I mean, it seems well-designed for its purpose. It just has a rather unusual purpose. Throughout pretty much the entire video, I found my jaw on the floor half the time, while I muttered things like "Dafuq?" and "Diabolical!" Like, the feature where it goes out of tune as soon as you get your hand near the tuning knob... that's a truly diabolical move. It's the sort of Sisyphusian task one might be condemned to in the 4th circle of hell. But OTOH, it also looks like a lot of fun as long as the user isn't trying to make songs.
@@ToyKeeper In fact, this synth is pretty commonly designed for its purpose among some "weird" synths like the Lyra-8 as Loopop mentioned, but also others like the Linninstrument, the Enner from Soma Laboratory, or the Buchla Easel...
@@V3nom7 Yeah, it really reminded me of the Lyra-8. It seems to offer more control though, while also requiring more work to use. Definitely in the same general category. However, I don't really understand the comparison to the Linnstrument. Solar 50 is an experimental ambient synth, while the Linnstrument is an isomorphic and highly expressive midi controller. They're totally different types of devices. I could see comparing the Linnstrument to an Eigenharp. They've got a lot in common. But it has virtually no overlap with a Solar 50, except that they're both close to the same price and somehow related to music.
This synth ... I feel this synth scratches a very particular itch, one some of us may not even knew existed until this came out. There are pretty much limitless harmonic ideas buried in this machine. I like/appreciate the fact that it's designed to interact with external gear, but isn't beholden to it (no MIDI or sync). It's an orchestrator's dream, or nightmare, depending on your point of view. I found this review/overview inspiring and evocative at the same time. Thanks for the great video! I definitely want this machine!
Reaffirming the conviction that we might be living in the heyday of synthesizers! Love how the homepage makes reference to some of the more experimental/obscure soviet synthesizers of the past. Hope someone will cover this lineage in the future. Anyways, awesome review. Thank you!
I just discovered your channel and I have to say this is by far the best content about music gear I have seen on UA-cam if not on the whole web. I fell into a creative hole some months ago and you inspired me to discover my gear and get creative again. I just want to say thank you! Stay awesome! Alex
I didn’t skip the ad. I realize that ad revenue is important and I appreciate your channel. With that said - I know you have some very loyal subscribers and think that if you were to mention “Hey - let that ad play as it’s a great way to support the channel and costs you nothing” - I think many would. 😊
Thanks, and please feel free to skip the ads if you're not interested! I believe youtube pays creators regardless, and even if not, 5 seconds is enough to endure...
Fabtastical vid as usual, your prod value is SO consistent--don't be so hard on your self :) but we appreciate it! I see a machine like this, and how its filter works and go "wow, this is a job for Frames!" Frames on the X,Y,Z and the env follower would TRANSFORM it!
Yikes! I've paid for and ordered their next version of this that should arrive Fall of 2023! This is a complicated instrument. Your reviews are always so helpful.
I am so sad I'm only just discovering this now that it is discontinued. However... it is summer of 2023 and they are about to come out with the "42" and I want it! Your video reviews are always just so terrific. Thanks!
Seems like the kind of thing I’d have fun with for a while and then it’d become too daunting for the end result and I’d sell it. Very cool synth though and I have to admit I’d love to have one.
8am, freshly brewed coffee, freshly brewed Loopop video, what can go wrong? Ahhh... yes, another possible dent in my retirement savings, yep, that can go definitely wrong.
"...but if you are playing in the sun and a cloud passes by..." You can have me here sat and watching an excellent review of something I'd never buy. Fine sense of humor
This would be a great 150 thriftstore find in amsterdam in 2046, only 4 of the voices work at this point but its so weird and cute and covered in gunk, it's a mystery because it was not popular whenever it came out, we think it was around 1964 but can't confirm... ;)
Thanks for the Review Loopop. Great review as always ... but nothing for me. Which is good to tame my GAS ... I really enjoy watching your reviews, because they give me good understanding and if I want it or not. That is the best thing a review can achieve and you are constantly hitting that spot. Sometime it is better than reading the manual :-)
Interesting entry into the ever more over-crowded synthesizer space, but I've yet to find a more versatile & sick sounding machine than my beloved Alesis Andromeda that I paid a small fortune for; it's been worth every penny.
