Sonic LAB: SOMA Lyra 8 Drone Synth

The SOMA Laborary Lyra 8 is a Russian drone synthesizer with 8 tunable voices each, FM, dual delay, hyper LFO and distortion. It makes some pretty incredible sounds, but is not a standard instrument.
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[@SendyTheEndless]

So basically anything from an opium-fuelled utopian dream cityscape wonderland to a bag of dying cats in an industrial pipe? I like it :)

[@toddtrulock6809]

lmao im dying.

[@IndigoBassNotes]

It might also be a Church Organ made of volcanic glass under the Surface of Mars in a Billion year old Temple .

[@strelokknoize]

@@IndigoBassNotes That scares me way more than the dying cats in the industrial pipe. Guess I've been watching Alien vs Predator too often.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

This is straight out of the 70’s. The experimental/avant-garde guys are gonna LOVE this.

[@HOOPYFROODUDE]

I've had one for 6 months. It's one of the more difficult instruments in the sense it can take 20+ minutes to 'find' a good sound....but god-dammit, when you DO find a good sound, it's worth ten times the effort put in. Vlad Kreimer is a genius.

[@Blackeyedangel]

yeah man, this thing is somehow my favorite instrument of all my synths. Something about it just cannot get me to put it down. I absolutely love it. it literally becomes a part of your imagination. great synth.

[@jbowmanmusic]

Exactly right!

[@jnny7182]

3 years later, any thoughts?

[@c-shape]

I often use this machine in my work, from heavy drones to bittersweet underlays in ambient tracks, great instrument!

[@karlliebknecht4889]

Been following the development of this wonderful machine from the beginning. Never thought that the master reviewer-in-chief himself would bring it on his show.

[@sonicstate]

How could I not?

[@XanderEwald]

Three years later and it's already an absolute classic!

[@ZenMountain]

It is not. Maybe in your mind. No need to exaggerate man.

[@teddyjones3652]

@@ZenMountain no it definitely is

[@AlessandroMastroianni]

So true (5 years later)

[@FursAndMasksMusic]

A control freak's nightmare. A Dionysian dream.

[@jbowmanmusic]

This is a very good review of a synth that is extremely difficult to review. As Nick points out, in playing with Lyra one is continually stumbling across moments of great beauty which are essentially irreplicable. The Lyra's range is wide, her sound is deep. She truly is something else.

[@lawrencevaughan5373]

woah. It's like Twin Peaks Season 3, Episode 8 in audio. Fascinating and frankly terrifying. I like it.

[@lm0237]

🤣

[@MrDahlbacken]

Agree.

[@m.g.kroger]

Most original synth I've ever met. It asks you a totally open mind, which can be a very rewarding behaviour.

[@ImpulseGenerator]

21:02 Absolutely stunning piece of ambient! Wow, what a sound.

[@BarbieChaite]

the sound of a 800 euros reverb...

[@josheh4]

"If you're into military history..." Oh yes, yes I am, and I loved that reference.

[@matthewcody1757]

Yeah it worked for me but im old.

[@MilesBader]

Not only an amazingly cool instrument, but a spot-on perfect review... Nick really nails everything about this, he's perfectly even-handed and really gives a sense of what this unit is and its up- and downsides.

[@Nomo_Popo]

I was not expecting to be 3x more interested in this after hearing it as an effects unit. Wowzers!

[@christopherpederson1021]

I think the external processor is a huge plus

[@GNeuman]

Mine came yesterday, I only contacted them about a month ago! This is a truly paradigm breaking instrument!

[@dustinatoms]

this thing is amazing! so excited to check out more about this. makes me think of the swarmitron sorta and that thing is something i always wanted

[@RyanHarris77]

Great timing! Mine arrived the same day the video was posted. I waited 13 months for mine, including an additional month when I moved to the waiting list for the black case.

[@MUNRO13]

Love it. Great to see something different for once thats not only in modular!

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Love seeing/hearing solid state again

[@Marius-vw9hp]

Is Vlad the new Buchla?

[@kgbinfo]

This thing sounds incredible. I'm emailing this guy right now and getting on the waiting list.

[@swordghoti]

Great review, well explained. This is a very interesting new kind of instrument, good to see new ideas reaching fruition.

[@noisejockey]

It's like the perfect post-modern love child of a Buchla and a Ciat Lonbarde instrument. That low end is utterly manic. Not for everyone, but what an amazing artifact and instrument.

[@chipchasm]

Thanks for the honest review, saved me! Might get the delay module.

[@liamsparling]

your appreciation with electronics and sonic space really captivates and resonates with me. i love your content and thank you for hating the op-z! this lyra is really interesting thanks for showcasing it!

[@chvadsb]

Glad to see this reviewed by Sonicstate!

[@LesterH25]

Buy a Korg Nu Tekt for your Lyra 8. It means you’ll get quality stereo chorus, ensemble and shimmer/hall/space/plate/submarine reverbs. You’ll love your Lyra even more.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Wow, this would be EXCELLENT for Ambient & Drones!!!!! A+++++++++++

[@agerven]

Very well done Nick, thank you

[@griefytrolly]

In Soviet Russia, synthesizer plays you.

