Sonora Cinematic release Panorama Acoustic Contrasting the post-rock and shoegaze soundscapes of its predecessor, Panorama Acoustic is said to explore a world of resonances and quiet reflections, and offer an inspiring palette of evocative tones.

Product Profile: Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Audio Interface The Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Audio Interface (Ax8G2) stands out as a flagship choice for professional music producers, engineers, and recording artists seeking a high-end audio interface with cutting-edge features. Designed for professional studio setups, the Ax8G2 offers class leading AD/DA conversion, real-time UAD processing, and an abundance of connectivity options. The Ax8G2 is housed in a road-worthy 1U rack-mountable chassis. The Ax8G2’s elegant metal finish and sturdy construction reflect Universal Audio’s commitment to premium build quality. The Ax8G2 features four Unison-enabled preamps which allow users to emulate the exact impedance, gain staging, and behavior of classic preamps from Neve, API, Manley, and other legendary brands. The front panel includes essential controls such as a high-resolution metering display, preamp gain knobs, headphone outputs, and input selection buttons. The LED meters provide real-time feedback on input, output, and overall level, ensuring precise monitoring during your tracking and mixing sessions.All of the converters on the Ax8G2 have been upgraded to Universal Audio’s elite-class 24-bit/192kHz converters that offer superior dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. These converters offer the sharpest stereo image and most detailed playback of any Apollo interface to date. The Ax8G2’s converters provide an impressive 130 dB dynamic range on the DA side and 123 dB on the AD side, ensuring pristine sound reproduction. The upgraded Ax8G2 monitor and headphone outputs now have significant improvements in dynamic range and total harmonic distortion.The Ax8G2 features Hexa Core DSP processing powered by six SHARC processors dedicated to running Universal Audio’s extensive library of UAD plug-ins. This provides plenty of real-time processing capability to allow you to confidently track and mix high track count sessions with Universal Audio’s analog-modeled plugins, such as classic compressors, EQs, reverbs, and tape machines, without taxing your computer’s CPU and with zero latency.The Ax8G2 is built for home and commercial studio environments and includes 4 Unison-enabled mic/line preamps, eight line inputs and eight line outputs (both with balanced TRS) two Hi-Z instrument inputs (which are located on the front panel), dedicated monitor outputs (stereo TRS), two independent headphone outputs, optical ADAT and S/PDIF I/O Word Clock I/O (BNC), and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 ensures ultra-low latency operation and high-bandwidth communication between the interface and your Mac or PC. This makes the Ax8G2 an excellent choice for large-scale recording sessions and high-track-count projects.Like the Apollo x8 Gen 1, the Ax8G2 can support up to 7.1 surround sound monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for producers working in film, TV, and game audio production. The Ax8G2 dedicated monitor control functionality allows users to seamlessly switch between different speaker configurations, control volume levels, and manage multiple monitoring setups.All Apollo interfaces from the Twin x to x16 come with full monitor controller functionality. Let’s say you started your journey with Universal Audio’s interfaces with a desktop version of Apollo—like the Twin x or x4—that unlocks the ability to use the Universal Audio’s DSP plugins and allows you to experience real-time workflows like I mentioned earlier. The Twin x or x4 interfaces also have a built-in talkback mic, and you can talk directly to an artist or collaborator just like you would in a pro studio. If you add an Apollo rack interface into your studio rig (like Apollo x6, x8, or x8P), that Apollo Twin x or x4 will now become your remote monitor controller which you can use to switch between your loudspeakers connected to the rack unit, sum to mono, dim and talk back to speak with someone you’re helping to record. In an expanded system where you’re integrating your Ax8G2 and Apollo Twin in the same setup, you will be able to leave your Ax8G2 in the studio, pick up your Twin X or X4 desktop unit, and head out to your remote session. Apollo Monitor Correction, which was introduced in X8 Gen 1, now incorporates Sonarworks Sound ID Reference room correction software, which integrates directly with the Ax8G2. Sound ID Reference helps you hear your music more accurately by checking how different speakers sound in a room and fixes any problems such as room modes and standing waves which can cause peaks and dips in the frequency response of your listening environment. This enables you to create, mix, and master all of your music with the same confidence and accuracy that you might have if you had rented a pro studio for your project.There’s also a useful new bass management tool in the Ax8G2. This isn’t a part of the Sonarworks software but it’s especially helpful if you are looking to manage complex speaker setups. The bass management tool allows you to configure the correct crossover, slope, and trim without having to awkwardly fiddle with the controls from behind the unit. The bass management is available for Apollo x Gen 1 and Gen 2 interfaces and does not require any further purchase or third-party software. Assistive Auto Gain is a brand new feature that’s exclusive to Ax8G2 interfaces and it takes the guesswork out of gain staging. Assistive Auto Gain, accessible through UAD console, will automatically set all your levels—even across classic recording console unison emulations such as API, Neve, and SSL20—all of which makes setting for high channel count tracking sessions (like recording drums) a breeze.Today, many popular UAD plug-ins are available natively and work even when you’re not plugged into your Apollo. This means you now have even more flexibility in how you mix and master; it also means you’re no longer required to use UAD-2 versions when tracking and mixing. If you want to collaborate with other musicians who don’t own Apollo’s or mix when you’re away from your Apollo, you have the flexibility of using native plugins, which sound just as good as the UAD-2 versions. One of the biggest changes with the Ax8G2 is the added-value software packages that are included with your purchase. Apollo x8 Gen 2 comes with the Essentials + version. You get auto-tune real-time access, plus over 25 more plugins like the LA-2A, Pultec, UA-610B, and much more. Apollo Twin x, x4, x6, x8, and x8P Gen 2s come with the option for the Studio Plus version and includes the flagship Auto-Tune Real-Time X. Plus, you get 50 more plugins including the legendary Avalon VT-737, 1176s, Fairchild 660 and 670, Lexicon 224, Studer A800 tape machine, and so much more. There is a ton of value in this bundle, and it includes Unison UAD-2 and native plugins. The Ax8G2 is a versatile and powerful professional tool for recording, mixing, and monitoring professional level projects. The Unison preamps and new elite-class 24-bit/192kHz converters provide exceptional tonal flexibility, allowing users to shape their sound with precision. The Hexa Core DSP ensures that even large sessions with multiple plugins run smoothly, freeing up your computer resources for other tasks. The Ax8G2 is a solid choice for professional home and commercial recording studios. If you’re in the market for a new recording interface or are looking for an upgrade, the Ax8G2 is well worth checking out. Highly recommended!The Universal Audio x8 Gen 2 Audio Interface is available now starting at $2,899. Find out more at uaudio.com.The post Product Profile: Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen 2 Audio Interface  first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Sam Altman firing drama detailed in new book excerptAn excerpt from the upcoming book “The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future” offers new details about why OpenAI’s board briefly fired CEO Sam Altman back in 2023. Written by Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey, the book claims the nonprofit’s board members became increasingly concerned after learning about issues […]

