Blog

Sulcata Sound is the latest venture of Jason Graves, a two-time British Academy Award-winnning composer, producer and percussionist renowned for his work on titles such as Still Wakes The Deep, Dead Space, Tomb Raider, Far Cry Primal, Until Dawn and Prey. The first release under the new brand sees Jason share two virtual instruments — Jason’s Piano and API Drums — that have been created in collaboration with programmer Frederic Poirier and mix engineer Joël Dollié.

Jason’s Piano

The first of the two instruments, as its name suggests, captures the composer’s piano, a Boston GP-193 Performance Edition II. Performance, recording and editing tasks were carried out by Jason himself, with the instrument’s scripting and GUI design handled by Frederic Poirier, and the final mixing of the sounds taken care of by Joël Dollié. High-end gear employed on the session includes a matched pair of Telefunken ELA M 260 valve mics and API 3124V preamps.

API Drums

The second offering provides users with a carefully recorded drum kit that promises to deliver a punchy, warm sound that boasts plenty of sustain and power. Here’s an overview of the gear used to create the instrument:

The Drum Kit

Microphones

“I’ve been collecting instruments and recording unique sounds for more than fifteen years. Sulcata Sound is my official audio repository for this constantly growing, project-driven collection. Music conveys emotions instantaneously. These instruments are crafted for compositional inspiration. They are designed to tell a story, from the ‘instrument’ itself (a bit of a stretch for many of my more esoteric, found-sound sources) and microphone choice, to the post-processing through specific and often drastic outboard hardware. I hope these sounds inspire users as much as they have me, and, at the very least, encourage them to take the next steps toward their own personal journey of discovery and adventure in the world of music.” - Jason Graves

Photo: Thea Martre

Music Production for Women (MPW) have announced that they will be running a series of four music production workshops throughout July 2025 with the aim of empowering female and non-gender conforming musicians. The tour, which is titled EmpowHer Sound - Live, will be visiting venues in Dublin, Berlin, Amsterdam and London, with MPW’s award-winning founder Xylo Aria delivering three-hour masterclass events aimed at beginners. Topics covered will include beatmaking, audio effects and synthesis, and thanks to sponsorship from Novation, Kilohearts and DistroKid, will be completely free to attend.

The European tour has been organised due to popular demand, with similar UK-based events held by MPW in previous years attracting almost 200 artists. Luna Sophia, an attendee of last year’s workshops said: “Incredible experience! Lots of lovely like-minded people attending, and fantastic and knowledgeable professional advice and teaching. If you are a woman who is serious about learning production I 10/10 recommend!”, while Anette Thomas added: "I'm absolutely blown away at the quality of the workshop and all the content that was provided. I'll be leaving the workshop energised, feeling motivated and knowing I will be supported by a group of like-minded amazing women".

Although MPW’s primary goal is to provide opportunities for women and gender minorities, they say that their workshops are open to all, and that all genders are more than welcome to attend. 

“When you’re new to the music production space, it can often feel overwhelming to know where to start and how to start building a network. We designed these events to be that perfect first step where artists, particularly women, can get a taste of music production, while making new friends in a safe and encouraging space.” - Xylo Aria, Founder, MPW

Following on from last year’s release of Gradient Synth — which reached #6 on the App Store’s Paid Music charts —  Soulyft Audio have announced the launch of their latest creation.

Named Chime, the new addition to the company’s line-up is a gesture-based soft synth that turns noise into soundscapes using a combination of touch control, filters, delay and reverb. It employs an audio engine that has been developed in collaboration with Sketch Audio, and its GUI has been designed to encourage immediate musical exploration. It offers a minimalist, icon-based layout that features no explicit labels, and aims to invite users to trust their ears while sculpting soundscapes through interactive gestures. 

“With Chime, the goal was to design an App where making music felt playful and exploratory, but still capable of serious, inspiring results. Partnering with Sketch Audio was key to creating Chime’s powerful yet intuitive audio engine. It’s a blend of approachable design and deep sonic potential.” - Corey Lofthus, Founder, Soulyft Audio

Compatibility

Chime is supported on iPhone and iPads running iOS/iPadOS 17.5 or later. It’s available as a standalone App and an AUv3 plug-in. 

The latest plug-in to join Arturia’s line-up has been designed to provide a quick and intuitive way to craft impactful drum sounds without the complexity of using multiple processors. Developed in collaboration with acclaimed producer and mixer Emre Ramazanoglu (Brian Eno, Lily Allen, David Holmes), Mix Drums combines phase-coherent parallel processing, distortion, tone shaping, transient control and more, providing an all-in-one toolkit for adding weight and presence to drum tracks.

The plug-in features automatic input ceiling calibration, meaning users can simply play a section of their drum tracks while Mix Drums analyses the average levels and adjusts its internal gain structure accordingly. From there, the signal is split into two bands (Low and Mid/High), each of which are kitted out with their own set of dedicated distortion, dynamics and tonal-shaping controls. The Low band includes Warmth, Level and Dry controls in its saturation section, while the Mid/High band offers Tape and Triode Drive parameters along with Level, Tone and Tilt EQ dials; both bands offer Attack and Body parameters for shaping transients, along with a built-in clipper. 

A Space section follows, housing a versatile delay and reverb processor that includes a convolution reverb with multiple room options, an algorithmic reverb, a tape delay and digital delay. Some further tonal shaping is then provided by an EQ module that complements the Tilt EQ control found in the Mid/High band section, and allows users to balance the levels of the two bands before they reach the plug-in’s output. 

“This plug-in recreates, and actually improves upon, one particular workflow I use when creating characterful drum sounds in a mix, or for increasing the impact of delivered stereo drum loops without raising peak level. I wanted an all-in-one solution to achieve the retro-inspired but full-range and weighty drum sounds that I get hired to deliver — as well as everything from fully creative transformational processes to very subtle drum bus enhancements. Working with Arturia, we’ve developed a phase-coherent processor that allows the user to instantly dial in a huge variety of tones. Peak control is at the heart of this processor; you’ll find you’re able to effect huge changes in density, punch and tone without the peak level budging.” - Emre Ramazanoglu

Sony have announced that they are expanding access to their 360 Virtual Mixing Environment technology, which is now widely available to creators working in music, education, film and TV for the first time. 360VME, which until now has been available exclusively to professional facilities, is capable of recreating the acoustic field of a multi-speaker immersive studio over headphones, allowing users to produce immersive audio mixes in any location. 

The technology combines personalised head-related transfer function (HRTF) data with Sony’s proprietary binaural processing, and following a one-time measurement, is able to reproduce the acoustic environment of any reference sound mixing studio in a pair of headphones. The company say that the results offer a portable yet professional-grade monitoring environment that preserves spatial accuracy across platforms, allowing sound engineers and creators to work on complex projects — such as object-based audio mixes for film, gaming or music — and remain confident in the fidelity of their mix regardless of location.

