Zargmusic - Dark Star

Scope device files created using the Scope SDK

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Post by Guest »

With the Dark Star you have a very complex synthesizer with a lot of features. But it is a little bit too obvious that every part of the synths architecture has a pendant in the Modular V2 module library (Comb Filter, Wav/Juno Oscillator, they even have the same names). Every sound you can create with the Dark Star you can also create with the Modular V2 (and a little practice). And if you do not like the tons of cable in the Modular: There are other synthesizers with more interesting concepts you can get for less money. Especially I disliked the surface of the Dark Star (and of the other Zarg products). It looks like if it was build up from typical Creamware surface elements (I guess the Scope includes a library) without any own pictures or knobs. And the surface is not very clever arranged: there is a lot of free space without any controls or displays and the device is larger than it had to be. I think the price of $149 is a little high for this software. It is not worth the work that has been done.
John Bowen
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Post by John Bowen »

I would like to post a response to Marcus:<br><br>Marcus, it sounds like you feel the Dark Star would be a better value if I had<br>tried to 'disguise' the names of the modules used, and created fancier,<br>non-Scope graphics. While this really has no bearing on the sound quality and<br>presets (to me the REAL value of a device), I agree that it can affect the<br>"perceived value" of a plugin.<br><br>If someone doesn't like the User Interface design (or the presets), that's fine<br>- it's totally a subjective experience in my opinion.<br><br>As for being able to duplicate the Dark Star with the Modular 2, well, while<br>this may 'appear' to be the case, I would be very interested to see if you (or<br>anyone) could accomplish an exact duplicate, including the presets. Actually, I<br>know it can't be done, because there are things in my designs that are not<br>possible with the Modular 2...but even if you got close, to then say that it "is<br>not worth the work that has been done"....this would really surprise me. Just give it a try...Also,<br>concerning your quote, "Every sound you can create with the Dark Star you can<br>also create with the Modular V2 (and a little practice)" - it's the "little<br>practice" part (which is actually not so little) that adds greater value, in my opinion.<br><br>Of course, ALL of the 3rd party synths currently on the market can "mostly" be re-created using the Modular v2, so why buy any of them? This is a valid<br>point, too - one which we discussed quite a lot early on when I was working at Creamware. It's something each user has to answer for him/herself. Is the ease of operation and the 'factory sounds' worth it?<br><br>I admit it may be hard to tell the real value and quality of a device from just<br>the demo versions I provide (or just by looking at the surface). Perhaps it would be of interest for readers to know<br>if the person rating the device has purchased and really used it, or just<br>checked out the demo versions. Eric, do you think you could add a field listing<br>this?<br><br>By the way, thanks to Eric and funkelectric for providing this review space - it's a great service!<br><br>Regards,<br>John Bowen<br><br>
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Ben Walker
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Post by Ben Walker »

I have to come to john's defence here.<br>You probably could come to an approximation of the Dark Star using the Modular Synth (and I'm well aware of(and in love with) that synth's potential) but I think that misses the point.<br><br>The Dark Star is an elegant, easy to use, well-designed synth which can produce a rich array of sounds, drawing on a wide range of Sound sources including external sources.<br><br>It's been put together by someone who has years of experience of synth design, and as a result it's got everything it needs to be a really flexible, powerful synth. <br><br>It adds components (such as the MultiWave OSC which are not available in the Modular synth).<br><br>If you did recreate the Dark Star in the modular, designing each new patch would be confusing and time consuming (whereas the Dark Star is intuitive and easy to use).<br><br>Maybe not for the modular expert, but for someone who wants a good allround performer, with many well designed presets, the Dark Star is (in my opinion) good value for money.
John Bowen
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Post by John Bowen »

<a name="planetz-file"></a><a href="http://www.zargmusic.com/bp004data/item ... 0004"><img src="/forums/images/file_icon.gif" border="0" alt=" File"> File</a><BR> <a name="planetz-tag"></a>Price ($USD): 199<BR> <a name="planetz-tag"></a>Type: Synth<BR> _____________________________________<BR><BR> Dark Star is a subtractive synth "powerhouse", with every type of filter available, and features a Parallel Output panel and Free Filter Bank. The Free Filter Bank has 8 bandpass filters whose frequency is decided by the user - just type in the desired range. Each has its own level amount. There is an overall Q (resonance) and gain control, plus a half/full switch to save on DSP usage, if desired. There is a switchable 12/24 dB Lowpass filter, a multimode 12 dB filter with Lowpass, Bandpass, and Highpass, and a Comb filter. These filters have all possible series configurations. Along with the Free Filter Bank, these filters are also available in a parallel mode, with separate mixes for each of the five input signals (Multiwave Osc, Juno Osc, Wav Osc, Filtered Noise, and External Input). Separate outputs for each are also provided. The Multiwave Osc features 2 new waveforms derived from the Prophet VS; the Wav Osc can load any .wav, or Akai-s format file. Three envelopes (2 x ADSR, 1x AD), an Envelope Follower, and two full-featured LFOs with audio range, quantizing, and MIDI-sync are provided for modulation. The Envelope Follower can track the External Input or the Wav Oscillator. The output section features an overdrive, single band EQ, stereo chorus and stereo delay. Of course, all of this power doesn't come cheap - the maximum polyphony on a standard Pulsar I card is 3 voices, with all functions enabled. Polyphony can be increased by disabling unused sections, or expanding to additional DSP cards.
<BR><BR><a name="planetz-fileimage"></a><IMG SRC="http://www.johnbowen.com/nss-folder/pic ... ange1.JPG/" BORDER="0">
DJKrooz
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Post by DJKrooz »

Wow - another great synth from Zarg. Wonderful usable presets but as with all synths in the zarg range has amazing programming possiblities. For my kinda music (Drum and Bass) it's proved a godsend - deep subs - sick twisted lead lines and nice searing pads can all be produced with ease.<br><br>Thank god for people like Zarg producing hi-quality usable synths with depth and character.
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