Synth Geekery 301

In episode 301 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.

Youtubehttps://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

Sonicware Liven Evoke

The LIVEN Evoke is a portable, sound‑layering, ambient‑focused synth. It blends acoustic-derived textures, granular processing, and performance sequencing in a compact form—ideal for composers, ambient artists, or anyone seeking to explore rich sonic atmospheres on the go.

🔧 Key Features

1. Acoustronic Flux Oscillator

  • An innovative synthesis engine blending sliced acoustic‑instrument fragments (34 built‑in acoustic sounds) with 20 harmonic waveforms and two noise generators
  • Uses “Backtide” modulation: grains played forward and backward in an ebb‑ing tidal wave pattern

2. Grain FX: Musical Granular Engine

  • Granular processor slicing phrases into up to 12 micro‑grains per voice
  • Allows control over grain size, direction, time warp, spatial position, buffer length, pitch quantization (octaves, fifths, scales), two FX sends per track, and processing of external audio

3. Reverb & Effects

  • Includes 10 reverb algorithms, including special “Mirage” shimmer-style space
  • Effects can be interwoven (e.g., shimmer reverb by routing Grain FX through reverb).

4. Chord Engine & Arpeggiator

  • 16 chord modes (including diatonic and pad-style), enabling full chords with a single key
  • Arpeggiator features 13 play patterns and glide

5. Four-Track Sequencer

  • Stores up to 128 patterns of up to 64 steps each
  • Supports step-by-step and real-time recording, parameter locks, probability/random playback, on‑the‑fly overdubs

6. Portability & Build

  • Compact with a 27-key mini keyboard, built-in speaker, and rugged design paralleling earlier LIVEN models
  • Powered by 6 × AA batteries (≈10 hr runtime) or 9 V DC adapter
  • Dimensions: 297 × 176 × 48 mm; Weight: 790 g

7. Connectivity

  • I/O: stereo line in/out, headphone output, sync in/out, full-sized 5‑pin DIN MIDI in/out
  • Allows syncing with other gear, including LIVEN Ambient Ø and compatible devices

✅ Summary Table

FeatureDetails
Synth EngineAcoustronic Flux Oscillator (34 acoustic + 20 waveforms, Backtide modulation)
Granular FXUp to 12 grains, musical controls, buffer sync
Reverb10 types incl. “Mirage”
Chord/Arp16 chord modes, 13 arpeggiator patterns
Sequencer4 tracks, 128 patterns, 64 steps, parameter locks
Keys & Speaker27-key mini keyboard, built-in speaker
Portability790 g; AA battery or DC-powered
ConnectivityLine in/out, headphone, MIDI, sync ports

💵 Price & Shipping

  • Retail price: $239 USD / €279 / £229 / AU $399 incl. local tax
  • First shipment kicked off on June 30, 2025

📅 Release Date & Availability

  • Pre‑orders launched in early June 2025, with shipping set to begin June 30, 2025 (first 100 units)
  • Retail price: USD $239 / €279 / UK £229 / AU $399 (inc. GST)

Link: https://sonicware.jp/en-au/pages/liven-evoke

Catoff 100FX

A compact digital effects unit in a 12‑HP format, the CATOFF 100FX delivers a “100 studio‑quality digital effects” bank. Positioned as simple, low‑cost, and readily available as of mid‑2025

🎛️ Key Features

  • 100 different digital effects – ranging from modulation to reverb and delay.
  • Studio-quality sound – optimized for professional use.
  • User interface – straightforward control scheme (likely includes a program selector knob plus simple navigation).
  • Eurorack format – at 12 HP width.
  • Power draw & depth – not specified yet, but typical CATOFF engineering ensures shallow depth for easy integration.
  • Handmade build – aligns with CATOFF’s DIY craft ethos.
  • Availability – in stock and shipping by June 19, 2025

🛠️ Specs Snapshot

ParameterDetails
FormatEurorack, 12 HP width
Effects100 preset digital effects
AvailabilityIn stock as of 19 June 2025
BuildHandmade by CATOFF Systems

💰 Pricing

  • MSRP: US $125 (or equivalent in EUR)

📅 Release Date

  • Announced 19 June 2025 on CATOFF’s website, with “on stock available” .

Link: https://catoffsystems.com/100FX/

Price Watch

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

Welson Keyboard Orchestra Stringhttps://tidd.ly/3I7px96
Novation Ultranovahttps://tidd.ly/4jZzPWl
NED Synclavier II Brochurehttps://ebay.us/dmvA7k
Sequential Prophet 5 Rev 3https://ebay.us/6fFwWi

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 …..