Multi-Use Roof Eliminates RoofOne of the biggest downsides of installing solar panels on a rooftop is that maintenance of the actual roof structure becomes much more difficult with solar panels in the way. But for many people who don’t have huge tracts of land, a roof is wasted space where something useful could otherwise go. [Mihai] had the idea of simply eliminating traditional roofing materials altogether and made half of this roof out of solar panels directly, with the other half being put to use as a garden.
Normally solar panels are installed on top of a roof, whether it’s metal or asphalt shingles or some other material, allowing the roof to perform its normal job of keeping weather out of the house while the solar panels can focus on energy generation. In this roof [Mihai] skips this step, having the solar panels pull double duty as roof material and energy generation. In a way this simplifies things; there’s less to maintain and presumably any problems with the roof can be solved by swapping out panels. But we would also presume that waterproofing it might be marginally more difficult.
On the antisolar side of the roof, however, [Mihai] foregoes the solar panels in favor of a system that can hold soil for small garden plants. Putting solar panels on this side of the roof wouldn’t generate as much energy but the area can still be useful as a garden. Of course we’d advise caution when working on a garden at height, but at least for the solar panels you can save some trips up a ladder for maintenance by using something like this robotic solar panel scrubber.

Tonverk Elektron’s new polyphonic multisampler and audio processor – here’s what you need to knowThe Swedish tech wizards at Elektron have cooked up a new 16 track polyphonic multisampler and audio processor. Enter: Tonverk.
Three machines make up Tonverk. Up first, the polyphonic Single Player allows you to record, load, loop and smooth out your samples. Next up is the Multi Player, providing you with various multisampled instruments playable through the keyboard, as well as an Auto Sampler option to connect your MIDI gear, capture your own recordings, and create your own instruments.

READ MORE: Here’s my perfect vocal chain and the plugins that get me there

Subtracks rounds the trio of machines off, allowing you to load samples onto the lowest row of keys on Tonverk’s keyboard. Its the easiest way to beef up your sound, as it transforms one track into eight Subtracks that can all be layered and played simultaneously. That allows you a further eight tracks for buses, sends, and mix to go wild and experiment with.
Thanks to the subtracks, there’s also some great modulation options on offer. The extensive LFO options can allow you to intricately shape and craft your sound. With each of the eight audio tracks able to have two voice LFOs and two FX LFOs, as well as a Mod Envelope, you can truly go wild.

As Elektron put it, the machine is able to offer a “kaleidoscope of effects and modulation”, with the added bonus of pushing Elektron’s sequencing potential to the limit. The extended 256-step Elektron sequencer is the Swedish company’s biggest ever offering, with every single track having its own sequencer to allow for more movement and control.
Tonverk is an “effects beast”, with plenty of flavours to choose from. There’s Rumsklang Reverb and Daisy Delay, as well as Dirtshaper, Degrader, Chrono Pitch, Frequency Warper, Infinite Flanger, and plenty more.
There’s also a vast world of other features to explore, like the arpeggiator, chord mode, song mode, pattern transitions, perform mode, and more. And there are also countless different routing options to toy around with.
Physically, the Tonverk packs its tech into a pretty neat little package. It has a 128 × 64 pixel OLED screen, with four audio out jacks and two input jacks. A single stereo headphone jack is also present. There’s also 48 kHz 24-bit D/A and A/D converters, as well as two handy USB-C ports, MIDI In/Out/Thru ports and an 64 GB SD card slot.
Elektron has kindly provided us with a first glance at the Tonverk at work – and it does sound incredibly versatile. The narrator also has a voice we could listen to all day, which is a great bonus.
Tonverk costs £1199. Head to Elektron to find out more.

The post Tonverk Elektron’s new polyphonic multisampler and audio processor – here’s what you need to know appeared first on MusicTech.

