The Soma Pulsar-23 Screw offers the same functionality as the PULSAR Turret but at a much lower price, using stainless steel screws instead of expensive custom turrets.
The Soma Pulsar-23 reimagines analogue drum machines with an innovative semi-modular design, allowing immediate use without patching. Its extensive inter and intra-connectivity capabilities unlock a realm of sonic and rhythmic experimentation. The unique patching method employs alligator clips and binding posts instead of conventional cables, enhancing flexibility and tactile interaction. Binding posts serve as inputs and outputs, blending multiple signals for complex clock and modulation signal interactions, a concept termed "Organismic" by the designer.
Powerful Voicings
The Pulsar-23 features four distinct voices:
-
BD (Bass Drum): Pitch and Tune controls, Drive unit for waveform shaping, from subtle to industrial tones.
-
BASS: Subtractive mono synth section, waveform selection, low-pass filter, and switchable to a percussion instrument.
-
SD (Snare Drum): Band-pass filter, clap control, and traditional analogue snare adjustments.
-
HHT (High Hat): White noise sound source, high-pass filter for tonal control.
Each voice includes dedicated Attack and Decay parameters with independent modulation binding posts. FX controls assign voices to the DSP Reverb and Delay section. A distortion module with Drive and Mix control enhances sound-shaping capabilities. The DSP Delay and Reverb section offers various delay options and a "hall" sound reverb, usable independently or in series, with multiple modulation controls via binding posts.
Innovative Sequencer
The Pulsar-23's sequencer departs from conventional step sequencing, adopting a tape loop-inspired method for high-resolution sound event recording. Each voice features a rhythmic quantizer for grid synchronization. Internal memory stores four banks of four sequences. Robust MIDI integration allows MIDI message assignment to drum parameters and completes MIDI control of the bass voice. External clocking through MIDI and analogue clock supports synchronization with external devices. Clock divisions create unique swing patterns, with LFO frequency modulation by external CV.
SHAOS Module
The SHAOS module adds unpredictability with a pseudo-random voltage generator, offering 1-bit, 2-bit, and 3-bit modes with selectable sequencer lengths. It enriches the Pulsar-23's capabilities with stepped voltage sequences.
Extensive Utilities
The Pulsar-23 includes utilities typically found in modular systems, such as four attenuators, a VCA for audio and CV signals, 1/8" to binding post adapters, and 1/4" to binding posts for modular system communication. Additional features include CV-controllable inverters, gate-controlled electronic switches, triggered impulse generators, and more.