Synth Geekery 280

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In episode 280 we talked about NAMM 2025 – 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 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

Roland V-Stage

The Roland V-Stage is a series of professional digital stage pianos and synthesizers designed for live performance and studio use. Known for their high-quality sound engines, intuitive controls, and robust build, V-Stage instruments offer a range of realistic acoustic and electric piano tones, along with a variety of synth sounds. They feature advanced connectivity options, such as MIDI and USB, and are often equipped with weighted keys for an authentic playing experience. The V-Stage series is popular among touring musicians and performers who need reliable, high-performance keyboards with versatile sound capabilities.

The Roland V-Stage series offers:

  • Authentic Sound Engine: High-quality acoustic and electric piano sounds with Roland’s advanced sound modeling technology.
  • Weighted Keys: Responsive, hammer-action keybeds for a natural piano feel.
  • Performance Controls: Intuitive interface with knobs, sliders, and customizable controls for live adjustments.
  • Versatile Sound Options: Wide range of sounds, including pianos, organs, synths, and more.
  • Connectivity: MIDI, USB, and audio output options for seamless integration with other gear.
  • Built-in Effects: Studio-quality reverb, chorus, and other effects for sound enhancement.
  • Durable Build: Road-ready design for professional stage performance.
  • Split/Layer Functionality: Ability to split the keyboard or layer sounds for creative performances.
  • Lightweight Design: Portable yet sturdy construction for easy transport.

Price:

Link: https://www.roland.com/au/promos/v-stage_series/

Korg MicroAudio 22 & 722

The Korg microAudio 22 and 722 are compact audio interfaces designed for musicians, producers, and content creators who need high-quality sound in a portable format.

Korg microAudio 22: A 2-in/2-out audio interface ideal for solo artists and small recording setups. It offers high-resolution audio capture, essential connectivity options (such as XLR and instrument inputs), and low-latency performance for recording and playback.

Korg microAudio 722: A more advanced model featuring 7 inputs and 2 outputs, catering to larger setups requiring multiple input sources. It includes additional connectivity, enhanced preamps, and expanded monitoring options, making it suitable for more complex recording environments.

Both models prioritize ease of use, portability, and compatibility with major DAWs, providing reliable performance for studio and mobile applications.
☑ Tabletop-optimized design
Compact size & easy-to-grab knobs on the front panel.
☑ Direct Monitoring
Listen to the input-signal in real time with no latency.
☑ Ideal Specs
Up to 24bit / 192kHz, a Hi-Z input, USB Type-C, +48V phantom power.
☑ Dynamics DSP Effects
Process audio with a built in noise gate, compressor and more.
☑ Unique Software Bundles
Maximize your recordings with software bundles unique to Korg.
☑ microAUDIO 722 includes the “700S” Analogue Filter.
Korg’s superior analog technology and clever filter implementation delivers an unprecedented audio experience.

Video

Price:

Link:

Polyend Step

The Polyend Step is a versatile hardware step sequencer designed for musicians and producers who want hands-on control over their music creation. It offers an intuitive workflow with powerful sequencing capabilities for both studio and live performance applications.

Key Features:

  • Multiple Tracks: Supports sequencing of multiple tracks simultaneously, ideal for complex arrangements.
  • Flexible Connectivity: MIDI, CV/Gate, and USB options for seamless integration with various gear, including synths and drum machines.
  • Real-Time Control: Hands-on control with an intuitive grid-based interface for quick pattern creation and editing.
  • Polyrhythms & Time Signatures: Create intricate rhythms with different step lengths and time signatures per track.
  • Pattern Memory: Store and recall patterns easily for live performance and experimentation.
  • Automation: Parameter locking and automation capabilities to add dynamics and expression to sequences.
  • Compact & Portable: Lightweight design for easy transport and live use.
  • Synchronization: Sync options with external devices for tight timing and integration into larger setups.

The Polyend Step is known for its ease of use, versatility, and deep creative potential, making it a great tool for electronic music producers and performers.

