Sound design and some crazy powerful features of the Synthstrom Deluge

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The Synthstrom Deluge goes far deeper than just a big sequencing grid - the underlying synth has a few crazy powerful features.
I put together a clip with some of the surprises found under the hood.
Things like sample and filter layering, morphing single cycle waveforms (not sure it's intended for this but it works…) and a crazy powerful mod matrix make this a standout synth machine.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I'll be happy to respond in the comments.
Here's a link to download the single cycle waveforms mentioned in the clip:
www.adventurekid.se/AKRTfiles/...
More info here:
www.adventurekid.se/akrt/wave...
Time stamp links by Jorg Wessels (thank you!)
00:25 Isomorphic layout
02:20 Waveform/overtone
03:05 Substractive synth
03:40 Filter & resonance
04:55 FM & ring synth
07:00 Playing samples
07:35 Single cycle waveforms
08:50 Layering samples
10:20 Layering filters
11:45 Unison 4 everything
13:40 The mod matrix
18:10 Morphing waveforms
19:25 Manual automation
20:40 Effects
22:15 Sidechain
23:05 Filter envelopes
24:35 The patches
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 what 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.

[@cameramanjack3854]

"I need you focussed" is the best line of advice in this vid. Deluge is somehow incredibly immediate and simple while simultaneously deep and complex. In just a few days I've made so many sounds and tracks I love while knowing I've got countless hours of learning to do in order to unlock its full potential

[@mikeexits]

That's basically how I feel about learning Ableton, lol

[@JoergWessels]

That was awesome. The only thing missing is clickable timestamps, like this: 00:25 Isomorphic layout 02:20 Waveform/overtone 03:05 Substractive synth 03:40 Filter & resonance 04:55 FM & ring synth 07:00 Playing samples 07:35 Single cycle waveforms 08:50 Layering samples 10:20 Layering filters 11:45 Unison 4 everything 13:40 The mod matrix 18:10 Morphing waveforms 19:25 Manual automation 20:40 Effects 22:15 Sidechain 23:05 Filter envelopes 24:35 The patches

[@loopop]

Thank you - I copy-pasted yours into the description!

[@JoergWessels]

loopop That makes me kind of proud to be able to help.

[@JoergWessels]

loopop BTW Is it just me or are the pasted links in the description not clickable by anyone else too?

[@loopop]

Jörg Wessels it’s me too... gotta figure out the linking technology...

[@cursedsound]

@@loopop You have to comment on your video and pin it to the top because the description doesn't work

[@watercolourmark]

A few cool synth features have been added since this video, I am sure Loopop has covered these updates somewhere but thought I’d give them a mention here. Now it does multisamples, loading in multisamples like a sample of all the keys on a piano or synth and autodetects the notes from pitch. And not sure, but I think the single cycles are autodetected now and loop automatically, I don’t recall needing to loop them. Automatic pitch detection of samples, including single cycles. And my personal fav feature is input sound source as an oscillator, so whatever is routed live on the input channel can be used as an oscillator and played on the fly or sequenced. I like to use this to play the Lyra 8 sounds chromatically. It is crazy what this thing can do just as a synth, let alone as a MIDI and CV sequencer. And more hopefully coming, with Wavetable synth and X Y pad control. The only down side I find is some of the v3 features like the audio stuff and looping seems like an afterthought and could do with a few dedicated buttons. What I mean is, you have a button for Synth, a Kit button, MIDI button and CV button, but that dedicated Audio button is really missing. So I can handle all the synth and seq menu diving, but the audio features just seem fiddly and not too intuitive - but I’ll get it to stick if it kills me. And it doesn’t help that Loopop menu dives on every synth so effortlessly.

[@EarlyMist]

This is great stuff...and it does counter a lot of the 'Deluge has a weak synth engine' arguments I read occaisionally.

[@ericpeters0n]

Already ordered, but now *way* more excited having a better understanding of how crazy flexible the synth engine is! Thanks for the incredibly lucid explanation!

[@garyturner5204]

This is such an awesome video covering the synth engine on the Synthstrom Deluge! You cover so very many parameters that are editable and allow you to create and modify a synth patch! Thank you so very much!

[@purestspiritualpigs]

Such a thorough and well produced tutorial (as are all of yours) Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@chatolars]

man....that was an absolutely amazing tutorial on this machine.

[@admaiora777]

Man, your videos are very very good. Everything well explained, good spelling and pace. Thank you!

[@iosmusicman]

Thank you so much for the awesome coverage of the deluge as I have only just picked up one (pre-owned) and am in love with it already. This will save me countless hours of study! Cheers. Lee

[@mrparksy]

Great videos, really helpful! I have just taken delivery of a deluge, can't wait to try these things out! Cheers

[@jjurksztowicz]

Deluge has won me over with their incredible support schedule. I am ordering one!

[@briannhinton]

I really don’t understand how this synth isn’t more popular.

