Synth Geekery 342
In episode 342 we talked about synths, eurorack, sequencers, drum machines, samplers, effects and software! Plus all the usual segments! Funny Side, News from the Geekery, Price Watch, Name that Synth …
Show contents:
- About
- Guests
- Video replay
- Funny Side
- News from The Geekery
- Price Watch
- Name that Synth
- Saturday Sonority
About the Synth Geekery Show
Synth Geekery is a weekly podcast/live stream (YouTube) show about everything synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers, eurorack and music technology. We take the “one of the masses” viewpoint, where we are also users of gear just like you (read: we’re not influenced by commercial product placement).
The show relies on the generous contributions of the synth community. You can contribute in many ways including supporting us via our YouTube Channel Membership or Patreon. We also have regular and special video guests: if you would like to take part in future shows – please contact me via email on the about page here.
Your Host
Ranzee (Ranz Adamson) is your show host. He’s based in Perth, Western Australia and has been a hobbyist musician and technologist for most of his life. More information can be found about him here.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ranzee
BandCamp: https://ranzee.bandcamp.com
Guests
This week’s video guests are:
Daren T. Housse
Bandcamp Link: https://darenthousse.bandcamp.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPHxpZgFKKE1wkG9ndto3A
Daren resides in the UK and is one of the first video guests on the show since 2019. He has a large amount of tracks on his youtube channel plus a great album collection over on BandCamp.
SynthAddict
Andy is a musician and technologist from the bay area in California. He has an amazing collection of music tech gadgets and a large knowledge of synthesizers.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUtABvP7q29uvLKi73zIjFQ
Ian J. Cole
Ian is a musician, composer, sound designer and producer currently producing solo ambient electronic music. He also runs Sinners Music which is a Record Company and Online Music Retailer in East Yorkshire, England
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IanJCole
Chris – Maikshifter
Chris is a musician and technologist from Perth, Western Australia. He’s always had a love for creating and tinkering with music electronics and has recently embarked on a new journey creating eurorack modules.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Maikshifter
Video replay
Funny Side
The funny side segment is a collection of memes that are somewhat relevant to the synth geekery community. Some of these images are taken from Facebook, Instagram and other social media sources. Please respect the creators. Hope you enjoy this week’s selection:
News
Meet the Überding: The Ultimate Multi-Functional Powerhouse by Noisy Fruits Lab
If you’ve been searching for a “Swiss Army Knife” for your Eurorack system, the Überding from Noisy Fruits Lab might just be the last module you ever need to buy. This 18HP powerhouse is a chameleon, capable of transforming from a complex synthesizer engine into a high-end multi-effects processor, a granular sampler, or even a retro gaming station for generative modulation.
Overview: Synthesis, Effects, and Beyond
The Überding is designed around a high-performance STM32H743 CPU (400MHz), allowing it to handle intensive audio processing with ease. At its core, the module is an “engine-based” system. Users can scroll through various firmware engines to completely change the module’s identity.
Whether you need a Virtual Analog Bass Synth (inspired by the legendary 303), a 4-Channel Drum Machine, or a Chord Synthesizer with 16 detunable wavetable oscillators, the Überding delivers. It also features a stunning 128×128 RGB OLED display that provides real-time visual feedback, accompanied by a vibrant 4×8 RGB LED grid for animations and status monitoring.
Key Features and Engines
The Überding isn’t just one module; it’s a collection of high-quality tools:
- Audio FX Processor: A 4×4 grid allowing up to 16 effects in series with 16 modulation sources.
- Granular Sampler: Single-channel sampling with an 8MB RAM buffer and full FX/MOD integration.
- Dual Turing Machine: A shift register sequencer for generative melodies with built-in quantization.
- CV Analyzer: Includes a spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope (Dual/Quad), and Lissajous views.
- WAV Recorder/Player: Record and playback high-fidelity audio (up to 24-bit/48kHz) directly via microSD.
- Bonus “Retro” Engines: Play Bricks or Pong to generate unique LFOs and triggers based on game physics.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Format | 18HP Eurorack |
| Depth | 31mm (Skiff Friendly) |
| I/O | 4 CV In, 4 Trigger In, Stereo Audio In/Out, MIDI TRS (Type A) |
| Resolution | 48kHz (24-bit input / 32-bit output) |
| Display | 128×128 RGB OLED |
| Storage | microSD Card Slot |
| Power Draw | +12V: 400mA / -12V: 40mA |
Pricing Guide
The Überding is currently available for pre-order at a discounted rate, with regular pricing taking effect after the initial launch phase.
