Zarg Music products have been highly acclaimed by many the world over. Here’s a short list of some of our customers:

Hans Zimmer/MediaVentures, James Newton Howard, Dynamix II
Jules Bromley/Jules & the trailermen –ย http://www.trailermen.com
Bavine Studios – Australia
Pinaxa Studios – Italia
Kimitaka Matsumae – Manual of Errors Artists – Japan
Heart Shots Studio – Japan
Woodshed Studio – Toronto, Canada
IST Elektronik – Austria
AtMEZferix Studio – UK
Envoy Enterprises – Georgia, USA
Bedarra Corp. – Ontario, Canada
Front Design – Korea
Nortica Productions – UK
X-Cape – France
ElectroZoo – Japan
Flying Frogs Sound Studio – Malaga Spain
Interphase Studios – Sweden
groove one – Japan

Here’s some comments and reviews from those who have heard or used Zarg Music synths…

(Quotes from the recent Pulsar-Scope users group)

Date: 19 October 2005
From: “scope4live”
Subject: Re: would you buy a Zarg music Matrix 12/ XPander device?

At any rate back to the Solaris. I’ve spent the entire evening with a 2 voice synth. I must be crazy, I’m buying Solaris the second I quit typing this. I will never insult him again by asking for a demo. John Bowen’s little 2 voice demo showed me that HE has captured that energy that seemed to be elusive in other synths.

Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004
From: “music251”
Subject: Re: Solaris, was OT: New “open synth” on the market…

I second that!
I’m also a customer of John Bowen and has bought the Solaris. Especially with the 2.0 update, this synth give the word “open” a new meaning. ๐Ÿ™‚ I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more versatile synth, and yep…it sounds great. Also, John Bowen gives you excellent customer support.

Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004
From: “Carlos da Costa”

“…I *really* believe that John’s “Solaris” might be the best, greatest, more flexible, deep-but-still-comprehensible soft synth on the market, and theres’ NOTHING close to it for the price he’s asking. Now, how many of you, “VSTi disdainers”, have actually bought this fantastic synth to use in our beloved SFP platform? Have you at least asked for a demo of it, since the demo is free?? ;0)”

From: “haroldnobles2000”
Subject: Solaris, was OT: New “open synth” on the market…

I’m sure that Solaris is old news for many people, but I’d like to chime in here in case you haven’t tried it, it’s great! In fact, SFP would be worthwhile for me if I only had Solaris. (Fortunately, I also have Minimax and B-2003.)

Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004
From: “interloper11”

About the Solaris, um, it smokes any VSTi I’ve ever heard. Can’t deny the truth. It smokes some hardware synths I’ve heard recently, but that’s another thread.

From: smikkel
Subject:RE: Solaris v2.0 update

Hi John!
I just had to give you some complements on your Solaris v2.0. Now that I’ve spent some hours tweaking and listening to this synth (though I have only touched on a fraction of what this synth can do), I have completely fallen in love with it. The design of the synth is pretty much perfect. The MM and WT oscillators sound better than ever, in fact they can easily compare soundwise with just about any virtual analog synth emulation out there(hardware and software). It’s also great being able to mix both the MM and WT oscs with FM-synthesis and the Rotor-oscs, which can easily give you very weird and aggressive sounds, and the inclusion of the CEM oscs and filter is greatly appreciated. This has to be the crowning achievement as far as pulsar synthesis goes. If I only were allowed to use one pulsar synth, this would be THE ONE! ๐Ÿ™‚ I only hope Creamware continues to exist for several decades, because this synth is a timeless classic, which I want to use for many years to come!

