What is frequency masking? Definition, causes, and how to fix it
Learn about what frequency masking is, when and why it happens, and how to fix it in your mix.

Wooden Case Makes a 2026 TV StylishThe middle of the 20th century produced a revolution in understated stylish consumer design, some of which lives on today. The reality of living in a 1950s or ’60s house was probably to be surrounded by the usual mess of possessions from many past decades, but the promise was of a beautiful sleek and futuristic living space. Central to this in most homes would have been the TV set, and manufacturers followed the trends of the age with cases that are now iconic. Here in 2026 we put up with black rectangles, but fortunately there’s Cordova Woodworking with a modern take on a retro TV cabinet.
We’ve put the build video below, and it’s a wonderfully watchable piece of workshop titillation in a fully-equipped modern shop. While we appreciate they’ve put the design up for sale, we think many Hackaday readers could come up with their own having already been inspired. One thing we notice over the originals is that they use “proper” wood for their case, when we know the ’60s version would have had veneer-faced ply or chipboard.
The result is a piece of furniture which nicely contains the modern TV and accessories, but doesn’t weigh a ton or dominate the room in the way one of the originals would have, much less emit that evocative phenolic hot-electronics smell. We’d have one in our living room right now. Meanwhile if you’d like a wallow in mid-century TV, we have you covered.

Noble Sceptre: A tiny Bluetooth transmitter that unlocks high-res audio from almost any device – and lets you charge while you listenIf you’ve ever felt like your wireless headphones sound better on one device than another, Noble Audio has a fix. The company’s latest release, Sceptre, is a pocket-sized Bluetooth dongle designed to upgrade the wireless audio coming from your phone, laptop or tablet – so you can enjoy better sound without replacing your favourite headphones or earphones.

READ MORE: Audiotonix to acquire DPA Microphones, Wisycom, and Austrian Audio, delivering “substantial advantages to all professional customers who demand the best”

Sceptre connects via USB-C and works as an external Bluetooth transmitter, sidestepping the often limited wireless hardware inside everyday devices. It runs on Qualcomm’s QCC5181 chipset with Bluetooth 5.4 and supports advanced codecs including LDAC and aptX Adaptive, alongside AAC and SBC. In plain terms, that means clearer, more detailed and reliable wireless audio as long as your headphones or speakers support those formats too.
It’s not just about music, either. Noble says Sceptre is built for general media use, so streaming video, gaming and calls should all benefit from a more stable, consistent connection. The dongle supports standard Bluetooth profiles (HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP) for audio playback and controls, and offers a wireless range of up to 20 metres in typical environments.
One particularly useful feature is the charge-through USB-C design. You can keep your phone, tablet or laptop powered while Sceptre is in use – perfect for long flights, commutes or desk sessions where battery drain is a concern.
Setup is handled through the Noble app for the initial pairing, after which the dongle can be plugged into any compatible device as needed.
Priced at $69.99/£64.99/€69.99, Sceptre launches on 6 February 2026 and will be available direct from Noble Audio and selected retailers.
Learn more at Noble Audio. 
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I tried ROLI’s AI Music Coach — the tech works surprisingly wellROLI has officially launched its AI music coach. The new AI assistant, named Roli (of course), is now part of the ROLI Learn app to tailor your music lessons based on your musical interests and skill level.
In an era where the term ‘AI’ feels cheaply tacked onto products for the sake of it, I don’t blame you if you’re dubious. I was, too, when I tried it at NAMM 2026. But, actually, I’m surprised at how useful it seems.
The music coach works in tandem with the ROLI Airwave, a hand-tracking device that, when paired with a synth or virtual instrument, can offer new modes of expression similar to how a Theremin works. In the instance of the ROLI Learn App, the Airwave becomes an essential tool in mastering your hand placement and getting real-time feedback on your playing. It uses infrared camera technology to track the 27 joints in your hands at 90 frames per second. This, ROLI says, means that “it doesn’t just respond to the notes you play but, crucially, how you are playing them.” Plus, when paired with the ROLI Piano, you also get real-time visual feedback on individual keys (although you can use any keyboard or piano with the Airwave).

