Synth Geekery 289
In episode 289 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 …
This article may contain affiliate links to third party websites that may generate commission for a good cause: ranzee.com and Synth Geekery show!
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
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
Weevil 20/25 by BugBrand
The BugBrand Weevil is a distinctive desktop & modular synthesizer module renowned for its chaotic sound generation and experimental capabilities. Originating from the early 2000s, the Weevil has undergone several revisions, evolving from simple standalone devices to more complex modular formats.
The 20/25! The latest Weevil integrates chaotic oscillations and ring modulation, offering a unique palette for sound designers and experimental musicians. The device is housed in a nice desktop style enclosure that includes an inbuilt speaker!
Oscillators
It features three square wave oscillators that can be controlled via their Rate knobs and Range switches. Then there’s the Starve knob which is turned up for full power, or when starved (lowered) – the oscillators begin to fight one another, which creates chaotic interactions. The Stable switch smooths the behaviour, while the Starve LDR sensor allows light control of the starvation amount.
Ring Mods
There are also two Ring Mods which are controlled with the Balance knob. The oscillators are quasi-ring modulated together through XOR gates. The Balance knob sweeps between both.
State-Variable Filter
The filter is a state variable type with control from low pass to high pass and drive. Resonance reaches self-oscillation, and with output response sweepable. The Drive control allows the input to be muted, either for pure oscillation or to jump signals in via the touchpoints. The cutoff frequency can be modulated from Osc3. Each filter node (low/band/high) has two touchpoints.
Touch Points
The touchpoints work when you bridge between two or more. Their response will depend on your skin resistance and how hard you press. They control filter frequencies and jump signals as explained earlier.
History and Revisions: The Weevil’s journey began in the early 2000s with various standalone versions characterized by lo-fi square-wave oscillators and circuit-bending techniques, including power starvation and body contacts. Early models featured unique enclosures and designs, such as the Weevil Console and Weevil Suitcase. Over the years, the Weevil underwent numerous iterations, including the BoardWeevil and Postcard Weevil, each introducing new features and refinements. In June 2024, BugBrand successfully transitioned the Weevil into the modular realm, offering enhanced voltage control features while retaining its signature chaotic sound generation capabilities.
Price: 400 GBP
Link: https://www.bugbrand.co.uk/product/weevil-20-25/
Lore by Crows Electromusic
Lore is a standalone, all-analog instrument designed for exploratory sound synthesis, particularly suited for ambient, drone, and noise music. It features two independently controlled triangle-core oscillators with a switchable FM synthesis mode, allowing for a wide range of complex tones. Its un-quantized interface facilitates the exploration of pure tones and FM sound textures. Housed in a transparent bioplastic enclosure, Lore is USB-powered and fully standalone—just add headphones. Each unit is handmade in Vancouver, Canada.
Features
- Handmade in Canada
- 100% analog circuitry
- Two triangle-core oscillators
- Crossfade between triangle and square waves
- One-control-per-function interface
- Fully standalone; just add headphones
- Transparent bioplastic enclosure
- USB powered
Price: $59 USD
Link: https://crowselectromusic.com/products/lore/
Robots Are Red SumpPump
The Sump Pump by Robots Are Red is a versatile 6 HP Eurorack module that functions as a stereo noise gate, compressor, and expander. It provides dynamic control over audio signals, allowing users to suppress noise, compress signals, or expand them with up to a 2x boost featuring soft clipping. With adjustable attack and release times ranging from 1 millisecond to 5 seconds and combined up to 10 seconds, it can produce effects from subtle gating to glitchy textures. Additionally, the module includes a sidechain compression feature, enabling users to duck audio signals using an external source.
Features:
- Envelope Output: Provides a full-voltage positive output of the gate/compressor envelope.
- Width: 6 HP
- Depth: 35 mm
- Current Draw: 60 mA (+12V), 60 mA (-12V)
- Attack and Release Controls: Adjustable 1ms to ~5 seconds. Combined to ~10 seconds.
- Threshold Control: Sets the level at which the envelope engages (0-10V).
- Floor Control: Determines the destination level of the envelope; unity at 3 o’clock, fully counterclockwise at -100 dB, fully clockwise at +10 dB (2x volume).
- Gate/Comp Switch: Toggles between noise gate mode (engages when input falls below threshold) and compressor mode (engages when input exceeds threshold).
- Level Control: Master output volume; unity at 3 o’clock, fully clockwise at +10 dB (2x output) with soft clipping.
- Stereo Inputs and Outputs: Left and right audio inputs and outputs; threshold follows the left input, allowing for sidechain functionality.
- Engage Input: Accepts gate or trigger signals to manually engage the envelope.
- Threshold and Floor CV Inputs: Allow for external control over threshold and floor settings.
- Duck Input: An AC-coupled input with an internal envelope follower for ducking effects.
