Apple’s new iPhones apparently have four “studio-quality” mics and multi-track recording in Voice MemosIt’s that time of the year again, as Apple unveils its latest generation of iPhones at Monday’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ keynote event.
Between the new A18 chip, an added Camera Control button, and the arrival of Apple Intelligence — the Cupertino giant’s very own artificial intelligence software, the iPhone 16 boasts a slew of exciting hardware and software upgrades for both serious and casual users alike.
For musicians and producers who rely on their iPhones for music-making and capturing song ideas, the new lineup introduces a range of audio enhancements designed to level-up your creative process.

READ MORE: Spotify wins lawsuit over Eminem’s publisher in licensing rights dispute

To start, the brand’s top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are said to deliver a “big leap in audio performance” with not just one, but four “studio-quality” mics for higher-quality recording. The mics provide a lower noise floor so you get more true-to-life sounds without the need for extra gear.
Multi-track recording will also be coming to the Voice Memo app later this year. Users can now layer another track on top of existing recordings, which will come in handy for when you want to record your singing over guitar instrumentals, for example.
According to Apple, Voice Memos plays the guitar track through the iPhone speakers while simultaneously recording your voice. The system then uses “advanced processing” to isolate your new vocals and cancel the background audio for a professional result — without the need for headphones, or another app.

The iPhone 16 will hit the shelves officially on Friday, 20 September, with prices starting at $799 for the base model and $999 for the Pro model.
Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Tourist previously spoke about his love for Apple’s Voice Memos app, calling it an “absolute no-brainer” for music production.
“I mean there’s even a part of me that’s really happy with that built-in iPhone mic because it has such a character,” he said on MusicTech’s My Forever Studio podcast. “It sounds like the year that the phone was made. And the compression, whatever they do with that compression… I think people can hear an iPhone mic. I like that.”
Learn more at Apple.
The post Apple’s new iPhones apparently have four “studio-quality” mics and multi-track recording in Voice Memos appeared first on MusicTech.

Wusik Limiter is FREE until November 1st
Wusik offers the Wusik Limiter (49.95 value) for macOS and Windows as a free download until November 1st. You might have already grabbed a bargain limiter this month with Plugin Boutique’s 1176 bundle deal: all three UAD 1176 plugins for £38 (usually £261). If you’re interested in the UAD collection, act fast; it’s a limited-time offer. [...]
View post: Wusik Limiter is FREE until November 1st

Essential Financial Strategies for Touring MusiciansIncome from live performances has become less reliable, but there are financial strategies for touring musicians that help turn a road trip into a profitable success. Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to maximize your earnings while on the road.
The post Essential Financial Strategies for Touring Musicians appeared first on Hypebot.

Meta and Instagram spotted developing a new social music-sharing featureMeta and Spotify are exploring deeper music integration in Meta’s Instagram app. New findings indicate the companies are testing a feature that would allow users to continuously share what music they’re listening to through Instagram’s Notes. The new functionality was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who often finds unreleased features while they’re still […]
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“A lot of producers don’t know how to do it properly”: Slash on the “dying art” of guitar recordingThe rise of amp modellers in modern music production has left many producers incapable of recording live guitar tones, according to Guns N’ Roses legend Slash.
The guitarist, whose new blues album Orgy of the Damned was recorded using live instruments, tells Goldmine that the technique is pretty much a “dying art” these days as more and more artists embrace the convenience of digital solutions.
He adds that Mike Clink – the producer who worked on GNR’s Appetite for Destruction (1987), Use Your Illusion I and II (1991), and his recent album – is one of the few up to the task.

