Synthstrom's Deluge now has MPE

[Roger_Linn]

Hi all,
Ian Jorgensen, the product manager for Deluge at Synthstrom, has kindly informed me that Deluge now has full MPE handling in recording, editing and playback. They've created a video that demonstrates this:

[TigerBalm]

Thank you Deluge team! The Deluge really is a beautiful device. It's a nice pair for LinnStrument because it also uses fourths tuning. The Deluge is super portable so you can learn a song on the go with it then play the same song on your LinnStrument for the full MPE experience when you get home.

[zachaudioguy]

The Deluge is super portable so you can learn a song on the go with it then play the same song on your LinnStrument for the full MPE experience when you get home.

It sounds like you own a Deluge. Do you travel a lot with it? I've been looking for a portable DAW and wavering in my research between the Deluge, OP-1, or a new laptop. Being able to connect my LinnStrument to the Deluge would be quite nice but I'm guessing I'd need a battery pack.

Interested to hear your thoughts on the portability of it and how you might use it in that respect with or without your LinnStrument.

[TigerBalm]

I actually sold my deluge. I think it’s awesome but the lack of a screen causes some issues. It relies a lot on some button combos to get things done. Also for your song you need to hold in your head what each track does. Finally the onboard synth has a lot of parameters to edit but no UI so you need to know what you want for your sound instead of “exploring”.

Overall it’s a fantastic device but if you take a break from it you may forget some of how to use it. Also when your project gets complex it can be easy to get lost.

The latest update added folder structure for presets and projects, that will help a bit.

I’m not sure if the Deluge can power LinnStrument without assistance from external power.

[John the Savage]

Do you travel a lot with it? I've been looking for a portable DAW and wavering in my research between the Deluge, OP-1, or a new laptop. Being able to connect my LinnStrument to the Deluge would be quite nice but I'm guessing I'd need a battery pack.

Have you considered an MPC Live or MASCHINE+? They are both about as close to a standalone DAW environment as you can get these days. The MPC in particular has proven to be a good hub for my LinnStrument rig.

Cheers!

[zachaudioguy]

Have you considered an MPC Live or MASCHINE+?

I had not, thanks for the mention, I've added them to my research pool

[FranklyFlawless]

I recently purchased the Synthstrom Deluge with the new OLED screen, which was announced September 10th. It has obsoleted the Audiothingies MicroMonsta 2 in my live setup, which I have put away. I chose the Deluge primarily because it is a MPE hardware synthesizer with an internal, replaceable 18650 battery of 3000mAh capacity, so I can declutter my live setup without requiring another power adapter or external power bank. Having an integrated sampler and sequencer is merely a bonus for later when I have the time and interest to learn about them, but they do happen to coincide with my musical aspirations. There is a speaker that can be used for a minimistic setup with the LinnStrument, and a custom-sized case with a mesh pocket inside included with the OLED model, among other accessories.

The Deluge is unable to power the LinnStrument using the internal 18650 battery, so your only options to enable USB MIDI host with the Deluge would be to use a compatible AC adapter, or use a compatible step up converter cable with a power bank of your choice. I currently power the LinnStrument with the XP Power VER05US090-JA, which was previously sold in the Roger Linn Store, but those using the LinnStrument 128 could consider using the Anker PowerCore+ Mini with the matching battery holder by Geert, then using the MIDI DIN ports to connect to the Deluge instead.

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/det ... JA/5023722
viewtopic.php?t=551192

My current focus is developing my proficiency with the LinnStrument, not sound synthesis, so I simply use the Deluge's synth presets for now. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments.

[MilesParker]

I'm getting my Deluge next week, will be excited to report back! Funny enough there was someone on Synthstrom's forum complaining about ignoring critical features in favour of "fringe" features like MPE. I felt the need to set him straight, that there are a number of people who have bought one just because of that fringe feature.

[patternmusic]

The Deluge is unable to power the LinnStrument using the internal 18650 battery, so your only options to enable USB MIDI host with the Deluge would be to use a compatible AC adapter, or use a compatible step up converter cable with a power bank of your choice. I currently power the LinnStrument with the XP Power VER05US090-JA, which was previously sold in the Roger Linn Store, but those using the LinnStrument 128 could consider using the Anker PowerCore+ Mini with the matching battery holder by Geert, then using the MIDI DIN ports to connect to the Deluge instead.

[Update] I have found that the Deluge can power the Linnstrument 128 (seems to work in low or full power mode) via USB mode. But the Deluge must be powered by an external power supply to supply power over USB. It was a little fussy getting them to recognize each other. I have had the best success with the following:

• power off the Deluge;
• connect an external 9V tip-negative power supply to the Deluge;
• connect a USB-B to USB-A socket adapter to the Deluge (the Deluge is a USB host);
• connect a USB-B to USB-A plug cable between the Linnstrument and the Deluge (the Linnstrument is now powered);
• turn on the Deluge;
• select a synth patch on the Deluge;
• simultaneously, press [Learn] and an audition pad on the Deluge and a pad on the Linnstrument;

Voila!
I also set the Deluge the Differentiate MIDI devices. I don't know if this matters.

I have also had success using an Anker PowerCore 5000 to power the Linnstrument 128. And then I can run the Linnstrument off that power and the Deluge off its built-in battery. And I connect the Linnstrument and the Deluge via MIDI DIN.

The Anker PowerCore Mini was no longer available. So I got the PowerCore 5000. The PowerCore 5000 doesn't fit in Geert's adapter. I was thinking of designing and 3D printing a similar adapter for the PowerCore 5000. (CAD and 3D printing is something I do.) But I find it's really not a big enough issue. I just plug the Anker into the Linnstrument with the USB-A to USB-B cable. And I connect the Deluge with MIDI DIN.

I just got my Deluge retrofitted with the OLED display. And Wow! It is a huge upgrade. Like night-and-day.

[FranklyFlawless]

Synthstrom offers a USB-B to B cable for purchase from their website, so there is no need for USB adapters. I connect it directly with the LinnStrument to reduce the amount of clutter for live performances.

https://synthstrom.com/product/usb-type ... -8m-cable/

Unfortunately I can confirm that the Anker PowerCore+ Mini is difficult if not impossible to find for purchase nowadays. If you and/or anyone else is interested in updating the battery holder to accommodate the Anker PowerCore 5000, I suggest having a small but firm lip where the battery is inserted to prevent it from sliding out easily once in place. In particular, it would greatly benefit those who use the LinnStrument (128) like a guitar.