The Digital Lifestyle.com
We talk Windows, smart home, music tech, vintage tech, EVs and lots more.

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)

Direct download: TDL_Show_20241030_963.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:03am EDT

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!

Direct download: TDL_Show_20241023_962.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:24am EDT

#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

Direct download: TDL_Show_20241016_961.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:32am EDT

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.

Direct download: TDL_Show_20241009_960.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:17pm EDT

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

Direct download: TDL_Show_20241002_959.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38am EDT

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

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240911_958.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:05am EDT

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

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240904_957.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:06am EDT

 

Welcome to this week’s podcast! This week on the show Garry and I catch on the last couple of week’s news. We talk about my new sound pack for the Korg Minilogue and why I created the new sounds for the 2016 synth. Garry digs out some old home movie technology and talks about his new smart home project. We also talk Windows builds and lots more!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Enhance Your Minilogue: Free Custom Patches for Bells, Leads, and More!

·       Live Sound Design: Korg Modwave Digital Mastery & Wavestate Analog Magic

·       Classic 80s Sounds on Your Wavestate: D-110 Sample Pack

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240828_956.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:37am EDT

Welcome to this week's podcast where we discuss my new smart appliances and how they are intergrating into my kitchen. We talk smart bulbs and Google killing Chromecast.

We also talk about the Roland D-110 and lots more.

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240814_955.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:08pm EDT

This week, Garry and I are joined by Dan Phillips, head of Korg’s R&D, to talk about the new ARP 2600 virtual instrument. Dan explains the background of the ARP 2600 and why Korg chose to recreate it in virtual form.

He details the function of each part of the synth and shares some tricks to get amazing sounds out of it. We also have the opportunity to ask Dan about the next synths to be modeled in the Korg Collection.

Links from this week’s show:

·       TDL Show #947 – Dan Phillips from Korg R&D – TheDigitalLifestyle.com

·       Korg Collection 5 – What’s included?

·       Free sound pack for the new Korg ARP 2600 plugin

·       Exploring the New Korg ARP 2600 Plugin: Classic Sounds with Modern Features

·       TDL Podcast Survey 2024

·       Korg.com

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240807_954.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:53am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show, we are joined by Microsoft’s Pete Brown to talk about optimizing Windows 11 PCs for music production. Pete discusses what you should and shouldn't do when setting up a music PC. He shares his tips for getting the most out of your system and explains why it’s all about tailoring the system to your needs rather than chasing numbers.

Pete also explains the different audio standards in Windows and gives us the latest updates on MIDI 2.0 for Windows.

If you are building a Windows PC for music production or want to get the best from your current system, Pete has some great tips and tricks. If you have your own tips, let us know in the comments!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Unofficial Windows 10 Audio Workstation build and tweak guide - Part 1 - Windows MIDI and Music dev (microsoft.com)

·       TDL Show #938 – Exploring MIDI 2.0: A Conversation with Microsoft’s Pete Brown on the Windows Integration

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240731_953.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:34am EDT

Welcome to this week’s show where we get old friend of the show Richard Speed to join us to talk about the Crowdstrike issues that hit last week. We discuss what causes the issue and what will be the implications for Microsoft and the IT community. We also have time to catch up the latest EV news and I have news about a new synthesiser from Korg.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Free sound pack for the new Korg ARP 2600 plugin

·       Korg launch a new ARP 2600 Semi-modular synth recreation

·       Exploring the New Korg ARP 2600 Plugin: Classic Sounds with Modern Features

·       TDL Podcast Survey 2024

·       New Recovery Tool to help with CrowdStrike issue impacting Windows endpoints

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240723_952.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:50am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast. Last week we had a live stream (see this link) and this week we are talk about the latest Windows Insider news, music tech news, EV news and a look back at the Sinclair C5.

We also have our new TDL Podcast listeners survey where we want to find out what is important to you about our show. It’s quick to fill in and will really help us tailor the show for you in the future.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Roland D-110 in Action: 80s Synth Demo

·       Recreating Classic Synth Sounds: From Jen SX1000 to Korg Modwave

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26252 for the Canary Channel

·       TDL Survey

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240717_951.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Welcome back to the show after a summer break! This week Garry and I are catching up on the Windows Insider news, EV news and I talk about tracking my cases with a smart tag. We talk about new sounds packs for the Korg Modwave and new smart lights.

Make sure you join me for a live stream next Tuesday at 8pm UK time!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Home | Windows Insider Blog

·       Recreating Tangerine Dream’s Tangram with Korg Modwave

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26241 for Canary Channel

·       Reviving the Classics: Atmospheric Sounds from the Korg Wavestation to the Wavestate

·       Recreating Tangerine Dream’s Dolphin Dance with Korg Modwave

·       Join Me for a Korg Modwave Live Stream July 9th 8pm UK / 12pm PST

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240703_950.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:55am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show, Garry and I talk about the new builds of Windows 11, the latest EV news, and I have music tech news. We also discuss how the Windows Insider Program has evolved and how we miss the big bang approach of new Windows releases. Plus, I have a new music PC.

