where can i get the software version of this? I saw this video and started to doubt my purchase of the hardware:
1 Like
It’s a Reaktor Ensemble, and I believe ships with Reaktor 6? At least, it’s documented under the “Synthesizers” section of the Reaktor 6 Factory Library guide
2 Likes
thanks will check it out. judging the video above, the software might even be better than the hardware?
I, personally, don’t think so. Certainly not on the basis of lacking a “spread” param. As I mentioned when that video was first posted above, I hate voices randomly panning around space and it’s the first thing I turn off whenever it’s present in a synth. Pretty clickbait-y for someone to suggest it’s the sole reason to cancel a $1,200 preorder, IMHO.
But whatever. For me, it’s about how physical modeling synths really thrive in the sweet spots that emerge from the overlap of, like, 3–6 different parameters all interfering with one another. More than that, many desirable sounds require dialing in right to the edge of such sweet spots, an edge which can be an elusive and fragile thing.
To me, this cries out for a physical interface. I’m sure (panning excepted) the Reaktor Steam Pipe sounds nearly identical to the Erica Steampipe and vice versa. But it’s just not fun or rewarding for me to get there moving parameters one at a time with a mouse (also, I’ve had a heck of a time just keeping Reaktor running on newer Macs these days).
Now a full, new, no sales Reaktor license is $200. The Erica box lists $1,200. So is it worth literally $1,000 to have (really, really nice) physical knobs that you don’t have to have a computer to run and won’t be bricked by OS updates? Only to a particular kind of musician with particular interests. I think most people would never even consider it, and they can get Reaktor (or rediscover Steam Pipe in their old Reaktor license) and will be absolutely thrilled with it — especially if they’re already ITB.
But it’s the same story with any digital (and, increasingly, analog) synth. Its code can run on a computer for cheap or in dedicated hardware with purpose-built UI for more money. That doesn’t make one “better” than the other. Just different and more/less affordable.
7 Likes
I’m that musician.
I’ve never understood these arbitrary comparisons between software and hardware. You either need hardware for its tactility, stability, and durability, or you don’t. Period.
And it has been my experience that these kinds of arguments (not saying that anyone is having an argument here per se) are typically biased and one-sided. Those who use (and presumably only need) software always seem to question the merits of hardware. Whereas, on the other hand, I don’t know any hardware guys who would claim that a synth’s software counterpart is redundant.
I don’t get it.
Regardless, I literally can’t wait to get my hands on one of these.
Cheers!
3 Likes
You’re going to love it! I haven’t been able to take my hands off mine since it arrived lo these two months ago. I’ll be damned if moods don’t just flow from this thing without any of the analytical overhead I usually enjoy bringing with me to my sound design. It’s been a near meditative experience for me.
2 Likes
Without question, it’s to be my next purchase.
I did promise myself that I’d take the DN2 to task first though. There’s a lot to explore, in terms of physical modeling, with the new comb filters. And I need it for upcoming shows, so…
But there will be a Steampipe in my future.
My intention is to make it the sole voice for my LinnStrument.
Cheers!
4 Likes
Also my intention, looks like a perfect fit.
Does anyone knows if it can also do some classic bass/lead sounds? More like subtractive type of stuff.
Any demo showing this specifically.
2 Likes
Having just played with SteamPipe inside Reaktor for the first time in a long while, I can see why they made this into a hardware synth. There is so much variation available with just a bit of turning multiple knobs–perfect for either hardware or using Linnstrument programmed to these knobs.
To me, there is always a “playability” question that means more than, “can the VST do the same thing?” I mean, with Pigments, PhasePlant, Falcon, Omnisphere and the various instruments inside Logic, Bitwig and Live, it is difficult to me to imagine a hardware solution that isn’t already covered by some kind of software. That’s not the point, at all, IMHO. Hardware synths are valuable when they become a very intuitive, usable interface that they really are not in software, regardless of the sounds they create.
1 Like
So forgive a noob is Steampipe basically the same as NI Prism?
Another thing I see this synth has audio-in but it isn’t to use the reverb? Instead it chops up samples or something? Has anyone tried it?
I wonder if it is possible with a FW update to make the audio-in put reverb on an external source? (more traditional use)
Very cool unit.
They’re in the same ballpark given they use the same method for generating sound. But it’s a little like asking if a Moog is basically the same as a Prophet. Yes? But also, no.
The way this type of modeling synthesis makes sound is by looping a simple sound in a delay with a lot of feedback. This delay has to be very short — like, equal to the wavelength of the desired frequency kind of short. So any sound put through there will come out sounding “chopped up” into tiny bits.
Traditionally the sound sent into these short delays is an impulse or noise (or a mix of the two). The Steampipe adds the option of feeding them with external audio instead. A good example of what this sounds like can be heard in Loopop’s review.
It’s probably possible. My understanding is it’s all software inside there, so a lot could be done with firmware updates. I wouldn’t bet on it happening, though. If you’re looking for a way to get at that reverb, I’d check out a Nightverb or 112db’s plugins instead.
1 Like
Here’s another demo with custom patches and a slightly different focus (no recorder, flute, or organ sounds). Maybe you find it useful.
14 Likes
very nice video. the GAS is real
1 Like
Just got one of these ordered. This is more my kind of music. I’m sure I’ll sell it in a few months when I need money for more vet bills with our 4 old dogs…be on the lookout.
1 Like
My Steampipe just showed up from SW. OMG. Loose item inside…I can see when I can move it to the vent that it says 16V with some numbers…metal roundish thing. I guess it broke off in shipping. I’m no electronics guy so have to send it back. Sucks as my boss just left and I have 6 hours till the end of my work day with nothing to do…was so excited…times like this, I just want to quit buying music gear.
2 Likes
Got my new one today. Thanks SW. hooked it up to my vector sequencer. Played every preset with a basic sequence with some transposition from the subsequencer. Love it. Just sounds lovely. Can’t wait to make a grand cinematic soundtrack for when I’m playing Monster Hunter!
5 Likes
Please share if you ever do it.
1 Like
anyone use a linnstrument with the steampipe? how did you set it up? was it straightforward? EDIT: nevermind, it was straightforward I got it to work.
Is there a ‘panel mode’ on the steampipe? so that the sound reflects the current settings of the knobs ?
- Click the right knob
- make sure
Presetis selected’ - Click the left knob
- Scroll down to
Unload - Click the left knob.
That unloads any preset settings which leaves most parameters as their knobs indicate. Note, however, that parameters that don’t have knobs per se will retain whatever their most recent setting was. The biggest example of this are the various LFOs.
2 Likes