Introducing the Blue Marble Synthesizer: A Space-Bound Musical EndeavorThe music industry is set to witness a novel venture with the announcement of the Blue Marble Synthesizer, a project that marries music and space technology. This unique initiative aims. Continue reading
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Five modern, innovative EQ techniques and how to use themEqualization is one of the pillars of mixing along with volume and dynamics. While there have been some advancements in EQ technology over the years, for the most part, it hasn’t changed all that much. Boost here, cut there – what more is there to do?

READ MORE: How to recreate Fred again..’s “Jungle” bass sound

But EQ plugins have benefitted just as much in recent years from technological advancements as the likes of AI-driven limiter plugins. Modern EQ plugins can react dynamically, split the band into transient and tonal information, automatically suppress resonance, and much more. Traditional EQs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon but sometimes you need an EQ that’s a little more focused to get a specific job done.
Here are five modern EQ techniques to try in your next production.
Dynamic EQ
When balancing a kick drum and bassline, most producers reach for sidechain compression. There’s nothing wrong with that but the effect can sometimes be heavy-handed. For more natural results, try dynamic EQ, which uses the sidechain signal to remove clashing frequencies only when necessary.
Dynamic EQ is available in a number of plugins, including Tokyo Dawn Records’ excellent free TDR Nova.
Add an instance of TDR Nova to the track you want to affect, in this case, the bassline. Next, set the sidechain to the kick track. Using the frequency response of the kick track as a reference (load up an EQ on the kick if you haven’t already), set a node to a corresponding frequency area in TDR Nova.
Now comes the dynamic part: start turning the Threshold knob down until you see the EQ cut begin to bounce in time with the kick. Use the Q knob to fine-tune the width of the cut and decrease the release time for a faster reset. Now the kick has more power and punch.

Transient-specific EQ
Another fantastic modern EQ plugin is Split EQ by Eventide. This is ingenious: it separates the signal into transient and tonal portions, removing the need for additional dynamics processors like transient shapers. There are all sorts of applications for this, including highlighting percussive elements.
After dropping Split EQ onto a track, set the node where you want to boost or cut. You should then see two colors, green (transient information) and blue (the tonal portion). By pulling up on the transient signal, you can increase snap and impact without affecting the body of the sound. Try lowering the tonal section for a more pronounced effect. Lastly, raise the transient output slider to adjust the global transient volume.

Spectral processing EQ
EQ that suppresses resonances and artefacts is another emerging technology. Oeksound’s Soothe2 does it, as does Baby Audio’s Smooth Operator. Known technically as spectral processing, Smooth Operator uses a combination of equalization, compression and resonance suppression to actively eliminate wayward frequencies.
The vocal sample in this clip has lots of energy but it’s also pretty raw and resonant. Spectral processing can come to the rescue.
By adding nodes and reducing where appropriate, you can attenuate harsh ringing resonances. Use the Focus slider to set the intensity of the spectral algorithm – somewhere between 70 and 90 per cent usually gives the smoothest results. As this only affects the quality of the signal, not the actual frequencies, you may want to use this in tandem with a standard EQ.

Smart EQ
AI has been barging its way into a variety of audio plugins and EQ is no exception. There are a number of equalizers with AI mixing assistants, one such being smart:EQ 3 from Sonible. Like Smooth Operator, smart:EQ 3 also corrects spectral imbalances but does it entirely automatically. You’re then free to make adjustments as you see fit.
After loading an instance of smart:EQ 3 onto a channel, prime the AI by telling it what kind of material it’s listening to. For example, this audio track contains synthesizer chords so the appropriate choice would be ‘synth’.
Next, click the Listen button to start the AI process. The plugin will generate its result. By pulling up or down on the thumb button, you can adjust the amount of the effect. The results are now brighter and livelier than before without being harsh or unpleasant.

