Synthstrom Deluge 2.1 Sneak Preview

Developer Rohan Hill shared this sneak preview of a new feature in an upcoming firmware update for the Synthstrom Audible Deluge workstation.

The new Waveform View lets you view a sample’s waveform as you browse through your files. When you switch to editing, you can zoom in on the sample’s waveform to adjust sample start and end points, set loop points and more.

Synthstrom told us that this is just one of the new features in development. They expect to release firmware 2.1 in late 2018, but will be previewing it at the upcoming NeemFest and Knobcon on Synthstrom’s upcoming US tour.

Dates & Locations:

  • Aug 24th, Los Angeles, CA (Coaxial Arts) – Demo/Workshop and live performances
  • Aug 25th, Bishop, CA (Mountain Rambler Brewery) – Live performance by Ian Jorgensen only (Check A Low Hum for details)
  • Aug 26th, San Fran, CA (Noisebridge) – Demo/Workshop
  • Aug 27th – Arcata, CA (The Miniplex) – Live performance by Ian Jorgensen only (Check A Low Hum for details)
  • Aug 28th – Portland, OR (Valentines) – Demo/Workshop
  • Aug 29th – Seattle, WA (Chop Suey) – Demo/Workshop and some short live performances
  • Sept 5th – Manhattan, NYC (Private Studio) – Demo/Workshop
  • Sept 7th – Northeast Electro Music Festival, Homer, NY – Demo, Workshop and live performance
  • Sept 8th and 9th – KnobCon – Chicago, IL – Tradeshow and live performance

Details on the tour events are available via Synthstrom’s site and FB Event page.

Pricing and Availability

The Deluge is priced at US $899. and is currently backordered. You can pre-order via the Synthstrom site or sign up for their wait list to be notified when they are back in stock.

38 thoughts on “Synthstrom Deluge 2.1 Sneak Preview

  1. This thing pwns the Behringer RD-808, the TR-808, the Electribes, Elektron’s boxes and just about any comparable device, because it does so many things well.

    I’m surprised a big company hasn’t hired these guys and bought the company, because they’d instantly own a big chunk of the market.

    1. Lets hope it doesn’t happen because a big company would have never created this awesome device and would only strangle its further development.

      These guys are awesome and I hope they stick to their guns.

      1. couldn’t agree more.. and while sometimes i thought they are becoming a DAW again in the traditional way, they keep on implementing subtle variants to common wisdom. trailblazing is seldom done on beaten tracks. but many a future legend song will have started its life on a deluge. stay indie, please, its the new mainstream. the big guys are cute but mostly predictable and yes, as soon as its good they would never improve as that “gives the impression it wasn’t good before and people will start waiting until its perfect”.

        not these guys, they had a good product from day one that is now like its own smarter brother and still growing on pace. let’s hope they are the new roland and still at it in 40 years. now they are upgrading classic workflows one at a time, accelerating workflows, tapping and enabling very creative moments.

        Intuitive machines are not built by comittees.

      1. “The RD-808 is analog, has a completely different feature set, and isn’t even out yet.”

        Yep, and you don’t have to be a genius to understand that analog drum circuits mean no sampling capabilities and no synth engine. This thing has workstation capabilities.

  2. Best piece of kit I’ve ever invested in, and the Synthstrom Audible team (H/T Rohan) just keeps raising the bar.
    What want, Deluge does.

  3. lol wtf?

    My old version of Soundforge 6 running on my ancient Dell laptop owns this totally. Throw in the power and speed of Regions and the ability of infinite playlist creation, with real waveforms displayed on a REAL screen where I can easily do stuff down to mere milliseconds, in a matter of seconds, um why would I bother with this?

    Seriously wtf would I want this primitive looking representation and work flow i.e. constantly turning physical knobs when I can blow this endless twiddling away with keystrokes?

    The first thing that went out on many of my beat boxes where rotary controls, the twisty knobs. Any device that use this as the the major source of control is eventually bound to fail. This was my experience with both my Korg and Yamaha beat boxes.

    But forget that, just in terms of work flow for me,
    this is like driving 5 mph when I can cruise at 60 and beyond even on my oldest crappiest laptop. Pass.

    1. I sit in front of computer all day and music is my hobby. I hold mouse and click it all day long so my hobby would not be possible without hardware devices. I know that a lot of real musicians don’t have inspiration clicking bricks in ableton. So hardware is market for the them as well. I don’t have deluge because my toraiz sp-16 is yet better and has screen. So just look at the things at different angle. Making music with such devices is more like meditation or putting together a puzzle: efficiency is not the most important part.

    2. > My old version of Soundforge 6 running on my ancient Dell laptop owns this totally.

      If the Deluge billed itself as a waveform editor, I reckon you’d be right. Since it doesn’t you sound kinda goofy making this comparison, with righteous indignation and mockery no less.

