8 chapters across the catalog
Technical Studio Rebuild and Sound Enhancements
A detailed explanation of a studio equipment failure reveals how a "ghosted" drive corrupted the boot records of a Surface Pro. The host describes rebuilding the system on a Dell 3080 and discovering that Windows sound drivers had been applying unwanted "enhancements" to the audio for years, which have now been disabled.
A listener from Dayton, Ohio, was knighted as Sir Egghead of the Long Shadows of Trash Mountain. Additionally, an anonymous producer donated a brand new Surface Pro 7 to the show. The hosts joke that the gift might have come from General Flynn or Sidney Powell.
Surface Pro 6 Hardware Failure, Soldered Hard Drives
A technical failure occurred on a Surface Pro 6 studio computer involving an automatic repair loop and a blue screen of death. Consultation with a Windows expert revealed that the device's hard drive is soldered to the motherboard, making replacement impossible and necessitating the purchase of a new machine. The incident resulted in a significant loss of preparation time for the current broadcast.
The hosts open the program by addressing severe audio crackling issues that plagued recent recordings. Troubleshooting involved switching from professional ASIO drivers to WASAPI after a Windows update potentially broke USB device compatibility. A lack of analog audio inputs on modern hardware like the Microsoft Surface and MacBook Air necessitated a complex "Lego-like" setup of USB-C adapters and mini-audio devices.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Technical Setup and Hardware Docks
A technical update describes the transition to using a Microsoft Surface Pro 6 for show production, utilizing a proprietary magnetic dock to resolve USB glitchiness. The setup includes an Anker powered hub and external drives to manage the high data requirements of the broadcast. The host notes the significant weight and "brick" nature of the new power supply and docking hardware.
Executive Producer Sir Lucas and Technical Glitches
Sir Lucas of the Lost Bits is named the sole Executive Producer for the episode after a $333 donation following his return from Vietnam. The segment also addresses an audio glitch in the recording rig, likely caused by bandwidth limitations on a Surface Pro 6's USB 3.0 hub. The hosts express disappointment at the low number of high-tier donations following the recent Austin meetup.
A new mobile podcasting rig featuring a Surface Pro 6 and external USB 3 monitors is being tested ahead of a trip to Des Moines, Iowa. The hardware was purchased at Costco following a discount, despite previous vows to avoid the retailer. The setup is designed to provide more speed and less physical weight for travel while maintaining multi-screen functionality.
A host recounts a positive experience at a Microsoft Store, praising the Surface Studio Pro's touch interface for creative work. The discussion touches on rumors of an upcoming "Surface Phone" that could function as a full computer when connected to a monitor. The hosts compare the "high-energy" environment of Microsoft retail locations to the perceived "arrogance" of Apple Stores.
