I feel like these guys owe Peter Blasser a big nod for inspiring them, though … I could be wrong, but I think his were the first synths I ever saw, about a decade ago, that looked like mysterious organic puzzle boxes the hexxenfolk might’ve left behind after Beltane. Maybe an itch from the public for Blasser’s designs is *not* what SOMA Labs were trying to scratch - and I’m not accusing them of anything, and maybe Blasser didn’t pioneer this sort of “woodsy techno-magick from Atlantis” synth aesthetic after all - but I do wish more people knew his work. Who knows, maybe SOMA Labs hired him at some point?
The incorporation of the wood casing adds an unparalleled level of sophistication and charm to the object in question, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail involved at SOMA labs. Despite the seemingly endless stream of comments proposing alternative uses, such as repurposing it as a serving dish, its inherent beauty and functionality remain undeniable.
I heard the creator said the lack of midi input for anything else other than clock is on purpose. He simply doesn't want people to use the synth as a vulgar "sound module". that's certainly a choice.
Yeah, this is one of the few synths where I understand that choice. Though having an external sequencer sequence the 12 'keys' while still fully modulating everything by hand would be a fun way to interact with it while not _too_ much off from the experience imo. Wish they'd add something like that.
This is exactly what I hate about SOMA: yeah it's a purposeful decision, but it's a totally arbitrary one, he's almost going out of his way to EXCLUDE this functionality, even though you could just ignore it if you wanted, but - like Loopop says - it would add SO MUCH options for those that want it! I certainly would want it; I'd probably need both hands to manipulate just the timbres..
I can respect that choice. A lot of the design is to drive towards a certain way of exploring the instrument. Just using it as a voice engine would change the nature of it quite a lot. Many times when some initially infuriating restriction is placed creativity has a way of finding a way to make it a strentgh.
If there was a midi connection, nobody would be forced to use it... But the option would be there for people that would like that feature. Not really sold on that "purposeful" decision
Soma sells everything they make. It's a niche brand and they want to stay that way. I respect that decision to weed out their customers. It's a way to add value and focus to their brand. They make exactly what they want and sell it to exactly the people they want. Some people take their instruments and music extremely seriously, pretty much religiously, and Soma has exploited that niche market.
Imagine a duo of Terra and Pipe performed by two who have mastered their instruments. I suspect the seeds are germinating somewhere in the world as I write this.
Elven ingenuity at its finest. The Sindarin in Rivendell have created a masterpiece that rivals Gandalf's staff and the palantíri made by the Elves of Valinor in the First Age.
How on earth do learn the ins and outs of these crazy synths so quickly and then put together such a thorough and well put together review? I’m not sure even Vlad could have described it better.
Thanks for the review! I wish Soma had gone a step further and integrated a little of the Cosmos into this, to make it a standalone soundscape designer with some basic looping. Sure you could use the Cosmos alongside it. Visually they don't really match well, but will make a great pairing I think.
In awe with the depth of knowledge and understanding on most of these videos, and then we get this where he shows us how to make beautiful music come out of the steering wheel of an alien spaceship.
I stopped purchasing equipment when I first saw Vlad's demo, and have been selling off some, awaiting word when I can order one of these. An ingenious approach to creating sound. Roger Linn's Linnstrument is another device that is a brilliant approach to interfacing with a synth engine. In both cases I like the very tight footprint. At first I was attracted to the Osmose keyboard/synth, but I think this interface approach is where music (technology) is headed.
I feel a bit the same. The "commercial" musical instrument manufactuering world is finally converging with mid-20th century electronic sensabilities. So much of my electronic instrument aquisitions over the years were chasing the dragons I'd heard on old expeiementsl records. Instruments like this didn't exist outside of one-offs in academic settings and private studios. For the first time I am considering selling off my collection of trad synths. At the moment my fav instruments are the Lyra-8 & Ornament-8, Pip, and Arturia Microfreak (the capacitive "keyboard" is key).
osmose feels so natural, this is a fun idea and a neat engine that Vlad said is partly inspired by Eagan Matrix, which imo, is for sure correct. the idea of multiple modulations controlled by touch along different ratios/curves is really neat and hopefully a big part of future music. Keyboards are kind of amazing though, so Osmose is gonna be at the forefront
Aaaand the next one on my expanding list of Soma equipment. I use them for experimental music (surprise🤣) and am always fascinated by the degree of awesomeness when these are used for live improvisation. Ok, can‘t wait for this to come my way. Thx, Soma!
