Synth Geekery 312
In episode 312 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
Terrain Synth by Conductive Labs
Terrain Synth is a new wavetable synthesizer from Conductive Labs. It’s a different take on how the wavetable is accessed using a “terrain” method, and traversing the terrain with various shapes and modulation capabilities.
Conductive Labs are known for their NDLR and MRCC devices.
Features
- Unique terrain oscillators
- 32 note polyphony (8 per timbre)
- Four timbres (layers) that can be split or stacked
- Two morphable terrains per voice
- Up to 7x unison for each voice
- Two additional sub-oscillators for each voice
- White, Pink, Blue and Brown noise
- Oscillator sync, Phase distortion, Mirroring and Windowing
- 17 math-based terrains with infinite resolution
- Dozens of image-based terrains
- User loadable image & wavetable terrains (.jpg and .png, .wav)
- 18 morphable paths with infinite resolution
- Dedicated mixer for timbre layers
- LFO, Envelope and Expressive matrix per parameter
- On board effects: Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, Reverb, Shimmer Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Stereo Phaser, Overdrive and Decimator
- Dedicated sequencer, arpeggiator and audition buttons
- Hundreds of sortable presets and onboard preset librarian
- 36 quick access patch favorites (6×6)
- Multi-level patches, Init, Copy & Paste
- Infinite Encoders – mixer, menu, modulation and user modules
- A 7-inch IPS display for full color sonic visualization
- Selectable terrain view angles and color schemes
- MIDI-I/O via 5-Pin DIN, USB Host, and USB Device ports
- 6x CV/Gates and 3x expression pedals.
- Left/Right balanced stereo and headphone (w/ vol control)
- Desktop / 4U rack configurations
Price: TBA (Kickstarter TBA)
Link: https://conductivelabs.com/terrainsynth/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
Robaux SLØP1
The Robaux SLØP1 is a Eurorack module designed for scale, chord, and quantising functionality. It allows users to define custom scales or chords, map keys, and play quantised outputs. The module supports both polyphonic and monophonic operation.
Key usage modes include:
- Scale Mode — define your own scale, map notes to that scale for solo or melodic work.
- Chord Mode — each key can have an assigned chord; pressing that key yields all the notes of the chord. Chords are freely definable, not limited to pre-sets or fixed progressions.
It is designed to integrate with both Eurorack sequencers and MIDI devices.
Features & Technical Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| HP / Size | 12 HP, 22 mm depth |
| Power draw | +12V: 40 mA; -12V: 0 mA; 5V: 0 mA |
| Polyphonic quantising | Yes — works polyphonically as well as monophonically |
| Modes | Scale Mode, Chord Mode, custom scales/chords, key mapping |
| Input / Output | MIDI input for pitch/key, quantised MIDI output for scale/chords |
| Assembly options | Available assembled or as a DIY project |
he SLØP1 is priced around USD $110. Approximate equivalents in other currencies are:
| Currency | Approx Price* |
|---|---|
| USD | $110 |
| EUR | €100–€110 |
| GBP | £80–£90 |
| AUD | A$165–A$185 |
Summary Table
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Robaux SLØP1 |
| Type | Eurorack module — Scale & Chord Quantiser |
| Modes | Scale mode, Chord mode, custom mapping, polyphonic support |
| Size / HP | 12 HP, 22 mm deep |
| Power usage | +12V: 40 mA; -12V: 0 mA; 5V: 0 mA |
| Price (USD) | ~$110 |
| Availability | Available (assembled and DIY kit) |
| Release date | Not specified |
Link: https://robaux.io/products/slop1
Elektron Tonverk
Elektron Tonverk is a stereo sampling workstation and groovebox designed for expansive sound design, sequencing, and performance. It combines features from earlier Elektron machines with new capabilities in modulation, effects, and track architecture. It aims to be a powerful “DAW-in-a-box” while retaining Elektron’s renowned step-sequencer workflow.
Features
- 16 Tracks in Total
• 8 stereo audio tracks
• 4 bus tracks
• 3 send tracks
• 1 master track - Track Playback Modes (“Machines”)
• Single Player: one-shot or looped samples, mono/stereo, chromatic play
• Multi Player: multi-sampled instruments; includes an Auto Sampler for hardware instruments
• Subtracks: up to 8 mono sample players per audio track, each with its own sequencer - Sequencer
• 256 steps per track
• Independent track lengths
• Parameter locks, probability, micro-timing, arpeggiator - Effects & Modulation
• 17 onboard effects (e.g., Infinite Flanger, Supervoid Reverb, Dirtshaper, Chrono Pitch, Phase 98)
• 2 assignable LFOs + 2 effect-LFOs per audio track
• Assignable envelope per track
• Modulation matrix for routing controllers like pitch bend, mod wheel, aftertouch - Connectivity & I/O
• 4 balanced jack outputs
• 2 balanced jack inputs
• Stereo headphone output
• MIDI In / Out / Thru
• SD card slot for samples and projects
• 2 × USB-C ports
• Class-compliant USB audio - Content
• Preloaded sound library with single samples, multi-sampled instruments, drum kits, and preset projects
What is it missing?
