Synth Geekery 302

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In episode 302 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

Behringer BM-15M Murf Box

Announcing the new Behringer BM-15M Murf Box. A faithful recreation of the MIDI Murf.

The original Moogerfooger MF-105 MIDI Murf:

At a quick glance, Behringer have reversed the top functions with the bottom. Now, let’s take a look at the back of both:

The behringer has a USB C connector which is additional to the original Moog. The USB C is used to connect to the Guitar Tribe application for control of parameters and firmware update.

Price: $129 (original MF-105 retailed for $599)

Link: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0709-ALP

Shlappi Engineering Boundary Layer

The Schlappi Engineering Boundary Layer is a versatile Eurorack module that debuted on June 25, 2025, priced at $325 USD. It functions as a triple cycling slew generator, offering a wide range of modulation and audio processing capabilities.

🔧 Key Features

  • Three Independent Channels: Each can operate as a:
    • Modulation oscillator
    • Voltage-controlled slew (including portamento)
    • AR/AD envelope (decay or release determined by input)
  • Global Controls:
    • Three global inputs affecting all channels
    • Three combined outputs providing MAX, MID, and MIN voltages across channels
  • Modulation Capabilities:
    • Oscillation range from low LFO rates (approximately one cycle per minute) to audio rates exceeding 10kHz with exponential feedback
    • CV input switchable between RISE, FALL, or BOTH
    • Bound input for simultaneous control over cycling rate and amplitude
    • TRIG input for AD envelopes
    • SLEW input for AR envelopes, portamento, or filtering
    • EOC (End of Cycle) output header switchable between EOR (End of Rise) and EOF (End of Fall)
  • Physical Specifications:
    • 16 HP width
    • Skiff-friendly 32mm depth (including cable)
    • Power consumption: +12V 170mA, -12V 100mA

Price: $325

Link: https://schlappiengineering.com/products/boundary-layer

Daydreamer Synth

The Daydreamer Synth 1 is a 6-voice paraphonic analog synthesizer designed with sustainability, affordability, and accessibility in mind. Encased in a distinctive wooden chassis, it offers a blend of analog warmth and digital control, making it appealing to both beginners and seasoned synthesizer enthusiasts.

🎛️ Key Features

  • Analog Sound Engine: Equipped with six analog Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) and six Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) for rich, authentic tones.
  • Noise Generation: Includes a Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) white noise generator.
  • Expressive Playability: Features velocity sensitivity, legato, portamento, and pitch glide for dynamic performance.
  • Visual Feedback: LED note indicators provide real-time visual cues.
  • Modulation Capabilities: Offers digitally-controlled analog envelope generators and Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), with LFO modulation available for both VCO and Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF).
  • Filtering: Utilizes a diode ladder low-pass VCF for classic filtering effects.
  • Polyphony and Note Management: Supports paraphony/polyphony with note recycling for efficient voice allocation.
  • Built-in Effects: Incorporates a PT2399 Bucket Brigade Delay for analog-style delay effects.
  • Open Source Design: Both hardware schematics and software are open source, encouraging customization and community-driven development.

💵 Price & Availability

  • Price: $299 USD
  • Availability: Released on June 24, 2025, and currently available for purchase.

📐 Dimensions

40 × 16 × 7 cm

Price: $299

Link: https://www.daydreamersynth.com/store/p/daydreamer-synth-1

Roland Mood Pan

The Roland Mood Pan (MN-10) is an innovative electronic hand percussion instrument designed to provide a soothing and expressive musical experience. Drawing inspiration from traditional handpans, it integrates Roland’s advanced digital technology to offer a versatile and intuitive platform suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

🎵 Key Features

  • Intuitive Playability: Equipped with nine touch-sensitive pads (eight 60mm pads and one 90mm pad) and an additional 30mm control pad, allowing for expressive performance without the need for prior musical training.
  • Diverse Sound Palette: Includes 12 built-in sounds emulating instruments like handpans, tongue drums, gamelans, and singing bowls. Users can also access additional tones via the Mood Pan Plus app.
  • Customizable Tuning: Offers 12 tuning styles, enabling users to explore various musical scales and modes.
  • Integrated Effects: Features 13 onboard effects, such as Auto Wah, Phaser, Ring Modulator, Delay, and Reverb, allowing for real-time sound shaping.
  • Ambient Background Music: Provides four background music modes (e.g., morning, evening, relaxation, yoga) to enhance practice sessions or meditative experiences.
  • Connectivity Options: Supports Bluetooth 4.2 for audio playback and MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy. Also includes USB-C for MIDI/audio interfacing and a headphone output for silent practice.
  • Portability: Compact design measuring 316mm in diameter and 94mm in height, weighing approximately 2.4kg. Operates on six AA batteries or via USB-C power supply.
  • Mood Pan Plus App: A companion mobile application that allows users to customize sounds, adjust pad sensitivity, and manage user kits for personalized setups.

💰 Price & Availability

  • Price: ¥77,000 (including tax) in Japan.
  • Release Date: Scheduled for release on July 26, 2025.
  • International Pricing: Available in the U.S. for $659.99.

Price: $659

Link: https://www.roland.com/jp/products/mood_pan_mn-10/

GForce Halogen FM

GForce Software’s Halogen FM is a newly released virtual FM synthesizer designed to make frequency modulation synthesis more accessible and intuitive. Launched on June 24, 2025, it offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and experienced sound designers.

🎛️ Key Features

  • Halogen Spark Core: A generative engine that creates unique, musical patches instantly with the press of the Spark button.
  • Macro Controls: Intuitive knobs for adjusting Timbre, Envelope Generators (EG1 & EG2), Modulation, and Effects, allowing for quick sound shaping without deep programming knowledge.
  • Two Distinct Operators: Each with identical features but unique tonal characteristics, inspired by a rare Japanese FM instrument.
  • Extensive Preset Library: Over 320 professionally designed presets to jumpstart creativity.
  • Randomization Options: Global and per-module randomization for exploring new sonic territories.
  • Advanced Modulation: Supports polyphonic aftertouch and poly-pitchbend for expressive performances.
  • User Interface: Fully scalable UI with an advanced preset browser and custom reverb effects.
  • Compatibility: Available as a standalone application and in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for both macOS (10.15 or above) and Windows (7 or above).

💰 Pricing

  • Introductory Price: £33 GBP / $45 USD (excluding VAT) until July 31, 2025.
  • Regular Price: £66 GBP / $89 USD thereafter.

📅 Release Date

Halogen FM was officially released on June 24, 2025.

Price: $45 USD on launch

Link: https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/halogen-fm/

Price Watch

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

Marshall time modulator 5002https://tidd.ly/3GncEar
Vends Analog-Lab Vocoder X-32https://tidd.ly/3GjoNxc
Korg 770https://ebay.us/FwQpom
Yamaha DD-6 + Custom Patch Bay + External Joystick Controllerhttps://tidd.ly/4euau5F
MacBeth Micromac-R X-Serieshttps://tidd.ly/4ltc7CK

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 …..