Synth Geekery 318
In episode 318 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
Xaoc Devices Zlin
The Xaoc Devices Zlin is a compact Eurorack module that functions as a voltage-controlled crossfader, linear VCA, ducking VCA, and feedback controller. Designed for both audio and CV applications, it enables creative mixing, modulation, and dynamic control within modular systems. Built around a modern high-quality dual VCA chip, it offers low noise, wide dynamic range, and LED visual feedback.
Features
- Voltage and manually controlled crossfader
- Linear, DC-coupled VCA with drone and duck functions
- Feedback controller mode
- LED-lit slider for mix indication
- AUX jack with three selectable patching functions
- Reverse power protection
- Compact: 3HP width, 32mm depth
- Current draw: +25mA / -25mA
Summary Table
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Crossfader / VCA Utility Module |
| Functions | Audio & CV crossfade, drone VCA, ducking, feedback control |
| Control | Manual and CV control |
| Visuals | LED slider indicator |
| Size | 3HP wide, 32mm deep |
| Power | +25mA / -25mA |
| Coupling | DC-coupled |
| Build | Modern dual VCA chip |
| Protection | Reverse power protection |
| Compatibility | Eurorack (3U format) |
Estimated Prices
| Currency | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| USD | $95 |
| EUR | €89 |
| GBP | £75 |
| AUD | $145 |
Link: https://xaocdevices.com/main/zlin/
Error Instruments Indian Resonator (Standalone)
The Indian Resonator by Error Instruments is a hybrid sound device that bridges the line between oscillator and resonator, designed for creating rich, organic, and evolving tones. Originally released as a Eurorack module, it is now also available in a standalone version.
It features two self-oscillating resonant filters that modulate and feed back into each other, producing dynamic harmonic interactions. The sound ranges from deep sub-bass to airy, flute-like resonances. It can function as both a melodic or percussive voice—ideal for experimental, ambient, and textural sound design.
The standalone version expands on the Eurorack design with light-controlled modulation oscillators, allowing expressive control via hand movements or external CV signals.
Overall, the Indian Resonator delivers an experimental instrument full of character, non-linearity, and sonic depth.
Key Features
- Dual self-oscillating resonant filters with interactive feedback.
- Produces tones from deep bass to flute-like resonances.
- Trigger input and low-pass gate (LPG) output (in Eurorack version).
- CV inputs for modulation of multiple parameters.
- Three light-controlled modulation oscillators (in standalone version).
- Eurorack compatible even in standalone form.
- Compact module format (approx. 8 HP wide, 30 mm deep).
- Ideal for sound design, ambient, and experimental applications.
- Encourages exploration with non-linear feedback behaviour.
Summary Table
| Version | USD (approx.) | EUR (approx.) | GBP (approx.) | AUD (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Resonator (module) | $165 | €152 | £130 | A$248 | Typical retail for Eurorack version |
| Indian Resonator v4 (alt. listing) | $190 | €175 | £157 | A$283 | Slightly higher UK pricing |
| Indian Resonator (standalone) | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | Announced Oct 2025, price pending |
Steady State Gate Stereo Field
The Steady State Gate Stereo Field (SSGSF) from Steady State Fate (SSF) is a stereo low-pass gate (LPG) module designed to merge filtering, timbre shaping, and stereo spatial control into one creative sound tool. It delivers dynamic tone sculpting, spatial field modulation, and mid-side processing for expressive sound design in Eurorack systems.
Key Features
- True stereo design with mid-side processing for both stereo and mono inputs
- Dynamic timbre and Qaos controls for detailed tone shaping
- Two “FIELD” modes for psychoacoustic stereo enhancement and panning
- CV/Gate LPG control for rhythmic and performance modulation
- Excite input for responsive percussive dynamics
- Compact 10HP module with shallow 23mm depth
- Power draw: ±120mA
Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Stereo Low-Pass Gate |
| Width | 10HP |
| Depth | 23mm |
| Current Draw | ±120mA |
| Inputs/Outputs | Stereo/Mono |
| Control Inputs | CV/Gate, Excite |
| Field Modes | 2 (Stereo enhancement/panning) |
Pricing (approximate conversions)
Base price: $369 USD
| Currency | Price |
|---|---|
| USD | $369 |
| EUR | €345 |
| GBP | £295 |
| AUD | $575 |
Link: https://steadystatefate.com/products/steady-state-gate-stereo-field
TipTopAudio Resonator
The Tiptop Audio Resonator is an analog Eurorack module that recreates the legendary Polymoog Resonator from 1975. It provides voltage control over every parameter, giving modern modular users the lush, organic filtering and tonal shaping of the original hardware in a compact format. Designed as an end-of-chain effect, it excels with polyphonic patches, drums, samples, and even full mixes.
With selectable frequency ranges, multiple gain stages, emphasis CV with limiter, and a bypass switch, the module delivers deep control and character while maintaining a clean analog signal path—free of digital noise or LED interference.
Key Features
- Faithful recreation of the classic Polymoog Resonator (1975)
- Fully analog circuitry for clean, noise-free performance
- Voltage control over all parameters
- Selectable frequency ranges per resonator band
- Multiple gain stages for dynamic tonal shaping
- Emphasis CV input with built-in limiter
- Bypass switch for quick signal comparison
- Compact 16HP module size
- Ideal for polyphonic setups, samples, drums, and mix processing
Specifications & Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Analog Voltage-Controlled Resonator |
| Inspiration | Based on Polymoog Resonator (1975) |
| Width | 16HP |
| Depth | 40mm |
| Power Consumption | +12V 75mA / -12V 70mA |
| CV Inputs | Frequency, Emphasis, Gain |
| Special Features | Selectable frequency range, limiter, bypass |
| Use Cases | End-of-chain effect, drum/synth processing, tonal shaping |
Estimated Prices
| Currency | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| USD | $199 |
| EUR | €189 |
| GBP | £165 |
| AUD | $315 |
Link: https://tiptopaudio.com/resonator/
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
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 …..