AMSAT-OSCAR 7: the Ham Satellite That Refused to DieWhen the AMSAT-OSCAR 7 (AO-7) amateur radio satellite was launched in 1974, its expected lifespan was about five years. The plucky little satellite made it to 1981 when a battery failure caused it to be written off as dead. Then, in 2002 it came back to life. The prevailing theory being that one of the cells in the satellites NiCd battery pack, in an extremely rare event, shorted open — thus allowing the satellite to run (intermittently) off its solar panels.
In a recent video by [Ben] on the AE4JC Amateur Radio YouTube channel goes over the construction of AO-7, its operation, death and subsequent revival are covered, as well as a recent QSO (direct contact).
The battery is made up of multiple individual cells.
The solar panels covering this satellite provided a grand total of 14 watts at maximum illumination, which later dropped to 10 watts, making for a pretty small power budget. The entire satellite was assembled in a ‘clean room’ consisting of a sectioned off part of a basement, with components produced by enthusiasts associated with AMSAT around the world. Onboard are two radio transponders: Mode A at 2 meters and Mode B at 10 meters, as well as four beacons, three of which are active due to an international treaty affecting the 13 cm beacon.
Positioned in a geocentric LEO (1,447 – 1,465 km) orbit, it’s quite amazing that after 50 years it’s still mostly operational. Most of this is due to how the satellite smartly uses the Earth’s magnetic field for alignment with magnets as well as the impact of photons to maintain its spin. This passive control combined with the relatively high altitude should allow AO-7 to function pretty much indefinitely while the PV panels keep producing enough power. All because a NiCd battery failed in a very unusual way.

Forever 89 releases FREE Topos Play tone shaping toolbox
Topos: Play is the little brother of the currently discounted Topos plugin. It is a saturation plugin based on emulations of classic gear and physical modeling. While Topos: Play has more limited functionality than the paid version, this freebie is definitely worth checking out if you want a fast and flexible tool to shape individual [...]
View post: Forever 89 releases FREE Topos Play tone shaping toolbox

Music Business News Last WeekIt was a busy week by any definition and music business news last week was no exception with MIDiA reporting on music subscribers, a look at My Seats, Crokomoko testing. Continue reading
The post Music Business News Last Week appeared first on Hypebot.

DIY and Independent Musician News Last WeekLast week, our tips, advice and independent news covered house concerts, YouTube Shorts, current music marketing trends, and more...
The post DIY and Independent Musician News Last Week appeared first on Hypebot.

