Contrary to what I said I would do, Paul, I stayed up late last night and listened to the entire interview. It was excellent. I liked that you asked Dave very specific and exacting questions. I've heard enough interviews with Dave by now that I feel I could answer the questions for him. They're often so general: "Tell us how you got into building synthesizers." "Do you have a favorite instrument over the years?" And so on. But your questions were obviously prepared beforehand. Plus, you also have a thorough knowledge of the Sequential Circuits and DSI histories. This allowed Dave to give us information that I haven't heard him give before. So, congratulations. I'm sure this interview will be enjoyed by hundreds or even thousands for some time.
I do have a few favorite parts. The best one-liner from Dave: 'I religiously avoid the forums.' I loved that line and laughed out loud when he said it. It makes perfect sense to me. Some might think that an instrument builder has an obligation to carefully monitor the views of his customers about his products. I say, avoid all the online blather and build your instruments as best you can. A little isolation is necessary to the creative mind. Besides, his staff can mention to him anything from the forums that might be worthwhile, such as maintenance issues.
My ears perked up near the beginning when you discussed (oh so briefly) the issues of the Evolvers and their unique stereo design. My ego thought for a moment that you were going to say, "There's this nut on the DSI forum who carries on about stereo this and stereo that, and he's ready to buy his fifth Poly Evolver! Dave, could you make him just a few more?". But Dave didn't take the bait like I wished he had. I guess he's not too sentimental. I thought he might have gone on a bit about his first precious little DSI piece. I would have enjoyed every word, since the Evolver has deeply influenced my whole approach to synthesis.
Perhaps the most newsworthy thing that Dave mentioned was that DSI is about to announce a new product in a month. That's actually what a few of us were expecting. If I remember correctly, this instrument will be another "surprising collaboration," but not with Tom Oberheim, and it sounded small-ish, rather than like a full-sized synthesizer. Did I get that right? In addition, they're working on another instrument for next year, but we all presume that much.
Now Paul, you had me scared stiff over Dave Smith retirement plans. But from the interview, it sounds as if he has no immediate plans for that, as if he can maintain his current pace for quite some time. I was relieved to hear it.
Thanks, again, Paul, for a unique interview and all the thought and preparation you obviously put into it. It was a delight for a DSI fan.