Synth Geekery 310
In episode 310 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
CubuSynth Arkakrion
The CubuSynth ARKARION is a fully-featured analog synthesizer voice in a Eurorack module format, integrating digitally controlled signal routing via a “DNA” patch system.
The ARKARION combines the tactile experience of analog patching with the generative potential of randomized patches, all controlled via a single button or external gate signal.
Inspired by a fictional “DNA synthesis” concept, the ARKARION interprets a virtual genetic code to define routing schemes for CV and audio. This allows complex, evolving sound design with minimal patching.
This synthesizer is designed for users seeking a unique blend of structure and chaos, combining traditional subtractive synthesis elements with a digitally modulated signal flow. Whether played from a MIDI source, sequencer, or by hand, the ARKARION delivers a wide range of timbres, from tightly controlled tones to wild and unpredictable textures.
Key Features
- Analog Voice Engine: Includes 2 analogue VCOs with selectable waveforms
- “DNA” Digitally Controlled Routing: A 16-bit randomizer offers over 65,000 unique routing combinations; routing states visualized via LEDs
- Patch Storage: 64 patch slots (8 banks of 8)
- Envelope Generator: Configurable Rise/Fall, loop, or gated-loop (for LFO behavior)
- Modulation:
- Two VCLFO sources
- A Random Voltage Source, gate-triggered
- Filter: Multimode (LP, BP, HP, AP), manual and CV-controllable
- Tape-Style / CMOS Delay: With CV-controlled time, mix, and feedback
- Gene Modification Knob: For real-time morphing of routing (“gene expression”), with CV control
- Internal VCAs: Two VCAs dedicated to modulation strength control
- MIDI Support: Includes MIDI input with pitch CV and gate outputs (via TRS)
- Form Factor & Power:
- Size: 42 HP × 3U (~213 × 129 mm), depth ~24 mm.
- Power draw: +12 V = ~200 mA, –12 V = ~110 mA
Pricing
| Version | EUR Price | Approx. AUD | Approx. USD | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assembled Module | €681.95 | ~AUD 1,227 | ~USD 791 | ~GBP 586 |
| Full DIY Kit | €438.05 | ~AUD 789 | ~USD 508 | ~GBP 377 |
| PCB + Panel (SMD pre-soldered) | €213.66 | ~AUD 384 | ~USD 248 | ~GBP 184 |
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Analog Eurorack Synth Voice with Digital Routing & Patch Storage |
| Oscillators | 2 × Analog VCOs (multiple waveforms) |
| Routing System | “DNA” 16-bit digitally controlled routing (65,000+ combinations) |
| Patch Storage | 64 slots (8 banks × 8) |
| Modulation | 2 × VCLFOs, Random Voltage Source, Configurable Envelope (AD/AR/LFO) |
| Filter | Multimode (LP, BP, HP, AP), CV-controllable |
| Effects | CMOS Delay (CV time, mix, feedback) |
| VCAs | 2 internal VCAs for modulation strength control |
| MIDI Support | MIDI In (TRS), with Pitch CV + Gate out |
| Form Factor | 42 HP × 3U (~213 × 129 mm), depth 24 mm |
| Power Draw | +12 V: ~200 mA, –12 V: ~110 mA |
| Release Date | Shipping starts 18 September 2025 |
| Price | $649 (or $430 for DIY kit + other options) |
Link: https://cubusynth.com/products/cubusynth-arkarion
Wunderkammer Wo0.1
The Wunderkammer WoO.1 (pronounced “woo-one”) is a portable, battery-powered sampler and looper designed for on-the-go music creation. It combines a compact, retro-styled interface with seven creative modes—including sampling, looping, finger drumming, MIDI control, and even a “music game”—in a device reminiscent of Teenage Engineering designs but built for instant musical inspiration.