- Presale Price: €500.00
- Regular Retail Price: €600.00
Estimated conversions based on current market rates ($1.00 USD ≈ €0.92, £1.00 ≈ €1.17, $1.00 AUD ≈ €0.61):
| Currency | Presale (Approx.) | Regular Retail (Approx.) |
| EURO (€) | €500.00 | €600.00 |
| USD ($) | $542.00 | $650.00 |
| GBP (£) | £427.00 | £513.00 |
| AUD ($) | $818.00 | $982.00 |
Footnotes & Links:
- Product Page: Noisy Fruits Lab – Überding
- ModularGrid: Überding on ModularGrid
- Video Demo: Überding Multi-Functional Module Showcase
Introducing the Auxy Svensson 49: The Minimalist Looper Built for Pure Play
In an era where music production often feels like a deep dive into complex menus and endless parameter tweaking, Swedish developer Auxy is pivoting from its popular mobile app roots to something tangible, tactile, and refreshingly simple.
Unveiled just ahead of Superbooth 2026, the Auxy Svensson 49 is a hardware synthesizer and looper developed in collaboration with the renowned musician and YouTuber, Cuckoo (Andreas Paleologos). This is not your typical “studio-brain” synthesizer; it is a “living room” instrument designed to remove every barrier between an idea and a sound.
The Concept: “Play, Loop, Explore”
The Svensson 49 is built on a philosophy of immediacy. Inspired by the charm of retro toy keyboards but executed with high-end German engineering, the interface is strikingly clean. It features a solid metal body, a few colorful accents, six knobs, and a massive speaker grill.
The goal? To allow musicians to create high-quality loops without ever looking at a screen or getting lost in “parameter hell.”
Key Features
- FATAR Keybed: Despite its playful look, it houses a professional-grade 49-key semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive FATAR TP/9S keybed for a premium playing experience.
- Cuckoo-Designed Sound Engine: A hybrid engine using samples and wavetables to deliver 100 presets across four categories: Drums, Bass, Bread, and Butter.
- Intuitive Looping: The centerpiece is a “dead-simple” looper. You select a sound, hit the loop button, and build layers. There are no limits on layer counts or loop lengths.
- History Mode: A clever “time travel” feature that lets you scroll back through previous states of your loop, ensuring you never lose a magic moment.
- Custom Ingvar Öhman Speaker: Designed by the legendary Swedish speaker maker, the built-in speaker is loud and high-fidelity, intended for sharing music in a room without external amps.
- Modern Connectivity: While minimalist, it includes stereo 6.3mm outputs, a headphone jack, sustain pedal input, and USB-C for power/data.
Pricing and Availability
The Svensson 49 is currently in the pre-production phase. While final pricing can vary by region and retail duties, the estimated launch price points are as follows:
| Currency | Estimated Price |
| USD | $999 |
| EURO | €899 |
| UK (GBP) | £800 |
| AUD | $1,520* |
*Estimated based on current exchange rates; final Australian pricing to be confirmed by local distributors.
Summary Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Product Name | Auxy Svensson 49 |
| Type | Hybrid Synthesizer / Looper |
| Keys | 49-Key FATAR (Semi-weighted, Velocity Sensitive) |
| Sound Engine | Sample & Wavetable Hybrid (100 Presets) |
| Sound Designer | Cuckoo (Andreas Paleologos) |
| Interface | Minimalist (6 Knobs, Dedicated Loop/Clear/History buttons) |
| Audio | Built-in custom Ingvar Öhman speaker |
| Chassis | Metal body, manufactured in Germany |
| Release Date | Early Fall 2026 (Pre-orders starting soon) |
Footnotes & Resources:
Exploring the Befaco Iroi: A Shortcut to Atmospheric Processing
Befaco has long been a staple in the Eurorack world, known for their aggressive “Barcelona style” aesthetics and deep, musician-focused functionality. Their latest offering, the Befaco Iroi, is a direct descendant of their celebrated Oneiroi module. While the Oneiroi was a full-blown experimental synth voice, the Iroi strips away the oscillators and looper to focus entirely on what made its predecessor so special: the atmospheric effects engine.
Measuring at a compact 18 HP, the Iroi is designed to take any external stereo signal and transport it into a dreamlike, evolving soundscape. Whether you are processing a simple oscillator, a drum loop, or external gear, the Iroi provides a high-fidelity 24-bit/48kHz signal path that can smear, resonate, and modulate your audio into something entirely new.