Thanks to a series of collaborations with industry leaders including Custom House and GC Pro, and Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), Sony are making 360VME accessible to a far wider range of audio professionals. The technology is also being adopted by educational institutions, who are integrating 360VME into their curriculum, as well as by those working in film and television, where it allows engineers to create immersive mixes outside of traditional studio setups. Sony say that these strategic partnerships mark the first time that the 360VME technology is accessible to the public, and “underscores their commitment to empowering creators and enhancing their workflows with innovative solutions”.

More information can be found on the Sony website. 

DPA have just announced the upcoming launch of the 4099 CORE+, a new and improved version of their renowned instrument microphone. Set to make its debut at InfoComm 2025, the latest iteration of the popular design promises to deliver a wider dynamic range and improved transparency, as well as benefitting from a new mounting clip.

Driven by years of user feedback and made possible by technical advancements, the changes introduced in the 4099 CORE+ deliver some impressive results. Its dynamic range measurements have been improved by 10dB, and the mic also boasts a higher clipping point than its predecessor. The company say that their patent-pending CORE+ technology sets a new standard for distortion-free sound by eliminating the non-linearities typically generated by the membrane and electronic components of a microphone, redefining what’s possible in audio capture.

In addition to the upgrades to the mic itself, DPA have also taken the opportunity to redesign its mounting system. The 4099 CORE+ comes equipped with a new Gooseneck Mount (G-MOUNT) that employs a two-step locking mechanism that allows for precise placement with just one hand, as well as improving isolation from vibrations and increasing its overall stability.

Select clips, such as those for cello, piano and microphone stands, have also been refined to enhance usability, adaptability and acoustic performance. while a new addition to the line-up, the XLR-MOUNT, makes it possible to mount 19mm pencil mics or XLR adapters. Those who already own DPA mics will be pleased to hear that the new mount is backwards compatible with many of the company’s existing clip designs. Last but not least, the latest offering features DPA’s new MicroLock connector, offering greater connection reliability. 

SKnote have just announced the launch of the Etna-C, a new DAW control surface and MIDI controller that’s been designed for a variety of tasks including synth programming, real-time performance control and providing hands-on control over a DAW session.

The unit features eight 100mm motorised, touch-sensitive faders, eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders and a set of 16 backlit buttons, with visual parameter feedback provided by a row of eight LCD displays — for those who are looking to get some additional limbs involved, it also includes a trio of rear-panel inputs that can be used to connect external pedals. As for protocols, the Etna-C supports MIDI, OSC and MCU, and will communicate with other devices via USB, Ethernet and MIDI (five-pin DIN) connections. It also requires no additional software for programming, and users are able to configure the unit using its own internal editor. 

Pricing & Availability

The Etna-C is available now, priced at €$1150.

www.sknoteaudio.com/wp/2025/06/09/etna-c-midi-and-daw-controller

Majetone have recently announced the launch of a new virtual instrument that offers a new take on drums, reimagining the drum kit as a fully chromatic, synthesizer-style sound source. Designed and built by producer and engineer James Yates, Dream Kit: Zenith combines meticulous multisampling with analogue synth-inspired features, resulting in an inspiring and deeply tactile instrument.

Born from its creator’s decades-long obsession with playing drums, building custom drums and sound design, Dream Kit: Zenith is said to be far from your typical drum plug-in. Majetone say that it takes the entire anatomy of a drum kit and repurposes it into an expressive instrument that’s playable across five octaves. It’s not just the drums themselves that have been sampled, either, with a wealth of component parts such as lugs, shells, hoops, squeaky pedals and more all making an appearance!

“The goal was to treat every part of a drum kit like a musical note, not just a percussive hit. I wanted to see what would happen if I treated those sounds as waveforms in a synth. Tuning and re-amping them into a real space, giving the impression of being both real and not real at the same time. Then it became a game of opposites — going against the nature of a drum from staccato to legato or incorporating performance techniques and embracing, in places, chaos, often leading to unexpected beauty not often associated with the drum kit. This instrument represents a decade of experimentation and four years of development. I hope it demonstrates my deep love for drums and that you love it as much as I do.” - James Yates, Founder, Majetone

Compatibility

Dream Kit: Zenith is supported on macOS and Windows systems, and is available as a VST3 or AU plug-in.

Casio Music UK have announced that their Casio Sessions competition has returned for 2025, and is now open to entires from UK-based piano-playing singer-songwriters until 31 July 2025. Now in its third year, Casio Sessions gives musicians the opportunity to showcase their talent, as well as being in with a chance of winning a Casio PX-S7000 piano worth £2249, an exclusive mastering session for their winning song and a limited run of vinyl courtesy of competition partner and physical music manufacturer Breed Media.

Musicians can enter online by submitting a video of them performing an original composition on the piano — covers will not be accepted. Twelve musicians will then be picked to perform in a live final at the stylish east London jazz bar, Ninety One Living Room, on Wednesday 17 September 2025. The event will be attended by passionate music fans, and will feature a panel of judges who will assess each performer on their songwriting and technical skills as well as their stage presence. During their performance, the artists will use Casio’s award-winning PX-S7000 in the fetching Harmonious Mustard finish — the same model that will be presented to the winner — the flagship model of Casio’s premium Priva series which has served as the Ninety One Living Room’s house piano for the past two years.

For the past two years, the judges have been so blown away by the talent on display that they have been unable to choose just one winner, instead awarding two artists with the top prize. Last year, Crispin Burton and Dilettante (aka Francesca Pidgeon) were crowned the winners. Crispin captivated the audience with his deeply personal rendition of ‘If You Hear My Voice' while Dilettante got the audience swaying along to her soulful ballad, ‘I’m in Love with Falling In Love'. Since winning the competition, Dilettante has released a new album, ‘Life of the Party’, and Crispin is busy working on an exciting new music project.

“Now in its third year, we are delighted to see the sustained growth of Casio Sessions. Casio is passionate about championing up-and-coming talent, so it's been our delight to give a platform to such talented artists and to see a real sense of community grow among our finalists. We can’t wait to see the talent that is on display this year, so good luck to all who enter.” - Neil Evans, Head of Casio Music UK

Iceland-based audio experts Atomic Analog have announced that the Tonograf, a 500-series module that draws inspiration from the legendary TAB W95 equaliser module produced in the early 1960s, is now available in the UK through Make Noise Pro Audio.

The module was launched in January 2025, and is the result of Atomic Analog aquiring a rare original TAB W95 and falling in love with its sound. It employs a discrete germanium circuit which the company say makes a “blissful impression” on everything that passes through it, and can be pushed into saturation when driving the levels hard. 

The EQ a three-band design that includes low and high shelves, the latter of which offers a choice of three frequencies, along with a inductive midrange band with six frequency options. Both shelf filters feature gentle roll-offs, while the midrange band uses a proportional Q that offers a wide curve when applying subtle boosts and cuts, narrowing to a tight bell filter at its minimum and maximum values.

Pricing & Availability

The Tonograf is available now directly from Atomic Analog. Pricing information can be found on the company’s product page.

Universal Audio have announced that the latest two Dante-equipped additions to their Apollo line-up are now shipping worldwide. Announced back in March 2025, the Apollo e1x Remote-controllable Unison Preamp and Apollo e2m Stereo Headphone Amplifier and Line Interface expand the capabilities of Dante-based AoIP systems and UA’s Apollo x16D audio interface, allowing engineers to seamlessly integrate Unison preamp emulation, personal monitoring and UAD plug-in processing into live sound, broadcast and networked studio environments.

Apollo e1x Key Features

Apollo e2m Key Features

Pricing & Availability

The Apollo e1X and Apollo e2m are shipping now, and are priced at $399 and $499 respectively. 

www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo.html

Arturia have announced the launch of the MiniFreak Vocoder Edition, a new special-edition version of their popular compact hybrid polysynth that offers a wealth of new sounds thanks to a dedicated vocoder engine. 

Everything that made the original instrument so popular remains (if you’re not familiar with the MiniFreak, you can check out our review here), but with the addition of a 16-band vocoder engine that’s capable of processing both internal and external sources. It’s possible to achieve classic voice effects by combining synth patches with an incoming vocal — the Vocoder Edition comes supplied with a gooseneck mic that can be connected to its external audio input — and more dramatic sounds are on offer thanks to a set of four dedicated effects modes and the instrument’s modulation matrix. 

Take a look at the video below to hear the MiniFreak Vocoder Edition being put to work in a live performance by vocalist Daniela Pes.

Pricing & Availability

The MiniFreak Vocoder Edition is available now, priced at $649€629.

The latest addition to Heritage Audio’s growing collection of plug-ins has just arrived, delivering an authentic-sounding recreation of the iconic tape delay unit used by the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Neil Young and many more.

TAPEoPLEX has been carefully modelled on an original unit, and Heritage Audio say that it represents the best-sounding tape delay plug-in currently available, carefully recreating the sound of the legendary effect. The GUI closely replicates the front panel of the original hardware, with Echo Time, Echo Repeat and Echo Volume parameters joined by a Recording Level control, a two-band EQ and a variable Tape control that provides users with the ability to change the condition of the virtual tape. 

Although it’s designed to offer an authentic recreation of the original effect, the new plug-in also expands on the capabilities of the Echoplex. It offers stereo operation — along with the ability to set different delay times for the left and right channels — and is capable of synchronising its time settings to the tempo of the host DAW.

Compatibility

TAPEoPLEX is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.15.7 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. 

Evergreen Audio have announced the release of Mini Meter, a new free, lightweight metering plug-in designed to provide producers, engineers and content creators with fast visual feedback of audio levels in their DAW and devices. 

Developed as part of Evergreen Audio’s mission to make high-quality metering accessible to all users, and as adaptable as possible for modern setups. It’s capable of monitoring mono or stereo signals, and includes Sample Peak, RMS, K-12, K-14 and K-20 metering modes. As you might imagine, it integrates seamlessly with the company’s other offerings such as Meter Bridge and Massive Meter, and it’s possible to display its readout on an iPad or tablet via a network. 

“Mini Meter is about giving everyone a reliable way to monitor their levels, regardless of setup or budget. It’s a focused, transparent tool that does one thing well — and it’s free because we believe good metering should be a baseline, not a premium.” - Bob Brown, Founder, Evergreen Audio

The company say that Mini Meter is ideal for a wide range of use cases, from musicians and producers looking to keep an eye on their gain structure, to content creators and streamers wanting a simple overview of their levels. It’s also a good solution for engineers who need an additional meter on a secondary monitor or tablet, and offers a way for new users to explore the company’s metering systems before opting for one of their more advanced offerings. 

With the launch of Beatmaker 3, virtual instrument experts UJAM have combined all of their Beatmaker titles into a single, unified plug-in that sports a redesigned user interface and enhanced browsing features. It’s also being released alongside Beatmaker CHROMED, a new virtual instrument that’s been designed with fast-paced hyperpop-style productions in mind. 

Beatmaker 3

The Beatmaker series has become a go-to toolkit for producers around the world, offering an intuitive way to create beats in a wide range of musical genres. The company say that the latest v3 update builds on that foundation, reimagining the series as a unified platform that supports every stage of the creative process. Numerous improvements have been made throughout the software, from a new user interface and improved routing system to a new set of tools designed to boost inspiration and make the software easier than ever to use. It includes 15 genre-focused drum instruments — covering everything from Trap and Lofi to EDM, Pop, Dubstep, Reggaeton, and beyond.

Key Features

Beatmaker CHROMED

Alongside the launch of Beatmaker 3, UJAM have also launched CHROMED, a new addition to the Beatmaker series that’s been designed specifically for hyperpop, brostep, experimental sound design and other genre-blurring styles. Created in collaboration with genre-pushing artist BABii and sound designer Derek von Krogh, it comes loaded with a collection of mix-ready drum kits and patterns which UJAM say embrace loud, glitchy and unpredictable aesthetics. It’s also been designed to encourage a performative approach to beatmaking, helping users to stray away more conventional ways of working and inject energy into their productions.

Key Features

“This launch is just the beginning. Version 3 introduces a unified platform and the first steps toward cross-title browsing and content discovery. There’s much more to come, and starting now, Beatmaker will continue to grow more powerful with every title a user owns.” - Adam d’Agostino, Product Manager, UJAM

Following on from the recent release of the DT 770 PRO X, beyerdynamic have announced the launch of the DT 990 PRO X, a new pair of open-back headphones that improve upon another of their classic designs. 

The latest version of the DT 990 PRO boast a number of enhancements. The first significant upgrade comes courtesy of the company’s new STELLAR.45 driver system, which allows the headphones to reproduce frequencies from 5Hz to 40kHz while offering low distortion figures and an impressive dynamic response. They also delivers a lower impedance (48Ω) than their predecessor, allowing them to be driven by a wider range of playback devices. 

It’s not just the technical side of things that have been improved, though: beyerdynamic have also made some adjustments to the physical design with the aim of making the headphones more comfortable to wear over long sessions. There’s a new padded headband that’s been designed to alleviate pressure on the top of the user’s head, and the earcups are now finished in an ultra-soft velour cushion. The  DT 990 PRO X also features a detachable cable, and has been built with serviceable components to help maximise its lifespan. 