Price: $170 USD
G-Storm Electro ProADSR
The G-Storm Electro ProADSR is a dual envelope generator module for Eurorack synthesizers, utilizing the 3310 chip to deliver exponential Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release (ADSR) contours. Designed to enhance sound modulation, it offers a wide range of timing adjustments, from rapid 1ms decays to extended 130-second durations. The module features robust metal shaft potentiometers and Mini-Contempo knobs for precise control.
Features:
- High Output Levels: Positive contour peaks at 10V; inverted contour at -10V
- Dual Envelope Generators: Each with independent controls for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release.
- Exponential Contours: Provides colorfully exponential ADSR shapes for dynamic sound shaping.
- Wide Timing Range: Attack times from 1ms to 10s; Decay times from 2ms to 130s; Release times from 2ms to 40s.
- Multiple Outputs: Each envelope offers two buffered positive-voltage outputs and one DC inverted output.
- Gate Inputs with LED Indicators: Visual feedback for gate signals, with adjustable dimming via trimmers.
Price: $150
Link: https://tidd.ly/4hJb0N3
Samarkanda 1953 by Xaoc Devices
Samarkanda 1953 Resampling Delay Performance Station
Samarkanda 1953 is a performance-oriented digital delay module by Xaoc Devices, offering extensive resampling and looping capabilities. It features four independent delay channels, each with a range from 0.5 milliseconds to 15 seconds, allowing for versatile audio processing applications such as resonators, choruses, flangers, reverbs, loopers, and granulators. The module supports both analog (tape-like) and digital (granular) sweep behaviors, providing a wide sonic palette for creative sound design. High-quality components, including 24-bit AKM converters and 32-bit internal processing, ensure pristine audio fidelity.
Feature List:
- Multiple options for coupling channels
- Quadruple resampling delay
- Lossless chaining of sections
- Delay range of 0.5ms to 15 seconds per channel, totaling up to 60 seconds when stacked/chained
- Analog (tape-like) and digital (granular) sweep behaviors
- Continuous, synced, and tap-tempo operation
- Clock division and multiplication from 1:8 to 8:1
- Buffer freezing and 1V/oct loop playback control
- Reverse delay effect
Price: $688 USD
Link: http://xaocdevices.com/main/samarkanda/
Modular Grid: https://modulargrid.net/e/xaoc-devices-samarkanda
uSEQ by Emute Lab Instruments
The uSEQ is an 8HP Eurorack module that introduces live coding into modular synthesizer systems. Developed by Emute Lab Instruments, it serves as a highly flexible control-rate voltage generator and processor, allowing users to (re)define its behavior instantly through live coding. This approach enables real-time creation and manipulation of sequences, LFOs, and other complex modulation signals directly within a modular setup.
Feature List:
- Open Source: Both hardware and software are open source, encouraging customization and community-driven development.
- DIY-Friendly: Whether from scratch or from the available full DIY kit, it is accessible to enthusiasts interested in building and modifying their own modules.
- Designed for Live Coding: Program the module’s behavior in real-time using ModuLisp, a custom and streamlined LISP-inspired language designed specifically for musical composition and performance, or choose from pre-configured modes.
- Versatile I/O: Equipped with 2 CV inputs, 2 gate inputs, 3 CV outputs, and 3 gate outputs, it can process or generate control-rate CV & gate signals for sequencing and modulation, using either internal or external clocks.
- Interactive Controls: Features two rotary encoders (acting as attenuverters when CV inputs are connected), a momentary push-button, and a 3-way toggle switch for hands-on control and performance.
- USB Connectivity: Can receive code from any USB-C capable device and can operate independently once programmed, retaining functionality through power cycles.
Price: $350 USD
Link: https://www.emutelabinstruments.co.uk/useq/
Release Date: June 27, 2024
Synclavier ORK II in the works?
Brochure spotted by Andrew Ward at the Synclavier booth at this weekend’s London Synth & Pedal Expo.
Visible text from the brochure:
“For over four decades, Synclavior hos defined the pinnacle of digital audio innovation, shaping music history.
Today, we merge our legendary sound with modern technology, delivering tools that empower creators to push sonic boundaries.
INTRODUCING THE SYNCLAVIER ORK II KEYBOARD
The ORK Il is envisioned as a groundbreaking instrument that builds on the acclaimed capabilities of Synclavier Il and Regen. Designed for professional musicians, producers, and sound designers, this keyboard fuses cutting-edge technology with legendary Synclavier sound quality to deliver an unparalleled creative tool.
Core Features at a Glance
Synclavier Heritage, Expanded Power
Enjoy all the features that made the Synclavier Il and Regen revolutionary, now enhanced with even greater flexibility and control. The ORK II combines iconic additive and FM synthesis with subtractive synthesis and intuitive hands-on performance controls.
Next-Level DSP Effects Suite
Transform your sound with a curated set of premium DSP effects, including:
Reverb: Create lush, immersive soundscapes.
