In this week’s episode of The Digital Lifestyle Show, I’m joined by none other than Daniel Fisher from Sweetwater. If you're into synthesisers, programming, or live performance — this is a must-listen episode.

Daniel has had a long and fascinating journey through music and synthesis, and in this episode, he shares stories from his early musical experiences, how he got started with synthesisers, and how he became one of the most respected sound designers in the industry.

We chat about:

• How Daniel learned music by ear and discovered synthesis as a child

• His first synth experiences with instruments like the Minimoog and DX7

• Transitioning from analog to digital synthesis

• Creating synth patches for tribute bands, including Pink Floyd

• The importance of learning one synth deeply vs collecting too many plugins

• Hardware vs software synths — and why he prefers a hands-on approach

• Daniel’s all-time favourite synth (spoiler: it’s a Kurzweil!)

Whether you’re a beginner or a synth veteran, Daniel shares brilliant insights and practical tips — especially if you play live or work with cover bands. He also talks about his amazing free Synth Clips series on YouTube, which walks through the fundamentals of synthesis step by step.

🎹 Explore Daniel’s Synth Clips series
Search for “Synth Clips Daniel Fisher” on YouTube, or just type Daniel Fisher Sweetwater to find his full library of tutorials and demos.

💬 Let us know your thoughts!
What synth did you first fall in love with? Do you prefer plugins or hardware? Drop a comment below.

n this episode, we dive deep into the world of vintage synth firmware hacking with Thomas Jansson. Thomas has been developing new firmware for the classic 1986 Korg DW8000 synthesizer, adding features like enhanced unison detune, expanded filter resolution, random LFOs, and new modulation destinations — all while preserving the synth’s vintage character.

We also explore Thomas' background in music, his love of Commodore 64 and Amiga computers, SID chip programming, trackers, and chip tunes. Hear how reverse engineering 40-year-old synthesizers becomes a giant puzzle that combines music, software engineering, and creative problem-solving.

Topics covered:

• Why create firmware for a 1986 synth

• How reverse engineering old synths works

• New DW8000 features Thomas added

• The SID chip, Acid protocol, and modern chip tune synths

• Using trackers and mod files on the Amiga

• Vintage gear and creative limitations

• AI-generated music & the future of music tech

• Home automation and EV charging with Home Assistant

Whether you're into vintage synths, retro computing, or software hacking — this is a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of old and new technology.

🎙️ New Episode of the TDL Podcast!

This week, I’m joined by Peter Dowsett, a long-time synthesizer enthusiast, producer, and vintage sampler collector, for a deep dive into synth history, creative sound design, and studio setup secrets.

Peter shares his journey from discovering synths in the early '80s to building an advanced modern studio with 90 live audio inputs via MADI routing. We talk TR-505 drum machines, the underrated Sequential Six-Trak, Waldorf wavetables, and the legendary EMU samplers—plus, the one synth he’d save on a desert island!

🎧 Listen Now:
[Insert YouTube Embed or Podcast Player Here]

🔍 What We Talk About:

• The synth that started it all: Roland TR-505

• Peter’s first band Neuer Ritmus and early synth choices

• The gear he regrets selling (Moog Source!)

• Using samplers creatively: Akai S900, Ensoniq EPS, Roland S-50

• Setting up a pro-level MIDI + audio studio

• The joy of programming with knobs vs menus

• Why the Waldorf Iridium might be his “one synth to rule them all”

🎹 Synths & Gear Mentioned:

• Roland TR-505, MC-500, S-50

• Sequential Six-Trak

• Yamaha DX7, TX7

• Korg DW-6000, DW-8000, D-110

• Waldorf Microwave XT, Iridium

• Ensoniq EPS

• Akai S900

• EMU ESI-4000, E5000

• Moog Source

• Arturia Polybrute, Prophet 12

📦 Peter’s Desert Island Synth Picks:

• Waldorf Iridium Keyboard

• Moog Source (stolen, sadly!)