Mira Chatt appointed Regional Director, Asia at IFPIExec joins IFPI from YouTube, where she served as Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for India
Source

Yorkville expand YXL Series Yorkville have introduced two new additions to their YXL Series, with the YXL Tower10 and YXL Tower12 set to mark the company’s most affordable column PA systems to date.

smaolab Akira-Filter- FREE - LOW-PASS FILTER plug-in: Akira Filter is a filter plug-in, inspired by the famous low-pass filter of a certain 4-letter synth manufacturer. This filter offers: 4 different resonance types to choose from: soft, sweep, lush, and gritty. A variable cutoff frequency ranging from 300 Hz to 12 kHz. Clean or Dirty modes for more or less distorted sound. Input and output level controls. A mix control. DAW TESTED: Ableton Live 9/10/11/12. Ardour 6 and above. BITWIG Studio V4.x and above. Fruity Loops Studio 2024. REAPER 7.x. Reason 13.x. Studio One 7.x. PLUG-IN Format: VST3. AUDIO UNIT. LV2. CLAP. Enjoy. Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJjv1Uv8oRY Read More

Benefits of Short Run CD Duplication for Independent ArtistsEven in today’s digital music scene, physical CDs still play an important role for indie artists. Short run CD duplication provides an affordable and flexible way to produce and sell. Continue reading
The post Benefits of Short Run CD Duplication for Independent Artists appeared first on Hypebot.

Tricky Stewart to keynote AIMP–MMF-US Atlanta SummitDr. Christopher “Tricky” Stewart will deliver the Songwriter Keynote at the annual AIMP–MMF-US Atlanta Summit. It’s all happening on Thursday, September 18th at 5 PM. Major hits written and produced. Continue reading
The post Tricky Stewart to keynote AIMP–MMF-US Atlanta Summit appeared first on Hypebot.

DeepSoundLab releases FREE LittleFuzzE fuzz guitar pedal plugin
DeepSoundLab has released LittleFuzzE, a fuzz pedal emulation plugin for macOS and Windows, available as a free download with optional paid upgrades. LittleFuzzE is a modern take on a classic square fuzz pedal, designed for guitarists, synth players, and sound designers. It delivers a hardware-like response and tone with high modeling accuracy and controlled CPU [...]
View post: DeepSoundLab releases FREE LittleFuzzE fuzz guitar pedal plugin

Very Loud Indeed Co. launch Serum Prime for Serum 2 Sound designers The Very Loud Indeed Co. have released Serum Prime, a new collection of 120 cinematic patches for Xfer Records’ Serum 2 synthesizer.

Best microphones for vocals in 2025: Dynamic, Condenser and Ribbon micsVocals are often the most recognisable part of a song — the human voice is, after all, our oldest musical instrument. Because we’re so attuned to its qualities, it’s also where listeners are most likely to pick up on poor recording or mixing mishaps.

READ MORE: Here’s my perfect vocal chain and the plugins that get me there

Creating the perfect vocal isn’t just about the performance. Choosing the best microphone for your needs is crucial, but with hundreds of models on the market, which one is right? We’ve been reviewing mics for over 20 years — here are some of our favourites for vocals, updated for 2025, so you can stock up your mic locker with the latest and greatest.
Choosing microphone types: dynamic, condenser or ribbon?
Most vocal microphones fall into one of three categories:

Dynamic mics are better at handling high sound pressure levels (SPL), and therefore pair well with loud singers. Their robust build also makes them ideal for live use, and they don’t require +48V phantom power to function.
Condenser mics are revered for their sensitivity and ability to capture high-frequency details, especially in large-diaphragm designs that flatter many vocal styles. They need phantom power, so make sure your interface can supply this.
Ribbon mics are a less common choice, offering a smoother, darker sound. They’re particularly good at taming harshness and can lend a vintage vibe to vocals, but their delicate aluminium ribbon is much more sensitive to plosives. Passive ribbons don’t need phantom power, but active ribbons do.

