Synth guru Ziv Eliraz shared his latest loopop synth review, an in-depth look at the new Softpop SP2 synthesizer, a collaboration between Casper Electronics and Bastl Instruments.
The Softpop SP2 is a patchable synth that they describe as “a radical subtractive synth under the influence of unconventional digital control”.
Video Summary:
“SoftPop 2 is a refreshingly original semi-modular synth. While most semi-modular synths are built around a traditional linear signal flow, SoftPop 2’s normalled wiring is very abnormal – the oscillator clocks an LFO which in turn modulates the oscillator’s frequency itself. An optional “pop” modulation has the oscillator modulate the filter’s frequency, but only at certain rates and in a way that causes very digital-like “bit crush” effects based on an entirely analog circuit. It has a built-in quantizer, also inserted by default both into the signal chain and the modulation chain, and a very clever way to sequence scales.
It’s very unique – the default routing is essentially a “krell”-like patch that fades away into a normal synth, depending on oscillator and envelope looping rates.
It’s better seen and heard than written, so, all is covered in the video, where I also compare it to the original Soft Pop and discuss overall pros and cons.”
Topics covered in the video:
0:00 Intro
2:15 Overview
4:45 Why it’s original
7:25 Oscillator
7:50 PWM
8:55 Quantization
9:30 Filter
10:25 Pop/Pixel
10:45 Env/LFO
11:20 Scales
12:30 Sequencer
13:35 Step seq
14:55 Chains
15:15 Scale seq
16:10 Play modes
17:25 Temp FX
17:50 Clock sync
18:45 The Orb
PATCH IDEAS
19:20 Sidechain
19:55 Pop envelope
20:35 Rate push
21:10 Env osc sync
22:00 Mod thru scale
22:40 Seq length
23:10 Extra seq track
24:35 XY as xfade
25:00 “Krell” patch
26:15 vs OG Softpop
27:45 Pros & cons
30:35 Outro
Check it out and share your thoughts about the new Softpop SP2 in the comments!
Instant purchase for me. Instant Ray Bloody Purchase!
its definitely not designed by Roland
Great review! Wonderfully unique sound with absolutely captivating characteristics! Who in their right mind designed this thing? How about something that’s usable with some visual logic to it? Czech design is best in the world, give us some Bauhaus clarity please. Look forward to Softpop 3 or 4.
Using PCB material as a case is a step-down in quality and not justified at the price point. Any time I see that, it is an instant pass for me.
it is the same material as the first one and about the same price so in that regard it didn’t changed. it’s also the same material of most of their products. it is questionable for this kind of money but we don’t know what’s inside. if it was a question of better case or better internal parts and development i would choose the latter
the Thyme is the same price range and has a sturdy metal&wood case