[@mikeexits]

It's a lot more than a synth. ;P

[@robtronik]

Thanks for this tutorial. Love the style and cadence you provide as you step through the features. Definitely buying one of these.

[@loopop]

Robert Pointer cool thanks for the comment - enjoy!

[@UnfinishedIdeas]

Great tutorial, this one convinced me to buy a Deluge! I would love to see more in depth videos on FM synthesis. If you do a video on this, could you check whether the FM oscillators accept single cycle waveforms? This would open up a lot of possibilities for making crazy complex growling dubstep basses.

[@aaroncarter8845]

Every time I get bored with the deluge I watch another loopop vid

[@ModularLanding]

Awesome. Incredibly helpful video!

[@LordoftheBadgers]

Thanks dude, this is super helpful

[@ExStaticBass]

I'm sold.

[@Lukree]

Awesome tips, thanks a lot, gotta try those out!

[@acheacht7719]

"'I'm not sure if it's even legal..." xD Awesome video.

[@XavierMALPARTY]

Same reaction when watching today!! Loving it!

[@MathHammer]

Crap, why did I start watching your videos on this thing? 😀 I am trying to be happy with my three Elektron boxes...

[@slowgaffle]

no need to buy new tires or replace that water heater, get synths, no problem

[@chatolars]

geting more in love with this device every day. Please more on how to sequence external gear with the Deluge. Thaks again for sharing all this.

[@nyanko2077]

Just discovered this channel. Awesome content.

[@AutisticCuriosity]

They actually increased the price to $999 !!!

[@synthanatomy]

Thanks loopop :) Will share later in an article on my website ;)

[@loopop]

SYNTH ANATOMY you're welcome and awesome!

[@Boeserbob]

Sick, ty man!

[@JackAcid]

Mindblowing box. Changed everything for me. I will be buried with it. And I'm home alone for a week, so guess what I'll be doing...? Wavecycles a Hoy!!

[@DominicJacksonFilm]

I now own my deluge and this is so DAMN USEFUL!!!! the 300 page manual is not very easy to get into when you want to know something very specific

[@silverstream3d]

beautiful warm filters '')

[@DominicJacksonFilm]

u put much effort in u did good nice

[@k7u7b7a7]

What vst do you use to measure the waveforms?

[@lunkee1989]

Thanks for the video mate. You seem to know your stuff! I would love it if you could share some of your presets on the Deluge forum! =)

[@rayderrich]

If you add 00:00 to your table of contents and disable automatic chapters then the video will have clickable chapters. But anyways, loved what you showed on this monster machine.

[@johndude70]

great tutorials, what oscilloscope plugin are you using?

[@ElFlow66]

great video! thanks! i'm waiting for mine to ship...

[@Steak111steak]

How are you liking the Deluge? I just ordered one on Saturday and super excited for ti to arrive.

[@loopop]

Steak111steak I have to say I am liking it very much. It's astounding to me how much depth this thing has in one side, and how relatively approachable it is.

[@ericpeters0n]

What is the range on the OSC detune? Can you get a sub-oscillator out of it with 1 detuned wave at an octave?

[@PoliPopo]

Hello I love the video by any chance could you tell me what plug-in you're using to show those shape forms on the screen?.

[@loopop]

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

[@PoliPopo]

@@loopop I really appreciate it 💯👍

[@garrethantke8479]

Love your vids! What oscilloscope plugin are you using that automatically displays one cycle of the waveform? I want that!

[@loopop]

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

[@Johnnisjohnnis]

is it possible to enter numbers with the pads instead of the knobs?

[@uhldev]

Amazing in depth video. How is the build quality?

[@loopop]

Michael Uhl excellent overall build of body and pads. The knobs are a bit wobbly but I think that's because of the feature that lets you press and turn them. They haven't fallen or anything ;)

[@AntonioAlemanno_music]

@loopop, another great and nicely detailed video. Thank you so much! I have a question… Sound engine wise, which one sounds cooler/richer to you between the Deluge and the Elektron A4? They different machines, since the Deluge is also a sampler, a sequencer, while the A4 is only a synth. Thinking of live performance, and the Deluge is multitimbral and polyphonic, which one out of the two would be of a live beast?

[@overload8741]

How muche polyphony you got on the Deluge using synth?

[@dnch]

where does one buy this thing?

[@jmichaelb3632]

I feel like if this thing had an led screen for a bigger menu and less confusing navigation this would be absolutely perfect, its honestly kind of a let down and idk why they decided to go with that type of display

[@inthefade]

Some people don't like screens. My bandmate is encouraging me to get this instead of the Akai Force mainly because he doesn't like the look of having a screen on stage! And frankly I don't either, but I'm going to choose based on features and workflow before that.

[@jaysilence3314]

Wondering, are we going to see a video with the community firmware and the awesome new featrues it provides at some time?

[@loopop]

I hope so but can't promise

[@retrogazele]

After checking alot of your videos..i really trust your opinion and trying to convince my friend to buy this insted the Digitakt. what do you think..

