The Digital Lifestyle.com

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  • 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.

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

    TDL show #966

    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

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

    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.

    1 hr 1 min
  • TDL Show #964 - Peter "Ski" Schwartz

    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.)

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

    TDL Show #963

    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)

    56 min
  • Richard Hay on life after Microsoft, Drones and new tech

    TDL Show #962

    This week on the show, Garry and I are joined by an old friend, Richard Hay. Richard, who was a blogger and writer covering all things Windows before joining Microsoft, has recently retired.

    We'll be discussing his transition from writing about Microsoft to working on the inside. We'll also dive into 10 years of the Windows Insider program and explore some of the tech Richard is currently enjoying, including 3D printing and drones.

    Plus, we've got some exciting updates on Garry's new presence-sensing tech and much more!

    42 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

    55 min
  • Vintage Synths & Sound Design: Saulo Cisneros on His Passion and Collection :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.

    56 min
  • TDL Show #959 – Projects,24H2, new Sonos and new sounds

    Welcome to this week's podcast! On the show, Garry demonstrates his new smart home medication project, I discuss my new Sonos home theater system, and we take a look at Windows 11 24H2. We also talk about my new sound collection for the Korg Wavestate and my latest song, now available on all streaming services.

    Links from this week's show:

    · What's new in Windows 11 24H2 for Windows 11 users?

    · Custom Sample Creation for Korg Modwave & Wavestate | Live Sound Design Session

    · Vintage Analog Strings: New Sound Collection for Korg Wavestate

    · Microsoft's Pete Brown demonstrates Multiclient WinMM and MIDI 2 0 in Windows MIDI Services

    · https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-you-there-single/1771230705

    · https://open.spotify.com/track/7bvfdiyYBiy3A3Sbne8L9V?si=fd8d7c639d7a4d47

    · https://amazon.co.uk/music/player/albums/B0DJ37XTQB?marketplaceId=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&musicTerritory=GB&ref=dm_sh_iYnQEJn1kmoq6IAI0GYP6ctDu

    47 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

    41 min

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We talk Windows, smart home, music tech, vintage tech, EVs and lots more.