MeeBlip has introduced a new synth, Geode, that promises to let you get your hands dirty, with hands-on control of ‘edgy, cutting, grimy sounds’.
Here’s what creators Peter Kirn (CDM) & James Grahame have to say about it:
One control per function really means one control per function: no shift, no nonsense, no presets – just reach out and turn knobs. And geode brings back all of the greatest hits of the award-winning MeeBlip line in a single instrument, for the first time. Sequence or play however you like, with DIN and USB MIDI. geode is all about getting straight to the sound – every switch, every knob.
Features:
- Shape your sound with envelope (attack, decay, sustain) and glide
- Choose from a range of independent, digitally generated waveforms on two oscillators: PWM, pulse, sawtooth, and triangle (osc A) or noise (osc B).
- Mix A + B oscillators, or choose one or the other (so you can focus on noise for percussion or single-oscillator acid)
- Sub octave and detune
- The unique analog MeeBlip filter, based on a 70s guitar distortion circuit
- Modulation routable to filter and pitch, for subtle effects or cranked for chaotic warbles and FM-style sounds
- Complete MIDI implementation: use with USB, with iOS (via Apple adapter, not included), or hardware DIN / standalone
- Dual mono minijack output for easy monitoring with headphones or connection to other gear
- MIDI DIN input for connecting MIDI hardware
- USB for MIDI input, connecting to a computer
- Driver-free operation on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS*, Android
- USB powered
- 1m USB cable included
Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability
The MeeBlip Geode is available for pre-order now for US $149.95 (normally $179.95). It’s expected to ship in May.
MeeBlip’s business model is making cheap crap synths and then saying things like ‘edgy, cutting, grimy sounds’ but hey, it’s cheap and more fun than reading another Peter Kirn article.
James from MeeBlip here. I worked really hard on this instrument, and I’m bloody proud of it.
What’s your problem?
hi james, one thing that could have been improved on the anode is the availability of patch points on the pcb. it was kind of a let down to advertise the synth as hackable and then have a such static layout.
Keep up the good work James
You forgot the “April Fools!” in your post.
Seriously, it sounds like you have never actually used a Meeblip. They have an incredible low end and the filter allows there to be a squelch that small speakers can play while not cutting the bottom end. It is a nice compliment to the more traditional acid-sounding analog filter that my Roland JD-Xi has.
Now, in terms of the Geode, I’m a little concerned this doesn’t have the analog sub-oscillator that the Triode has, so would like to hear demos that this new synth can generate the same thump and rumble the Triode has.
ObShamelessPlug: Hear that Triode give this song I wrote and recorded a very intense bass line at https://caulixtla.bandcamp.com/track/ownlife
eptest’s living model is making cheap crap comments on other people’s work that he saw on youtube once and then saying things like ‘hey, I’m edgy and I have a ferocious sens of humor’ but let’s not forget the fact that 10 minutes in front of a youtube video gives anyone the power of an expert in any field, while you can spend months and years developing something and be proud of it, but does not prevent you from receiving patronizing comments from internet grumpy dwarves.
trolls are pathetic
is this the hill you’re choosing to die on?
Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.
Not sure how that last line doesn’t qualify as a “personal attack”.
What is the business model you use for your synths?
I have a meeblip see, I had a meeblip triode, mega bass on the triode!
The build quality of every subsiquent meeblip has gotten better and better, these knobs look great. Meeblip is not so much about a pure tone, it’s more about a custom tone/timbre. The SE actually has a switch for either anti aliasing or not. I think the meeblip sound has alot to do with just simple mixing of two oscillators and the natural sounds of it are just very texture… No other way to say it. Yeah it’s a basic synth, but it has a unique sound. Don’t even bother comparing it to an access virus. This is a case where people who get really into the differences between analog oscillators should look deeper with digital synth and see how they also can sound much different. Anyway. The geode looks cool and I appreciate the 1 to 1 functions. Simply selecting different waves is a great idea.
I like to blend Moog LPII with the Anode every once in a while. I love the sound that is created from a blend of analog and digital OSCs. Sometimes it gets a bit challenging in the mixing stage but I find that the two often go quite well together. And as a bonus, analog purists HATE it. I simply have never liked zealots and purists in any discipline or philosophy, so it’s a big plus for me.
Good on you meeblip.Hard to believe a synth can upset someone.Get a life.
Sounds awesome to me
This thing, and a Zoom MSCDR or MS-50G, and a USB powerbrick could be pretty fun portable setup… Curious why they didn’t make it battery powered? James, when do you think you’ll have a manual or at least midi implementation docs?
We’ll be heads-down for a few weeks getting production ramped up, so it’ll probably be early May before we post documentation (Peter will be creating most of that stuff, although I’m determined to pull together some example patch sheets).
Cool. Thanks. Please just make sure the docs are as crappy and edgy as you can make them. Maybe use Comic Sans font? ?