Synth Geekery 295

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In episode 295 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, Synth Quiz, 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

PPG Synthesizer 1002 (2025 Reissue)

PPG Synth have announced the recreation of a long lost but not forgotton classic synthesizer from the 1970s – the PPG Synthesizer 1002. The remake has been brought back to life deciphering Wolfgang Palm’s handwritten original drawings. The reissue has taken care to respect the original design, but use the latest state-of-the art technology.

Features:

  • Analog signal processing
  • 2 temperature stabilized VCOs
  • Diverse modulation possibilites
  • Voltage controlled 24db PPG low-pass filter
  • Voltage controlled amplifier
  • Modulatable LFO’s with triangle and pulse waveforms
  • New ring modulator and sub-oscillator for an expanded sonic palette
  • Limited production of only 102 units

Price: 9999 euros

Link: https://www.ppgsynth.com/

Moog Messenger

The Moog Messenger is a compact analog synthesizer designed to bring the iconic Moog sound into an accessible and portable form. With a focus on rich analog tones, hands-on control, and real-time tweakability, the Messenger delivers classic Moog character in a streamlined package perfect for studio and live performance.

Feature List

  • True analog signal path
  • Dual oscillators with variable waveforms
  • Classic Moog ladder filter with resonance
  • Noise generator
  • 1 LFO with multiple wave shapes
  • 2 ADSR envelope generators
  • Integrated arpeggiator and sequencer
  • 32-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
  • Semi-modular architecture with patch points
  • MIDI and USB connectivity
  • Headphone and line outputs
  • Audio input for external processing

Price: $899 USD

Link: https://www.moogmusic.com/synthesizers/messenger/

1010 Music Bento

The 1010 Music Bento is a compact, battery-powered groovebox and sampler designed for musicians and producers on the go. With a focus on portability, flexibility, and hands-on control, Bento delivers a powerful combination of sampling, sequencing, and performance features in a sleek, pocket-friendly design. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to create beats, loops, and complete tracks anywhere inspiration strikes.

Feature List

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Portable groovebox and sampler with battery power
  • 8-track sequencer for beats, melodies, and automation
  • High-quality stereo sampling (line in, USB, and mic inputs)
  • Touchscreen interface for fast navigation and editing
  • 3.5mm MIDI in/out and sync I/O for external gear integration
  • Built-in effects (reverb, delay, filters, etc.)
  • Pattern chaining and song mode for full track arrangement
  • SD card slot for sample import and project storage
  • USB-C for charging, audio, and MIDI connectivity

Price: $899

Link: https://1010music.com/product/bento

Polyend Mess

The Polend Mess is a multi-effects step sequencer pedal – with some crazy features. It combines classic effects like: modulation, delay, reverb etc with a step sequencer in a pedal format. There are four customizable effect tracks. The 4 tracks can combine every preset to create your own unique multi-effect. There are no limits placed on what effect each track contains. With 125 stereo effects that include spectralized micro-looping with randomised repeats, a time-shifting chorus into a reverb and more.

The beauty of sequencing enhances the power and control over a per-track speed and length to create polyrhythmic or polymetric sequences to add chance to options or created complex generative effects that never sound the same twice.

Price: $599 USD/Euros

Link: https://polyend.com/mess/

ELTA Music TSC 12

The TSC-12 module is a performance touch controller which features 12 capacitive sensitive plates. Each plate is equipped with highly accurate volts per octave outputs that are perfect for connecting to your modular setup.

At 44HP, the TSC-12 has the following features:

  • V/Oct range of 8 octaves with 0V to +8V. The default signal present on the output is normalised to the V/Oct input of the VCOs.
  • Plate/button editor
  • Mode :
    • Arpeggiator
    • Sequencer
    • Portamento
    • Vibrato
    • Pressure
    • Quantiser
  • Clock – internal or external clock input
  • Presets

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.eltamusic.com/tsc12

Erica Synths HexDrums

The HexDrums is a new drum machine inspired by Hexinverter Mutant series. There are 10 sound sources which are based on the Mutant series percussion modules: 2 Kick drums – a BD9 and a Bass Drum, snare drum, clap, rimshot, hihats and an optimised Mutant Machine. Also included are Erica Synths Cymbals which feature 10 sets of crash and ride cymbal samples.

