Calloga releases Unshuffle FREE open-source sample library organizer
Calloga has released Unshuffle, a free open-source sample library organizer for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unshuffle is designed for producers with messy sample folders, which is probably most of us at some point. My main samples are nicely sorted into folders, but I have an insane amount of other samples scattered across hard drives, mostly [...]
View post: Calloga releases Unshuffle FREE open-source sample library organizer

CodWaves launches WaveBalance auto gain staging plugin
CodWaves has released WaveBalance, an auto gain staging plugin for macOS and Windows. WaveBalance is designed to solve one of the most common mixing problems: inconsistent track levels before the rest of the processing chain. You place WaveBalance early in the chain, usually as the first plugin, and it adjusts the incoming level so compressors, [...]
View post: CodWaves launches WaveBalance auto gain staging plugin

“The most powerful standalone MPC we have ever built at these prices”: Akai launches “generation 2” MPCs with four times the processing powerMPCs are legendary in music production, and Akai Professional has expanded the lineup with two new standalone models – the MPC One G2 and MPC Key 37 G2 – both featuring four times the processing power of previous models.
Essentially second-generation versions of the MPC One and MPC Key 37, the former sports a standard 4×4 beatpad build – with velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads – while the latter also includes a 37-key keyboard. Both feature an upgraded 8-core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage for faster loading speeds and greater session capacity.
Both the MPC One G2 and MPC Key 37 G2 support up to 32 simultaneous plugin instruments and up to 16 stereo audio tracks in standalone.

READ MORE: This new drum plugin features samples of drums heads and cymbals “virtually unobtainable” in the modern era

At the heart of each unit is Akai’s MPC 3.9 operating system, which introduces a full Linear Arranger, expanded arrangement workflows, deeper DAW interoperability, and integrated synthesis via a built-in oscillator engine. Both machines also boast a seven-inch full-colour multitouch display for intuitive session navigation.

Aesthetically, both the MPC One G2 and MPC Key 37 G2 boast colourways which pay tribute to the rich history of the MPC platform. The former is kitted out in the classic blue of the MPC4000 and MPC1000, while the latter sports the iconic cream finish of the original MPC units from the late ’80s.
“Whether you live on the pads or write everything on keys, the MPC One G2 and MPC Key 37 G2 give producers and beat makers the most powerful standalone MPC we have ever built at these prices,” says Andy Mac, Director of Artist Relations at Akai Professional.
“From bedroom beatmakers to established producer communities around the world, creators now have four times the power, MPC3 OS, and a powerful collection of instruments and samples ready to get you started. This is generation 2 of MPC standalone production.”

Combine the power with the playability that MPCs are known for, and these machines will provide endless creative options. Both have complete beatpad functionality for building live, human drumbeats. Then the MPC Key 37 G2 adds the classic keyboard feel for chords and melodies (although the pads on the MPC One G2 can be programmed to piano notes for the same effect).
Akai is part of inMusic, which just acquired Native Instruments, so both MPCs come with NI Analog Dreams MPC Edition that has 141 Presets and 44 Sound sources that can be applied to the beatpads or keyboards. They also come with a full-touch LED display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and connectivity to phones, tablets, and computers via USB-C. So, don’t be afraid to link it to your favourite DAW either.

In fact, both units come with over 20GB of production-ready content; the MPC One G2 includes 11 total instrument plugins and 9 curated expansion packs, while the MPC Key 37 G2 offers 13 instrument plugins – including OPX-4, Jura and Sub Factory – plus six expansion packs.
Price-wise, the MPC One G2 is available now for $799/£729/€849, while the MPC Key 37 G2 is priced at $999/£849/€999.
For more information, head to Akai Professional.
The post “The most powerful standalone MPC we have ever built at these prices”: Akai launches “generation 2” MPCs with four times the processing power appeared first on MusicTech.

