Synth Geekery 195

Posted on February 28, 2023March 5, 2023 by admin

In episode 195 we are talking about Oscillators! 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.

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.

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

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:

Korg ARP Odyssey FS Kit

Korg have announced the ARP Odyssey FS Kit version of the iconic analog monophonic synthesizer. It comes as the Rev 3 version of the Odyssey with a switchable filter (for 3 different styles).

If you collect this gear – it also comes with a commemorative plaque embossed with a unique serial number:

The ARP ODYSSEY FS Kit comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including “Ozone Elements” which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI, “Skoove” which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, “Reason Lite” DAW software, as well as software synths from KORG and other brands.

The remake of the famous ARP synth occured some 6 years ago now – which seems to have flown by:

Korg video from 6 years ago

What do you think? I’m not sure I’d be calling this a kit – more like a bit of fun. It may even be beneficial for posting if it packs up smaller.

Price: $1899 USD

Link: https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/arpodyssey_fs_kit/

Behringer Brains (Reloaded)

BRAINS Reloaded is a free firmware update that introduces 5 New Synth Engines to the Behringer BRAINS oscillator Module.

Engine One – BX7 is an FM synthesizer that includes 32 classic FM Synth patches. All of which are fully exchangeable with native DX7 patches that can be easily uploaded via the Behringer SynthTribe application.

Engine Two – BASSLINE delivers the iconic TD-3 sound to Eurorack. With controls giving you access to distortion, resonance, modulation, and decay; BASSLINE certainly brings a new level of acid to the modular table.

Engine Three – Wave Generator provides a plethora of waveforms with its gritty sound capable of cutting through in every modular session. Controls over waveform types, bit crusher, and sample rate gives you full control over dialling in the perfect tones for your waveform.

Engine Four – VOX is a synthesized vocal morphing sound engine giving you full control over formant shift, resonance, and vowel blends.

Engine Five – Audio Scope allows you to route any external audio signal into BRAINS V/OCT input, allowing BRAINS OLED Display to act as a handy oscilloscope to keep an eye on your waveforms.

Update is done via this website software: https://www.behringer.com/product?modelCode=P0E6H

Price: FREE

Behringer releases

Behringer have announced production releases of the following products:

Behringer Edge
Behringer MS-1 Mk II
Behringer Pro-800
Behringer Solina
Behringer Toro

Division 6 Dual Mini Sequencer

An interesting 18HP DIY eurorack module – the Dual Mini Sequencer offers 2 sequencers with 16 steps and a small octave keypad/keyboard for input. Use one for playing notes and the other for transposing the first. Each sequencer runs independently of each other. They both have their own clock.

Inputs

CLK IN (External clock input)
XP IN (Expansion input; Starts sequencer back at step 1. Use for daisy-chaining multiple units)

Outputs

XP OUT (Sends pulse when sequencer goes past last step. Use for daisy-chaining multiple units)
CV OUT
GATE OUT
ACC OUT (Can be programmed on or off in each sequence step)

Features

CV OUT covers 5 octaves, and can be tuned using front-accessible trim pot
Sequences can be set to any length up to 16 steps by using LOOP feature
Setting a step to REST holds previous pitch and doesn’t fire GATE
In Standby mode, sequencer can be used as a tiny keyboard without altering programmed sequences