This all worked impressively well when ROLI gave me a preview. I’m not much of a piano player, but the hand-tracking and visual feedback had me playing a few new songs in no time. A representative for ROLI told me at the time that the AI music coach isn’t necessarily designed to replace music lessons, but instead to help music pupils have better practice sessions at home.
ROLI’s AI music coach also introduces a conversational aspect to your piano lessons. The voice assistant is as you’d expect from a typical AI voice model: placid, encouraging, and just annoying enough to consider turning it off. It does, however, help you better navigate lessons and the app, and it does allow you to talk through your preferences and musical tastes. There’s also support for 40 languages right now.
We’ll be publishing a full review of ROLI’s AI Music Coach in due course, but in the meantime, I’ll say here that it’s an impressive preview of the future of musical instrument education. It’s not, however, readily accessible. A ROLI Airwave is £299, and you’ll need a modern tablet to use the ROLI Learn App — and a subscription to the app starts at £13 a month or £70 a year. Plus, the ROLI Piano is £499.
Current Airwave owners, however, can access a closed beta today, with a public beta open by the end of March 2026. ROLI promises that “the AI Music Coach will be a cornerstone of ROLI’s learning experience.”
Learn more at roli.com
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Antares update Metamorph Metamorph V1.1 introduces the ability to import third-party RVC (Retrieval-based Voice Conversion) models, opening up a whole host of new creative possibilities while maintaining the security and privacy offered by the softwares offline local processing. 

LALAL.AI launches its first stem-splitting VST plugin for “unlimited experimentation” inside your DAWLALAL.AI has launched its first VST plugin, bringing its industry-leading stem-splitting technology to your DAW for the first time, “significantly reducing the time spent switching between workflows”.
The plugin uses its Lyra model, and is designed to run locally on nearly any hardware. According to LALAL.AI, Lyra delivers “fast and effective” stem separation for “unlimited experimentation” right inside the DAW.

READ MORE: Will.i.am: “I can’t be that critical of AI – because I have a career sampling music”

With the new plugin, artists and producers can split any vocal track into a vocal stem and instrumental bed, with multi-stem splitting for six separate instruments currently in the works. Additionally, it also works in any DAW compatible with VST3 technology, including Ableton, FL Studio, Audacity, and others.
LALAL.AI says this latest release marks the next step in the “quieter side of the AI transformation of music” that eliminates tedium and increases fun. Nik Pogorsky, product owner and co-founder, says: “LALAL.AI’s VST is not only the best in terms of quality, but it is the only AI-powered VST that truly functions as a VST within a DAW. Isolating vocals or making a purely instrumental track can happen as fluidly as a producer or artist does any other task inside their preferred software.”
Pogorsky adds, “Professionals are already adopting tools like LALAL.AI because they solve key problems for them. We’ve simply put that tool right where they need it, in their workstation, so that they can get more creative without getting dragged out of their flow.”
As for other AI-powered launches, following LANDR’s recent acquisition of Reason Studios, the company has launched two new tools to help inspire artists: LANDR Blueprints, which offers songwriting support, and LANDR Layers, assisting with the final mix. This dual release promises to “streamline your production process”.
The new plugin with its Lyra model is available now to LALAL.AI’s premium subscribers. Find out more via the LALAL.AI website.
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Loudness Penalty Studio updated to version 1.5 A free update has been released for MeterPlugs' Loudness Penalty Studio, bringing a range of performance improvements, new analysis tools and expanded reporting features in version 1.5.

JBL Bandbox: New Bluetooth speakers with AI stem separation – a game-changer for practice sessions?NAMM 2026 is done and dusted, but we’re still on a mission to alert you to as many new product launches as we can. And this release from JBL is certainly worth knowing about.
Meet the BandBox, a new line of practice amp/speakers loaded with AI vocal and instrument separation technology for supercharged practice sessions. Think of it like a portable Bluetooth speaker with a bunch of powerful musician-focused features.

READ MORE: The coolest synths, software and gear I saw at NAMM 2026

The line comprises two BandBox units: the 30W BandBox Solo – tailored for individuals looking to upgrade their practice setup – and BandBox Trio, which is designed more for group situations, with four instrument inputs and a more powerful speaker configuration, with 135W powering one 6.5” woofer and two 1” tweeters.
BandBox Solo
Credit: JBL
The ability to utilise AI-powered stem separation to subtract your instrument from a mix and play along will no doubt prove a tantalising prospect for musicians looking to upgrade their practice setup.
The BandBox Solo features a single guitar/mic input – ideal for guitarists or singer-songwriters – and allows the player to stream songs via Bluetooth, and use JBL’s Stem AI to reduce or completely remove specific elements of a track.
The Solo also boasts a built-in looper, as well as a pitch shifter, tuner and integrated LED screen, while the JBL ONE app is on hand with a healthy selection of vintage and modern amp models, and effects including phaser, chorus and reverb.
You can also connect wired headphones for silent practice, and there’s also a USB-C output for recording your sound straight into your DAW of choice.
Of course, it isn’t just a practice amp, the JBL BandBox Solo can also simply be used as a regular Bluetooth speaker.
BandBox Trio
Credit: JBL
Meanwhile, the BandBox Trio packs a bigger punch, and is aimed at “small bands, jam sessions or duos who want to perform together without the need for a full setup”.
You can balance levels, craft tone and apply effects directly on the speaker unit via a built-in four-channel mixer, while the unit also features a replaceable battery, meaning you can simply swap power packs and accommodate longer practice sessions without the fear of running out of charge.
Like the BandBox Solo, the Trio also features a built-in tuner, metronome and looper, integrated LCD colour screen, Stem AI instrument separation technology, and added control via the JBL ONE app. There’s also a USB-C output for connecting the Trio to your computer for direct recording into your DAW.
What is JBL saying about BandBox?

