SOMA Labs Pulsar-23 Utilities: Modular bits and bobs in a box
4,4 / 5,0 | 
SOMA Labs has an expander box for the Pulsar-23 drum machine coming soon that’s packed with modular utilities that you can use with anything you like.
Pulsar-23 Utilities
It’s not on the SOMA Labs website yet, but Sonic State presented the product in a video (below) from their recent visit to Soma Sound Machines in Warsaw.
Pulsar-23 Utilities is a standalone device that’s designed to bring additional modules to the Pulsar-23 drum machine. But you can patch it into anything you like. It has triggers, attenuators, a number of different VCAs, wave shaping and a bunch of sensors for exploring modulations.
What’s interesting for people who don’t own the Pulsar-23 is that the patching system uses posts and crocodile clips. But then creativity always comes from difference. Fortunately, there is a 5-channel Eurorack-to-Post converter module built in.
Intriguing VCAs
The VCAs are particularly intriguing. You’ve got a Clipping Amp, Linear Amp, and a Diode VCA as options across the front. They are based on characterful and antiquated amplifier technology, which will add many different flavours. You’ll find these useful for adapting the Pulsar-23 to different sorts of devices for feedback and mixing.
The bottom half houses a lot of sensors and ways of interacting. There are photoresistors for hand-waving modulations. Touch buttons measure your body’s conductivity to produce voltages and trigger strips for getting things moving.
Vlad and Nick with the Utilities
Lots to play with
Undoubtedly Pulsar-23 Utilities has a lot going on and could be helpful in all sorts of interesting places. I like the concept of a modular box that’s not in a Eurorack case; it widens the appeal and feels less constrained.
I’m looking forward to seeing this in action, and it should be available in a couple of months.
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- Vlad and Nick with the Utilities: Sonic State
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