The new PULSAR-23 Bass Drum module

[liminalParticipant]

My Pulsar just arrived, new, so I’m sure it has the new board.  Before I open it up to change the settings– is there a place I could hear the difference?  Sorry for the repeat question.

Love my Pulsar and Lyra.  Such beautiful instruments.

 

[SomaLabsKeymaster]

We did not make A/B recordings to show the difference, because even slight changes in settings will change the nuance of the kick sound. Depending on settings, there can be no audible difference, or a big difference. Basically each kick will be identical with the switch enabled, whereas with the classic setting each kick can sound slightly different, or a lot different, depending on settings:

The BD oscillator restart switch is in the left bottom corner.
In the up position, marked as STAB, the BD oscillator will restart on each BD trigger.
In the down position, the BD works in the original Pulsar mode.
To make the restart function work stable, ATT knob must be in the minimum or very close to it.
REL must be short enough to decay before the next triggering.
Triggering velocity must be close to the maximum of 10V.
In some settings stability may also depends on TUNE knob position.

[RP]

How about the limited edition – does it have the old or new BD module?

 

 

[RP]

How about the limited edition – does it have the old or new BD module?

 

 

[subconscious0Participant]

What color is it? Mine is Yellow and, yes, it has the new module.

) If your Pulsar has a higher serial number​ than the ones below it already has the new BD option (BD version 2.6.10.21.PL) and you can start using it by flipping the switch on the PCB inside:

White – P23WEU0699
Black – P23BEU0982
Orange – P23OEU0837
Zanzibar – P23ZEU0024
Pink – all
Green – all
Pacifist – all
Yellow – all
White, Black, Red / Gold – all

[Tritone]

To all new P23 users – BD by default is set to the old version mode, so when you’ll get your new P23 you need to open the device.

[subconscious0Participant]

here are two photos to help. I’ve tried to upload them before but by message gets marked as SPAM
<div class=”bbp-template-notice error” tabindex=”-1″ role=”alert”>

Forbidden. Message seems to be spam.

</div>
So trying again…
photo 1

photo 2

[subconscious0Participant]

here are two photo to help

[Janosch]

Hi,

i have a Pulsar with the new BD Modul inside.
Are there sound examples somewhere that show the difference?
I’m not sure if I want to change and would like to hear the difference before.

Thanks a lot and best regards

Janosch

[subconscious0Participant]

<h1 class=”font-600 text-2xl font-bold”>Understanding Bass Drum Settings in Drum Machines</h1>
<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Overview</h2>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>The setting in question doesn’t alter the fundamental character of the Bass Drum (BD) sound. Instead, it affects the consistency of the BD, but only under specific conditions:</p>

<ul class=”-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8″>
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Very fast Attack (ATT)
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Relatively short Release (REL)
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>High Velocity

<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Classic Mode vs. New Mode</h2>
<h3 class=”font-600 text-lg font-bold”>Classic Mode</h3>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>In this mode, one kick in a pattern may sound different from another because the oscillator is free-running. When the kick is triggered, the oscillator might be in a different phase, potentially resulting in:</p>

<ul class=”-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8″>
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>A more blurred transient
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>A duller kick sound

[subconscious0Participant]

Sorry about that mess. Trying again:

The setting in question doesn’t alter the fundamental character of the Bass Drum (BD) sound. Instead, it affects the consistency of the BD, but only under specific conditions:

Very fast Attack (ATT)
Relatively short Release (REL)
High Velocity

Classic Mode vs. New Mode

Classic Mode
In this mode, one kick in a pattern may sound different from another because the oscillator is free-running. When the kick is triggered, the oscillator might be in a different phase, potentially resulting in:

A more blurred transient
A duller kick sound
or other differences in character from the previous kick

New Mode

In this mode, the oscillator resets for each trigger, ensuring consistency from kick to kick.

Making Your Choice

The decision comes down to a simple question: Do you prefer each bass drum hit to sound identical (new mode), or do you enjoy the slight variations that occur in the classic mode?

Advantages of New Mode

Consistency: Every hit sounds the same, which can be ideal for precise, punchy beats. This is often preferred in genres like Techno.

Advantages of Classic Mode

Subtle Variations: The slight differences between hits can add a more “organic” feel to your rhythm.
Potential for Happy Accidents: The phase differences might occasionally produce interesting textures or grooves you didn’t anticipate.

Listen for yourself

Even with the new mode enabled, you’ll get classic mode behavior under certain conditions:

Slow attacks
Longer releases
Lower velocities

[Mirco]

Hi! I would be super helpful to get a Video of Install the new BD board. Many THX!

[subconscious0Participant]

You can give it a try and make a video in the process! 😄

[Author]

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