I Have No Idea What You Said ' Yet It Sounds Brilliant! Please Try This Mod' So to Advance This Miracle Making Melody Box' For The Better!🎼🌌 Then Tell Us How You Made It!?!🖖
@@loopopUnfortunate, was looking forward to it, as I ordered one. Your reviews and tutorials are literally the best resource available for synths. Love your channel, I'm looking forward to your next projects.
even though I would definitely be too impatient to tune all 10x5 oscillators, it is always good to see new synths with innovative approaches! I am getting tired of all these remakes and clones..
Your diction is near to perfection but, please think to activate the automated subtitles for non native english speakers. it was missing in recent review. Thank you for the best quality review, as always !
FRIGGING AMAZING!!! People are like music. Some speak the truth, and others are just noise. Keeping speaking the truth Loopop! Digging the Solar 50 sounds. Great job and kudos to you for another awesome video.
This is an amazing synth. I have my eyes on this one for a very long time. But a digital alternative is Falcon 2 by UVI, you can stack OSC like this(and even more than this), the sounds also amazing.
Re: the effects cartridges, I find no mention of them on the Elta Music website, except that the manual says the synth comes with 3. It does not say which 3. It would be nice to know the entire range of them and what they cost.
Amazing to see you review it! Ever since Elta announced this I was hoping you would have a look at it! Any chance for the polivoks / filter to be analysed in the future?
Marvellous. "Secret" Cold War era short wave broadcasts. Now we know!!! Oscar Salla Mixtur Trautonium. Now where did I put that unloved 64 oscillator 16 voice multitimbral ROMPLER synth?
The only reason I can think why this isn’t in more drone rigs is because of price. You can buy 2-2.5 lyra-8s for the same price and it has a lot more to offer. I think this synth is on the same plane as drone thing, drone king, maximal, and boxes similar to those. I want to like the solar 50, but I think it’s lacking something special in addition to the massive oscillator count.
An outstanding hardware machine, really quite special. Seriously tempted with this, especially after seeing some black ones! Cinematic movie scores must get eaten for breakfast by this machine. Shame there’s no midi sync capability but work with what you’ve got. How could my Keystep’s sequencer work with this? Just remembering that has cv and gate on the back of it (both of which I’ve never used). Thanks for a great video.
Thank you, something I’d have to look into as I’m a complete noob when it comes to patch cables and cv. All my setup is midi. Would be fantastic to have a sequence running on the KS and have Solar play it.
a really unique synth. The only thing i find quite sad is, that the effects are mono... who wants a cathetral reverb, wich doesnt feel like its all around your head, but instead in boring mono :/
if you want a tip for a really good chorus, check out the TAL Chorus, its a free Juno 106 Chorus VST and i use it on every track i make. Changed my whole production style when i started to put it on basslines (and cut the sides under 120hz)
Thank you for great content and honest reviews! If I may ask, what software are you using to visualize/analyze the sound waves? The graphics you usually put above the actual synth/sound device
Kind of " Vangelis Machine " ... is missing a " supersaw tuning button " automatic tuning every oscillator with little bit of detune . But a pretty sure can create amazing " space pads " or experimental stuff
OMG Whales and Aliens ... funny stuff. This hardware is certainly out there. You have a remarkable depth of knowledge. However, I do wonder how often you get your hands on something and just sit there and scratch your head. I know I would be doing that with this for quite a while. That being said, you did a great job of offering up a wonderful review of something unusual. (One question ... looks like you have a little 20 HP skiff there. Where did you get that? I have a couple of loose modules and really don’t want to put them in a large case because I know that’s how the addiction starts.)
Thanks! The times I've sat and scratched my head is when the manufacturer didn't bother to make a proper interface and then I just moved on. Life's too short to use a bad UX. Here it's actually quite straightforward. The case is DIY from uncertain proportions, you can also check out 4ms pods
This is a very intriguing instrument. I'm not the target market, but if I got one as a gift (fat chance!) I'd definitely keep it :) Are you sure that effect you mentioned is actually cross-mod? Does it say that in the manual? Only it occurs to me that a very similar sound would result from the five oscillators not tracking correctly as the pitch was reduced, due to the low frequencies involved and the sub-audio range that the beats would soon occupy as they descended... maybe it's just that?