Price: https://polyend.com/step/

Link: 499

Erica Synths Perkins Voice

Erica Synths Perkons Voice is a eurorack incarnation of the percussion voices from the PERKONS HD-01 Drum machine. Like on the drum machine, the module has hybrid architecture, featuring a digital sound engine followed by an analogue multimode filter and overdrive. Users can select among 13 sound generation algorithms and save up to 99 presets that can be recalled easily. Tune and Patch CV inputs are configurable for various CV settings and are tuned to 1V/oct. Module also features a 4-voice poly overlap mode and samples on the “Rompler” engine can be easily replaced.

Features

  • Versatile digital sound engine followed by analogue multimode VCF and overdrive
  • 13 sound design algorithms
  • Up to 99 user presets
  • 1V/oct tuning on TUNE and PATCH CV inputs
  • Drone mode
  • 4-note poly overlap mode

Specifications:

Audio output10Vptp
CV levelsconfigurable -5V – +5V
Power consumption+59mA, -30mA
Module width14HP
Module depth35mm

Price: 280

Link: https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/eurorack-modules/by-series/drum-series/perkons-voice/

Akai MPC Live 3.4.1 Firmware – Native Instruments integration

MPC3 represents the next evolution in standalone music production, with over 100 new features harnessing the power of Native Instruments acclaimed Play Series plugin instruments and Expansion Series libraries, redefining the future of creative possibilities. This update also addresses critical issues, such as the MIDI Note Off problem, and acknowledges ongoing work on Time Signature Support. Users have expressed enthusiasm for the integration of Native Instruments plugins, particularly the Play Series, and anticipate potential expansions like Massive. The update includes a revamped user interface, moving away from the previous red and gray color scheme, and incorporates features from the Akai Force, such as the arranger mode and disk streaming, enhancing the overall workflow and functionality of the MPC.

Price: Free

Link: https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-release-notes

Stylophone CPM DF-8

The Stylophone CPM DF-8 is an analog dynamic multi-filter unit designed for versatile sound shaping. It features two independent filter channels: a 24 dB/octave low-pass filter inspired by classic designs and a 12 dB/octave multi-mode filter offering low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and notch options. Combining these filters unlocks additional filtering modes, providing a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Each filter is controlled by a full ADSR envelope with multiple triggering options, such as gate signals, audio threshold detection, manual triggering, and an auto-loop mode functioning as an LFO. Additional features include two white noise sources, a sample & hold modulation with adjustable slew, and a built-in delay effect, enabling rich and evolving sound textures.

The DF-8 is designed for flexibility, operating on batteries, an external power supply, or a Eurorack power source. It includes a built-in speaker for direct monitoring, alongside stereo line and headphone outputs. The modular enclosure allows seamless integration with other units in the CPM series or Eurorack systems, occupying 42 HP of rack space.

Price: TBA

Link: https://stylophone.com/stylophone-df-8-waiting-list/

Donner L1

SH-101 – like synth. We showed this on SG ep 268: https://ranzee.com/synth-geekery-268/
3340 VCO, outputs multiple waveforms
3109 VCF & 662 VCA for most faithful recreation in sound wise
Extra envelope as modulation source, to enhance the possibility in sound
Drone mode for ambient type of sound
Powerful and easy-to-use step sequencer
Wide variety connections: 1)cv/gate out 2)sync i/o 3)external audio i
Optional magnetic keyboard (KB-32M)

Price: 329

Link: https://us.donnermusic.com/products/donner-essential-l1-synthesizer

Modal Electronics Carbon 8 m (module)

We showed information about Modal Carbon8 back on SG Ep 266: https://ranzee.com/synth-geekery-266/

Now, Modal have released the synth in module format: Carbon8m

CARBON8 introduces radical new ways to create, experiment with and perform next-generation synth sounds. CARBON8’s sound engine, twice as complex as in our acclaimed ARGON8 and COBALT8 series, embeds complex waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice superior synth engine with outstanding filter technology and exciting LFO capabilities.

To complement the innovative CARBON8 sound generation, we added unparalleled modulation options, an inspiring real-time / step sequencer, the energising arpeggiator, the Premium FATAR 37-note keyboard, MPE, studio-quality effects and MODALapp integration. CARBON8 is the ideal synth for everyone who wants to leave everyday synth experiences and endeavor the raw and exciting world of contemporary sound dimensions.

