Synth Geekery 300

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In episode 300 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 Pip Filter

The ALM Busy Circuits Pip Filter is a compact and versatile Eurorack module that combines a voltage-controlled low-pass filter with an integrated VCA, all within a slim 4HP form factor. Designed for both tonal shaping and dynamic control, it offers a range of features suitable for various synthesis applications.

🔧 Key Features

  • Dual-Pole Low-Pass Filter: 12dB/octave slope with manual resonance control capable of self-oscillation.
  • Dual Frequency CV Inputs: One input includes an attenuverter, and the other offers approximate 1V/octave tracking, allowing for nuanced modulation.
  • Pingable Trigger Input: Facilitates percussive and plucked sounds by triggering the filter’s resonance.
  • Integrated VCA: Provides additional amplitude control over the filtered signal, with a normalled input for streamlined patching.
  • Compact and Skiff-Friendly: Occupies only 4HP of rack space with a depth of 32mm, making it suitable for portable setups.
  • Power Requirements: Draws 12mA on both +12V and -12V rails, and 25mA on the 5V rail.
  • Build Quality: Features reverse power protection and comes with a 2-year warranty.

💰 Price

The Pip Filter is available for approximately $122 USD.

Link: https://busycircuits.com/alm039/

ALM Pip LFO

The ALM Busy Circuits Pip LFO (ALM048) is a compact, all-analogue low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) designed for Eurorack modular synthesizers. Occupying just 4HP of rack space, it offers a wide frequency range, multiple waveform outputs, and versatile control options, making it a powerful modulation source in a small footprint.

🔧 Key Features

  • Wide Frequency Range: Approximately 0.01 Hz to over 20 kHz, covering both LFO and audio-rate VCO applications.
  • Manual and CV Control: Adjust LFO frequency via a manual knob or control voltage input.
  • Multiple Waveform Outputs: Simultaneous outputs for square, triangle, saw, and sine waves.
  • Uni/Bipolar Outputs: Provides both unipolar and bipolar waveform outputs for flexibility in modulation.
  • VCO Mode with V/Oct Tracking: Switch to audio-rate VCO mode with approximately 5 octaves of 1V/octave tracking.
  • Reset/Sync Input: External input to reset the waveform cycle, enabling hard sync functionality in VCO mode.
  • LED Frequency Indicator: Visual feedback of the LFO rate.
  • Skiff-Friendly Design: Compact 4HP size with a depth of approximately 32mm, suitable for shallow cases.
  • Reverse Power Protection: Safeguards against incorrect power connections.

💰 Price

The Pip LFO is priced at approximately $122 USD.

Link: https://busycircuits.com/alm048/

HAGIWO MOD2 Sample Player

The MOD2 Sample Player is an open-source, DIY-friendly Eurorack module designed for compact and affordable sample playback. Developed by HAGIWO, it utilizes the Seeed XIAO RP2040 microcontroller, making it accessible for hobbyists and modular synth enthusiasts.

🔧 Key Features

  • DIY Accessibility: Built with general-purpose components and a simple circuit, making it both affordable and easy to assemble.
  • WAV Sample Playback: Supports up to 18 WAV files with a combined total length of 20 seconds.
  • Open-Source Design: Fully documented with available code, PCB Gerber files, and assembly data.
  • AI-Friendly Hardware: Designed to facilitate software variations using generative AI.

HAGIWO is a Japanese modular developer wo works as a legacy engineer and started using modular synths.

Price: DIY

Link: https://note.com/solder_state/n/nce8f7defcf98 and https://note.com/solder_state/n/na31fac5e5521

Producely Dialr

The Producely Dialr is an AI-powered hardware controller designed to streamline plugin control for music producers and audio engineers. By automatically mapping plugin parameters to its physical interface, Dialr eliminates the need for manual configuration, enhancing workflow efficiency.

🔧 Key Features

  • AI Cloud Mapping: Dialr utilizes AI to scan plugin architectures, providing ready-to-use profiles that are automatically downloaded and kept up to date.
  • Universal Compatibility: Supports VST3 and AU plugins on both macOS (14 or later) and Windows (10 or later). Currently compatible with Ableton Live 11 and Cubase 14, with plans to expand DAW support.
  • Offline Mode: Profiles are stored locally, ensuring functionality even without an internet connection.
  • Hardware Design:
    • 12 analog knobs with varying sizes for tactile differentiation.
    • 7-inch LCD touchscreen for visual feedback and control.
    • 2 clickable step encoders.
    • 3 clickable buttons for Undo, Redo, and Bypass functions.
    • Rugged aluminum build with a rack-mountable form factor.
  • Muscle Memory-Friendly Layout: Consistent parameter placement across plugins (e.g., Input Gain, Frequency, Wet/Dry) aids in developing intuitive control.