“Most at-home producers have studio monitors that they use to listen back to their mixes. With the DT 990 PRO X, we wanted to create a tool that modern studio professionals didn’t already have. The DT 990 PRO X headphones are engineered to magnify subtle mix imperfections that might otherwise go unnoticed — a true companion for studio monitors. The release of the DT 770 PRO X and DT 990 PRO X marks a new chapter for beyerdynamic — one where we’re adapting to the needs of the constantly evolving music production landscape. We’re proud to serve the next generation of studio professionals and creators by continuing to release products that align with these needs.” - Kevin Nietsch, Product Manager, beyerdynamic

JMG Sound have introduced HyperspaceCore, a free reverb plug-in based on the algorithms from their Hyperspace reverb plug-in (reviewed in SOS Feb 2020). While streamlined in functionality, HyperspaceCore delivers a surprisingly deep toolbox for producers and sound designers looking to move beyond conventional space emulations.

HyperspaceCore encourages users to shape more experimental and expressive reverbs than the conventional halls and chambers. A dynamic XY pad interface allows users to morph algorithm parameters in real time, altering delay times, frequency response and internal routing to sculpt entirely new spatial effects.

Three levels of randomised control give users quick access to new textures and tonalities, whether through subtle variations or more extreme transformations. This makes it easier to spark ideas or fine-tune unique effects without a lengthy setup.

A colour-coded layout and resizable HDPI-compatible GUI keep the design intuitive, while dedicated wet/dry controls (with optional linking) and tempo-syncable parameters make it easy to musically accommodate reverb within a mix. Smart bypassing ensures clean automation with no clicks, and an intelligent sleep function helps conserve CPU when processing isn’t needed.

Applied Acoustics Systems have released Lounge Lizard EP‑5, the latest version of their electric piano instrument for macOS and Windows. Building on more than two decades of development, EP‑5 features a redesigned physical modelling engine and a dual-instrument architecture which is said to deliver the authentic tone, touch and nuance of both tine- and reed-based electric pianos.

Originally launched (and reviewed by SOS) in 2002, Lounge Lizard EP-1 quickly became a go-to for producers and keyboardists seeking the vibe of vintage gear without the mechanical headaches. With EP‑5, AAS brings the instrument into a new era. The updates to the modelling core are claimed to improve realism and response, while the addition of separate engines for fork- and reed-based instruments expands its expressive range. Each engine comes with its own tailored interface, giving players intuitive control over key aspects of the sound. Whether you want to sculpt the hammer, tweak the tine, adjust pickup response or introduce mechanical imperfections like damper noise, EP‑5 provides deep control over many elements of the sound engine.

Users can switch between Simple and Expert views to access more of the audio engine's controls.

The updated library includes a wide selection of factory presets which range from classic Rhodes and Wurlitzer emulations to more experimental voices. The improved browser, with search and tagging functionality, makes it easy to quickly find the right tone. The integrated studio effects rack rounds out the package with chorus, delay, reverb, EQ and more.

Vienna Symphonic Library have released Synchron Solo Viola, a new solo string virtual instrument captured at the company’s flagship scoring space, Synchron Stage Vienna. This marks the third entry in the Synchron Solo Strings series, following previous releases for violin and cello which we reviewed in SOS Nov 2024 - read it here.

Performed by violist Anna Firsanova, the library was recorded on Stage A of the Synchron Stage Vienna using multiple microphone positions and setups, aiming to deliver a natural, highly expressive sound suited to film scoring, classical composition and contemporary orchestration.

Synchron Solo Viola includes a broad range of articulations, from short notes like spiccato and staccato to expressive legato, portamento, harmonics, tremolos and col legno. Long notes offer various vibrato types, dynamic swells, and performance nuances. Users can select between multiple stage positions (solo, 1st chair, center) and load pre-mixed presets for immediate results.

Boom Library have released World War I Firearms, a high-resolution sound effects collection designed to capture the authentic sound of early 20th-century weaponry. The full library features both unprocessed and processed recordings of original WWI-era firearms, recorded in outdoor settings with multi-mic arrays for spatial realism and precise reverb tails.

World War I Firearms places emphasis on historical accuracy. The library includes the sounds of revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns from the era, with mechanical actions such as reloads, cocking and dry fires also documented in detail. All recordings were captured using genuine vintage weapons rather than replicas or modern substitutes. All audio files are delivered in 24-bit 96kHz WAV format suitable for Windows and Mac.

Firearms featured include:

World War I Firearms is available in two editions. Construction Kit offers over 13 GB of raw source material for custom sound design. Intended for layering and Foley work, it includes 4,162 individual sounds recorded across two acoustic environments with multiple mic perspectives. The Designed collection is a curated set of over 400 mixed and mastered gunshots and actions crafted from the material found in the Construction Kit, ready for quick integration into film, games and interactive media.

SSL have announced the launch of Meter Pro, a new all-in-one software metering solution aimed at music and post-production professionals. Alongside the new plug-in, the company have also released an update for their SSL 360 software that brings some new features and functions to the UF1, UF8 and UC1 control surfaces. 

Meter Pro

Meter Pro is an advanced metering system that has been designed to provide music and audio professionals with an all-in-one suite of real-time audio-analysis tools including loudness metering, True Peak and RMS level monitoring, a real-time analyser, phase coherence analysis and stereo balance evaluation. Multi-channel formats up to 7.1.4 are supported, making it suitable for everything from mono or stereo to immersive content for music or post-production. When paired with the SSL UF1 controller, users can access Meter Pro directly via their control surface’s hardware controls, and analyse audio content through its large 4.3-inch display.

Key Features

SSL 360 Update

SSL have also announced an update to their SSL 360 software, which delivers full support for the Meter Pro plug-in, as well as support for Apple’s M4 chips on all SSL 360-enabled plug-ins. Additionally, all 360-enabled channel strip plug-ins — including 4K E, 4K B, Channel Strip 2, 360 Link, and 360 Link Bus Compressor — all now contain gesture control, meaning that users of the UF8 and UF1 can write touch automation from the Plug-in Mixer layer.  

It’s been a busy year for Tiptop Audio, who have been working on a whole host of new modules for their polyphonic Eurorack system, as well as some additions to their growing collection of Buchla 200 Series recreations.

Pricing & Availability

Pricing and availability information for all of Tiptop’s creations can be found via the company’s network of resellers. 

tiptopaudio.com

Erica Synths made quite the impact at Superbooth 2025 with their announcement of the HexDrums, a new drum machine based on Hexinverter’s famed Mutant drum modules. As well as getting an overview of the device from company founder Girts, we were also treated to an impressive demo from electronic music pioneer Kodek.