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“Mike Clink is a great producer, but more importantly… he’s one of the most fantastic, real-deal engineers,” says Slash. “He knows how to get a great sound out of a guitar or drums or a bass or whatever. He knows what he’s doing.”
“He’s almost one of the last of the Mohicans because it’s a dying art to be able to record a guitar through a cabinet. A lot of producers don’t even know how to do it properly anymore.”
He continues: “Mike was the guy that I knew could get these analogue sounds that we were producing and get them on tape properly and make it sound really good, which is exactly what he did. He’s also a great guy to work with, too.”
And while Slash himself has previously dabbled in digital gear — even praising the AmpliTube 5 for its ease of use, he maintains that amp sims only have a place in his writing process, and not his recording process.
At his core, the guitarist is very much still an “analogue” guy: “I love working with an amplifier because there’s something… Maybe it’s old school, but there’s something pure about the way the speakers react, the sound of the cabinet and all that kind of stuff,” he said.

The post “A lot of producers don’t know how to do it properly”: Slash on the “dying art” of guitar recording appeared first on MusicTech.

Watch Aphex Twin DJ at his friend’s weddingImagine celebrating one of the most important days of your life with one of the greatest electronic musicians of the 21st century spinning tracks just for you.
Last weekend, Aphex Twin – real name – Richard David James – was spotted DJing at a private wedding in what’s probably one of the most overqualified wedding gigs ever.

READ MORE: Watch deadmau5 play the medieval EP-1320 while wearing a suit of armour. No, seriously

The precious moment, which has since been immortalised on TikTok and Twitter/ X, sees the musician performing for a small crowd of under a 100 people at the wedding venue. One of the songs featured in James’s set was The Bells by drum and bass producer Jonny L. The DJ’s signature visuals were also projected on the screen behind him during the show.
According to an attendee on TikTok, Aphex Twin and the groom have been friends for years, and that the DJing gig was a wedding gift. The evening also featured British electronic musician Luke Vibert and a DJ from the London-based record label futureRetro behind the decks.
Check out the moment below.

aphex twin playing his friends wedding party yesterday. (luke vibert also played).
currently drowning in an endless sea of envy. pic.twitter.com/RjLZ0rLXI8
— babybera (@babyberafinance) August 18, 2024

Went to a friend's wedding reception last night and they had APHEX TWIN DJing! pic.twitter.com/nMHT14UaO3
— Heather (@_hthr_) August 17, 2024

Meanwhile, Aphex Twin is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his 1994 sophomore album Selected Ambient Works Volume II with a new box set arriving on 4 October. The collection will be available in digital, 3xCD, double-cassette, and 4xLP standard and box set editions.
This marks the first time that every track from the album will be universally accessible across all formats, bridging a gap that previously limited access to certain tracks, notably the vinyl-only release #19. The expanded edition also features two additional songs, th1 [evnslower] and Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev.
Fans can pre-order the record from Aphex Twin’s web store.
The post Watch Aphex Twin DJ at his friend’s wedding appeared first on MusicTech.

New Twitch DJ Program: Everything You Need To KnowThe new Twitch DJ program offers groundbreaking opportunities to expand reach, make money, and engage with audiences. Here's what you need to know to leverage this platform effectively.
The post New Twitch DJ Program: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Hypebot.

Roblox strikes deal with DistroKid – but indie artists won’t be paid any money from itRoblox revenues are forecast to hit $3.5bn across the course of this year
Source

Zedd to host super small NYC rave for only 25 people – here’s how you get inZedd is hosting a secret rave for just 25 attendees this August, and you’ll need to get your detective hat on if you want to get in.
In partnership with 5 Gum, Zedd is hosting an online scavenger hunt. Hopeful attendees will need to follow a series of hints shared on both 5 gum and Zedd’s social media channels.

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This special, intimate show will take place on 22 August at a New York City bodega. Fans need to use the hints shared online to decipher the exact location, and also “decipher clues hidden in plain sight,” according to a press release (via EDM).
The first 25 people to figure out the location must visit the bodega in advance to receive a glow-in-the-dark pack of 5 Gum, which also serves as their ticket. At the show, fans will be treated to new music from Telos, Zedd’s forthcoming album (and first in nearly a decade), landing officially on 30 August.
Those who don’t manage to get into the super secret rave will still have the chance of winning $500 for tickets to spend on Zedd’s upcoming tour or event merchandise. The drawing will commence on the 5 Gum website on 26 August and run until 6 September.