NatLife Sounds Retro Dream for Waldorf BlofeldRetro Dream is a Synthwave and Cyberpunk soundset designed for both the hardware and plugin versions of Waldorf Blofeld. This collection brings 50 carefully crafted presets that capture the nostalgic... Read More

MAGIX acquired by RMEP MAGIX Software GmbH, the developer behind audio software ranges including Samplitude, Sound Forge and Sequoia Pro, have been taken over by Russmedia Equity Partners (RMEP).

BOOK STORE: "LONDON CALLING, NEW YORK NEW YORK" BY PETER SILVERTONEnglish journalist Peter Silverton sadly died in 2023. It’s a great tribute to the man, therefore, that he left us with this fascinating look at two songs about two cities—The Clash’s “London Calling” and Frank Sinatra’s “New York New York”—that were cut within weeks of each other. Silverton examines the impact that the two classics had on their respective namesakes while digging deep into the societal reflections in the lyrics. What may have been a coincidence of timing turned into an essential read.(Paperback) $20The post BOOK STORE: "LONDON CALLING, NEW YORK NEW YORK" BY PETER SILVERTON first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Zhao pledges BNB for Thailand, Myanmar disaster reliefBinance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao is donating 500 BNB (BNB) each to Thailand and Myanmar following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that caused severe damage to buildings and widespread flooding.Zhao plans to distribute the funds through Binance and Binance Thailand if a third-party onchain donation platform cannot be found to distribute the disaster relief funds.“I hope everyone is safe in Thailand,” the Binance founder wrote in a March 28 X post before announcing the contributions to both countries affected by the earthquake.According to The Guardian, at least 144 people are confirmed to have died as a result of the catastrophic earthquake as first responders in both countries continue rescue efforts to free people trapped under rubble.Source: CZRelated: Thailand regulator approves USDT, USDC stablecoinsDisaster strikes Myanmar and ThailandThe earthquake struck on March 28 at approximately 1:20 PM local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 10 miles from Mandalay — the second-largest city in Myanmar.The death toll in both countries is expected to rise as relief efforts continue, with 732 individuals reportedly injured as a result of the earthquake.Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has called upon any country willing to help with the disaster relief efforts to provide any aid it can.Crypto donations amplify aid during times of crisis The cross-border efficiencies, low transaction costs, and near-instant settlement times of cryptocurrencies make digital assets an ideal medium for disaster relief funds.Following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that impacted Turkey and Syria in February 2023, philanthropist Haluk Levent began collecting crypto disaster relief donations.The Giving Block, a company that works with nonprofit organizations to facilitate crypto donations, also used crypto to raise funds for the victims of the Maui wildfires in 2023 and managed to give over $1 million to the relief effort.More recently, in January, The Giving Block started an emergency relief fundraiser for those impacted by the California wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.At the time of this writing, the organization has raised over $1 million for the California wildfire relief fund.Magazine: Crypto is changing how humanitarian agencies deliver aid and services

‘Tesla Takedown’ protesters are planning a global day of action on March 29, and things might get ugly‘Tesla Takedown’ organizers have promised their biggest day of global action this weekend, encouraging thousands to protest outside Tesla showrooms, dealerships, and even charging stations to peacefully object to Elon Musk’s role in slashing government spending.  As Tesla protests have spread, so has the backlash. Activists holding up signs are being conflated with masked vandals […]

Live Music Stocks 3.24-28.25: Another Rollercoaster WeekLast week 3.24 - 28.2025, the live music sector experienced varied performance while broader stock markets faced significant challenges influenced by inflation concerns and trade tensions.​
The post Live Music Stocks 3.24-28.25: Another Rollercoaster Week appeared first on Hypebot.

Spitfire Audio Albion NEOIntimacy and definition The next chapter in our bestselling Albion series. At the heart of this modern cinematic collection is a chamber-sized orchestra with an intimate string section,... Read More

An Artificial Sun In A Manageable SizeThe sun is our planet’s source of natural illumination, and though we’ve mastered making artificial light sources, it remains extremely difficult to copy our nearby star. As if matching the intensity wasn’t enough, its spectral quality, collimation, and atmospheric scattering make it an special challenge. [Victor Poughon] has given it a go though, using a bank of LEDs and an interesting lens system.
We’re used to lenses being something that can be bought off-the-shelf, but this design eschews that convenience by having the lenses manufactured and polished as an array, by JLC. The scattering is taken care of by a sheet of inkjet printer film, and the LEDs are mounted on a set of custom PCBs.
The result is certainly a very bright light, and one whose collimation delivers a sun-like effect of coming from a great distance. It may not be as bright as the real thing, but it’s certainly something close. If you’d like something to compare it to, it’s not the first such light we’ve featured.