(Quotes from the recent Pulsar-Scope users group)
Date: 19 October 2005
From: "scope4live"
Subject: Re: would you buy a Zarg music Matrix 12/ XPander device?
At any rate back to the Solaris. I've spent the entire evening with a 2 voice synth. I must be crazy, I'm buying Solaris the second I quit typing this. I will never insult him again by asking for a demo.
John Bowen's little 2 voice demo showed me that HE has captured that energy that seemed to be elusive in other synths.
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004
From: "music251"
Subject: Re: Solaris, was OT: New "open synth" on the market...
I second that!
I'm also a customer of John Bowen and has bought the Solaris.
Especially with the 2.0 update, this synth give the word "open" a
new meaning. :-) I don't think I've ever seen a more versatile
synth, and yep...it sounds great. Also, John Bowen gives you
excellent customer support.
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004
From: "Carlos da Costa"
"...I *really* believe that John's "Solaris" might be the best,
greatest, more flexible, deep-but-still-comprehensible soft synth on the
market, and theres' NOTHING close to it for the price he's asking. Now, how
many of you, "VSTi disdainers", have actually bought this fantastic synth to
use in our beloved SFP platform? Have you at least asked for a demo of it,
since the demo is free?? ;0)"
From: "haroldnobles2000"
Subject: Solaris, was OT: New "open synth" on the market...
I'm sure that Solaris is old news for many people, but I'd like to
chime in here in case you haven't tried it, it's great! In fact, SFP
would be worthwhile for me if I only had Solaris. (Fortunately, I
also have Minimax and B-2003.)
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004
From: "interloper11"
About the Solaris, um, it smokes any VSTi I've ever heard. Can't
deny the truth. It smokes some hardware synths I've heard recently,
but that's another thread.
From:
smikkel
Subject:RE: Solaris v2.0 update
Hi John!
I just had to give you some complements on your Solaris v2.0. Now
that I've spent some hours tweaking and listening to this synth (though I have
only touched on a fraction of what this synth can do), I have completely
fallen in love with it. The design of the synth is pretty much perfect. The MM
and WT oscillators sound better than ever, in fact they can easily compare
soundwise with just about any virtual analog synth emulation out
there(hardware and software). It's also great being able to mix both the MM
and WT oscs with FM-synthesis and the Rotor-oscs, which can easily give you
very weird and aggressive sounds, and the inclusion of the CEM oscs and filter
is greatly appreciated. This has to be the crowning achievement as far as
pulsar synthesis goes. If I only were allowed to use one pulsar synth, this
would be THE ONE! :-) I only hope Creamware continues to exist for several
decades, because this synth is a timeless classic, which I want to use for
many years to come!
Regards,
Steinar Mikkelsen
Subject:
Re: Upgrade details
Date:
Wed, 27 Aug 2003
From:
Nasir
Hello John,
Thank you for the upgrade to the newest version of the Prophet
Plus. I must say that your work never fails to amaze me. The
changes you have made to all the synths are perfect for my
application of the device in my work. I can not wait to get the RD
modules to see how they integrate with the Dark Star. If you keep
making synths this good hardware will quickly become a thing of the
past. Keep making the best devices on the creamware platform. Thank
you again.
Sincerely,
Nasir Ansari
Subject:
Solaris
Date:
Mon, 25 Aug 2003
From:
Sven
Hi John,
I just wanted to drop you a line or two in order to
give you the feedback I promised about the Solaris.
Well, first off, Solaris is a beautiful piece of art
that really inspires me to work with it. Sometimes, I
must admit, I feel like a child playing with a
sophisticated piece of music technology. There are so
many possibilities with the synth that it boggles the
mind.
Yet this is very exciting, as I can see myself
learning to use it over a long period of time.
I was able to immediately put it to use in a couple of
tracks that I was working on. The range of the synth
is really amazing and leaves me in a state of awe. I
know I've only tapped a small portion of it, but it
gives me something to look forward to.
In short, Solaris, in addition to the Dark Star, the
Orion, and the Ambient, are essential tools that I
simply could not do without.
I'd be interested to hear what you will be working on
next for SFP.
Thanks again for all your efforts. You always be able
to count with my support.
Sincerely,
Sven Hauck
Subject:
Solaris is Great
Date:
Sun, 20 Jul 2003
From:
Larrymajesky@aol.com
Dear John,
I just spent the last few days playing and exploring the Solaris demo, and the next thing I know, I "snap to" as they say, and I've got this
smoking credit card in my hand, and I'm pushing the send button on your order page ( I bought it).
It seems that this is the perfect all around synth, but not only that it can do so much, but that it can do it really really well (it sounds
incredible). As I played around with it, I would be thinking "well I wish I could modulate LFO freq with another LFO," and then I discover SMO,
and it's got quantization... or "I wish I could really mess up the sound by applying FM modulation between MM or CEM oscillators," and then
I discover AM modulation...Basically, I would be thinking that something was "missing." and then I would find that I was wrong. "But I really
wish there was a multisegment envelope, or an envelope with a hold parameter." But then, I guess one can drop a Red Dwarf module into the
envelope slots! True?
I'm, of course, not saying that there is nothing that it cannot do - Just that it covers so many bases, that if I could have only one synth, the
Solaris would certianly qualify to be that synth. It's really a great sounding, well thought out piece of work.
Thanks so much.
Larry
Subject:
Solaris
Date:
Fri, 06 Jun 2003
From:
Dave Riddle
Hi John,
Just to say I think the Solaris is fantastic. I liked the look of it because of the CEM Oscs and filters but did not
know about the great wave tables ( my fave is the voice counting), sample playing, FM, MM Oscs. This is
everything that is good about synthesis with bells on and so easy to use.
I saw the Solaris on your web site but had not heard about it before and was in two minds to get it. I would
not have been if I had known it was a top notch Prophet, Wavetable, FM, Analogue, Sample Synth, Analogue
Style Sequencer all with extensive modulation ( I like to use the delayed vibrato a lot on the mono lead sounds )
and all of this at the same time. The idea of switching on elements only when needed to save processing power
and linking in of external fx and modules is inspirational. If this is not selling like hot cakes then more people
should know about it.
Well Chuffed
Thanks.
Dave.
Subject: Solaris
Date: Fri, 23 May 2003
From: deejaysly
Hi John,
I have been using the Solaris so far and having a play with the Synth and it's presets. The number of presets that come with
the Solaris is overwhelming in a very good way. I love it when a device
comes with loads of presets!
The Solaris is a MONSTER! The amount of flexibility is amazing! Almost
ridiculous!!! :) And that's a comment coming from a novice. I apologise if my comments seem a bit vague. As I said I am still a novice
on all this stuff. Besides that, my reaction is mixed - I am both stunned
and have been made speechless by the Solaris!!
I have just made a purchase of a really outstanding device for SFP! BTW, the main reason why I have made the effort to purchase all your synths
is because they feel rock solid in the sense that I get a warm feeling a lot
of effort and detail has gone into all of them.
Best Regards,
Mark Ascroft.
Subject: Solaris
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003
From: smikkel
Hi!
I will give some more specific comments on this synth, when I've gotten to
know it better. Since everybody have complemented on the sound, I also have to
congratulate you on the design. To design such a complex synth in such a clear
and organized way is quite a feat. I'm very, very impressed by this synth! You
are without a single doubt the best developer of pulsar/scope devices, so keep
up the good work - and I'll buy it! :-)
Again, excellent work with the Solaris. This is the most impressive synth I've
ever played! I'm very curious to see how you're going to top this one... :-)
Regards,
Steinar Mikkelsen
Subject: Red Dwarf/Solaris
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2003
From: Amit
Hi John,
Just when I thought there are hardly better new designed synths for Scope as your Ambient and Red Dwarf (and what would be the Modular without you?), you come up with more synth design innovation than any other single synth creator. So the Solaris seems to extend the limits in synth
design to a new mark, making me curious to hear the results.
As I told you before it would be great to have some more documentation to your stunning work, but because of the huge possiblities, I already "get lost in sound" without knowing the more hidden hints, so it's not that problem as it would be else. I didn't get the clue how to use Modular 2 modules directly inside the Red Dwarf, I just remember having read it to be possible in earlier product announcements. Mostly I'm told that only Inserts are allowed. But even with the featured ones there are tons of possiblilities. Generally I'd like to know the limits of using Modular stuff inside the Dwarf.
My deepest respect (again),
Amit
Subject: Solaris
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2003
From: Michael Perlewitz
Hi John,
Is anything from/within the Pulsar platform not possible with this monster? OK, no joystick.
Never have seen the platform so compact+usable. Delicious. A thing for a take-away box.
And the sound is BIG. Yeah.
Congratulations. Once again: the best and most versatile thing for the platform.
I really enjoy being in this community that has wizards like you. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Micha
Subject: Solaris
Date: Wed., 26 Mar 2003
From: Carl Lofgren
Hi John,
I know I said this before, but the Solaris could be one the most impressive synthesizers I've ever used. Well... I won't stop using my Virus and I will never get rid of my Minimax. They both are state of the art synthesizers, but the Solaris _is_ able to compete with them. And from my point of view it's much depending on the following things:
1) Good oscillators. The CEM and Wave Table oscs are incredible tools when creating new sounds.
