NIVA shares 2025 conference sessions, sets State Of Live revealThe National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has announced an impressive agenda for fourth annual national gathering, NIVA ‘25, in Milwaukee on June 22 - 25.
The post NIVA shares 2025 conference sessions, sets State Of Live reveal appeared first on Hypebot.

Instagram Shares replace Likes to boost engagementAs engagement falls, Instagram Shares replace Likes for successful creatores. If your posts aren’t landing in DMs or group chats, you’re missing the metric that matters most.
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Apple release Logic Pro 11.2 & Logic Pro for iPad 2.2 Apple have announced the launch of significant updates that introduce some powerful new features to Logic Pro for both Mac and iPad users.

Apple Logic Pro 11.2 and 2.2: Stem Splitter, Flashback Capture, ChatGPT and everything else you need to knowApple has unveiled surprise updates to Logic Pro for macOS and iPad, with Logic Pro 11.2 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.2. New features include an enhanced Stem Splitter, Learn MIDI for iPad, a ChatGPT integration and a revamped feature that you probably never knew existed.
READ MORE: “You don’t always need to mix a song — hear me out…”: Grace Davies on DIY production, breaking studio rules, and trusting your ears
The new versions of Logic Pro are out now and available for current owners to update to immediately. But, before you head over to the App Store and click download, here’s a rundown of what you’re in for.
Logic Pro’s Stem Splitter gets an upgrade
Logic Pro 11.2 Stem Splitter. Image: Apple
Stem separation, once considered an impossibility, has made its way into Logic Pro and other DAWs such as FL Studio, much to the joy of many producers. However, Apple has gone even further with its Stem Splitter in Logic Pro 11.2 with improved audio fidelity and added support for guitar and piano stems.
Now, you can separate a track by up to six stem tracks: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitar, Piano and Other. The new submix feature also lets you export any part of the audio you want. That means you can easily extract an acapella, a bassline or other part to study or remix — just get permission to use the sample if you intend to release anything.
Flashback Capture records even when you forget to hit record
Did you know that in earlier versions of Logic Pro, you could restore MIDI performances when you forgot to hit record? It was previously called Capture Recording and was supposedly a mystery to myriad Logic users. Now, it’s in plain sight as Flashback Capture and comes with a few extra handy features.
Flashback Capture lets you recover any audio and MIDI performances with a click, even if you forgot to hit record. The new Cycle mode also captures multiple takes and automatically organises them into a take folder. Note that you’ll need to have a track armed with audio or MIDI signals coming through for Flashback Capture to pick it up.
This is available on both Logic Pro for macOS and for iPad, and will surely be a boon to many producers. Who hasn’t forgot to hit record when making some magic at least once?
Logic Pro 11.2 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.2. Image: Apple
Learn MIDI comes to Logic Pro for iPad 2.2
At last, the Learn MIDI feature arrives on Logic Pro for iPad. Now, you can easily map custom parameters to your MIDI controllers, letting you get hands-on with plugins, virtual instruments and other parameters in Logic. A new interface for the feature makes this a breeze, too. Easy.

New Sound Packs for electronic music
Apple has added a few new Sound Packs to the Logic Pro library on Mac and iPad. This includes over 400 samples for drum ‘n’ bass genres in the Dancefloor Rush packl; a progressive metal Sound Pack with Tosin Abasi; and Magnetic Imperfections, which brings “the raw, unpolished essence of analogue tape,” according to Apple.
ChatGPT in Logic Pro…?
One of the minor additions to Logic Pro 11.2 is the integration of Apple’s ChatGPT-powered Writing Tools into Logic’s notepad. This is to help producers explore musical ideas for song lyrics, chords, and generate other notes one might need.
In addition, Undo History is now saved within each project, and you can now send MIDI Clock data to Ableton Link. Elsewhere, Apple’s DAW sees tweaks to the Logic Mixer, Smart Tempo, Step Sequencer, and more.
Sound Packs in Logic Pro for iPad 2.2. Image: Apple
How much does Logic Pro 11.2 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.2 cost?
For current Logic Pro owners, the upgrade path is free for both Logic Pro 11.2 and Logic Pro for iPad 2.2.
If you’re not an owner of Logic Pro, the price is £199/$199 for the macOS version — note that it’s not available on Windows, Linux, or any other desktop OS.
Logic Pro for iPad 2.2 is sold on a subscription basis at £5/$5 per month or £50/$50 per year.
Is Logic Pro any good?
In short, yes. Logic Pro is one of the world’s leading DAWs and is used by countless professionals. MusicTech checked out Logic Pro for macOS and Logic Pro for iPad last year, both of which were reviewed favourably. There are competitive alternatives, for sure, and your decision on a DAW will ultimately come down to your personal needs, but we certainly recommend it as a consideration.
Speaking on Logic Pro 11, we said: “Logic Pro offers an unbeatable combination of features and value.”
In our review of Logic Pro 2 for iPad, we said: “Logic for iPad is powerful enough that you really can use it for end-to-end music production, entirely on its own.”
Learn more at apple.com 
The post Apple Logic Pro 11.2 and 2.2: Stem Splitter, Flashback Capture, ChatGPT and everything else you need to know appeared first on MusicTech.