At the time of printing this article, the following features would have been nice:
| Feature Request | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Time stretch/warp samples | The ability to keep samples at the same time length when changing pitch. Or the ability to time stretch samples to a different length. | Possible with firmware? |
| Slicing/Chopping | The ability to auto slice/chop a sample to a Subtrack | Possible with firmware? |
| Granular Synth | A granular synth engine to be available as a track option | Possible with firmware? |
| Subtrack preview | The ability to listen to a preview of the Subtrack presets | Possible with firmware? |
| Transpose all tracks | The ability to select multiple or all tracks during transpose | Possible with firmware? |
| Sequencer enhancements | Add euclidean and other rhythmic randomisation algorithms to the sequencer | Possible with firmware? |
| USB C input support | Offer USB C support for external devices on the input. | Not sure if hardware can accept this? |
| Memory usage | An indicator show how much memory is used/free/available | Possible with firmware? |
| USB C multitrack | Provide multitrack over USB | Not sure if hardware can accept this? |
Comparison Table: Tonverk vs Digitakt Mk2 vs Octatrack Mk2
| Feature | Tonverk | Digitakt Mk2 | Octatrack Mk2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Full-featured stereo sampler workstation with deep modulation & routing | Compact groovebox sampler, ideal for drums and sequences | Performance sampler, deep live manipulation |
| Tracks | 8 stereo audio + 8 routing/processing tracks | 16 stereo tracks (audio or MIDI) | 8 audio tracks + 8 MIDI tracks |
| Playback Modes | Single Player, Multi Player, Subtracks, Auto Sampler | Sample playback (mono/stereo), fewer layering options | Advanced sample manipulation, slicing, time-stretch, scenes |
| Sequencer | 256 steps, parameter locks, probability, micro-timing | Elektron step sequencer with parameter locks, extended in Mk2 | Deep sequencing, scenes, crossfader, slicing |
| Effects & Modulation | 17 effects, multiple LFOs, envelopes, modulation matrix | Filters, delay, reverb, LFOs, fewer routing options | Extensive FX, scenes, crossfader, real-time manipulation |
| Connectivity | Balanced ins/outs, USB-C, SD, MIDI I/O/Thru | Audio in/out, USB, MIDI, SD/internal | Multiple ins/outs, designed for live sampling & routing |
| Content | Built-in sample library, multi-sampled instruments | Sample import, some factory content | Flexible sample handling, less pre-loaded content |
| Price (MSRP) | $1,599 (USD) | ~$999 (USD) | $1,499–1,699 (USD) |
| Strengths | Deep sound design, multi-sample instruments, flexible routing | Affordable, accessible, strong for drums & patterns | Live performance power, unique crossfader scenes |
| Weaknesses | Premium cost, complex, learning curve | Less flexible for advanced sample instruments | Steep learning curve, older interface, high price |
Release Date
- Official release and availability: 10 September 2025
Pricing
| Currency | Price | Approx AUD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $1,599 | ≈ A$2,550 |
| EUR | €1,399 | ≈ A$2,350 |
| GBP | £1,199 | ≈ A$2,400 |
| AUD | ~A$2,500–A$3,000 (expected retail) | — |
*Conversions based on Sep 2025 rates; actual local prices vary with taxes and import costs.
Price: $1495 (MSRP $1599)
Link: https://www.elektron.se/explore/tonverk
Zoom Livetrak L6max
A 12-channel digital mixer & multi-track recorder designed for musicians, podcasters, and live performers. Compact, battery-powered, yet offers the power of a full mixer.
Key Features
- 4 combo MIC/LINE inputs (2 with Hi-Z).
- 8 line (TS) inputs.
- -20 dB PAD on channels 5-8 for hot synths or Eurorack signals.
- Records up to 14 simultaneous tracks (12 individual + stereo mix) directly to microSD.
- Overdubbing and track bouncing with undo.
- AI noise reduction to suppress hum, hiss, and background noise.
- 32-bit float recording (channels 1-4 use dual A/D converters).
- 3-band EQ per channel (Low, sweepable Mid, High).
- Built-in effects (Reverb, Delay, Echo, master compressor).
- USB audio interface (14-in / 4-out, 32-bit float / 24-bit).
- Two headphone outputs + Sub-Out mix.
- OLED display for high contrast visibility.
- Scene memories (4), sound pads, MIDI I/O, aux sends, optional Eurorack adapter.
- Powered by 4×AA batteries, USB, or AC adapter.
- Battery life: up to ~5 hours (with lithium AAs, phantom power off).
Comparison: LiveTrak L6 vs LiveTrak L6max
| Feature | LiveTrak L6 | LiveTrak L6max |
|---|---|---|
| Channels / Inputs | 10 (2 combo + 4 stereo line) | 12 (4 combo + 8 line) |
| Max Recording Tracks | 12 (10 discrete + stereo mix) | 14 (12 discrete + stereo mix) |
| PAD on line inputs | No | Yes (-20 dB on channels 5-8) |
| 32-bit float | Yes, all channels | Yes, with dual A/D on channels 1-4 |
| AI Noise Reduction | No | Yes |
| Monitoring outputs | One headphone, master, aux | Two headphones, Sub-Out, master, aux |
| USB Interface | 12-in / 4-out | 14-in / 4-out |
| Effects | Reverb, delay, echo | Reverb, delay, echo, comp, EQ, FX |
| Scene Memory | 3 scenes | 4 scenes |
| Weight & Size | 223×114×46.5 mm, 526 g | 284×114×46.5 mm, 673 g |
| Release | September 2024 | Available October 2025 |
| Price | ~$299 / €379 / £289 / ~AU$460 | ~$400 USD |
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| Voyetra Eight | https://tidd.ly/4mVkmbW |
| Roland D-50 | https://tidd.ly/3IhInLa |
| Akai S612 | https://tidd.ly/4miIXXh |
| Moog Liberation | https://ebay.us/yUGWuk |
| ARP Authorized Dealer Banner | https://ebay.us/BVXlYi |
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 …..
