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

If you like the ideas, tips and insight in this video, there's plenty more in my ever-expanding book of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here:


Check Pulsar 23 prices here (affiliate links help that channel):
► Sweetwater, Amazon: hmmm I couldn't find it there

Other gear in this video:
► 0-CTRL from Make Noise
► Pam's New Workout from ALM
► Keystep 37 from Arturia

Other places I hang out:

My music:

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Overview
2:40 Connectivity
6:10 Synth controls
8:45 Bass drum
9:35 Bass
12:00 Snare
13:10 Pitch seq
14:05 Hi hat
14:55 Clock div
16:20 Trig loopers
20:35 MIDI
22:00 Effects
24:45 SHAOS
28:20 PATCH IDEAS
28:25 Hanductivity
29:10 LFO FM mod
30:00 LFO as osc
31:00 Hard sync
31:50 Using noise
32:30 Env mods
32:45 Patch chains
33:30 Quantized loops
35:55 External clock
36:30 3/4 jam
37:35 Pros & cons
42:25 Outro jam

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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 way 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.

[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.

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

[staticdeclarations]

Just received mine today, absolutely blown away, one of the best synths I've ever used hands down

[AvianBreak]

It is products like this and the Subharmonicon that convince me we are still just getting started with electronic instrument innovation!

[neTwoneTwo]

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.

[benjaminbrodie]

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!

[elitefitrea]

My spot finally came up on the waiting list. Can't believe I'm actually getting one.

[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!

[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 🙏

[gonzosightseeing]

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

[samadhist]

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.

[blaythessteuer]

this synth makes me want to get a better job

[andyscott]

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

[vprice]

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. :)

[oliveribasta]

I love those drum machines that don't make only a drum sounds, where you can explore

[BURG]

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

[busch]

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!

[marleenvos]

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

[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.

[gcd]

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