Match EQ
Match EQ – where you apply the EQ curve of one piece of audio to another – isn’t actually that novel. However, the way that EQuivoate by Newfangled Audio achieves this is certainly unique.
EQuivocate is based on how the human ear hears, with fixed frequency bands. Because it’s based on the Mel Scale, one with 26 pitches at equal distances from one another, the EQ graph is represented by this number of unique bands. By using the Mel scale, Newfangle claims that EQuivocate sounds more natural than other EQ plugins. When you engage the Match function, you’re transferring not just the EQ curve but also the Mel scale of the original audio onto the new one.
Place a copy of EQuivoate onto the stereo bus of your song, load up a reference track (and mute it), and then point it to EQuivoate using the sidechain function. Click the Match EQ button and let EQuivoate listen to the reference, and then apply the resulting EQ curve. You’re free to then adjust the overall degree of matching as well as individual bands.

 
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Breaking writer’s block: A producer’s guide to sparking inspiration
Ask any artist what their least favorite part of their creative process is, and you may very well find an overarching pattern: the challenge of dealing with writer’s block. Many music producers dread those two words – or rather, what they entail.  As a producer myself, I can speak from experience and empathize. I have gone […]
The post Breaking writer’s block: A producer’s guide to sparking inspiration appeared first on DJ TechTools.

15 Rock Covers That Surpassed (or Met the Challenge of) the OriginalWho doesn't enjoy a good old-fashioned, well-constructed list? Especially, when it pertains to rock n' roll music. Greg Prato's latest book, 50 Rocks Lists + Surprise Lists, manages to focus equally on the expected and the unexpected.

Why is Ethereum (ETH) price down today?Ethereum price is down today as heavy selling from notable wallets and general disinterest in the recent ETH futures ETF weigh on investor sentiment.

As SBF’s trial heads into its second week, here’s what we know so farHere are the juicy details we gleaned from the first week of testimonies.

Mensla FMD FMD is a distortion plugin that adds rich FM harmonics with a single knob. Combined with a soft clipper, you can quickly transform any signal. Sound demo - https://youtu.be/V06n4smBGJ8?si=EJmaDhjUElstNgNg... Read More

Moog CEO “reached out to Uli Behringer” to try and sell company, Behringer claimsBehringer has claimed that the CEO of Moog reached out to Uli Behringer and sell the company to him.

READ MORE: Spotify “Supremium” subscription pricing and further details unveiled

In a video by Benn Jordan, the producer explores Moog’s acquisition by InMusic earlier this year and also looks at recent claims made by Behringer that a number of publications and influencers no longer support the company for reasons including not paying for ads and not providing free products for reviews.
“One of the reasons I haven’t featured any Behringer products on this channel,” Jordan says, “Is because the company has sued people for criticising the company.”
In a Facebook post today (9 October) Behringer said, “Usually we ignore such inflammatory videos. However, we have decided to respond this time,” before going on to give their side of the story.

Usually we just ignore such inflammatory videos. However, we have decided to respond this time, as it provides a perfect…
Posted by Behringer on Monday, October 9, 2023

The post explains that, while Moog CEO Mike Adams offered to sell Moog to Behringer, the company declined due to differences in business models.

It continues, “Blaming us for Moog’s struggles is as reasonable as blaming Yamaha for the bankruptcy of Sequential, Oberheim, ARP and Moog in the 1980s when the DX7 and other digital synths were introduced to the market,” before wishing Moog “all the best” and saying that the brand has a “great future”.

Jordan then responded on Twitter, accusing Behringer of lying  “multiple times” on its Facebook page.
I spoke to a LOT of people and heard absolutely nothing of this.
Given that @Behringer has outright lied on their Facebook page multiple times (as recently as a few weeks ago with Loopop , influencers, “not for profit”, etc).
Can you DM me or possibly corroborate this @MoogMike? pic.twitter.com/fKbLhfPudc
— Benn Jordan (@bennjordan) October 9, 2023
Behringer has since shared “proof of correspondence” on its Facebook group, revealing an image of an email exchange between Uli Behringer and Mike Adams.
Image: Facebook
Meanwhile, Behringer reportedly has over 50 synths in development as of 2023, with seemingly no plans to slow down.
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Don McLean Issues Statement About The Attack on IsraelSinger-songwriter Don McLean ("American Pie," "Vincent"), formerly a resident of Israel, has spoken out today about the recent attack by Hammas on the country.

