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:
[Insert YouTube Embed or Podcast Player Here]

• 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

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 Westfield—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.