Clack.DIGITAL releases FREE Amp Squeezer overdrive plugin
Clack.DIGITAL has released Amp Squeezer, a free frequency-shaped overdrive plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Amp Squeezer was originally developed for the Darkglass Anagram pedalboard and released through the Anagram Marketplace. It is now available as a regular plugin, and you can download it directly from the Clack.DIGITAL website without creating an account, entering an [...]
View post: Clack.DIGITAL releases FREE Amp Squeezer overdrive plugin

This company claims to have made the first-ever 2-in-1 ribbon and large-diaphragm condenser micLatvian mic brand JZ Microphones has unveiled the MU-1, which it claims is the first-ever two-in-one ribbon and large diaphragm condenser microphone.
The mic was designed by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Marc Urselli. Boasting credits with U2, Nick Cave, Foo Fighters, Lou Reed and Elton John, Urselli has long been a fan of using a ribbon and large condenser setup to mic up a single source.
“The ribbon-and-condenser technique has been my favourite way of recording things for a long time,” he says. “However, it involves having to set up two stands, negotiate space, align mics in the physical space, and align their phase afterwards,” says Urselli.
“MU-1 is the first time sound comes out of one microphone – phase-coherent, level-matched, and completely repeatable from session to session. That changes how I work: it delivers the best sound, simplifies setup, delivers options, offers a sonic palette that spans decades and improves everything.”

READ MORE: Is AI seriously in mics now?

Pop the top, in fact, and you’ll see both ribbon and large diaphragm condenser capsules in a single package. The condenser section is built around the Golden Drop capsule from JZ’s Black Hole series, while the ribbon uses a premium 1.2 µm foil motor for “higher sensitivity and finer detail”. JZ Microphones has a patent pending for this hybrid capsule architecture.

Also to note, the MU-1 comes with a five-pin XLR to dual three-pin breakout. Plug the five-pin into the single body and use the breakout to record each mic as an individual channel.
“At JZ, we’re always looking for innovative, practical ways to make engineers’ lives easier. Not more complicated. MU-1 is exactly that,” says Andris Zemmers, CEO at JZ Microphones. “It takes a technique the best engineers in the world already love, and removes every obstacle between them and the sound. That’s the kind of innovation we care about.”

The MU-1 is currently priced at €1999 / $1999, with matched pairs available upon request. Units will ship in August 2026.
To preorder, head to JZ Microphones.
The post This company claims to have made the first-ever 2-in-1 ribbon and large-diaphragm condenser mic appeared first on MusicTech.

This new drum plugin features samples of drums heads and cymbals “virtually unobtainable” in the modern eraThe ’60s and ’70s are such lauded eras in music history, and now Iconic Instrument is providing access to beats and drum sounds from these celebrated periods. The new plugin Detroit Drums was recorded with “virtually unobtainable” 1960s drum heads and cymbals and was even tuned using techniques popular back then.
The plugin includes two primary kits: L-Model and S-Model, which are sold separately or as a bundle. Each drum and cymbal can be tuned individually, but Iconic Instruments specifically highlights the dampening control, describing it as “never-before-seen.” By combining the tuning and dampening, users with a nuanced ear for drums can curate the exact sound they want. From John Bonham’s castle-filling sound down to the tight, musical stylings of Ringo Starr (drummers who had their heyday in the 70s and 60s, respectively).

READ MORE: Is AI seriously in mics now?

When it’s time to process the drums, Iconic Instruments keeps the classic sound coming with a 1960’s-era mixing environment. A core element of this is the Tube Drive effects that can be added to the overhead mics, outside bass mic, the under snare mics, and also the mix bus to sprinkle that vintage warmth on everything.

For other effects, Iconic Instruments tapped its arsenal, integrating simpler versions of the Model 350 Tube Preamp, SP140 Plate Reverb, Model 660 X Exciting Compressor, ParametrEQ, and Transport Vintage Tape plugins. However, these will have to be purchased separately to get the full experience.
“I’m very proud of how great these drums and cymbals sound, but the unique Tuning and Dampening controls are a real achievement,” says Michael Vecchio, Founder, Iconic Instruments. “And the effects in the Mixing Console give you all the color options you want to have on hand. These are the drum sounds you’ve been chasing for years!”
Detroit Drums individual kits are going for $79 each. Both kits in one cost $129. The effects are also sold as individual packages. The complete bundle is $199, and the Tube and Tape bundle is $149. For more information, head to Iconic Instruments.
The post This new drum plugin features samples of drums heads and cymbals “virtually unobtainable” in the modern era appeared first on MusicTech.