Regards, Steinar Mikkelsen

Subject: Re: Upgrade details
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003
From: Nasir

Hello John,
Thank you for the upgrade to the newest version of the Prophet Plus. I must say that your work never fails to amaze me. The changes you have made to all the synths are perfect for my application of the device in my work. I can not wait to get the RD modules to see how they integrate with the Dark Star. If you keep making synths this good hardware will quickly become a thing of the past. Keep making the best devices on the creamware platform. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Nasir Ansari

Subject: Solaris
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003
From: Sven

Hi John,
I just wanted to drop you a line or two in order to give you the feedback I promised about the Solaris.
Well, first off, Solaris is a beautiful piece of art that really inspires me to work with it. Sometimes, I must admit, I feel like a child playing with a sophisticated piece of music technology. There are so many possibilities with the synth that it boggles the mind.

Yet this is very exciting, as I can see myself learning to use it over a long period of time.

I was able to immediately put it to use in a couple of tracks that I was working on. The range of the synth is really amazing and leaves me in a state of awe. I know I’ve only tapped a small portion of it, but it gives me something to look forward to.

In short, Solaris, in addition to the Dark Star, the Orion, and the Ambient, are essential tools that I simply could not do without.

I’d be interested to hear what you will be working on next for SFP.

Thanks again for all your efforts. You always be able to count with my support.

Sincerely,
Sven Hauck

Subject: Solaris is Great
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003
From: Larrymajesky@aol.com

Dear John,
I just spent the last few days playing and exploring the Solaris demo, and the next thing I know, I “snap to” as they say, and I’ve got this smoking credit card in my hand, and I’m pushing the send button on your order page ( I bought it). It seems that this is the perfect all around synth, but not only that it can do so much, but that it can do it really really well (it sounds incredible). As I played around with it, I would be thinking “well I wish I could modulate LFO freq with another LFO,” and then I discover SMO, and it’s got quantization… or “I wish I could really mess up the sound by applying FM modulation between MM or CEM oscillators,” and then I discover AM modulation…Basically, I would be thinking that something was “missing.” and then I would find that I was wrong. “But I really wish there was a multi segment envelope, or an envelope with a hold parameter.” But then, I guess one can drop a Red Dwarf module into the envelope slots! True?
I’m, of course, not saying that there is nothing that it cannot do – Just that it covers so many bases, that if I could have only one synth, the Solaris would certainly qualify to be that synth. It’s really a great sounding, well thought out piece of work. Thanks so much.
Larry

Subject: Solaris
Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2003
From: Dave Riddle

Hi John,

Just to say I think the Solaris is fantastic. I liked the look of it because of the CEM Oscs and filters but did not know about the great wave tables ( my fave is the voice counting), sample playing, FM, MM Oscs. This is everything that is good about synthesis with bells on and so easy to use.

I saw the Solaris on your web site but had not heard about it before and was in two minds to get it. I would not have been if I had known it was a top notch Prophet, Wavetable, FM, Analogue, Sample Synth, Analogue Style Sequencer all with extensive modulation ( I like to use the delayed vibrato a lot on the mono lead sounds ) and all of this at the same time. The idea of switching on elements only when needed to save processing power and linking in of external fx and modules is inspirational. If this is not selling like hot cakes then more people should know about it.

Well Chuffed

Thanks.
Dave.

Subject: Solaris
Date: Fri, 23 May 2003
From: deejaysly

Hi John,
I have been using the Solaris so far and having a play with the Synth and it’s presets. The number of presets that come with the Solaris is overwhelming in a very good way. I love it when a device comes with loads of presets!
The Solaris is a MONSTER! The amount of flexibility is amazing! Almost ridiculous!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ And that’s a comment coming from a novice. I apologise if my comments seem a bit vague. As I said I am still a novice on all this stuff. Besides that, my reaction is mixed – I am both stunned and have been made speechless by the Solaris!!
I have just made a purchase of a really outstanding device for SFP! BTW, the main reason why I have made the effort to purchase all your synths is because they feel rock solid in the sense that I get a warm feeling a lot of effort and detail has gone into all of them.

Best Regards,
Mark Ascroft.

