Synth Geekery 287

Posted on by

In episode 287 – 6th Birthday show! 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

ALM S.B.G. Pro

The ALM S.B.G. Pro is a versatile utility module designed to integrate Eurorack systems with external audio equipment. It supports mono, stereo, balanced, and unbalanced inputs and outputs via 6.35mm jacks, featuring level matching controls and clipping indication. The module also offers both direct and voltage-controlled equal power crossfading between wet and dry sources.

The module extends its sibling, the original S.B.G, by adding full size stereo balanced jack connections and voltage control focusing more on connectivity with not just pedals but also pro audio equipment including rack effects, 500 Series modules and mixing consoles.

Features:

  • Mono and stereo input/output support
  • Balanced and unbalanced connectivity
  • Level matching controls
  • Clipping indication
  • Direct and voltage-controlled equal power crossfading

Price: TBA

Link: https://busycircuits.com/alm041/

Erica Synths 112dB Echolocator

The Erica Synths 112dB Echolocator is a unique stereo delay unit developed in collaboration with 112dB. Designed for hands-on precision, it allows musicians to manually and musically control subtle nuances during performances. With 12 parameters for detailed sound design, selectable delay, filter, and shimmer modes, a freeze function, and full MIDI implementation, the Echolocator offers extensive creative possibilities. It also features 30 factory presets, 70 user preset slots, and a sleek aluminum case that matches Erica Synths’ lineup of compact desktop units.

Price: $599

Link: https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/standalone-instruments-1/echolocator/

DivKid Path

The DivKid Path is a 4HP Eurorack module developed in collaboration with Vostok Instruments. It functions as a four-channel interpolating router, allowing a single input signal to be smoothly morphed across four outputs. This design is the inverse of the previous Trace module, which combined four inputs into one output. Path is DC-coupled, making it suitable for both audio and CV signals. It features a custom soft fading slope for seamless transitions and includes onboard attenuation and inversion for modulation flexibility. When no input is connected, a fixed voltage normalization allows Path to serve as a unique modulation source. Its compact size and versatile functionality make it a valuable tool for adding dynamic movement to modular setups.

Price: $139

Link: https://www.vostokinstruments.com/path

Omnitone Rhythmi

The Omnitone Rhythmi is a Eurorack drum sequencer designed to inspire creativity by allowing users to explore and evolve rhythmic patterns without the need for traditional step programming. At its core is the ‘Evolve’ parameter, enabling smooth transitions between related rhythms through branching. Users can generate new rhythmic branches at the push of a button, facilitating dynamic rhythm exploration. Additional features include internal or external clocking with division or multiplication, individual drum element customization through density and syncopation controls, and macro-level rhythm shaping via parameters like Energy, Length, and Swing. Rhythmi seamlessly pairs with Omnitone’s Beatsi module, offering a comprehensive drum sequencing experience.

Price: $385 CAD (~$291 USD)

Link: https://omnitone.ca/products/rhythmi-semi-random-drum-sequencer

Omnitone Beatsi

The Omnitone Beatsi is a compact, multi-timbral drum voice module designed for Eurorack systems. It offers a complete five-piece drum kit—comprising kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and crash voices—in a single module. Each drum voice is fully analog, providing rich and dynamic percussion sounds. The module features a sleek, multi-color LED display grid, allowing for intuitive control and real-time visualization of your drum patterns.

Price: $360 CAD

Link: https://omnitone.ca/products/beatsi-compact-5-piece-drum-voice

Behringer MS-1 MKII Gray

The Behringer MS-1 MKII Gray is an analog monophonic synthesizer that pays homage to the classic Roland SH-101. This updated version features a pure analog signal path with a 3340 voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) offering four simultaneously blendable waveforms: saw, triangle, square/PWM, and an octave-divided square sub-oscillator. It also includes a noise generator, a resonant voltage-controlled filter (VCF) with adjustable modulation destinations, and a 32-note full-size keyboard. Additional features are an arpeggiator, a 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations, and comprehensive connectivity options, including USB and MIDI.