Your channel is amazing,. I'll never buy the synth but I watched the whole video because you're awesome
Finally, a synthesizer which captures the experience of tuning an uncooperative piano.
LOL
I mean, it seems well-designed for its purpose. It just has a rather unusual purpose.
Throughout pretty much the entire video, I found my jaw on the floor half the time, while I muttered things like "Dafuq?" and "Diabolical!" Like, the feature where it goes out of tune as soon as you get your hand near the tuning knob... that's a truly diabolical move. It's the sort of Sisyphusian task one might be condemned to in the 4th circle of hell.
But OTOH, it also looks like a lot of fun as long as the user isn't trying to make songs.
@@ToyKeeper In fact, this synth is pretty commonly designed for its purpose among some "weird" synths like the Lyra-8 as Loopop mentioned, but also others like the Linninstrument, the Enner from Soma Laboratory, or the Buchla Easel...
@@V3nom7 Yeah, it really reminded me of the Lyra-8. It seems to offer more control though, while also requiring more work to use. Definitely in the same general category.
However, I don't really understand the comparison to the Linnstrument. Solar 50 is an experimental ambient synth, while the Linnstrument is an isomorphic and highly expressive midi controller. They're totally different types of devices.
I could see comparing the Linnstrument to an Eigenharp. They've got a lot in common. But it has virtually no overlap with a Solar 50, except that they're both close to the same price and somehow related to music.
Enjoyed this, and didn't expect, but got THE BEST one sentence explanation of the Lyra-8! 27:40
I can't believe they built this for market. Absolutlely beautiful.
This synth ... I feel this synth scratches a very particular itch, one some of us may not even knew existed until this came out. There are pretty much limitless harmonic ideas buried in this machine. I like/appreciate the fact that it's designed to interact with external gear, but isn't beholden to it (no MIDI or sync). It's an orchestrator's dream, or nightmare, depending on your point of view. I found this review/overview inspiring and evocative at the same time. Thanks for the great video! I definitely want this machine!
Extremely lush sounding! Great video!
Thanks very much!
Love that word ❤️
Reaffirming the conviction that we might be living in the heyday of synthesizers! Love how the homepage makes reference to some of the more experimental/obscure soviet synthesizers of the past. Hope someone will cover this lineage in the future. Anyways, awesome review. Thank you!
I just discovered your channel and I have to say this is by far the best content about music gear I have seen on UA-cam if not on the whole web. I fell into a creative hole some months ago and you inspired me to discover my gear and get creative again. I just want to say thank you! Stay awesome! Alex
Hey Alex, thanks for taking the time to write, I really appreciate it
elta: our latest synth has 10 voices with 5 oscs per voice
Look mum no computer: hold my beer
Sam explained himself that Arseny told him that he took the mega drone project as part of inspiration for the Solar 50. Nothing new there.
Band director: you are out of tune
Me: I'm not out of tune, I'm microtonal
Watch your (semi) tone.
Sounds like the key to a minor joke that is major-ly funny
Band director: *swears in just intonation*
@@russellzauner I see you pitched in. That joke hertz only because of the frequency at which they are coming in,...
It's so hard to pitch new ides to band directors. It can even be so scary you quaver with fright when you try.
"....lyra 8 is more like whales and aliens getting together for a party at a nuclear reactor...."
Perfect.
You can make it sound like angels, angle grinders or devils to.
Soma Lyra 8 is incredibly boring to me. Just simple drones.
Whatever the review is....it is always the icing on the cake to hear your talented playing at the end😊
Thanks for the comment!
now, that outro @31:25 comes with some really nice & vsaucy Jake Chudnow touch ...and as always, thanks for synthing!
Thank you for working at these videos. You have guided me to where I needed to be with my synth endeavors to fit my personal workflow. Thank you.
I was waiting for that review. Thank you Loopop!
I didn’t skip the ad. I realize that ad revenue is important and I appreciate your channel.
With that said - I know you have some very loyal subscribers and think that if you were to mention “Hey - let that ad play as it’s a great way to support the channel and costs you nothing” - I think many would. 😊
Thanks, and please feel free to skip the ads if you're not interested! I believe youtube pays creators regardless, and even if not, 5 seconds is enough to endure...
