By The Digital Lifestyle (Ian Dixon)TechnologyTech News
Download on the App Store

episodes

  • Behind the Keys: Vintage Synths and Genesis Sounds with Matt Thomas

    This week on the TDL Show, I am joined by Matt Thomas to talk about playing in a Genesis tribute band. Matt has an amazing collection of vintage synths that he uses in Genesis shows. We discuss his setup and how he has transcribed all the parts for his performances.

    Matt also has a brilliant YouTube channel where he explains how to recreate the complex parts of Tony Banks’ performances and how to reproduce the sounds he uses on both old and new synths.

    It’s a brilliant hour of synth and Genesis geek-out!

    Links from this week’s show:

      • Matt Thomas Overdrive – YouTube
      • The Genesis Show Facebook
      • Thanks to my Patreon supporters. https://www.patreon.com/c/IanDixon

        Listen Here (download mp3)

        If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

        1 min
      • Network MIDI 2.0 and Built-in ASIO: Pete Brown Talks Windows Audio Innovations

        TDL Show #967

         

        This Week’s Show: Special Guest Pete Brown from Microsoft

        This week, we’re thrilled to have a special guest on the show—Microsoft’s Pete Brown! Pete joins us to discuss the latest advancements in MIDI and audio technology in Windows.

        One highlight of our conversation is the new Network MIDI 2.0 implementation, which has just been ratified. This exciting update enables MIDI to work over standard networking, including Wi-Fi. Pete explains what this technology is, how it works, and its potential to revolutionize the future of music production.

        We also dive into the upcoming built-in ASIO drivers for future versions of Windows, which will eliminate the need for specialized drivers. Pete shares insights into how this change simplifies the user experience for musicians and audio professionals.

        Finally, we discuss recent announcements from various hardware and software developers regarding support for Snapdragon-based Windows systems. Pete explains why this shift is significant for music producers and how it aligns with Microsoft’s vision for the future.

        Links from this week’s show:

        • Microsoft’s Pete Brown demonstrates Multiclient WinMM and MIDI 2 0 in Windows MIDI Services
        • Microsoft Boosts Music Creation on ARM with New Tools and Drivers
        • Make Great Music with Windows on Arm
        • Network MIDI 2.0 – MIDI.org
        • Listen Here (download mp3)

          If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

          51 min
        • Synth Stories with Ron Peters: From Teisco Gems to the Yamaha DX1

          Welcome to this week’s show! We have an incredible guest joining us: Ron Peters from San Antonio, Texas. Ron shares his passion for music and synthesizers, giving us a glimpse into his impressive collection of vintage synths.

          He explains his philosophy of keeping only the gear he actively uses—yes, that includes parting ways with a legendary CS-80! Ron also takes us through his journey into the world of synthesizers, his love for Teisco synths, and the fascinating story of how he reunited with the iconic Yamaha DX1.

          Links from this week’s show:

          • MYSTIC FREQUENCIES – WEIGHTLESSNESS – YAMAHA CS80 No Talking
          • MYSTIC FREQUENCIES – YAMAHA DX1 – ETERNITY III
          • https://www.facebook.com/mystic.frequencies
          • https://youtu.be/eUPuoLC7krc
          • https://www.reverbnation.com/mysticfrequencies
          • https://zeno.fm/radio/mystic-frequencies-radio/
          • Thanks to my Patreon supporters. https://www.patreon.com/c/IanDixon

            Listen Here (download mp3)

            If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

             

            54 min
          • Microsoft Surface: Past, Present, and Future Insights

            TDL Show #965

            Welcome to this week’s podcast! Garry and I are joined by Microsoft MVPs Alexander Solaat Rødland and Rob Quickenden for an in-depth discussion on Microsoft Surface. We take a look back at the history of Microsoft’s hardware brand, exploring its evolution and key milestones. Then, we review the current Surface lineup and share our thoughts on what the future may hold for the Surface brand.

            Listen Here (download mp3)

            If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

            1 hr 1 min
          • From M1 to Modwave: Peter ‘Ski’ Schwartz on Crafting Iconic Synth Sounds

            TDL Show #964

            Welcome to this week’s show, and it’s a bit of a classic! I’m joined by musician and sound designer Peter “Ski” Schwartz, who shares insights from his extensive career in sound design. He discusses working on the prototype of the Korg M1 synth, describing how he influenced its design process and the samples it used. He also recalls creating the iconic Ski Jam patch on the Korg Wavestation, which was once labelled the “worst sound ever programmed on a synth.”

            We also dive into his work on the filter for the Korg 01/W and his contributions to physical modeling synths like the Korg Prophecy, including his work on the ModLog controller for it. Peter talks about what separates a good virtual analog sound from a great one, and we bring things up to date with his recent projects on the Korg Modwave, Wavestate, and ARP 2600 plugin. Finally, we wrap up with a chat about the new Korg Multi Poly synth.

