Synth Geekery 296

Posted on May 17, 2025May 17, 2025 by admin

In episode 296 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
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

Morphor Echon6

The Morphor Echon 6 is a groundbreaking 6-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer that utilizes Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) technology to achieve physical modeling synthesis. Unveiled at Superbooth 2025, this desktop and rack-mountable instrument introduces a unique approach to sound design by combining analog circuitry with a positive feedback system. Its architecture is divided into three main sections: Exciter, BBD Resonator, and Modulation, offering musicians a versatile platform for creating rich, organic sounds reminiscent of plucked strings and resonant tones.

Feature List

Voicing & Architecture
- 6-voice polyphony
- 6-part multitimbral capability
- Full analog audio path
- Positive feedback system for physical modeling synthesis
Exciter Section
- Analog Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
- Sample & Hold (S&H) noise circuit
- External audio input
- Crossfader for blending excitation sources
- ADSR envelope generator with onset delay (0–25s)
BBD Resonator Section
- 12 dB/octave input low-pass filter
- 6 dB/octave feedback low-pass filter
- 1024-stage BBD delay line
- High-end BBD control circuitry
- Fine feedback control
- Dry/Wet mix and panning per voice
Modulation & Control
- Extensive modulation matrix: 9 sources × 32 destinations
- Quad LFOs with cross-modulation capabilities
- Support for MPE and polyphonic aftertouch
- Modwheel, velocity, and key-follow modulation sources
- Global modulation attenuverters
- Comprehensive unison control
- Custom voice grouping: up to 6 groups with individual settings and MIDI channels
72 factory presets and 144 user preset slots
Connectivity & I/O
- Individual outputs per voice
- Stereo main output
- Headphone output
Design & Build
- Tabletop unit with 19″ rack compatibility and VESA mount
- No display; fully tactile interface with no menu diving

Price: €2,000.00

Link: https://echon6.com/

Musonics Continuo

The muSonics Continuo is a standalone hardware arpeggiator and sequencer designed for modular synthesizer enthusiasts. Inspired by classic Roland arpeggiators like the SH-101 and Jupiter-8, it offers advanced sequencing capabilities in a 4MU Moog-format module. Currently in public beta, the Continuo emphasizes real-time performance and experimentation, with a user-friendly interface and USB firmware updates.

FYI: Moog Unit or MU is 8.75″ tall (5U) and comes in widths of 2.125″ which is 8 spaces in a 19″ rack

Feature List:

Current BETA is a 5U modular setup which can be standalone. Plans for a more compact, standalone format in the final version
Standalone arpeggiator/sequencer inspired by classic Roland arpeggiators (e.g., SH-101, Jupiter-8)
MIDI In/Out connectivity with USB MIDI host
Quarter-inch jacks for Shift In, Stage One Input (reset), Time Input, and Pitch & Gate outputs
Multiple time control options, pitch sorting, and octave staggering
Real-time performance and experimentation focus
USB firmware updates without special software

Price: $500

Link: https://musonics.square.site/product/the-continuo-public-beta/30?cs=true&cst=custom

Enjoy Electronics ELFO

A customizable quad LFO module where you can draw your own waveforms and they cycle from 10 Hz to one cycle every 60 minutes

4 Fully Customizable LFO’s
Touch-Drawn Waveforms
Random Waveforms Generator
Complex Modulation Matrix
Advanced CV-LFO – Interconnection
Assignable Trigger Actions
Sync Capabilities
Magic CrystalFunction

The Magic Crystal Function provides a random logic “dice roll” feature that makes decisions on how the frequencies interact.

Price: €340.00

Link: https://www.enjoy-lab.com/elfo

TŒRN

TŒRN is a standalone, open-source sequencer and sampler designed for musicians of all levels—from beginners to seasoned performers. Developed by Jan from SP_ctrl in Hamburg, it’s the evolution of the NI404 prototype, offering a portable and intuitive interface that combines fun with deep musical capabilities. TŒRN is perfect for live performances, studio sessions, and on-the-go music creation.

Feature List

Playful Design
- 16×16 RGB LED grid for dynamic visual feedback
- Intuitive controls encouraging experimentation
- Suitable for users aged 8 to 80
Powerful Sequencer
- 16-bar patterns x 16 pages (256 bars total)
- Autosave/autoload functionality
- Real-time sample switching (up to 999 samples)
- 8 sample voices with individual sample trimming
- Assignable effects: ADSR, bitcrusher, filters, flanger, reverb
- Intelligent random note generation (scale-aware)
- Real-time transpose, shift, delete, copy/paste
Deep Sound Design
- Load WAV samples via SD card
- 3 switchable analog-style drum voices: bass drum, snare, hi-hat
- 1 three-voice synth (3 oscillators per voice)
- 2 one-voice synths (2 oscillators each)
- Full effect chain per voice
- Assignable channel filters accessible via encoder
Advanced MIDI Control
- Global MIDI TRS in/out support (channels 1–16)
- Per-voice MIDI out channel assignment
- Send/Receive MIDI clock
- Clock range: 40–300 BPM
DIY & Open Source
- Firmware: MIT License (free for personal & commercial use)
- Hardware: CC BY-NC 4.0 (free for non-commercial use)
Custom 4-layer PCB design with pre-assembled SMD components
Integrated USB-C & audio interface
Translucent black laser-cut plexiglas housing
DUPPA I2C 2.1 RGB encoders with push buttons
16×16 WS2812B RGB LED grid managed by FastLED
Arduino-compatible firmware based on Teensy 4.1
16MB PSRAM memory
Audio I/O: 6.35mm jacks for headphones, line-in/out, mic-in, plus internal mic
Power via USB-C or optional LiPo battery with charging (1500mAh, ~3h runtime)

Price: DIY

Link: https://toern.live/#about

Audio Computer Beat Friend

The Beat Friend is a semi-autonomous, analog drum machine developed by the UK-based duo at Audio Computer. With its unique blend of preset rhythms and user-controlled parameters, Beat Friend offers a dynamic and interactive drumming experience. Its analog circuitry, inspired by classic drum machines using the twin-t circuits like the Roland CR-78.

It’s like having an enthusiastic robot Labrador playing a 70’s electronic drum kit just for you.

Feature List

Analog Drum Circuits: Utilizes ‘twin-t’ circuits inspired by the legendary Roland CR-78 for authentic analog drum sounds.
Preset-Based Rhythms: Over 30 preset patterns covering various styles and time signatures, providing hundreds of beat variations.
Complexity Sliders: Each drum has a dedicated slider to adjust its complexity, from silent to intricate patterns.
Enthusiasm Knob: Controls the machine’s autonomy, allowing it to add or subtract notes, introducing dynamic variations.
Triforce Effects Engine: A combination of analog and digital effects, enabling transformations from simple grooves to complex soundscapes.
MIDI Compatibility: Offers MIDI control for users who prefer precise sequencing and integration with other gear.
Mono Output: Delivers sound in mono, suitable for various performance and recording setups.
12V DC Power Supply: Powered by a universal 12V DC supply, included with the unit.
Letterpress-Printed Manual: Each unit comes with a uniquely numbered, letterpress-printed manual.

Price: £424.277 // $884 AUD // $789.99 CAD

Link: https://audio.computer/ and pre-order through: https://soundgas.com/products/audio-computer-beat-friend-analogue-drum-machine

Tre Modular Liminal Space

Liminal Space is a semi analog delay module that has two independently controllable delay circuits based on PT2399 IC. While this IC is not analog we have made sure that it sounds and behaves similar to classic analog delays. Each of its delay channels has a different surrounding circuit so that both channels sound slightly different and make a unique sound when interacting with each other.

Price:

Link: https://tremodular.com/

Ryk Modular Time Slice

Quad-channel audio looper and time laboratory. It offers four channels of audio I/O with big fat rolling buffers for each channel (2 mins). There is also a unique retrospective loop mode for the performance challenged musician.

Each channel has Classic H3000 style pitch shifters to f**K with time, and three flavours of filters to sculpt your audio. Audio recycle ! delay lines feature feedback filters and pitch shifters for recursive mutations. Get complex and cross patch between buffer channels for deep spaghetti-time wormholes.

More jacks than you can shake a stick at, to trigger or modulate anything you care to automate. Not Swiss made, but keeps impeccable time, and can play friends with MIDI and clock-sync. Includes exciting funky red circle display thing at no extra cost!

Price: $535

Link: https://www.ryk-modular.com/category/modules

modular grid: https://modulargrid.net/e/ryk-modular-time-slice-

Make Noise PoliMaths

8 channel function generator with similar features to Maths – adding an oscillator modulation control. There’s also a span control to scan through the channels. There’s also a Round (round robin) feature which takes a gate input to start it off. NUSS module – as part of MakeNoise 3.0 future. This means that multiple PoliMaths modules can connect to each other and communicate, as well as other future NUSS modules.

Price: $500 – expected to release end of Summer 2025.

Link: https://makenoisemusic.com

Intellijel Jellymix

Features:

5 stereo channels, each with 1/4″ (6.35mm) TRS, balanced input jacks
Two stereo return inputs to the A and B busses
Each channel has a gain pot and a mute switch; muted channels are routed to a mute bus that can serve for cue or PFL audition
Each channel has 2 stereo aux sends, switchable between pre and post
Each channel has a tilt EQ, and a low cut filter switch
Each channel can either be routed directly to the main mix, or to a stereo main filter bus

Price: TBA – aiming for $650 USD

Link: https://intellijel.com

Vermona DrumDing

1 analog drum voice plus sampler and sequencer. There are 6 tracks. Each track is a sample player. You can either sample from the drum synthesizer or use existing samples stored on the SD card.

You can store up to 16 samples in a project. You can store 64 projects in total. Each project has 6 tracks with up to 64 steps. There are internal effects like delays, reverb, bit crusher etc. There are parameter locks available on each step.

The sampling engine has some intelligence where you are sampling the drum synthesizer to ensure that the samples recorded are setup instantly to use as a drum hit.

Price: TBA – all made in Germany

Link: https://www.vermona.com/en/home/

MOSS-101

The M0SS-101 is a virtual analog monosynth designed for hands-on subtractive synthesis, all housed in a compact and durable guitar pedal-style enclosure.

Equipped with 26 buttons and a single encoder, the M0SS-101 offers intuitive control over a powerful 42-parameter virtual analog engine. Simply press a button to select a parameter, turn the encoder to adjust it, and track your signal flow through the built-in LED system.

Integration with your setup is easy thanks to MIDI learn functionality—any parameter can be quickly mapped using a MIDI controller. The unit also supports up to 17 user presets, allowing you to save and instantly recall your favourite sounds.

The 26 RGB LEDs communicate signal flow, modulation paths, settings, and selections through color and brightness. An additional row of 11 LEDs at the base provides clear, real-time feedback on the currently selected parameter.

Price: $150 CAD (early bird)

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewjohnmarch/m0ss-101-a-virtual-analog-monosynth

Novation Launch Control XL Mk3

The new Novation Launch Control XL Mk3 features a standalone setup which mean you no longer need to connect it to your DAW. You can create up to 15 custom modes which can be configured and stored directly on the device. The customisation goes further allowing you to combine parameters with hardware devices and DAW into a single mode. It also keeps the DAW connection scripts: Ableton Live 11 or later, Logic Pro X and 11, Cubase 11 and 12, and FL Studio.

You’ll find a lot of use of the 24 knobs and 8 faders. Each encoder has an RGB LED light. Each fader and encoder shows information on the OLED display.

On the connectivity side there’s more: not just USB (like on the Mk2), there’s 5-pin MIDI with 1 x MIDI IN and 2 x MIDI OUT (one can be used as a thru port).

There’s a bunch of software bundled including Ableton Live 12 Lite, and a plugin suite which includes: Klevgrand Fosfat, Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor, and Output Movement.

Price: $199 USD (Global price)

Link: https://novationmusic.com/products/launch-control-xl

Price Watch

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

ARP 2500	https://ebay.us/qozxoi
Eventide H949 Harmonizer	https://tidd.ly/3SDlzHo
Waldorf 4-Pole Miniworks	https://tidd.ly/3S5uUHT
Kork Univox Poly Ensemble	https://tidd.ly/4ksjM3Z
Electro Harmonix Mini Synthesizer	https://ebay.us/TGarC7
Roland TR-77V	https://tidd.ly/3YOWuNi