“JBL BandBox is created with musicians’ needs in mind, and made possible by cutting-edge technology,” says Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN, JBL’s parent company.
“This is the first speaker to feature an on-device Stem AI algorithm capable of removing vocals or instruments, without the need for cloud processing or an internet connection. With this breakthrough, it’s easier than ever to practice, improve and enjoy playing music either on your own or with friends.”
Pricing and availability
Both the BandBox Solo and Trio will be available from February, priced at £199 and £529, respectively.
Learn more at JBL.
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This app from Sonarworks & Dolby creates you a personalized Dolby Atmos headphone profileSonarworks – the audio calibration company known for its SoundID Reference software – has partnered with Dolby to deliver a better experience to creators working with Dolby Atmos.
The brand is about to launch its SoundID Reference Tools mobile app for iOS and Android, and will enable the creation of a personalised Dolby Atmos headphone profile free of charge. As Sonarworks explains, the app creates an image of the user’s head, ears and shoulders via the phone’s camera, leveraging Dolby tech to create a personalised profile compatible with Dolby Atmos creation tools.

READ MORE: This headless guitar has MIDI and can control your software instruments and hardware synths

This file can then be loaded into the Dolby Atmos Renderer or any compatible DAW. Sonarworks says monitoring with this profile can “improve spatial and timbral accuracy of Dolby Atmos headphone mixes, allowing a more accurate and consistent monitoring experience.
“Every creator’s physical characteristics are unique, which affects how they experience immersive audio over headphones,” says David Gould, Sr. Director of Content Creation and Distribution at Dolby Laboratories.
“By combining Dolby’s technology with Sonarworks’ calibration expertise, the app enables more accurate Dolby Atmos monitoring. We are excited to work with them, and our DAW partners, to bring advanced headphone experiences to Dolby Atmos creators everywhere.”
 “At Sonarworks, our mission has always been to help creators hear their mixes accurately and with confidence, no matter where they work,” adds Martins Popelis, CPO and Co-Founder at Sonarworks. 
“We are thrilled to partner with Dolby to help Dolby Atmos creators make great sounding immersive mixes on headphones as well as deliver more value to the broad community of users who rely on SoundID Reference calibration for accuracy.”
Learn more at Sonarworks.
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Yamaha launch MGX Mixers, URX Interfaces & CC1 Controller Yamaha are geared up for an eventful NAMM Show, with not one but three new product launches planned for their pro-audio line-up.

Dreamtonics add choirs to Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro Rather than bringing new solo voices to the table, the latest expansions for Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro introduce a trio of modelled choirs.

Apple Launches Apple Creator Studio: New Creative Powerhouse for Musicians and ProducersApple has announced the launch of Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription bundle designed to unify its most powerful creative tools under one roof. For musicians, songwriters and producers, this marks a significant shift in how Apple’s professional ecosystem can be accessed and utilized.
The post Apple Launches Apple Creator Studio: New Creative Powerhouse for Musicians and Producers appeared first on Hypebot.

Apple to introduce Apple Creator Studio The bundle will include Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage, and will also include some new intelligent features and premium content for Keynote, Pages, Numbers and eventually Freeform for iPhone.

“Based”: Musicians celebrate as Bandcamp bans AI music from its platformThe prevalence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms has been a major talking point in the industry over the last year. Many ‘real’ artists are voicing concerns that such music is both diluting the royalty pools from which they are paid, and diminishing the creative integrity of the music on these platforms in general.
Now, Bandcamp – which is famously friendly to up-and-coming artists looking to monetise their music – has made the decision to ban AI-generated music from its platform.