Subject: Solaris
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003
From: smikkel

Hi!
I will give some more specific comments on this synth, when I’ve gotten to know it better. Since everybody have complemented on the sound, I also have to congratulate you on the design. To design such a complex synth in such a clear and organized way is quite a feat. I’m very, very impressed by this synth! You are without a single doubt the best developer of pulsar/scope devices, so keep up the good work – and I’ll buy it! ๐Ÿ™‚

Again, excellent work with the Solaris. This is the most impressive synth I’ve ever played! I’m very curious to see how you’re going to top this one… ๐Ÿ™‚

Regards,
Steinar Mikkelsen

Subject: Red Dwarf/Solaris
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2003
From: Amit

Hi John,

Just when I thought there are hardly better new designed synths for Scope as your Ambient and Red Dwarf (and what would be the Modular without you?), you come up with more synth design innovation than any other single synth creator. So the Solaris seems to extend the limits in synth
design to a new mark, making me curious to hear the results.
As I told you before it would be great to have some more documentation to your stunning work, but because of the huge possibilities, I already “get lost in sound” without knowing the more hidden hints, so it’s not that problem as it would be else. I didn’t get the clue how to use Modular 2 modules directly inside the Red Dwarf, I just remember having read it to be possible in earlier product announcements. Mostly I’m told that only Inserts are allowed. But even with the featured ones there are tons of possibilities. Generally I’d like to know the limits of using Modular stuff inside the Dwarf.
My deepest respect (again),
Amit

Subject: Solaris
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2003
From: Michael Perlewitz

Hi John,
Is anything from/within the Pulsar platform not possible with this monster? OK, no joystick.
Never have seen the platform so compact+usable. Delicious. A thing for a take-away box.
And the sound is BIG. Yeah.
Congratulations. Once again: the best and most versatile thing for the platform.
I really enjoy being in this community that has wizards like you. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Micha

Subject: Solaris
Date: Wed., 26 Mar 2003
From: Carl Lofgren

Hi John,
I know I said this before, but the Solaris could be one the most impressive synthesizers I’ve ever used. Well… I won’t stop using my Virus and I will never get rid of my Minimax. They both are state of the art synthesizers, but the Solaris _is_ able to compete with them. And from my point of view it’s much depending on the following things:

1) Good oscillators. The CEM and Wave Table oscs are incredible tools when creating new sounds.

2) The sequencer. You can do anything with that one and when I get the codes I’ll start converting all my favourite arpeggio-rhythms from the Virus and MicroQ into the Solaris. It’s going to be fantastic.

-Carl

Subject: Solaris
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003
From: Phil Camp

Hi John,
I’ve been having great fun this weekend getting to know Solaris a bit…John, Solaris is a winner! More than just a synthesizer, it’s a synthesis of the advanced components developed over the years. I find the UI instinctive and concise – the patching possibilities are enormous without being overwhelming.
Congratulations John, you’ve raised the bar yet again ๐Ÿ™‚

Subject: new Solaris
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 21:14:38
From: Stefan Haselmeier

Hi John,
Waiting for the ‘L’ – Version of Solaris! Right now I only can say a big WOW to the ‘S’-Version.
Congratulations!!! Fantastic Synth, great work again, never stop your work, John. Great!
Stefan

Subject: standard Prophet
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003
From: Alex Prescott

Just want to say that the synth sounds amazing. much better than the pro-52. I am floored by the sound of this thing. Been sitting at the machine for 5 hours now! An incredible product- kudos to you.

Subject: About Python Pro
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003
From: Stefan Haselmeier

Hi John,
Well done! I was really missing something like the Python on my Pulsar system. XD7-systems and you have done it. I love this device. I thought that i have enough sound devices for the Pulsar after owning nearly all of the Zarg-Products and some Creamware stuff, but Python gives me back an human touch. It is fitting perfectly in a mix and has its own character. I can really recommend this device to each serious musician and sound designer (catch the introduction offer).
And: no, John didn’t pay me to write that!
Stefan Haselmeier, Frankfurt

Subject: About Python Pro

Hi John,
Thanks for the quick handling ! The Python is up and running – no more annoying beeps ๐Ÿ™‚
Though it’s a little tight on a simple Pulsar I, I already like it a lot. In mono it’s certainly the best thing around. I can drive with my Casio Digital Horn, making the toy a real screamer or soft whispering. And I love those synths where some digging and tweaking reveals more and more of the sound spectrum.

