The Soma Pulsar-23 Screw (White) offers the same functionality as the PULSAR Turret at a significantly lower price by utilising stainless steel screws instead of expensive custom turrets.
With its ingenious design, the Soma Pulsar-23 revolutionises analogue drum machines. This semi-modular instrument functions immediately without patching, yet its extensive inter- and intra-connectivity capabilities open a realm of sonic and rhythmic experimentation and discovery.
A Flourish of Connectivity
The Pulsar-23 employs a unique method of patching connections using alligator clips and binding posts instead of conventional ⅛" and ¼" cables. This system offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing multiple cables to connect to the same post and encouraging tactile interactions. Many binding posts can serve as inputs and outputs, automatically blending multiple signals for simultaneous clock and modulation signals, creating intricate relationships termed "Organic" by the designer.
Powerful Voicings
The Pulsar-23 encompasses four distinct voices, each tailored for specific purposes:
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BD (Bass Drum): Designed for analogue bass drums with Pitch and Tune controls and a Drive unit for waveform shaping, offering sounds from subtle to gritty industrial tones.
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BASS: This module features a subtractive mono synth section with waveform selection and a low-pass filter, which can also be an additional percussion instrument.
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SD (Snare Drum): This drum is tailored for snare drums and clap applications, with a band-pass filter, clap control, and traditional analogue snare adjustments.
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HHT (High Hat): This technique uses white noise as its primary sound source and a high-pass filter for tonality control.
Each voice includes dedicated Attack and Decay parameters with independent binding posts for modulation between voices. FX controls allow each voice to be assigned to the DSP Reverb and Delay section, while the master distortion module provides Drive intensity control and a Mix knob for dry signal selection. The DSP Delay and Reverb section adds depth and space, with various delay options and a reverb based on a "hall" sound.
Innovative Sequencer
The Pulsar-23's sequencer departs from conventional step sequencers in favour of a tape loop-inspired method, allowing users to record sound events effortlessly. These high-resolution "loops" bring a human touch to compositions, with each voice featuring its rhythmic quantiser for grid synchronisation. The internal memory stores four banks of four sequences for easy recall. Robust MIDI integration allows users to assign MIDI messages to drum parameters, and the Bass voice can be fully controlled via MIDI, enabling external keyboard playability with precise pitch tracking across five octaves. External clocking is achievable through MIDI and an analogue clock, with internal and external clocks divided into seven distinctive clock divisions, offering versatile triggers and unique swing patterns.
SHAOS Module
The SHAOS module introduces unpredictability with a pseudo-random voltage generator powered by shift registers and a sample and hold circuit, producing sequences of stepped voltages. SHAOS offers three modes: 1-bit with two states, 2-bit with four states, and 3-bit with eight states. Users can select the length of the pseudo-random sequencer from 63, 16, or 217 modes.
Extensive Utilities
The Pulsar-23 includes an array of utilities typically found in traditional modular systems, such as four attenuators for fine-tuning parameters. The VCA accepts both audio and CV signals for dynamic variation. Eight 1/8" to binding post adapters and six 1/4" to binding posts facilitate seamless bidirectional communication with modular systems. Additional utilities include CV-controllable inverters, gate-controlled electronic switches, triggered impulse generators, and more.