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Average Price: $697
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Soma Laboratory LYRA-8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your sonic creativity with the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8, an analog drone synthesizer that offers a unique and mesmerizing soundscape experience. Designed for musicians who crave a deeper connection with their instrument, the LYRA-8 is not just a synthesizer; it's an experimental playground. With its 8 voices and 8 oscillators, each voice is independently tunable, allowing for an expansive range of sound possibilities. The LYRA-8's intuitive interface invites you to explore its rich, textured sound, making it an ideal companion for both live performances and studio sessions.
Dive into the world of sound modulation with adjustable FM modulation and a mix of triangle and square waveforms, giving you the flexibility to shape your sound exactly how you envision it. The Hyper LFO and mod delay with dual delay lines provide endless possibilities for vibrato and delay modulation, while the switchable feedback path adds an extra layer of depth to your creations. Its tactile design includes metal contact points for each voice, offering a unique way to interact with your music.
Key Features:
- 8 voices and 8 oscillators for rich sound exploration
- Freely tunable voices within a wide range
- Triangle/Square waveform mix with FM modulation per voice pair
- AD envelope per voice with selectable response times
- Hyper LFO for vibrato and delay modulation
- Switchable feedback path for added depth
- Mod delay with 2 delay lines and LFO modulation
- Drive knob with wet/dry controller
- Metal contact points for tactile interaction
- Audio and headphone outputs, plus external input
- Includes 12 V DC external power supply
Product specs
| Available since | October 2019 |
| Number Of Keys | 8 |
| Touch-Sensitive | No |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Split Zones | No |
| Modulation Wheel | No |
| Number of simultaneous Voices | 8 |
| Sound Engine | Analogue |
| MIDI interface | None |
| Storage Medium | None |
| USB-port | No |
| Effects | Delay, Distortion |
| Arpeggiator | No |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 1 |
| Digital Output | No |
| Display | No |
| Pedal Connections | None |
| Dimensions | 266 x 266 x 62 mm |
| Weight | 2,5 kg |
FAQs
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What makes the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 unique compared to other synthesizers?
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The Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 is unique due to its organismic analog design featuring eight voices, a distinctive delay and distortion system, and touch-sensitive sensor keys. It produces complex, evolving textures that set it apart from traditional synthesizers.
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Is the Soma LYRA-8 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the LYRA-8 is suitable for live performances, offering a robust build and intuitive controls for spontaneous sound creation. However, it lacks MIDI and USB connectivity, which may require additional setup for integration with other gear.
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Can the LYRA-8 be used for melodic compositions?
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The LYRA-8 is primarily designed for creating rich, evolving soundscapes and textures rather than traditional melodic compositions. Its eight voices and unique modulation capabilities make it ideal for ambient and experimental music.
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Does the Soma LYRA-8 have built-in effects?
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Yes, the LYRA-8 includes built-in analog delay and distortion effects, allowing for additional sound manipulation and texture creation without external gear.
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How does the touch interface of the LYRA-8 work?
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The LYRA-8 features eight touch-sensitive keys that respond to the pressure and position of your fingers, enabling expressive control over the sound. This interface encourages an organic approach to sound shaping.
Videos
loopop
Review: LYRA-8 explained // SOMA LABS
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound generation capabilities
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Ideal for experimental and ambient music styles
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High-quality build and tactile controls
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Generates both harsh noise and soft ambient textures
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Encourages spontaneous, in-the-moment creativity
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No complex patching required
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Suitable across various music genres
CONS
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Not precise in tone and effect control
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May not be used frequently in standard music production
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Not suitable for pop or conventional music integration
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Soma Laboratory LYRA-8.
Software and compatibility
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It's recommended to run the Lyra-8 through effects pedals like the Specular Tempus and Meris Polymoon for expanded sonic possibilities.
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Use cases and applications
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The Lyra-8 thrives in creating drone and dark ambient music, especially when made stereo with chorus and delay effects for a rich, expansive sound.
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Using the Lyra-8 as the main oscillator voice in a semi-modular setup, like running it into a DFAM for sound shaping, can unlock new possibilities.
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Owners find the Lyra-8 particularly effective when paired with external gate sequencers, unlocking unique rhythmic capabilities.
