Hi VGM pals, my name is Joe Caithness and I'm usually found on the mastering forum, I am a mastering engineer of ten years and about 20% of my work is also transfer and restoration.

I also happen to do a fair amount of VGM for vinyl/cd/download consumer release, which is a fun and challenging job as it's way more varied than pop/rock music. I love it!

Yesterday I was interviewed for a VGM blog/podcast and we got chatting about something which was really interesting, current and perhaps not discussed so much objectively: the playback system of a classic 90s PC gamer.

The conversation was inspired by us talking about best transfer practices and how these might be applicable in VGM and also how much I am obsessed with CIV2 and its soundtrack!

Has any research/writing been done on the most likely playback system? I am thinking chipset and soundcard (soundblaster 16 in my case!) and doing some experiments with transferring these in at hi res into my rig usually used for 1/4" tape, vinyl, shellac etc.




(If you're interested in some stuff I've done which is out/commercially available I worked on Hotline Miami 3xlp, Yooka Laylee all formats, The Talos Principle 2xlp, Absolver 2xlp, Strafe 2xlp, Shadow Warrior 2 12", Enter the Gundgeon 12" and many more still to be announced/released All






– Laced Records)