Synth Geekery 245

Posted on by

In episode 245 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

Ult-Sound DS4M

Replica of the rare Toya Gaki Ult Sound DS-4 drum machine. 4 independent analog drum voices with LFO, MIDI CV/Gate and 1V/Oct tracking. It maintains the original discrete components and ICs.

Price: $2000

Link: https://www.instagram.com/ultsound_ds4m/

Beep Boop MIXTAPE Sampler

A LOFI digital sampling module (8HP) with sample rates of 4KHz and 12KHz. The module has the ability to mix with the dry sample and has controls via CV to start/stop and Gate.

Price: $165

Link: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/beepboop-electronics-mixtape-sampler-v1

Modular Grid: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/beepboop-electronics-mixtape-sampler-v1

Behringer MS-5

Based on the Roland SH-5, the Behringer MS-5 is an analog synthesizer with 37 Full-Size Keys, 2 VCOs, Multi-Mode VCF, VCA, 2 LFOs, 2 Envelopes and Ring Modulator

Price: $599 (street $499)

Link: https://www.behringer.com/product?modelCode=0722-AAR

Ksoloti Gills

Gills is a standalone desktop unit for the Ksoloti Core. By adding a bunch of tactile controls and input/output options, Gills enables the Ksoloti to be utilized as a full desktop instrument. This is a complete DIY kit to build the Gills including enclosure. Note: You need to tick the box above to add the Ksoloti core PCB unless you already own one.

1.3″ OLED screen, 128*64 pixels, I2C
1 x encoder with switch
10 x assignable knob controls
4 x assignable buttons
4 x LEDs: 2 “Axoloti status” LEDS, green & red. 2 fade-able dual-colour LEDs, red-blue
2 x expansion jacks: 3.5mm stereo, no connection by default. can be wired to become additional analog/digital/expression pedal inputs, or analog/digital outputs
CV expander board is included as standard in all kits (uses the 2 expansion jacks): 2 synth-level CV outputs, +/-5V or 0..10V via solder jumpers, trimmers for scale and offset, V/oct precision
DIN MIDI input jack, DIN MIDI output jack (buffered). Input jack can be reconfigured via jumpers into buffered output (not an independent port though, i.e. still 16 MIDI channels overall)
2 x line input jacks, 2 x line output jacks, 6.35mm mono
Line input stereo volume pot, line output stereo volume pot
Headphone output jack, 6.35mm stereo.
Ksoloti Core connectors brought out to the rear: Micro SD card socket, USB (Type-C) power/programmer connector, USB (Type-C) host connector
DC power input, 9-18V, common 2.1mm * 5.5mm plug, center positive
Can also be powered and completely operated via USB port
Full kit includes all parts and enclosure
Solder headers, pots, jacks, buttons, encoder, LEDs, OLED yourself – all SMD parts on the Ksoloti PCB are already pre-soldered
Kit requires Ksoloti Core to function – add it by ticking the box at the top of the page
Dimensions: 15.8cm x 10cm x 6cm (including knobs)

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1_1yHQNnmd/

Price: £110.00 plus £66.00 (for the Ksoloti Core)

Link: https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/ksoloti-gills/

Price Watch

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

Moog Sonic Sixhttps://reverb.com/item/81285780-moog-sonic-six-1972-1979-blue
Kurzweil K1000https://www.ebay.com/itm/176320329324
Solton Ketron Programmer 24Shttps://www.ebay.com/itm/176320463966
Godwin 32P Drummaker Sismehttps://reverb.com/item/81232341-godwin-32p-drummaker-sisme-rare-italian-drum-machine-synth-groovebox-worldwide-shipping

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 …..