Synth Geekery 353

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In episode 353 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:

News

1. Tubbutec TR-8oh8

Overview

The Tubbutec TR-8oh8 is a hardware CPU and MIDI upgrade modification designed for the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine as well as exact 1:1 hardware replicas like the Din Sync RE-808. Developed by Tubbutec, this mod transforms the vintage 1980s rhythm composer into a modern performance powerhouse, injecting advanced sequencing, probability, pattern generation, and comprehensive MIDI control directly into the original hardware without sacrificing its signature analog warmth.

Key Features

  • Full MIDI Integration: Adds MIDI IN and OUT ports with velocity sensitivity for triggering internal sounds externally and sequencing external gear.
  • 4-Level Step Velocity: Enables step-by-step programming with four dynamic levels, configurable across single or multiple steps simultaneously.
  • Generative Pattern Engine: Includes an algorithmic pattern generator with 12 selectable styles.
  • Real-Time Performance Effects: On-the-fly play modes including Mute, Reslicer, Arpeggiator (with Euclidean mode), Repetition (8 modes), and Probability settings.
  • Enhanced Sound Control: Adds pitch/spread adjustability for the cowbell, muted claves/rimshots, a secondary clap, click head, and additional cymbal parameters.
  • Live Pattern Manipulation: Non-destructive highlight/editing mode allows altering or copying patterns while another pattern is playing.

Pricing

  • USD: ~$199 – $249 (Estimated / TBA at launch)
  • EUR: ~€180 – €220 (Estimated / TBA at launch)
  • GBP: ~£150 – £190 (Estimated / TBA at launch)
  • AUD: ~A$300 – A$370 (Estimated / TBA at launch)

2. ModPod Controller

Overview

The ModPod Controller is an ultra-compact, portable MIDI expression controller built specifically for mobile music producers, electronic artists, and synth performers. Designed to sit seamlessly alongside a laptop or compact hardware setup, ModPod distills core tactile performance controls—pitch bending, modulation, sustain, aftertouch, and macro tweaking—into a rugged, lightweight desktop unit.

Key Features

  • Dedicated Tactile Controls: Smooth pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, pressure-sensitive aftertouch pad, and two assignable macro knobs.
  • Versatile Sustain Modes: Dedicated sustain button supporting three operational behaviors: Latch, Smart, and Tight.
  • Flexible Connectivity: USB-C port for computer/device connection and dual 3.5mm TRS MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling standalone hardware.
  • Fully Programmable: Every parameter and control is fully remappable using the dedicated software CONFIG tool.
  • Mobile Ready: Bus-powered design that fits into any gig bag for streamlined desktop or on-the-go production.

Pricing

  • USD: $189.95
  • EUR: €149.95
  • GBP: £129.95
  • AUD: A$289.00

3. Vaemi Synterra

Overview

The Vaemi Synterra is a bio-interactive generative synthesizer that bridges organic environments and electronic sound generation. By measuring variations in surrounding electrical/magnetic fields, moisture, light, and conductivity from living organisms (such as plants, fungi, fruits, or human touch), Synterra translates bio-signals into dynamic algorithmic melodies and generative soundscapes. It functions both as an autonomous standalone synthesizer and as a generative MIDI controller.

Key Features

  • Bio-Interactive & Surface Sensing: Converts signals from organic materials, plants, soil, light, and touch resistance into musical control data.
  • 9 Internal Sound Engines: Built-in synthesizer engine offering subtractive, wavetable, resonator, Karplus-Strong physical modeling, drum, and noise modes.
  • Generative Music Engine: Integrated quantizer and probability structures with 8 scale choices, 1 to 5 voice polyphony, and a 5-octave adjustable range.
  • Environmental Self-Calibration: Automatically samples ambient magnetic fields upon power-up to establish a unique baseline reference for every session.
  • Full MIDI & Sync Support: USB-MIDI and 3.5mm MIDI In/Out; play internal sounds manually via external MIDI or send bio-generative patterns to external synths/DAWs.
  • Portable Power: Operates via USB or batteries for outdoor field work, nature recordings, and mobile performance.

Pricing

  • USD: $119.00 (Special Pre-Order: $99.00)
  • EUR: €110.00 (Pre-Order: ~€90.00)
  • GBP: £95.00 (Pre-Order: ~£80.00)
  • AUD: A$180.00 *(Pre-Order: ~A$150.00)*

4. Hampshire Electronics Vulcan Mk2

Overview

The Hampshire Electronics Vulcan Mk2 is a feature-packed 37 HP Eurorack module that combines an 8-voice polyphonic analog engine with dual 8-voice digital synthesis slots and a stereo effects section. Highly flexible and multitimbral, the Vulcan Mk2 allows synth users to reconfigure its voice structure on the fly, bridging true analog warmth with digital synthesis algorithms (such as FM and physical modeling) inside a single Eurorack chassis.

Key Features

  • Reconfigurable Analog Architecture: Operates as an 8-voice polysynth (1 OSC/voice), 4-voice polysynth (2 OSC/voice), 2-voice (4 OSC/voice), or an 8-oscillator monophonic beast.
  • Dual Digital Engine Slots: Two independent digital slots (producing up to 16 digital voices total) running 6-operator FM, wavetable, modal, tuned-noise, or Karplus-Strong modeling.
  • Extensive Modular CV Matrix: 4 dedicated pitch CV/Gate input pairs for multi-part polyphonic modular sequencing alongside direct zero-latency analog modulation CV inputs.
  • MIDI & Patch Storage: Full 5-pin MIDI support with multitimbral split/layer capabilities and 99 patch memory locations for saving complex sounds.
  • Stereo Processing: Built-in expandable stereo effects engine to process internal analog and digital layers.

Pricing

  • USD: $801.00
  • EUR: €453.95 (Base / standard module rating)
  • GBP: £395.00
  • AUD: A$1,220.00

5. Serge Modular JHaible TAU Phaser

Overview

The Serge Modular JHaible TAU Phaser (produced by Random*Source) brings Jürgen Haible’s legendary 18-pole phase shifter adaptation of the rare 1970s Tau “The Pipe” Flanger into the 18 HP Eurorack format. Known for its rich, liquid spatial phasing and intense resonant capabilities, this skiff-friendly module goes far beyond standard 4- or 8-stage phasers, capable of everything from subtle movement to wild self-oscillation and sci-fi textures.

Key Features

  • 18-Pole Analog Circuitry: Ultra-deep 18-stage phase shifting for unique frequency smearing and lush spatial movement.
  • Pseudo-Stereo Output: Dual audio outputs (Normal and Alternative) create a wide 3D space from a mono input signal.
  • Extended Voltage Control: Features dedicated 1V/Oct and inverted -1V/Oct inputs, plus a variable CV input with attenuverter for simultaneous modulation.
  • Onboard LFO & Resonance: Built-in LFO with Rate and Depth controls; Feedback control pushes the unit into self-oscillation for raw synth tone generation.
  • Tone Shaping Switches: Includes a Smooth/Hard switch to prevent LFO clicking and a Normal/Color switch to invert the effect signal spectrum.

Pricing

  • USD: $399.99
  • EUR: €369.00
  • GBP: £320.00
  • AUD: A$679.00

Price Watch

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

* As an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 …..