Matching the mic’s voicing to your singer can work wonders. For instance, a warm-sounding valve condenser can soften a bright soprano while a dynamic with a grittier tone might suit rapped vocals.
Think about where you’ll be recording, too. According to Abbey Road engineer Paul Pritchard, sometimes a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B is a smarter choice in smaller rooms: “It’s got a built-in pop filter, you can physically get closer. And it’s slightly narrower in its polar pattern. Sometimes that eliminates a bit of the room sound, but what you gain there, you lose in microphone sensitivity.”
Which polar pattern do I need?
For vocal recording, cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns are most commonly used as they’re highly sensitive to sound coming from the front while attenuating sound from the sides and rear.
If you’re buying a microphone to record other instruments as well as voice, consider a model with multiple polar patterns you can switch between — an omni or figure-eight pattern can work well for drums, for example.
Best vocal mics at a glance:

Shure SM7B – Best dynamic for untreated rooms
Aston Stealth – Best do-it-all dynamic microphone
Neumann U87 Ai – Best studio classic or condenser all-rounder
AKG C414 XLII – Most flexible multi-pattern condenser
Lewitt LCT 440 Pure – Best budget condenser
Austrian Audio OC18 – Best mid-price large diaphragm condenser
Warm Audio WA-44 – Best ribbon mic for vocals
Neumann TLM 102 – Most affordable Neumann microphone
UA Sphere DLX – Best modelling microphone
Warm Audio WA-CX12 – Best valve microphone under £1k

Shure SM7B – Best dynamic mic for untreated rooms
Image: Shure
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The SM7 has been in production in one form or another since the 70s — and as far as dynamic mics go, it’s a popular one for vocal tracking. The SM7 (plus later SM7A and SM7B versions) has seen its share of famous users, including Michael Jackson and James Hetfield of Metallica, as well as many podcasters (ahem, Joe Rogan).
Its low sensitivity and built-in windscreen pair well with powerful vocalists and other loud sources where condensers might be overwhelmed. However, some cheaper audio interfaces may not supply enough mic input gain to get a workable level. A popular fix is to pair the SM7 with an external mic preamp such as a Cloudlifter or Monoprice SR Studio, or opt for the SM7dB version with integrated preamp.

Price: $439 / £349 / €389
Type: Dynamic
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid

Pros:

Excellent for untreated rooms thanks to low sensitivity and tight polar pattern
Handles loud vocals and instruments without distortion
Built-in windscreen reduces plosives and sibilance
Long and proven track record

Cons:

Requires a lot of clean gain
Less sensitive to subtle high-frequency detail

Aston Stealth – Best do-it-all dynamic microphone

This large-chassis dynamic could be the best vocal microphone for music makers who want more options in a single mic — so much so, we rated it 10/10 in our Aston Stealth microphone review.
It offers four switchable voices: two optimised for low and high vocal registers, one for tracking guitars (both acoustic and through a speaker cabinet), and a ‘dark’ voice that mimics the warming qualities associated with ribbon microphones.
The Stealth can be operated with or without phantom power, letting users decide between using the microphone’s built-in Class A mic preamp or an external one. Apart from that, the microphone also comes equipped with an internal Sorbothane shock mount system.

Price: $269 / £262 / €298
Type: Dynamic
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid

Pros:

Four switchable voicings makes this mic highly versatility
Built-in Class A preamp for clean gain powered by +48V
Internal shock mount system reduces handling and mechanical noise
Built in the UK, yet highly affordable

Cons:

Larger chassis is rather bulky
Lacks airiness compared to condensers

Neumann U87 Ai – Best classic studio condenser
Image: Neumann
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The Neumann U87 is so ubiquitous we couldn’t possibly leave it off this list. It’s been endearingly referred to as ‘every engineer’s second favourite microphone’ because it’s such an able all-rounder. No matter what you point the U87 at — singer, guitar, congas, even bassoon — it just seems to handle it beautifully. And for the price, it absolutely should.
This classic studio condenser is made even more versatile by a few extra tricks: three polar patterns (cardioid, omni and figure-eight); a -10dB pad for capturing louder sources; and a low-cut for curbing proximity-induced low-mid boost in cardioid and figure-eight modes.

