The Rack Pack

Welcome back to The Rack Pack, a modular synthesizer podcast. In this episode, the entire Pack sits down with techno artist SURCO for a deep dive into his workflow, approach to live sets, the gear he can’t live without, and how he keeps things fresh in a genre that thrives on subtle evolution. SURCO LinksInstagram:  @surcolive  YouTube:   @surcolive  Website: http://surcolive.comSURCO's modular courses: https://www.surcolive.com/coursesOther Show LinksXAOC Odessa: https://xaocdevices.com/main/odessa/Elektron Tonverk: https://www.elektron.se/explore/tonverkMEGA x Decapod Bathymeter: https://www.megamodular.co/shop/p/bat...Shakmat Griffin's Claw: https://shakmat.com/products/griffin-...Ohmforce Bohm:

In this episode, (most of) the Pack welcomes musician, writer, neuroscientist, and YouTuber Jay Hosking into the fold. Jay isn’t just someone who makes beautiful synthesizer music. He also somehow manages to energize a whole creative ecosystem through his thoughtful YouTube videos, generous insights, and a buzzing Discord community devoted to experimentation and encouragement. We get into the good stuff here. The conversation flows from how the brain wires up ideas, to how we wire up our racks, to the eternal struggle of managing too much gear, to the hopes and wild possibilities of Eurorack’s future. This episode is a ride through music, mindset, and the joy of making sound together. Jay Hosking LinksYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayHoskingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhoskingBandcamp: https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com Other Show LinksCinematic Laboratory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUIrEQUXmqoForge-tme Vhikk X: https://forge-tme.com/vhikk-xJay's video on the Elektron Tonverk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov8Hkqz-vWk

In this episode of The Rack Pack, the crew dives into a packed month of gear news and announcements shaking up the synth world. We start with Elektron’s much-anticipated Tonverk, unpacking what it adds to their growing ecosystem and how it might fit into existing setups. Then we move to Roland’s TR-1000, the company’s latest evolution of their legendary drum machines — and we debate whether it lives up to the hype. Along the way, we touch on several other notable releases and updates that caught our attention, including Drop, the new MIDI controller from Neuzeit Instruments. We also relive the energy of Machina Bristronica, one of the year’s biggest modular meetups. From crowded demo tables to late-night patch jams, we share the highlights, our favorite announcements from the show, and some personal stories from the floor.

Join us as we record on location in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg during Knobcon 2025. We speak about our experiences and we catch some passers-by, including YouTubers Metamyther and JAde Wii, to chime with their thoughts,

It's September and the Pack is off to KnobCon! We preview the Chicagoland synth camp and talk about what we are excited to see and do in Illinois this coming weekend.

Welcome to episode 06 of The Rack Pack 🎛 Today we've got Ali Modular in the house and we're talking everything Esu's Trifecta – the new triple FX engine from Ali the Architect and Chris Roberts.In this episode, we break past the 1 hour mark for the first time and talk about:Ali and Chris' separate and unique avenues into modular synthesisthe trials and tribulation of learning to develop a modulehow Ali and Chris linked up for Ali Modular (skills that complement)modbap workflows, where does the MPC sit in a hybrid studiolearning about Esu, the trickster god of the Yorubainspiration for Esu's panel design (custom printed aluminum)effects algorithms, Marvel naming, and the arch nemesis to Magnetohow Ali and Chris decided to build a triple FX engine as their first modulethe importance of being excited about your own projectsEsu's Trifecta specifics, what exactly it is and what it does (and why it took us 30 minutes to get to this topic)tips & tricks: clock / duck inputs, targeting bypass with CV, and FX chatwhat does "architecture" mean in the context of module developmentAli's DSP learning curve, the joys of having a mentor when learning a skillusing your musical ear to dial in algorithm sound and behavioron the flip side, learn how to do things right first before relying on your earthe mod matrix vs. live playing, how do you balance depth vs. immediacy (changing presets w/ CV)the importance of beta testersmodule design, sliders to knobs, and the minutia of UX designAli performing in Europe, feeling the love for modbapwhat's next for Ali Modular (Ogun Orisha!)going from prototype to production, what does that look like with Electrosmiththe importance of processes and applying them to future effortskeeping Esu's Trifecta fresh, new algorithms, and minimum viable productsother single and multi-effect eurorack modules Ali / Chris are fans ofmaking a multi-effect that isn't overwhelmingly complexgetting started with modbap style production (MPC, Elektron, and modular synthesis)the benefits of having a multi-effects engine in a smaller setupcongratulations to Ali Modular on their first module releaseIf you thought hearing five voices was confusing enough, let's see how things work with seven 😅Esu's Trifecta LinksPre-order: https://alimodular.com/Esu's Feature Overview: Esu's Trifecta  Feature Overview  ModularGrid: https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unkno...Ali the Architect LinksInsta: https://www.instagram.com/ali.the.architect/Bandcamp: a...