Video

Price:

Link:

Behringer BX-1, Pro-16 and JT-16

Behringer are at NAMM 2025 and in their booth showing off some new prototypes and future releases.

Behringer BX-1

The prototype of the famous Yamaha DX-1.

Behringer Pro-16

Behringer’s take on the illustrious Sequential Circuits Prophet 5

Behringer JT-16

Behringer’s take on the Roland Jupiter 8

Studiologic SL88 & SL73 MIDI Controller

The Studiologic SL88 and SL73 are professional MIDI controller keyboards featuring high-quality Fatar keybeds, designed to provide an authentic piano feel for both live performance and studio applications. The SL88 offers 88 fully-weighted keys, while the SL73 features 73 weighted keys, making it a more compact and portable option. Both models share a similar feature set, offering intuitive controls, robust build quality, and flexible MIDI capabilities.

Key Features (SL88 & SL73):

  • Fatar TP/100LR keybed with hammer action for a realistic piano touch.
  • Color TFT display for easy navigation and parameter adjustments.
  • Four programmable zones, allowing for layered and split sound control.
  • Three assignable X/Y stick controllers for pitch, modulation, and custom controls.
  • SL Editor software compatibility for advanced configuration and customization.
  • Audio interface
  • Multiple pedal inputs, including sustain, expression, and assignable functions.
  • MIDI connectivity, featuring USB and 5-pin MIDI ports for versatile integration.
  • Sturdy yet lightweight design, with the SL88 weighing approximately 13.7 kg (30.2 lbs) and the SL73 around 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs).

The SL88 is ideal for those needing a full 88-key range for complete piano performances, while the SL73 offers a more compact solution for musicians seeking portability without sacrificing playability. Both models provide professional-grade features for demanding keyboardists.

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.studiologic-music.com/products/slmk2/

Roli Piano & Piano M

Rolio Piano and Airwave

  • Full-Size Keys: Equipped with 49 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, providing a premium feel for both beginners and professionals.
  • Educational Integration: Designed to work seamlessly with ROLI’s learning platforms, offering interactive lessons and real-time feedback.
  • Expressive Control: Features velocity-sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch, detecting movement in four dimensions for enhanced musical expression.

ROLI Piano AI Assistant

Along with the new keyboard, ROLI rolls out the Piano AI Assistant. This virtual assistant is an AI-powered system for learning piano. The software not only teaches basic keyboard skills, but also music history and theory. ROLI plans to expand the assistant’s abilities through future updates. Your intelligent practice assistant.

ROLI Airwave

ROLI Airwave transforms ROLI Piano or Piano M into an “intelligent piano”. Using ROLI Vision technology, Airwave’s cameras see your hands and track every finger movement with incredible precision to
deliver a truly personalized and interactive learning experience, helping you develop better habits, improve faster, and have more fun while you’re doing it.

Piano M

The portable piano that teaches you to play Piano M and the ROLI Learn app are all you need to begin your musical journey — wherever you are and whichever way you learn best. Glowing mini-keys show you how to play your favorite songs, friendly instructors are there to guide you, and engaging games and exercises keep you motivated.

Features:

  • MPE-Enabled: The world’s first conventional keyboard supporting MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), allowing nuanced control over each note.
  • RGB Backlighting: Each key features RGB backlighting, aiding in visualizing scales, chords, and arpeggios.
  • Portability: Compact, wireless, and battery-powered, making it ideal for on-the-go creativity.
  • Expandable Design: Magnetic connectors enable easy attachment of additional units for extended octaves or integration with other ROLI devices.

Price: $249 and $399 USD on early bird special (ends soon)

Link: https://roli.com/us/experience/piano-learn

Ketron Fusion

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight:  11 Kg ( 24,2 lbs )

Polyphony: 216 notes, multitimbral.

Keyboard: 61-note light weighted action with velocity and aftertouch. 4 Dynamic curves.

Controls: Aftertouch. Portamento. Legato Mono/Poly. Transposer +/- 24. Octave +/- 2. Sustain pedal. Volume/Expr. Pedal with 6 curves. Joystick with Pitch and Modulation. 2 Articulations. Ribbon controller: Arabic Scale. Arabic Set. Koma. 10 sliders with rgb led.

Display: 7” touch capacitive display. Brightness control. 5 different skin colors.  