Is AI seriously in mics now?Apparently, AI is in microphones now, too. Maono, a company which focuses on products for content creation, will soon launch a Kickstarter for the PD500W, “the world’s first AI-powered hybrid microphone”. Digging into the donation page for the upcoming product, the primary AI function seems to be focused on audio processing.
Maono mics are often used in podcasting. So, common speaking-related hiccups such as popping sounds and rapid volume fluctuation can be managed by machine-driven digital de-poppers and built-in limiters. Overall, a time-saver when it comes to editing. Spotify has over 5 million podcasts. Getting new episodes up as quickly and efficiently as possible is important in such a competitive market.

READ MORE: AIAIAI was known for its all-black product lineup – until now…

The AI functionality of the mic will be supported by upcoming AI tools in Maono software for translation and transcription, further streamlining back-end processes to get the recordings to listeners.
Credit: Maono
Beyond the AI element, the PD500W offers a wide range of recording options. It features USB-C, XLR, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, since much content creation happens on the go. The wireless option can also connect to USB-C devices like iPhones to make posting that on-the-ground interview at the latest World Cup match as quick as possible.
If no wireless device is available as a destination for mobile recordings, the PD500W has 32GB of internal storage to keep everything safe before getting back to the computer for editing (which will be much easier thanks to AI). In terms of the core functional details of the mic, its max SPL is 147dB, it has a 48kHz/24 bit sample rate, and a cardioid polar pattern.
Donations aren’t open yet, but when they are, Maono will offer five contribution options ranging from $319 to $689. For more information on the PD500W, head to Kickstarter. You can also learn more at maono.com.
Credit: Maono
The post Is AI seriously in mics now? appeared first on MusicTech.

Gaming groups urge Congress to ban prediction markets sports betting in CLARITY ActGambling industry groups want the US Senate to step in to clarify that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission does not have the authority to oversee prediction markets.

Chi-Hua Chien saw Facebook coming; now he says the real AI winners won’t be selling AIChi-Hua Chien has spent more than two decades as a venture capitalist, but he thinks like a cultural anthropologist.

Ringo Starr Twinkles With Friends at the GreekRingo Starr has been one of the biggest names in drumming world-wide for over 60 years. For the last 37 years Ringo has been touring with his All-Starr band, which has had some big alumni such as The Band’s Levon Helm and Rick Danko, The Eagle’s Joe Walsh, The E-Street Band’s Nils Lofgren and Clarence Clemons, Billy Preston, Dr. John, and drumming icon Jim Keltner.

To be a member, Ringo's requirement is at least three hits from their own band or as a solo act. The All Starr band returned to the Greek Theater in Los Angeles for the first time since 2024, as they played Yaamava Casino last year for the L.A. area show. Generally, the Greek shows are every other year but there have also been back-to-back years. This short West Coast run began May 28th at Pechanga Casino in Temecula, CA and concluded at the Greek on June 14.

The 16th incarnation of the All Starr band has included Toto’s Steve Lukather since 2012 (guitar/vocals), former David Lee Roth and ELO drummer Gregg Bissonette since 2008, Colin Hay of Men At Work on guitar and vocals (member in '03, '08 and since '18), Average White band bassist/vocalist Hamish Stuart (2006-08 and since '19), vocalist Warren Ham also a touring member of Toto (All Starr member since 2014). On keyboards is Buck Johnson from Aerosmith and the Hollywood Vampires, who originally was filling in for Edgar Winter starting in 2024. Lukather, Stuart, and Hay all played three songs from their bands.

The show began with Ringo on vocals for the first two songs starting with Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” followed by solo hit “It Don’t Come Easy.” Starr stepped behind the drums for song three, which was Toto’s “Rosanna” led by Lukather. Starr double-drummed with Bissonette. Next Stuart was featured on Average White Band’s “Pick Up the Pieces.” Then it was Hay’s turn performing Men At Work’s “Down Under.” When the All Starr band members were featured, they would play three songs in a row (one each). Lukather plays bass on Average White Band’s “Cut the Cake” and a cover of the Isley Brother’s “Work to Do,” and Stuart plays guitar on those.

