8 chapters across the catalog
Grateful Dead's "Wall of Sound" and Standing Waves
The Grateful Dead's legendary "Wall of Sound" is described as having the ability to create physical "standing waves" in an audience, a phenomenon confirmed by audio engineers. The hosts discuss the physical sensation of these waves and the technical ability to move them through a crowd using specialized gear.
Bob Heil, founder of Heil Sound and a pioneer in live sound for bands like the Grateful Dead and The Who, has passed away at age 83. In other news, reports indicate that the chemical chlormequat, found in oat products like Cheerios, enters the food supply via a plant growth regulator called "Manipulator."
John C. Dvorak hosts a special filler episode of No Agenda while Adam Curry is on vacation. Dvorak introduces two pre-recorded interviews featuring former Apple CEO John Sculley and microphone designer Bob Heil. Listeners are encouraged to support the show at dvorak.org/na despite the pre-recorded format.
Bob Heil, Early Life and the Fox Theater Organ
Bob Heil recounts his early introduction to audio through ham radio and the organ. He describes becoming the protege of Stan Cann at the Fox Theater in St. Louis at age 15. Heil explains how voicing and tuning thousands of pipes in a Wurlitzer organ taught him how to "listen" and harmonically dissect sound, a skill that would later define his career in microphone design.
Upcoming Interviews, John Sculley and Bob Heil
The hosts preview upcoming special segments, including an interview with former Apple CEO John Sculley. They also mention a conversation with Bob Heil of Heil Sound, who is credited with inventing modern large-scale stage sound systems. These interviews are part of a special "vacation" programming block.
A discussion about vocalists leads to an explanation of "standing waves" in live audio, a phenomenon reportedly utilized by the Grateful Dead and audio engineer Owsley Stanley to create physical sensations in the audience. Adam Curry mentions an upcoming interview with Bob Heil, the inventor of large-scale concert sound systems and Heil Sound microphones. The segment explores the technical intersection of amateur radio (SWR) and professional concert audio engineering.
Ham Radio Swap Meets and Licensing Encouragement
The "flea market" aspect of ham radio conventions is described as a collection of dusty gear and oddities, including Beanie Babies sold alongside radio components. Despite the "junk" found at swap meets, the hosts encourage listeners to obtain a basic Technician license due to its low cost and ease of entry. The segment concludes with a mention of the immediate community and "club" atmosphere provided by having a ham call sign.
Adam Curry discusses his experiences with the Austin startup and incubator scene, expressing frustration with "euro trash fever" and people seeking free consulting. He jokingly suggests reviving the "Daily Source Code" with illegal music to see if listeners would donate to support the risk.