·       Free Sound Pack Inspired by Tangerine Dream for Korg Modwave

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26231

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26231 for Canary Channel

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240612_949.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29am EDT

Welcome to this week’s TDL Show! After our special guest last week and the live show a week before that we are back with a catch up with Garry. We talk about the Microsoft Surface event a couple of week’s ago and ask what is copilot+.

We talk about the new builds of Windows 11 and how Microsoft are changing the Windows 10 beta channel. I also talk about my new music gear and Garry has a recap of the EV news.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Getting Hands-On with the Korg Wavestate Module: Unbox, Update, and Play

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.751 (Dev Channel)

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 (Canary)

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 for the Canary Channel

·       Fairlight Collection Vol2: Guitar, Bass and Drums for Korg Modwave

·       Which synth did I get?

·       Unlock Classic Kraftwerk Sounds with My New Korg Modwave Sound Pack!

·       Microsoft announces new ARM powered Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240605-948.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:41am EDT

This week on the podcast, we have a very special guest. Dan Phillips is the manager of product development at Korg R&D in the US and has worked on various products over his years at Korg, including the Wavestation and OASYS projects, as well as recent devices like the Wavestate and Modwave.

Dan talks about the products he has worked on at Korg and the process of bringing new products to life at the company. He discusses writing the manuals, working with sound developers, and provides a background on the Wavestate and Modwave projects.

Dan also shares insights about new software synths coming from Korg this summer in Korg Collection 5, including the brand new ARP2600 virtual synth. Dan is passionate about synthesizer design and music, and he is great to chat with.

So, get yourself a drink, sit back, and enjoy the brilliant Dan Phillips!

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240529_947.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show, we talk about the new builds of Windows 11 for Windows Insiders, speculate about what we will see at Microsoft’s Build 2024 show, and discuss the latest news in electric vehicles and music technology.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Korg Wavestate: Akai AX73 Sound Pack

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26212

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26212 for the Canary Channel

·       Home | Windows Insider Blog

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240515_946.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35am EDT

This week, we're thrilled to welcome Gary Comerford from the EV Musing podcast, who shares insights into dispelling some common myths surrounding electric vehicle (EV) ownership. Additionally, we delve into the latest developments with Windows 11 builds, and I'm excited to share details about my upcoming album.

Tune in and enjoy this week's show!

Links:

·       The EV Musings Podcast

·       The Little Book of EV myths

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.461 for the Dev Channel

·       Mastering Set Lists: Unlocking the Power of Korg Keystage with Modwave and Wavestate

·       Unleashing the Forgotten Gem: Akai AX73 Sounds for Korg Modwave

·       "Optimistic?" is available on most streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240508_945.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38am EDT

Welcome to this week’s show where Garry and I catch up on the news. We talk about the new builds of Windows 11 and why its been quiet on the build front. We talk about the changes going on in the EV world and the new sounds I have been working on.

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200 (Canary Channel)

·       Sounds Design on the Korg Modwave Live Stream

·       Fairlight Collection Vol1: Strings, Brass & Vocal for the Korg Modwave

·       Fairlight Collection Vol1: Strings, Brass & Vocal for the Korg Wavestate

·       Unleashing the Forgotten Gem: Akai AX73 Sounds for Korg Modwave

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240501_944.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:39am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show this week Garry and I talk about issues with 12v batteries in EVs, I ask why we haven’t had a new build of Windows 11 in a while, we Microsoft unblocking Windows 11 upgrades for some devices and my samples with automated tools.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Exploring Sound Design: Join Me for a Korg Modwave Live Stream Adventure!

·       Importing Custom Samples into Korg Modwave and Wavestate Synthesizers (with free Fairlight sound)

·       Experience the Pink Floyd Sound: Free Collection for Korg Modwave

Make sure you join us on the our live stream next Tuesday, live on YouTube.

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240417_943.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:13am EDT

This week on the show we are joined by Chris Minasians to talk about In Car audio systems. Our car entertainments systems are as complex as our home entertainments systems now and Chris explains about the change in car technology especial with the increase of EVs. We talk about the trends, the best systems and how manufactures are using systems from Apple and Google.

Links from the show:

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240409_942.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week on the we catch up on the news. We talk about wavetables, building music PCs, new Windows 11 builds new Microsoft Surfaces and the latest EV news.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26085 for Canary and Dev Channels

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26085

·       Blade Runner Inspired: CS80 Sounds for Korg Modwave | New Collection Release!