Price: $3,750 / £2,555 / €2,899
Type: Large-diaphragm condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar patterns: Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight

Pros:

Exceptionally versatile, consistently handling a wide range of sources with impressive quality
Three polar patterns for flexible recording scenarios
High SPL handling thanks to the built-in pad
High-pass filter reduces proximity effect and low-end rumble

Cons:

Very expensive, beyond the budget of many home producers
Highly detailed sound may expose flaws in untreated recording environments

AKG C414 XLII – Most flexible multi-pattern condenser
Image: AKG
[products ids=”62dO04mH0ml4aMWMO3TQdN”]
Launched in 1971, AKG’s C414 remains a true studio workhorse and comes in two modern editions. The C414 XLS provides a flatter frequency response and is suited to a wide range of sources. But for recording vocals, the C414 XLII’s capsule design — based on the esteemed AKG C12 — introduces a 3kHz presence boost that often flatters female performers.
The C414 makes it easy to capture clean audio on the way in. Both versions offer five polar patterns (nine if you include the blended options), and three pad settings at -6, -12, and -18 dB. There’s also a particularly handy high-pass filter for rolling off low-end rumble or mitigating environmental noise below 40Hz, 80Hz, or 160Hz.
Read our full AKG C414 XLII review.

Price: $1,299 / £859 / €999
Type: Multi-pattern FET condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar patterns: Omni, Wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight, plus blended settings

Pros:

Highly versatile — not just a vocal mic
Blend between polar patterns for up to nine options
Pleasant 3k boost in XLII model is ideal for vocals
Built-in pads and high-pass filters

Cons:

Bright tonal character may not flatter all vocalists
Newer models reportedly less durable

Lewitt LCT 440 Pure – Best budget condenser

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If you’re looking for an entrypoint to vocal recording, or the LCT 440 Pure is an affordable large-diaphragm condenser. Sporting a fixed cardioid pickup pattern, this mic excels at capturing vocals thanks to its rich, flattering sound that much surpasses its low cost.
What’s appreciated too is that the LCT 440 Pure comes with some handy accessories, including a shockmount, a magnetic pop filter and a leather carrying bag — another major boon for a mic in this price range. Read our Lewitt LCT 440 Pure review for the full lowdown, plus details on its even cheaper sibling, the LCT 240 Pro.

Price: $299 / £235 / €269
Type: Large-diaphragm condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar patterns: Cardioid

Pros:

Rich, full-bodied sound with flattering highs
Large-diaphragm capsule delivers excellent signal-to-noise
Balanced tonality that’s easy to EQ
Highly affordable, and includes premium accessories

Cons:

Fixed cardioid pattern limits flexibility
Lacks onboard pad or high pass

UA Sphere DLX – Best modelling microphone

The UA Sphere DLX — a near-identical successor to the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 — is a condenser mic that boasts unique modeling capabilities. Using its companion plugin, it mimics both the tonal and spatial characteristics of 38 legendary ribbon, condenser, and dynamic microphones including U87s and C414s.
Its dual-diaphragm design lets you record in stereo, while the Sphere software lets you make virtual adjustments to the axis or even change mic models after tracking. Of course, all this does come at a premium, but if your pockets are deep enough to plump for this in the first place, you may never need to buy another vocal microphone.
Read our review of the Sphere L22.

Price: $1,499 / £1,290 / €1,464
Type: Large-diaphragm modelling condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar patterns: Cardioid, omni, figure-of-eight

Pros:

38 iconic mics for the price of one
Model, rotate, and change microphone even after recording
High SPL handling and very low self-noise
Dual capsule allows for stereo recording

Cons:

Requires two audio interface inputs (one per capsule)
Authenticity of emulations may vary

Austrian Audio OC18 – Best mid-price large diaphragm condenser

Founded by ex-AKG engineers, Austrian Audio launched its OC818 and OC18 microphones in 2019 in a bid to recapture the essence of early C414 models. How, exactly? Within these mics is the brand’s CKR-12 ceramic capsule, handmade in Vienna and based on the ‘brass ring’ version of the legendary CK-12 found in vintage AKG microphones.
The OC18 is the cardioid-only edition of the two microphones and is well-suited to tracking vocals and other acoustic instruments. In our OC18 and OC818 review, we found the OC18’s mid-high frequencies slightly more boosted than the OC818’s, which can work well with some vocalists. In any case, the significant discount compared to C414 prices makes the OC18 a compelling large-diaphragm alternative.
Buy the Austrian Audio OC18 at Sweetwater ($799) or Thomann (£579 / €659).