Each night during Average White Band’s “Cut the Cake,” the band minus Lukather, Bissonette and Johnson leave the stage and as a duo play bits of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” The Beatles “Come Together,” The Safaris “Wipe Out,” Rush’s "YYZ,” Led Zeppelin’s “Rock N’ Roll,” Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Manic Depression," The Rolling Stone’s “Honky Tonk Woman,” Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” The Beatles “The End,” and finally Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher.” Last year Starr began performing “The No No Song” for the first time in many years. During Toto’s Africa, Lukather mentioned his fellow band co-founder David Paich being in the audience.

The closing songs were Starr’s “Photograph,” The Beatles’ cover of Johnny Russel’s “Act Naturally,”  and as always “Help From My Friends” with John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” At each show, there’s quite a bit of humor and before “Yellow Submarine,” Lukather and Ringo joked around, with Lukather playing the opening riff to The Beatles’ “Daytripper” and “Please Please Me.”

For the finale, Ringo always brings up a few friends including returning guests Jim Keltner and former Guns N’ Roses Velvet Revolver Drummer Matt Sorum, and Toto’s David Paich as well as Jackson Browne, Heartbreaker’s members Mike Campbell, and Benmont Tench and Allman Betts drummer Alex Orbison.

Ringo’s 86th birthday will be in just three weeks, on July 7.

Setlist:

Matchbox- Carl Perkins

It Don’t Come Easy

Rosanna- Toto

Pick Up The Pieces- Average White Band

Down Under- Men At Work

Boys- Shirelles (The Beatles Version)

I’m The Greatest- John Lennon

Yellow Submarine- The Beatles

Cut the Cake- Average White Band (Without Ringo)

Frankenstein-Edgar Winter Group (Without Ringo)

Octopus’s Garden-The Beatles

No No Song- Hoyt Axton

Overkill- Men At Work

Africa- Toto

Work To Do- Isley Brothers (Average White Band Version)

I Wanna Be Your Man- Beatles

Johnny B. Goode- Chuck Berry (Edgar Winter dedicated to his brother Johnny)

Who Can It Be Now?- Men At Work

Hold the Line- Toto

Photograph- Ringo Starr

Act Naturally- Buck Owens (Beatles Version)

With a Little Help From My Friends/ Give Peace A Chance- Beatles/John Lennon

The post Ringo Starr Twinkles With Friends at the Greek first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Get a free ambient synth pad for Splice INSTRUMENT
Download our free synth pad preset for Splice INSTRUMENT—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.

2026 Frikkin Lasers Contest: Steampunk, 360 O-Scope Does it with TubesAudiophiles all know everything sounds better fed through vacuum tubes, but did you know visualizers look better with them, too? That’s what we’re forced to conclude looking at the Tachyscope Laser, a 360-degree oscilloscope display that is [Daniel Ross]’s entry into the ongoing Frikkin Lasers contest.
The diagram makes it look easier than building it probably was.
The laser is a good old-fashioned helium–neon tube — something we see less and less of in this era of solid state lasers — and the wavelength gives the waveform display a retro charm. The actual display is unique in our experience, with the beam shining up through a hollow shaft to bounce off a galvanometer mirror on a spinning platform. Galvo sweeps the laser across a translucent target, which creates the waveform by persistence of vision as it spins at 100 RPM or so.
Does the fact that the audio signal feeds through a tube amp to drive the single galvanometer actually improve the visuals? Only in the sense that those tubes make the steampunk-style enclosure look really, really cool, as does the exposed laser tube. That all of the steampunk elements obviously have a point to them rather than just being a another “glue some gears on it” project is icing on the laser-flavored cake.
The contest runs until July 23rd, so there’s lots of time to get laserin’ — and remember that there are categories for DIY lasers and anything that isn’t a display, just in case you think this project puts the bar too high for a light show. We’ve actually featured one of [Daniel]’s tachyscope waveform visualizers before, but that one, madly enough, spun an actual CRT.

Bram Vocal SeparatorVocal separator DAW plugin (CLAP format, x86_64) for Linux, using an offline AI model that runs on your device, and it is light enough to not require a GPU. On my regular laptop it processes a second of audio in roughly one second. This plugin also has no DRM or activation, so if you get it once you will be able to use it forever, also without an internet connection. The plugin is powered by Demucs, a state-of-the-art music source separation model. You can load .mp3 and .wav audio files, and adjust the selection where you want to separate the vocals with the sliders in the GUI. You can play any note on the track to hear your selection. When you are happy with the selection, you can click "Isolate vocals" to separate the vocals. