Synth Geekery 297

Posted on May 24, 2025May 25, 2025 by admin

In episode 297 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

NoisyFruits Lab FruFo

The NoisyFruitsLab FruFo is a compact and innovative Eurorack module that functions as both a wavetable low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and a knob recorder, designed to enhance modulation capabilities within modular synthesizer setups.

Core Features

Wavetable LFO: Offers a diverse range of waveforms, including standard shapes (sine, triangle, pulse) and experimental types like random slope and stepped. These waveforms can be blended to create complex modulation patterns.
Knob Recorder: Captures manual knob movements, allowing for playback either freely or synchronized with an external clock for quantized modulation sequences.
Synchronization Options: Supports external clock input and tap tempo functionality with precise BPM detection. Users can adjust the incoming clock resolution and apply tempo dividers to suit their rhythmic needs.
Visual Feedback: Equipped with high-frame-rate RGB LEDs and an OLED display, providing clear and dynamic visualization of waveforms and modulation activities.
Frequency Range: Operates across a wide frequency spectrum from 0.01Hz to 7500Hz, accommodating both ultra-slow modulations and audio-rate applications.
User Controls: Features an encoder with through-zero crossing capability and a multiplier to adjust the speed of modulation playback, offering intuitive control over modulation timing.
Voltage Control: Includes an attenuator menu for configuring control voltage (CV) inputs and outputs, as well as setting the resolution for incoming clock signals.
Firmware Updates: Supports easy firmware updates via USB-C, ensuring the module can evolve with new features and improvements.

Technical Specifications

Microcontroller: RP2040 with 12-bit resolution
Width: 6 HP
Depth: 35 mm
Power Consumption: +12V at 57 mA, -12V at 11 mA
Output Voltage: 10V peak-to-peak (±5V)

Price: $167

Link: https://noisyfruitslab.com/?p=7253

Flame Instruments Mäander-M

The Flame Instruments Mäander-M is a hybrid synthesizer that combines digital wavetable synthesis with an analog filterbank, now reimagined as a Eurorack module. It retains the core features of the original desktop version while introducing enhancements for modular integration.

Key Features

Connectivity and Updates: Supports MIDI and USB connections for control and updates. Wavetable loading and patch management are facilitated via MIDI SysEx.
Sound Engine: Offers 4-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesis, compatible with 4VOX wavetables, and includes an FM oscillator and analog white noise generator. It also accepts external audio inputs for processing through its filterbank.
Analog Filterbank: Features a 12-channel analog filterbank with eight morphing filter types, including lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and notch. Each filter channel has individual faders for precise control.
Sequencer: Equipped with a sequencer that includes one polyphonic note track (supporting up to four-note chords) and 14 mono tracks dedicated to the filter channels, audio input, and noise source. Each track has its own VCA with individual envelope control.
Modulation and Control: Includes two multi-wave LFOs with retrigger, one-shot, and sync modes, as well as two ADSR envelopes. Additional features comprise an arpeggiator, keyboard scaler, direct oscillator output, and stereo noise output.
Eurorack Integration: Designed as a 56HP Eurorack module, the Mäander-M comes pre-mounted in a powered wooden skiff, allowing for standalone operation or integration into a modular setup.

Price: TBA

Link: https://www.flame-instruments.de/flame2/news.html

Akai Force 3.5 BETA

Akai FORCE 3.5 is here — and it’s the biggest update yet.

Download the free public beta & learn more: https://www.akaipro.com/force

Limited-Time Offers:
Get the FORCE Plugin Bundle ($650 value) for just $99.99: https://www.thempcstore.com/mpc-instr…
Get the AIR Multiband Filterbank plugin FREE during the beta period: https://www.airmusictech.com/force-of…

In this exclusive walkthrough, electronic musician and YouTuber @GabeMillerMusic dives into all the powerful new features inside FORCE 3.5 — the most significant update to Akai’s standalone music production system since launch.

From plugin instruments and MPC stem separation to tempo automation, advanced arrangement tools, and Native Instruments plugin compatibility, Gabe shows you exactly how this update takes your standalone workflow to the next level — no computer required.

What’s New in FORCE 3.5: https://www.akaipro.com/force-forcexu…

Plugin Instruments and Effects: FORCE now supports new plugin releases from AIR, Akai Pro, and Native Instruments (MPC Editions), offering seamless integration of professional-grade sounds directly within the standalone system—no external software required.

MPC Stems separations for sampling, remixing and mashups: Users can isolate vocals, drums, and music elements from tracks, ideal for sampling, remixing, and live performance creativity. (MPC Stems License Required)

Tempo automation, follow actions, and new arrangement tools: Advanced performance sequencing empowers users to create evolving arrangements and dynamic live sets with greater control.

MPC sequence import, advanced keygroup synthesis, and warp algorithm choice: Offers expanded compatibility and flexibility with MPC workflows, enhanced sound manipulation, and precise audio warping.

New modes: Main Mode, XL Channel Strip, Sounds Mode, and more: Upgrades navigation and workflow efficiency, giving users better visual control and faster access to instruments, tracks, and mix parameters.

Significant speed boosts including faster sample loading and expanded export options: Streamlines production by reducing load times and offering more ways to export stems and sessions efficiently.

Native Instruments Plugin and Expansions MPC Editions compatible with Force. Users can purchase – Analog Dreams, Cloud Supply, Nacht, Sway, Homage, Lone Forest, Faded Reels, Hazy Days, Rare Vibrations, Global Shake

Price: Free (BETA) – Bundles and plugins extra

Link: https://www.akaipro.com/force

Vongon Replay – Black Edition

First mentioned in Synth Geekery Episode 243: https://ranzee.com/synth-geekery-243/

The black edition makes for easier reading of the knobs, sliders and other functions on the panel. Built with the same aluminium housing and Cherry MX keys (80s IBM Keyboard style).

Let’s refresh what you get:

The Replay is a 6 voice polyphonic virutal analog synthesizer modelled after the Juno 106 and Korg PolySix. The oscillator features square, triangle, sine, and ramp (sawtooth) waveforms. There’s pitch, noise and PWM controls with modulation via the LFO. There’s a 4-pole low pass filter with high resonance and a warm character. The filter has envelope, keyboard tracking and modulation controls. There’s a standard ADSR envelope with exponential curve on the release.

The are more features like the Arpeggiator which has clock support and chord modes amongst the usual up/down/random. Also you can save up to 31 presets. Connections on the back include a 1/4″ TRS line-level input and output, a 3.5mm TRS MIDI in/out, compatible with type A or B adapters, and a micro USB.

Some cons: There isn’t a display to give you information like presets etc. It also has micro USB – which isn’t ideal. The beige model isn’t doing it for me with the hard to read labelling – but the black version is better here. There are cheaper ways to achieve this kind of sound with products already available – and some of these are also analog. Perhaps they had an idea for the market that we’re not seeing?

Price Watch

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

Roland System-1m	https://ebay.us/ZCcBHj
Univox SR-95	https://ebay.us/yXVtqt
Korg Trident Mk1	https://tidd.ly/3FiLJMG
Casio CZ-5000	https://tidd.ly/3FiLJMG
Cwejman S1 Mk2	https://tidd.ly/3F7A2IJ
Doepfer A-100	https://tidd.ly/44XKixH
EML Synkey Model 2001	https://tidd.ly/3SS2u4i
EML Electrocomp EML-101	https://tidd.ly/4jo91ib