Synth Geekery 326

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In episode 326 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:

Meme of the week was “music production” with 7 votes on the show.

News

GLT Audio PM-80

The GLT Audio PM-80 is a boutique, CS-80-inspired MIDI controller with 75 Alps faders, a ribbon controller, and open-source firmware, designed for hands-on control of Yamaha CS-80 software emulations (like Arturia, Cherry Audio) but fully mappable to any VST/DMX, featuring a slim metal enclosure, USB/MIDI OUT, and optional magnetic overlays for different mappings, with expected pricing around €499 and initial production starting mid-2026.

Key Features:

  • Faders: 75 high-quality, silk-smooth 30mm Alps faders (no detents).
  • Ribbon Controller: 30cm long, outputs MIDI and CV/Gate.
  • Switches: 6 waveform toggle switches, 3 slide switches, 1 special switch for 75 extra CCs.
  • Connectivity: MIDI OUT and USB.
  • Firmware: Open-source for user customization.
  • Enclosure: Slim, tabletop metal design.
  • Design: Dutch-designed and assembled.
  • Versatility: Use with magnetic overlays for VSTs (CS-80, general MIDI) or DMX lighting.

Price: €499

Link: https://www.gijsleijdekkers.nl/gltaudio/

The Usual Suspects JE-8086

The Usual Suspects’ JE-8086 is a groundbreaking, free, DSP-level emulation of the Roland JP-8000 (and JP-8080), achieved by reverse-engineering the original Roland hardware’s chipset for near-perfect, bit-accurate sound, including the iconic SuperSaw, requiring users to supply their own legally obtained original ROM file for operation. This virtual clone aims for hardware authenticity, offering classic trance sounds with a familiar interface, and is available for major DAWs (VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2) on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Key Features & Details:

  • DSP-Level Emulation: Goes beyond algorithmic emulation by recreating the original hardware’s DSP chip (Toshiba TC170C140), making it extremely authentic.
  • Authentic SuperSaw: The secret to the SuperSaw’s sound (7 naive saw waves, high-pass filter, specific sample rate) was revealed, allowing for accurate reproduction.
  • Hardware-like Interface: Features a user interface closely resembling the JP-8080, preserving the original’s look and feel.
  • Requires Original ROM: Users must provide their own legally acquired JP-8000/8080 ROM file (or update .MID files) to run it.
  • Formats: Supports VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2 for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Performance: Designed for CPU efficiency, with testers suggesting it can run multiple instances

Price: Free – Open Source

Link: https://dsp56300.wordpress.com/je8086/

Price Watch

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

SynthLink
Korg MicroKorg Bluehttps://ebay.us/EWVjks
Roland SH-01A Bluehttps://ebay.us/6ZGT3b
Sequential Pro Onehttps://ebay.us/Q4wM6s
Korg Univox Mini Korg K2https://ebay.us/mopFiJ

Saturday Sonority

This week’s Saturday Sonority we might talking about …..