Synth Geekery 281

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In episode 281 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 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

CME C2MIDI-Pro

The CME C2MIDI Pro is a high-performance USB-C MIDI cable designed for seamless MIDI communication with advanced functionality. It features a built-in 32-bit processor and high-speed optocouplers, ensuring ultra-precise data transmission with minimal latency and no dropouts.

Key features:

Works as both a USB MIDI interface and a standalone smart MIDI cable.
Supports all modern MIDI data types, including MPE, clock, and sysex.
MIDI filtering, mapping, and routing capabilities via the UxMIDI Tools software.
Compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS.
Powered directly through MIDI and USB-C connections, requiring no external power supply.
This versatile tool is ideal for musicians, producers, and engineers who need a reliable and intelligent MIDI solution.

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.cme-pro.com/c2midi-pro//ref/69883/campaign/ranzee

Studio Electronics CODE Luxe

Shown at the Buchla and friends show, the Studio Electronics CODE synthesizer now has a new varient – the Luxe. It features a high pass harmonics section labelled Luxe on the right side.

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.studioelectronics.com/

AI Synthesis VC Matrix Mixer – AI028

The AI028 Voltage Controlled Matrix Mixer is a 6-input, 6-output Matrix Mixer, with 36 Linear VCAs to control how much each input is fed to each output (0-5V). The Module can distribute audio and/or control voltage, and has a dedicated 5V output for use with passive or active attenuators for manual volume control.

Price: 329€

Link: https://aisynthesis.com/product/ai028-voltage-controlled-matrix-mixer/

Arturia Pigments 6

Pigments 6 – what’s new?

Modal Sound Engine – based on physical modelling synthesis which simulates physical objects with an emphasis on natural behaviours and organic response.
The engine is composed of two exciters on the left and rights sides. The exciters are elements or objects that initiate vibration or motion in a resonator which then produces sound.
Collision Exciter – more a percussion strike – has 3 modes: Collision, Transient and External Audio
Friction Exciter – allows for more a sustained strike – has 4 modes: Noise, Granular, Friction and External Audio
There are 2 resonator types: String and Beam. These offer different harmonic behaviours to the band pass filter.

Revamped filters : – multimode filter (classic filter) now has drive control.
– cluster filter – ability to stick between one and 5 filters on the same cutoff point and peak them using the spread control.
– lofi filter – transforms sounds into a lofi version – want degradation? you got it!

Vocoder:
You can cross-modulate pigments sounds with different modules and sections such as engine filters and effects as well as external audio.

New updated Modulators
new envelope follower
new voice modulator (helps with the vocoder)

Function generators revamped.

Price: $199 (intro price $99 for limited time)

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments/overview

Midimalism

He a very smol boi. (hehe)
He is a tiny USB MIDI controller with 2 knobs, to buttons and one mini jack input for DIY sensors and shit.

To make a DIY sensor connect a potentiometer or construct some other voltage divider. The tip of the minijack is +5V, the sleeve is GND and the ring is where the voltage is measured by the midimalism and turned sent to your pooter as MIDI data. DONT SHORT +5V AND GND, midimalism might probably maybe die.

Price: 25 GBP

Link: https://captain-credible.myshopify.com/products/midimalism-usb-midi-controller

Tip Top Audio – Programmable Pulser Model 242t

The Buchla & Tiptop Audio Programmable Pulser – Model 242t is an essential module for creating rhythmically intricate patches in Eurorack 200t systems.
This video showcases how the 242t interacts with other 200t modules, driving a unique patch that triggers and controls a feedback loop system.

Price: 199€

Link: https://tiptopaudio.com/buchla/

Vaemi Mini Mixer

Vaemi, a company based in Turkey – have released the mini mixer module.
the Mini Mixer, is a mono analog mixer with 4 channels and 3.5mm mini jack inputs and outputs, designed for use in stage performances or recordings with all your line and analog equipment. Each channel features a saturation function, and it has a specially designed jack input for the 4th channel.

When the 4th channel and jack input are empty, the mixer’s master output is rerouted to the inputs, creating a “feedback” circuit. This feature allows the sound gain to increase by approximately 6 times, significantly raising the saturation level of the mixer. If an instrument is connected to the 4th channel, the feedback signal is disabled when the jack is plugged in, and the instrument’s sound becomes part of the summing. When the channels are muted, the feedback enters self-oscillation.

Each channel includes potentiometers for adjusting the volume. Additionally, there are mute switches for each channel. When the channels are active, the “CH 1” label and the labels on other channels light up green to indicate that the channel is open. The “Output” label lights up in blue depending on the intensity of the audio signal.

The Vaemi Mini Mixer can operate with any DC adapter between 8V and 16V or a 9V battery, making it suitable for use in any environment.

Mini Mixer Features:

  • 4-Channel Analog Mixer: Suitable for stage performances and recordings with all line and analog equipment.
  • 3.5mm Mini Jack Inputs and Outputs: Compact design for portability and easy connection.
  • Saturation Feature: Provides saturation control to increase the intensity of the sound on each channel.
  • Special Feedback Circuit: When the 4th channel is empty, the mixer’s master output is routed back to the 4th channel input, creating a feedback.
  • Feedback can increase the gain by approximately 6 times and provides more saturation.

Feedback enters self-oscillation
Instrument Input: When an instrument is connected to the 4th channel, the feedback signal is disabled and the channel’s audio signal is included in the summing.
Volume Adjustments: Potentiometers available for adjusting the volume on each channel.
Mute Switches: Mute (silence) functionality available for each channel.
Channel Status Indicator: The “CH 1” label on active channels lights up green to show the channel is open.
Signal Level Indicator: The “Output” label lights up in blue according to the intensity of the audio signal.
Power Source: Can operate with DC adapters between 8V and 16V or a 9V battery.
Portable Use: Compact design makes it suitable for use in any environment.

