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The Rack Pack

Blue Nautilus, Moonbass Alpha, Oscidigi, Stujay, & Synthdad

The Rack Pack is a podcast where five synth-obsessed friends dive deep into the strange, beautiful, and occasionally chaotic world of modular synthesis. In each episode, we explore our favorite gear, discuss patching strategies, share creative inspiration, and navigate the ever-growing rabbit hole that is Eurorack. Whether you're a seasoned modular veteran or just starting to eye your first case, we're here to celebrate the joy of sound exploration with plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and tangled patch cables along the way.

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19 episodes
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Avg 58 min
English

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#19
July 6 · 53 min
Episode 19: Early Summer Catchup
It's a lean crew this time — a smaller version of The Pack meets up to talk the ebbs and flows of creativity, what summer does to a Eurorack habit, and wherever the conversation wanders. On the docket: the campaign to bring Modular On The Spot LA back to life, recent gear scores and lingering GAS, and the eternal question of fitting music-making into full lives. Don't miss Stu's progress report on becoming Geddy Lee, plus an update from the Seaside workbench.
#18
May 25 · 1 hr 11 min
Epiode 18: Superbooth 26 with DivKid
In this episode of The Rack Pack, the crew is joined by modular synth wizard DivKid for a full post-Superbooth decompression session. We recap the biggest announcements, weirdest modules, unexpected trends, overheard hallway gossip, and the collective sensory overload that only Superbooth can provide. Along the way, the Pack and DivKid dig into what actually stood out after the dust settled, which gear kept pulling us back in, and what the current state of modular says about where the scene is headed next.
#17
May 5 · 59 min
Episode 17: Noise Engineering
In this episode, The Rack Pack visits the headquarters of Noise Engineering, where we sit down with founders Kris Kaiser and Stephen McCaul. Surrounded by the machines that have shaped some of the most distinctive sounds in Eurorack, we get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all actually comes together. We dig into the realities of running a modular company in a rapidly shifting landscape—everything from supply chain chaos and scaling production to staying creative when the industry itself keeps evolving. Kris and Stephen open up about how they’ve navigated these challenges without losing the identity that makes Noise Engineering, well… Noise Engineering. Of course, we also get into their design philosophy: how ideas move from strange sonic experiments to fully realized modules, what inspires their signature aesthetic, and how they balance playfulness with precision. Join us for this journey into how Noise Engineering engineers their noise! http://noiseengineering.us
#16
April 2 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 16: Jason Lim of Instruō
In this episode, The Rack Pack welcomes Jason Lim, founder of Instruō, for a deep dive into the ideas shaping one of modular’s most distinctive voices. We explore Jason’s design philosophy—where aesthetics, tactility, and musical intention all collide—and how that philosophy shows up in every Instruō module. We spend time unpacking his latest project, a massive quad filter that pushes both sonic flexibility and physical presence to new extremes, and what it reveals about his approach to instrument design. Along the way, we get into the balance between features and usability, where new module ideas come from, and how Instruō "makes sounds with the things that they make to make sounds with." Finally, we look ahead: what’s next for Instruō, where the line between utility and artistry is heading, and how Jason thinks about the future of modular in an increasingly crowded landscape. https://www.instruomodular.com/
#15
March 2 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 15: Boredbrain
In this episode, The Rack welcomes Adam Harding of Boredbrain Music. We get into the origins of Boredbrain, and how the simple Patchulator blossomed into a full-blown eurorack product line. We also get into the brand-new Xcelon SL desktop mixer—why Adam decided to step outside the rack, what makes this streamlined version different, and how it fits into modern hybrid setups where modular, pedals, and DAWs all collide. Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming EMIXX event in Ashland, VA—what it is, why these smaller regional meetups matter, and how community-driven events keep the modular scene feeling human. Boredbrain website: https://www.boredbrainmusic.com/ The EMIXX Expo: https://www.boredbrainmusic.com/event/emixx-2026-9/register
#14
February 2 · 57 min
Episode 14: Metamyther
In this episode, the Pack welcomes New York–based modular artist, community builder, and YouTuber Metamyther—both to the show and to Los Angeles. We dig into his creative mindset and the philosophy behind his signature industrial-cinematic modular performances, talking through how he approaches composition, live performance, and the systems he builds to support long-term creativity. Metamyther also shares the gear that most inspires him, his workflow for staying consistently prolific, and how community plays a role in his artistic practice. Along the way, we catch up on the recently wrapped Buchla & Friends trade show in Los Angeles, swapping impressions and highlights from a weekend steeped in west-coast synthesis energy. Metamyther's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@metamyther Metamyther's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metamyther/ Metamyther's music at Bandcamp: https://metamyther.bandcamp.com
#13
January 17 · 53 min
Episode 13: A New Year, 2026
A new year, a new rack of hopes and fears. The Pack is back to kick off 2026, digging into what we’re excited about, what we’re watching closely, and what we’re absolutely not ready for in the coming year.
#12
Dec 23, 2025 · 57 min
Episode 12: 2025 Wrap-Up
In the final episode of 2025, the Pack gets together to talk about our favorite modular-related things from the year, and what we're looking forward to from next year. Join us for the first year-end wrap up of our young podcast's life!