Factory Sounds: 10 Voice Families : Piano, Strings, Organ, Brass, Sax, Pad, Synth, Guitar, Bass, Ethnic. 464 Factory Presets. A single Preset can be made with up to 5 different sounds. Second Voice. High quality multilayer sounds with a great selection of Real Solos ® and a large variety of oriental instruments. Advanced Voice Editing. Factory overwrite and restore. Up to 1.280 User Voices available. Preset programmable Arabic scale and key shif.

User Sounds: 4 GB non-volatile Flash memory for additional sounds ( 2 GB for Sound Banks and 2 GB for User Samples ). Sample Editor : up to 32.768 samples ( max 6 seconds per sample ). 128 stereo instruments ( Voice or Drum Set ), up to 4 layers per instrument and up to 64 splits per layer. Advanced editor with Split, Octave, Level, Range, Tune, Cut off, Velocity, Adsr. Sample Loop utilities. User Drum kits.

Adsr/Filter: separate controls for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Lfo, Cut Off and Resonance.

Drum Set: 44 Drums kits. 18 Oriental Kits. 32 User Drum kits with Remap, Filter, Tune, FX controls. Drum Mixer : 9 sections with separate controls for level, pan, reverb, pitch, velocity compression. 86 Midi Drum styles ( Pattern )on Grv1_Loop section.

Arranger : More than 550 International Styles. Audio, Live and Midi styles. Freeze real control. 260

Live Styles. Over 64 Oriental Styles. 10 groups : Ballad, Pop, Dance, Rock, Swing, Latin, Country, Folk, Party, Ethnic. 3 Intro, 3 Ending, FIll to End, ABCD, 4 Fills, 4 Break. Reintro, Count In, Pause, Key Start, Key Stop, Variation. User Styles with unlimited store capabilities.
5 Midi Chords and Bass. Close, Parallel, Logic mode. 3 x Lower with Mono/Poly function. Chord Variation. Varitone. Voice to ABCD. Auto Fill, Fill to Arrange, Fill to Aftertouch. Chord modes : Easy1, Easy2, Easy3, Fingered 1, Fingered 2. Orch. Variation Morphing. Rootless mode. Manual Bass, To Lowest, To Root. Bassist and Pianist mode ( Standard/Expert ). 

Live Drums: over 500 Live Drums with a complete Arranger structure ( 3 Intros, 3 Endings, ABCD, 4 Fills, 4 Breaks ). Oriental and Latin Percussions loops. Reverb and 3 band Parametric Equalizer with 10 presets, programmable on each style. Drum Boost. Possibility to load external User Live Drums.

Drum Pad: real time control for percussions.

Grooves: 3 x independent Groove sections. Huge library of more than 780 Latin percussions, Electro and Acoustic Drum loops, Single percussion hits. Groove to Variation. Separate volume and EFX controls.

Live Guitars: 216 sliced Guitar patterns including Long Chords. Separate volume and EFX controls.

Real Chord: Real audio accompaniments covering a full chord range ( up to 13 different chords ). A big variety of electric, acoustic and jazz guitars patterns and other orchestral sequences synchronized to Midi. Dedicated Insert EFX with full editor, programmable for each style. Possibility to load external User Real Chords. Possibility to modify the Style voices with Adsr, filter and Q. 

Real Bass: Real audio Basses.Twin Bass. Support to external User audio Basses. 3 band Parametric Equalizer with 10 Presets, programmable on each style.

Style Modeling: navigate and choose Drums, Grooves, Bass and Chords from the massive Midi and Audio Library. Multichord and Multibass templates.

Style Edit: advanced pattern recording and editing. Copy, Quantize, Velocity, Octave functions. Special quantize available for oriental styles ( 7/8, 9/8, 13/8, etc. ). Single GM voice edit with ADSR and Filter.

Registrations: 4 Banks with unlimited Registrations controlling the global set up of the keyboard. 

Performance: fast access to Styles, Registrations, Mp3, Wav, Midi files and Subfolders. 7 Sets with unlimited file storage.

Play Mode: Master, Accord/Style, Accord/Classic, Organist.

Phrase: real time recording and play for Style chord sequences.

Footswitch: 20 programmable Set. Assignable to the most relevant machine functions and features.

