SOMA Cosmos - Its Not A Looper, Its A Drifting Memory Station - SonicLAB Review

[@zerocrossing]

“I like it, but I’m not sure how I would use it,” Nick said, as he proceeded to use it in an awesome way.

[@hundovir]

I'm not sure that I need another drifting memory station, given the state of my own memory these days.

[@hundovir]

On the other hand the Loscil and Steve Reich vibes are right up my alley.

[@supercompooper]

memory is like a train, you can see it getting smaller as it goes away

[@FrankNobelMusic]

😂

[@Matli-MC]

Then it's... a metronome :)))

[@RedMeansRecording]

Goddamn your frozen hall thing was absolutely insanely beautiful

[@pjnewman5947]

I got mine yesterday. I watched this video some time ago . Played with COSMOS before watching video again. RTFM! Great pedal, great video. Thank you Vlad. Thank you Nick.

[@midnightsocean2689]

Love that you made a vid with this! Such an amazing machine. Makes it feel like the longest pre-order wait ever. I keep lol-ing when people wonder how this could be used musically, being * gasp * un-quantized and all. Non-repeating, unfolding uniqueness, is at the heart of inspiration. You said it your self, this is a vibe you would have never discovered your self. This is a machine to get people out of a rut. It's the strange seed that sprouts new wonderful things. And yeah, record record record. The loops and pads you will get, will be like nothing before

[@2112jonr]

Odd isn't it? Some of the greatest music in history was made before we quantized. At least 500 years without it. Then, EDM aside, which totally works as a result OF being quantized, everything else gets utterly crappy and forgettable within 10 years, and sounds generic and the same as every other inoffensive, beige piece of bland. We've gone full circle and we're back to the dreadful Schlager Musik era of the 60's where no one could get excited about anything in mainstream music. Because there was nothing to get excited about.

[@kennywowie]

Disagree just a bit with your "this is a vibe you would have never discovered your self" as I have found all kinds of strange unpredictable and uneven spaces via use of multiple loopers and delay boxes all being manipulated real-time and playing off each other., gets crazy and sometimes very coherent. Having one localized central unit instead of five or six is the enticing thing here.

[@midnightsocean2689]

@@kennywowie Those weren't my words. I was just reiterating them from the vid as use to support my stance: A non-quantized machine lends it's self extreme well to discovery and uniqueness, which, IMO is extremely important. No worries though, the company decided to cut the balls off the project, adding quantization. I understand it was probably a good marketing move. I just personally was more impressed with this machine in it's raw original form.

[@v0Xx60]

​@@midnightsocean2689 or just don't use the rhythmic firmware? you can still get the OG firmware with all its unpredictable goodness.

[@midnightsocean2689]

@@v0Xx60 Good point but it's a non-stater now thanks to lack of money and chip shortages. I actually had to cancel my pre-order after months of waiting. Really a shame.

[@0VRLNDR]

11:26 "I like it I'm not sure how I could use it." Proceeds to use it. "Ooooooh yeah...." 🤣🔥

[@stephanechamotif_rblackwoo4528]

I think we all felt it the same... it is a beautiful sequence.

[@midnightsocean2689]

lol I know right! XD

[@danpreston564]

Feels like running it into another looper to capture best moments could be a way to make it more 'useful'.

[@jacco1967]

This is how I’m gonna use it.

[@kodykindhart5644]

That’s why things like the mood and habit are amazing

[@chrischain_]

The jam at 10:30 and on was amazing. Nick being like "I don't know how I could use it" meanwhile I'm here meditating looking like 2:01

[@stephanechamotif_rblackwoo4528]

It is a so great sequence. Makes me think (for real) of Larry Heard's (mr fingers, Chicago) background ambiences. (Like on the blue double lp) It is a beautiful acid seq.

[@3HO]

Nick, U R a Genius, always find ways to inspire us even with machines that are incomprehensible at first sight

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

Combining that thing with the Lyra 8 would be sonic meditation paradise.

[@cosmonaut5292]

kzbin.info/door/8BrnV2kT268mf1q47rDYuw

[@JonathanMLParker]

I've already pre-ordered a Cosmos, as I adore Soma Laboratories innovative hardware. Delivery currently expected in November. Can't wait!

[@annother3350]

What happens if you fiddle with that central function knob while a loops playing Nick?

[@macronencer]

I'm still not sure whether I want one of these or not. I've heard it make really beautiful sounds, but only when beautiful sounds are put into it. I don't know whether my sounds are beautiful enough :)

[@trickfall8752]

I primarily do two kinds of electronic music. I do music that's intended for an audience and music that's purely for my own consumption. This unit seems like it's perfect for the latter. I could see getting lost in it for hours.

[@thx1138abc1]

Yay. Name check Fripp, GONG and the mighty Hillage. Nice one Nick, loved the review. Fascinating piece of equipment.

