Synth Geekery 285
In episode 285 we have guest host JX3D and the usual video guests who 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
JX3D (Henrick)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JX3D
Bandcamp: https://jx3d.bandcamp.com
Henrick resides in Denmark and is an electronic musician, technologist and works professionally in mixed media.
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
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUtABvP7q29uvLKi73zIjFQ
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.
Ian J. Cole
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IanJCole
Bandcamp: https://sinnersmusicuk.bandcamp.com/
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
Chris – Maikshifter
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@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.
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
Grayscale Helix
The Grayscale Helix is an advanced macro oscillator for Eurorack modular systems, evolving from the Mutable Instruments Plaits. It incorporates all 24 original algorithms from Plaits v1.2 and introduces a new Lo-Fi oscillator for bit and sample rate reduction. Enhanced features include a pitch quantizer with 35 scales, parameter randomization, an internal modulation bus, and dedicated controls for amplifier and envelope settings. The module is designed in an 18HP format, providing a comprehensive synthesis voice with expanded creative possibilities.
Helix vs Plaits
| Attribute | Helix | Plaits |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 18 hp | 12 hp |
| DSP Algorithms | 25 | 24 |
| Display | LED Matrix | 8 LEDs |
| Inputs | 10 | 8 |
| Outputs | 4 | 2 |
| Amplitude and Envelope Decay Knobs | Yes | No |
| Envelope Decay CV Input | Yes | No |
| Envelope and EOD Outputs | Yes | No |
| Modulation Bus (CTRL Input) | Yes | No |
| Pitch Quantizer | Yes | No |
| Parameter Randomization | Yes | No |
| +12V current draw | 70 mA | 50 mA |
| -12V current draw | 11 mA | 5 mA |
Price: $399
Link: https://grayscale.info/helix/
Synso Touch Flower V3
The Synso Touch Flower V3 is an innovative touch-sensitive Eurorack synthesizer module designed for dynamic waveform control, FM vibrato, and real-time chord generation. It features an intuitive interface with multi-mode selection, allowing users to shape complex harmonic structures and explore diverse sonic landscapes. The module’s touch pads enable expressive performance by generating chord tones randomized across multiple octaves, resulting in organic and evolving soundscapes.
New in Version 3:
Improved Touch Pad Functionality: Four touch-sensitive pads correspond to the root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th of the selected chord, with randomized outputs spanning three octaves and a perfect fifth for dynamic harmonic textures.
Expanded Waveform Selection: Cycle through various waveforms, including square, sine, sawtooth, and mixed combinations, with the ability to toggle FM vibrato.
Enhanced Chord and Root Note Menus: Access a variety of chord types such as major and minor triads, major and minor 7th chords, and Gen7 chords, with adjustable root notes for versatile harmonic exploration.
Price: $175
Link: https://sonic-seed.com/products/touchflower-3 & Modular Grid: https://modulargrid.net/e/synso-touch-flower-v3
Synso Step Series
SYNSO, a modular synthesizer brand from Hangzhou, China, specializes in digital-based modular synthesizers with innovative interaction methods. Their Step series includes three Eurorack modules: StepDrum, StepTone, and StepBass. These modules can function independently or together to form a cohesive modular groovebox, offering versatile sound design and performance capabilities.
StepDrum
StepDrum is a Eurorack drum module designed to generate a wide range of percussive sounds. Equipped with an 8-step sequencer, it allows for per-step parameter locking, enabling dynamic and evolving drum patterns. Its intuitive interface and versatile sound engine make it suitable for various musical styles.
Features:
- Compatible with other Step series modules for integrated setups
- 8-step sequencer with per-step parameter locking
- Wide range of percussive sound generation
- Intuitive interface for real-time performance
Price: $290
StepTone is a Eurorack melodic sequencer module that brings harmonic richness to your modular setup. Featuring an 8-step sequencer with per-step parameter locking, it enables intricate melodic patterns and tonal variations. Its four waveform oscillators and smooth filter design allow for expressive and dynamic sound creation.
Features:
- 8-step sequencer with per-step parameter locking
- Four waveform oscillators
- Smooth filter design for tonal shaping
- Versatile modulation options
- Seamless integration with StepDrum and StepBass modules
Price: $290
StepBass
StepBass is a Eurorack bassline module crafted for deep, resonant sub-bass frequencies. Anchored by an 8-step sequencer with per-step parameter locking, it offers dynamic and evolving bass patterns. With four waveform oscillators, a warm-filter design, and a decay envelope, StepBass delivers rich and textured basslines suitable for various genres, especially techno.
