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Comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:25 am
by spacef
http://www.studioelectronics.com/produc ... /boomstar/

I expected Jimmy to be the first one to comment: JV: Did you miss them at namm or what ? :-)
I do not know SE except that it is generally good quality with a lot of satisfied customers.
I ask for curiosity rather than in a customer perspective. arp 2600 filter ? cool enough.
What is to be expected from this company and designers ?

(changed thread title)

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:11 pm
by Mr Arkadin
I'm potentially looking into one of these, although I have to say the name is dire, but I fancy the ARP or SEM filter. Still haven't seen it released or any proper demos yet though.

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:34 pm
by dawman
Medhi, at NAMM, I was busy embarrassing myself with the Rock Gods and posing for Facebook with them.

But I can say with confidence anything with 3 Oscillators that they build is incredibly thick and juicy,
They are great folks and great support, but even if it were Bob Moog making a 2 x Oscillator synth, I still wouldn't like it.
I am assuming they are 2 Osc synths, as everyone wants synths for cheap and third Oscillator really kicks up prices.
But thier Filters and Distortion ( soft ) are incredible no matter what name they give them.
To me the Filters are basically the same sound, one might have more Resonance.
On the other hand there's no mistaking the sound of the CS80s Super BPFilters, and they have nailed that one really well from the demos I heard.

I saw an unknown Black Dude in his 50s years ago using a Roland Axe with an SE-1X and I immediately went out and bought one.
The guy was a monster on synth Bass and would even play the low end while reaching over to his Matrix 12 and it was FAT City. You would have loved the groove these guys had.

I even wanted to dance but couldn't find the right man to shake it with me in front of the band......

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:46 am
by spacef
Well, I myself having hard time keeping my eyes off the minitaur.... :-o because it seems to have that sound that i can't find anywhere (probably not in a phatty, what i hear in stores on headphones is disapointing, i dont know) but it shouldl be great with the Microzwerg (more powerful than it looks, and very vintage sounds in my opinion).
I think my interest toward hardware is more about having "that sound" and not be bothered with post production "hiding misery" techniques :-)
+ the knobs for each or most parameters is better than 4 assignable knobs.
I'll be very interested in the SE synths if they manage to catch authentic sounds :-)
I hope some of us will be sharing feelings :-)
cu

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:58 am
by Mr Arkadin
Well I would grab a Minitaur if I didn't have the Taurus 3 already - even so I'd still like one for the extra features. But I feel I should at least try the Boomstars first to try and avoid a Moog overload - especially as the Minitaur is based on the Taurus 3, I feel I'd like some different filter options, SEM, ARP or even 303 interest me.

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:03 am
by dawman
The 2 synths you mentioned I did happen to hear at NAMM just because I accidentally walked by their booths, and both of them, especially the Microzwerg, sounded sweet.
The SE-1X w/ 3 LFOs, 4 x EG's, 24bf Filter switch, distortion switch, BPF and LPF are perfect for me. It's too bad they are only monophonic, but Solaris pretty much has every Oscillator, Filter and routing dream imaginable, so those 2 x synths will be the last hardware units I will buy.
My ancient EML-101 is going to be sold as I accidentally snagged that one at a Garage sale, and it all original knobs, patch cables and wooden case in mint condition, I mean like new.
And I see them on ebay for 4-5000 USD.......... :o
So I think I will hold onto to that as many folks are going to hardware these days, especially when the price is so reasonable.
The old EML-101 was actually made in " The Ghetto By The Sea " known as Long Beach, CA.
late 70's, probably someones garage.....

I say whatever floats your boat, is what you buy and use. When I smile, I can play better and write music, when my eyes squint from weakness, my scant few ideas fade rapidly.....

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:20 am
by spacef
Mr Arkadin wrote:Well I would grab a Minitaur if I didn't have the Taurus 3 already - even so I'd still like one for the extra features. But I feel I should at least try the Boomstars first to try and avoid a Moog overload - especially as the Minitaur is based on the Taurus 3, I feel I'd like some different filter options, SEM, ARP or even 303 interest me.
the 303 could be promissing. i guess it will depend on the existence of "glide" and "accent" and the sound of the oscillators (if they want to model a 303).

The minitaur has a kind of "xite4live heard it at namm and said it was fat". A reputational sugar coating on top of the cake if you prefer ;-)
the problem is that i can't download a demo and see how it sounds here , lol.....

Re: So Jimmy, any comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:59 am
by dawman
Yeah, you really need to play a synth, especially hardware.
The thing with hardware that I always notice, is that in eminates from the front of a powered stage monitor, where as Native always seems to come from behind the speaker.
I know this isn't a concern for doing mp3's and CD's as once you put the hardware into a Scope project window, it sounds FAT, and mixes well with Native stuff, and all of the advantages you would have on a live gig or powered stage monitor isn't that noticable.
Scope DSP synths actually sit right in between the quality of hardware and Native, but again once inside the Project window, everything seems to blend much better.
But when it comes to low end and truly crisp EGs and Filters that track really low and high, I think the Minotaur would be great to have, as it can go out live and add some serious balls to an ITB mix.
You must find a retailer in Paris who carry's one.
And if you don't like it, since you have been such a good freind and developer over the years I will offer you my spare SE-1X ( w/o the Distortion switch) for dirt cheap.
Definately a Sore Dick Deal, you can't beat it.
Also a Kurzweil Expressionmate which is in mint condition has the actual manual back when using paper was still legal...
Perfect for those real low Sub Glides.

Re: Comments on the Boomstars from SE ?

Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:12 am
by spacef
That's a nice offer, Thanks !
But my other issue is space. The minitaur is small, but will eat up all the space that is left on my desk if I buy it.
The Boomstar are a tad too big too, but well if they sound good, they might win over the minitaur.
So I am afraid a SE 1 X might be too big for me (no more rack space, in the rack and above it , and on my table :-/
At least in my current location, it is a bit full now....
If I dislike the mintaur or boomstars, I will contact you, and we'll see, but if you are in a hurry to sell it, don't wait for me !