Price: $799 / £579 / €659
Type: Large-diaphragm condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid

Pros:

Impressive quality at a lower price than many legacy large-diaphragm condensers
Ceramic capsule delivers bright, detailed presence
Built-in pad and high-pass filters
Also available as OC818 model with multiple polar patterns and dual output

Cons:

Fixed cardioid only on OC18 model
Brighter response may not suit all voices

Warm Audio WA-44 – Best ribbon mic for vocals

[products ids=”6bm8tZXNw1TuJVt5YROp8i”]
Inspired by the RCA 44BX from the 1930s, the WA-44 is Warm Audio’s faithful recreation of one of the most iconic ribbon microphones. Built around a 60mm aluminium ribbon and a custom CineMag transformer, it delivers a lush tone with a warm low end and smooth highs — ideal for intimate vocal takes or adding body to brighter sources.
The figure-eight polar pattern captures sound equally from the front and back, so strategic placement is important. On the plus side, this means side rejection is excellent. You’ll need a high-gain preamp too (Warm Audio’s own reasonably priced WarmLifter is a solid bet), but the payoff is a detailed vocal sound with a natural vintage flair.
Check out our Warm Audio WA-44 review for more details, or buy the WA-44 at Sweetwater ($1,199) or Thomann (£899 / €1,027).

Price: $1,199 / £899 / €1,027
Type: Ribbon microphone
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar pattern: Figure-eight

Pros:

Characterful vintage tone
Handles high SPLs up to 140dB
Figure-eight pattern with strong side rejection
Smooths highs nicely

Cons:

Rather heavy
Suffers from strong proximity effect

Neumann TLM 102 – Most affordable Neumann microphone

Neumann’s venerable reputation dates back to the earliest days of the recording industry — and while not a vintage model from the brand’s golden years, the TLM-102 large-diaphragm condenser microphone still embodies the brand’s heritage both in quality and looks.
It’s an impressively versatile microphone, demonstrating a flat response with a flattering presence boost for vocals. And notably, the TLM-102 comes priced unnaturally low for a Neumann, giving even amateur producers the chance to say aloud to talents: “I figure we’ll use the Neumann on this one.” Got a bit more to spend? Try the TLM 107, or producer Finneas’ go-to mic, the TLM 103.
Buy the TLM 102 at Sweetwater ($799) or Thomann (£529 / €599).

Price: $799 / £529 / €599
Type: Large-diaphragm condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid

Pros:

Neumann quality on a budget
Well-balanced response with vocal-flattering presence
Impressive signal-to-noise ratio
Versatile for other instruments

Cons:

Tonal quality considered ‘boring’ by some
No onboard pad or high pass

Warm Audio WA-CX12 – Best valve microphone under £1k

[products ids=”NXhAxn9Sqc7KBUIkGQ8kU”]
Warm Audio’s second entry on our list, this time the manufacturer wins for best valve microphone under £1,000 with the WA-CX12, a recreation of the AKG C12. Weighty low end, buttery midrange, sweet treble — it delivers across the spectrum, while nine polar patterns make it adaptable for a range of recording scenarios.
While it lacks onboard pads or filters, the WA-CX12 is perfect for adding polish and richness to all manner of sources, vocals included. And considering original C12s go for well over £5k, you’re getting that classic tube at a pretty decent price.
Read more in our Warm Audio WA-CX12 review, or buy the WA-CX12 at Sweetwater ($1,119) or Thomann (£984 / €1,111).