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Ideal for ambient, noise, and industrial music; struggles with conventional pop/rock structures.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners suggest modding the Lyra-8 to step-tune the pots for more control over modulation, addressing persistent modulation issues even when turned off.
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Comparisons
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Though the Lyra-8 is sonorous, it may not be abrasive enough for harsh noise enthusiasts, unlike an MS-20 through a RAT pedal which offers grittier textures.
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The Mononoke app on iPad is noted as a cheaper alternative, emulating the Lyra-8's sound with additional functions.
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Consider the Strega for a more tonal and performable alternative to the Lyra-8.
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User experience
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Despite its complexity, the Lyra-8 offers a simple workflow with a hardware control for every function, akin to an "anti-Elektron" machine.
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Some users describe sessions with the Lyra-8 as therapeutic, with one owner noting it can induce hour-long, immersive experiences.
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Owners often sample and chop recordings to fit Lyra-8 into tracks, given its unpredictable nature.
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Features and functionality
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The Lyra-8's eight oscillators modulate each other, creating a fat, unhinged sound that eats up the whole frequency spectrum, requiring creative mixing or filtering to fit into tracks.
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Lyra-8's hyper LFO and FM+Feedback create unique internal modulation, rewarding exploration over precise tuning.
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The Lyra-8 can act as an audio processing unit, enhancing drum loops with its drive and dual delay effects.
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Other
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The Lyra-8 is likened to an entirely different instrument category, distinct from typical synths, offering a unique sonic experience.
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Value and pricing
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Confidence in purchasing the Lyra-8 used is high due to its robust build and the tendency for these units to retain their resale value.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 18 Ratings
218
Useable Niche
You probably won’t use it 95% of the time, but for the 5%, there is nothing that beats it. It’s perfect for getting out of A minor ruts.
The best synth in the world!
...absolutely unique, incredible, unbelievable and impossible, only and only sounds - in the world where all sounds you can find easy in all the same synths... here you have the synth voices you have never heard...
Artist usage
Add artist
Atticus and I make a point to keep everything in flux in our studio, with gear always changing to keep us rethinking things and never getting too comfortable. The LYRA-8 is one of the few “permanent” hookups.
In the YouTube video titled "Coming Soon - St. Vincent: The Process | Studio Tour" by Reverb, the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 can be briefly seen in St. Vincent's studio.
This image from the band's Instagram account shows Underworld's two Lyra-8 units.
In an Instagram story, Stephen O'Malley is shown using the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 synthesizer.
In the YouTube series hosted by Tape Notes Podcast titled "The Edge Of Chaos - Imogen Heap's Exploration of Noise with FLESHLICKER," Imogen Heap discusses her musical process and mentions her use of various gear, including the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8, as listed in the episode description.
In this Instagram post from 645ar, A. G. Cook can be seen using the Lyra-8 (Pink) in the studio.
Surgeon uses the Lyra-8 in what he calls his 'more abstract' (non-techno) live projects, like Anthony Child live and his part in The Transcendence Orchestra.
Currently this Soma Lyra-8 synth is quite important. [...] I'm using it along with the baby version of the Roland SH-101, which does arpeggiated melodies. [...] Both the Lyra-8 and the the Roland are fed into this Electro-Harmonix 45000 looper, which takes either four mono or two stereo loops. Given the steady development of these performances, it's quite effective to layer sounds up into the looper and let them slowly decay as you build in new ideas. It's like this constantly evolving story that you get drawn into. [... The looper is] vital, it's the centre of this setup really. Whatever else I was using with it, I've always used this looper.
'The Art Of Production: Surgeon', Resident Advisor, October 2019
In an accompanying video (0:12) he demonstrates and describes his approach:
It works a lot with the tension and release between the more melodic element, which is the SH-01A [and] the more chaotic and noisy elements of the Lyra-8, which is a synthesizer that I'm a big fan of.
Eskmo is seen using the Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 synthesizer in a post on his official Instagram account.
A black Lyra-8 Orgasmic Synthesizer can be seen in this gear photo posted to Maso Yamazaki’s Instagram
Per this Aug. 2022 feature in MusicTech, DCA has paired his Soma drum machine with a matching-red Lyra-8. Most visible in this photo:
https://musictech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/[email protected]
Album Usage
The Soma Laboratory LYRA-8 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Soma Laboratory LYRA-8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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