Synth Geekery 351
In episode 351 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
SinTH2
The SinTH2 is a bespoke, boutique hardware synthesizer created by Tom Horn and his specialized Polish development team. Designed for sound designers and keyboardists seeking an tactile experience, the SinTH2 combines a vast wavetable architecture with an expansive physical control surface, premium solid wood craftsmanship, and hand-built custom options.
Overview
Unlike mass-produced synthesizers, the SinTH2 is built to order with individual customization available for casing finishes, mechanical options, and functional tweaks. At its core, it features a massive 60-voice polyphonic engine driven by five oscillators and a 3 GB waveform library.
The physical control panel is designed for deep tactile sound design, boasting 120 dedicated potentiometers, 9 rotary encoders, 36 function buttons, and four crisp OLED displays for real-time visual feedback. Coupled with motion recording for every knob, an integrated 16-step polyphonic sequencer, and a premium Fatar keybed, the SinTH2 bridges the gap between classic flagship synth ergonomics and modern wavetable synth power.
Key Features
Sound Engine & Synthesis
- Polyphony: 60 voices of polyphony.
- Oscillators:
- 4 Multiwave Oscillators (each loaded with 128 waveforms).
- 1 Singlewave Oscillator (6 banks of 128 single waves, featuring independent envelope control).
- Dedicated Noise Generator.
- 3 GB sample memory of custom waveforms.
- Filter Section: Multimode filter featuring 18 dB/octave Low-Pass (LPF), Band-Pass (BPF), and High-Pass (HPF) modes.
- Modulation: 5 independent LFO generators (2x Pitch LFO, Filter LFO, Amp LFO, and Pan LFO) alongside 2 global envelopes.
Interface & Performance Controls
- Tactile Surface: 120 physical potentiometers, 9 push/rotary encoders, and 36 illuminated function buttons.
- Displays: 4 high-contrast OLED screens for precise parameter navigation.
- Motion Recording: Enables live automation and motion recording across every physical knob on the panel.
- Sequencer: Integrated 16-step multitasking polyphonic sequencer.
- Preset Storage: 1,920 memory locations for user patches.
Hardware, I/O & Craftsmanship
- Keybed: Premium Fatar dynamic keyboard (on keybed versions).
- Cabinet: Handcrafted solid wood casing with custom finish options.
- Audio I/O: Symmetrical balanced XLR audio outputs and a dedicated stereo audio input feeding the internal FX engine.
- FX Engine: DSP effects section including Drive, Ensemble, Phaser, Delay, Reverb, and Equalizer.
Technical Summary Table
| Specification | Details |
| Synth Type | Hybrid Polyphonic Hardware Synthesizer |
| Polyphony | 60 Voices |
| Oscillators | 4 Multiwave + 1 Singlewave + Noise (3 GB Waveforms) |
| LFOs & Envelopes | 5 LFOs, 2 Global ADSR Envelopes + 1 Independent |
| Filter | 18 dB/oct LPF, BPF, HPF |
| FX DSP | Drive, Ensemble, Phaser, Delay, Reverb, EQ |
| Sequencer | 16-step Polyphonic Sequencer |
| Physical Controls | 120 Potentiometers, 9 Encoders, 36 Buttons, 4 OLED Displays |
| Automation | Full Knob Motion Recording |
| Preset Capacity | 1,920 Memory Slots |
| Build & Hardware | Solid Wood Frame, Fatar Keybed, Balanced XLR Out, Stereo Input |
| Warranty | 24 Months |
Pricing & Configuration:
Each SinTH2 unit is built to order with a standard 24-month warranty and an estimated production timeframe of 2 to 3 weeks. Prices include VAT (conversions in USD, GBP, and AUD are approximate market equivalents):
| Form Factor / Model | EUR (€) | USD ($) | GBP (£) | AUD ($) |
| Desktop Version | €5,800 | $6,320 | £4,870 | $9,570 |
| Fixed Panel Version | €6,799 | $7,410 | £5,710 | $11,220 |
| Folding Panel Version | €6,999 | $7,630 | £5,880 | $11,550 |
Link: https://sinth2.com/
SynTesla JARRE Labe One
When electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre needs a centerpiece synthesizer, standard production instruments simply won’t do. Enter Pierre-Jean Tardiveau—the designer behind SynTesla—who spent three months handcrafting a custom, one-of-a-kind instrument: the SynTesla JARRE Lab One.
