synth for a beginner to do this sort of thing. What would you recommend?

[@frdradio]

I really appreciate the fact you checked paid promotion. I hate it when creators dont because "insert justification". You have integrity.

[@1783W]

Where does it say that?

[@eosiswastaken]

@@1783W at the start of the video

[@crtgamer2355]

Why do people care anyway? It's his business.

[@eosiswastaken]

@@crtgamer2355 yeah but it's always good to know if the opinions of someone may or may not have been influenced by a brand sponsoring

[@tomhaswell6283]

Blade Runner: The Instrument

[@NZhard70]

Wow! Headphones a must, talk about instant transportation to another world.

[@felne7335]

gotta be one the coolest and most unique synths I've ever seen

[@sarundayo]

Part synth, part Spaceship control board. Love it ❤

[@FelipeBudinich]

I'm not a musician I fell here because of the youtube algo and fell in love with this sound, amazing.

[@thirtysixverts]

I just got one, and I'm very new to synths, so this is wonderful to see such a basic, straightforward video. Looking forward to hopefully more!

[@snivets8]

Is this good for beginners? It seems like more of its output is pleasing than other synths I've tried (also a beginner). That seems like it would keep me engaged longer.

[@agus9807]

Its like a giant piece of Art

[@peterbradburn9115]

Six odd minutes in says introduction of white noise makes a more oceany sound and immediately makes the sound of the old Arena - BBC telly arts programme - intro, which featured a neon Arena sign, in a bottle, floating on moving water. Made me very happy 😀 Amazing synth. And, as ever, beautiful video, matey 👍

[@macronencer]

I remember that intro too!

[@punzai72]

The Arena music was Another Green World by Ambient pioneer Brian Eno. 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWelY2VrobGpj5Ysi=wDkEHiOOjTZqZFmk

[@peterbradburn9115]

@@punzai72 Oh, that's fantastic, thank you. Always thought it was Eno-ey. Shall be listening to that album, today 👍

[@J3ff_K1ng]

The light feature could be cool for a live show with lots of lights systems

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

This was a really great rundown of a fantastic instrument. Thank you for taking the time to put this video together.

[@willardroad]

Just recently started following, and this video does not disappoint! I've been an audio and music tech since the days of vinyl and 4-track studios, and yet I still geek out over equipment like this. Thanks for giving exposure to something I would have completely missed otherwise.

[@ryan.noakes]

This looks like a really fascinating piece of gear, thank you for introducing us to it.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

This is the coolest channel I didn’t even know I needed.

[@Anthony_D_333]

This is the best walk-through on this synth on youtube. Thank you for clearing my confusion.

[@Ethanol_Man]

i always get so excited whenever you upload, love your content man

[@florianvie4554]

sooooo inspiring, this is wonderful. Thanks very much for all your cool videos David!

[@mrchair5676]

Holy Moly that things looks sick af.

[@adamposey4441]

The visuals and editting get better and better with each video!! Its so cool to see your content evolve!!

[@leerose8628]

Holy shit it’s a Vangelis machine.

[@lairdtomfrenchelectromusic2545]

I can't get enough of your demonstration of this magnificent machine. A big crush for the sound universe that starts at the beginning of your video. Totally mesmerizing!

[@DanHahnProfile]

Sounds beautiful, and played beautifully too

[@justinhunt1714]

It is so incredibly beautiful and the amount of controls packed into it is madness!!! What an appealing design too

[@Notsram77]

I've loved this synth since I first saw it, but you've really made some music with it that I feel in my heart.

[@Schuisadrummist]

Wow, this popped up in my feed and now I'm into ambient music.

[@ADI_G.]

It's freaking awesome 😎 hat's off to the maker

[@PrincePresto1]

I have spent a day just watching your ability to create music in so many ways. So inspiring! Thank you.

[@marklholloway]

Beautiful instrument, overview, and demo! Love it ❤

[@TheBrianDightman]

Watching this video and listening to your narration was a lot of fun. Very exciting synth, thank you for sharing!

[@tomhill4003]

Freaking amazing! It's everything I love about the old analog synths that I grew up on.

[@GoLoopAudio]

Great to see this drone synth being used in a different context, thanks for the video!

[@bluerocket4377]

That sounds amazing, great work!

[@doovid_]

This is such a great video on such an incredible synth!

[@The73rdSecret]

Sounds amazing

[@cassieg4486]

gorgeous synth

[@djjohnny5166]

Thank you so much for this remarkable demonstration of this beauty

[@guilessa]

What an amazing instrument.

[@peterscherr]

Thanks for posting! Great brief walk-through...

[@h.p.734]

This is incredible... the BGM was great and the machine is a real work of art. I would definitely buy this

[@gameplayti2909]

Amazing.

[@resignurdrnk7535]

i love these sounds

[@thoreenmusic]

Thank you so much for introducing this incredible synth to me with a wonderful video. I don’t know how I will resist getting one. If I don’t find a live use for it, it will definitely still be my personal therapy machine.❤

[@dangerkiller8251]

Thank you for sharing. This is such an amazing build. I really hope someday that I get to experience it.

[@AmirPourkashef]

wow, dreamy sound indeed.

[@leonardodaforno6536]

That's really amazing! Beautiful sounds came out of this instrument-machine

[@88divinegrace]

I LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing!

[@craigeales1532]

Excellent video. Really pleasant to watch, clear, well paced. Easy to listen to. Super professional, loved it.

[@damondarkwalker]

Thank you for the review. Quality work!

[@SolKonstrukt]

Beautiful gear ... Love the look. and the sound..

[@DoktorPlay]

I fell in love on the first look!

[@PFDarkside]

Holy crap this is amazing. Fantastic video!

[@merlinoner]

This video is very well done. Thank-you.