💬 “Sometimes, it's not about having more gear—it’s about having the right connection with it.” – Peter Dowsett

🗓️ Subscribe to the podcast for more great synth chats, music tech stories, and gear deep dives!

🎙️ This Week on the Show: Exploring the Octave Cat with James Brennan
James Brennan is back! Following his popular appearance discussing the Polyvox, James returns to dive deep into another quirky classic – the Octave Cat analog synthesizer.

In this episode, we explore the history of Octave Electronics, how the Cat compares to synths like the ARP Odyssey and Minimoog, and what makes this rare monosynth so unique. James also shares a fascinating story about acquiring and restoring his Cat, explains the synth’s duophonic mode, and walks us through its filters, modulation, and signature growl.

We also touch on the synth’s connection to Turtle Beach, discuss vintage synth quirks, and talk about modern recreations from Behringer and Cherry Audio.

🔧 Whether you're a synth nerd, collector, or just love analog gear, this episode is packed with insight and great sounds.

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & James Brennan returns
00:51 – Polyvox follow-up and interesting backstory
03:12 – Introducing the Octave Cat
04:46 – History of Octave Electronics and Turtle Beach connection
06:05 – Other synths by Octave Plateau
07:16 – Voyetra 8 and early computer integration
08:00 – Acquiring the Octave Cat (and restoration troubles!)
11:56 – Octave Cat architecture overview
14:00 – Sound demo: resonant bass and envelope looping
16:00 – LFO tricks and sample & hold
17:00 – Performance section quirks
18:05 – Versions: CAT, SRM1, SRM2 – key differences
19:04 – Filter discussion and SSM 2030
20:00 – VCO1 deep dive and modulation
22:50 – Waveform mixing & sub oscillators
24:25 – VCO2 features and metallic cross-mod sounds
25:32 – Filter section demo and self-oscillation
27:00 – Filter modulation and ring mod-style effects
28:36 – VCA & noise generator
29:36 – Hard sync sound demo
31:05 – Duophonic mode and how it behaves
33:38 – ARP lawsuit story and duophonic patent
34:52 – Filter-as-oscillator trick & sine wave glide
36:40 – Final sound demos: fat bass, duophonic chords
40:00 – General impressions & how it fits synth-pop
41:25 – Behringer and Cherry Audio versions of the Cat
43:03 – Synth collection chat: Polyvox, Monopoly, JD-800 trade
45:27 – Outro and thanks

This week I'm joined by musician and synth aficionado Peter Taipei for a deep dive into decades of gear, sound design, and creative inspiration. From his early days on the Roland JX-10 and Yamaha RY30 to sampling with EMU samplers, gigging with the Virus TI, and exploring granular synthesis, Peter shares insights from his journey blending guitars and synths in both hardware and DAW-based setups.

We also chat about:

• The charm and power of the Korg Modwave

• Recreating classic sounds with Behringer clones

• Using limitations to spark creativity

• Capturing inspiration on the fly

• Favorite plugins, drum machines, and DIY gear

Whether you're into vintage hardware, modern production, or hybrid setups, this episode is packed with nostalgic gear talk and practical production tips.

This week, Garry returns and we catch up on all the latest in tech and electric vehicles!

🖥️ I dive into testing the new Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro 11, sharing my experience using it for music production with Cubase 14 ARM and low-latency studio headphones. We also cover the newly announced 12" Surface Pro and 13" Surface Laptop, exploring their specs, price points, and limitations.

🎹 We also talk about OneOdio Studio Max headphones, the challenges of audio drivers on ARM, and Microsoft's new AI-powered features like Recall.

🚗 Garry shares his trip to Everything Electric London, test driving the new MG EVs, the exciting MG Cyberster, and exploring cutting-edge tech like Android Automotive in the Kia PV series. He also covers electric vans, camper conversions, smart home charging gear, and the growing EV infrastructure in the UK.