Feature List
- 7 Creative Modes: Looper, Sampler, Music Composition, Finger Drum (Scissor-Switch keys), Keyboard (with built-in instruments), Music Game (play-along), MIDI mode
- Sampler & Looper:
- 44.1 kHz / 16-bit stereo sampling
- Built-in mic (no external audio input)
- Drag-and-drop sample import via USB, resampling, unlimited track layers, Save/Undo, single-track FX mixing
- 161 Built-in Sounds: 140 samples + 14 grooves + 7 “Wunder Tracks”
- Effects: Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass filters; Pitch Shifter; Arpeggiator with quantize
- Groove Chaining: Save loops into Grooves and connect up to 16 Grooves (32 bars) to build larger compositions
- Wunder Mode: LED-guided play with customizable MIDI visuals and social media sharing
- Connectivity:
- USB-C for charging and MIDI integration with DAWs
- 3.5 mm headphone output; built-in speaker
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours with headphones, ≈ 5 hours using built-in speaker
- Physical Specs:
- Size: 245 × 77 × 13.5 mm
- Weight: 283.8 g
- Storage & Updates:
- 247 MB internal flash (~24 min of audio)
- Firmware upgradable via USB
- Included in Package: WoO.1 device, USB-C to USB-C cable, User Guide; optional desktop app for sample management and firmware updates
Release Date & Pricing
- Kickstarter Launch: August 19, 2025
- Pre-order Pricing:
- Early Bird via Kickstarter: around US $319 (later $359)
- Regular Retail Price: approximately US $429
- Deposit Offer: A US $3 deposit on the site secures up to 35% off (saving $150), plus VIP perks and mystery gift
Approximate Currency Conversions for US $429 (as of August 2025):
- AUD: ~ 690 AUD
- EUR: ~ 370 EUR (e.g. 429 USD ≈ 369.90 EUR)
- GBP: ~ 317 GBP (e.g. 429 USD ≈ 317.28 GBP)
(Note: These are approximate mid-market rates at the time; actual transaction rates may vary.)
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Wunderkammer WoO.1 (portable sampler & looper) |
| Release Date | August 19, 2025 (Kickstarter launch) |
| Early Bird Price | ~US $319 – $359 |
| Retail Price | ~US $429 |
| Approx. AUD | ≈ 690 AUD |
| Approx. EUR | ≈ 370 EUR |
| Approx. GBP | ≈ 317 GBP |
| Deposit Offer | $3 deposit = up to 35% off + VIP perks |
| Modes | Looper, Sampler, Music Composition, Finger Drum, Keyboard, Music Game, MIDI |
| Sampling | 44.1 kHz / 16-bit stereo, built-in mic, drag-and-drop USB import, resampling |
| Sounds | 161 built-in (140 samples, 14 grooves, 7 tracks) |
| Effects | Filters (LP/HP/BP), Pitch Shifter, Arpeggiator |
| Groove Chaining | Up to 16 grooves (32 bars) for full compositions |
| Special Mode | Wunder Mode — LED-guided MIDI play & performance visuals |
| Connectivity | USB-C (power + MIDI), 3.5 mm output, built-in speaker |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hrs (headphones), ~5 hrs (speaker) |
| Storage | 247 MB (≈ 24 min audio), firmware upgradable |
| Size & Weight | 245 × 77 × 13.5 mm, 283.8 g |
| In the Box | WoO.1 unit, USB-C cable, User Guide |
Link: https://wunderkammertech.com/
Caveman Modules Totem Pole Multimode VCF
The Totem Pole Multimode VCF by Caveman Modules (a collaboration between Michigan Synth Works and Neutron Sound) is a compact, Eurorack-compatible analog multimode filter module. It offers generous sonic flexibility via 16 distinct filter modes inspired by Roland classics, enhanced tone shaping through drive, and expressive control via multiple CV inputs.
Features
- Multimode Filter with 16 Roland-inspired filter modes, selectable via an A/B system:
- Modes include combinations of 24 dB LPF, 18 dB LPF, 12 dB LPF, 6 dB LPF, 12 dB HPF, 18 dB HPF, 24 dB BPF, 12 dB BPF, notch, all-pass, and mixes thereof
- Massive drive control for saturating or overdriven textures
- CV Inputs:
- CV via attenuator
- CV via attenuverter
- V/Oct control with half and negative-half scaling, enabling filter tracking as a sine oscillator
- Form Factor & Power:
- Width: 12HP
- Depth: 25 mm
- Current Draw: +12 V at 20 mA; –12 V at 10 mA
Pricing
From the Michigan Synth Works pre-order page:
- USD – US $129.00 (Regular price)
- GBP – UK price listed at £114.99, as per Juno Records (UK supplier)
- EUR – ~ €120
- AUD – ~ A$200
(Note: These are rough estimates; final street prices may vary based on dealer, VAT, duties, and exchange fluctuations.)