Pricing & Availability

The HexDrums should be available later in 2025, and Erica Synths say that it will be priced around €1100.

www.ericasynths.lv/news/coming-soon-hexdrums

We stopped by at the Supercritical Synthesizers stand at Superbooth 2025, where Timo kindly gave us a demo of the Redshift 6's newly introduced multitimbral capabilities. The feature are available for all users to try out now as a public beta, and a full firmware version is set to release in the coming weeks. 

supercriticalsynthesizers.com/redshift6

The prototype of Korg Berlin’s new ‘acoustic synthesizer’ has come a long way since we checked it out at Superbooth 2023. Two years on, the instrument— which is now known as the phase8 — is in the final stages of its development, and should be available to purchase by early 2026. We had a quick chat to Korg Berlin’s CEO and lead designer Tatsuya Takahashi about the latest developments. 

Pricing & Availability

Korg Berlin say that the phase8 will launch in early 2026, and although no firm pricing has been set, they’re aiming for under €1000.

korg.berlin

We caught up with Paul from PWM at Superbooth 2025 to find out more about the company’s recent acquisition of the OSCar brand, a selection of new features for the Mantis, and a sneak preview of their latest project, an all-new digital synth. 

https://www.1pwm.com/

Frap Tools have built up a solid reputation with their Eurorack modules, but their latest project is rather more ambitious. Taking pride of place on their stand at this year’s Superbooth show was the Magnolia, a new eight-voice polysynth that draws inspiration from the world of modular and offers a blend of the classic East and West Coast sounds. 

Pricing & Availability

Frap Tools are hoping to launch the Magnolia in summer 2025, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

frap.tools/magnolia

Neuzeit Instruments were a popular name at this year’s Superbooth show thanks to their new creation, the Drop. Set for release later this year, the latest addition to the company’s line-up aims to serve as a master controller for complex live performance rigs.

Pricing & Availability

The Drop will be available in August 2025, priced at €799.

www.neuzeit-instruments.com/Drop

Auribus have announced the launch of a new AI-powered plug-in which they say serves as both a vocal-production tool and a modern reimagining of a vocal talent agency. Aimed at everything from remote writing sessions and collaborations to harmony creation and even experimental sound design, Voice is capable of transforming any singing voice into a professional-sounding take with just a few clicks. 

Refreshingly, the company have set themselves apart from many of their competitors by taking an artist-centric approach to developing their AI-based processing. Rather than relying on unpaid ‘data scraping’ all of the voice models included in the plug-in belong to a real performer who is paid each time their vocals are used. 

Compatibility

Voice is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 12 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. An internet connection is required for operation.

Pricing & Availability

Voice is available now, and there’s a range of pricing plans that start from $19.99 per month, each designed to meet the needs of different users. There’s also a free version that can be used for personal projects, and From 8. May until 17 July, new users will get two months of the Standard account for free. More information can be found on the Auribus website. 

The latest addition to The Very Loud Indeed Co.’s ever-growing collection of Kontakt instruments has just been released. COIL: Mutated Scoring Guitars comprises 858 audio files, and as they're all provided as 24 bit/48 kHz WAVs, they can also be used in other samplers or directly in a DAW.

Developed by Richie Nieto, a veteran video game sound designer and founder of The Very Loud Indeed Co.’s, COIL has been built using recordings of electric and acoustic guitars. Rather than simply emulating the instruments, though, it instead provides a ‘playground’ that allows users to craft them into unique and inspiring new tones and textures. The core recordings include short plucked notes, as well as loops that have been created using an EBow and extensive processing, resulting in a collection of interesting pad-like tones.

“All of the sounds are organised in layers that can be mixed in an almost infinite number of ways, allowing the user to create the exact instruments they need for their compositions,” Richie Nieto, Founder, The Very Loud Indeed Co.

Compatibility

COIL: Mutated Scoring Guitars runs in the full version of Native Instruments’ Kontakt 6.8 or later, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone version. The library requires 1.6 GB of disk space.

As well as being packed with helpful writing tools, Toontrack’s EZKeys 2 covers a huge range of sounds thanks to its ever-growing collection of EKX expansion packs. The latest addition to the range has just been announced, and as well as bringing a new piano to the range, it also includes a selection of synth and effects layers. 

Modern Pop Piano EKX captures the sound of a Grotrian-Steinweg upright, an instrument renowned for its clear and refined tone. The recording sessions took place at Riksmixingsverket studio in Stockholm, Sweden, with engineer Linn Fijal employing an enviable collection of microphones from the likes of Neumann, Shure, Thuresson, Coles, DPA and AKG. What sets it apart from many of its siblings, though, is the inclusion of processed samples designed for more experimental productions and sound-design tasks. Toontrack have taken the core recordings that make up the instrument, applied some granular and time-stretching effects, and then resampled them using a selection of analogue and digital outboard processors. 

The resulting sounds are divided into three categories: Natural, Processed and Experimental. As its name suggests, the Natural category provides a variety of acoustic piano sounds captured from different microphone positions with sparingly used effects; Processed then introduces layered sounds, many of which include non-natural reverbs and effects, while Experimental offers a set of saturated, warped sounds that blend the piano samples with a range of effects and synth textures. 

As with all of Toontrack’s expansions, Modern Pop Piano EKX includes a collection of MIDI parts that are unique to the product, and tailored to the instrument it captures. 

AEA are well-known name in the world of ribbon mics, and as their range has expanded over the years they’ve also introduced a number of preamps designed to pair perfectly with their high-end mics — or indeed, any ribbon mic! Their latest release is a first for the company, though, and sees them turn their attention to compression. 

The AEA 1029 is an all-analogue, stereo VCA compressor housed in a half-rack chassis, making it a great option for those looking for a desktop unit, or hoping to save some space in their rack. As you’d expect from AEA, high-quality components are used throughout, with a proprietary discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell joined by a pair of THAT 4305 VCA chips that share a single RMS detector fed by the summed input signals.

The company say that the result is a versatile compressor that boasts a clear, balanced sound that excels at everything from taming vocals to squashing drum overheads. It’s been designed to pair perfectly with AEA’s TRP- and RPQ-series preamps, and is ideal for recording or mixing stereo mic arrays. 

The AEA 1029 is housed in a compact half-rack chassis.

IK Multimedia have announced the launch of a whole host of new premium content for their TONEX line-up. With the release of TONEX Factory Content v2, users of all of the company’s TONEX hardware and software products will gain access to up to 150 new Premium Tone Models and presets. 

What’s New?