Xilentech releases XMLimiter V2, a FREE transparent Limiter Plugin
Xilentech has released XMLimiter V2, a free transparent peak limiter plugin for macOS and Windows. XMLimiter V2 is a clean and simple mastering tool developed by an industry professional who previously worked as an audio engineer for Netflix, Blizzard, and Ubisoft. It appears that he’s now transitioning into plugin development, and I’m excited to see [...]
View post: Xilentech releases XMLimiter V2, a FREE transparent Limiter Plugin

Warm Audio WA76-A and WA76-D2 review: The most versatile ‘76-style compressors ever?Single-channel models: $699 / € 749 / £629
Dual-channel models: $1199 / €1299 / £1159
warmaudio.com
Warm Audio’s WA76 compressor/limiter has been performing stellar dynamic control duties in studios worldwide since its launch way back in the before-times of 2014. Indeed, your MusicTech correspondent here was one of the first to sing its praises; so much so, I bought a pair of them.

READ MORE: Are KIT Plugins’ BB F66 and F67 convincing emulations of classic Fairchild compressors?

Now, WA head honcho Bryce Young and his team have expanded the range to include four new models. Two of them are inspired by traditional mono 1176s, while the other two have two channels. Of course, all of the WA76s are based upon the classic Urei 1176, launched in 1967 and revised several times throughout the 1970s and beyond.
The WA76-A (mono) and A2 (stereo) emulate the sound and style of the original ‘67 ‘Blue Stripe’ model, while the WA76-D and D2 mimic the ‘Blackface’ Rev D version from the early 70s. As the mono and stereo units of each model share the same sonic signature, I asked to check out the single-channel WA76-A and the dual-channel WA76-D2.
WA76-A. Image: Press
Both models are referred to as a Limiting Amplifier on the facia; however, the ‘Blue Stripe’ A model is described as a vintage-voiced discrete FET compressor, while Rev D is a clean gain discrete compressor.
In practice, this means A models offer the more obviously coloured, harmoniously saturated and aggressive performance of the original late 60s units. It’s a gloriously vintage vibe that seems to beef up audio processed through it, much like the early solid-state consoles of the era.
By contrast, D revisions sound cleaner, more transparent and, significantly, operate with less self-noise. It’s those attributes that made original Rev D units so revered from the mid-70s onwards, yet with modern ultra-clean recording mediums, the more characterful Blue Stripes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
WA76-D2. Image: Press
Internally, each model has ‘built-to-vintage-spec’ input and output transformers from CineMag, with the Blackface models incorporating a lower-noise preamp stage.
For those unfamiliar with the classic mono 1176 design, these latest single-channel incarnations feature all the dynamic control of historic units, while incorporating extra features to facilitate modern recording practice. As ever, there are rotary controls for Input and Output as well as Attack and Release. Four push buttons allow the selection of compression ratios (4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1) and of course, the famous ‘all buttons in’ mode that engineers love for a smashed drum sound, for example. New to these units are selectable 10 kΩ input impedance, to better match for modern interfaces, a variable sidechain high-pass filter that operates between 30-300 Hz and a Wet/Dry mix control, which is particularly useful for parallel compression when using heavier compression.
A large back-lit VU meter shows either gain reduction or output level (+8 dB or +4 dB), while around the back, Input and Output can be used with either XLR or balanced jack cables. Stereo Link sockets and External Sidechain Access (for the single-channel units only) are also located there.
Dual-channel versions manage to squeeze two channels into the same-sized 2U chassis as the mono models, so if space saving is important, this is a great cost-effective way to get stereo 1176 dynamic control without using up double the rack space required for a linked mono pair.
WA76-A. Image: Press
There are three ways these two-channel models can be configured, two of them for stereo use and the third for dual-mono use on two separate sources. As there are no external side-chaining options available on these models, the way the compressor works with stereo or dual-mono signals is controlled by a toggle switch on the front panel. In standard stereo mode, the compressor reacts as you would expect, providing even compression determined by the fastest attack and slowest release settings. With the A>AB mode engaged, the left channel also controls the response times of the right channel.
A/B mode is for dual mono processing, however as there is only one set of ratio controls on the unit, you can’t select different compression ratios for each mono source, although you can of course set the response times to suit the separate input signals as well as independently adjust the input and output levels.
Used on a variety of mono and stereo signals, each model works to its own strengths. Although the Blue Stripe is a little noisier in operation, it does impart a real, classic analogue sound, thickening things up and adding unique sonic colour even with little (or no) compression taking place. Dialling up the input gain injects a lovely touch of saturation that mimics that slightly overdriven sound often heard on recordings from the late 60s. For tracking electric guitars, bass and hard-edged vocals, Bluey is hard to beat if you want hot, gritty glue. It’s also brilliant at breathing life into digital synth sounds that might otherwise appear flat and sterile.
WA76-D2. Image: Press
On the other hand, Rev D is more transparent, but without losing any of the grippy compression characteristics I love about ‘76 type units. It does add a noticeable degree of analogue thickening to audio and, if you drive the unit hard with high input levels, welcome harmonic distortion provides a larger-than-life sound.
Used on a stereo drum bus, the sound pumps rhythmically, with little self-noise even at extreme compression levels. Here, the Wet/Dry control comes into its own, allowing for a continuously variable blend so that you can precisely achieve the right amount of parallel compression without the need to set up additional channels. This is a wonderful feature not available on vintage units.