“I love to deliver the unexpected at my shows, and performing at what will be one of my most intimate and unique venues yet – an actual New York City bodega – certainly aligns with that. Partnering with 5 Gum to deliver this amazing experience will definitely be one for the books,” Zedd comments.
“We know that 5 Gum and Zedd fans alike are known to embrace the thrill of a new adventure, so what better way to do that than getting the chance to be one of the few to uncover and attend such an intimate, unforgettable experience with a world-renowned DJ,” adds Maria Urista, Vice President, Gum & Mints at Mars.
Find out more information at 5 Gum.
The post Zedd to host super small NYC rave for only 25 people – here’s how you get in appeared first on MusicTech.

Drake just dropped 100GB of unreleased content – and it gives you a peek into the sound of Abbey Road StudiosDrake has once again surprised the music world with his latest content drop, offering fans a glimpse into his creative process at the legendary Abbey Road Studios via 100GB of unreleased content.
This treasure trove, available on the newly launched website 100gigs.org, includes unreleased tracks, demos, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. It also marks the first major release from the Canadian rapper following his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar.
The pair have been trading diss tracks for the last couple of months, with Drake only featuring on tracks like Snowd4y’s Wag Gwan Delilah and Gordo’s Sideways during this period.

READ MORE: The beat for Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss Not Like Us was created in 30 minutes

With the new drop, fans now have an epic 100GB worth of fresh material to explore. Among the highlights of Drake’s latest release are three brand-new songs: It’s Up, featuring the dynamic duo of Young Thug and 21 Savage, Housekeeping Knows, a collaboration with Bitch From Da Souf rapper Latto, and a new Drake track titled Blue Green Red.
Beyond the music, fans can also dive into intimate studio sessions from the iconic Abbey Road Studios as well as from Barbados, alongside a variety of never-before-seen video content. In a moment that epitomises the behind-the-scenes chaos of music production, we see Drake’s producer, Noah “40” Shebib, working on tracks at Abbey Road before he accidentally knocks out the power for the audio interface running Pro Tools.
In short, it’s a lot of footage for a lot of stuff. Drake and his label OVO Sound have also shared screenshots of the site via their socials, inviting fans to dig away at the media dump.
Check out the new tracks via Drake’s new “plottttwistttttt” Instagram account below.

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4 places you’re missing to market music to tens of millions of fansEveryone markets music on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. But chances are there are at least 4 places you’re missing to market music to tens of millions of fans 4. Continue reading
The post 4 places you’re missing to market music to tens of millions of fans appeared first on Hypebot.

BandLab partners with London’s Strongroom Studios for “treasure trove” of royalty-free sample packsBandLab has partnered with Strongroom Studios for a “treasure trove” of exclusive royalty-free sample packs recorded by producers, engineers and artists who have worked at the Shoreditch, London recording facility.
Available both free within Studio, BandLab’s online DAW, and directly through BandLab Sounds, the Strongroom packs add to BandLab’s existing library currently comprising over 100,000 samples.

READ MORE: BandLab mobile users can now experiment with beats for free before buying

The new Strongroom packs series includes “breathtaking and inventive” piano sounds by Fi Roberts, “blissful and twinkling” pop elements by TATYANA, Jelly Cleaver’s smooth soul guitar and piano textures, Alex O’Donovan’s warping synth tones and gritty drums, and much more.
Strongroom Studios has, during its 40-year history, hosted the likes of Lorde, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX and Radiohead, but this new partnership with BandLab marks its first foray into the world of sample packs.
In other BandLab news, the platform last month rolled out advanced features for mobile users including automation, an expanded library of vocal effects and improved filters.
It later introduced BandLab users the ability to experiment with beats on the platform for free before buying, even allowing them to add additional tracks and apply effects to a beat with no up-front financial commitment.
“This is the latest among many updates that demonstrate BandLab’s commitment to eliminating any barriers to creativity and making music creation accessible,” said BandLab. “This feature encourages users to try Beats in real-time, experiment freely, and immediately put their inspiration to work without upfront costs.”
You can learn more about the BandLab x Strongroom collaboration and have a listen to some of the sounds over at BandLab.
Editor’s note: BandLab and MusicTech are both part of the Caldecott Music Group.
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What is a spectrogram?
Learn about what a spectrogram is, how to read one, and the unique findings it can uncover about your audio.

