Synths, EV Tech, Smart Home Chaos & Big Discounts!
Release Date: 03/11/2026
Smart Home Catch-Up: Alexa Cleanup, Home Assistant & New Gadgets
The Digital Lifestyle.com
Gary Whittaker is back for a smart home catch-up, with new gadgets, Home Assistant updates, Zigbee and Thread talk, presence sensors, AI automations and a few workflow updates from the studio. In this episode we talk about cleaning up thousands of old Alexa devices, moving away from SmartThings, using a multi-radio smart home hub for Zigbee and Thread, LinknLink presence sensors, local AI image recognition, LED panel notifications, OpenClaw automation, new microphones and the Kawai K1m. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Gary returns 01:04 Cleaning up old Alexa and smart home devices 04:49 Kawai K1m,...
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The Man Behind Knobcon and STG muSonics
The Digital Lifestyle.com
Suit & Tie Guy joins me for a TDL Synth Chat covering STG muSonics, Knobcon, modular synth history, why he moved away from software-based music making, and the stories behind his hardware design work. Suit & Tie Guy is the founder of Knobcon and the person behind STG Soundlabs / STG muSonics. In this long-form synth podcast we talk about early computer music, Numerology, hardware sequencing, the move from software to dedicated instruments, module design, the muSonics story, and why in-person synth events still matter. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Suit & Tie Guy joins the show...
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Scott McAuley Sound Design Podcast: Synth Patches & Modern Classics
The Digital Lifestyle.com
In this new podcast episode, I sit down with professional sound designer, synth programmer, musician, and Pro Synth Network regular Scott McAuley for a wide‑ranging conversation about the craft of sound design. It’s a proper deep dive — from early musical influences to the realities of commercial patch creation — packed with insights for anyone who loves synthesizers, sound design, or electronic music production. 🎙️ The Conversation Scott shares his journey into music, from Casio keyboards and Walkmans to the synths and artists that shaped his ear. We explore how he...
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AI, Synths & the Future of Music — Mike Dunn Interview
The Digital Lifestyle.com
In this episode of The Digital Lifestyle Show, I’m joined by Mike Dunn from the Academy of Contemporary Music for a wide-ranging conversation about synthesizers, sound design, music education, hardware vs software, and the rapidly changing role of AI in music. Mike shares his journey from growing up in Toronto and discovering synths like the Korg Poly-800 and Yamaha DX100, through touring and professional performance, to teaching the next generation of musicians. We also explore how synthesis is taught today, why creative restrictions can actually improve your music, the continuing debate...
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Why Everyone Wanted an E-mu Emulator (The Story Behind the Icon)
The Digital Lifestyle.com
The E-mu Emulator is one of the most influential musical instruments ever made. From Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode to Genesis, Rush and countless film composers, the Emulator helped define the sound of the 1980s. In this episode of TDL Synthchat, I'm joined by Peter James Steven from the Pro Synth Network to explore the complete history of the Emulator family, from the original Emulator I through the legendary Emulator II, Emulator III, Emax, Proteus and beyond. Peter owns several original Emulators and even helped develop the Emulator 5 "Vampire Rack", giving him a unique insight into the...
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Oli Freke on Beat Gems, Drum Machines & the Oberheim DX
The Digital Lifestyle.com
Oli Freke joins me for a drum-machine special on this week's show. We talk about his new book Beat Gems, why rhythm boxes changed modern music, the sound of classic machines like the Roland CR-78, TR-808, TR-909, Linn LM-1, Oberheim DMX/DX and Yamaha RX5, and how drum machines helped shape synth pop, hip-hop, house, techno and 80s production. Oli also opens up the Oberheim DX, shows the EPROMs inside, talks through the sounds, and demonstrates a classic DMX-style groove. Beat Gems - Drum Machines in Modern Music: Bjooks: If you enjoy classic synths, drum machines, electronic music...
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TDL Show 1038: AI Producer, Smart Homes & Classic Synths
The Digital Lifestyle.com
Gary Whittaker joins me for a bonus TDL Show catch-up. We talk about the Roland D-110 and sequencing before DAWs, smart home voice control, Home Assistant, OpenClaw, local AI models, MCP, and how AI agents can help with the repetitive production tasks around podcasts, YouTube uploads and general automation. We also get into smart displays, ESPHome, local vs cloud AI, privacy, using AI as a practical assistant rather than a creativity replacement, and a few gadget projects along the way. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, share it, and let me know what you are using AI assistants or...