I didn’t think I’d like this but I very much do! ❤️ Having said that, one drawback I can see with the bespoke interface is that it’s probably quite difficult to pick back up after some time away from it.
We were shown examples from Krell musicians. Jusdging from their physicality, I’m thinking more theremin than buttons and knobs….maybe sledgehammer and bells 😃
I tried it at SynthExpo in London, absolutely loved it. I like it how hangs it is, I didn't try the LED modes much as it was super busy but the 10 mins I had with it were brilliant. Yes midi control would be excellent, esp with an Osmose.
Yet another fantastic otherworldly soma instruments. Mine is on its way and I just can‘t wait. This is soma… not Roland, Korg, sequential, Moog or Arturia. Love it or hate it. I personally love it. Being a modular addict lyra, pulsar, cosmos are my fav gears in recent years. I am sure Terra would be as well. On top of all that it is such beautiful piece of furniture, is it? Thanks for this great video!
Soma once again throwing out an awesome product with a beautiful sound and fascinating underlying grittyness. all packeged up in a really evocative form factor. unfortunately, all their stuff is way out of my price range... especially considering the sheer experimentality makes them even harder to justify within a standard workflow. 😭
Try the rumble of ancient times. It's fun to experiment with and it can get really harsh and gritty, but there is a filter so you can surprisingly coax more soothing tones out of it. Battery operated and has touch plates and a sequencer for making weird blip rhythms. I have dozens of synths but keep picking this thing back up...
Ever since Lyra raised Soma's profile, I feel they have been pricing themselves out of the market that would buy their stuff. At this price level, if it doesn't work for you, you're never going to come back for another risky synth.
I put in a request at Soma for the Organic version. I hope the cost is reasonable, because I've wanted one of these since I first seen it last year. The square version would obviously fit better into a setup, but the organic is too cool to not want. If these come in at a reasonable price, I'm definitely getting one.
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 I doubt that. Someone with the muscle memory to know just how hard to press to get the precise sound they want and can play skillfully and better yet program unique patches will take this to a new level of expression.
@@jobananas3052 Nah, I reckon people with the commitment to learn an instrument's controls and develop muscle memory in that way will probably stick to real instruments like keyboards or grid controllers. This will be a fun "atmospheric ambient jamming" toy for someone who just enjoys making sound and has deep enough pockets to invest in a four figure toy. I think for the right person it will be a fun hobby/ novelty piece.
@@Patriotic_Eagle1995 I am learning Terra right now with that level of commitment, and I play other instruments, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's more expressive than most synths for me and feels more like an actual instrument. It may be accessible but it absolutely takes practice just like any other musical tool
Excellent overview, thanks! I hope we see more crazy, innovative jamming tools like this, without traditional interfaces that are all derivatives of a model D
Vlad has excelled himself again. The price is still a mystery (like the workings of his mind). I just bought a Lyra-8. Now this demo is giving me bad GAS.
The Lyra is also a great instrument by Vlad. I once opened mine and the "interior" is fantastic engineering. Not only the sound but also the build quality is excellent.
@@ingolf7411 Indeed, I saw some views of the impressive innards of the Lyra-8 in this review video from Sonicstate (with Nick 'Pulsewidth Mod' Batt): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-99zNCkbeu2Y.html
@@daemonicflame That's a lot of dosh I'm not sure I would be willing to part with for this particular Vladdevice. I already have The Pipe and the Lyra-8.
Super interesting... it looks less like an instrument and more like something you'd find embedded in some magical tree in a magical forest. xD Neverending Story style perhaps? The knobs should've been styled as little branches acting like levers or something. xD Incredible amount of creativity to use sensors and tones to match the general feel of it... it's kinda like an atmospheric mood environmental sound machine. Reminds me a bit of Vangelis music....