💡 Whether you're into Windows, synths, or EVs—this episode's packed with insights!

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:20 Surface Pro 11 for Music Production
10:00 OneOdio Studio Max Headphones
13:00 AI features & Recall on Surface
16:30 New 12" Surface Pro & Surface Laptop
25:00 Everything Electric London Recap
34:00 Kia PV Series & Android Automotive
41:00 Hydrogen vs EV: What's Next?
48:00 Retro-Inspired EVs & New Tech
51:00 Smart Home Gadgets & Wrap-Up

🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more tech & EV discussions every week!

#SurfacePro11 #CubaseARM #EverythingElectric #EVNews #MicrosoftSurface #AIonWindows #SnapdragonXElite #ElectricVans #MusicProduction #StudioGear

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🎹 TDL Synth Chat – Episode with Beat Zimmermann

This week on TDL Synth Chat, Ian Dixon is joined by keyboardist, composer, and producer Beat Zimmermann for a deep dive into music, synths, and an exciting upcoming project. Beat shares his journey from classical piano training to jazz and fusion, his early passion for synthesizers, and his impressive collection of gear through the decades—from DX7s to JX-3Ps and beyond.

They explore the evolution of live performance setups, the shift from hardware to software, and Beat’s refreshing take on recording in the modern age. Plus, he discusses his ambitious new album project Unicorn Umbrellas, featuring Michael Sadler of Saga on vocals and Todd Sucherman of Styx on drums. Hear how the collaboration came together, the tech and instruments behind it, and how he’s handling production and remote recording.

It’s a conversation full of synth nostalgia, production tips, and inspiration for musicians at any level.

🎧 Topics include:

• Beat’s transition from classical to prog and fusion

• His vintage and modern synth setups

• The use of AI in demo production

• Building a personal studio

• Collaborating remotely with legendary musicians

• The making of Unicorn Umbrellas

🔗 More on Beat: https://beatzimmermann.com
📢 Follow Unicorn Umbrellas on Facebook for updates.

🎧 Synth Chat with Seth | From Teenage Engineering to Take 5 and Beyond 🎹
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Synth Show! Ian chats with Seth Weisfeld —a product designer, synth enthusiast, and founder of Function Health—about his synth journey, gear picks, and design philosophy.

Seth shares how his background at Facebook shaped his views on user experience in synths, why he’s drawn to the OP-1 and Hydrasynth, and how he’s chasing the perfect balance of playability and depth. We dive deep into gear he's loved (and sold), why he’s back in love with the Take 5, and his hopes for a future synth that balances immediacy with innovation.

🚀 Topics include:

• His synth journey from Nord to OP-1 Field

• Thoughts on the MicroKorg 2, Multi/Poly, and synth UI design

• Why build quality and playability matter more than ever

• The magic of beginner-friendly synths that still go deep

• The role of AI in shaping the future of music gear

• What makes Behringer, Teenage Engineering, and Yamaha stand out (or fall short)

• Why we’re all just chasing sounds we fell in love with decades ago

🎛️ Whether you're a vintage synth nerd or modern groovebox fan, there’s a ton to dig into. If you’ve ever debated keeping or flipping a synth, you’ll relate to this one!

📌 Links:
🎵 Check out Seth’s music on Spotify: This is Synthadelic - playlist by Seth W | Spotify
📺 More synth content, demos, and interviews: youtube.com/c/IanDixonTDL

👉 Like this episode? Hit that thumbs up, subscribe for more weekly synth chats, and drop your favorite synth in the comments!

#synths #teenageengineering #take5 #modwave #hydrasynth #electronicmusic #synthchat #dawless #geartalk #vintagesynths

In this episode of TDL Synthchat, we dive into the world of Soviet-era synthesizers with special guest James Brennan. We explore the legendary Polyvox, a raw and aggressive analog synth known for its powerful filter and Cold War aesthetic. James shares his journey into electronic music, how he acquired his Polyvox from Ukraine, and the quirks that make this synth a unique piece of history.