2) The sequencer. You can do anything with that one and when I get the codes I'll start converting all my favourite arpeggio-rhythms from the Virus and MicroQ into the Solaris. It's going to be fantastic.
-Carl
Subject: Solaris
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003
From: Phil Camp
Hi John,
I've been having great fun this weekend getting to know Solaris a bit...John, Solaris is a winner! More than just a synthesizer, it's a synthesis of the advanced components developed over the years. I find the UI instinctive and concise - the patching possibilities are enormous without being overwhelming.
Congratulations John, you've raised the bar yet again :)
Subject: new Solaris
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 21:14:38
From: Stefan Haselmeier
Hi John,
Waiting for the 'L' - Version of Solaris! Right now I only can say a big WOW to the 'S'-Version.
Congratulations!!! Fantastic Synth, great work again, never stop your work, John. Great!
Stefan
Subject: standard Prophet
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003
From: Alex Prescott
Just want to say that the synth sounds amazing. much better than the pro-52. I am floored by the sound of this thing. Been sitting at the machine for 5 hours now! An incredible product- kudos to you.
Subject: About Python Pro
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003
From: Stefan Haselmeier
Hi John,
Well done! I was really missing something like the Python on my Pulsar system. XD7-systems and you have done it. I love this device. I thought that i have enough sound devices for the Pulsar after owning nearly all of the Zarg-Products and some Creamware stuff, but Python gives me back an human touch. It is fitting perfectly in a mix and has its own character. I can really recommend this device to each serious musician and sound designer (catch the introduction offer).
And: no, John didn't pay me to write that!
Stefan Haselmeier, Frankfurt
Subject: About Python Pro
Hi John,
Thanks for the quick handling ! The Python is up and running - no more annoying beeps :)
Though it's a little tight on a simple Pulsar I, I already like it a lot. In mono it's certainly the best thing around. I can drive with my Casio Digital Horn, making the toy a real screamer or soft whispering. And I love those synths where some digging and tweaking reveals more and more of the sound spectrum.
My biggest compliments to you and your crew for such a straight approach to an idea simultaneously as simple and as complex as can be.
Cheers, Tom
Subject: About Python Pro
An excellent synth by the way from what I could judge from the demo, very refreshing and inspiring.
With Regards,
Paul Clayton
Subject: About Python Pro
Thanks John!
I'm still learning to program the Python. This synth goes very deep and I think it's a very clever design too. It is a great tool to build virtual instruments with, which is something I like to do very much.
-- cheers,
Vincent Siliakus
Subject: About Python Pro
Hi John,
I spent some time playing with the Python demo yesterday and I'm really very impressed. It's an incredibly versatile instrument and really breaks the mold compared to so many Pulsar synths. One thing that impressed me was the quality of some of the keyboard sounds (organ, EP, etc.) - I think I was just expecting traditional modeled instruments like strings and flutes, so these were an unexpected bonus! I'm no way near understanding how the synth really hangs together, just playing with the presets so far, but the manual is really well put together and a great help in understanding how the synth works. You (or Paul or both) are really to be congratulated on the clarity of the manual - it'll really make a 'difficult' synth easier to get my head round.
Ben Walker
Subject: Prophet Plus
Hi John,
This thing sounds great!
Stuart Anderson
Subject: Prophet Plus
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002
From: Jeremy Noble John,
I did a comparison between the NI Pro 53 and the Wine Country Prophet Plus and the latter is still way ahead. An instrument of superior quality. So that's my latest toy!
This synth is both the smoothest, punchiest and occasionally biting software synth I have had the pleasure to play so far. I never got to play the original but I can see what the fuss is about. Is it just the filter that makes this a class above other software synthesisers, or is there more to it? Is there a discount for Pro One owners? Let me know so I can get the real thing ASAP. Are you working on any other emulations for the Scope platform? Sounds like it's about time the Scope/Pulsar system got a review - I haven't seen one since v1.2!
Regards,
Jeremy Noble
Sibson Consulting
Subject: Pro One
Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002
Hi John,
Just few words to say the pro one is very very good. The sound is superb. It stands proudly near the minimax. The sequencer is a really nice add on to the beast!! great!
total respect...
-Olivier
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002
Subject: Re: CW MiniMax features...
Hi again.