Both the WA76-A and WA76-D (mono or dual-channel) exhibit the classic compression characteristics we all love about this type of unit. The many available response times that can be dialled in makes them fantastic dynamic controllers that can handle any audio signal with ease.
If you’re after an unmistakable vintage sound with bags of character and don’t mind a touch of extraneous noise, the Blue Stripe ‘A’ models are the ones to seek out. For a cleaner, less coloured and slightly more ‘hi-fi’ sound that still possesses that authentic ‘76 style from the mid-1970s, the Rev D models are hard to beat.
Warm Audio’s superb build quality and value for money is a given these days, so the additional flexibility of switchable impedance, high-pass filter and the Wet/Dry control makes either version a must-hear audition choice if you’re in the market for a classic 1176-style compressor.

Key features

Analogue, discrete FET design
100% wet/dry control
Impedance switch (600 kΩ or 10 kΩ)
30 Hz – 300 Hz high-pass filter
Active bypass
2 stereo linking jacks (mono unit only)
External sidechain input and output (mono unit only)

The post Warm Audio WA76-A and WA76-D2 review: The most versatile ‘76-style compressors ever? appeared first on MusicTech.

Labor Department rescinds Biden-era guidance for crypto in 401(k) plansThe US Labor Department has officially rescinded guidance issued during the Biden administration that limited the inclusion of cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement plans.On May 28, the Labor Department revoked a 2022 guidance that had urged fiduciaries to be “extremely cautious” when considering cryptocurrency for 401(k) retirement plans. The move could give asset managers more flexibility to include digital assets in retirement investment options.The government agency removed the guidance asserting that it represented a departure from the department’s “historically neutral, principled-based approach to fiduciary investment decisions.”“We’re rolling back this overreach and making it clear that investment decisions should be made by fiduciaries, not D.C. bureaucrats,” said US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The Labor Department under Biden criticized the practice of marketing cryptocurrencies to 401(k) participants. At the time, the agency claimed cryptocurrencies posed “significant risks and challenges” to participants’ retirement accounts due to their “speculative and volatile” nature and “valuation concerns,” among other reasons.The American Banking Association (ABA) criticized the 2022 compliance release, claiming that it did not make the guidance available for public comment and review prior to issuance.Related: Fidelity introduces retirement accounts with minimal-fee crypto investingTrump administration shifts crypto landscapePresident Trump has pledged to make the United States “the world capital of crypto” during his 2024 campaign.Under his administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission has scaled back several enforcement actions and investigations involving Web3 companies such as Uniswap, Coinbase, and Kraken, while also engaging in policy discussions on topics like real-world asset tokenization and the regulatory status of certain tokens. At the same time, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about Trump’s involvement in the crypto space, including calls for greater scrutiny of his associated ventures.Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

Security startup Horizon3.ai is raising $100M in new roundHorizon3.ai, a cybersecurity startup that provides tools like autonomous penetration testing, is seeking to raise $100 million in a new funding round and has locked down at least $73 million, the company revealed in an SEC filing this week. NEA led the round, according to two people familiar with the deal. One person said that […]

Equi=Tech introduce the Model 1R Symmetrical power technology pioneers Equi=Tech have announced the launch of their latest balanced power system, as well as a new partnership with pro-audio sales, marketing and distribution company Sound Vision Works. 