[@andrewanderson1988]

This is 100% the kind of thing I have wanted from every delay I have ever played.

[@simonfenn3791]

Thanks Nick for this wonderful review. This is the first thing from SOMA that floats my boat ! Vlad is a genius, and for the price it is competitive with other top quality "effects" units.

[@kablehead]

I was waiting for this kind of looper. Hands on and unpredictable.

[@RonCavagnaro]

I'm on the preorder list can't wait to combine with my microcosm :) dreamy ambience !

[@Synth-PatchesCom]

The question is: when? :)

[@RonCavagnaro]

@@Synth-PatchesCom they told me mid September

[@Synth-PatchesCom]

@@RonCavagnaro I'm afraid we should forget about September.

[@RonCavagnaro]

@@Synth-PatchesCom well they emailed me that about a week ago when I asked. Is there another update I don't know about?

[@Synth-PatchesCom]

@@RonCavagnaro I have the info from someone close to SOMA, but I hope he's wrong :)

[@DetroitMicroSound]

My current favorite things are still my granular patches in ZOIA, and Microcosm as aux effects, while also feeding each other at the same time. That box is cool tho!

[@ernestpall1665]

Microcosm is in a similar territory with Cosmos, in many ways.

[@spaceman103]

11:25 You are already using it! Doesn’t need anything more. Sounds great.

[@Jehudi]

Very interesting sonic "state"! What could have been an interesting thing for the Cosmos is a filter cutoff and resonance knob for the filters. And a few extra modes where the sweeping is automated but reacts to the drifting and the blur. Getting sweeping and S&H filter sounds together with the loop, this with delays granulating with the reverb. Oh what an idea! Resonance increases and decreases but differently? And much more! Who knows perhaps a Cosmos XL with a lot of extra options would come one day?

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

BRILLIANT DEMO! Great job Nick. As always you are the consummate professional. I can envision using one of these on my next tour to Japan. Keep up the great work. Here's a drink to world peace!!

[@ethermod307]

Why add normal looping functions? I mean there are so many normal loopers out there. SOMA are leading people into something new here. Who knows maybe in 10 years this would be considered a "normal" looper ;)

[@sonicstate]

You could be right. But tempo probably isn't going anywhere just yet

[@albertopicciau9934]

nice video thanks! do we have to pay attention to the volume of sound that is inserted into the cosmos? I mean if the volume it receives is too high, could it damage the cosmos? I recently damaged a loop pedal :D

[@BrtNdR73]

Best of all the astonishing Uno pro 👍

[@pawnotdaw4559]

Nick is easily the best musical reviewer. I think this doesn’t need to worry about rhythms as it excels at Frippertronics kind of cosmos. Still trying to see if my Zoia can get there first.

[@stephenroldan5107]

Zoia can

[@pawnotdaw4559]

@@stephenroldan5107 I know. Just got to put in the work I guess

[@m.g.kroger]

It's dream machine like no other. I'd buy one in a snap!

[@scottj2112]

@17:03 = Time remaining until everyone here buys a Cosmos

[@pucanga7880]

It's very nice their approach on. 'mediative' or 'drifting memories', just like in a dreamy state of mind and music. I was wondering, what is that midi controller? I like the sounds/pluggins!

[@sonicstate]

That is an IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro - lovely synth

[@andytawse]

Feels like the momentary erase is the part that would make it useful for rhythmic pieces? You built up a nice groove using that and I could imagine tapping in rhythms along with the rest of my track

[@malcolmgerald]

£570 (over half a grand) for basically a four track delay is a lot of money especially if there's no midi, memory patches or sync options. Anyone know a similar software equivalent to this unit?

[@weeverob]

Very nice, thx! What brand is your keyboard? 👍

[@winstonelectric]

these sonicstate cosmos demos are breathing life in me until the preorder productions ship

[@otherreality]

Amazing review as always Nick!

[@extraterrestriallover1484]

can't wait to use the Cosmos with OB6! great review Nick!

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Magnificent review.

[@carstensorensen154]

Great device and great review as always. Reminds me of Bastl Thyme, which also lets you noodle into weird territory, but the Thyme immediately seems deeper in terms of control and also has midi sync option.

[@stephenroldan5107]

Yeah, the thyme pretty much

[@MattKeenanMusic]

Good shout Carsten, the Thyme looks decent as well

[@moonscore]

Yes, definitely in that same creative approach. I will say, I liked the “drifting memory” functions of Thyme, but sold it pretty quickly because of the very quick destruction of the original sample with every repetition. Useless for non-glitchy music. This looks like what some would have originally wanted in the Thyme. Also to me, midi sync leads the user away from the purpose of this thing.

[@KarlHargreaves]

Cheers for the vid, sounds exactly what I need for the 'music' I make.

