John Bowen Synth Design

by **Jackal** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 9:40 am

Wow, there's so much already under the hood and on the console itself. I'm bloated with options and quite satisfied. If $$$ wasn't an issue, PolyAT would be nice. For me endless expressability, especially live. If I could customize my Solaris, maybe I'd add a twin laser-sensor to the upper left of the unit (like the one Roland is currently using on its V-Synth GT) for additional tripped-out sounds. One can dream, but the current hardware and specs on the Solaris makes it the sandman that'll make any sound designer's dreams a reality.

by **galaxiesmerge** » Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:26 pm

marzzz wrote:Just for fun, let's say the Solaris goes into production shortly and sells reasonably well, enough that JB can consider a "Super Deluxe" version (as sort of mentioned in the I/O topic with regard to AES digital outs). Within reason, i.e., given that the Solaris is currently $3999 and a "deluxe" could be, say, $5999, what would you want in "your" deluxe Solaris?

For me, a 76 key version with PolyAT, of course!

Well: Poly AT is a good thing. But a good fast MIDI interface beyond the norm, maybe using MAX MSP is good too! Since I already have modular analog gear (Modcan) I think the SOLARIS is great as is. The musicality of an instrument is based on the design of the User-Interface and the user's own skill. I'm okay with that. I can afford any amount for the right instrument but any amount cannot buy you talent.

by **John Bowen** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:37 am

lotus-eater wrote:
scope4live wrote:The XTDM Connector for the deluxe version too........
Extra power from the XITE-1.
I wonder if this was ever considered during the design of Solaris...

No, this wouldn't work at all. It's not simply adding more DSPs on a communications bus - the 2 systems handle things quite differently.
We have considered making an add-on board for Solaris, but I think the last time this came up, Juergen (hardware designer) said that it was a bit more complicated than just a single connector to more DSPs.
-john b.

by **lotus-eater** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:53 am

scope4live wrote:The XTDM Connector for the deluxe version too........
Extra power from the XITE-1.

I wonder if this was ever considered during the design of Solaris...

by **scope4live** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 3:46 am

The XTDM Connector for the deluxe version too........
Extra power from the XITE-1.

by **seamonkey** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:47 am

Well mine is on July 6th and I better have mine by then or I'll cancel my order and buy a Korg MicroKorg.

by **tinhu** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:20 am

And mine 02 may ...!

A very very nice gift !!!!!!!!

by **scope4live** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 5:33 pm

You guys want a super deluxe Solaris.........
Get an XITE-1 to use in tandem with it.
Well they're both coded by Klaus. With JBowen and him on the same team I feel great already.
Did I hear that the Casio CZ Oscillators might be available for Solaris too...?
They sound great in Modular IV and Roy Thinnes from CWModular has also made some really great sounding patches using the Resonance and SawPulse Oscillators.

Hey JB my BDay is on May 6.................what the odds..?

by **valis** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:41 am

Personal HAARP generator with the right presets to generate "good vibes" in the venue rather than the nasty stuff that HAARP is reportedly used for...oh 'frickin laser beams' would be bad either!

by **tinhu** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 3:13 pm

and to make a cup of coffee ,
what else ?

by BF » Sat Feb 27, 2010 1:34 pm

lotus-eater wrote:
3rdConstruction wrote:I'm thinking the Solaris we're getting IS the super deluxe model...
My thoughts exactly.

As well, but if we are having fun... laser guns and a tank full of electric eels.
pew pew... zap!
O, is it too late to mention tank tracks or a hovercraft mode?

by **lotus-eater** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:44 am

3rdConstruction wrote:I'm thinking the Solaris we're getting IS the super deluxe model...

My thoughts exactly.

Analogue filters a must? Well, to each his own, but I would prefer not to have noisy analogue electronics messing up a beautiful sounding, digital mega-synth. Why reduce fidelity with multiple trips through DA/ADs?

The only upgrades I can see being really worthwhile on a synth this capable sonically, are those that would allow it to be played more expressively (polyAT), and those that would allow you to interface it with higher-end gear (AES/EBU).

Certainly not complaining about the lack of either of these options though. I'd pay extra for an AES upgrade, but not polyAT.

by **3rdConstruction** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 7:34 pm

I'm thinking the Solaris we're getting IS the super deluxe model...

by **John Bowen** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:01 pm

ThreeFingersOfLove wrote:Oh that's easy:

1. Analog filters (MUST HAVE)
2. Poly aftertouch (MUST HAVE)
3. 24 voice polyphony (can live without)
4. AES/EBU (can live without)

I will buy it right away. No questions asked.

And how many Analog filters would that be? Generally I'd think you'd want one per voice, and if we are running 10-15 voices, that's an expensive option!!

-jb

by **John Bowen** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:27 pm

Jimmy,

Solaris is 6 x ADSP 21369.
cheers,
john b.

John Bowen Synth Design

Super deluxe Solaris

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