[@loopop]

retrogazele thanks - I appreciate the kind words. Re the Digitakt comparison - that sounds like an idea for a whole other video ;) the two have very different strengths, and also different price points. I try to present what the Deluge is good at, and I haven’t gotten to the Digitakt yet so you’ll have to check other channels for that. Bottom line is that you should see what speaks to you more and make a decision based on that... sorry I can’t help further... happy to answer specific questions

[@WARDISWARD]

03:15 Do I hear stepping on the filter ? I am sure these are not the harmonics series related to a high q settings

[@loopop]

you do hear stepping and it's not harmonics, it's because I used the click wheel, which really isn't intended for performance. There's no steppiness when you use the gold knobs or modulation to change the cutoff

[@joshk2181]

whats the deal with timing correct, are all notes sequenced to the beginning of the step or is it possible to record in natural off-beat hits?

[@mafoomusic8126]

Josh K you can set the quantize to any time division you want all the way to 1/192nd notes. I believe this is new in firmware ver 1.3

[@jhowe5571]

I was wondering how you get the visual monitoring of the sounds you're creating. Is it an app on your pc and edited into the video? Could someone set up a small video monitor and view their own synth rigs on it?

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle - it’s software not hardware unfortunately

[@jhowe5571]

@@loopop Thanks for the info. I was thinking it could be loaded on some type of computer device, laptop/smartphone and then, connected to a video monitor, placing it in a studio or live rig to see the waveforms, as they're tweeked and such...

[@NeoLudditevisons]

man this thing is amazing! is it possible to remove the wood panels btw?

[@loopop]

NeoLudditevisons as is no... I'm sure with force it might be possible but I prefer not to try ;)

[@Lukree]

No, there isn't any metallic enclosure part under the wood. Well, you CAN remove the wood, but you'd need to fix the enclosure with something ..

[@primco]

Was thinking about getting an Electribe or some other sequencer/sampler like Digitakt. This is double the price of the Electribe but seems more than twice as useable/powerful, especially if you want to avoid a DAW. Would you suggest replacing those with this?

[@loopop]

David Primmer I haven't tried the Digitakt - it certainly sounds awesome. I find it really hard to recommend one instrument over another because people's needs are so different - heck I'm sure some people would prefer a violin to this ;) - but to your question - I'm loving it and it's the closest I've seen to a DAW without much of the associated pain. A DAW can do much more and costs less though ... hard choices ...

[@primco]

If you wanted to quick-sample room sound and then sequence a few analog synths without a computer, many things would work. But this one seems to blow the others away in terms of direct manipulation. Also wondering if you an you get random patterns like a Korg SQ-1. Is there something like a conditional trigger like on Digitakt?

[@tziirkq]

The most impressive thing to me is that they didn't appear to deliberately gimp it because "It's meant to be like an experience" which basically means "Buy this other product that does the function you want even though it should exist on what you have."

[@444levels9]

do you know of a good sample based, sample slicing tutorial for the deluge besides Rons?

[@livelifeimprovisationallim8314]

Any idea on how to see or remove any automations u have made??

[@loopop]

Practice Improvisation Room yes - but is it ok if I teach you how to fish? Please read the manual in that section. Not knowing how to do something is alway a way to learn a couple things more....

[@livelifeimprovisationallim8314]

Aajt found it... must admidt this is one fishy mashine... i hope the next firmware update atleast picks all the bug's out wich are in it..

[@guilherm3779]

Shift and then press the automation knob you used.

[@gonekrazy3000]

i gotta ask. is there a way to render each layer of the song to seperate files ? the fact that it has only got a single stereo pair of outputs has made me hesitate. but if it can render individual layers it wouldn't really be a problem.

[@loopop]

gonekrazy3000 not currently. I think they wrote this feature as one they plan to implement soon

[@gonekrazy3000]

Darn. till it gets that mode its a no go for me :( i guess i'll just wait to see how it evolves. maybe grab a version 2.0 later :D Will keep an eye on your channel in the meantime :)

[@gonekrazy3000]

Asante Carter that would take forever for a 60+ layer track though..... much too tedious for me.

[@guilherm3779]

Yes you can now by resampling each track.

[@rustikinc63]

I have a huge problem! DELUGE or MC707? You never did a head to head compare, correct? BDay is coming and would so love to see that! Thanks

[@nakosikasukasena3390]

for me too

[@Gu1tar1st]

It would be a tough call for a guitarist to play any piece of music half a semitones up. 😊

[@phantazzor]

9:40 a bit like Kontact

[@justoalvarez3940]

"Bad childhood" xD Dude I'm laughing 10min after xD

[@inthefade]

Yeah transposing half a semitone on a piano is impossibly hard! You have to bring in a piano tuner because pianos don't have quartertones XD

[@joshk2181]

fullsize keystep with a digital bpm guage come on arturia

[@mijaba]

just STOP! You're going to frighten the children!!!

[@loopop]

Michael Bath they gotta learn sometime