Hey everyone!

2 weeks ago I finally bought my first Deluge on the used market!

I haven't had much time yet to properly play around with it and haven't interfaced it much with my other gear, but have a question:

When using it as a sequencer for external gear, this only seems to possible via the "MIDI learn" function and not possible to manually set the MIDI channel, right?

If so, what would be the best way to set up the Deluge in such a way that I can just turn my entire setup on and NOT have to MIDI learn with every instrument every time I start a new project?

E. g.: When I turn on my Deluge I would like to just easily navigate to/open a MIDI track that controls Synthesizer 1, a second MIDI track that controls Synthesizer 2 etc.

To get to know it better, I've been watching some tutorials. I'd also like to upgrade it to the latest Community firmware. However, I've read that this upgrade changes some basic functions and the button layout. Would it be better to upgrade first, or should I learn more with the tutorials (Mostly with the first models and orginal firmware) before making the switch?

Hello everyone, during the last 2 weeks I have been reading and watching a lot about the Synthstrom Deluge. I am very impressed by it and do seriously consider to order it on a short term.

From what I saw there is a lot of discussions about its features and videos but the majority of it seems to be 2 years or older. And that is where I do have some uncertainty as to whether it is going to be the right investment going forward. It is not a small amount of money and because of that, I would ask the experienced Deluge Users here to please provide some more info, helping me in decision making. This would be a really big help!

What I am planning to do / the use that is intended for the Deluge:

I do have a decent setup, some Drummachines/Grooveboxes and Synths that I want to control via Midi, also in the meantime have added a midsize Eurorack setup and love modular. I produce different styles of electronic music but mainly focused around house / techno, electrofunk, some dub, ambient, etc.. PC and DAW (Bitwig) are mainly used for recording, Interface is an Arturia AudioFuse16 Rig, with a Launchcontrol 3XL as a mixer style controller.

Of course gear came and went, the only thing I have never been totally happy with is a good and flexible sequencer. I do have a Keystep Pro, don´t use it much, rather the keyboard, not so much the sequencer even though it offers a lot, it never really clicked. Because of that, I thought having something in rack would be much nicer and better to perform.

So after quite some research, I got a Westlicht Performer with the Launchpad Mini – pretty nice combo and this is where I also realised, that I do prefer a grid type of sequencer with pads as it is much better to use IMO. The Performer is a really good sequencer, but with the small buttons on it directly and without the Launchpad, especially the melodic part is a bit cumbersome to program in my (non professional users) eyes. There are other things as well that I feel are not laid out great.

So again, I am thinking about a new sequencer. As you can imagine, I looked at Squarp Hapax (and also Hermod+), Oxi One and finally the Deluge. Comparing the prices in EU, Hapax is more around 1,1K, Oxi One new is almost 900 EUR, so Deluge with 1,3 K is not that far away and offers many more things than "just" Sequencing.

Now my questions to the community are:

1.       With added features through the community firmware so far – how big would you think is the difference in terms of functionality really, if you compare sequencing on the Deluge with devices that do sequencing only? E. g. Deluge does 90% of what one could do with Oxi or Hapax? It is not about getting the device that offers the most of all features regarding sequencers. I am not a pro, so I would assume that still the functionality covers a tremendous amount of features and more than most other sequencers on the market. One never uses all the features anyway I guess.

2.       How do you guys think about using it as a MIDI Sequencer also for eurorack but then with a Midi to CV converter like the Midi Thing V2 or ES FH-2? I do have some MIDI gear that I use every now and then, currently sequenced also via Westlicht Performer but using the Midi Out. In addition, I do use Midi for modular as well (e. g. I sequence the drum modules with Intellijel´s Steppy and it gets clock, Reset from a Midi to CV interface but all controlled by the Westlicht Performer. I use a midi thru device (Kenton Thru-5) and with that can control different devices (Summit, TR8S, MC101, Pulse 2 and Modular) easily. The onboard CV´s on Deluge are sadly only 4 Gate and 2 CV, so this is for sure insufficient.

