Pulsar-23 Drum Machine (2022 Model)

SOMA Laboratory's organismic drum machines blur the line between instrument and circuit-bending playground, and the Pulsar-23 takes that philosophy into percussion synthesis with 23 independent modules that reward deep exploration. Designed by Vlad Kreimer, it's built for artists who want to move beyond preset rhythms and actually patch their way into new sounds.

The heart of the Pulsar-23 is its four analog drum voices: a bass drum with waveshaping drive, a fully-featured subtractive bass synth, a snare with bandpass filtering, and a hi-hat with highpass filtering. Each voice gets its own attack-release envelope, volume control, and effects send. The real magic happens in the modulation layer: a clock generator with seven dividers for rhythm synthesis, a wide-range LFO spanning 0.1Hz to 5000Hz, and Shaos—a pseudo-random voltage generator based on shift registers with multiple independent outputs. Four independent loop recorders capture triggering events (not audio) with individual clocking and quantization options, letting you build polyrhythmic sequences that evolve in real time. You've also got two VCAs, two CV-controlled gates, inverters, four attenuators, and two touch-sensing CV sources for hands-on modulation. The built-in effects processor handles delay and reverb with CV control over most parameters, including the DSP sample rate itself. Over 100 patch points—using either alligator clips or screws depending on your version—connect everything to each other or to external Eurorack gear. The desktop format measures 380x280x80mm and weighs 4kg, with 55 knobs, 11 switches, and MIDI sync capability.

Since its 2020 release, the Pulsar-23 has earned respect from experimental musicians and beat makers alike for its sonic depth and hands-on immediacy. It's not a drum machine that plays itself—it's an instrument that demands engagement and rewards curiosity with textures ranging from crisp electronic percussion to evolving drones and chaotic generative soundscapes.