Delay: Add rhythmic echoes and intricate time-based effects
Modulation Effects: Enhance your tones with…”
Link: https://www.synclavier.com/
Erica Synths DIY.EDU Labor Scope
This DIY.EDU Labor add-on, featuring the oscilloscope, the voltmeter, the spectrometer and the tuner, turns the Labor into self-contained electronics development and experimentation station.
Features
- The chromatic tuner.
- The 3-channel oscilloscope. Two channel inputs are available on female connector, the third channel is hard wired to the audio output of the Labor.
- Lissajous curves visualizer.
- The voltmeter, 10V range, 0.1V accuracy.
- The spectrometer, with configurable representation.
Price: 60 Euros
Link: https://www.ericasynths.lv/shop/diy-kits-1/edu-diy-labor-scope/
264t – Quad Sample And Hold Model TipTop Audio Buchla Series
The Tiptop Audio Buchla Quad Sample and Hold Model 264t is a Eurorack module that combines four independent sample-and-hold circuits with a specialized polyphonic adapter, facilitating complex polyphonic patches within modular synthesizer systems.
From the developer:
Don Buchla designed the original 264 in 1970, but only a few were ever made. This module features high-speed sample & hold circuits that can also switch to track & hold, delivering the exceptional performance you’d expect from a Don Buchla design. To push the boundaries further, Don added a groundbreaking feature: the Polyphonic Adapter. This was a bold vision at a time when polyphony was virtually unheard of, synth pioneer Tom Oberheim wouldn’t introduce the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer, the SEM, until 1975. With the 264t, we’ve taken Don’s polyphonic concept one step closer to full realization. We’ve added ART outputs that can drive multiple oscillators equipped with ART, such as the 259t Complex waveform generator. Plus, we’ve incorporated built-in scales, adding a complete ART quantizer working seamlessly alongside Don’s original analog circuits.
Feature List:
- Adjustable input range via jumper settings to accommodate different CV ranges
- Four independent sample-and-hold circuits with selectable sample and track modes.
- Polyphonic adapter for implementing four-voice polyphony.
- Integrated ART (Automatic Reference Tuning) quantizer with selectable keys and scales (Minor, Chromatic, Major).
- Common and separate input modes for flexible CV routing.
- Pulse inputs and outputs for each channel to control sampling timing.
- Fine-tuning and frequency modulation capabilities for connected oscillators.
- LED indicators displaying the adapter’s operation status.
Price: $260 USD
Link: https://tiptopaudio.com/buchla/
HV1 Hybrid Oscillator – Weston Precision Audio
The HV1 Hybrid Oscillator by Weston Precision Audio combines the stability of an analog triangle-core VCO with the versatility of digital phase shifting and wavetable capabilities. This fusion allows for a wide range of sonic possibilities, from classic analog tones to complex digital textures. Designed for Eurorack modular systems, the HV1 offers musicians and sound designers a powerful tool for crafting unique sounds.
Feature List:
- Octave Switch: Offers an 8-octave range for extensive pitch control.
- Analog Triangle-Core VCO: Ensures super stable performance with excellent tracking.
- Digital Phase Shifter: Outputs phase-shifted triangle and morphed wavetable waveforms.
- Multiple Waveform Outputs: Generates sawtooth, pulse, and sine waveforms through analog processing.
- Detune Functionality: Simulates the effect of two parallel oscillators for richer sounds.
- Linear Phase Modulation & Through-Zero FM: Enables complex modulation capabilities.
- 16-Way Morphing Wavetable Output: Supports loading of WaveEdit and Serum files via SD card.
- Auxiliary CV Input: Assignable to wavefolding and bitcrushing effects for added sonic manipulation.
- Built-In Tuner Function: Facilitates precise tuning during performances or studio sessions.
Price: $395 USD
Link: https://www.westonaudio.com/
Behringer Deepmind X Series
Behringer have launched a 10 year anniversary refresh for the Deepmind synthsizer which they’re naming the Deepmind X. In this series will be the Deepmind 12X keyboard, the Deepmind 12XD desktop and the Deepmind 6X keyboard.
The X series features a new colour decal which will probably polarise some. All other specs remain the same as the previous models. I’m just not sure about how they get to 10 years. I purchased my Deepmind 12 only 8 years ago – and I was one of the first to get one. Perhaps it’s 10 years since they started development?
Price: $579 USD for the Desktop and $779 USD for the 12X Keyboard – the 6 Keyboard price is TBA
Link: https://www.behringer.com/series.html?category=R-BEHRINGER-DEEPMINDXSERIES
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| Variophon Realton | https://ebay.us/YO3o9J |
| Ensoniq ESQ-1 | https://tidd.ly/4iKAxqH |
| Birdkids The Bateleur MKII | https://ebay.us/gxig6D |
| GRP Synthesizer A1 | https://tidd.ly/42uwCHF |
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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