[@StanislavKochetkov]

nix ix so fresh

[@tsingtsai1416]

true😂

[@ZenMountain]

Oh man, you're so smart and funny. Thank you, thank you.

[@albywelch]

Sounds awesome! That delay is aweaome

[@NineHellHeaven]

I just rechecked my order for timelines. Placed pre-order 14th July. Delivery expected tomorrow or Thursday so 4 1/2 months. Not too bad since you don't pay until ready to ship.

[@K0r0n1s]

This thing is suitable for being part of a new Blade Runner soundtrack. I would love it :-) Loving this piece of gear and its non-linear approach. Great review, by the way.

[@ShadowPilot]

I was just going to say... soundtrack machine right here..

[@djoy38]

In this context linear means literally non convencional my son.

[@s3nsec0rruptr80]

@D’Marco Jackson I don't think it's specific to synths in this context but making a machine that works how the brain works--it's not just a simple action a leads to result b process, but a thing where you have to explore other aspects on the way.

[@GNeuman]

Has to be the freakiest sounding synth next to Buchla's Music Easel. Great review, Nick!

[@calzaronezerozeroone8670]

Loving the non-linear gear!

[@3D6Space]

I watched a bunch or reviews before yours, but you sold me on this thing... I should have 1 by Friday! My favorite demo from you was at 16:19 --> FM control explanation is f'n priceless. It really explains the entire machine - it works unexpectedly, which is what I love... I'm still laughing!

[@captainkiddoregon]

Thank you Nick for this great review! I was on the fence about getting one for quite some time but finally got on the list a few months back. I will probably have mine by the beginning of 2018. And as you mentioned I don't "need" it but want it. Cheers.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

This sounds perfect for ambience type music.

[@MichaelKathke]

Wow, love it! It looks easy modable/hackable.

[@IvanovSergeyMusic]

Beautiful. I love the lyre 8 !

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

16:30 That sound is beautifully gnarly. I definitely need a Lyra 8 in my life.

[@IndigoBassNotes]

I can confirm its worth it...a wormhole into a unknown Universe.....I explore and still realize its quite vast and mysterious.

[@buschovski1]

4yrs ago? wow i was thinking the Lyra came out at the beginning of 2022 Anyway, Im here to see how to play its silver keys. Havent figured that out yet

[@ChrisSmout]

Stripped down synthesiser innards? Phwoar, you're spoiling us this Friday!

[@sonicstate]

Its just so purtee inside though

[@rhampton1914]

Wow i want one of these Nick.. You really are knowledgeable about your gear.. Awesome Review..Thanks for sharing..

[@NineHellHeaven]

Great timing. I ordered mine a few months ago and just paid for it last night so am expecting one in the next week or two. I never considered it as an effects unit but now think that's what it'll spend most of its time doing followed by evenings with it on my lap with some wine and a portable recorder.

[@danielelston7457]

Other worldly, love it

[@Dudderlyful]

Fantastic creation!!

[@episnod]

Bravo! You explained the unexplainable.

[@zipnone1996]

Incredible! What would I do without Sonicstate, gg

[@OskariusI]

This video will extend the waiting list for another six months...

[@geompon6505]

Wow is it that long?

[@Superlover]

what a beast this is! thanks for introducing it, Nick!

[@KrisCadwell]

Man. I'd just like the delay section as a module. The self oscillation sounds great.

[@mgscheue]

And they did it!

[@episnod]

Nicely done Nick. If nothing else, this instrument provokes the conversation about instrumental technique, which is valid. And as you allude to the holy grail for electronic music... to be as directly expressive as a violin (or trumpet or saxophone, to include the major food groups). An observation: the best electronic music has some sort of very hands on component. i.e. Switched on Bach - played in in real time by Wendy Carlos, anything by Sobotinick or Éliane Radigue spending months and years with the ARP 2500. She learned how to PLAY this thing.!

[@JogLab]

Amazing piece of gear!

[@danaminyip]

wow amazing synth!!

[@djformalin]

Great video of a great instrument 🎼

[@DamienWise]

The SOMA Labs Lyra 8 sounds amazing. Every control has so much sensitivity; it gives you infinite possibilities and combinations for experimentation.

[@edwardprue]

So what you're saying is, someone disassembled a DSI Mono Evolver and reassembled it in a white box with cool looking trigger buttons! 😜 But seriously, it looks like a fascinating instrument that could be great, frustrating fun - and produce some great sounds! (now, back to mapping that Launch Control XL...)

[@georgeharris407]

This is a very interesting instrument with many possibilities. The inventor has explored what is almost intuitive controlling of the sound output. It would have been nice if he had made it perhaps a little more "accessible" to us more conventional musician (and also the people still learning). Vlad Kreimer is a unique performer so the design should not be surprising. I don't know if I would really buy one but I find it very interesting.

[@SorchaSublime]

looking forward to seeing your review of the most recent "organismic" synth, or rather, the new organismic drum machine...

[@timothynewman6062]

You went full David Mitchell / Mark Corrigan with that military history gag. ❤️

[@frederic_viennot]

thank you !!!!! great review :))))

[@Zemael]

Loved

[@AveMcree]

0:50 You killed me😂😂😂

[@RoryRonde]

i do have to admit, i read the title of the synth in the other way.......

[@mCKENIC]

Wow - great review Nick, thank you! What a wonderful box of noises it seems to be. I could never afford it but it looks/sounds to be 85% of the way to classic/genius level synth IMHO (100% being Synthi, Buchla Easel, 2600). Soon as I heard the delay from flicking off the vibrato I thought BBC 1950s - Radiophonic Workshop!

[@michaellyle8769]

okay so this + Landscape Stereo Field...

[@bobmichelle]

"T-34s or T-32s, if you're interested in millitary history.... (probably not)" Haha made my day x) But as a matter of fact I am, so the famous soviet tanks involved in WW2 (battle of Kursk, summer 1943, I just checked that out though) were T-34s ;)

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

That's my kind of instrument. I love freaky experimental sounds.

[@christoroppolo8742]

This is a historic synth. Peace Christo👽🎶🐕❤️

[@CarnageNetworkUK]

This is a live tweak machine and I want one!

[@lwispe]

I don't have a use for it, but I love it anyways!

[@janipashkvan797]

sounds so nice

[@cultofours2648]

I have a black one. It is so nice. Check out what Underworld did with a LYRA-8. So moving.

[@fledermaus8725]

Ordered one last Month. This vid makes the waiting time even worse :D

[@Spacerboy]

wow. amazing machine.

[@sodiumlights]

still waiting to hear this machine on Portishead's 4th album...c'mon Adrian!

[@FurfreeGaming]

Lustmord needs this!

[@nobel11]

Seems like the kind of thing you could get lost in for hours. I want one so bad.

[@landanr5037]

i love this synth... wish they where more straight forward to buy...

[@OXNism]

This might be the one for me.

[@mej6519]

great review of a mad box.

[@robertsyrett1992]

You can still use a Bitwig's CV calibration (or expert sleeper's silent way plugin suite) to control pitch from a DAW.

[@templemu]

you could it live and just say 'nothing will be recorded or sampled - you come to the gig or you don't' Team it up with a Kastel or two and you are truly unique.

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

I must have this. Not many people understand the beauty of un-repeatable freeform music. I think that's what he means by "non-linear"... you're not playing a memorized song or using any established techniques, just flowing with the sounds and letting things happen organically. You can do this with normal synths too, but it's great to see an instrument specifically built for music that is impossible to predict or repeat.

[@portwain]

Its inventor Vlad Kreimer is very interesting person. He attaches analog synths and controllers on his body and move/dance with them.

[@theeltea]

portwain Oh wow... So fresh!!! *sarcasm*

[@mijisthebest]

Wow TheLT, great comment!!! *sarcasm*

[@theeltea]

Voss I will clarify. Attaching shit to your body doesn't make you an interesting person. :)

[@iliilili310]

Found the one who's mommy won't buy them a Lyra 8.

[@theeltea]

Who might that be?

[@Ureallydontknow]

Nick Batt really pushing that sharp knob

[@KeksosDerGrosse]

Now that I owned and used one for almost a year (second revision in orange I might add) I strongly have to argue against Nick's statement that it's basically impossible to recreate any patches. Yes, it's quite difficult to remember the settings when one is just playing around with it - but that's also true for most modular environments. From my experience, it's an instrument that requires you do fully digest its possibilities and rely on your ears + memory/gut feeling for how it reacts to which settings. Once you're there, it's quite easy actually (except the fiddly LFO). So... yes, it takes commitment and most people will likely not want to spend the time unlearning what they can normally rely on. If you do, however, and any don't need keyboards or CV, it's a frickin' fantastic box of trippy journeys.

[@omomech]

Great!

[@vr4ever645]

Nice ending!

[@walterwhitney8530]

I have a question. Does anyone know if the interface they now sell that lays over the touch sensors and using alligator clip connections will allow you to trigger or otherwise control each pad with the new sequencer they make will also be compatible with eurorack signals? This would be a game changer for sure!!!

[@josefizquierdo6139]

DEVO & KRAFTWERK come to mind. 🎶🎹🎶

[@stmemusic]

@sonicstate can it be used as an effect module for input signal whilst still playing as a synth too?

[@thomashoffend4299]

The nonlinearity makes the device highly sensitive to initial conditions as in chaos theory. I guess, as Nick stated, to use in traditional music it is best to hit record and go back later to the bits you got that you like and keep them as samples. Patching up a modular synth to do something similar would take a large rig! I confess that I am intrigued.

[@aons5481]

I've sort of Got the sounds with a VST, but looking forward to get one actually

[@pmlostracco184]

love

[@DivKid]

ooooft lovely.

[@alanbg2278]

Right up my street. Unfortunately I can't afford the rent : ( oops...on the list...there is always the tent...

[@AlexKislitsyn]

whew that outro

[@Blofehlt]

Ordered one last week. such a fascinating machine. however, it's not going to arrive before april next year :(

[@gong_life]

Thanks for the review! Could you advise some alternative Ambient-synths below $1500?

[@jumbosilverette]

Wow!