Release Date
- Pre-order is open now, with a 5 % discount applied automatically at checkout
- Shipping expected in September 2025 (listed as “Modules will ship Sept 2025”)
- Multiple sources refer to availability in Fall 2025, with some referencing “Fall 2025” or “Summer 2025” broadly
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Caveman Modules Totem Pole Multimode VCF |
| Type | Eurorack multimode analog filter |
| Filter Modes | 16 total – combinations of LPF (6–24 dB), HPF (12–24 dB), BPF (12–24 dB), notch, all-pass, hybrids (A/B selectable) |
| Drive | Dedicated control for saturation/overdrive |
| CV Inputs | Attenuator CV, Attenuverter CV, V/Oct with half & negative scaling |
| Form Factor | 12HP wide, 25 mm deep |
| Power Draw | +12V @ 20mA, –12V @ 10mA |
| Price (USD) | $129.00 (pre-order) |
| Price (GBP) | £114.99 |
| Price (EUR) | ~€120 (estimated) |
| Price (AUD) | ~A$200 (estimated) |
| Availability | Pre-order open now (5% discount applied at checkout) |
| Release Date | Shipping September 2025 |
Arcaico Instruments Virgo
The Virgo from Arcaico Instruments is a versatile tone generator and VCO designed for Eurorack modular systems. Compact yet powerful, it delivers five different waveform outputs including a unique MORPH mode, expanding sonic possibilities beyond traditional oscillator design. With cross-modulation, PWM, and hard sync, the Virgo offers rich tonal shaping for both melodic and experimental patches. Its stable 1V/oct tracking across 8 octaves ensures precision, while the ability to drop into LFO ranges makes it equally effective as a modulation source. At just 8HP wide, it is a feature-packed oscillator suited to both small and large systems.
Key Features
- Double cross-modulation for input and output
- Five waveform outputs: four classics + MORPH output
- Waveform modulation input
- PWM (pulse-width modulation)
- Stable 1 V/oct tracking over 8 octaves
- Hard sync input
- MORPH selector switch, CV input, and CV output
- Functions as an LFO at low frequencies
- Compact: 8 HP wide, 35 mm deep
- Power consumption: +12 V @ 30 mA, –12 V @ 30 mA
Pricing
- €140 EUR (official price)
- ~$150 USD
- ~$230 AUD
- ~£120 GBP
(Approximate conversions as of August 2025 — actual may vary.)
Release Date
No official release date has been listed by Arcaico Instruments.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Arcaico Instruments Virgo – Tone Generator VCO |
| Description | A compact 8HP Eurorack oscillator with five outputs (including a unique MORPH mode), cross-modulation, PWM, hard sync, and LFO capabilities. Tracks 1V/oct over 8 octaves with precision. |
| Features | – Double cross-modulation (input & output)- 5 outputs: 4 classic waveforms + MORPH- Waveform modulation input- PWM modulation- 1 V/oct tracking (8 octaves)- Hard sync input- MORPH selector, CV input & output- LFO operation at low frequencies- Compact: 8 HP, 35 mm deep- Power: +12 V @ 30 mA / –12 V @ 30 mA |
| Width / Depth | 8 HP / 35 mm |
| Power | +12 V 30 mA / –12 V 30 mA |
| Price | €140 EUR / ~$150 USD / ~$230 AUD / ~£120 GBP |
| Release Date | Not officially published |
Link: https://www.arcaico.eu/prodotto/virgo-tone-generator-vco/
Any Sub (dual self-powered sub oscillator)
This is a dual sub-oscillator unit (producing –1 octave and –2 octave signals × two). It can be used as a handheld device or as an 8 HP Eurorack module—in the latter format, you get a total of four sub-oscillators. Notably, these modules are self-powered by the waveform you feed into them, needing no conventional power supply. They utilize CMOS circuitry for their function.
I’d like volunteers to test this module in their setup before I release the schematic, production files, and BOM (Bill of Materials). I describe this as an EDI (Equitable DIY Initiative) module—it’s intended to be free, but I ask you to donate to Women’s Audio Mission and/or The Trevor Project if you build one. Commercial use requires donations proportionate to the number of modules sold. More details will be provided when the production files become available.