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240327_941.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

This week on the show we have sound designer and wavetable expert Keith Crosley. Keith has a massive collection of Wavetables available for use with modern Wavetable synths like the Serum and Korg’s Modwave. Keith is going to talk about wavetable synthesis, the history of wavetables and how they are used in music today. Keith also talks about how we got into producing wavetables and how he generates them.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Wavetables.lol (gumroad.com)

·       I Created AI Models to Generate 40,000+ Wavetables - Available Now in KRC Mathwaves (youtube.com)

·       Introducing the Digital Collection: Free Sounds for Korg Modwave Inspired by 80s Synths

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26080

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240320_940.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:07am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast! On the show this week Gary and I talk about Microsoft removing Android support from Windows 11, new builds, MIDI 2.0, Korg Keystage, new budget EV and lots more!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Microsoft end support for Android apps on Windows 11

·       Unboxing and Exploring the Korg Keystage 49: A MIDI 2.0 Controller with MPE, Polyphonic Aftertouch, and More!

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26063 for the Canary Channel

·       Dacia Spring EV will start from £14,995

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240313_939.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:28am EDT

This week on the podcast, we are joined by Microsoft’s Pete Brown, who is implementing MIDI 2.0 in Windows. MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) is a system for connecting musical instruments and has been around since the early 80s. MIDI 2.0 marks the most significant change to the protocol in its lifetime, and Pete’s team is working to introduce a new MIDI stack into Windows.

Pete explains what MIDI is and delves into the reasons behind the necessity of MIDI 2.0. He discusses Microsoft's decision to rewrite the MIDI stack in Windows, making it open source, and highlights the benefits this will bring. Additionally, he treats us to live demos showcasing the new MIDI 2.0 functionality in Windows 11.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Windows Midi Services | Windows MIDI Services (microsoft.github.io)

·       Releases · microsoft/MIDI (github.com)

·       https://twitter.com/pete_brown

·       https://aka.ms/Win10AudioTweakGuide

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240306_938.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:37am EDT

Welcome to this week’s show. On the podcast this week Garry and I talk the new builds of Windows 11, EV charging news and Garry has smart home news. We also talk Korg Modwave, and new music.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26058 (24H2)

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26058 (24H2) for Dev and Canary Channels

·       Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3209 (Beta Channel) | Windows Insider Blog

·       Classic 1970’s ARP synthesiser collection for the Korg Modwave

The Detective Returns

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240221_936.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42am EDT

Welcome to this week’s podcast. On the show this week Garry and I talk about the next version of Windows which we now know is Windows 11 24H2 and not Windows 12. We look at the changes to the new builds this week including the new SUDO command. We talk EVs, smart home and music tech.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052 (Canary and Dev Channels) | Windows Insider Blog

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052 (24H2) with SUDO!

·       Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3140 (Beta Channel) | Windows Insider Blog

·       Mastering Motion Sequencing 2.0 on the Korg Modwave: Unleashing Sonic Creativity

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240214_935.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:50am EDT

Welcome to this week’s show! On the podcast we talk about Apple Vison Pro and why you shouldn’t wearing one while driving. We talk about the new builds of Window 11 and look forward to what’s coming for ARM on Windows. We also talk music tech and have EV news.

Links for this week’s show:

·       Unleashing Sonic Power: A Guide to Crafting Mesmerizing FM Sounds with the Korg Modwave

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3139 (Beta Channel)

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240207_934.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49am EDT

Welcome to this week's podcast! This week Garry and I talk about the latest Windows 11 Insider builds, we talk about the Korg MS-20 and re-creating it, plus we talk about the EV9 that Garry has been driving.

We also have feedback from last week's show and more!

Links from this week's show:

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240131_933.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27am EDT

Welcome back after a week off! This week on the show Garry and I talk about the new features in Windows 11, Microsoft Surface Go 4 update, new Korg gear and EV news.

Links from this week’s show:

·       Here are the new features in Korg Modwave V2 Firmware

·       Prophet VS Collection for the Korg Modwave

·       Windows 11 Build 23619: Instant Access to your Phone’s Photos and Screenshots Explained

·       Windows 11 Build 23619 for the Dev Channel release with new mobile integration

·       Three Months In: Surface Go 4 Update and Real-World Impressions

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240125_932.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:20am EDT

Welcome to this week’s show where I bring you a quick update as I was on my own. I bring you the latest Windows Insider news, some of the fist CES 2024 news and an update on my home Wi-Fi solution.

Back to our regular show format next week!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23612 for the Dev Channel

·       Hands on with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020

·       Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020 for the Canary Channel

·       How to make massive analogue synth sounds on the Korg Modwave

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240110_931.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:34am EDT

Welcome to our first show of 2024! This week Garry and I look at what Microsoft may be bringing to the hardware front in 2024 with rumoured Surface Laptop and Pro upgrades. We talk about Microsoft’s axing of Windows Mixed Reality and home wifi options.

We also talk Korg Modwave and lots more!

Links from this week’s show:

·       Over 400 free patches for the Korg Modwave mkII, Modwave and Modwave Native

·       Microsoft to axe Windows Mixed Reality from Windows

·       Synth Waves: Unleashing Classic Roland Sounds on the Korg Modwave

·       Exploring the Korg Polysix: Vintage Synth Magic

Direct download: TDL_Show_20240103_930.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:34am EDT

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