We also discuss the broader landscape of vintage synth collecting, the resurgence of analog gear, and modern alternatives to the Polyvox. Plus, James gives a live demo of the synth’s brutal sound—despite a few technical hiccups! Whether you're a synth enthusiast or just love hearing about rare and unusual gear, this episode is packed with deep-dive insights and sonic nostalgia.

Welcome to the latest edition of TDL Synth Chat! This week, I am joined by experimental musician and synthesist Eva Orchard. Eva talks about her journey into music and how she got started. We also discuss how she chose her first synthesizer and the latest gear she’s using.

Links from this week's show:

• Ever Orchid | Spotify
• https://www.youtube.com/@everorchid
• https://everorchid.bandcamp.com/
• https://everorchid.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Ian Dixon and Garry Whittaker catch up on various topics, including recent music interviews, travel experiences, and the efficiency of charging networks. They discuss Ripple's receivership and its impact on investors, as well as Garry's home projects like a rain sensor with impressive battery life. Ian shares his work on programming drum machines and recreating sounds from various artists, while Garry talks about AI integration in his smart home system. They also touch on the latest builds of Windows 11 and the functionality of Copilot in Visual Studio. The episode concludes with plans for future shows and guests.

TDL Show #985

This week on the show, I’m joined by Carlo from Audiothing to talk about his recreation of the classic monosynth, the Jen SX1000. Carlo’s love for this budget-friendly 1978 mono synth inspired him to bring it back as a plugin.

We discuss how he got into synthesizers and why the Jen SX1000 was his first analog synth. Carlo shares his approach to designing the plugin, what makes the Jen SX1000 a great synth to recreate, and the design choices he made—including some added functionality. We also chat about the new synth projects he’s currently working on.

Check out my comparison video, where I put my original Jen SX1000 side by side with the plugin.

The Jen SX1000 plugin is available for €69, with a free trial for those who want to try it out first.

Welcome to this week’s podcast!

TDL Show #978

On the show this week, we are joined by Mark Pigott, sound designer and musician, to talk about his love of sound design. Mark has created many video tutorials on using the Waldorf Blofeld, Korg Modwave, and Korg Multi/Poly.

We discuss how he got into synthesis, the art of programming wavetable synths, and much more!

This week on the TDL Show, we have a synth modulation master class from Peter “Ski” Schwartz, an expert sound designer and the creator of many classic synth sounds, including many of the presets on Korg synths like the Wavestation, Z1, Modwave, and the Multi/Poly.

Using Modwave Native, Peter explains the principles of synth modulation and how you can use the Mod Processors on synths like the Modwave, Wavestate, and Multi/Poly to create rich and evolving sounds. Peter knows all the tricks and gives us a live demo of expert synth design.

Unfortunately, Teams reduced the audio quality (and the stereo field) of the Modwave, but it's still a great lesson in synth design.

TDL Show #976

Welcome to this week’s TDL Show! Garry talks about low-cost home security cameras and how to integrate them into your home security system. I explore a new plugin that recreates the classic Jen SX1000 and compare it to my own Jen. I also discuss the new MIDI stack in Windows 11 and revisit my old Korg NX5R. Plus, I launch my new community sound bank project and much more!

Links from this week’s show:

• Join the Multi/Poly, Modwave & Wavestate Community Sound Bank Project!

• Mastering Ratcheting Sequencing with Korg Wavestate: A Berlin School Tutorial

• Jen SX1000: Vintage Analog vs. AudioThing Plugin – How Close Is It?

• Classic Prophet Sounds for the Korg Multi/Poly – Now Available!

Thanks to my Patreon supporters. https://www.patreon.com/c/IanDixon

TDL Show #975

Welcome to this week’s Synth Chat!

This week on the show, I’m joined by keyboard player MarQ Speck from SWEET CRYSTAL. He’s celebrating 50 years with the group and has played an incredible range of synths over the years.