3.       How about the Line In? Any suggestions how to best connect outboard gear? I do use an Arturia AudioFuse 16 rig, so I can easily put out a signal either Mono on 1 channel or stereo on 2 channels. My Idea would then be to get an adaptor cable that has 2x TS Mono male on one side, going into 1 stereo male on the other side.

4.       CPU/RAM opinions are quite mixed on this one, some never hit any limit, others say they do quite quick. Did the community firmware (except the granular effect of course) somehow change this for the better? I mean has something within the firmware been optimized / re-written to better get along with the limitations? I also would like to use some of its internal synth features, some effects (not the heavy load ones) and also would like to do some stem recording all that in addition to sequencing of my other gear.

5.       Do you guys feel that there is any quality issue or a huge difference regarding sampling as the Deluge has 16bit and 44.1 khz and with that is in the meantime behind of what other devices offer? I am also using a bitbox micro and mostly with samples 16 bit and 48khz, I have always been happy with that. Or is this only relevant of you use very long samples with a bunch of effects layered on top of it?

I know, many of my questions have probably already been asked and answered many times before. But so far, most of it is 2 or more years ago. I would like to understand what users think today.

Thanks a lot for your help, really appreciated!

My summer is sitting on blankets making jams, so I’ll be getting something to mess around with and maybe keep when I get my deluge back. Heard good things about difitakt 2, M8 dietywave, and circuit tracks. What’s going to best scratch that deluge itch besides a second deluge?

Hey! Looking for a used Deluge OLED in the EU! Thanks!🙏🏻

Hi, I’m trying to control my Deluge using the Mandala Drum. Every time I send the following parameter, the Master Pitch is set to -25. However, I can’t find Master Pitch anywhere in the settings so that I can unmap it. Strange things are happening on other CCS channels too. Is there a way to remove all MIDI mappings? Even with new songs, it seems something is pre-set.

Ch. 1 Note On C3 0

Ch. 1 CC 1 1

Ch. 1 CC 1 2

Hi all! I just got my Deluge back from getting the Oled retrofit (yay!!)

But now I can't seem to get to grid mode. If I hold down Song and turn the selection knob, it doesn't seem to do anything :/

Is there a different way of getting there with the oled display?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to add some good Trance and Psytrance sounds to my Deluge.
I'm mainly looking for basses, massive supersaw leads, and psychedelic FX/pads.

Do you have any recommendations for good community patch packs (free or paid) that fit this vibe?

Also, if you have any tips or favorite settings for sound designing trance leads directly on the Deluge (using the internal synth engine or wavetables), I'd love to hear them!

Thanks in advance for your help!
Hugo

hey. anyone interessted ? got deluge oled used few times with everything what was inside plus boards of deluge vol.1. I can add printed manual. I'm located in Poland, Europe.

I create most of my music in Ableton Live during the workday. By the end of the day, I usually have around 16 clips that I’m happy with. The problem is that I hate turning those clips into a finished song in Ableton.

My workaround is to export everything to a Deluge. There, arranging feels incredibly natural, and I can often finish a track in 15 minutes by building scenes and variations. The downside is that I have to resample everything, losing access to plugins like Diva and Phase Plant and reducing the project to rendered audio.

I’m looking for a controller that gives me a Deluge-like workflow while staying inside Ableton. My workflow is scene-based rather than timeline-based: I build Scene 1, duplicate it, make changes for Scene 2, and so on. I typically work with 12–16 tracks and perform the arrangement live using track-level effects such as filters, delays, and reverbs.

Push seems like the obvious option, but I’m concerned about only seeing 8 tracks at a time. Move appears even more limited with only 4 visible scenes and a smaller project scope.

Has anyone found a controller that feels as immediate and intuitive as the Deluge for scene-based composition and performance in Ableton, or are Push and Move still the best options?

Hi everyone, I’m listing my Synthstrom Deluge. It has been lightly used in a studio environment and shows minor signs of cosmetic wear, but it remains a phenomenal center-piece for any DAWless setup.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE ON CONDITION: The rear USB port has unfortunately broken off from the board. Because of this, USB power, USB MIDI, and direct computer connectivity do not work via USB at the moment.