My biggest compliments to you and your crew for such a straight approach to an idea simultaneously as simple and as complex as can be.

Cheers, Tom

Subject: About Python Pro

An excellent synth by the way from what I could judge from the demo, very refreshing and inspiring.

With Regards,
Paul Clayton

Subject: About Python Pro

Thanks John!
I’m still learning to program the Python. This synth goes very deep and I think it’s a very clever design too. It is a great tool to build virtual instruments with, which is something I like to do very much.

— cheers,
Vincent Siliakus

Subject: About Python Pro

Hi John,
I spent some time playing with the Python demo yesterday and I’m really very impressed. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument and really breaks the mold compared to so many Pulsar synths. One thing that impressed me was the quality of some of the keyboard sounds (organ, EP, etc.) – I think I was just expecting traditional modeled instruments like strings and flutes, so these were an unexpected bonus! I’m no way near understanding how the synth really hangs together, just playing with the presets so far, but the manual is really well put together and a great help in understanding how the synth works. You (or Paul or both) are really to be congratulated on the clarity of the manual – it’ll really make a ‘difficult’ synth easier to get my head round.

Ben Walker

Subject: Prophet Plus

Hi John,
This thing sounds great!

Stuart Anderson

Subject: Prophet Plus
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002
From: Jeremy Noble John,
I did a comparison between the NI Pro 53 and the Wine Country Prophet Plus and the latter is still way ahead. An instrument of superior quality. So that’s my latest toy!
This synth is both the smoothest, punchiest and occasionally biting software synth I have had the pleasure to play so far. I never got to play the original but I can see what the fuss is about. Is it just the filter that makes this a class above other software synthesisers, or is there more to it? Is there a discount for Pro One owners? Let me know so I can get the real thing ASAP. Are you working on any other emulations for the Scope platform? Sounds like it’s about time the Scope/Pulsar system got a review – I haven’t seen one since v1.2!

Regards,
Jeremy Noble
Sibson Consulting

Subject: Pro One
Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002

Hi John,
Just few words to say the pro one is very very good. The sound is superb. It stands proudly near the minimax. The sequencer is a really nice add on to the beast!! great!
total respect…

-Olivier

Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002
Subject: Re: CW MiniMax features…

Hi again.
[clip]
Btw, just have to praise the Pro-1 synth from John Bowen, while I’m at it. This thing sounds soooo good! ๐Ÿ™‚ A good tip though (I’m sure most people here know this already but anyway..), always route the signal through the master-chorus effect. Not all creamware synths benefit a lot from chorus, but with Pro-1 it really makes a huge difference.
Pro-1/5 are definitely the best pulsar synths, together with minimax.ย 

Date: Monday, April 22nd, 2002
Subject: PRO ONE

Hi John,

Is it just me [or my imagination], but Pro One seems to wipe the floor with NI’s PRO52. I was a bit dubious when buying it initially cos I already own PRO 52 but the sound seems to be a lot fatter. Is there a reason for this…was the PRO-52 modelled after a different [not as good] synth [Pro 5?]. Anyways, the External Input and the Step Sequencer are really good and unexpected additions. This is the first time I’ve bought a soft synth and really felt like I’ve bought a piece of hardware. I’m gonna stop harping on now, its just that I had a great weekend messing with it.

Ronan Keating,
R Engineer,
MedNova Ltd.

Date: Monday, March 25th, 2002

Subject: new Pro One v1.3, Ambient

Thanks John,
The new surface is really nice, and the new presets are top quality. I still can’t believe how much ‘impact’ you can get out of this thing. Easily the most individual of the CW synths. As I mentioned before, a Jupiter 8 would be the best machine to have an emulation of, but this will keep me going for sometime to come. I’ve had my eye on the Prophet Plus, but money’s tight and I think the Ambient may be more useful to me (assuming that the Prophets all sound more or less the same).