[clip]
Btw, just have to praise the Pro-1 synth from John Bowen, while I'm at it. This thing sounds soooo good! :-) A good tip though (I'm sure most people here know this already but anyway..), always route the signal through the master-chorus effect. Not all creamware synths benefit a lot from chorus, but with Pro-1 it really makes a huge difference.
Pro-1/5 are definitely the best pulsar synths, together with minimax.
Date: Monday, April 22nd, 2002
Subject: PRO ONE
Hi John,
Is it just me [or my imagination], but Pro One seems to wipe the floor with NI's PRO52. I was a bit dubious when buying it initially cos I already own PRO 52 but the sound seems to be a lot fatter. Is there a reason for this...was the PRO-52 modelled after a different [not as good] synth [Pro 5?]. Anyways, the External Input and the Step Sequencer are really good and unexpected additions. This is the first time I've bought a soft synth and really felt like I've bought a piece of hardware. I'm gonna stop harping on now, its just that I had a great weekend messing with it.
Ronan Keating,
R Engineer,
MedNova Ltd.
Date: Monday, March 25th, 2002
Subject: new Pro One v1.3, Ambient
Thanks John,
The new surface is really nice, and the new presets are top quality. I still can't believe how much 'impact' you can get out of this thing. Easily the most individual of the CW synths. As I mentioned before, a Jupiter 8 would be the best machine to have an emulation of, but this will keep me going for sometime to come. I've had my eye on the Prophet Plus, but money's tight and I think the Ambient may be more useful to me (assuming that the Prophets all sound more or less the same).
Regards,
Jeremy
Date: Friday, Feb. 8th, 2002
Subject: Comments on your other synths
I must say that I'm love with Dark Star and Ambient.....I find those to be about the best synths for the platform. Ambient is so amazing and unique, it really doesn't compare to any software or hardware synth out there! I just love dropping strings and choir samples on the wav oscillators...talk about soundscapes. Dark Star is so deep and vibrant for basslines...I can't praise these devices enough.
one last question...which you probably heard before....is there any plans for porting your synths over to using them in xtc mode. I was just curious.
thanks again john,
joe w
Date: Thurs, Jan. 17th, 2002
Subject: My Pro One
Hey John.....What can I say....Well, I'm over the moon.....In Analog Heaven...(again).....A fantastic job.....so good in fact....im selling my granny for the next batch of virtual (creamware) analogues coming my way.....hopefully from you and your development team of course !:-). I have been a follower of the Synth scene since my first analogue...The Korg MS10....in 1978...wow, that long ago!!...Wouldn't it be a great thing if every synth in my Keyfax Electronic Keyboard book came to life on my Creamware card......Food for thought eh?...anyway back to business..
Thanks for a prompt service mate.
Best regards,
Frede Fernandez
Subject: Prophet Plus
Date: Sun, 06 Jan 2002
Hi John and a Happy New Year to you! Sounds like 2002 will see you keeping pretty busy...
Whilst writing, I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your brilliant SCI Prophet clones, especially the Plus. I haven't had so much sheer unadulterated programming and playing fun in quite a while (apart from the Pro-One of course!) NI's pro-52 certainly sounds a tad weak in comparison. Yet another fantastic job, John! What's next in the pipeline?
All the best,
Phil Crowther
Subject: Prophet Plus
Date: Thurs, 03 Jan 2002
Hey John,
Well, I've played the Prophet Plus Demo, and it's bloody good. It's the first time a soft synth has reminded me of the original 'vibe' I got when playing the SCI P5. Magic. The NI Prophet looks like a prophet and has all the bits, but it never really seems to have the balls and edge that the real P5 has.
Yours is way better than the NI...so I'd better send you a cheque :)
One thing I think is different is the envelope attack. My memory of the Prophets (not the later ones, but the P5 and 10) is that the envelopes had a really fast clean attack. Not as razor sharp as a DX, but the next best thing. The Prophet Plus attack seems slightly 'fudgy'. But maybe my memory is enhancing reality?
I can't resist the idea of finding a Prophet and comparing them. I'll let you know when I do. If the result is good, I'll send a nice long rant.
Cheers,
Rick Chadwick
Subject: Re: Ambient
Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2002
Hi John,
Yes, Happy New Year, I saw that you sent this out at 2:30 am on the 1st. Very impressive! The Ambient is GORGEOUS!!!! The v. 2.1 is working well. I spent most of the day just playing with the sounds, and realize that I could spend the rest of my life with just this one synth. The editable parameters are mind boggling and I really haven't much of a clue what all of them mean. In fact, do you know of any good books that explain synthesis?
Again, thanks for everything, you've brought some new inspiration into my music making!
Best,
Marc
