n this episode, we dive deep into the world of vintage synth firmware hacking with Thomas Jansen. 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:
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• 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”

• 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

• 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