Regards,
Jeremy

Date: Friday, Feb. 8th, 2002

Subject: Comments on your other synths

I must say that I’m love with Dark Star and Ambient…..I find those to be about the best synths for the platform. Ambient is so amazing and unique, it really doesn’t compare to any software or hardware synth out there! I just love dropping strings and choir samples on the wav oscillators…talk about soundscapes. Dark Star is so deep and vibrant for basslines…I can’t praise these devices enough.

one last question…which you probably heard before….is there any plans for porting your synths over to using them in xtc mode. I was just curious.

thanks again john,
joe w

Date: Thurs, Jan. 17th, 2002

Subject: My Pro One

Hey John…..What can I say….Well, I’m over the moon…..In Analog Heaven…(again)…..A fantastic job…..so good in fact….im selling my granny for the next batch of virtual (creamware) analogues coming my way…..hopefully from you and your development team of course !:-). I have been a follower of the Synth scene since my first analogue…The Korg MS10….in 1978…wow, that long ago!!…Wouldn’t it be a great thing if every synth in my Keyfax Electronic Keyboard book came to life on my Creamware card……Food for thought eh?…anyway back to business..

Thanks for a prompt service mate.
Best regards,
Frede Fernandez

Subject: Prophet Plus

Date: Sun, 06 Jan 2002

Hi John and a Happy New Year to you! Sounds like 2002 will see you keeping pretty busy…

Whilst writing, I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your brilliant SCI Prophet clones, especially the Plus. I haven’t had so much sheer unadulterated programming and playing fun in quite a while (apart from the Pro-One of course!) NI’s pro-52 certainly sounds a tad weak in comparison. Yet another fantastic job, John! What’s next in the pipeline?

All the best,
Phil Crowther

Subject: Prophet Plus

Date: Thurs, 03 Jan 2002

Hey John,

Well, I’ve played the Prophet Plus Demo, and it’s bloody good. It’s the first time a soft synth has reminded me of the original ‘vibe’ I got when playing the SCI P5. Magic. The NI Prophet looks like a prophet and has all the bits, but it never really seems to have the balls and edge that the real P5 has.

Yours is way better than the NI…so I’d better send you a cheque ๐Ÿ™‚

One thing I think is different is the envelope attack. My memory of the Prophets (not the later ones, but the P5 and 10) is that the envelopes had a really fast clean attack. Not as razor sharp as a DX, but the next best thing. The Prophet Plus attack seems slightly ‘fudgy’. But maybe my memory is enhancing reality?

I can’t resist the idea of finding a Prophet and comparing them. I’ll let you know when I do. If the result is good, I’ll send a nice long rant.

Cheers,
Rick Chadwick

Subject: Re: Ambient

Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2002

Hi John,
Yes, Happy New Year, I saw that you sent this out at 2:30 am on the 1st. Very impressive! The Ambient is GORGEOUS!!!! The v. 2.1 is working well. I spent most of the day just playing with the sounds, and realize that I could spend the rest of my life with just this one synth. The editable parameters are mind boggling and I really haven’t much of a clue what all of them mean. In fact, do you know of any good books that explain synthesis?

Again, thanks for everything, you’ve brought some new inspiration into my music making!
Best,
Marc

strav100
Posted: 2006-01-11 16:22

I just purchased Solaris. It sounds wonderful and must be the most powerful semi-modular for the Scope platform – a good contender for the best virtual synth on ANY platform including VSTs. It is so vast! Sounds like top-of-the-range hardware!

bronYaur
From: Italy
Posted: 2006-01-06 01:03

WOW happy news, I’m very happy of this (new version 4). I love solaris, i have all zarg music stuff except of new Qwave and now want upgrade solaris to v 4.0 and purchase Qwave, many thanks, John, for your spectacular work – please continue in this way!

stardust
From: squornhoellisch zeta
Posted: 2006-01-06 13:41

Just received the Solaris v4 update. It is amazing what John Bowen can do. He is not talking, just taking the next step.

