SOMA Laboratory has introduced WARP, a multi-purpose audio processing unit that offers 15 different effects.
They say that WARP is a great unit for spatial processing of any acoustic or electronic instruments — guitar, vocals, strings, synthesizers etc., — as well as processing drums or complete mixes.
The effects are divided into three types:
- Spatial effects — ranging from traditional reverbs to granular, experimental algorithms, with pitch-shifting, reverse and micro-loops. Most of the spatial effects feature extremely long decay times, all the way to infinity. With feedback ratios above 1 you can drive the algorithm into self-oscillation for creating endless, rich, lively soundscapes out of almost any sound. To keep the sound under control with reasonable headroom and tonal aesthetic, all the generative algorithms include dedicated modules to automatically control sound levels.
- Special effects — such as flanger, sample rate/bit reduction, vintage tape simulation. All special effects include unusual functions giving them a unique SOMA flavor.
- Dynamic effects and filters — compressors, distortions, filters. All the effects in this category can be applied to submixes, e.g. a rhythm section group, or even to the whole mix – so one can conventionally call them master effects. All the effects in this category also have their unique extended features, SOMA-style.
In addition to the direct interface, every processing parameter can be controlled via CV.
Pricing and Availability:
The SOMA WARP is expected to ship in early 2026, priced at €560 EUR.
Will Soma be making it possible to use multiple FX at the same time in an update?
I was wondering this, too. Keeping my fingers crossed that it’s part of the plan, but I haven’t seen verification either way. I would definitely be much more likely to pick one up if that was the case.
How would that work? It has standard pots. There’s nothing on the surface, which would facilitate arming and engaging secondary functions. There’s no MIDI either. It’s a straightforward, 1:1 type of device. What you see is what you get.
Standard pots but they act like encoders. Instead of choosing an effect you can choose which effect you control (Like basic matrix function).
Maybe pressing up and down together activates or deactivates it. It won’t be great without a screen but I guess the processing power won’t be enough anyways.
No screen, and instead a huge fixed matrix of parameters on the front. That is both unpleasant to use, and limits future expansion.
LCD panels cost < $5 nowadays, and small OLED screens under $10. I just don't understand.
I wish it was a matrix controlled with multiple effects working in tandem, and a screen, but only one row works each time, so it’s not really matrix control. What you see is what you get. So no need for a screen, and no presets.
Your production cost calculation is way off. A screen can cost even less, but it requires a lot of extra parts around it—plus programming and ui to make it all make sense.