Known for crafting retro-futuristic steampunk instruments (including high-profile builds like the Giorgio III modular system for Hans Zimmer), Tardiveau brought SynTesla back to its classic aesthetic roots for this build. Commissioned directly by Jarre, the JARRE Lab One combines a 4-voice hybrid sound engine with retro visual controls and custom tactile playability.
Overview & Background
The JARRE Lab One takes strong visual and technical inspiration from Tardiveau’s 2022 masterpiece, the SynTesla VII. Built as a striking red tower, the front panel is divided into four distinct visual and control zones. It features oversized backlit dials, industrial rotary selectors, and continuous retro visual feedback, giving the synthesizer the look of an alternative-history power grid controller.
Underneath the hood, Tardiveau designed a completely new control architecture alongside the hybrid sound engine. The instrument bridges classic analog warmth with modern digital flexibility—delivering lush analog pads and classic lead sounds alongside aggressive, saturated timbres.
Key Features
- Hybrid Polyphonic Engine: Features 4-voice polyphony powered by dual analog oscillators per voice, complemented by custom digital oscillators for expanded sonic range.
- Expressive Performance Controls: Outfitted with a full-size 61-key Fatar keybed, traditional pitch and modulation wheels, and an oversized performance joystick controller.
- Dual VCF Cutoff System: Built to Jarre’s specific request, the Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF) cutoff can be manipulated simultaneously using either a traditional rotary potentiometer or a smooth linear slider.
- Analog Tone Shaping: Includes a dedicated stereo analog saturation/distortion stage, a 3-band master equalizer, and an integrated audio mixer equipped with an external FX insert loop.
- Onboard Effects Engine: Features a multi-FX processor providing modulation effects, stereo delay, and rich reverbs.
- Sequencer & Arpeggiator: Includes a classic 16-step digital sequencer alongside a flexible multimode arpeggiator.
- Steampunk Industrial Chassis: Four-zone vertical red cabinet with backlit analog-style meters, heavy-duty switches, and custom visual indicator dials.
Pricing & Commercial Availability
Because the JARRE Lab One was handcrafted as a singular, bespoke commission for Jean-Michel Jarre, it is not currently available on the commercial market.
Price: One-off – not for commercial sale.
Link: https://www.syntesla.com/
MIDISID Control Surface
For chip-tune creators and synth enthusiasts using the MIDISID synthesizer, the depth of sound sculpting on Commodore SID chips is incredible. However, tweaking deep synth parameters through a small screen and four navigation buttons often meant one thing: tedious menu diving.
Enter the MIDISID Physical Control Surface by MIDI_IN. Designed in a tactile, Minimoog-inspired layout, this dedicated hardware controller puts hands-on, immediate parameter control right at your fingertips. By providing dedicated physical knobs, sliders, and switches for all three voice channels, sound design transforms from a button-pushing exercise into a fluid, expressive process.
Overview: Why Add a Physical Controller?
The MIDISID engine packs immense synthesis capability into a compact unit, but navigating menus during a live performance or studio patch creation can break your creative momentum. The MIDISID Physical Control Surface bridges that gap completely.
While it doesn’t house the SID chips or generate audio itself—acting as a dedicated control interface that communicates CC messages to your MIDISID unit—it exposes almost every parameter imaginable across three voices simultaneously. Whether you are crafting aggressive basslines, classic arpeggios, or lush retro pads, having instant access to filter cutoffs, envelopes, and modulation routings makespatch creation fast, intuitive, and fun.
Key Features
- Minimoog-Style Interface: Direct, ergonomic knob-per-function layout designed specifically for fast sound creation.
- Real Analogue Controls: Equipped with tactile physical potentiometers, sliders, and toggle switches for authentic hardware feedback.
- Comprehensive Parameter Access: Dedicated control sections for:
- Filter: Cutoff frequency, resonance, and filter modes.
- Waveforms: Triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and noise selections.
- Envelopes: Direct access to Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release controls.
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): Dedicated controls for pulse wave sculpting.
- Advanced Sound Mechanics: Instant access to ring modulation, sync, portamento, and arpeggiator settings.
- Plug-and-Play MIDI CC Integration: Pre-configured to send standard MIDISID CC parameters seamlessly.
- Trackable Global Shipping: Shipped directly from the UK with custom tracking and pre-handled duty options (PDDP for US, standard IOSS handling for EU).
Important Note: This unit is a dedicated external control panel and does not include the core MIDISID unit or SID audio chips. Communication runs one-way via MIDI CC.
Product Summary Table
| Feature / Detail | Specifications |
| Product Name | MIDISID Physical Control Surface |
| Manufacturer / Creator | MIDI_IN (Eastville, Lincolnshire, UK) |
| Primary Category | MIDI Control Surface / Synthesizer Accessory |
| Target Hardware | MIDISID Synthesizer Unit |
| Controls | Analogue Potentiometers, Sliders, Toggle Switches |
| Communication Mode | One-way MIDI CC Control |
| Key Synthesis Controls | Filter Cutoff/Res, ADSR Envelopes, Waveform Selection, PWM, Ring Mod, Sync, Arp, Portamento |
| Base Price | £175.00 GBP (~$233.93 USD) |
Pricing Overview
The MIDISID Physical Control Surface is crafted by independent designer MIDI_IN and available via Lectronz. Listed base pricing and converted estimates include:
- United Kingdom (GBP): £175.00
- United States (USD): ~$233.93
- Europe (EUR): ~€205.00 (approx. varies with checkout VAT/IOSS)
- Australia (AUD): ~AU$345.00 (approx. subject to daily exchange rates)
Link: https://lectronz.com/products/midisid-physical-control-surface
Behringer Mini Pops 7
We don’t have anything official from Behringer yet – but looking at this image – we can deduce:
Product Summary Table
| Feature / Specification | Details |
| Product Name | Behringer Mini Pops 7 |
| Type | Analog Drum Machine & Rhythm Generator |
| Inspired By | Korg Mini-Pops 7 (1966) |
| Sound Generation | Pure Analog Synthesis (15 Drum Voices) |
| Sequencer | 16-Step Programmable Sequencer + Preset Modes |
| Built-in Effects | Distortion / Drive Unit & Tone Filter Control |
| Connections | Main Audio Out (1/4″), Headphone Out (3.5mm), MIDI In/Thru (5-pin DIN), USB MIDI, Sync In/Out |
| Software Support | Behringer SynthTribe App Compatibility |
| Form Factor | Compact Desktop Chassis |
No prices yet – but assume around $90 USD
Behringer CS Mini
We don’t have an official Behringer product page – but we can deduce the following:
Product Summary Table
| Feature / Specification | Details |
| Product Name | Behringer CS Mini |
| Type | Portable Paraphonic Analog Synthesizer |
| Inspired By | Yamaha CS-80 |
| Voice Count | 3-Voice Paraphonic |
| Sound Engine | Pure Analog (3 Oscillators + Sub-Oscillator) |
| Filters | Low-Pass Filter (LPF) & High-Pass Filter (HPF) |
| Envelopes | 1x ADSR, 1x AR Envelope |
| Effects & Modes | Ring Modulator, Ring Mod Poly Modes |
| Sequencer | Onboard Step Sequencer with Parameter Motion Recording |
| Keybed | 27 Capacitive Touch-Sensitive Keys |
| Connections | Main/Headphone Out (3.5mm), MIDI In (5-pin DIN), USB-C (Power & MIDI), Sync Input |
| Form Factor | Compact Micro-Desktop Chassis |
Price; Approx $90 USD
Nonlinearcircuits Spectrum Shaper
Nonlinearcircuits Spectrum Shaper: A 36-Channel Filter Powerhouse
If you have ever wanted to sculpt complex physical acoustic resonances, mimic stringed instruments, or dive headfirst into deep spectral filtering, Nonlinearcircuits (NLC) has created a monster of a Eurorack module. Inspired by vintage laboratory spectrum analyzers and classic analog synth designs, the Spectrum Shaper brings a massive 36-channel voltage-controlled comb filter (often referred to as a string filter) into the modular domain.
