SOMA laboratory / PULSAR-23ScrewGreen

PULSAR-23 (Pulsar) is a semi-modular, low-cost model with an organic drum machine screw specification.

The semi-modular construction with 23 independent modules in a compact chassis allows you to play organic rhythms, with a number of experimental elements such as rhythm programming via LR (looper/recorder), four sound modules that generate percussion, bass, and melody lines, powerful effects with CV control, and patching via alligator clip cables.
The possibilities go beyond the realm of a drum machine, thanks to a number of experimental elements, such as rhythm programming via LR (looper/recorder), four sound modules that can generate percussion, bass and melody lines, powerful effects with CV control, alligator clip cable patching, and much more. Two types of sets are available: a professional set with 119 terminals using highly reliable pulsar pins and a full complement of accessories, and a low-cost version that uses general-purpose screws for terminals and omits accessories. Each is available in six different colors.

LR (Looper/Recorder)
PULSAR-23 is not equipped with a standard sequencer, but instead features a looper/recorder (LR), one channel per synthesizer module, for quick and easy programming of rhythm patterns. You can also experiment with different lengths and speeds for each LR channel.

4 sound modules
BD (BASS DRUM) Synthesis Module
This module is designed for bass drum sounds. It can create a wide range of sounds in addition to bass drum sounds.
BASS Synthesis Module
A powerful monosynth that can switch between two modes: classic monophonic synthesis or percussion synthesis, consisting of DCO, LPF with resonance, VCA, and EG, with pitch control via MIDI or 1V/Oct CV. SD (Snare Drum & Clarinet)
SD (Snare Drum & Clap) Synthesis Module
This module is designed for snare drum and clap sounds. It can create a wide range of sounds beyond the classic analog snare drum and clap sounds.
HHT (Hi-Hat) Synthesis Module
This module is designed for hi-hat, cymbal, and shaker sounds.

Go beyond semi-modular drum machines
PULSAR-23 in its unpatched state is a semi-modular drum machine with internal wiring from “clock generator” to “looper” to “sound module” to “effects” to “output. PULSAR-23 is designed to function well as a drum machine as it is, but it does not realize even a fraction of the potential of PULSAR-23 as it is. PULSAR-23's true value is in the “experimentation” of patching, circuit bending, and the intervention of organic matter and external devices, including the artist's body. The resulting sound is completely unpredictable and unrepeatable.


Experimental patching with alligator clips
The 119 patch points = “pins” are connected with alligator clip cables. The primitive design has many advantages over a standard 3.5mm jack: it takes up less space, costs less, is less prone to failure, allows multiple cables to be connected to a single pin for signal branching and mixing, and makes it easy to connect to a variety of electronic components and circuits.


Live Circuit Bending
PULSAR-23's patch points are not just CV In/Out, but rather they are the points that are often used for “circuit bending”, so you can easily change the behavior and sound by simply inserting electronic components. The PULSAR-23 comes preloaded with numerous modules, including a “SHAOS (SHIFT + CHAOS)” pseudo-random generator originally designed for PULSAR-23, LFOs, attenuators, diodes, capacitors, pulse converters, VCAs, inverters, controlled switches, and more.

The artist's “physical body” can also intervene in the PULSAR-23's sound by touching cables, patch points, and circular sensors. The response is dependent on conductivity, so the response will vary depending on various factors such as your physical condition, the amount of moisture in your skin, your mental state, and the humidity of the environment in which you are using the device.


Effects Processor and Distortion
The FX section includes delays and reverbs, as well as two channels of effects processors. The effects processor and distortion FX section features two channels of delay and reverb, with three combinations of BPF (band pass filter), DBL (double), and PCH (pitch) modes of operation for intense spatial processing of the sound. It also has a unique function of “modulating the operating clock of the DSP AD/DA converter.

The distortion, which is placed in parallel to the main mix, destroys the sounds that were generated leading up to this point. A beautiful, organic beat can be instantly transformed into a world-destroying sound with just one deep application of distortion.

Product Specifications
Four drum channels ? Bass Drum, Bass Percussion, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Hi-Hat
4 envelope generators Unique feature that generates sustain in the drum channel and turns it into a noise/drone synthesizer.
4 LRs (looper/recorder) ? Independent clocks can be set. Records trigger events, not audio signals. Quantizable.
Clock Generator ? Very powerful tool for generating rhythms. Includes divider.
LFO (0.1 ? 5000Hz) ? Continuously variable waveform.
Shaos ? Unique shift register-based pseudo-random generator with 4 independent outputs, sample & hold, and other cool features.
CV-controllable FX processor ? CV control of DSP sample rate.
Distortion
2 CV-controllable gates
2 CV controllable VCAs
2 inverters
Supports MIDI control and sync
4 assignable attenuators
2 dynamic CV sensors ? CV can be generated.
Inputs and outputs
CV and audio signal voltage: 0 to + 10V
(Pulsar's inputs have overload protection and will not be affected by signals from -20 to +20V for extended periods of time.)
Main output voltage swing: 2V
1/4” jack: 7
Mini-jacks (for Eurorack connection): 8
MIDI input: Standard DIN 5Pin
Headphone output: 3.5mm mini-jack
Power supply voltage: 12V (center positive)
Power consumption: 0.3A

Dimensions
 Dimensions : 380mm
Depth : 280mm
Height : 80mm
Weight : 4Kg
Accessories AC adapter, Japanese manual, 65 cm alligator clip patch cable, 30 cm alligator clip patch cable