Synth Geekery 304

Posted on July 12, 2025July 12, 2025 by admin

In episode 304 we talked about UFO’s and Phasers? No, really! But it’s more 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 …

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:

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-13 Phaser

12-stage phaser from Behringer which copies the designs of the MoogerFooger MF-103 (pictured below). The BM‑13 is Behringer’s full-featured, offering both rich vintage tones and modern flexibility—thanks to envelope/filter CV options and stage/toggle switches. Whether you’re shaping synth pads or coloring guitar lines, it’s a powerhouse at a budget-friendly price.

🎛️ Feature List

Vintage‑style 12‑stage phaser modeled after the Moog MF‑103, offering deep, lush modulation.
Controls: Drive, Output Level, Sweep, Resonance (feedback), LFO Amount & Rate.
Toggle switch: Select between 6‑stage and 12‑stage phasing modes.
LFO Speed switch: Options for low and high speed settings.
Envelope control: Enables dynamic, expressive modulation tied to playing dynamics.
Extensive I/O: Includes Audio In/Out, Sweep In, LFO Out, Rate and Resonance CV/expression connectivity—great for modular/synth setups.
No battery operation: Powered solely by included 9 V DC adapter (5.5 × 2.1 mm, centre-negative).
Current draw: Approximately 400 mA

As a previous owner of the MF-103, I can say these are beautiful phaser FX pedals. Let’s hope Behringer recreate the same electronics.

Price: $119

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

Arturia Microbrute UFO

Arturia’s cult analog monosynth, the MicroBrute, is back—and this time it’s touched down from deep space. The MicroBrute UFO Edition is a limited-edition re-release of the original 2013 synth that became a favourite among synthheads, modular fans, and analog purists alike. Wrapped in a fresh otherworldly aesthetic, it joins the family of previously released MicroBrute SE editions—notably the Blue and Yellow versions—each of which added new colour and collectability to the much-loved mono synth.

Whether you’re just discovering the MicroBrute for the first time, or a longtime fan tempted by the new design, here’s everything you need to know.

✨ What’s New: UFO Edition Features

Matte black “spacecraft” chassis with Martian green graphics
Black keys (a first for the series) with green accents
Alien/UFO-themed design elements across the panel
Redesigned knobs that solve the common sticking issues found in older units
Limited-edition release — only available while supplies last

Internally, it remains faithful to the same analog circuit and architecture that earned the original MicroBrute its reputation for aggressive tone, compact design, and modular-friendly patching.

🔊 Synth Engine & Core Features (Shared Across Editions)

100% analog signal path
Single VCO with waveform mixer: triangle (with Metalizer), square (with PWM), saw (with Ultrasaw)
Overtone generator with sub-oscillator for additional harmonic content
Steiner-Parker multimode filter (LP, HP, BP) with resonance
Brute Factor™ analog feedback distortion
Modulation matrix (patchable via mini-jacks): CV, LFO, ADSR
64-step sequencer with 8 pattern memory
25 mini keys, pitch + mod wheels
Connectivity:
- CV/Gate I/O
- MIDI DIN and USB
- Audio input/output (¼″)
- Headphone output

🎨 MicroBrute Edition Comparison Table

Feature	Original MicroBrute (2013)	MicroBrute SE (Blue / Yellow, 2014)	MicroBrute UFO Edition (2025)
Colour/Design	Grey with white keys	Bright colour chassis (Blue, Yellow, etc.) with clear side panels	Matte black body, alien green graphics
Keybed	White mini keys	White mini keys	Black mini keys with green accents
Panel Graphics	Standard panel markings	Colour-matched text and white graphics	UFO-themed artwork, glowing-green print
Knobs	Soft-touch (prone to sticking)	Same as original	Improved knobs with smoother feel
Clear side panels	No	Yes – transparent acrylic sides	No
Extras in box	None	Comes with patch cables + poster/stickers	TBD – likely similar to standard
Availability	Production 2013–2016	Limited 2014 run	Limited 2025 run
Launch Price (USD)	$299–$349	$299–$349	$399
Launch Price (GBP/EUR)	~£249 / €299	~£249 / €299	£299 / €349

💡 MicroBrute SE models were known for their eye-catching colours and acrylic side panels, making them highly sought-after collector editions today.