Occupying a massive 80 HP of rack space, the Spectrum Shaper is a passion project rooted in experimental synthesizer history. Its lineage traces back to classic acoustic research gear—specifically the Brüel & Kjær 36-channel Spectrum Shaper—and influential designs from Electronotes by R. Burhans, Ian Fritz, and Bernie Hutchins. By combining active filter topology with modern voltage control, NLC delivers a sound design tool capable of subtle acoustic modeling, metallic textures, and wild, self-oscillating resonantscapes.
Overview & Architecture
At its core, the Spectrum Shaper houses 36 individual LM3900-based active filters, tuned and spaced across the frequency spectrum. To manage this massive collection of signal paths, the module breaks the 36 channels into six distinct banks of six filters.
Each bank leverages SSI2190 multi-channel VCA/mixer integrated circuits, allowing you to control the amplitude of every filter band via control voltage (CV).
Key acoustic shaping controls include:
- Bipolar Feedback per Section: Each group of six filters features its own feedback potentiometer with center-off response. Dialing in negative feedback flattens the frequency peaks and smears the sound, whereas positive feedback narrows the peaks, dramatically increasing resonance up to full self-oscillation.
- Vactrol-Based Noise Gating: Summing 36 active filter channels naturally introduces a raised noise floor. NLC solves this by integrating vactrol-based noise gates on each of the six section outputs as well as the master output, keeping quiet passages pristine.
- Individual Section Outlets: Beyond the master sum output, each 6-channel group features its own dedicated output jack, enabling stereo or surround routing, external processing per frequency band, or complex multi-tap feedback loops.
Key Features
- 36 VC Comb Filter Channels: Full spectral coverage designed for string synthesis, body resonance modeling, and vocal formant creation.
- 6-Bank Modular Layout: Filters are grouped into six 6-channel sections for focused control and patch flexibility.
- Voltage-Controlled Amplitude: Integrated SSI2190 VCAs allow total CV control over band levels and panning potentials.
- Bipolar Feedback Control: Separate positive and negative feedback controls per 6-channel section to alter peak sharpness or force self-oscillation.
- Multi-Stage Noise Gating: Seven dedicated vactrol noise gates (six section gates + one main output gate) suppress residual background noise.
- Flexible Patching I/O: Master sum output along with six individual section outputs for complex spatial distribution.
- Massive Eurorack Footprint: 80 HP wide front panel with ergonomic control spacing.
Technical Summary
| Specification | Details |
| Module Name | Spectrum Shaper |
| Manufacturer | Nonlinearcircuits (NLC) |
| Module Type | Voltage-Controlled Comb Filter / String Filter |
| Width | 80 HP |
| Depth | Standard Eurorack depth |
| Current Draw | +12V: 180 mA | -12V: 80 mA |
| Filter Topology | 36x LM3900 active filters (6 banks of 6 filters) |
| VCA/Mixer ICs | SSI2190 multi-channel VCAs |
| Noise Management | 7x Vactrol-based noise gates (6 section + 1 master) |
| Inputs / Outputs | Main Audio In, Master Out, 6x Section Outs, Multi-CV Inputs |
| Build Difficulty (DIY) | Advanced (High component count, fine surface-mount soldering, multi-step filter tuning required) |
Pricing Overview
Nonlinearcircuits modules are available both as complete factory-assembled units and as DIY projects (PCB and front panel sets) for experienced builders.
| Format / Tier | AUD (Base) | USD (Approx.) | EUR (Approx.) | GBP (Approx.) |
| DIY PCB & Panel Set | ~$110 AUD | ~$72 USD | ~€67 EUR | ~£58 GBP |
| Fully Assembled Module | ~$1,100 AUD | ~$725 USD | ~€670 EUR | ~£580 GBP |
Note: Pricing in USD, EUR, and GBP are estimates based on standard exchange rates and direct conversion from Australian Dollars (AUD).
Link: https://www.nonlinearcircuits.com/modules/p/spectrumshaper
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
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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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