[@douglassrogers4466]

This is mind blowing.. so freaking cool

[@e-conrecords4665]

This is totally amazing!

[@idlerwheel]

The sounds that it puts out are warm, rich, luxuriant...like bathing in white hot fire but with copper green glints throughout. I feel elevated and enervated. I feel worn, both lovingly and through. This machine fills me with ennui for an existence I'll never know and a nostalgia for a place I've never been. And so, saudade, and so it goes. Once again, another fantastic video.

[@jon_gee]

Excellent video thank you for this beautiful display of this instrument’s capabilities. Nice commentary.

[@AlwaysDrawing2012]

This is an ultra cool synth! Thanks for sharing this video! : )

[@metroidmania8833]

I saw this in my watch next list randomly and didn't even listen to the first 10 seconds when I paused the video, went to the website and bought one straight away!!! Thank you for this!!! I got the yellow one. I'm a Sci-fi Junkie and musician, I build Sci-fi guitars that for PERFECTLY with this device. Wish I could share pics on here! Thank you again!

[@banyarling]

Also thinking of yellow, gives me an Alien mech hangar vibe

[@metroidmania8833]

@banyarling that's why I went with yellow! I'll have to customize it once it arrives. (I know,... I'm crazy like that. I'll spend exorbitant amounts of money on brand new items and wreck'em up before even using them) Wish I could add pics here to show you the guitars I've been building. They look like they've been sitting in an alien cargo hold for centuries.

[@banyarling]

@@metroidmania8833 nice! I usually associate freak guitars with Japanese modders, some crazy guys out there.

[@banyarling]

Like I think James Iha (just a coincidence he's Japanese-American) here is just playing a prop kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoCop3enh9drb5o&ab_channel=Ljubi%C5%A1aD%C5%BEune but I've seen articles in guitar mags about functional but similarly weird stuff being designed in Japan

[@TheParachutePeople]

It sounds so GOOD!

[@brigitpimm8488]

That's lovely.

[@sharonedigitale]

Your videos stir such nostalgic wonder…like xmas morning as a little sister seeing your brother get a gadget and giddily knowing that you’re gonna spend the entire day fascinated alongside him learning the gadget instead of on the things you got.

[@8bitDNA]

Spot on…couldn’t have said it any better

[@megloton]

Man that thing sounds amazing

[@bmxbones]

This is the raddest gizmo I've seen in a minute. ❤

[@HazyJ28]

I really enjoyed this video. Such a unique synth.

[@ThomasConover]

❤❤❤ absolutely beautiful piece of hardware 😮

[@RivetHead999]

Found that guy on Facebook years back, and he makes such awesome stuff. Loved watching his vids where he’s actually making them and troubleshooting tweaking, etc.

[@petergedd9330]

Beautiful

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

What an incredible machine ❤

[@reghretti]

Dreaming of an alternate universe David Hilowitz that produces the grimiest, sludgiest drones in the universe

[@imnetec]

Solar 42, What a wonderful instrument, great video.

[@andrewhillis9544]

W-O-W I LIKE THIS ! ! ! VERY JOHN FOXX 'CATHEDRAL OCEANS' ! ! !

[@HavekAttacketh]

This is incredible!

[@jetlag_beats]

Awesome instrument!

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

Wow, this is actually amazing.

[@laylahassomethingtosay]

Mine's not coming til at least May, but it's the most excited I've been for any gear in years😁 Thankful for videos like this in the meantime❤

[@dylansm]

Great review. Looks amazing.

[@khajo9486]

You're both geniuses and legends. Omg.

[@wojwoj06]

Perfect for someone wanting to experiment with magical vibes! So cool! Me want!

[@hectorgeronimo97]

You're a genius. ❤ great work. Love your videos

[@Frankenstein-1]

Wonderful! I think I want one.

[@cjsamtab7]

Rad as radical it can be! COOL!!

[@kajetkawa6024]

Amazing sound

[@edwardfletcher7790]

The huge number of knobs is VERY arousing 😲 And those 4 LDR sensors and cartridges, GENIUS 👍 It's like a complete film soundtrack in a single machine......MAGNIFICENT !!!

[@Bear2U]

😏 arousing indeed 😉 my wife loves my reaction already and I haven't even purchased yet

[@thedarkknight1971]

The optical sensors give a Theremin kind of usability to it 🤔😏 😎🇬🇧

[@petergedd9330]

I had to take a cold shower

[@pixelmethworld]

I love your video and the SOLAR 42! ❤

[@NohFyuchur]

I immediately thought that Tangerine Dream would have loved this machine..looks and sounds really inviting

[@TangoDelta70]

They may incorporate it into their setup

[@DorisDay-lw4xs]

I would imagine Eno would be interested too.

[@NohFyuchur]

@@DorisDay-lw4xs i concur

[@EposVox]

This looks amazing what

[@sidbyob]

Thank you for introducing me to so many unique instruments and for the work you put into DecentSampler and the libraries you provide for it, I have recently begun diving into generative music creation with the likes of Fugue Machine and AUM and the like, this synthesizer you’re presenting here is such a cool beast, hope it gets sampled some day, this is one I don’t think I could pass on purchasing!

[@strayportal]

Great video. Thank you. Another wonderful piece of gear to empty the bank.

[@Khemikal_X]

always a great video

[@Nini42317]

Very nice movie ....... and awesome synth! I love it.

[@nirajfilms1040]

Amazing video, so joyful to listen...

[@EdBMetal]

Looks and sounds like an absolute beauty! I love how you say you can plug in a guitar and use it as a big effect. I’m more a guitar guy than synth, but this looks like pure ear- and eyecandy!

[@jukkaniittymaa]

Truly amazing synth! I don't do ambient (at the moment), but this review made me to want to do it again! Thanks!