Arabic Scale : 16 sets. 6 scale memories.

Dsp: Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Overdrive, Distortion, Tremolo, Autopan, Equalizer. 2 Stereo EFX Inserts (one dedicated to Voice and one to Style/Midifiles). 64 Single Presets and 64 Chain Effects. Deep editing. Dedicated reverb and EQs for Drumsets. Dedicated reverb for Arranger section.

Stem: 4 Scenes. 5 audio tracks per scene to be played simultaneously. Lead track, Transpose, Time Stretching, Loop, Solo, Mute, Autoplay. Fixed pitch for Drum section. Support for external User Stems.

Player: Transpose, Audio Time stretching, GM, Jukebox, Playlists, Drum Remix, Markers, Lyrics, Cross Fade, Search, Midi Mix, Karaoke Backgrounds. Support for wav, midi, mp3, mp4, avi, mov, flv, cdg, jpg, png, txt and pdf files.

KTune: audio Wav files can be assigned to keys. Synchronization with Style (Bar, Beat).

HD Recording: 1 stereo audio track. Midi and Song Style recording.

Audio Multitrack: 5+1 audio tracks with separate track control.

Micro: 2 x Micro inputs. Micro 1 ( XLR ) with gain control and phantom power. Effect with Reverb, Delay, Equalizer, Pitch shift. Micro 2 ( jack ) with volume and reverb control.

Voicetron: 3 voice vocalizer. Assignable to Arranger or Midi file with Presets, Equalizer, Mode functions.

Video: HDMI connection for displaying lyrics, pictures and videos. Mirror mode. Up to Full HD Resolution. Support for external touchscreen displays.

Bluetooth: Streaming audio input ( ad2p profile ).

WiFi: remote control via VNC.

Storage: 240 GB internal SSD disk ( Up to 60 GB reserved for System ). Optional external SD Card ( up to 512 GB ).

Side Connections: 2 x USB device. USB Host. HDMI.

Rear Connections: Main Out Left / Right. Headphone/Aux. Sustain pedal. Volume pedal. Footswitch. Midi In, Midi Out. Micro 1, Micro 2.

Optional: Volume pedal normal or deluxe. Sustain pedal normal or piano type ( available also with Footswitch connector). Footswitch 6 or 13 switches. Midi Pedalboard 13 notes ( K8 ). Soft bag. Trolley for bag. Hard case.

Dimensions: 99,5 x 36.6 x 11,5 ( 39,1 x 14,41 x 4,53 inch. ).

Price: TBA

Link: https://ketron.it/ketron-fusion-keyboard/

Bitwig Connect

Features

  • USB-C/USB-2 port for data and bus powering
  • 1 MIDI input and 1 MIDI output
  • 1 dedicated 6.3 mm stereo headphone output
  • 6 x 6.3 mm TRS fully balanced line outputs
  • 1 fully balanced 6.3 mm TRS line input or high-impedance instrument input
  • 1 combo XLR / 6.3 mm TRS port: high-gain microphone preamp with 48-volt phantom power / fully balanced line or high-impedance instrument input
  • 6 x 3.5 mm TS DC-coupled mini jack ports for audio/CV: 2 inputs, 4 outputs
  • RGB LEDs for accurate input and output metering
  • 360°, high-resolution and touch-sensitive dial
  • Integrated monitor control buttons
  • DAW transport controls
  • Mode buttons to quickly access settings
  • Innovative integration with Bitwig Studio
  • Recording and playback up to 192 kHz
  • AKM converters for all inputs and outputs
  • Compatible with macOS / Windows / Linux
  • Dedicated ASIO driver for Windows
  • Supports MCU protocol for DAW transport controls
  • Bus-powered class-compliant USB 2 device
  • Full metal chassis

Price: $549 USD

Link: https://www.bitwig.com/connect/

Price Watch

Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.

Yamaha YS100https://tidd.ly/3PRPoCK
Modcan Modular Synthesizerhttps://ebay.us/RPJItP
Moog System 55https://tidd.ly/3PQXBaa
Oberheim SEM Twinhttps://tidd.ly/4hx1A7x
Moog Moogerfooger MF-104https://ebay.us/wjXmvC

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 …..