SOMA Pulsar 23, User Manual

PULSAR

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23

USER MANUAL

MIDI

The Pulsar has significant capabilities to be controlled via MIDI. 

MIDI controls have:

• Dynamic trigger of all four synthesis modules, taking into account velocity.

• The BASS module recognizes pitch bender (the range is +/- 12 semitones) and portamento 

(CC05).

• MIDI controllers can be assigned to SHAPE and WARP synthesis parameters of the BASS 

module.

• The Pulsar can receive MIDI clock which can synchronize the array of clock dividers and the 

looper\recorder. To do this, turn the INT MIDI switch of the clock section to the MIDI position.

• There are four MIDI to CV converters (MIDI CV block) capable of converting messages from 

MIDI controllers and keyboards into CVs. The converter outputs can then be connected to 

any Pulsar input contacts, which will provide MIDI control or automation of the functions 

connected to these contacts.

The intention was to make the MIDI implementation as user-friendly as possible. Next to 

each function that has MIDI automation there is a learn (LRN) button, which makes it easy 

to assign a MIDI controller there. To do this, press the LRN button next to the desired func-

tion and turn the midi-controller or press the key on the midi-keyboard that you want to 

assign there. The Pulsar will remember the channel number, key or controller number (CC) 

and will remember them even when the power is off.

Altogether there are 12 parameters that can be automated via MIDI:

Triggers of the 4 synthesis modules, 4 freely assignable MIDI to CV converters, SHAPE, 

WARP, Portamento and Pitchbender functions of the BASS module.

  To assign a MIDI controller (a key or a continuous controller) to a synthesis module 

(BD, SD, HHT etc.) hold the LRN button of this module and press the desired key or 

turn the controller. 

  The pitchbender and portamento functions are firmly fixed to the corresponding mi-

di-controllers. The receiving midi-channel number of these functions is the same as 

the midi-channel number of the keyboard assigned to BASS. Portamento can only be 

adjusted via MIDI.

  The synthesis modules and MIDI to CV converter automatically recognize the key and 

the continuous controller (CC). In case a MIDI keyboard key is assigned, the velocity 

value of the pressed key will be transmitted. If a controller is assigned, the position of 

the controller is transmitted.

  You can control the synthesis module trigger with a continuous controller instead of 

by pressing a key. This will give you many unusual features, such as drawing the attack 

and signal decline in a DAW. To do this, use the LRN button of the desired module and 

assign a continuous controller to the module you need.

  You can assign MIDI keys to a MIDI to CV converter, this will give you the opportuni-

ty to rhythmically control various synthesis parameters (for example, a filter) from a 

MIDI keyboard and apply functions such as quantization, which are difficult to use with 

a continuous controller.

If any key is assigned to the first channel of the MIDI to CV converter with the same MIDI 

channel as the MIDI keyboard assigned to the BASS module, the key tracking signal of the