            Links from this week’s show:

            • ART-Z ARP 2600 Power Pack – PluginGuru.com
            • Introducing Words of Nonsense my new electronic music album
            • Channelling Vox Humana: My New Track Inspired by Gary Numan’s Iconic Sound
            • How to Sample Your Synths & Plugins for Korg Modwave & Wavestate | Free Tools Guide
            • Korg Collection 5 – What’s included?
            • multi/poly – ANALOG MODELING SYNTHESIZER | KORG (U.K.)
            • Listen Here (download mp3)

              If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

               


              1 hr 1 min
            • From Analog to Digital and Back: Oli Freke on Synthesizer History and Revival

              This week on the show, I’m talking to Oli Freke, author of the brilliant Synthesizer Evolution book, which traces the history of synthesizers from their early beginnings to the analog peak, the digital takeover, and back to analog.

              We discuss how he got started writing the book and the amazing stories he discovered along the way. He shares his personal highlights and insights on the renaissance of analog synthesis.

              We also dive into Oli’s new project, SynthTrax.net—a venture to document which synthesizers were used on all tracks. Just a small undertaking! Oli explains why he needs your help with this ambitious project.

              Oli is a passionate synth and electronic music enthusiast, and it was a pleasure chatting with him.

              Links from this week’s show:

              • SynthTrax
              • SYNTH EVOLUTION
              • Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back)
              • Listen Here (download mp3)

                If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

                 

                56 min
              • Exploring Vintage Synths with Sean Faling: Tips, Tricks, and Rare Finds: TDL Show #962

                #TDLShow962

                This week on the show, I’m joined by musician and synth enthusiast Sean Faling. Sean has an extensive collection of vintage synths and runs a vintage synth group on Facebook. He shares how he got into collecting synths, the work involved in maintaining them, and offers his tips on finding rare bargains.

                Over the next few weeks, I have a range of exciting interviews and topics lined up, including discussions on Windows 11, Surface devices, synths, and much more!

                Links from this week’s show:

                • Vintage Synthesizers and Effects | Groups | Facebook
                • home (distanceresearch.net)
                • https://www.youtube.com/@distanceresearch
                • Listen Here (download mp3)

                  If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

                   

                  55 min
                • Saulo Cisneros on collecting and repairing vintage synths in Mexico: TDL Show #960

                  On this special edition of the TDL Show, I chat with Saulo Cisneros, a synth collector, repairer, and sound designer from Tijuana, Mexico. We dive into his passion for vintage synthesizers, the art of maintaining them, and why he only keeps devices that resonate with him.

                  We discuss how to get started with collecting, the ins and outs of fixing up synths, and what makes certain synthesizers stand out to him. Saulo also shares stories about some of the gems in his collection, including:

                  • Waldorf Microwave
                  • MS-20
                  • Moog Source
                  • DX7
                  • DX100
                  • Ensoniq Samplers
                  • E-Mu Drumulator
                  • Prophet 600
                  • Simmons SDS8
                  • It was a pleasure speaking with Saulo, whose deep passion for sound design and synthesizers truly shines through.

                    Listen Here (download mp3)

                    If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

                    56 min
                  • TDL Show #958 – New Projects

                    Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show this week Garry and I talk about our new projects, for me a new home theatre audio system and Garry a new medical dispense smart system. We also talk about my new Modwave sound pack, road trips in EV, our Youtube milestone and lots more.

                    Links to this week’s show:

                    • Home | SynthFest UK
                    • Unlock Massive Analog Sounds: New Korg Modwave Sound Collection
                    • 10k Milestone Reached! Heartfelt Thanks to Our Awesome Community!
                    • Unlock New Tones: Free Sound Pack for the Korg ARP 2600 Plugin
                    • Listen Here (download mp3)

                      If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

                      41 min
                    • TDL Show #957 – Sound Design with Marc Barnes

                      This week on the show, I am joined by musician and sound designer Marc Barnes. Marc has an amazing collection of sounds for the Korg Modwave, Wavestate, Minilogue, and other synths, including the Hydrasynth.

                      Marc discusses the different synths required by gigging musicians versus sound designers, how he got into sound design, and how sound design helped him through a very difficult period during COVID.

                      You can find all of Marc’s sounds at: Home | Marc Barnes Sounds: Home | Marc Barnes Sounds

                      Listen Here (download mp3)

                      If you want more information about how to subscribe to podcasts read our Podcast How To page. Follow us on twitter @isdixon @garrywma @Thedigitallife

                      1 hr 2 min

                    About

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Music tech, Windows news, videos, reviews and more

                    More shows like

                    PC Perspective Podcast by PC Perspective

                    PC Perspective Podcast

                    192 Listeners

                    Tech Life by BBC World Service

                    Tech Life

                    57 Listeners

                    Everything Electric Podcast by The Fully Charged Show

                    Everything Electric Podcast

                    316 Listeners