Price: 49 kit 89 assembled

Link: https://en.vaemi.net/

Vaemi Kraakdoos aka Cracklebox

The Kraakdoos, also known as the Cracklebox, is an experimental electronic musical instrument first developed by Michel Waisvisz in the 1970s. This device makes interacting with electronic circuits fun and unconventional, and is played through its touch-sensitive surfaces. When you complete the circuit with your fingertips, it starts producing sound, with the tone, intensity, and rhythm changing according to your touch.

This modern version designed by Vaemi presents the classic Cracklebox concept with an innovative approach. The Kraakdoos serves as a creative tool in sound design, appealing to both musicians and those interested in experimental sounds.

The Kraakdoos, aka Cracklebox, uses the classic LM709 op-amp, which is now only available from a limited number of manufacturers. This component plays a crucial role in shaping the device’s characteristic tone and unique sound palette, providing a truly one-of-a-kind audio experience.

Features:

Transformer-Isolated Line Output: The line-out connection is equipped with transformer isolation, ensuring signal isolation for cleaner sound transmission and professional-grade noise reduction.

Speaker and External Output Options: Option for external speaker use or external line output.

Touch Controls: The device responds dynamically to user touch, generating unique sounds.

Revived with Vaemi’s design, the Kraakdoos offers an unforgettable experience in the world of analog electronics. With its transformer-isolated line output and the ability to run on a 9V battery, this device is an ideal choice for both studio and outdoor performances.

Price: 59 kit 89 assembled

Link: https://en.vaemi.net/product-page/kraakdoos-cracklebox-standalone-diy-or-assembled

Vaemi Atari Punk Console

VAEMI’s Atari Punk Console features a circuit design that operates with two oscillators and the modulation between these oscillators. Based on the “Stepped Tone Generator” circuit developed by Forrest M. Mims III in the early 1980s, this design is one of the significant milestones in electronic music history.

Thanks to the two oscillators, it offers the possibility to select harmonic degrees based on the fundamental frequency. This feature allows users to create melodic arpeggios.

In this synthesizer by VAEMI, the oscillators’ frequencies are made light-sensitive. With LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensors, it is possible to modify the frequencies of the oscillators with light levels. This feature enables the device to be used interactively. Additionally, when the LDRs are off, touching them introduces your body resistance into the circuit, effectively making them function as LFOs. There are ON/OFF buttons available to control the opening and closing functions of the LDRs, allowing you to control the light sensitivity as desired.

The device offers different options for the user to choose the continuity of the sound: you can select between a button-controlled mode or a drone mode that continuously produces sound. You can control the sound level using the VCA CV input, which integrates easily with your other instruments. There is also a master volume control potentiometer to adjust the overall sound level.

A button is provided to control the filter’s on/off function, allowing for the filtration of high frequencies from the sound.

It has 3.5mm jack inputs and outputs with CV (Control Voltage) inputs, making it easy to play with a keyboard or sequencer. The control inputs work between 0-5V, and each control input is protected.

The power requirement can be met with a 9V-18V adapter or a portable battery.

VAEMI offers this product both as a finished product and as DIY (Do It Yourself) kits.

Features:

  • Two oscillators: Allows the selection of harmonic degrees based on the fundamental frequency.
  • LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensors: Provides the ability to change the oscillator frequencies with light levels.
  • Interaction with body resistance when LDRs are off: Touching the LDRs makes them function as an LFO.
  • LDR ON/OFF buttons: Control the ldr.
  • Mode Selection: Choose between a button-controlled mode or a drone mode that continuously produces sound.
  • Master Volume Potentiometer: Adjust the overall sound level.
  • Filter on/off button: Allows the filtering of sound.
  • Three CV inputs:
  • CV input for Oscillator 1.
  • CV input for Oscillator 2.
  • VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) CV input.

3.5 mm jack inputs and outputs: Facilitates integration with CV (Control Voltage) inputs.

Power source: Can be powered by a 9V-18V adapter or a portable battery.

Completed product and DIY kit options: Both pre-assembled sets and DIY kits for users to build their own instruments.

Price: 49 kit or 89 aseembled

Link: https://en.vaemi.net/product-page/atari-punk-console-standalone-diy-or-assembled

Nazoid Kagouyar

Kagouyar is a digital drone synthesizer with a compact (backpack) design. It features 4 voices of polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice. Each oscillator has atypical waveforms with modulation, but also includes sinus, wave and square. The digital generators offer a chaotic variation and other choices. In addition there are 3 controls that can modulate amplitude, frequency, phase, waveform and more. There’s a multimode 24dB low pass filter. There are 7 LFO’s. A mod matrix with tactile switches. 2 audio effects: choose from distortion, waveshaper, echo, doppler.

The UI design offers no menu – everything is available via 46 knobs or via the 2 simultaneous touch.

This synthesizer relies on a discontinued electronic component, limiting production to a maximum of 70 units.

The synth runs on the Electrosmith Daisy Seed DSP chipset – and the code is open source.

Price: 1099 Euro (70 limited editions)

Link: https://nozoid.com/kagouyar/

Price Watch

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

Item/GearLink
Yamaha DX7https://ebay.us/GvFsxg
Korg MonoPolyhttps://tidd.ly/42IqwEW
Yamaha Strings SS-30https://tidd.ly/4hff5cA
Ensoniq ZR76https://tidd.ly/40CUUhp

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 …..