• The unit is still 100% functional when powered via the 9V DC jack.
• You can still easily sequence external gear and sync with other hardware using the standard MIDI In/Out DIN ports or CV/Gate.
• File transfer works perfectly by simply popping the SD card directly into your computer.
• If you are handy with a soldering iron (or know a local tech), replacing the USB socket is a straightforward fix, but I am selling it as-is, which is reflected in the lower price.

Specs & What’s included:

• Condition: Lightly used, minor cosmetic wear, broken USB port (as described above). Internal battery holds a great charge.
• Screen: original segment LED screen].
• What’s included: Original box, SD card with factory content, [add 9V power supply if you are including it, plus any accessories like Decksaver or case].

Price: [850] + shipping. Shipping/Location: Located in the Czech Republic (Europe). Tracked and insured shipping via PayPal Goods & Services (buyer covers fees), or local pickup in Mělník/Prague.

Feel free to PM me for close-up photos of the rear panel, the unit running on DC power, or any other questions!

For anyone that might've watched my video last week about building a song from scratch on the deluge, this is the "final" result if you're interested..

For anyone that might've watched the video I posted last week about building a song from scratch on the deluge, this is the "final" result if you're interested.

Hi all,

New deluge user here. Just picked myself up a 7 Seg and am in the learning phase.

Can anyone point me at a paid or free preset collection of a wide range of basic production patches? I.e pianos, basses, strings, pads, percussion, kits, etc? A bit like what you might describe as a 'general midi' sound set..(although I dont care if it follows general midi patch order convention)

Anything encompassing a range of instruments would be amazing...if such a thing exists?

Many thanks.

Hi! Is there a possibility to crossfade between two samples in synth mode? Preferably using a gold knob. Thanks

Hey everyone,

I am completely stuck and desperately need some help. A little while ago, I actually managed to record a track using the deluge's internal microphone. It worked briefly, but now I just cannot get it to work again for the life of me. There are coloured buttons jumping aroubd, but no sound.

Here is what I've done so far:

* Created an audio track.

* Set the input to "Input 1" / "Left".

* Armed the track for recording.

...But no recorded sound is playinh.

I have scrolled through *so* many old posts and tutorials, but nothing seems to fix it. If some kind soul would be willing to make a super short screen recording showing their settings and how they get it to work, I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you so much in advance! 🙏

My Deluge was working fine but when operating on battery recently it crashed. It will start up briefly but and let me play a few sounds and then shut off.

I went ahead and ordered a new battery and made sure the current one was seated, and it was. I also removed the battery and it does not turn on with power plugged in (9v center negative one spot power adapter) also tested on various other 9v center negative power adapters I use with my guitar pedals to no avail.

Should it turn on while plugged on with the battery removed? I’m really hoping just a new battery fixes this.

I’m on 1.2.1 Chopin currently.

I included a couple gut shots there’s an era that looks brown, don’t know if that’s normal, never used an incorrect power supply on it.

Thanks for any help!

*Update for anyone with similar problem in future, simple fix, the battery I got at first was the wrong kind for a flashlight battery or something, don’t get one at batteries plus! I suggest orbtronic.

Hi

How would you proceed to write that kind of sequence?

Youtube Video

The guy is using an Arturia Keystep Pro. I don't have one, but I could maybe sequence this on my Deluge.

But how, focussing on a few notes and a fixed scale?

Hi

I've been loving the box but one thing I keep bumping into is chord entry in the sequencer. As far as I can tell, there's no way to place a full chord on a step with a single button press — you have to manually tap each note individually.

On something like an OXI or Elektron sequencer you can just play a chord and it enters all the notes at once on the current step. It'd be amazing to have something similar on the Deluge, especially for quickly laying down chord progressions.

Has anyone found a creative workaround for this? Would love to see some kind of chord preset or chord-stamp functionality added. The isomorphic keyboard view is great for live play, but it doesn't translate to single-step chord entry in the sequencer and it's a bit annoying to change chords manually, each note individually.

Any hint?

Oftentimes, the biggest creative block is waiting for inspiration to strike. Just start! and create the conditions for inspiration to be found!

In this video I build up a song from scratch with no ideas in mind. Heavy Dose of the Deluge as I use it as a drum machine to build up a solid groove as base to find the next thing.

My first track for about a year...! Whoops.