Differences between MS-1 MKI and MKII:

  • Enhanced VCF and VCA: The MKII utilizes the original 662 chips, resulting in improved voltage-controlled filter (VCF) and voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) performance. synthtopia.com
  • Dual Glide Function: A new dual glide (portamento) feature has been added in the MKII, offering enhanced playability and expression. synthanatomy.com
  • Firmware Updates: The MKII benefits from ongoing firmware updates that refine its functionality and authenticity, aligning its behavior more closely with the original SH-101. gearnews.com

These enhancements make the MS-1 MKII a more accurate and versatile instrument compared to its predecessor.

Price: $329 USD

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

Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3

The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3 is a premium 88-key MIDI controller designed to offer musicians an authentic piano feel combined with advanced control features. It features a fully-weighted Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed, ensuring a responsive and expressive playing experience. The controller is equipped with performance controls such as pitch bend and modulation wheels, transpose buttons, and an updated arpeggiator with a Random mode for generating unique patterns. Additional features include Scale Mode, which automatically adjusts notes to a selected scale, and Chord Play functionality supporting both fixed chords and progressions. The KeyLab 88 Mk3 also offers customizable MIDI messages, velocity curves, and pad colors, allowing for a personalized setup.

Differences between KeyLab 88 Mk2 and Mk3

  • Keybed: The Mk3 features the latest fully-weighted Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed, offering enhanced responsiveness and a more authentic piano feel compared to the Mk2.
  • Pads: The Mk3 has a 2×4 pad layout, reducing the number of pads from the Mk2’s 4×4 configuration. This change results in larger pads, potentially improving playability, though it deviates from the traditional 16-pad setup common in many controllers.
  • Performance Features: The Mk3 introduces new functionalities such as Scale Mode, Chord Play, and an updated arpeggiator with a Random mode, providing musicians with more creative tools compared to the Mk2.
  • Customization: The Mk3 offers enhanced customization options, including the ability to set custom MIDI messages, adjust velocity curves, and change pad colors, allowing for a more personalized user experience.

Price: $999

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-88-mk3/overview

PAC Bot 0.5 Mk3

The PAC BOT 0.5 Mk3 is a compact Eurorack-compatible x86 computer module designed to integrate seamlessly into modular synthesizer setups. Equipped with an Intel N100 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB high-speed drive, it delivers robust performance for running Windows 11 Pro and various music production software. Its comprehensive connectivity options, including 2.5GB Ethernet, USB 3.2 ports, dual 4K micro HDMI outputs, and Wi-Fi 6, ensure versatile integration with diverse audio and visual equipment.

The PAC BOT 0.5 Mk3 introduces several significant enhancements over the Mk2 model, focusing on performance, connectivity, and storage capabilities. Key differences include:

  • Processor: The Mk3 is powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor with speeds up to 3.4GHz, offering improved performance over the Mk2’s processor.
  • Memory: Upgraded to 16GB of DDR5 RAM in the Mk3, compared to the Mk2’s 8GB DDR4 RAM, enhancing multitasking and processing efficiency.
  • Storage: The Mk3 features a 2TB NVMe SSD with speeds up to 3350MBps, doubling the Mk2’s 1TB SSD capacity and providing faster data access.
  • Connectivity: Enhanced with 2.5GB Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 in the Mk3, offering faster and more reliable network connections than the Mk2’s 1GB Ethernet and Wi-Fi 5.
  • USB Ports: The Mk3 includes three USB 3.2 ports and one USB 2.0 port, whereas the Mk2 offers two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, allowing for more peripheral connections.
  • Display Outputs: Both models support dual 4K displays, but the Mk3 uses micro HDMI ports, while the Mk2 uses standard HDMI ports.
  • Cooling System: The Mk3 boasts an improved pure copper active cooling system, effectively expelling hot air from the front, enhancing thermal management over the Mk2’s system.

These upgrades make the Mk3 a more powerful and versatile module, better suited for complex tasks and demanding applications.

Link: https://pointandclicksystems.com/product/pac-bot-0-5-mk3-four-core-n100/

Price Watch

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

Roland JP-8000 DVD Manualhttps://ebay.us/RiJZZF
Eternal Engine EMIhttps://tidd.ly/4hdJAPf
EMU Emulator III Brochurehttps://tidd.ly/4iTw6sX
MFB 301 Prohttps://tidd.ly/4kSMJa1
EMS Synthi Educational Handbookhttps://ebay.us/uSDLVs
Roland SBX-1 Sync Boxhttps://ebay.us/KXH91F

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 …..