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

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.

• 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

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/

• Superbooth: https://superbooth.com/
• SynthDad's Superbooth25 Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM2S51N5iww

• 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/

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/