Synth Geekery 181

In episode 181 we are talking about synths on your Saturday – we checked out CV options with the Mutable Instruments Ears and the Intellijel Planar2 ! 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.

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.

Andrew Brooks

Main link https://www.youtube.com/user/sunhoney1uk

BandCamp link: https://andyvonal.bandcamp.com/

Andy resides in the UK and has been a regular member of the show since 2020. He has performed live and offers a wealth of knowledge for live electronic music setups and small studio configurations.

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.

Youtubehttps://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

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 from the Geekery

This week we have a big list of new synths and gear:

Arturia MiniFreak

Did someone say analog filters? Yes please!

Price: $599 USD

Link: http://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/minifreak/overview

Akai Pro MPK Mini

A great little controller that finds a niche in this area of the market.

Price: $199 USD

Link: https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus

Strymon BigSky VST

Seems like a no-brainer for those who would like the effect but not wanting to spend the money on the hardware pedal.

Price: $199 USD

Link: https://www.strymon.net/product/bigsky-plugin/

Moog MoogerFooger VST

Be interesting to know how accurate some of their algorithms are in comparison to the original hardware.

Price: $149 (Intro, then $249) for 7 FX.

Link: https://www.moogmusic.com/products/moogerfooger-effects-plug-ins

Exquis: MPE & CV Controller

The kickstarter has some confusing options. It seems there are 2 versions of the App – a lite and a full. Would like to know the difference between these. There also seems to be 2 versions of the hardware as well.

Price: $159 or $199 via Kickstarter

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dualointuitiveinstru/exquis-the-smartest-way-to-create-expressive-music

Ableton Note – App for iOS

Can you only upload to the Ableton Cloud – or is there a way to transfer the project without needing a subscription?

Price: $5.99 USD on Apple AppStore

Link: https://www.ableton.com/en/note/

Korg SQ-64 Sequencer – Firmware Update

The 2.02 firmware update adds a drum pad mode, step recording, record quantise and more.

Link: https://www.korg.com/uk/products/dj/sq_64/

Price Watch

This week – we visited a number of auctions, here are the screen grabs:

Saturday Sonority

This week’s Saturday Sonority we were talking about synths!