[@GNeuman]

Good review, I agree with Nick, how do you integrate this from being standalone? A nice edition would have been MIIDI in and out to allow clock in or clock out with a switch to allow either interal or external clocking.....

[@tendingtropic7778]

agreed

[@mike_qbik]

well, then it would be like any other microcosm will suit you better. the magic here is that its so freestyle so to speak. got myslef one a week ago and I have never got lost for so many hours with super ambient bliss with other fx boxes. this is trully different experience.

[@GNeuman]

@@mike_qbik I've since bought one, it's superb! 😁👍😁👍

[@Ratskank]

Nick “Not sure how I could use it” All of us “Just record an album of you with that and various synths and take our money!” 😄

[@regruse9040]

You naughty chap. Having forced me to get a NYX v2 you now encourage me further into the Abyss...

[@moretrio]

How about tempo? Can you clock it or control it at all?

[@jacco1967]

No clock, no sync

[@moretrio]

@@jacco1967 thats a shame, i feel it would take it to the next level.

[@shiva007freephenix]

Does anybody know is there is something equivalent from another company and also if there is a software/VST doing the same than what the Soma Cosmos is doing ?

[@seoverus7805]

Vst - Maybe Spacecraft - Hardware = Norns running barcodes.

[@nathankirklambo1986]

So many neat synthesizers entering the market right now. When will you break into some of them?

[@juliusway]

Any thoughts on this vs the hologram microcosm?

[@matt-marque]

It's as if a Happy Accident Machine had a baby with itself.

[@Olympic1080]

Hi Nick, thank you for this really interesting review, and all of the Friday Fun sessions wiht the Cosmos (or any other of the Friday Fun sessions, very motivational). Based on these, and other reviews I now am a happerly owner of a Cosmos. I have a question about the setup or signal flow when using the Cosmos. Would you prefer to hook it op directly behind the synt, or in the Aux send return chain in in a mixer. In the later other synts and sound sources can use the Cosmos. But also more controles are involved. And maybe the longer signal flow introduces more noise. Sure it does this already in my experience. Anyone has any thoughts about this?

[@markgolland5717]

My memory is always drifting

[@annother3350]

On memory bliss?

[@alanbg2278]

tbh , I've heard several reviewers say "record record record" or similar. I think this misses the point. My advice ( as a happy owner ) would be " Play play play " . No stress , less megabytes ! ( edit frm the future, the Rhythmic firmware is here )

[@KenshoBeats]

If you talk Steve Hillage Gong I you basically talking about the EMS Synthi used on You. Love. The machine btw, I’d love to plug in my sp or mpc.

[@asynchronicity]

Very cool, but about 200 USD too much perhaps

[@lordgeronimo72]

That IKEA stand though

[@matthsmatthsmatths]

Want! Really nice review. I’m wondering how well it would sync with other kit and in fact how

[@TheFatdust]

no sync

[@mCKENIC]

Wow! What an idea generator!!!

[@toono21]

6:54 ross from friends talk to me youll understand

[@joeharley3846]

How can I get one in the US? Google seems to suggest they're only retailing in Europe, I think lol. Found this video on my way out the door to work 8)

[@joshsolarlovesyou]

Cosmos said available in october. i preordered from perfect circuit but who knows when they’re getting them 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@joeharley3846]

@@joshsolarlovesyou i saw a video last night about the updated firmware with a looper added....hope I can find one with the original firmware. I need what Cosmos does, not another boomerang lol

[@joshsolarlovesyou]

@@joeharley3846 yeah. i’m with you. the firmwares are all loaded via sd card so you can use whatever firmware you want. i just want them to ship the damn thing. 😂

[@tendingtropic7778]

did that firmware update ever happen?

[@mike_qbik]

yes. its called A rhythmic version of COSMOS firmware. The firmware makes it possible to work with clearly defined tempo and rhythm and contains possibilities of a regular looper.

[@slakk5093]

This is awesome. I love the tape loop on the Strymon El Deco and this is a bit like a giant version of that

[@xBattsey]

Capistan!*

[@fishstickkitty8068]

My wife has said that I'm a drifting memory station

[@PatientRichard]

Reminds me of a hardware version of Barcodes on Norns.

[@seoverus7805]

I just listened to different YT vids on Barcodes - Yes Very similar but Imagine these 2 Working as Twins !!

[@PatientRichard]

@@seoverus7805 yes, that would be a lovely pair!

[@djandreezer]

No midi for sync?

[@sonicstate]

No sync or tempo based functions

[@cohaagenup]

I want one of these sooooo badly.

[@whitelightenergydads]

nick, you should have wore a cape at the beginning

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

I stand by my El Capistan. I love it so much.

[@gazfunk]

You had me at Steve Hillage.

[@JayaLove]

10:10 digital frogs!

[@BlueSB017]

Bought - great for film work

[@stephenroldan5107]

So its a bigger thyme?

