SOMA Cosmos

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Drifting Memory Station

Creative looper and performance effects unit for meditative soundscapes
Audio is recorded into a network of multiple delay lines, modulated by LFO
Loop times vary between 2.5s - 22s depending on algorithm
4 Different algorithms with three variations each: 2 delay lines with relative shift, 4 delay lines with relative shift, Giant Reverb and Granular Delay
Blur and Drift knobs control different parameters in the algorithms
Adjustable suppressor / compressor effect
Controls for drive, feedback, input and output levels
High-pass and low-pass filters can be activated via footswitch (3 frequencies per filter selectable)
Foot switches for Erase, Reverse and Record
Internal signal processing with 24Bit / 48kHz
Stereo input: 2x 6.3 mm TRS
Stereo output: 2x 6.3 mm TRS
Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm TRS
Dimensions (W x D x H): 342 x 153 x 68 mm
Weight: 2.2 kg
Includes power supply unit (12 V DC)

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since February 2022

Item number 516978

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Effect Types Looper, Mixer

Recording time in minutes 0,22 m

tap feature 1

Filter 1

Stereo 1

PSU included 1

Effects 1

Incl. Power Supply 1

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Sales Rank

in Miscellaneous Guitar Effects

Creative looper

The founder of SOMA Laboratory, Vlad Kreimer, is renowned for innovative and unconventional products that are difficult to compare with other devices. This certainly holds true for the Cosmos Drifting Memory Station. Conventional looper pedals record audio on several tracks, which users can then activate or mute individually. The SOMA Cosmos, on the other hand, works differently by enabling the layering and processing of a range of sounds without an intrusive, repetitive loop. The Cosmos records four internal delay lines that can be cross-faded, distorted, or filtered. Each newly added audio signal merges with the existing sound, creating dense soundscapes and complex loops, reminiscent of the pioneering tape loop works of artists such as Brian Eno. By dispensing with an internal storage medium, the Soma Cosmos places its emphasis on spontaneous creativity and on the "here and now".

Drifting memory station

The SOMA Cosmos has four effect algorithms: Two Delays, Four Delays, Giant Reverb, and Granular Delay. Three settings are used for the delay times and the reverb duration, respectively. The delays can be shifted against each other with the Drift control and blended into each other with the Blur function. Engaging the high and low-pass filters, with three cutoff frequencies each, is a great way to add character to the effects and create a sense of depth between the dry and wet signals. Additionally, there is a drive control, which provides a gentle overdrive. The combined surpressor/compressor attenuates the existing loop with newly recorded audio or makes soft sounds louder and loud sounds softer. Once a function button has been engaged, it cannot be cancelled. However, loops can be reversed, with short pauses insertable by via the Erase button. The SOMA Cosmos also features an integrated noise gate, and the firmware can be updated via a flash drive.

Some patience required

Fans of ambient music and experimental tape loops will quickly get to grips with the way the SOMA Cosmos works. Using an external sound source, the looper builds up atmospheric soundscapes step by step. When the right moment comes, new elements can be added to the soundscape and distorted using the SOMA's numerous control parameters. Working with the Cosmos requires sensitivity, patience, and a little discipline, however. While the Cosmos' controls may seem arcane, the pedal is intuitive to use once each control's application is understood. Over time, users will develop the right instinct for when to change something and when it is better to leave the loop as it is, as there is only one way to correct mistakes: Delete and re-record.

SOMA Cosmos Drifting Memory Station connections

About SOMA Laboratory

SOMA Laboratory was founded in 2016 by Vlad Kreimer and has locations in both Russia and Poland. The company's biggest success is the Lyra-8 analogue drone synthesizer. SOMA Laboratory's unique and experimental approach allows the creation of expressive high-quality sounds, whilst putting to use the most refined technologies dating from the analogue synthesizer era. The Russian division focuses on development, while the Polish division is responsible for the business end and for manufacturing to international standards.

Improvisation as an art form

The SOMA Cosmos is designed to make musicians rethink how they approach the tools for creating music. By simply connecting an instrument to the Cosmos and playing the first note, complex, atmospheric soundscapes can be generated by the layering of additional sounds and effects. Dynamic loops that evolve as the user plays and layers sounds makes it especially suited for producing ambient music, film scores, and sound art. Using a keyboard workstation and percussion, users can also create rhythmic loops based on this principle. As the Cosmos has no synchronisation option, it makes sense to record the sessions in a DAW and extract the most successful passages later. This allows them to be used as audio clips in a sequencer programme in new songs.

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4.8 / 5

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24 Reviews

Set adrift on algorithmic bliss

Background Hum 13.07.2022

I'd been considering buying one of these for a while, then I saw Robin Rimbaud (Scanner) using one in a live stream, and after a quick back and forth with him on Twitter I knew it would work perfectly with what I'm doing.

My setup is e-bowed lap steel through multiple effects, a sampler, plus various synths including a Bastl Kastle Drum. These go into a small mixer, with the two outs going into the Soma Cosmos's L/R inputs. The Cosmos's L/R outputs give me a stereo signal at the end of the chain.

As they say in all the reviews online, the Cosmos is NOT a looper, so if you're looking to create multiple repetitive loops go for something like the Boss RC-505 Mk II. The Cosmos is more random, and in fact it's impossible to completely control the final results because the algorithms generate loops which are constantly shifting against themselves. There are multiple settings which determine the "depth" of these shifts, from simple drifting ambience to a full on cacophony of layered sound. Find the feedback sweet spot and it'll carry on forever while you go to the bar for a pint!

The build is really solid, as you'd expect for this kind of money. I imagine the metal casing is pretty much indestructible, and the dials/buttons/switches are really good quality. The algorithm selector positions click into place very positively. Oh, and the sound quality is great.

So, the Cosmos is good value even at a touch under £600 - if it's the right tool for what you want to do. If you're loaded, why not get one of these AND an RC-505!

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Essential ambient, improvisational tool!

Rosencorp 21.09.2022

This thing is awesome! I have been using it for around 5 months now and it has become an essential element in my live performance set up. In of itself, it can be used with just one instrument to build up interesting textured performances, but I use it as a way to glue elements together that I perform live. Its perfect for creating transitions, or straight ambient sections. So far I didnt update the firmware to use the rhythmic looper, currently I dont need that as Im happy to us it as is.
Not for everyone if you want a straight looper, but as something to build improvised textures on the fly, its awesome!

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Creating machine

rotalumis 23.11.2022

Cosmos is an excellent whisperer of sound suggestions... either quiet or thounderous ones, depends mostly by you. It is more apt at landscapes, ambient, textures and... obviously cosmos :) Easy to use, somewhat quite impredictable (but you improve with practice) and doesn't save nothing, so be prepared. I would treat it more like an acoustic instrument than an electronic effect, that's probabily the best way to approach it. It is very well built, pots and switches gives back a good tactile feeling. Processed sound is of very good quality too and doesn't introduces clicks, pops, buzz etc. that given the start/stop nature of what you feed into it it is quite a feat for any electronics. And it doesn't get boring, I would buy it again without doubt.

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a delay station with its own free will

Tony Amsterdam 24.09.2022

This is not your ordinary delay station. It creates evolving and overlapping delays that bleand and cross over into each other in mysterious ways. The subtitle 'drifting memory station' is actually the best way to describe it. The machine is intuitive to work with and gives you a lot of surprising sound presents when you are working with it. The build is sturdy, metal, with good knobs. This unit is well worth its price!

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SOMA Cosmos

Drifting Memory Station