How to mix music: An in-depth guide to audio mixing
Learn how to mix music with this beginner-friendly guide covering the essential steps, tools, and techniques.

SK Sharma joins PE giant Warburg Pincus as Senior Advisor, focused on investment opportunities in Generative AIWarburg Pincus LLC has more than $87 billion in assets under management
Source

From Burnt to Brilliant: A Toaster’s MakeoverAppliances fail, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end for them. This impressive hack from [solopilot] shows the results possible when not just fixing but also improving upon its original form. The toaster’s failed function selector switch presented an opportunity to add smart features to the function selection and refine control over its various settings.
Before upgrading the toaster, [solopilot] first had to access its components, which is no trivial task with many modern appliances. Photos document his process of diving into the toaster, exposing all the internals to enable the upgrade. Once everything was accessible, some reverse engineering was required to understand how the failed function selector controlled the half-dozen devices it was wired to.
Next came the plan for the upgrades—a long list that included precise temperature control and the ability to send an SMS showing the state of your meal. A Raspberry Pi Zero, a solid-state relay, a relay control board, and a thermocouple were added to the toaster, unlocking far more capability and control than it had originally. Some tuning is required to fully enable these new features and to dial in the precision this once run-of-the-mill toaster is now capable of.
The work wasn’t limited to the toaster itself. [solopilot] also seized the opportunity to create an Android app with speech recognition to control his now one-of-a-kind Cuisinart. It’s probably safe to say his TOA-60 is currently the smartest toaster in the world. If you check out his documentation, you’ll find all the pinouts, circuits, code, and logic explanations needed to add serious improvements to your own toaster. We’ve featured several other toaster oven projects over the years, most of which have focused on turning them into reflow ovens, so it’s exciting to see one aimed at improving upon its original design.
 
 

Teddy Swims Honored with BMI Pop Song of the Year Backstage at Radio CityTeddy Swims has made a name for himself blending powerhouse vocals with raw, emotional songwriting and now, he’s got the accolades to prove it. On Tuesday night, just before stepping onto the iconic stage at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for a sold-out show, Swims was met backstage by representatives from BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) bearing some very well-deserved news: he’d officially earned the title of BMI’s 2025 Pop Song of the Year.It’s all thanks to his chart-dominating hit “Lose Control,” which Swims co-wrote with Julian Bunetta, Marco “Infamous” Rodriguez, and Mikky Ekko—all fellow BMI-affiliated songwriters.A statement from the company discloses that “'Lose Control'” recently logged a record-breaking 92nd week on Billboard’s Hot 100, including a record 63 weeks in the Hot 100’s top 10." It’s a rare kind of success, not just in pop music, but in any genre—an endurance feat that speaks to the song’s resonance with listeners across the country.A statement from the company further reveals that “Swims received awards for ‘The Door’ and ‘Lose Control’ for being two of the 50 most-performed pop songs of the previous year in the U.S.” For anyone who’s been following his meteoric rise, the recognition is no surprise—Swims has become a steady presence on playlists, radio stations, and Billboard charts.The timing couldn’t have been more fitting. Radio City Music Hall has hosted legends for nearly a century, and now Swims joins the ranks of artists who’ve been celebrated not only by sold-out crowds, but by the industry itself.For BMI, the awards are part of their ongoing mission to support and spotlight the songwriters and composers shaping today’s music. For Swims, they mark another major milestone in a career that’s still clearly on the rise.The heartfelt energy that Swims brings to the stage is the same energy that powers his songs—and clearly, it’s connecting. With his voice, his vulnerability, and now, a handful of BMI awards in tow, Teddy Swims continues to chart a course all his own.The post Teddy Swims Honored with BMI Pop Song of the Year Backstage at Radio City first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

ModeAudio offers BPB Exclusive FREE sample pack + updated Label Sampler
ModeAudio offers the exclusive free Spring ‘25 Selections sample pack for Bedroom Producers Blog, as well as the updated ModeAudio Label Sampler with more free sounds for newsletter subscribers. Some developers and sound design teams deliver quality with such consistency that we approach each new release with a certain level of expectation; ModeAudio is one [...]
View post: ModeAudio offers BPB Exclusive FREE sample pack + updated Label Sampler

Fairness in ticket resales ‘is neither expected nor delivered’"The manipulation of inventory, unchecked speculative listings, and aggressive affiliate networks have created a system where fairness (in ticket resales) is neither expected nor delivered," says artist manager and ticketing crusader Randy Nichols on fairness in ticket resales.
The post Fairness in ticket resales ‘is neither expected nor delivered’ appeared first on Hypebot.