Loopop is awesome i won't buy a synth until I've seen him review it he's taught me so much thank you
UA-cam ads now think I want solar power products thanks to this video
I _really_ like how this sounds.
That’s a neat synth. Something different is greatly appreciated!
“The ad you just skipped”
Called out 😂
Oh my god - read this as he said it 😂😂
Been looking into this recently - very glad you're here to help!
That microtonal comment was a good one. This thing sounds absolutely wonderful.
The outro is just lovely
Thxsomuch loopop💥🎹💥
Fabtastical vid as usual, your prod value is SO consistent--don't be so hard on your self :) but we appreciate it! I see a machine like this, and how its filter works and go "wow, this is a job for Frames!" Frames on the X,Y,Z and the env follower would TRANSFORM it!
I would get some De-oxit rather than use wd40.
Great demo and review, I really like the workflow of this synth..
Loopop You've done it again. Given me a big dose of GAS. You're Deep mind 12 review "forced" me last Friday to grab one.....
Hmmm, I didn't get an ad to skip. WHERE IS MY AD?
Do you maybe have UA-cam Premium? You could try clearing your cookies and reloading the page.
Got mine about two minutes later
"Save big money at menards" ...happy to help.....
I like the fact that the photosensor domes are set up as 5-way vactrols on the inside
What a beautiful synth and what a fantastic video.
The outro reminded me of the brilliant compositions of Trent Reznor, beautiful, pure gold.
I guess this is going to make SOMEONE happy, and that makes me happy 🤷♂️👍
Me if I could afford it, lol.
thats so cool! what a simple yet interesting idea
Yikes! I've paid for and ordered their next version of this that should arrive Fall of 2023! This is a complicated instrument. Your reviews are always so helpful.
As always you are the best. Thank You.
Really cool outro jam! Love it.
wow. looks very interesting. being totally surprised and looking forward to your demonstration.
“If you’re thinking it is out of tune, it’s not. It is microtonal” - loopop, 2020.
I am so sad I'm only just discovering this now that it is discontinued. However... it is summer of 2023 and they are about to come out with the "42" and I want it! Your video reviews are always just so terrific. Thanks!
The ad you just skipped! LMAO!
_Visible confusion_
@@simonboisjoli316 lol
I have UA-cam Premium so I never get ads.
Seems like the kind of thing I’d have fun with for a while and then it’d become too daunting for the end result and I’d sell it. Very cool synth though and I have to admit I’d love to have one.
8am, freshly brewed coffee, freshly brewed Loopop video, what can go wrong?
Ahhh... yes, another possible dent in my retirement savings, yep, that can go definitely wrong.
"...but if you are playing in the sun and a cloud passes by..." You can have me here sat and watching an excellent review of something I'd never buy. Fine sense of humor
This would be a great 150 thriftstore find in amsterdam in 2046, only 4 of the voices work at this point but its so weird and cute and covered in gunk, it's a mystery because it was not popular whenever it came out, we think it was around 1964 but can't confirm...
;)
i love your comparison with the lyra 8! hahahaha whatta great crazy metaphor, but somehow i understand it and it said all i needed to know.
Wow, this is crazy! I like the interface.
This thing is awesome thanks for the review.
I would like to see Solar 50 Light sensors turned on in a dark room and put video projector to project some weird stuff on them 🙊
"My occasionally get drunk and sensitive to light" what a simple yet brilliant explanation
Thanks for the Review Loopop. Great review as always ... but nothing for me. Which is good to tame my GAS ... I really enjoy watching your reviews, because they give me good understanding and if I want it or not. That is the best thing a review can achieve and you are constantly hitting that spot. Sometime it is better than reading the manual :-)
This would be perfect for my ambient right next to Medusa and Tracker
Interesting entry into the ever more over-crowded synthesizer space, but I've yet to find a more versatile & sick sounding machine than my beloved Alesis Andromeda that I paid a small fortune for; it's been worth every penny.
Absolutely amazing machine!!
As always, thank you!