I know I shouldn’t make this comparison. But Solaris outperforms Virus C maybe even TI.

And Zarg Music has the same maintenance performance and philosophy like access (IMHO).

Thanks John you made my day!

Subject: Pro One

Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001

Your Pro One synth is Subarashii!! I am excited.
Your synthesizers gives a wonderful inspiration to my music.

Thank you, Kazuhisa Okimoto

Subject: Re: your Prophet orders

Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001

Hi John!
Thanks a lot for your Prophet Plus! It sounds fantastic, Im overwhelmed! It’s a very, very good work youve done and – no doubt – worth its price. It is one of the best sounding PlugIns Ive ever heard – especially in comparison with the Pro-52…!

Once Again: thank you very much!

Best,
Thomas

Subject: RE: your Prophet Plus order

Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001

John, the Prophet Plus is just gorgeous! The warmth of the sound, the analog phatness sent shivers down my spine- great job!

jw

Subject: Re: Your Prophet Plus

Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2001

Hi John,

Now I am programming some presets. I have much fun with it because I like the sound of the device. I believe it sounds even better than the Virus synth which was my favourite synth before. I don’t know why, but I believe the sound of the Prophet Plus is a little bit different from the Pro One. Can that be? It sounds warmer or is the reason for it the chorus effect?
Regards,
Ronald

Subject: Re: your big 3 bundle order

Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001

Thanks Mr. Bowen,

I’m in complete awe – the Ambient synth, especially, is the most incredible textural device I’ve run into. If I’m not careful, I could easily forget that there is a world out there! I used to love making dark, complex drum and bass. This Ambient synth has changed my direction. With the panning spectrum it offers, I’m sure I could make an entire album with it alone!
Keep up the excellent work – these synths have opened completely new possibilities.

Robert Rushing

Subject: Pro One Presets

Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001
From: Ben Walker

Hi John,
I love those presets from Ronald Schmidt. Can’t get enough of the Pro One at the moment. Combination of great sound and great features (Arp Seq) make this the most playable synth. Thanks for another classic!

Ben

Subject: Thank you

Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001
From: Nasir Ansari

Hi John,

All I can say is outstanding. I can not think of any piece of hardware that has impressed me as much as the three devices that we received from you. The modulation that is generated by all your synths put you in a category all by yourself. You can single handedly keep the pulsar/scope platform alive and well. There is nothing short of a real analog device that can deliver like the bundle me and Sven purchased. Being a DJ I play a ton of tribal and progressive house tracks that have lots of layers and depth. I aspire to make the kind of tracks that I play. Now I can truly say we have the capabilities of making quality tracks because of your craft work. Please continue to make this platform shine.

Thanks again, Nasir Ansari
P.S. Is there a drum module in the works?

Subject: Re: Orion Custom, Dark Star, Ambient puchase

Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2001
From: Sven Hauck

Hi John,
Downloaded the files Friday, everything installed ok. After cranking up the voices and even only at 44.1 kHz, playing with the presets brought me to tears.

Both Nasir and I are working on material that is along the lines of progressive house and progressive trance, including tribal house. Your basses sound deep and real, the pads rich and warm, and the modulation of some of the patches is unparalleled.

Quite frankly, your devices are in a different class than all others, making the Pulsar/Scope platform more significant than anything else out there that I can imagine. This is exactly what we needed at this time. This weekend has been as inspiring as trying out the Pulsar for the first time, almost a year ago.