Neural DSP Technologies Introduces 'TINA' Robotic Amp ModelingAs part of its enduring commitment to pioneering industry-leading amplifier modeling technology, Neural DSP announced the arrival of TINA, the company’s proprietary data-collection robot which takes authentically and faithfully modeling the sonic nuances of a guitar amplifier to an unprecedented level. TINA – a Telemetric Inductive Nodal Actuator – marries mechanical robotics with machine learning to digitally replicate analog devices, such as guitar amplifiers, like never before.

Leveraging the advanced capabilities of TINA, Neural DSP also launched CorOS 3.0.0 and the arrival of Quad Cortex Plugin Compatibility (PCOM), giving creators the ability to access the virtual devices in their Neural DSP plugins on their Quad Cortex. This initial release includes compatibility for two plugins: Archetype: Plini X and Archetype: Gojira X, with additional QC-compatible plugins set to launch in subsequent CorOS updates.

"TINA represents a groundbreaking integration of robotics and state-of-the-art machine learning for audio processing, furthering Neural DSP's commitment to redefining the standards in guitar amplifier modeling accuracy,” says Douglas Castro, CEO at Neural DSP Technologies. “This feat is the result of collaboration between our respective plugin and Quad Cortex teams, who have worked tirelessly to significantly improve the architecture of both platforms to ensure plugins can run on Quad Cortex. We’ve successfully removed all human intervention within the amplifier modeling process – ensuring an unparalleled level of precision in every model by capturing every subtle detail in the amplifier's controls.”

TINA: Leveraging Robotics for Authentic Sound Replication

In the spaces between the markings on an amplifier’s controls — gain, bass, mid, treble, presence, master — there is an entire universe of complex interactions and sonic distinctions. Guitarists will naturally play with these controls in a subjective manner, dialing in changes instinctively. But in trying to digitally emulate that process, even snapshot models of different configurations of those controls cannot translate all of the possible fine-tuned interactive combinations, and managing those million or more combinations would be impossible.

What Neural DSP does with TINA is robotically access the entire spectrum of every control’s range by physically connecting with those controls via actuator arms. Every control is systematically turned with its output recorded. With enough recorded examples (typically thousands of control positions), a neural network is trained to replicate the behavior of the device for each one of these settings. Through this training process, the finished model will also generalize and precisely infer the sound of the device in any unseen control setting and input signal.

TINA does the tedious part, deducing what control positions need to be recorded, plans the sequence to turn the knobs while minimizing wear-and-tear, and finally returns a collection of recordings with all of the related control positions carefully and precisely annotated.

By combining robotic data collection with machine learning, Neural DSP can distill the full range of an amp’s continuous control into a single neural network model with unparalleled precision. It also removes the need for painstaking and often biased human analysis and design. The collected data is always a complete representation of the device and its history; every tube, every transformer, every pot, every ding, and every scratch; anything you can hear and feel will be a part of the data the models are trained on.

“TINA is the backbone of our robust and automated modeling pipeline, pushing the boundaries of model fidelity,” says Aleksi Peussa, Machine Learning Team Lead and Researcher at Neural DSP Technologies. “The collected data provides the ground-truth for the sound and feel of the device. No assumptions, no preferences, no limitations. Purely data. The vast amount of data along with advanced machine learning approaches can systematically push model accuracy to unparalleled levels of realism. Our goal is always to create models that are indistinguishable from the real thing, even by experts.”

To learn more about PCOM and how to update to CorOS 3.0.0, click here and here.The post Neural DSP Technologies Introduces 'TINA' Robotic Amp Modeling first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Real-time voice morphing with Dreamtonics Vocoflex Dreamtonics have announced the release of a new AI-powered plug-in that’s capable of transforming the sound of a vocalist in real time.