Synth Geekery 282

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In episode 282 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 H2MIDI Pro

Blurb

Video

Price: $29.99 (Intro discount price) – then $49.99 USD

Link: http://cme-pro.com/product/h2midi-pro//ref/69883/campaign/ranzee

Behringer RD-78

The Behringer RD-78 is an analog drum machine inspired by the classic Roland CR-78. It offers vintage rhythm sounds with modern enhancements, making it ideal for electronic musicians and producers looking for a retro yet versatile beat-making tool. That means 14 authentic drum tones, including kick, snare, rimshot, cowbell, hi-hats, cymbals, congas, bongos, tambourine, and guiros. Each voice features a TUNE control, allowing for full pitch adjustment and enhanced creative flexibility. The RD-78 includes a comprehensive sequencer with pattern memory, enabling users to craft and store their own rhythms. The design incorporates the original analog circuitry, including coils and LC filters, to ensure an authentic sound experience.

Features:

  • 14 Analog Drum Sounds – Includes kick, snare, rimshot, cowbell, hi-hats, cymbals, congas, bongos, tambourine, and guiros.
  • Tunable Drum Voices – Adjustable pitch control for each drum sound.
  • Analog Circuitry – Faithful reproduction using original-style components for authentic sound.
  • Built-in Sequencer – Custom rhythm programming with pattern memory.
  • Vintage & Modern Workflow – Combines classic rhythm machine functions with modern usability.

This drum machine aims to deliver the warm, nostalgic sound of the CR-78 with enhanced flexibility for today’s music production.

Price: 139 GBP

Link: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0704-AAR

Vadim Minkin Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a generative synthesizer and a digital sound exploration lab. However, even if you don’t venture into generative synthesis, Kaleidoscope functions as a versatile, general-purpose synthesizer capable of producing a vast range of timbres—from drums and percussion to basses, leads, pads, noise, and endless drones.

Designed for Creativity & Flexibility
Kaleidoscope is built with a clear vision:

A powerful yet uncluttered set of modules
Flexible and intricate interconnectivity between modules
A uniform, intuitive control interface
A compact form factor for use anywhere
Four Synthesizers in One
Housed in a single unit, Kaleidoscope features four digital synthesizers, each with the same flexible architecture. This design supports multiple synthesis techniques, including:

Subtractive
Additive
FM
Physical modeling
Interaction at the Core
Rather than focusing on sheer module quantity or internal complexity, Kaleidoscope emphasizes dynamic interaction. Track envelopes and modulators can modulate each other, enabling parametric cross-modulations, side-chains, and advanced FM synthesis. This allows for unexpected sonic discoveries while keeping control at every step.

Connectivity & Power
Kaleidoscope is USB-powered and features:

MIDI input & output
Four mono audio outputs for flexible routing, including multitrack output
Whether you’re exploring generative synthesis or crafting classic sounds, Kaleidoscope offers a unique, powerful, and intuitive approach to sound design.

Price: not released yet

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

Full Bucket Music Paralogy

Paralogy is a software instrument for Microsoft Windows (VST2/VST3/CLAP/AAX) and Apple macOS (VST2/VST3/CLAP/AU/AAX) simulating the paraphonic Crumar Trilogy and Stratus keyboards from the early 1980s. It is written in native C++ code for high performance and low CPU consumption. Main features are:

Close simulation of the original hardware
Fully “polyphonic” paraphonic madness
Organ, Synthesizer and String sections
Additional Phaser and Delay effects
Resizable user interface (not ‘N’ version!)
MIDI Learn – all parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC

Price: Free

Link: https://www.fullbucket.de/music/paralogy.html

Arturia Drumbrute Impact 1984

Introducing DrumBrute Impact 1984, a limited-edition analog drum machine that fuses a timeless look with a beefy, Brute-powered sound. With per-voice color controls, built-in analog distortion, and polyrhythmic sequencing – craft raw, punchy rhythms with ease

Price: $559 AUD

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/drumbrute-impact-1984/overview

Fingerlab DM10

1.90.0-FDSAJKLTUOHR5NK265VPFXC55Q.0.1-3

DM10 – Drum & Synth Machine is the sequel of our famous app « DM1 – The Drum Machine », winner of the Apple Design Award in 2012.
Built with a modern audio-engine, DM10 has all DM1 features plus many new features: Bass & Lead synths, AudioUnit support, polyrhythmic tracks, new FX modules, and many more! And of course, DM10 is retro-compatible with DM1 song projects.

As electronic musicians ourselves, we want to deliver the perfect mix between fun playability and powerful sonic capacities. We always keep in mind the importance of a beautiful design with the right balance of powerful abilities while avoiding clumsy, overbusy interfaces.

Easy and fast to use, with beautiful realistic graphics and loaded with 170 drum kits, 10 instruments and 40 synth presets, DM10 has been designed for creativity and instant fun.

DM10 is universal for iPad, iPhone and Mac with no in-app in it, once you bought it, you got it all!

Specifications:
• 170 drum kits (Vintage & Classics, Acoustic & Percussions, Hip-Hop, Electro, …)
• 10 instruments (Piano, Vibraphone, Wurlitzer, …)
• Bass synth with 3 VCO, Square/Sawtooth/Triangle, 3 octave, Low pass Filter, ADSR, BitCrush, Detune
• Lead synth with 2 VCO, Sine/Sawtooth/Triangle, 3 octave, VCO Modulation, Low pass Filter, ADSR, Vibrato
• 40 Bass & Lead Factory presets
• Drum & Synth Steps sequencer
• Sequencer variable steps count
• Sequencer Accent & Triplets
• Track polyrhythms support
• Drum Pads with customizable layout
• Synth board
• Mixer with level, pitch, length, pan and automation
• Tracks custom kit support
• 4 FX with real-time automations
• FX per track
• Song mode with intuitive editing
• Time signatures
• Track renames
• Randomizer tools
• User drum kit creation module with samples import
• User drum kit import & export
• Audio fast export (master & separated tracks)
• Project import & export
• Midi full support
• Midi mapping
• Midi export
• Computer keyboard support
• Ableton Link support
• AudioUnit support

Price: $14.99 available soon via App Store (Apple)

Link: https://www.fingerlab.net/portfolio/dm10

Behringer STX

Blurb

Price: Not yet

Link: Not yet

Price Watch

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

Emu SP-1200https://tidd.ly/3Q8aahp
Acidlab Bassline 3https://tidd.ly/4aQqjBH
Login String Orchestrahttps://tidd.ly/4aR3HRA
Roland System 100mhttps://tidd.ly/3Q95FDn

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 …..