      My Hohner electric guitar can play 6 notes at once while LOLWTF my Sequential Pro-1 can only play a single frigging note! Indeed, I could run a plugin on my ancient Dell laptop that can play more notes than a OB-6 FFS!

      1. The video was demonstrating ” waveform edit view.” I work in waveform edit view whenever I open any version of Soundforge. Looking at square blocks representing a WAVEFORM doesn’t float my boat when compared to a REAL waveform representation i.e. screen, where I can surgically work down to milliseconds so this supposed “feature” is way too primitive for my work flow on any level.

  4. Admin: Personal attack deleted.

    Keep comments on topic and constructive.

    Also, you’re using multiple usernames to comment with on the site (trolltopia, Mr. Test, whormongr, ThobRom), so your comments get flagged for moderation.

  5. > the Synthstrom Audible Deluge workstation

    a “workstation” without a display? give me a break. how does that work? fact is: for 200 bucks more you get a REAL workstation groovebox: the mpc live. it blows the deluge out of the water.

    1. Not really…it depends on what you’re trying to do… I can’t really consider something without a synth engine a ‘workstation’ or ‘REAL’ and it certainly doesn’t do any ‘blowing out of water.’ Though I like having a sampler for percussion, I mostly use the deluge’s synth engines for sounds. The deluge has both analog modeling and FM engines (both good / usable) and can use stereo or mono samples or single cycle wave forms as oscillators. The MPC live is a serious sampler but sampling is only half or less of what the deluge can do. For my workflow the live’s 16 pads is far too limiting. MIDI and sequencing is faster / easier on the deluge (sorry, big screen doesn’t help here) but the Live has more MIDI outputs. There are certain effects that I really like (saturation, delay) on the deluge but the Live probably has better ones and more standard routing possibilities. We all know ragnhild is a sucker for a good screen but because of the button matrix on the deluge I don’t really miss it. The singular stereo output on the Deluge is far more aggravating than any perceived ‘problem’ that anyone has posted here. For my purposes that would’ve been better than CV outputs.

  6. The complaining about the screen… the comparing it to a DAW or MPC… it’s all useless commentary contributed by people that have never touched this device and most likely have a workflow where something like this would not fit in. If you want a tiny device that is a catylist for creativity, this is it.

  7. When you create a machine with so many features, the screen definitely becomes an issue when you don’t have one. This is the screen from the SP 404 but that thing just samples and plays back sequences.

    To rely on the buttons to give you a waveform view shows that you missed the boat on a simple screen and are looking for creative ways to hit the mark. If you didn’t need a screen, then you don’t need a waveform view.

    It’s a very interesting machine and probably has a great workflow, intuitive, nope. For those who like to make music and have fun, its like going to the playground and waiting for them to build a swing set before you can enjoy it. I’d love to play one but for that to happen for the masses and get interested, $899 is a big investment.

    The OP-1 can fulfill that budget urge in spades for the same price and a lot more bang for your buck.

    1. I spent a good amount of time with the OP-1 before buying the Deluge. The OP-1 is tons of fun, but it is not really comparable to the flexibility and intuitive nature of the Deluge.

    2. I own an OP-1 since before my holy Deluge 😉 I still use it, it means the same to me as always but it does a different thing. and the features, sorry to say, just don’t make it a Deluge because the whole Deluge is a screen and when you just crop samples, a rough display can suffice. I don’t need to see a sound or all its parameters at once to hear it, my ears do that for me. I find it incredible how they map screen functions back to the “keyboard”. what the display lacks, the 128 pads complete for anybody basically just jamming. while always having DAW capabilities under the hood and for integration in the box… and the OP-1 unfortunately lacks an SD slot. Deluge is a minimal DAW unplugged 😉

  8. Awesome update. One of the best pieces of gear on the market! For those who complain about a display. The whole deluge device is the display. I’m glad I’m not limited to a little LED/LCD screen. Like every other device.

    1. See, the thing about it is that most of the people complaining about the screen have not actually ever used a Deluge. Like the guy up above who has labelled it “unintuitive” without having laid a finger on it. That’s just hilarious to me. 😀 lol
      It’s just something you can’t really understand until you sit down and use it, I think. All of the little intricacies of the workflow don’t really come through in a video.

  9. No screen yet it’s more intuitive and easy to use than any Elektron that have better screens. People have ditched the MCP Live for Deluge with no regrets. Workflow is so subjective, I’m way more productive on hardware and the Deluge by far over anything else. Sure a modern daw is way more powerful of a tool but it’s not for everybody as a end all do all. This update here is neat, wasn’t needed due to shortcomings as you could do it before by ear like music has been traditionally made. This update is a testament to the nonstop dedication and development of its software. Kudos to Rohan and Ian.

    1. > No screen yet it’s more intuitive
      > Workflow is so subjective
      > People have ditched the MCP Live for Deluge with no regrets.

      dream on.