Key Features of the Befaco Iroi
The Iroi is essentially a “greatest hits” of signal processing, featuring five primary audio processors that can be reconfigured to suit your sound design needs:
- Stereo Signal Path: Full stereo input and output with 24-bit/48 kHz resolution and 32-bit internal processing.
- Multimode Filter & VCA: A flexible block featuring low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and comb filtering. Uniquely, the Filter/VCA block can be repositioned anywhere in the internal signal chain.
- 3-Band Resonator: A character-rich resonator with dedicated tune and feedback controls, perfect for adding metallic textures or sympathetic resonances.
- 2-Tap Echo: A versatile delay unit with adjustable time and density for creating rhythmic complexities or hallucinatory trails.
- Experimental Reverb (Ambience): Controlled by a macro “Spacetime” knob, this section manages reverb size, filtering, and spatial movement simultaneously.
- Advanced Modulation: Includes six LFO waveforms and an envelope follower that can be flexibly routed to various parameters.
- Intelligent Randomization: A powerful randomizer with undo/redo functionality and four different targets to jumpstart your creativity.
Pricing and Availability
The Befaco Iroi is available both as a professionally assembled module and as a through-hole DIY kit for those who enjoy the “solder-it-yourself” experience. Pricing varies slightly by region and retailer:
| Region | Assembled Version (Approx.) | DIY Kit (Approx.) |
| USD ($) | $399.00 | $299.00 |
| EURO (€) | €375.00 | €285.00 |
| UK (£) | £325.00 | £245.00 |
| AUD ($) | $620.00 | $465.00 |
Note: Prices are estimates based on current market rates and may vary depending on local taxes and shipping.
Product Summary Table
| Specification | Details |
| Format | Eurorack Module |
| Width | 18 HP |
| Depth | 27 mm (Skiff friendly) |
| Power Consumption | +12V: 175mA, -12V: 45mA |
| Audio Resolution | 24-bit / 48 kHz (Internal 32-bit) |
| Inputs | Stereo L/R (Normalized), 4x Assignable CV, Sync, Random Gate |
| Outputs | Stereo L/R |
| Origin | Designed and Assembled in Barcelona |
Footnotes & Links:
Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums: A Hands-On Masterclass in Percussive Synthesis
The world of electronic music education just got a whole lot punchier. Erica Synths, in their ongoing collaboration with techno icon Richie Hawtin, has officially unveiled the Bullfrog Drums. Following the massive success of the original Bullfrog synthesizer, this new addition shifts the focus from melodic synthesis to the art of drum programming, sampling, and rhythmic sequencing.
Designed with a “hands-on” philosophy, the Bullfrog Drums isn’t just a drum machine; it’s an educational powerhouse housed in a rugged, stage-ready aluminum enclosure. Whether you are a student learning the ropes of X0X-style sequencing or a professional looking for a tactile performance sampler, the Bullfrog Drums offers a unique bridge between simplicity and deep sound design.
Versatility Beyond the Beat
While the name suggests a focus on percussion, the Bullfrog Drums is a versatile sampler at its core. Because the seven voices are sample-based, users are not restricted to kicks and snares. You can load abstract noises, chord stabs, or drones, making it a capable companion for ambient and experimental textures.
One of its standout features is the inclusion of a built-in microphone. This allows for immediate, “on-the-fly” sampling of your environment, which can then be manipulated through seven dedicated parameters per voice. For those who prefer a more controlled environment, a line input is also available for high-quality sampling.
Features at a Glance
The Bullfrog Drums is packed with features that cater to both the studio and live performance:
- 7 Sample-Based Voices: Highly flexible voices that can handle everything from traditional drums to experimental samples.
- Richie Hawtin Factory Samples: Comes pre-loaded with 7 banks of curated sounds from the Erica Synths team and Richie Hawtin.
- Sampling Capabilities: Features a line input and a built-in microphone for live sampling.
- Deep Sequencing: A 64-step X0X-style sequencer equipped with ratchets, probabilities, and microtiming for human-like grooves.
- Performance Automation: Parameter locks and automation per track allow for evolving patterns.
- Integrated Speaker: Perfect for portable jamming and educational settings.
- CV/Gate Output: Includes a dedicated CV/Gate sequencer (1V/Oct) to control external synthesizers.