I saw this on some other channel. They quickly made me dismiss it. I forget why. Keen to see how Loopop can show me why it was even made. If it can be done, this is place.
It's almost unfair you always have access to machines that aren't even built yet. I have one on pre-order, let's hope it arrives somewhere in 2023 :) . Brilliant demo and showcase of a brilliant machine, btw.
Should I put the time and effort into actually learning to play my instrument properly, or buy a new and crazy one-off unique electronic crazy device to impress my (synth) friends?!
Cheers for your excellent description of another unique piece of abstract hardware from Soma.Just got my hands on the Enner to team up with my Cosmos and Lyra-8 and am losing hours of my day in blissful sonic soundscapes! There is something about Soma gear that just clicks with me that plugins and menu diving synths left me cold and frustrated.Please if possible could you do a review of the Enner I would love to know your opinion and all round knowledge of the Enner.
A possible con: the myriad synthesis options also present a problem. This is not one single instrument but many - each algorithm requires different gestures and finger combinations. One might end up having to learn dozens of different instruments that live in a single enclosure. This might make it rather difficult to learn to play the Terra live, unless one focuses on only a few algorithms/presets. Basically, it might end up being a synth that tries to do too much. I'd love to be proven wrong though, as it is also a beautiful instrument with a very tactile interface. Played a preliminary model at Superbooth '22.
There is something I don't understand in the "algorithms" part. The middle row is divided into 4 (polyphonic-experimental-bass-solo) The bottom part is divided into 3 sensors (4 options if we consider that the unlit sensor is one) Where are the 8 different engine options ? I'm missing something.
Had it for a week now. Amazing instrument, a little too few (but wonderful) own algorithms for this price though...paint was little bad and one symbol missing. I d keep it for 8/900 euro. Not more. Goes back even though it's a future classic
I could definitely see Jarre playing something like this. But it would probably required lasers as well? But I love that there are companies out there making synths like this. Personally I really like it.
I kind of was super enthusiast about this , and then the more i watch demos of it , i am afraid that everybody is going to sound very similar... i find the sounds really beautifull but i wonder if the interface, which has a strong personality ,is not in the way beetween the performer and the sounds ? Kind of taking over the personality of each player .... If what i just wrote make sense ...?! ... but i love it 😅
I think it depends - if you customize your own scale and pitch shift intervals, that will go a long way to differentiate your melodies/harmonies. Regarding your sound, like I show in the "church organ" example, sometimes just one engine has a very broad range - but that's not always the case for all the engines.
People who will play it superficially may sound similar. If you dedicate significant time then your own voice will come through just like any other instrument.
God I love SOMA but I remember at NAMM 2022 the lady at the SOMA table expected me to be able to play with the pulsar perfectly. For my first hands on with it. In my first 30 seconds of holding it lmao.
I'm surprised you didn't tell us about the physical construction. Is that top panel real wood or synthetic? Can you feel the grain through the finish? What does it weigh?
Definitely a crazy and interesting instrument as we can expect from Soma. Great review also. Watching you playing tho something wasn't ok with me and I wasn't sure as to what it was till the very end. Then I realized that as a left-handed I would really need a specular version of this synth. It just won't fit with me this way, sorta like a guitar that of course I need tò play strumming with my left hand and that I could very difficultly play the other way around... Am I the only left-handed feeling this way?
Thanks! I'm left-handed too and this was fine, though my primary instrument is a keyboard where you play melodies with the right hand (to the extent I can play...)
@@loopop yeah, in the end it's hard to tell by just watching a video whether I would feel it more like a keyboard or a guitar, but knowing you're left-handed too is reassuring :)
Wow absolutely gorgeous! Have you checked the Nunomo QUN Mk2? I think it has the potential to dethrone a ton of gear. It seems too good to be true as a fully fledged groovebox haha
quality isn't the word I'd use - this has a much broader timbral range, more controls and features, but it's different (I've not used Landscape myself BTW)
Ah yeah, sorry bro. I can see that connection. No you didnt say that. I was quoting a fictional parody of telemarketing jargon. It looks like a lovely piece of kit. Its refreshing to see design innovation. 👍
