I bought the Synthstrom Deluge because I wanted to move away from the computer and work in a more hands-on, hardware-focused way. After spending some time with it, I can honestly say it’s one of the most inspiring pieces of gear I’ve used.
What impressed me most is how much functionality is packed into one device. It works as a sequencer, sampler, synthesizer and arranger all at once, and once the workflow clicks it becomes very fast to turn a simple loop into a full track.
I currently use it together with a Moog Matriarch, and the Deluge works perfectly as the “brain” of the setup. It controls external gear via MIDI while also playing its own synth engines and samples.
The build quality feels very solid, the battery operation is extremely convenient, and it’s great to see how Synthstrom keeps improving the device through regular firmware updates.
There is definitely a learning curve at first, but once you understand the grid workflow it becomes an incredibly powerful and creative instrument. If you enjoy hardware music production or want to spend less time looking at a computer screen, the Deluge is a fantastic tool.