Best Regards (und Vielen Dank)
Sven Hauck

Subject: Your Pro One

Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2001
From: FlameTop

Boy this thing is capable of some PHAT ((tm) dude speak) sounds ๐Ÿ™‚ I have a net buddy who has a real one. Now I can see what he has been enthusing about. Great analog sounds. Congrats John, another winner!
Phil

[MA]FlameTop – Member Minos Academy clan
Personal Web – http://www.flametop.co.uk/

Subject: Your Pro One survival kit

Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2001
From: ronaldschmidt@t-online.de (Schmidt)

Hi John,
I just played your “Pro One Survival Kit” and I must say I love the sound of this synth. Until yet I thought the “Pro 52” is a good Prophet emulation but now I think the “Pro One” can do it better. The “Pro One” has more power in the high frequency range as the “Pro 52” and many sounds reminded me of the old Rick Wakeman recordings. Congratulations !!!

I hope you will make some more “survival kits” in the future. I would like to have a “survival kit” of the Arp Odyssey (Arp 2600), the Multimoog, and the Oberheim OB X. I could imagine that there would be a market for such products.

Regards, Ronald

Subject: Pro One Comments

Date: Sun, 01 Jul 2001
From: Giuseppe Pischetola

Ciao John,
I have Ordered the Pro One, being away a few days, come back, found it in my e-mail box and installed it. Wow!!
I think this is the first time I have experienced listening to a software synth and feeling like using an hardware instrument. I mean that the sonic response I get from Pro One it REALLY REMINDS ME of when I used to have a real Pro One.
Add to this the excellent realistic user interface, the fact that unlike the real Pro One this one is polyphonic and the added Arpeggiator and Sequencer features and here we are talking of a new step in DSP emulation of real synth.
I have read the whole story about having Creamware design a virtual CEM chip in DSP code. This makes me think that the limit in sound that some pulsar synth have (obviously not the ones from Zargmusic:-),is not due to the Scope system itself but to the the fact that this platform is really young and the Pro One shows that the future will promise something great for DSP Synth (think at the difference from the Clavia Nord Lead 3 and the first one). So what can I say? Nothing more. I just go back to play the PRO ONE.
By the way, I have read your interview in sonikmatter and I found really interesting and full of difficult-to-get information for people interested in electronic music.
Ciao!
G. Pischetola

Subject: Pro One!

Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
From: Stefan Haselmeier

Hi John!
After some short nights i would like send you some congratulations to the PRO ONE! O.k., i have to say that i am a big fan of all of your devices for Pulsar and also of Sequential – Sythesizers, but this Pro One is really close to the original. O.k., i can’t compare it to the original right now, but it sounds very analog and phat. The sequencer and arp is a great option to this synthesizer, the filter gives an analog feeling and sound fantastic. Again, i know that Pulsar was a good choice and it is worth the money, because i can use your devices.
Regards,
Stefan H.

Subject: Re: Your Pro One

Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2001
From: DeFex

It works great, It is a lot of fun, and it sounds really close as far as I can remember (I had one 15 years ago or so). The sequencer is a lot better than the original one; being able to modulate the osc velocity and filter is great. Getting a sound from PW and Sync is starting to bring back memories ๐Ÿ™‚
hahaha the sequencer is “polyphonic” cool ๐Ÿ™‚

thanks,
DeFex

Subject: Re: Pro-One Demo

Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001
From: Phil Crowther

Hi John,
Great news! I can hear my credit card screaming to be let out as I write this:-)
Congratulations again on the Pro-one. It’s got such great character and it’s so much fun! I was irresistibly reminded of the first Skinny Puppy EP “Remission” (almost entirely done with a Pro-one, I believe) which is a great compliment in my book…hope that’s not damning with feint praise in yours?
Best wishes,
Phil

Subject: Pro One

Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001
From: Wolfgang Rueter

Hi John,
Just a short anecdote regarding the Pro One: Couldn’t wait to test it and dragged it in, while my client was on toilet. While playing some notes and fiddling with the knobs, he came back in the room with the paper in his hands and a big smile on his face : “What’s that ? We’ll need it for our next production !”
Hope, you can inform us soon, when it is available.
Thanks,
Wolfgang Rter

Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001

From: Stphane BERLA

Hi John!
I was always interested by the Rotor 48 because the possibilities were very exciting. But with only sine sources oscillator the sound was very resonant.
Today with the multi-oscilators, the ext-inputs and waveplayers, the possibilies are infinite !!! Thanks again.