[@N-trepid1]

Yup. & you like my graphic?

[@stephenroldan5107]

@@N-trepid1 yes sir.lol

[@stephanechamotif_rblackwoo4528]

Hello and cheerios Nick ! thanks for sharing your super awareness about equipment. (After watching your vids i bought 2 pieces). Well i think this one (super sound machine) is more easy to use but less powerful than my Memory Hazarai Man... Btw at the time of its release they made a crazy crazy commercial video clip. (Meditation and magick were in the air too..) Bests and byeee

[@radiowaved]

Looks very interesting. I'd love to see you review the new hologram microcosm.

[@recsund]

Orbital @ 16:45 :)

[@pappachook]

Can this device open trans-dimensional portals though?

[@Am6-9]

You might need external chemical support for that…

[@Ratskank]

@@Am6-9 might

[@theinnermostsanctum]

Caught you trying to turn a footswitch and toggle one of those thingamajigs. I'd love to own one.

[@nickpritchard7130]

Quick build of interesting background textures is possible. Follow this with a synth lead, drums and bass, and your in business. Great vid Nick. I thought the last 45 seconds of this vid really showed what i would use it for. It,s pricey for what it offers,, but isn,'t everything these days.. Big thankyou for this one.

[@deanivan3951]

Seems like a more pricey Zoia with way less features imo.

[@rattlededge-somemikeratled1630]

five months and this product is not even remotely ready to ship.

[@InderNett4tube]

This demo makes me greedy but the longer I have time to think about it the less greedy I get. So ... advertising this as long it's not available seems to me the most stupid thing I could imagine.

[@DerekPower]

So you can purposefully make something like Phaedra 😁

[@christianthompson1473]

Er, film music?

[@ohstirfry]

I can see 100 uses for it, but is it worth the investment.

[@laurencevanhelsuwe3052]

Sorry, but Cosmos will always be associated with Carl Sagan in my mind..

[@artisan002]

That is just delicious.

[@Ratskank]

Great review, look over and sounds Nick, great job, It sounds brilliant and a lotta fun, but out of budget for now unfortunately

[@valeriocapriotti9693]

Bellissimo!!!!!

[@sodiumlights]

thats one big bird! Sounds stunning. The design graphic is a wasted opportunity (so far) considering all that space...

[@RobertChegempl]

nice.. i want 1

[@tito.tarantula]

Thank goodness it's not for everybody. Who wants to use what everybody's using? Wonderful review and performance though, thank you.

[@r.e.d.62]

This or the habit...at less than half the price

[@supercompooper]

I had a really shitty interaction with Soma. They make amazing stuff but have at least one asshole working for them answering emails.

[@tendingtropic7778]

too bad there are no tempo based functions/sync possibilities

[@TheFatdust]

as much as i love sonicstate, lately i got the strong feeling , if filter doesn't swounds nice" (like another 200 synths already), and it is not in Nick's territory of liking or acceptance, it is strange product in best. With this example, in the end, it is a problem that, it doesnt keep any proper rhytmic rules and everything is out from out there.. jeeez, this machine IS buil;d like that, that it is its strenght, that is why is in existance, thats why there is no clock sync.... I am sorry, I am dissapointed. as NIck said, it is not for everyone (like what else is apart of oxygen and water), this review defo doesn't work for me.

[@disarmsox]

Never mind the review, what do you think of it?

[@TheFatdust]

@@disarmsox i personaly love it, and on the waiting list ever since. i got pulsar and lyra, and it is so organic and just a dream come true. there is milions of other delays, reverbs, whatever... but NONE is like Cosmos. i learned to embrace what the instrument got to offefer rather to cry what it does not.

[@disarmsox]

@@TheFatdust it wouldn't be a review if it failed to cover the negatives as well as the positives.

[@TheFatdust]

@@disarmsox of course. But its like reviewing chopsticks and crying about missing knife's sharp edge

[@disarmsox]

@@TheFatdust lol, I see what you mean now.

[@alienbleeps]

🖤

[@powerkor]

blimey

[@annother3350]

The design, to me, doesnt really fit in with their usual branding. it should have been mustard yellow!

[@thedanni88]

haha always when the instrument is not totally basic this guy is like, it's to weird haha

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

Done deal. Bill me now.

[@ShaighJosephson]

Sorry, this was a lame review trying to push this way overpriced effect... Like the Lyra-8, people will get sick of not being able to recreate anything they produce on it...

[@mikehawk9461]

I’m don’t buy black hardware anymore, looks boring, try using colors.

[@sykorabsurd]

I am done with musical applications. Today's popular 'music' is barely so anyway. Getting closer or simply believing one is nearer to the 'sound' of dreams & nightmares is my reason to still make noises (it is not Bach, Beethoven, or Beefheart). This machine speaks to that notion.