The new update brings some additional content to all TONEX users. Here’s a breakdown of who gets what:

TONEX Pedal

TONEX Mac/PC

TONEX ONE

Amps & Effects

The first 30 of the new TONEX Pedal banks deliver an expansive range of amp and cab tones, featuring legendary offerings such as a Marshall 1960, ENGL E412V, EVH 412ST and MESA Boogie 4x12 4FB. The amps have been boosted with classic pedals like the Ibanez TS9, MXR Timmy and ProCo RAT, resulting in some all-out high-gain sounds.

The following five banks of 15 presets then explore the depth of TONEX's latest effects — everything from Tweed-inspired tremolo to the surf tones of the new Spring 4 reverb. Users can also enjoy tape-style slapback delays, immersive LCR delay configurations, flangers, dynamic modulation, choruses, stereo panning and ambient reverbs. A whole host of new stompbox captures are included, too, with 15 new models based on the likes of the Fulltone Full-Drive 2, Marshall DriveMaster, Maxon OD808, Klon Centaur, ProCo RAT and more.

As part of their ongoing collaboration with electronics guru Moritz Klein, Erica Synths have announced the launch of a new DIY Eurorack module that blends the ‘punch’ of classic analogue drum voices with the metallic-sounding tones of FM synthesis. 

Aptly named the EDU DIY FM Drum, the latest addition to the company’s collection of self-build modules is said to be capable of crafting anything from kicks and toms to metallic clangs and more. A pair of large Tune controls are followed by Tune Depth, Tune Decay, Tune CV Level and Decay knobs, while FM and Shape switches dictate the type of sounds that the module will produce. Helpfully, the switches are accompanied by graphic that explains which type of sounds will be generated with each combination of switch positions. 

As with all modules in the EDU DIY series, the FM Drum is provided in kit form, and there’s a comprehensive downloadable manual that walks the user through the build process.

Pricing & Availability

The EDU DIY FM Drum is available now, priced at €75.

UJAM’s latest release blends the realism and playability of their popular Virtual Guitarist series with the more cinematic focus of their Symphonic Elements collection. Inspired by the expansive sonic atmospheres that define the soundtracks of their founding partner Han Zimmer’s scores, Cinedream combines a collection of guitar samples with a set of advanced sound-design tools that allow composers and sound designers to craft everything from subtle guitar phrases to abstract soundscapes.

Users are provided with a choice of 30 different playing styles that range from fingerpicking to driving rhythms, and it’s possible to fine-tune the response of each note using Contour and Character parameters. A selection of amp models offer an array of tonal options, and there’s a Drive control that can be used to push the sounds a little harder and introduce some saturation. Cinedream also includes a pair of multi-effects sections: Stomp Box, which focuses on tone-shaping processors, and Finisher, which can be used to create ambient soundscapes, drones and modulated effects.

UJAM’s instruments are often praised not only for their sound, but also their playability and ease of use. Alongside its wealth of sound-design tools, Cinedream includes a pair of playing modes that provide two distinct ways of working. With Player Mode selected, holding a key or chord will result in the instrument playing slow, cinematic-sounding phrases that are said to be perfect for creating ambient textures and evolving soundscapes; Instrument Mode, meanwhile, provides hands-on control over individual notes, and has been designed for those wishing to play and edit their own melodies and layered parts. 

“In recent years, guitars have started competing with synths when it comes to creating cinematic soundscapes. The sophistication of today’s sound design tools combined with the more organic, less electronic character of guitars can be heard everywhere these days. Cinedream is a true Virtual Guitarist but also incorporates elements of our best-selling Symphonic Elements series. Many users have asked for that, and that’s what always drives us.” - Peter Gorges, Co-Founder, UJAM

Knobula’s latest creation sees the company pack an eight-voice polysynth and a monosynth into a single 12HP Eurorack module! The Monumatic comes equipped with 16 selectable oscillator modes, with its collection of virtual-analogue algorithms covering a wealth of classic and modern sounds.

The oscillator modes draw their inspiration from a number of classic instruments and designs: Super 7 provides users with a Roland-style super-saw, while CZ offers some Casio-inspired phase distortion and Vox delivers Knobula’s take on the Polymoog’s Vox Humana mode. The oscillator selection switch is joined by a large Detune control that’s capable of shiting the oscillator down by an octave, with some fine-tuning provided by a smaller Pitch dial. 

There are six filter types included: a vowel filter that’s capable of creating vocal-style effects; a 24dB/octave low-pass Butterworth design; a 12dB/octave SVF; a dual-peak notch; a phase shifter; and a high-pass. Frequency and Resonance controls are provided, along with a Drive switch and an Env Depth knob that allows the filter to be modulated by its neighbouring Envelope section. The module also boasts a built-in stereo reverb. 

As with all of Knobula’s gear, the Monumatic provides a concise set of controls with no screen in sight, allowing users to get hands-on with their patching and programming without any menu-diving. Those in search of quick chords and layered sounds will be pleased to see eight onboard chord presets, and there are plenty of options for setting up external control. The module boasts a pair of CV inputs that can be assigned to any parameter, alongside dedicated Gate, V/Oct and Filter CV inputs; there’s also a MIDI input, and as well as accepting CC messages, the Monumatic supports MPE. 

iZotope’s latest offering brings a new reverb to their growing software collection, and combines their popular Stratus and Symphony engines into a single plug-in that’s capable of tackling both music and post-production projects. Equinox supports an array of surround and immersive formats, and also promises to ensure clean-sounding mixes thanks to iZotope’s adaptive unmasking technology.

The plug-in relies on Exponential Audio’s renowned reverb algorithms, and is said to be a versatile processor that is equally well suited to music and post-production tasks. For music projects, it promises to add a realistic depth to instruments and vocals, as well as facilitating more experimental sounds thanks to its Tempo Sync and Tail Suppression parameters. As for post-production, iZotope say that Equinox can help mixers to naturally place dialogue within scenes, while its creative tools will be welcomed by sound designers. 

Compatibility

Equinox is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 13 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. 

Pricing & Availability

Equinox is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $149.20 until 30 April 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of $249.

Datamind Audio have announced the launch of a new AI-powered plug-in that’s capable of turning any sound into a playable instrument. Described as an “audio mosaicking tool”, Concatenator can be used to create complex new sounds and textures based on any audio file or input source. 

The innovative new instrument relies on a new form of synthesis which has been developed by Datamind Audio. Named Concatenative Sound Synthesis, the approach is said to be similar in concept to granular synthesis, but with the grain selection, amount and size parameters influenced by an audio input signal rather than being chosen at random.

It’s possible to feed just about any audio into Concatenator — it’ll happily accept input signals from a mic or instrument, as well as existing samples — and the instrument will respond by analysing the signal before ‘reconstructing’ it using fragments of other sounds from the user’s sample collection. Created for sound designers and musicians alike, the plug-in offers a quick and easy way to create complex, layered sounds, and is capable of generating everything from foley and soundscapes to synth-like rhythms — all with the user’s existing sample collection. 