Stphane BERLA.

Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001

From: “Wolfgang Rueter”
Subject: Re: Re: New Pulsar Atoms…

Perhaps you want to try the zarg synths, they sound really rich, do exactly, what you want (modulating osc’s) and are designed with custom made atoms (like many other 3rd-party developers). If you look at the Rotor, Dark Star or Ambient, you can use your own “oscillators” with putting a akai or wave sample in the osc slots. Also don’t miss to check the wavelength/hummel devices. You are right, pulsar synths have a typical (creamy) sound, but I wouldn’t say, the U Know sounds similar to the Orion from Zarg or mutant from s.hummel or you can achieve similar results.

back to music ;o)
wolfgang

Subject: New updates

Date: Wed, 09 May 2001

Hi from France !
I’m very happy to receive (already!!!) this update. The Darkstar and the Ambient are very powerful and I love them. Unfortunately, they are very, very, very heavy, but I think it must be the price of quality. Maybe I’ll buy the Rotor 48 someday :-))))

Regards, Stephane Berla

Subject: Thanks for the updates!!

Date: Wed, 09 May 2001
From: Pischetola Giuseppe

Ciao John,
This message is just to thank you again for the continuous support of Your customers.
Yesterday I have downloaded the new Updates for all the Zargmusic Devices and they are all really great. The new Ambient surface is a great Idea and makes Ambient even more the Best Pulsar synth. Thumbs up again for Zargmusic !!
Looking forward the Pro One…..
Ciao!

Subject: New Updates

Date: Wed, 09 May 2001
From: Norbert Meidel

Hi John,
Thanks a lot for the new updates for Ambient and Orion synths! Im absolutely happy with your synth-bundle, every time I start working on a new song, the first step is looking for some inspiring sounds in one of your synths. They simply sound fantastic!

Greetings from Germany, Nobby Meidel

Subject: Red Dwarf

Date: Mon, 09 Apr 2001
From: “Walker, Ben (ELS)”

A belated thanks for Version II !
This is such a lovely synth! Different from anything else I’ve played, and many possibilities from such a (relatively) simple design (not that the design was easy, I’m sure, but it’s quite a simple concept). Stephen’s presets are also a joy to play.
Best wishes, Ben

I found the Red Dwarf fantastic, it really an easy way to create modular stuff, I like it very much. It will certainly became my favourite Synthesizer. Many thanks for all your effort and excellent synths, and thanks John for this great device.

Jean-Eric Godard

(Regarding the Red Dwarf)…”It is a GREAT synth by the way..a very cool idea! brilliant. your best yet.”

DeFex

“Hello John…thanks for the Rotor 48. I used it already for pads..I can only tell you “wow” you are great:!!!

Adrija Josifovski

Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 From: music251@yahoo.no Subject: Re: Any classic synths coming out?

I have also bought the big synthpack from Zarg, and for those who can afford it, it’s a complete must. The new Rotor48 makes some strange, beautiful pad sounds. Wow, this synth is great. Same goes for all the others. Each synth has it’s own sounds and uses.

From Steven Keen’s Messe report Sun, 11 Mar 2001 02:26:18:

John Bowen (Zarg music) showed his “Pro1” – a superb emulation of the Sequential Pro1. It sounds and works like the real thing!! (Bye, bye MiniScope ๐Ÿ˜‰

Also the “Python” is on it’s way. It’s based on a Modular patch that was in the Modular contest (can’t remember who did it, but you can download the “Python”-patch from the CW Modular area to give you an idea).
(actually, it’s an improved design by Paul van der Valk – JB)

His “Red Dwarf” is a God-sent! It’s a “semi-modular” – you can use any Pulsar OSC and filter you like! He’s even included a “double-OSC” so you can really fatten things up. What’s really great about it is that – as opposed to the modular – everything is stored as presets so you can have completely different synths from preset to preset!!