📦 Compatibility

  • Operating Systems: Windows 10 or later, macOS 14 or later.
  • DAWs: Ableton Live 11 or later, Cubase 14 or later.
  • Plugin Formats: VST3 and AU.
  • Supported Plugins: Over 100,000 VST3 and AU plugins are supported out of the box. Compatibility with plugins from Waves is already established, with support for Native Instruments and Spectrasonics in development.

💰 Price & Availability

  • Introductory Price: €649
  • Regular Price: €749
  • Preorders: Currently open, with shipping expected to begin at the end of June 2025.

Link: https://producely.com/pages/this-is-dialr

New Systems Instruments Discrete Map

The Discrete Map by New Systems Instruments is a groundbreaking Eurorack module that reimagines sequencing through a continuous-time, voltage-addressed approach. Designed for both autonomous generative patches and precise user control, it offers a flexible and organic method of composition and modulation.

🔧 Key Features

  • 8-Step Sequencer: Utilizes upper faders to set output voltages and lower faders to define threshold positions or durations.
  • Voltage-Addressed Control: Sequences are driven by external signals (e.g., LFOs, clocks, chaos generators) that cross user-defined thresholds, triggering specific steps.
  • Dual Modes:
    • Position Mode: Lower faders set absolute threshold positions.
    • Length Mode: Lower faders determine the duration between thresholds.
  • Internal Clock: Provides a ramp wave for time-to-voltage transformations.
  • Audio-Rate Operation: Functions as a graphic VCO with 7 octaves of temperature-compensated tracking, waveshaper, or bitcrusher.
  • Precision Adder: Allows external voltages to transpose the entire sequence.
  • Configurable Output Range: Selectable between -5V to 5V, 0V to 5V, or 0V to 2.5V.
  • Gate and Ramp Outputs: Facilitates integration with other modules.

🧩 A / B / C Expander (Optional)

  • Price: $199
  • Functionality:
    • Group Assignment: Assigns each of the eight stages into one of three groups (A, B, or C) using a bank of switches.
    • Gate Outputs: Provides individual gate outputs for each group, combining gates from each group into the A, B, and C outputs.
    • CV Control: Adds CV inputs that adjust thresholds for each group, enabling dynamic modulation.
    • Sequential Switch: Bidirectionally connects a common jack with the A, B, or C jack when a stage in the corresponding group is activated.
    • Chainable Design: Multiple expanders can be connected to a single Discrete Map for extended functionality.

📐 Technical Specifications

  • Module Width: 34 HP
  • Depth: 25 mm
  • Power Consumption:
    • +12V: 180 mA
    • −12V: 115 mA
  • Clock Rate: Ranges from 4 minutes per cycle to 12 kHz
  • Tuning Accuracy: Approximately 7 octaves, from C0 to C7
  • Input Range:
    • SYNC, SYNC/N, EXT: 0 to 5V
    • ABOVE, BELOW: −5V to 5V
    • Others: −9.5V to 9.5V
  • Output Range: Configurable between −5V to 5V, 0V to 5V, or 0V to 2.5V
  • Minimum External Step Interval: 12.5 µs

The Discrete Map stands out as a versatile and innovative module, offering a fresh approach to sequencing by integrating continuous-time control and voltage-addressed steps. Its design caters to both experimental sound designers and traditional musicians seeking dynamic and responsive sequencing capabilities.

💰 Pricing

  • Discrete Map: $479
  • A / B / C Expander: $199

📅 Release Date & Availability

  • Release Date: March 2025
  • Availability: As of June 2025, both the Discrete Map and its A / B / C Expander are sold out on the official New Systems Instruments website. Interested users are encouraged to check with authorized dealers for stock availability.

Links: https://nsinstruments.com/modules/dmap.html and https://modulargrid.net/e/new-systems-instruments-discrete-map-

Price Watch

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

Moog Minimoog Model Dhttps://tidd.ly/4laI2rM
Akai MPC1000https://tidd.ly/3SSPiMH
E-MU Systems Proteus/3 World Rackmount 32-Voice Sampler Modulehttps://tidd.ly/4n1aIFd
Octave Cathttps://ebay.us/t0Ol7L

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 …..