LiamKillen and the Quirky Madness of the Solar 42

A Drone Synth Like No Other

In his latest video, LiamKillen introduces us to the delightfully bizarre world of the Solar 42, a drone synth that looks as if it could start its own pub orchestra. Borrowed from his pal Pat, aka Stereo Image, this synth has already left its mark on the film scoring world. The Solar 42 isn’t your run-of-the-mill gadget – it’s more like a stretched-out Lyra-8, with a totally different workflow that Liam finds both challenging and rewarding. Supporting his work, Liam invites viewers to use his affiliate links, a scheme as intricate as the synth itself.

Oscillator Orchestration

Getting to grips with the Solar 42’s oscillators feels like directing a misfit choir. LiamKillen delves into the meticulous process of tuning each of the synth’s 24 oscillators. It’s no simple task – it’s akin to preparing a dodgy kebab, requiring precision lest the whole thing fall apart. Liam describes using Ableton to solo chords and fine-tune each note, an exercise in patience he likens to setting up an entire track in one patch. While the time investment is significant, the payoff is a synth patch capable of creating lush, immersive ambient tracks, a testament to its complexity and potential.

"a patch like on most synthesizers will be like one sound out of a composition. Whereas this is like you're kind of like setting up an entire song."

The Lyra-8 Comparison

"there might be others out there, but those are the two that I've encountered."

LiamKillen draws comparisons between the Solar 42 and the Lyra-8, noting a similar spirit of individuality. Like two old punks reminiscing about the good ol’ days, the Solar 42 stands out with its idiosyncratic approach to sound modulation. Each note being its own oscillator feels like a chaotic pub brawl, but one that results in a surprisingly cohesive outcome. The complexity of tuning each oscillator adds layers of texture, much like the Lyra-8, but with an expanded universe of creative possibilities.

Tactile Adventures

The Solar 42 isn’t just about sound – it’s about feel. With its touch-sensitive controls, light sensors, and a joystick reminiscent of vintage arcade games, it invites creativity at every turn. This synth is more hands-on than wrestling with a reluctant bulldog. Each control offers a chance to shape soundscapes in real-time, making it a powerful tool for live performances. Liam is fond of its effects engine too – like a Swiss Army Knife fused with a Nintendo cartridge, it adds layers and depth, leading to sonic wonders and sometimes unexpected quirks that keep things fresh and exciting.

Versatility and Beyond

The Solar 42 sounds phenomenal, balancing a mix of nostalgic charm and modern innovation. Its effects engine offers sonic alchemy, with Cartridges packed with effects that are themselves mini-synths. What’s more, the touch-sensitive light sensors open new modulation paths, blending with performance environments – imagine the lights of a rave impacting your synth’s output! Liam showcases these features with an infectious enthusiasm, revealing a synth that feels like a wish list brought to life. The integration of classic sequences and innovative designs make it a unique, versatile beast ready for any sound adventure.

"You can make it more very cool more rhythmic if you want to."

Wrapping It Up

As the video winds down, LiamKillen offers insights into music distribution with DistroKid, highlighting how musicians can distribute their creations easily and affordably. It’s a neat wrap to a video filled with explorations of sound and tech. The seamless segue into practical advice exemplifies Liam’s knack for combining the artistic with the pragmatic. Whether you’re in it for the sonic quirks or the practical tips, this video offers both in spades, leaving viewers inspired to dive into their own creative endeavors armed with the quirkiest gear.