Price: $1,199 / £984 / €1,111
Type: Large-diaphragm valve condenser
Frequency response: 30Hz to 20kHz
Polar patterns: Omni, cardioid, figure-eight, plus six blended patterns

Pros:

Warm, flattering sound with rich midrange
Nine selectable polar patterns
Premium build and internal components
Excellent value for a tube mic

Cons:

No onboard pad or high-pass filter
Strong character may not suit all use cases

Why You Can Trust MusicTech
MusicTech reviews hundreds of new products every year, from powerful synthesizers, DAWs and pro plugins through to everyday headphones and portable speakers. Our expert reviewers are producers, engineers and enthusiasts with hundreds of years of collective experience, with a keen ear to the ground on new trends and technologies.
Every guide on MusicTech is created by a producer, musician and tech enthusiast just like you. We understand what you’re looking for when searching for a new vocal microphone, and we want to ensure you purchase genuinely useful products for your craft. So you can guarantee that every product MusicTech recommends to you is a product we’d be happy to have in our studios.
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The post Best microphones for vocals in 2025: Dynamic, Condenser and Ribbon mics appeared first on MusicTech.

Alabama state senator warns GENIUS Act could harm small banksSate Senator Keith Kelley of Alabama echoed concerns made by some banking groups after the passage of the GENIUS Act in July.

Julian Bunetta talks songwriting, One Direction, and the “Espresso” loop
GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Julian Bunetta (One Direction, Teddy Swims) discusses how we got started, the stories behind his biggest hits, and more.

Thinking Machines Lab wants to make AI models more consistentIn a blog post shared Wednesday, Mira Murati's startup offered a rare glimpse into some of work its doing to improve AI models.

DSTRTD MalleableMalleable is malleable. It's your next synth. It's your pedal board. It can be your vocal chain or your stereo bus. Use it to control a fleet of Eurorack modules or send MIDI signals to your favorite old school rack units. Malleable is powered by Cursive, a programming language developed to facilitate the creation and manipulation of audio, MIDI and control voltage data. Cursive was designed for musical performance: it is continuously interpreted in real-time, enabling you to modify your code without disrupting your flow. It's powerful and flexible yet can be learned easily in just a few minutes. Malleable comes out of the box with a wide array of presets ranging from audio effects to synthesizers. The presets are all open source and designed to demonstrate the Cursive language. You are welcome to edit them and share them however you want. Malleable also includes an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer and tuner. Use the oscilloscope to troubleshoot your Eurorack output or use all of them together as an educational aide to gain a deeper understanding of audio synthesis. Download Malleable today to enjoy the free, feature-limited version of the application. No purchase necessary and it never expires. You can upgrade to the full version of the application any time by purchasing it directly from the DSTRTD website. Read More

The 555 as You’ve Never Seen It: In Textile!The Diné (aka Navajo) people have been using their weaving as trade goods at least since European contact, and probably long before. They’ve never shied from adopting innovation: churro sheep from the Spanish in the 17th century, aniline dies in the 19th, and in the 20th and 21st… integrated circuits? At least one Navajo Weaver, [Marilou Schultz] thinks they’re a good match for the traditional geometric forms. Her latest creation is a woven depiction of the venerable 555 timer.
“Popular Chip” by Marilou Schultz. Photo courtesy of First American Art Magazine, via righto.com
This isn’t the first time [Marilou] has turned an IC into a Navajo rug; she’s been weaving chip rugs since 1994– including a Pentium rug commissioned by Intel that hangs in USA’s National Gallery of Art–but it’s somehow flown below the Hackaday radar until now. The closest thing we’ve seen on these pages was a beaded bracelet embedding a QR code, inspired by traditional Native American forms.
That’s why we’re so thankful to [VivCocoa] for the tip. It’s a wild and wonderful world out there, and we can’t cover all of it without you. Are there any other fusions of tradition and high-tech we’ve been missing out on? Send us a tip.