Feature List
- Dual sub-oscillator: output at –1 octave and –2 octaves, times two
- Configurable as handheld device or 8 HP Eurorack module (yielding four sub-oscillators in Eurorack)
- Self-powered—requires only the audio waveform as input, no external power needed
- Based on CMOS logic components (“CMOS magic”)
- Free to build, with donation-based ethical usage policy (EDI module)
Pricing
The page does not list any pricing or indicate that it’s sold commercially. It appears to be intended for DIY use, with no fixed price — instead, the creator requests donations to charitable organizations if you build one, and donations tied to commercial use if selling any modules.
Therefore, exact pricing in AUD, USD, EUR, or GBP is not provided, since this is not a product being sold but rather a DIY design with a donation-based ethos.
Release Date
The page does not provide a publication or release date for the Any Sub module. It appears to be a work-in-progress release, only offering a proof-of-concept video and images for initial testing, with schematics yet to come. No specific dates are mentioned.
Summary Table
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | any sub (dual self-powered sub oscillator) |
| Format | Handheld unit or 8 HP Eurorack module |
| Sub-oscillators | Dual: –1 octave & –2 octaves × 2 (handheld); four outputs in Eurorack |
| Power | Self-powered via input waveform |
| Technology | CMOS logic circuitry |
| Price | Free design, donation-based—no fixed price (AUD, USD, EUR, GBP not specified) |
| Ethos | EDI module — free to build; donation to Women’s Audio Mission and/or The Trevor Project requested; commercial use donations scaled per unit sold |
| Release Date | Not specified; schematic/files pending after testing phase |
Link: https://maffez.com/?page_id=5247
Pladask Elektrisk Stereo Dradd
The Stereo Dradd is an experimental time-based audio processor designed for the Eurorack modular synth system. It manipulates audio through techniques such as granular synthesis, modified sample playback, and tapped delay lines, resulting in synthetic, ambient, and otherworldly textures.
Pladask Elektrisk are a Norwegian company based in Bergen and have been in operation for just over 10 years. The Stereo Dradd began it’s origins as a guitar pedal the Fabrikat.
Key Features
Three Selectable Modes:
- Grain – Granular time-stretch with a lo-fi, smeared sound aesthetic.
- TDL – Tap-delay-line mode offering crunchy, delay-network, or reverb-like textures; includes a shape knob to blend among three modes (decay, gate, reverse).
- Tape – Sample playback with pitch-shifting, reverse, octave effects, and a rand knob to randomize forward/reverse playback.
Parameter Controls:
- Clock – Modulates the overall character (e.g. longer grains at lower clock speeds).
- Loop – Adds feedback/decay and enhances experimentation.
- Mod – Introduces jitter or wobble for organic variation.\
Connectivity:
- Stereo I/O, including a sum output for mono collapse.
- CV inputs for modulating loop, mod, clock, and the two main parameters.
Physical & Electrical Specs (from official site):
- Current Draw: +12 V: 200 mA; –12 V: 40 mA.
- Rack Size: 12 HP, 3U; Depth: 28 mm internal, 23 mm external.
- Weight: approx. 0.15 kg.
- Dimensions: 12.8 cm × 5.1 cm × 6.05 cm.
Pricing
| Currency | Price |
|---|---|
| USD | $285 |
| AUD | ~$440.50 |
| EUR | ~€245.80 |
| GBP | ~£214.10 |
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 20, 2025, at 22:00 CET |
| Format / Type | Eurorack stereo experimental time-based audio processor |
| Processing Modes | Grain, TDL (tap-delay-line), Tape |
| Key Controls | Clock, Loop, Mod; plus shape knob (TDL), rand/oct (Tape) |
| CV Inputs / I/O | Clock, Loop, Mod, two parameter CV inputs; stereo I/O + sum output |
| Current Draw | +12 V: 200 mA; –12 V: 40 mA |
| Rack Size / Weight | 12 HP, 3U; 28 mm internal / 23 mm external depth; ~0.15 kg |
| Price | USD 285; approx. AUD 440.5, EUR 245.8, GBP 214.1 |
| Availability | First batch sold out shortly after release; documentation post-launch |
Link: https://pladaskelektrisk.com/product/stereo-dradd/
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| Yamaha CS-80 | https://soundgas.com/products/yamaha-cs-80-jl-for-sale |
| Roland System 700 | https://soundgas.com/products/roland-system-700-lab-for-sale-00001412 |
| Roland MC-202 | https://tidd.ly/4n2fHEW |
| Roland JV-1000 | https://ebay.us/LPFDUw |
| Korg Polysix | https://ebay.us/Bu34eX |
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 …..
