Synth Geekery 323

In episode 323 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

Rides in the storm QSQ

Key Features

  • 8-Track Sequencing: Dedicated CV (0–10V) and Gate (0/5V) outputs for all 8 tracks.
  • Deep Step Control: Per-step control over note, gate length (0-64), microtiming, probability, and glide.
  • Performance Interface: 17 endless rotary encoders for tactile control over parameters.
  • Flexible Play Modes: Includes Normal, Reverse, Random, and Ping Pong modes per track.
  • Advanced Rhythm: Supports Polymeters (1-64 steps per track) and Polyrhythms (variable clock dividers).
  • Euclidean Generator: Built-in Euclidean pattern generation for instant rhythmic complexity.
  • MIDI Integration:
    • USB MIDI to Host.
    • TRS MIDI In/Out (Switchable Type A/B).
    • Functions as a comprehensive MIDI-to-CV interface (Polyphony adjustable 1-8 voices).
  • Modulation: Additional CV modulation options per track including Decay Envelopes, LFOs, and VCA envelopes.
  • Song Mode: Chain up to 16 patterns into songs; adjust tempo and pattern length per song.
  • Memory: Flash memory stores up to 256 patterns (16 banks of 16 patterns) with auto-save functionality.

More details here: https://ranzee.com/native-instruments-absynth-6/

Price: $499

Buy it here:Manufacturer’s website:
Perfect CircuitRiders in the Storm

OXI E16

Key Features

  • 16 High-Resolution Encoders: Endless push encoders with customizable LED rings for immediate visual feedback.
  • Premium Build: Anodized all-aluminum unibody design that is both durable and portable.
  • OLED Display: Provides real-time information on parameter names, values, and routing.
  • Deep Mapping: Organize controls into 12 pages with 16 controls per page, allowing for massive template creation.
  • Creative Performance Modes:
    • Frame & Morph: Capture snapshots of all parameters and morph between them for dynamic transitions.
    • Record & Replay: Record knob gestures to add human movement to your sound design.
    • Group & Command: Map a single encoder to drive multiple parameters simultaneously (macro control).
  • Universal Connectivity:
    • USB-C (Power & Data)
    • MIDI TRS In/Out (Type A/B switchable)
    • Bluetooth MIDI (Wireless control)
  • Editor Software: Comes with a dedicated configuration app to easily map CCs, NRPNs, and program presets.

More details here: https://ranzee.com/oxi-e16/

Price: $499

Link: https://oxiinstruments.com/oxi-e16

Buy it here:Manufacturer’s website:
Thomann or Perfect CircuitOXI

Tiptop Audio TRIAX8

Key Features

  • 8-Voice True Polyphony: A fully analog signal path offering eight independent voices.
  • Dual VCO Architecture: Each voice consists of two analog oscillators, totaling 16 VCOs in the module.
  • Multi-Waveform Mixing: Capable of producing up to 10 waveforms simultaneously, with dedicated mix knobs for blending standard waves and a unique XOR waveform.
  • Through-Zero Linear FM: State-of-the-art frequency modulation that maintains tuning stability even at high modulation depths.
  • ART Protocol Integration: High-speed, low-jitter note control with precise tuning and scalable high-resolution pitch bend (MPE-compatible).
  • Polytip Connectivity: Uses Tiptop’s new Polytip jacks for single-cable polyphonic patching of audio and modulation.
  • Deep Modulation: Features internal cross-oscillator hard and soft sync with up to 9 combinations.
  • Comprehensive I/O: Individual 3.5mm outputs for all 8 voices and 8 gates, plus a main Mix Out for instant drone or unison sounds.
  • Voice Management: Built-in voice manager handles note allocation dynamics.
  • Sub-Oscillator: VCO1 includes sub-oscillators for added low-end weight.

More details here: https://ranzee.com/tiptop-audio-triax8/

Price: $1089

Buy it here:Manufacturer’s website:
Perfect CircuitTiptop Audio

Native Instruments Absynth 6

Key Features

  • Hybrid Semi-Modular Engine: Three oscillator channels that can mix and match between Subtractive, FM, Wavetable, and Granular synthesis.
  • The Mutator: A new intelligent randomisation tool that allows you to morph between presets or generate entirely new variations instantly.
  • Advanced Modulation: The famous 68-point envelope system returns, now with better visual feedback, looping, and breakpoint curves for complex, evolving rhythmic motion.
  • Creative Effects: Includes the Aetherizer (granular effect) and Cloud Filter (spectral motion) which can be used to process external audio or internal sounds.
  • MPE & Polyphonic Aftertouch: Full support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), allowing for per-note pitch, timbre, and amplitude modulation—perfect for controllers like the Osmose or Seaboard.
  • Surround Sound Ready: Native support for up to 8-channel surround formats (Quad, 5.1, Octaphonic), allowing you to place individual effects and oscillators in 360-degree space.
  • Visual Browser: A new AI-assisted browser that arranges presets by “feel” and sonic relationship.
  • Massive Library: Over 2,000 factory presets, including 350 brand-new patches created by top sound designers.

More info here: https://ranzee.com/native-instruments-absynth-6/

Price: $199 ($99 via upgrade)

Buy it here:Manufacturer’s website:
Plugin BoutiqueNative Instruments

Other products:

ProductImageVideoManufacturer’s website
ginTronic TransparentSeahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN3V8EcSQXshttps://gintronic.io/
EMW WCS-Xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHoyu7wWdyQhttps://www.electronicmusicworks.com/
GLX BALSAMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTRuP7DSFYQhttps://www.glx.ltd/

Price Watch

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

Synth/ItemLink
Juno 60https://ebay.us/p99kRE
The SpaceBasshttps://ebay.us/96y6sa
EML 101https://ebay.us/RvN6gz
Oberheim DSXhttps://ebay.us/JlCC7U
Roland V-Synthhttps://ebay.us/Bw0bAg

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 …..