🗓️ Release Date & Pricing

Announced: July 2025
Price:
- USD: $399
- EUR: €349
- GBP: £299
Availability: Limited Edition – sold via Arturia and select distributors

🎛️ A Classic Reimagined for a New Generation

The Arturia MicroBrute UFO Edition is more than a cosmetic overhaul. It celebrates the gritty, aggressive voice of the original analog MicroBrute while introducing improved knobs and a sharp visual identity inspired by alien transmissions and sci-fi design.

Alongside the MicroBrute SE editions of the past, this release shows Arturia’s continued commitment to keeping analog fun, fresh, and inspiring. Whether you’re a producer, sound designer, or synth collector, the UFO Edition is your chance to own a fully playable slice of analog history—refreshed for 2025.

👾 Verdict: If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get into the Brute universe—or you just want the coolest-looking synth in your studio—the UFO Edition might be your final boarding call.

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/microbrute-ufo/overview

Mnemonic Devices Mikado Generative Sequencer

The MIKADO MD‑003  is a groundbreaking Eurorack generative sequencer module from Berlin-based Mnemonic Devices. Designed for both live performance and studio composition, it blends deterministic sequencing with unique generative engines—Turing machines, collision simulations, cellular automata, and Lorenz attractors—via a 1.9″ RGB display and performance-focused controls.

🎛️ Key Features

8‑track step sequencer
- 128 steps per pattern
- Parameter locking & micro‑timing
Generative engines
- Turing Machines
- Collision Simulations
- Cellular Automata
- Lorenz Attractors
Performance tools
- Hold/staging
- Fills, solos, swap
- Tap‑to‑record
- Macro controls
Modulation & LFOs
- Four LFO waveforms
- 8× 16‑bit modulation outputs
Velocity‑sensitive outputs
- 8× 12‑bit trigger/gate outputs
Robust I/O
- 8× 16‑bit CV inputs
- Clock/reset I/O
- Outputs via analog, MIDI TRS or USB
Visual interface
- 1.9″ 320×170 RGB display @60 Hz
Storage & construction
- microSD card for project recall
- 36HP anodized aluminum panel
- Designed and built in Germany

💰 Price & Availability

RRP: €750 (approx. AUD 1,180) – currently discounted to €690
Status: Sold out on official site; now available occasionally via resellers & used markets
Release timing: Prototypes previewed early July 2025; full release expected Q3/Q4 2025

✅ Who It’s For

Ideal for modular enthusiasts and electronic musicians who:

Seek generative and evolving rhythmic/melodic patterns
Want tight performance control over experimental sequences
Prefer hardware interfaces with visual feedback and expressive I/O

⚠️ Considerations

Late‑stage prototype note: Some features like beat repeats are still in development; spec may change before full release
Power specs: Current site lists “TBD”—await official power current details at launch

📋 Feature Highlights Table

Feature	Details
Sequencer	8‑track, 128‑step, param lock, micro‑timing
Generative Engines	Turing Machines, Cellular Automata, Lorenz, Collision Sim
Performance Controls	Hold, fills, solos, swap, tap‑record, macros
LFOs & Modulation	4 LFOs; 8× 16‑bit mod outputs
Triggers & Gates	8× 12‑bit velocity‑sensitive outputs
I/O	8 CV inputs (16‑bit), clock/reset, MIDI (TRS + USB)
Display	1.9″ RGB, 320×170 @60 Hz
Storage & Build	microSD; 36HP black anodized panel; German‑made

🗓️ Release Summary

Prototypes shown: 4 July 2025
Expected shipping: Late 2025 (pre‑order already live on official site)

Final Verdict

The MD‑003 MIKADO is shaping up to be a landmark instrument—a hybrid of predictable sequencing and chaotic generative systems wrapped in a performance-first hardware design. With a premium price tag and high-end build quality, it’s tailored for serious modular artists and live performers who crave unpredictability and control in one elegant package.

Stay tuned: Full release and shipping dates are expected later in Q3 or Q4 2025. Bookmark the official site or modular retailers to spot the next batch.

Link: https://mnemonicdevices.io/products/md-003-mikado

Price Watch

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

Jupiter 8	https://ebay.us/a2lZga
Yamaha CS-30	https://ebay.us/V6kvOr
ARP Avatar	https://tidd.ly/46Ctrkv
Ensoniq Fizmo	https://ebay.us/dduw3z

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 …..