Check out the video below to see and hear what Concatenator is capable of.

IMSTA have announced that their IMSTA FESTA event will return to SAE Institute in London on 7 June for another day of fun, learning and networking for musicians. A celebration of music technology, the event provides the music-making community with access to one-on-one product demonstrations from top pro-audio brands, music industry panels, masterclasses, song reviews, prizes and more.

For this year’s event, IMSTA have invited some of the music industry’s top names to deliver keynote presentations and masterclasses. Guests include Grammy-winning mix engineer and producer James Auwarter, renowned music manager John Woolf, and award-winning songwriter Jonny Amos, studio design expert Chris Smout.

IMSTA FESTA welcomes all music creators including professional and semi-professional musicians, songwriters, producers and audio engineers, as well as music students and educators. Admission is free to anyone who registers, and there will be a whole host of raffles and giveaways courtesy of exhibiting pro-audio companies. 

Sound On Sound are proud to be the official Media Partner of this year’s IMSTA FESTA.

The MPG (Music Producers Guild) have announced that Richard Russell, the acclaimed producer and founder of the ground-breaking label XL Recordings, will receive the prestigious MPG Inspiration Award at this year’s MPG Awards ceremony.

Richard is behind the collaborative music project and album, ‘Everything Is Recorded’, which unites a diverse array of voices — including Sampha, Obongjayar, Ibeyi, Giggs and Kamasi Washington — in expansive, emotionally resonant productions that explore the complexities of identity and human connection.

He has worked on several notable projects with Damon Albarn, co-producing his debut solo album ‘Everyday Robots’ and Bobby Womack’s comeback album, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’. He also produced Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘I’m New Here’, collaborated with Peter Gabriel on ‘Four Kinds Of Horses’, and most recently, produced ‘Daffodils and Dirt’, the debut album from actress Samantha Morton. 

“Whether in the studio or guiding from behind the scenes, Richard Russell continues to inspire through his fearless approach to creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom. The MPG is proud to honour a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution and trajectory of contemporary music; from ‘Kicks Like a Mule’, to ‘Everything Is Recorded’, via ‘Young’ and countless highlights in between.” - Anu Pillai, Executive Director, MPG

When Universal Audio announced their Guitar Month promotion at the start of April 2025, they gave a sneak preview of an upcoming plug-in version of their Tweed-inspired UAFX amp simulation pedal. A few weeks on, and UAD Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier has officially launched, bringing the pedal’s renowned tones into the hands of DAW users.

The plug-in promises to capture every nuance of the iconic amp’s circuitry, providing users with the punchy clean tones and valve-driven overdrives that graced the records of legendary artists such as Chuck Berry and Neil Young, and continue to define the sounds of modern players such as Jason Isbell, Joe Bonamassa and Ariel Posen. 

UAD Woodrow has been designed to make quick work of dialling in the ideal sound, with a single Tone control blending seamlessly from cleans to overdriven ‘crunch’ sounds, and some fine-tuning provided by a selection of microphone options and a set of six cabinet choices. A set of presets spanning country, blues and rock tones are included, offering a collection of mix-ready sounds or serving as a starting point for those in search of some inspiration.

“This is the amp that defined what electric guitar sounds like — from the first fuzzed-out rock records to today’s alt-country and Americana. With UAD Woodrow ’55, we’ve made that iconic tone accessible to anyone producing music in the box.” - Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio

Blue FX Devices have announced an upcoming Kickstarter campaign that will fund the production of a new modulated fuzz pedal. Combining an analogue fuzz circuit with three modulation voices, the Fuzz Fields is capable of generating a wealth of new and interesting sounds, and promises to keep users busy exploring new tones for hours on end. 

The pedal kits users out with plenty of tonal options, with low- and high-gain modes offering everything from smooth, drive-like sounds to more aggressive fuzz tones. There’s also a Freq mode that allows an internal oscillator to be triggered by one of the Fuzz Fields’ footswitches, causing the pedal to “scream, squeal and growl” — when the mode is active, the pedal runs at maximum gain and the Fuzz knob can be used to determine the oscillator’s frequency. 

Next up is Gravity mode, which applies gain reduction to the fuzz engine based on playing dynamics. The feature’s sensitivity is governed by an Envelope control, and facilitates everything from subtle pumping effects to more obvious-sounding signal dropouts. The mode is said to pair brilliantly with the Freq mode, and the company say that combining the two creates a unique screaming effect that they consider to be the spirit of the Fuzz Fields. The pedal also includes an octave effect and Gate parameter that react differently with each of the operating modes, further increasing its tonal range. 

Of course, the headline feature of the Fuzz Fields is its built-in set of modulation capabilities. There’s an envelope follower that’s responsible for the aforementioned dynamics-tracking function, as well as a footswitch-operated phase-shifter circuit that opens up a range of phaser and vibrato-like effects. Its intensity can be modulated by the envelope follower, by external devices — the Fuzz Fields is equipped with CV and expression pedal connectivity — or even a mixture of the two!

The latest version of Harrison’s console-inspired DAW software has just been released, delivering a wealth of new features and functions designed to help users streamline their recording, production and mixing processes. In addition to its new-found abilities, Mixbus 11 has also been treated to a visual overhaul, and is being offered alongside a new flagship Mixbus 11 Pro version that caters to those working in immersive audio.

The core approach of the DAW remains the same, with Harrison drawing on their expertise in the analogue world to deliver a user-friendly environment that replicates the process of working on a large-format console. Every mixer channel is kitted out with the highly regarded Harrison 32C EQ, signal processing and analogue console-inspired saturation, while Mixbus 11 Pro adds a switchable SSL 9000J channel strip EQ. The newly introduced Pro variant also comes loaded with a powerful set of tools aimed at those working in Dolby Atmos, including 3D object-based panning, dynamic automation tools and loudness optimisation, as well as support for both binaural and 7.1.4 speaker monitoring.

What’s New?

Mixbus 11 now offers a two-tiered pricing model to help users choose the product that best suits their production requirements. Mixbus 11 introduces the following features:

Mixbus Pro, meanwhile, includes some powerful extras such as:

One of pointblank Music School's new Dolby Atmos studios.

pointblank Music School have announced the grand opening of a new 30,000-square-foot campus in Shoreditch, London. Aiming to set a new standard in music education, the cutting-edge facility houses no fewer than 13 world-class studios, providing an innovative learning environment tailored to the next generation of music producers, DJs, vocalists, songwriters, music business and creative software professionals. 

