From guitar to synthwave: my project CIAO64

Jam Session
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Hi everyone!

I’m paZ, a guitarist, synth player, producer and mix engineer based in Modena, Italy.

I work across different projects, from my solo instrumental album (paZion): Electric Dreams (focused on expressive electric guitar), to a rock-oriented band (DNR), and a synthwave/pop project called CIAO64.

CIAO64 is where I explore 80s-inspired sounds: drum machines, vintage-style synths and melodic guitar parts, with the goal of capturing the authentic musical language and emotional depth of 80s synthpop, rather than just recreating its surface aesthetics.

My setup is a hybrid between plugins and hardware, including vintage-style synths alongside modern tools.

For guitar tones, I’ve been using TONEX as the core of my setup, both in studio and in a minimal live rig.

On the production side, I’ve also been using several IK Multimedia tools — especially the T-RackS tape machines (Tape Machine 24, 80, 99, 440), along with other plugins like Sunset Sound Studio Reverb and some of the T-RackS processors.
We’re also about to release a new CIAO64 track soon.

Here’s one track from CIAO64:

Hope to connect with other synth lovers and people into that retro sound! :guitar: :musical_keyboard:

Cheers :slightly_smiling_face:

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So you are basically down the road from our Italian HQ? Great! Also, love the song. Nice work and excellent production. As someone who grew up during the 80s I can say you nailed it. But you probably already know that. :smiley:

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Thank you so much, really appreciate it!

Yes, I’m actually quite close to the IK HQ :grin:

And it means a lot hearing that from someone who experienced the 80s firsthand, that’s exactly the spirit I’m trying to capture, beyond just the sound itself.

Glad you liked it! :raising_hands:

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Hi paZ,

The cassette at the beginning of the video brought back so many memories of making mix tapes. Your production is top notch and as Peter said above you nailed the 80’s style, tone and production both musically and visually. Great job. looking forward to more. :sign_of_the_horns:

Dan

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Hi Dan! Thanks so much :folded_hands:
Glad the cassette intro brought back some memories!

And yeah… I still make mixtapes and listen to them in my Mazda Miata :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: couldn’t resist bringing that vibe into the video!