Features:
- Ideal for standalone use or integration with StepTone and StepDrum modules
- 8-step sequencer with per-step parameter locking
- Four waveform oscillators
- Warm-filter design for deep bass tones
- Decay envelope for shaping sound dynamics
- V/OCT input for external modulation
Price: $290 each
Link: https://sonic-seed.com/products/stepbass-synso
Modulox Brain
The MODULOX BRAIN is an open-source, pocket-sized synthesizer designed for music creators seeking versatility and customization. Developed over two years by RASPIAUDIO, this device offers a range of synthesis options—including granular, virtual analog (VA), and FM synthesis—through various applications. Users can easily switch between these applications via the MODULOX online editor, fostering a community-driven platform for continuous innovation. Its compact design, high-quality 24-bit DAC and ADC, and seamless integration with MIDI devices make it an ideal tool for both studio and live performances.
Features:
Portable Design: Compact form factor with a nano pad anti-slip bottom, making it ideal for on-the-go music production.
Versatile Synthesis Options: Supports multiple synthesis methods such as granular, virtual analog, and FM synthesis.
Open-Source Platform: Encourages community contributions and offers customizable firmware via the MODULOX online editor.
High-Quality Audio: Equipped with 24-bit DAC and ADC for superior sound quality.
Comprehensive Controls: Features a 320×240 color screen, clickable encoder, four buttons, onboard microphone and speaker, and a headphone jack with microphone support.
MIDI Compatibility: Includes MIDI in/out ports with 3.5mm jacks, USB-C with MIDI USB, and sync capabilities for seamless integration with other devices.
Modular Expansion: Supports magnetic connectors for MODULOX devices like Modu-Knob, Modu-Slide, and Modu-Touch.
Price: $130
Link: https://raspiaudio.com/product/brain/
MachineRoom STP16
The MachineRoom STP16 is a versatile 16-step trigger/gate sequencer designed for Eurorack modular systems. It offers two operational modes: a 16-step mode utilizing hocketing to control two channels, and an 8-step mode that divides the sequence into two parallel 8-step sequences. This compact 8HP module provides features like gate/trigger selection, sequence direction control, and external CV inputs for reset and mode switching, making it a powerful tool for creating intricate rhythmic patterns.
Features:
- Compact Design: Occupies only 8HP of rack space, making it ideal for efficient setups.
- Dual Operational Modes: Switch between 16-step hocketing mode and two independent 8-step sequences.
- Gate/Trigger Functionality: Select between gate and trigger outputs to suit various modulation needs.
- Direction Control: Reverse sequence playback with the UP/DOWN switch.
- External CV Inputs: Inputs for reset and gate/trigger mode selection allow for dynamic sequence manipulation.
Price: $176 USD
Link: https://machineroom.com.ua/product/stp-16/
Tiptop Audio Art Series – New Polyphonic modules
Tiptop Audio have announced 5 new polyphonic modules to the Art series which features the new Polytip patch cable (pictured right).
There’s a new polyphonic wavetable oscillator based on the PPG Wave 2.2, polyphonic filter, polyphonic envelope generator, polyphonic VCAs and more!
See below for details on each individual module:
Vortex 6
A polyphonic 6-voice wavetable oscillator inspired by the PPG Wave 2.2 and also uses a true 8-bit vintage audio converter from the 1980’s. It supports custom wavetables as well providing the option to upload your own. Further features include a sub oscillator per voice and an interesting polyphonic morphing feature using six built-in ASR envelopes.
Price $550
Octopass Poly Filter
An eight voice 24db/octive low pass filter based on the 2044 filter (SSM). Each of the eight filters are fully analog with linear gain compensation of resonance and analog tolerances between voices.
Price: $450
Octostages Poly Envelope
An eight voice fully analog envelope generator designed from the OBX synthesizer of 1979. Each envelope has a gate in, envelope out, velocity CV in and attack CV in control. There is a master output level knob.
Price: $400
Octogain
An eight voice polyphonic analog VCA with mixer and master level control. There’s an odd/even (Right and Left) channels for a stereo output and clipping indicator. All VCAs are simultaneously available through polytip jacks and 3.5mm jacks so the module can be used in a variety of different ways – either polyphoni or multi-voice monophonic. The CV controls are linear analog with 0-5V and typical audio is 10Vp.p.
Price: $400
Octovert
Octovert is a CV processor capable of scaling, inverting and offsetting up to eight polyphonic signals. It can be externally controlled via CV. Use it for inverting envelopes, reversing the direction of CV and scaling or offsetting any CV source to fine-tine the modulation.
Price: $100
Prices:
- Vortex6 $550
- Octopass $450
- Octotages $400
- Octogain $400
- Octovert $100
Link: https://tiptopaudio.com/art/modules-details/
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| Item | Link | Submitted by |
| EMU RFX-32 | https://ebay.us/hWEHWZ | megamarkd |
| Logan String Melody II (Hohner) | https://tidd.ly/3D8WU9t | ranzee |
| Elgam Carousel | https://tidd.ly/4bgz7RC | ranzee |
| Bleep Labs Thingama Kit Synth Noise Maker | https://ebay.us/s87dXT | ranzee |
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 …..
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