Welcome to the fifth episode of The Rack Pack! Today we've got 4/5ths of the crew (Moonbass Alpha is out on a secret mission) going freeform across a range of topics:* Seaside Modular heading to Machina Bristronica in late September* traveling with modular (and when people think you've got a bomb)* what it's like at Machina Bristronica* SynthDad's Testing Table™ with Griffin's Claw, Bishop's Miscellany mk2, and the Ohm Bohm kick ecosystem* moving on from significant modules (the Arbhar / Lubadh conundrum)* getting started with Digitakt 2* some modular news* Patchworks officially closing : /We wrap up 100% knowing all our social media handles and talk next episodes (we've got some great guests on the horizon).News & event links below, thanks for watching and/or listening and keep patching!Modular News* Jasmine & Olive Trees Prio (priority gate router): https://jasmineandolivetrees.com/products/prio* WORNG Electronic Quiver (16 in/18 out modulation & logic toolkit): https://www.worngelectronics.com/* Intellijel Multigrain 1.2 Firmware Update (addition of Live Mode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv7pU8ZfcG8Events* Club Synth: Saturday July 26th @ The Stowaway (DTLA): https://ra.co/events/2213680* Knobcon 13: https://www.knobcon.com/* Machina Bristronica 2025: https://machinabristronica.uk/New Music* Earl McGowan Music (aka Tiger Arcade) - Son of a Sun: https://earlmcgowan.bandcamp.com/album/son-of-a-sun

In this episode The Rack Pack welcomes our very first guest, the one and only Patrick "POB" O'Brien! POB is a modular artist, community builder, educator, and demo artist extraordinaire. In this conversation, POB shares his musical journey from his initial experiences with trumpet and piano to his leap into modular synthesis, explaining how he integrates technical know-how with improvisation in his performances. We delve into the creation and growth of Modular on the Spot and Modular on the Mall, two significant community-building initiatives. POB also discusses his role as the marketing manager at Noise Engineering, shares insights into his patching philosophy, and recounts amusing anecdotes, including meeting his doppelgänger, comedian Jim Gaffigan. Where to find POB online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pobnrg/YouTube: https://youtube.com/patrickobrienBandcamp: https://pobnrg.bandcamp.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RQmaZ03GoGVCxnYmtZmwsNoise Engineering: https://noiseengineering.us

Our very own Blue Nautilus takes us behind the scenes of Seaside Modular and the journey of bringing the Proteus algorithmic sequencer from concept to physical Eurorack module. This episode explores the realities of being a small modular manufacturer, going from Python script to VCV Rack release to hardware production. We dive deep into the challenges of product development - managing feature creep, navigating conflicting feedback, coordinating beta testing, and the countless decisions that shape a final product. This isn't a product advertisement (the Proteus is currently sold out anyway) but rather an honest examination of what it takes to bring innovative ideas to the modular community. Whether you're curious about module development or considering your own manufacturing journey, this episode offers insights into the process. Show LinksSeaside Modular: https://seaside.digital/Proteus Algorithmic Sequencer: https://seaside.digital/product/proteus/ Proteus Launch VideosDivKid - Clever Mutating Melodic Patterns with Patience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsJZPQNHjkRed Means Recording - Proteus Algorithmic Sequence Generator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQN38Q9_nVwSynthDad - An Idea Machine for Your Modular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzZL1X-dwV4

Superbooth 2025 is wrapped and we're covering everything that happened in Berlin. SynthDad was on the ground at FEZ-Berlin and gives us the full report on this year's show - the atmosphere, attendance, and how it compared to previous years. The main focus is the gear announcements. 56 new Eurorack modules were revealed at the show, along with significant hardware releases including the Frap Tools Magnolia 8-voice analog synth, Neuzeit DROP MIDI controller, and Intellijel Jellymix desktop mixer. We also dig into some trends that emerged from the show - manufacturers expanding beyond Eurorack into standalone products, the push toward larger modules, and rising prices across the board. The episode wraps with each host's pick for their most interesting announcement from Superbooth 2025. For a complete visual breakdown of all the new Eurorack modules announced at the show, check out Oscidigi's breakdown on Modular Bias – Superbooth 2025 Eurorack Roundup: https://www.modularbias.com/modular-bias/superbooth-2025-eurorack-roundup/ Show ResourcesSuperbooth: https://superbooth.com/SynthDad's Superbooth25 Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM2S51N5iwwManufacturersClank: https://www.clank.eu/Frap Tools: https://frap.tools/Intellijel: https://intellijel.com/Neuzeit Instruments: https://www.neuzeit-instruments.com/WMD: https://wmdevices.com/

In our debut episode, The Rack Pack crew assembles to preview the most anticipated synthesizer event of the year - Superbooth 2025! Join BlueNautilus, SynthDad, Oscidigi, Moonbass Alpha, and Stujay as they introduce themselves and their unique modular journeys before diving into what makes Berlin's electronic music mecca so special. We explore the laid-back festival atmosphere that sets Superbooth apart from traditional trade shows and share insider tips for navigating FEZ-Berlin. The conversation shifts to our most anticipated gear announcements, from Acid Rain Technology's new Chainsaw-inspired VCO to the OXI One mk2 and every other pre-SB25 gear drop we could track down. We wrap things up with a 'one thing' each host looks forward to the most. Whether you're Berlin-bound or keeping your wallet prepped from afar, join us for this synth-obsessed preview of Europe's premier modular hardware event. --- We talk about a lot of modules and other hardware in this podcast, here are links to (most of) the manufacturers discussed in this episode:ModulesAcid Rain Technology: https://acidraintechnology.com/AJH Synth: https://ajhsynth.com/Make Noise: https://www.makenoisemusic.com/Instruo: https://www.instruomodular.com/Venus Instruments: https://www.venusinstrumentsaudio.com/HardwareBastl Instruments (Kastle 2 Wave Bard): https://bastl-instruments.com/Clank (Uranograph): https://www.clank.eu/Frap Tools (Magnolia): https://frap.tools/OXI Instruments (OXI One Mk2): https://oxiinstruments.com/Neuzeit Instruments (DROP): https://www.neuzeit-instruments.com/