All drums have their own individual outputs. The Master output has panning, a compressor and drive which is derived from the Mutant Glue. You can also use the kick drum to control the sidechain.

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.ericasynths.lv/news/coming-soon-hexdrums/

Frap Tools Magnolia

The Magnolia is an 8-voice analogue thru-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer. They claim it’s an FM synth that is fun to play. In it you’ll find 2 oscillators which can do through-zero FM, they provide carrier and modulator with two filters (high and low pass). It has a fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch.

Diving further you’ll find waveshapers, wave folders and other Buchla-like features. If you are missing the East Coast – there’s your standard PWM and low-pass filter! You’ll also find a intuitive modulation routing featuring a push button, rotate a knob style assignment. LEDs will give you feedback as to what you have assigned.

Price: 3995 Euros

Link: https://frap.tools/magnolia/

Destiny Plus Programma 900

The Programma 900 is a 6 voice polytonal musical computer. It offers a universe of discovery in the harmonic voice arena. You get the following features:

  • 4 quadrant multiplication of individual voices
  • 32 complex gestural CV buffers (which provides 6 min CV recording windows for each x32 mod destinations and voice envelopes)
  • individual modes for speed and attenuation
  • 3000 note MIDI record buffer and looper
  • 3 location of A-B-C / pan controls
  • MIDI Matrix and per note function reassign feature
  • spectral state morphing and harmonic lock feature
  • 9 DSP algorithms
    • docrinx time – experimantal 6 min regen delay
    • silver tulips – 16 pole phaser
    • loraxagon space – hadamard matrix reverb
    • perelman perals – hilbert transforming FDN / Reverb
    • gorbachev gas – 16 pole phaser
    • vector 06-c – time stretching through zero flanger
    • pentagon2100 – time stretching granular algorithm
    • UT-88 fortran – time stretching buffer scanner
    • twin q conjecture – self modulating through zero scanner
  • Desktop App which provides extra utilities

Price: 2699 GBP

Link: https://www.destiny-plus.com/programma-900-2-0

WMD Skorpion

A 20HP Eurorack module with 5 years worth of development. It’s a new sounds, maximum experience module that provides harmonics, chaos and character – according to the designer.

Features:

  • Analog Vector Core Wavefolder
  • 8 Stage Equivalent
  • 16 reversal points (8 positive and 8 negative)
  • Macro Animation over Fold, Slope, Shape, Shift, and all eight Thresholds.
  • Single Macro Gate Input to control Animation
  • 12 internal LFOs, 5 internal envelopes
  • Mono to Stereo Operation
  • Proprietary vector based delay core
  • Wet/Dry/Wide Control
  • Low Frequencies stay Mid. Wide forces high frequencies to sides of stereo field
  • 1V/Oct Tracking
  • Easy to learn single sub-layer for advanced controls
  • Hard/Soft sync
  • Shape control with eight feedback sources
  • Tons of utility outputs and CV inputs for endless experimentation

Price: $999 ($1600 AUD)

Link: https://wmdevices.com/products/skorpion-waveform-reanimator

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M

8 voice 2 part multitimbral version of the big brother with a nice big 7″ screen!

Price: $1,999.00

Link: https://www.groovesynthesis.com/8M/

Price Watch

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

EMS Rehberg Logik Synthesizerhttps://tidd.ly/3F9gFie
EMS Vocoder 2000https://tidd.ly/4kic5x1
Sequential Prophet VShttps://tidd.ly/43iGCEf
Kawai K5000shttps://tidd.ly/43hm9zk
Kawai SX-240https://tidd.ly/3GWAtWL
Sequential Prophet 20https://tidd.ly/3FddcPH

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 …..