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Catch-up Show: Smart Home Displays, 80s Disco & EV Road Trips
The Digital Lifestyle.com
In this week’s catch-up show, Ian and Gary dive into the latest in smart home tech, music production, and the evolving world of electric vehicles. Ian shares the impressive survival story of his Samsung Galaxy S24 after an unexpected dip in the pool and previews his brand-new 80s Italian Disco-inspired track, "Midnight Riviera." Gary showcases a versatile new ESP32 dev board with a high-quality touchscreen—a budget-friendly potential game-changer for Home Assistant enthusiasts. We also tackle the growing issue of EV charger vandalism in the UK, discuss the shift back to sporty electric...
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Smart Home Tech, Retro Synths & The AI Debate (with Gary!)
The Digital Lifestyle.com
Welcome back to the show! This week, Gary returns, and we’re catching up on everything from smart home innovations to retro synth deep dives. Gary shares his latest find—an incredibly flexible and affordable LED panel that he’s integrated into Home Assistant for custom notifications. We also dive into the world of 80s sound design, discussing my recent Tangerine Dream sound pack, a classic 1986 "synth bible" book, and the evolving role of AI in creative content like YouTube thumbnails and video generation. Plus, we touch on the latest EV news, from sub-£20k cars to the future of...
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The CS-80, SY2 & The Search for the Perfect Synth
The Digital Lifestyle.com
In this episode of the TDL Synth Chat, I travel to Prague to speak with Marek Hradil, an electronic music composer and synth expert. We dive deep into his incredible collection of vintage gear—including classic Yamaha CS and DX synths—and explore his fascinating journey from using VSTs to repairing and even designing his own custom hardware. Marik shares insights into his workflow as a computer game composer, the unique expressivity of analog instruments like the Yamaha SY2, and how he balances the convenience of modern technology with the tactile inspiration of physical synthesizers. 🕒...
info_outlineThis week’s episode is a full catch-up with Gary, diving into everything from analog synths and sound packs to EV tech and smart home experiments. Whether you're into music gear, electric vehicles, or home automation, there’s something here for you.
🎹 Donna Essential L1: Modular Analog Synth
We kick things off with a hands-on look at the Donna Essential L1 — a modular analog synth inspired by the Roland SH-101. It’s a two-part system: a keyboard and a synth module that snap together. Highlights include:
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True analog circuitry
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SH-101-style sliders and envelopes
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USB-C powered controller functionality
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Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator
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No patch memory (authentic analog experience)
At £259, it’s a great entry point into subtractive synthesis. Plus, there’s a 15% discount code available via the video review.
🎛️ MS-20 Sound Pack + Discounts
Also featured is a new MS-20-inspired sound pack for the Korg Multi/Poly. It includes:
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70+ gritty analog performances
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Modeled MS-20 filters and envelopes
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Perfect for classic mono synth textures
Use code MARCH2026 for 20% off all sound packs.
🚗 Everything Electric Show Preview
Gary previews the upcoming Everything Electric show in Harrogate:
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Dates: May 8 (Business Day) & May 9 (Public Day)
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Venue: Great Yorkshire Event Center
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Activities: EV test drives, solar & heat pump demos, family-friendly fun
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Discount: 15% off tickets with code EN15
Harrogate’s scenic roads make it ideal for EV demos, and the show promises a strong turnout.
🔋 EV Home Battery & V2H Tech
Gary shares insights on vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech:
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His new EV supports bidirectional charging
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Challenges with charger compatibility
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Potential to power a home for months
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Future of solid-state batteries for home energy storage
He also discusses the Donut solid-state battery for motorcycles, currently undergoing independent testing.
🏠 Smart Home Wins & Troubleshooting
Gary’s smart home experiments include:
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Zigbee A1 dimmer switches from B&Q
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Controller mode for flexible automation
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Troubleshooting faulty devices and firmware updates
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CO₂ monitoring with Matter-enabled air quality sensors
He’s now automating ventilation based on CO₂ levels, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
📺 Tutorials & Upcoming Gear
Ian’s channel is packed with new tutorials:
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Tangerine Dream-style ratcheting sequences
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Filter design and organ sound creation
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Free organ sound pack available
Plus, a mystery late-80s digital synth is arriving soon — guesses welcome in the comments!
This episode is a deep dive into gear, tech, and home automation. Whether you're a synth enthusiast, EV driver, or smart home tinkerer, it’s packed with insights, discounts, and inspiration.
What’s your favorite takeaway from this week’s show? Drop a comment and let us know!