- Connectivity: MIDI IN/OUT (DIN and USB-C), stereo output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Pricing
The Bullfrog Drums is positioned as a premium educational and professional tool. Below are the estimated prices based on current market rates (please note that local taxes and shipping may apply).
| Currency | Estimated Price |
| EUR | €600 (Excl. VAT) |
| USD | ~$650 |
| GBP | ~£515 |
| AUD | ~$985 |
Product Summary Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Voice Architecture | 7 Sample-based voices |
| Sample Memory | 64 MB Total |
| User Memory | Up to 16 user banks; 64 patterns; 64 kits |
| Sequencer | Up to 64 steps with Ratchets & Probability |
| External Control | MIDI (DIN/USB-C) & CV/Gate (1V/Oct) |
| Sampling Source | Line Input & Built-in Microphone |
| Dimensions | 40.5 x 18.5 x 6 cm |
| Weight | 2.7 kg |
| Build | Signature Erica Synths Aluminum Enclosure |
Footnotes & Resources:
- Official Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums Product Page
- Bullfrog Drums Manual & Documentation
- Erica Synths YouTube Channel
Redefining the Keybed: Introducing the Expressive E Osmose CE 49 & 61
The music production world has just shifted. Expressive E has officially announced the Osmose CE (Controller Edition), a streamlined, white-chassis version of their legendary Osmose synthesizer. While the original Osmose was a standalone powerhouse with its own internal sound engine, the CE edition is laser-focused on the modern studio, bringing world-class MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) to your DAW at a significantly more accessible price point.
The Magic is in the Movement
At its core, the Osmose CE features the exact same Augmented Keyboard Action found in the flagship model. This isn’t just a MIDI controller; it’s a physical instrument. Every key is a three-dimensional sensor that responds to:
- Tap: Delicate initial contact for nuanced staccatos.
- Press: Deep, polyphonic pressure for swells and filters.
- Pitch & Shake: Side-to-side movement for intuitive vibrato and per-note pitch bends.
By removing the internal EaganMatrix sound engine, Expressive E has managed to lower the barrier to entry while introducing Ctrl-e, a powerful new software ecosystem. This companion plugin provides over 900 custom-mapped presets, ensuring that even users without MPE-ready hardware can experience the full “Dune-esque” expressivity that Hans Zimmer famously championed.
Key Features of the Osmose CE
- Three-Dimensional Control: Per-note sensitivity for tap, press, vibrato, and “shake” gestures.
- Two Sizes: Available in both 49-key and 61-key configurations to suit your desk space.
- Ctrl-e Ecosystem: A dedicated plugin with 900+ presets specifically designed to react to the Osmose keybed.
- Smart DAW Integration: Native control for Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+, and Logic Pro 12+.
- Premium European Build: Features a striking white aluminum top and black metal base, manufactured in Expressive E’s new Polish factory.
- Connectivity: USB-C powered, DIN MIDI In/Out, and dual assignable pedal inputs.
Pricing Breakdown
The Osmose CE is designed to be the “everyday” MPE controller for professional producers. Here is the current pricing across major regions:
| Region | Osmose CE 49 | Osmose CE 61 |
| USD ($) | $999.00 | $1,199.00 |
| EURO (€) | €999.00 | €1,199.00 |
| UK (£) | £899.00 (approx.) | £1,050.00 (approx.) |
| AUD ($) | $1,599.00 | $1,899.00 |
Product Summary Table
| Specification | Details |
| Keyboard Type | 49 or 61 Full-size Keys (Augmented Keyboard Action) |
| Expression Type | Full MPE (3D Per-Note Control) |
| Sound Engine | None (Controller Edition); uses Ctrl-e software engine |
| Presets | 900+ Expressive Presets included via software |
| Chassis | White Aluminum top / Black Metal base |
| Dimensions (49) | 89.5 x 30 x 9 cm |
| Weight | 10 kg (49-key) / 11 kg (61-key) |
| Power | USB-C Power Delivery (5V / 3.0A) |
| Manufacturing | Made in Poland |
Footnotes & Links:
- Official Expressive E Product Page
- Osmose CE Feature Deep Dive – GearNews
- Osmose 3D Synthesizer Details
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| ARP Prototype 16 | https://ebay.us/9iAoQf |
| Korg MicroKorg XL | https://ebay.us/OrV1Nk |
| Roland Promars | https://ebay.us/8xwMrk |
| OSCar | https://ebay.us/EttAo2 |
* As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Name That Synth
No name that synth this week – send one in!
If you are after more information about Name that Synth – please check out this page here.
Saturday Sonority
This week’s Saturday Sonority we might talking about …..
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