"It is hard for me to control the emotions I feel for Israel at this time." "Having lived in Israel, I remember the neighborhoods I now see being bombed. I knew the people who faced this kind of hatred every day and went to a party every night because life is something to celebrate and it is so precious. Being there changed me forever. I have lived in a different way ever since. I was proud to write the song "Jerusalem," for the Mayor of Jerusalem and I sing this song every night during shows. On this earth, Jerusalem is at the center of the atom of life and salvation no matter what might be going on anywhere else on the planet."

– Don McLean

The ‘Online Music Guide’ conference to be held in London on Thursday, October 12Program includes panel discussions consisting of tips for emerging artists
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Melanie Johnson appointed Chief Commercial Officer at music tech company AudooCompany raised £7.2 million in its pre-series B funding round in 2021
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Andi Vax Andi Vax “Synplant 2 Melodic Techno” Fresh collection of premium presets for SonicCharge Synplant 2 synthesizer. It's perfect for Melodic Techno, House and EDM styles. (Use coupon "StandWithUkraine" for 50% discount till 16.10.2023).... Read More

Upcoming Scanner Concert British electronic music artist Scanner (Robin Rimbaud) will be performing live at the University of York’s Rymer Auditorium on Friday 13 October 2023.

Reviewing Behringer’s “counterfeit” synths would be “boring content”, says Benn JordanProducer, music tech journalist and creator Benn Jordan has weighed in on the ongoing feud between Behringer and music media, stating his reason for not featuring Behringer’s products on his channel.

READ MORE: “I’m curious how copying a product and selling it at the exact same price is a ‘not for profit’”: Loopop slams Behringer’s “not-for-profit” claims

The response was made in a video posted to his YouTube page, which predominantly explores Moog Music’s June acquisition by InMusic and the reasons behind its reported recent sacking of “more than half of existing positions” at Moog Music’s Asheville manufacturing plant.
In the video, Jordan responds to Behringer’s recent claims that “many media outlets and ‘influencers’ have decided not to support us anymore because they don’t pay for ads, don’t provide free products for reviews or they simply don’t like them for whatever reason.”
“One of the reasons I haven’t featured any Behringer products on this channel,” Jordan responds, “is because the company has sued people for criticising the company.
“Another solid reason why I don’t cover their products is because they trademarked a journalist’s name and then tried to make an anti-Semitic meme out of him.” Here, we should point out, Jordan is referring to an incident in 2020 when Behringer made a product called the ​​’KIRN CorkSniffer‘, later issuing an official public reponse.

“The number one reason I don’t feature Behringer products on this channel,” he goes on, “is because I’ve already featured Mutable Instruments modules in a stream. I’ve already featured [Make Noise’s] Maths in a ton of videos. I did a [Moog] Mother-32 video, and I did a [Moog] DFam video. Making another video about your counterfeit versions of those things is literally the most boring content I could create on this channel.
“Now, about a year before I started this channel, I paid the full retail price for [the DeepMind 12], and I still think it was a good value. Do you remember this? This was like the last original product that you made, Behringer. But you know what, sure, you do you. Keep fabricating reasons and crying publicly on your official company Facebook page about it.
“Anyway, it seems like Behringer intends to make flea market versions of Moog’s entire product line. Many people shrug and say that it was fair competition, and that Moog lost. I disagree.”
Also in the video, Jordan explores possible reasons for the layoffs of Moog Music employees, citing that, in his view, they may have been related to InMusic’s alleged transition to overseas labour. This transition, he highlights, apparently marked the end of an era where Moog, a relatively large company in the United States, could design, manufacture, test, and distribute musical instruments locally.
In a video posted in July 2023, Jordan discussed the recent acquisitions and changes within various music-based software and hardware companies. In this, he predicted layoffs for Moog, Apple and Spitfire Audio.
Subscribe to Benn Jordan’s YouTube channel.
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Spotify redesigns how Artist Profiles display music, concerts, merch & more“Our brand new tab design on your artist profile organizes your music, concerts, merch, and more in a way that helps better connect fans to all you have to offer. Continue reading
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