I'm just gonna add little metal trackballs that change the way the myriad of Theremin stubs in the antenna field interacts with the player...why not
I Have No Idea What You Said ' Yet It Sounds Brilliant! Please Try This Mod' So to Advance This Miracle Making Melody Box' For The Better!🎼🌌 Then Tell Us How You Made It!?!🖖
@loopop Hi, do you plan to review the Solar 42 ? Thanks for your work !
Thanks! No sorry I have too many things coming up :/
@@loopop Thanks ;)
@@loopopUnfortunate, was looking forward to it, as I ordered one.
Your reviews and tutorials are literally the best resource available for synths.
Love your channel, I'm looking forward to your next projects.
@@loopopFeelsBadMan
even though I would definitely be too impatient to tune all 10x5 oscillators, it is always good to see new synths with innovative approaches! I am getting tired of all these remakes and clones..
Really creative and interesting synth
Your diction is near to perfection but, please think to activate the automated subtitles for non native english speakers. it was missing in recent review. Thank you for the best quality review, as always !
Snorky Mescaline thanks! It’s on, it just takes youtube time to create it
loopop Also, I heard they’re going to remove them from UA-cam altogether.
@@PWMaarten What they are removing are community contributed subtitles (because the automated ones are "good enough" lol)
Whoa! This looks like a VST made into hardware.
ALso that mini eurorack box in the right is ADORABLE!
FRIGGING AMAZING!!! People are like music. Some speak the truth, and others are just noise. Keeping speaking the truth Loopop! Digging the Solar 50 sounds. Great job and kudos to you for another awesome video.
Very interesting stuff, great video.
Excellent looks awesome
Ooo...this would be good for making some spooky sounds. I dig it. Might have to take a look at this at some point.
This is an amazing synth. I have my eyes on this one for a very long time. But a digital alternative is Falcon 2 by UVI, you can stack OSC like this(and even more than this), the sounds also amazing.
Odd they went to the trouble of FV-1 effects but then used mono effects and mono output.
Nova Drone on steroids dream come true. As always, the thorough, creative approach of your demo is appreciated.
Literally cheered when I heard “50 independent oscillators”
This is dope, like a weirdo DIY project as a professionally made box
Re: the effects cartridges, I find no mention of them on the Elta Music website, except that the manual says the synth comes with 3. It does not say which 3. It would be nice to know the entire range of them and what they cost.
I hope they read this comment - they sent me all 12 so I don't know which get bundled.
loopop, their promo video suggests that Infinity, Magic and Cathedral
are included. The remaining 9 cartridges are available for $90.
it comes with all 12. I just got mine :)
Only youtube influencers get all 12.
Gordon Chin nope. Everyone gets 12
Amazing to see you review it! Ever since Elta announced this I was hoping you would have a look at it! Any chance for the polivoks / filter to be analysed in the future?
Thanks! Not likely though due to other priorities
The Solar 50 do have the Polyvoks filter built in, as the Console pedal which come with those cartridges effect. (only 3 delivered with the Solar 50)
Marvellous. "Secret" Cold War era short wave broadcasts. Now we know!!! Oscar Salla Mixtur Trautonium. Now where did I put that unloved 64 oscillator 16 voice multitimbral ROMPLER synth?
What A Beast!!
20:28 Wow, sound like Flume - Amber !
The only reason I can think why this isn’t in more drone rigs is because of price. You can buy 2-2.5 lyra-8s for the same price and it has a lot more to offer. I think this synth is on the same plane as drone thing, drone king, maximal, and boxes similar to those. I want to like the solar 50, but I think it’s lacking something special in addition to the massive oscillator count.
Yes it`s finally here.
Got a softspot for russian synths.
I have a hard spot for them 🤣
An outstanding hardware machine, really quite special. Seriously tempted with this, especially after seeing some black ones!
Cinematic movie scores must get eaten for breakfast by this machine.
Shame there’s no midi sync capability but work with what you’ve got.
How could my Keystep’s sequencer work with this? Just remembering that has cv and gate on the back of it (both of which I’ve never used).
Thanks for a great video.
Thanks! You could use modulation and gate CVs, but the pitch output is mostly useless for this
Thank you, something I’d have to look into as I’m a complete noob when it comes to patch cables and cv. All my setup is midi.
Would be fantastic to have a sequence running on the KS and have Solar play it.