The institution say that they are committed to providing exceptional music education, with their courses all delivered by expert lecturers who are also active professionals in their respective industries. They been awarded TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework) status, the highest rating given by the UK government for outstanding teaching and learning quality. 

“Our new Shoreditch campus is more than just a school, it’s a creative hub designed to inspire the next generation of music professionals. With cutting-edge technology, immersive learning spaces and a strong focus on hands-on experience, our students are in the best possible environment to launch their careers in music.” - Rob Cowan, CEO & Founder, pointblank Music School

Studio Facilities

At the heart of the new campus are 13 state-of-the-art studios, including:

Australian microphone designer DrAlienSmith have announced the launch of the Alien8, a new dynamic mic that has been designed to capture the low-end punch and attack of kick drums and bass cabinets. Although inspired by the likes of the AKG D30 and beyerdynamic M380, the mic isn’t intended as a clone or remake, and is said to offer a distinct sound of its own. 

The Alien8 employs a pair of identical 50mm figure-of-eight capsules facing in opposing directions, with one placed directly above the other. The rear lobe of each capsule sounds different to the front, and the company have implemented a three-position switch that offers a choice of three tonal options. Users are able to select just the top capsule for a brighter sound, while the lower capsule delivers a more ‘weighty’ tone; the third position then combines both capsules, offering the best of both worlds. The mic retains its figure-of-eight pattern in all three modes, and is transformer balanced, so is unaffected by phantom power.

The availability of DrAlienSmith mics has been made possible thanks to the launch of One Louder Audio, a new distributor that also supplies kit from AudioScape and SessionDesk. The company say they are committed to hassle-free purchasing, and have been set up to ensure that UK-based customers can avoid the hidden costs of international shipping while enjoying UK-based warranty product support.

Pricing & Availability

The Alien8 is available now, and is currently (15 April 2025) being offered at an introductory price of £349, reduced from its full price of £369. Prices include VAT. Each mic is supplied with a mount and a hard case. 

The latest addition to Audeze’s much-loved LCD headphone family makes the precise sound of the company’s high-end headphones available in an affordable closed-back model for the first time. The LCD-S20 feature the new SLAM technology, and are said to deliver extended, dynamic bass while retaining a clean sound even at high listening levels.

Thanks to their closed-back design, the new model offers an ideal solution for tracking, while the planar magnetic drivers deliver the signature clean sound for which Audeze have become well known. Although they’re more keenly priced than their siblings, the LCD-S20 still boast a high-quality design, and are constructed from magnesium, aluminium and steel, with an adjustable suspension headband and gel-filled earpads ensuring a comfortable fit over long listening sessions. The replaceable earpads are attached magnetically, and helpfully, the cable can be attached to either side of the headphones. 

The LCD-S20 also feature Audeze’s SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, which debuted recently in the CBRN2, the new flagship model in the company’s audiophile range. It relies on acoustic channels in the ring that connects the earcups to the drivers, the length, cross-section and shape of which are tuned to influence the headphones’ low-frequency response. The result is a significant bass enhancement — around a 6dB boost that extends all the way down to 10Hz — along with reduced distortion and more open, clear sound. 

Pricing & Availability

The LCD-S20 is available now, priced at $£499 including VAT.

The latest free update for Sonarworks’ voice-transformation plug-in introduces a powerful new AI-powered double-tracking function that’s capable of generating up to eight unison parts from a single voice recording. 

The Perpetual version of SoundID VoiceAI now comes equipped Unison Mode, a new function that offers an alternative to manually tracking multiple vocal takes. Up to eight unison doubles can be generated from a vocal track, and a set of controls makes it possible to introduce subtle pitch- and time-based variations to ensure that the results deliver a natural, human-like feel. 

It’s worth mentioning that the feature is currently exclusive to the Perpetual License version of SoundID VoiceAI — it is not currently available for those using the subscription-based Pay-as-you-go Mode. 

Here’s a quick look at what’s on offer thanks to the new Unison Mode:

The latest release from Fuse Audio Labs provides users with a way to turn mono sources into natural-sounding stereo signals. OCELOT Upmixer uses spectral diffusion to emulate a stereo image, and is said to offer results that are free from artefacts while maintaining mono compatibility.

OCELOT Upmixer comes equipped with a simple set of controls that make quick work of creating a realistic-sounding stereo field from a mono source. First up is a Tune dial that makes it possible to match the tone of the ‘upmixed’ signal to the character of the source material, with some fine-tuning on offer courtesy of high- and low-pass filters. A Width control then defines how extreme the resulting effect is, and is followed by a Level control that offers ±12dB of gain at the plug-in’s output. The plug-in also features a dedicated metering section that houses a pair of level meters alongside a vector scope display that provides real-time phase information.  

“OCELOT Upmixer is all about bringing a natural sense of width and depth to mono sources without sacrificing phase integrity. It makes stereo enhancement both effortless and transparent, ensuring a mix stays true to its original character while gaining extra dimension.” - Reimund Dratwa, CEO, Fuse Audio Labs

Compatibility

OCELOT Upmixer is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.12 and higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.

If you’re struggling to get your head around acoustic treatment — the terminology involved, how the size of a room affects its sound, common practices and so on — it’s well worth taking a look at The Basics of Room Acoustics, an informative video produced by the experts at GIK Acoustics. 

The short video breaks down some of the common issues faced when converting an existing room into a studio, explaining how the interaction between the speakers and the physical space around them lead to the uneven response encountered by so many studio users. It then provides a quick overview of a range of absorption- and diffusion-based treatment options and how they can be used to tackle different acoustic issues. 

www.gikacoustics.com

Following on from the success of their Tines Duo instalment, which introduced Diamond and Phoenix to the Electric Keys range, Native Instruments have announced the launch of Electric Keys - Reeds Duo. The latest instalment in the popular series includes Jade and Ivory, a new pair of electric piano sample libraries that capture the sound of two reed-based instruments. 

While the previous release sampled a pair of tine-based instruments, Reeds Duo focuses instead on two instruments that generate their sound using vibrating metal reeds. The first of the two instruments, Jade, captures a solid-state reed piano that delivers a bright, punchy sound that is said to be ideal for creating funky rhythms, cutting leads and rich-sounding chords. Ivory then samples a vintage valve-driven instrument with a diverse tonal range that spans from smooth and mellow to rough and fiery. Both have been created in collaboration with Galaxy Instruments, the expert team behind other Native Instruments favourites such as Claire, Noire and The Giant. 

Compatibility

Electric Keys - Reeds Duo runs in Native Instruments Kontakt (or the free Kontakt Player) versions 8.2.0 and above, which are supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application. 

Pricing & Availability

Electric Keys - Reeds Duo is available now, priced at $149£129. Electric Keys Jade and Ivory are also available separately, priced at $99£89 each. Prices include VAT.