      1. You all know the drill with this person… has a strange desire to put a high resolution display on everything… has rarely touched the device they are commenting on. Move along… nothing to see here. (Pun definitely intended).

      2. > deluge has a more intuitive workflow than any elektron I have used ——> which is subjective because it’s my option.
        > 3 friends and a bunch more tgat I can’t recall have sold their Mpc live since buying a Deluge
        > yes living the DREAM thanks

      3. So yeah… I have a an MPC LIve and an SP-16 sitting dusty in the corner because my Deluge is so intuitive. lol
        I used to think like you, that a touchscreen was going to be the be-all-end-all and revolutionize my workflow and make everything so much better. But it didn’t.

  10. This !¿ZomgNoScreen?!! thing is funny, if tired. Abbey Road didn’t have a screen until what, 1984 or so? They made some pretty good records there, without a screen, from what I hear.

    I mean, if you need a screen to do you and Product X doesn’t have one, why bother commenting? Because you hope it gets improved? Or you just want to let out some steam? Both are reasonable but, either way, there are no less than 900,000,000 more important things to bitch about, publicly, than whether or not a music making gadget you’ve likely never tried has a screen.

    1. > I mean, if you need a screen to do you and Product X doesn’t
      > have one, why bother commenting? Because you hope it gets
      > improved?

      yes! look at the tr8s. it has a display now. the tr8 should have one in the first place. roland´s original decision was: no aira product should have a display. reason: it was all about “performance”. no need for screens. bs.

    2. not sure why ragnhild needs more features in his music hardware, he seems to only be capable of playing one note, the same note, over and over

  11. Another funny thread of bizarre hatred for a feature set which is free on a device you aren’t forced to buy .
    If you think having a screen is king vs Functionality , grab a digitakt . Unfortunately that nice screen has no zoom function when trying to define loop points , it’s a much requested feature . There are of course many examples of this being better / worse than another device which are kind of pointless unless you have a gun to your head and your life depends on being forced to buy one.
    If turning a knob is archaic then I hope you don’t cry when you get in a car and have to turn big wheels and press pedals .

    this device is definitely innovative , from streaming audio to song mode , using the grid to display information and many other aspects , it does far more than many devices , but I’m sure there’s a device out there from 20 years ago that has one particular feature this doesn’t and I could post about to ‘win’ some type of bizarre argument .
    There are successful companies who’ve developed only grid based trigger devices who are less innovative , but they do have nice polished wood cases so that’s alright then ? Yet they are also well regarded and people find their products inspiring.
    Many companies should see what this small team are doing and try to be as innovative and I’m sure if they could manufacture them more quickly or source the components more easily they wouldn’t have a waiting list.

    I’m very interested to see all of the devices people commenting on here are making , big screens , they do everything , $300 , free updates.
    I’d understand some of the negativity if this was bug ridden , but from what I understand they aren’t and the develops have a good dialogue with their community. I don’t have one , would definitely like to try one which cannot be said for many larger manufacturers with screens ( and bug ridden firmwares which are often replaced completely)

    Burn them !!

  12. I just can say – I absolutely love it!
    Ok, sound engine is limited compared to my another love – Virus, but it does so lot more and is so versatile… and I don’t have to care about all that computer things as it is almost instantly ready to work – just plug (you don’t even necessarily have to plug something) and play…. and I don’t have to worry that some component or win/mac/ios update will ruin something. Simply perfect!
    … and for analogue purists – it works with your analogue gear too 😉

  13. People who complain about not having a screen are probably the same ones who dont even learn to use their devices inside out. If you have trouble remembering things, or mix with your eyes and not your ears this isnt for you.

  14. Extremely happy Deluge owner checking in here just to say that I was completely over-the-moon-happy with this thing already and I feel absolutely spoiled to know that this is coming down the pipeline. 😀

    Any naysayers who have never laid a finger on a Deluge, my only advice would be that you might just be depriving yourself of a wonderful experience for no good reason at all. lol Sure, it won’t be for everyone. But it’s no coincidence that there are practically none of these on the used market and an overwhelming majority of owners who have fallen utterly in love with the Deluge. Hell, I’ve got an SP-16, MPC Live and MC-909 and I still use the Deluge more than any of them, by far. So it’s not like “Oh, I spent all of my money on this one piece and now I’d better convince myself that it’s amazing.” I’ve got options galore and full touchscreen interfaces and yet the Deluge still reigns supreme in my book. No fanboy-ism here, I just know how to recognize a game changing (yes, I said it) amazing product when I see it.

    If someone has tried a Deluge and it just doesn’t do it for them, fair play. But really, anyone who talks trash about it having never used one is a fool. Watching videos and actually using one are two completely different things. There is just something about the interface that just works, and that doesn’t come through in a video or review.

    Much respect to Rohan and the rest of the Synthstrom team, as always. You could have easily stopped a long time ago and still had a winner on your hands, but you didn’t. And there’s something very inspiring about that.

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