We discuss his journey, from starting out with organs to acquiring his first Minimoog and other classic synths. We also talk about the regret of letting go of potential classics and the differences between studio needs and live performance requirements.

Plus, we dive into synth clones, new synths, and much more!

Links from this week’s show:

·       www.sweetcrystal.com

·       Classic Prophet Sounds for the Korg Multi/Poly – Now Available!

Welcome to this week's podcast, where Garry and I are joined by musician and DJ Kelly Myers to talk about his passion for synths, drum machines, and music.

Kelly has an interesting collection of electronic music gear, including the classic Roland TB-303. He shares how he got into music, talks about his gear collection, and explains why he uses both modern and classic synthesizers.

Links from this week’s show:

• earlandmajors.com

• Exploring the Large Magellanic Cloud: My New Synth Album

Thanks to my Patreon supporters. https://www.patreon.com/c/IanDixon

Welcome to this week’s podcast! Garry and I catch up on the latest tech news, including the smart home gadgets he's been testing—such as using AI to control heating. I also talk about my new Korg sound packs and the latest Windows 11 builds.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Laser Harps and Beyond: Elka Synthex Sounds for the Modwave

·       Mastering Vintage Synth Templates on the Korg Multi/Poly

·       Building Tangerine Dream Soundscapes with the Korg Multi/Poly

Welcome to This Week’s Show!

This week, I’m joined by musician, synth collector, and YouTuber Alex Dalliance, also known as Vulture Culture. Alex has an incredible YouTube channel and a thriving community centered around vintage synthesizers.

Alex regularly hosts a weekly YouTube live stream where he dives deep into the world of vintage and modern synths, sharing his expertise and passion with fans and fellow enthusiasts.

In this episode, we chat about Alex’s journey into music, his first vintage synth, and how he built his impressive collection. He shares insights into the challenges of maintaining vintage synthesizers and reveals which ones he considers overrated and which are absolutely irreplaceable.

Alex’s passion for synths and his community is truly inspiring, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this engaging conversation as much as I did!

Links from this week's show:

• Vulture Culture - YouTube

• Classic Korg Wavestation Presets Reimagined for the Wavestate

• 74 Inspiring Programs and Performances for the Korg Multi/Poly

TDL Show 971

Welcome to This Week’s Podcast!

This week, I’m joined by Dan Phillips from Korg R&D to dive into Korg’s NAMM announcements and the exciting new Multi/Poly synthesizer.

Dan shares insights about the latest products unveiled at NAMM, focusing on the Multi/Poly—a new analog modeling synthesizer. He discusses the inspiration and development behind this instrument, explaining why the team decided to innovate beyond simply recreating the classic Mono/Poly.

We explore the standout features of the Multi/Poly, including its advanced filters, synth templates, and meticulously modeled envelopes. Dan also explains the inclusion of wave shaping, the role of CMT (Component Modeling Technology), and what’s next for Korg R&D.

Don’t forget to check out my brand-new sound set for the Multi/Poly, along with tutorial videos to help you make the most of this incredible synth!

Links from this week’s show

·       multi/poly - ANALOG MODELING SYNTHESIZER | KORG (U.K.)

·       Breaking Down Korg’s Synth Lineup: Wavestate, Modwave, and Multi/Poly Compared

·       74 Inspiring Programs and Performances for the Korg Multi/Poly

Welcome to our first show of 2025! This week, Garry and I discuss what we're looking forward to this year, the latest news from CES, and exciting developments in music tech.

I share details about my new Korg Multi/Poly, Garry dives into the world of 360 cameras, and we explore the latest trends in smart home technology.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Exploring Analog Synth Samples on the Modwave and Wavestate

·       Mastering Pitch Lanes: Unlock New Sonic Possibilities on the Korg Modwave, Wavestate, and Mono/Poly

·       Korg Modwave vs Korg Wavestate: Which Synth is Right for You?

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