Will the Solar 42 get a review? I'm obsessed and need loopop insight
Not likely sorry - it seems like a lovely synth but there's too much going on and only one me
@@loopop make sense, don't worry about it. Have you used the Solar 50 recently or has it just been sitting around? Keep up the good work!
@@fmartinez18 it has been sitting around but I don’t think I’m an example for anything since that’s what most of my synths do…
V2 should include all the effects
Of all synths I'll never want this one is most expensive
a really unique synth. The only thing i find quite sad is, that the effects are mono... who wants a cathetral reverb, wich doesnt feel like its all around your head, but instead in boring mono :/
Simon A my dread box abyss also has the mono effect curse. I just put it through a nice clean stereo chorus. Instant stereo reverb.
nice workaround! :)
if you want a tip for a really good chorus, check out the TAL Chorus, its a free Juno 106 Chorus VST and i use it on every track i make. Changed my whole production style when i started to put it on basslines (and cut the sides under 120hz)
i love that !
LOL! Manually tune 50 oscillators?! It's like the Lyra 8 and said, "It's a nice start, but I finish tuning too quickly."
When you've got the glow... they know you got the glow- the glow to grow.
I'm pretty sure it balances your check book too when you're asleep.
"It's not out of tune! IT'S MCRO-TONAL!!!!!" is about to become a meme
It already is for years among musicians.
"The Ad I just skipped?!"
Uh oh! Big Brother is watching me!!!
Slinks away in shame into the darkness...
It's ok to skip ads - If they're boring it their fault not yours!
Seems like quite good value for what you get...
I am someone who hates tuning my oscillators, so this machine is my personal hell.
yeah this thing is a nightmare for me
I can see this machine uses the ‘ jazz’ Side of the brain. It allows you to find the notes between the notes give a special spice to the pallet.
Impressive device :-)
Btw, what tool/software are you using for the audio signal visualization on this video?
Thank you for great content and honest reviews! If I may ask, what software are you using to visualize/analyze the sound waves? The graphics you usually put above the actual synth/sound device
Thanks! Scopes by Melda
Hey, another cool piece of equipment I can't afford.
Kind of " Vangelis Machine " ... is missing a " supersaw tuning button " automatic tuning every oscillator with little bit of detune . But a pretty sure can create amazing " space pads " or experimental stuff
You can't because each osc within every voice is in a precise frequencies range, and they almost don't overlap between eachother.
Love this beast. Hope to get one but the shimmer card would go in the trash though.
OMG Whales and Aliens ... funny stuff. This hardware is certainly out there. You have a remarkable depth of knowledge. However, I do wonder how often you get your hands on something and just sit there and scratch your head. I know I would be doing that with this for quite a while. That being said, you did a great job of offering up a wonderful review of something unusual. (One question ... looks like you have a little 20 HP skiff there. Where did you get that? I have a couple of loose modules and really don’t want to put them in a large case because I know that’s how the addiction starts.)
Thanks! The times I've sat and scratched my head is when the manufacturer didn't bother to make a proper interface and then I just moved on. Life's too short to use a bad UX. Here it's actually quite straightforward. The case is DIY from uncertain proportions, you can also check out 4ms pods
BIG ambient machine
This is a very intriguing instrument. I'm not the target market, but if I got one as a gift (fat chance!) I'd definitely keep it :)
Are you sure that effect you mentioned is actually cross-mod? Does it say that in the manual? Only it occurs to me that a very similar sound would result from the five oscillators not tracking correctly as the pitch was reduced, due to the low frequencies involved and the sub-audio range that the beats would soon occupy as they descended... maybe it's just that?
there does seem to be some sort of fm going on there and not just a detune, but I'm not entirely sure what it is behind the scenes
@@loopop Interesting! It seems like a whole lot of very unusual choices have been made in this design. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing...
Say goodbye to 12 tone and HELLO MICROTONES
getting lyra-8 vibes from this. which is a good thing.
I'm kinda disappointed that the oscillator ranges don't all overlap so it's not actually possible to tune all fifty to the same frequency :)
It's written in the free accessible manual. I encourage everyone to look at it before buying this instrument.
@@V3nom7 Good advice. To be clear... I haven't bought one of these :)