READ MORE: Abbey Road and Chandler team up on the first EMI recording console in 50 years – and it’s fully modular

In a post on Reddit, Bandcamp explains its reasons for massively clamping down on AI music, citing the “sheer quantity of human creativity” on its platform, and how its “vibrant community of real people making incredible music is something we want to protect and maintain”.
“We want musicians to keep making music, and for fans to have confidence that the music they find on Bandcamp was created by humans,” the company writes.
In the post, Bandcamp outlines two main guidelines for AI on its platform:

Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp.
Any use of AI tools to impersonate other artists or styles is strictly prohibited in accordance with our existing policies prohibiting impersonation and intellectual property infringement.

The second point comes as numerous artists as of late have criticised streaming platforms for allowing AI-generated music which is heavily inspired by or derivative of their music. In some cases, such AI artists generate more plays than the human artists on which they are allegedly trained or inspired by.
Back in October, Lucas Woodland – of Cardiff metal band Holding Absence – called it “shocking, disheartening and insulting” that AI artist Bleeding Verse – which he accused of being trained on his music – had more Spotify monthly listeners than his own band.
Finishing its note on Reddit, Bandcamp encourages its users to report music which sounds AI-generated for review by its team, adding: “We reserve the right to remove any music on suspicion of being AI-generated.”
“We will be sure to communicate any updates to the policy as the rapidly changing generative AI space develops,” it concludes. “Given the response around this to our previous posts, we hope this news is welcomed.”
AI Generated Music on Bandcamp byu/bandcamp_official inBandCamp

While many have accused Spotify of not doing enough to combat the spread of AI music on its platform, the company did reveal a plan in September to crack down on what it called “AI slop” in a bid to protect artists.
Still, AI music generators remain widely popular and a hotbed of investment and hype; in November, Suno raised $250m in its latest funding round, bringing the platform’s valuation to $2.45 billion.
That said, a study released the same month revealed that over 80% of music producers are against AI-generated songs – with 81% supporting the clear labelling of AI-generated music on streaming platforms.
Reddit users in the comments section have praised Bandcamp’s decision to ban AI-generated music from its platform, with one user writing: “Bandcamp continues to be the best place to post your music.”
Another replies simply: “Based.”
Head to Bandcamp to learn more.
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Abbey Road and Chandler team up on the first EMI recording console in 50 years – and it’s fully modularAbbey Road Studios and Chandler Limited have teamed up on the REDD Mixing System, the first EMI recording console in 50 years, and a fully modular unit which brings together “every era of EMI’s legendary recording equipment”.
The modular nature of the REDD Mixing System allows producers and engineers to design their optimal setup, combining REDD, TG and RS channels and busses in whatever configuration they like to suit everything from home studios to professional control rooms.

READ MORE: Apple Creator Studio: Logic Pro, Final Cut and all your favourite creative apps are now available in one subscription

The REDD Mixing System has been six years in the making, and is the result of “intensive collaboration” between Wade Goeke of Chandler Limited, Abbey Road’s Head of Audio Products Mirek Stiles and the wider Abbey Road team.
Abbey Road and Chandler are currently taking orders for the REDD Mixing System in the US only, with expected delivery dates of August 2026.
Credit: Abbey Road Studios/Chandler Limited
They say that given each console is made in America and the wide variety of possible configurations requested in each special order, time is required to “establish infrastructure for building and sales”, and determinations on wider distribution will be made at a later date.
“Development of the new desk was a labour of love,” says Goeke. “I wanted to include all the different sounding gear we make with Abbey Road as well as offering a modular approach that is more suited for modern recording setups.
“I can have a very small system at home and cover everything I need, whether it be tracking with tube or solid state gear, mixing in the box, reamplifying, inserting pedals with the sends, passive EQ on the busses, flexible control room options and even glow-in-the-dark faders that add a creative feel to a dimly lit studio. This has truly been the design of a lifetime and one I hope adds to the legacy of EMI, Abbey Road and Chandler Limited.”
Credit: Abbey Road Studios/Chandler Limited
“I was introduced to the TG and REDD desks at Abbey Road Studios when I was 18 years old,” adds Stiles. “I’d never seen or heard anything like them. I was blown away watching how producers like Mike Hedges, Jon Brion or Peter Cobbin would use them to colour the sound of their recordings and mixes in such a musical way.”
He goes on: “Examples of the original desks used on everything from The Beatles to film scores like Raiders of the Lost Ark are very rare indeed, so it’s with great pleasure to witness Wade revive these beautiful engineering classics for artists, producers and engineers of today, all of course with a modern innovative twist.
“Wade has created a modern classic, there simply isn’t anything else like this on the market. I truly believe the music production community now have access to a tool that will redefine what the mixing console is and how it’s used creatively.”
For a full breakdown of specs, head to abbeyroad.com.
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