#11
Dec 6, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 11: SURCO
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 Links Instagram: @surcolive YouTube: @surcolive Website: http://surcolive.com SURCO's modular courses: https://www.surcolive.com/courses Other Show Links XAOC Odessa: https://xaocdevices.com/main/odessa/ Elektron Tonverk: https://www.elektron.se/explore/tonverk MEGA x Decapod Bathymeter: https://www.megamodular.co/shop/p/bat... Shakmat Griffin's Claw: https://shakmat.com/products/griffin-... Ohmforce Bohm: https://ohmforce.com/products/bohm Buchla & Friends: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buchla-f...
#10
Oct 28, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 10: Jay Hosking
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 Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayHosking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhosking Bandcamp: https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com Other Show Links Cinematic Laboratory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUIrEQUXmqo Forge-tme Vhikk X: https://forge-tme.com/vhikk-x Jay's video on the Elektron Tonverk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov8Hkqz-vWk
#9
Oct 11, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 9: Reverb Tails from Bristronica
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.
#8
Sep 11, 2025 · 52 min
Episode 8: Knobcon 2025
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,
#7
Sep 2, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 7: Knobcon 2025 Preview
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.
#6
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 6: Ali Modular - Esu's Trifecta
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 synthesis the trials and tribulation of learning to develop a module how Ali and Chris linked up for Ali Modular (skills that complement) modbap workflows, where does the MPC sit in a hybrid studio learning about Esu, the trickster god of the Yoruba inspiration for Esu's panel design (custom printed aluminum) effects algorithms, Marvel naming, and the arch nemesis to Magneto how Ali and Chris decided to build a triple FX engine as their first module the importance of being excited about your own projects Esu'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 chat what does "architecture" mean in the context of module development Ali's DSP learning curve, the joys of having a mentor when learning a skill using your musical ear to dial in algorithm sound and behavior on the flip side, learn how to do things right first before relying on your ear the mod matrix vs. live playing, how do you balance depth vs. immediacy (changing presets w/ CV) the importance of beta testers module design, sliders to knobs, and the minutia of UX design Ali performing in Europe, feeling the love for modbap what's next for Ali Modular (Ogun Orisha!) going from prototype to production, what does that look like with Electrosmith the importance of processes and applying them to future efforts keeping Esu's Trifecta fresh, new algorithms, and minimum viable products other single and multi-effect eurorack modules Ali / Chris are fans of making a multi-effect that isn't overwhelmingly complex getting started with modbap style production (MPC, Elektron, and modular synthesis) the benefits of having a multi-effects engine in a smaller setup congratulations to Ali Modular on their first module release If you thought hearing five voices was confusing enough, let's see how things work with seven 😅 Esu's Trifecta Links Pre-order: https://alimodular.com/ Esu's Feature Overview: Esu's Trifecta Feature Overview ModularGrid: https://modulargrid.net/e/other-unkno... Ali the Architect Links Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ali.the.architect/ Bandcamp: https://alithearchitect.bandcamp.com/ Chris Roberts Links Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cpr2323/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/cpr2323 Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/cpr A8 Manager: https://cpr2323.github.io/a8manager/ Squid Manager: https://cpr2323.github.io/squidmanager/ Show Links Esu: The Misunderstood God of the Yoruba Religion: https://artsandculture.google.com/sto... The Last Emperor - Secret Wars Pt. 1: • The Last Emperor Secret Wars part 1 Electrosmith: https://electro-smith.com/
#5
Jul 22, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 5: July Catch-up
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=uv7pU8ZfcG8 Events * 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
#4
Jul 1, 2025 · 59 min
Episode 4: Patrick O'Brien
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/patrickobrien Bandcamp: https://pobnrg.bandcamp.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RQmaZ03GoGVCxnYmtZmws Noise Engineering: https://noiseengineering.us
#3
Jun 4, 2025 · 38 min
Episode 3: The Proteus Algorithmic Sequencer
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 Links Seaside Modular: https://seaside.digital/ Proteus Algorithmic Sequencer: https://seaside.digital/product/proteus/ Proteus Launch Videos DivKid - Clever Mutating Melodic Patterns with Patience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsJZPQNHjk Red Means Recording - Proteus Algorithmic Sequence Generator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQN38Q9_nVw SynthDad - An Idea Machine for Your Modular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzZL1X-dwV4
#2
May 25, 2025 · 50 min
Episode 2: Superbooth 2025 Recap
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 Resources Superbooth: https://superbooth.com/ SynthDad's Superbooth25 Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM2S51N5iww Manufacturers Clank: https://www.clank.eu/ Frap Tools: https://frap.tools/ Intellijel: https://intellijel.com/ Neuzeit Instruments: https://www.neuzeit-instruments.com/ WMD: https://wmdevices.com/
#1
May 6, 2025 · 56 min
Episode 1: Superbooth 2025 Preview
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: Modules Acid 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/ Hardware Bastl 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/

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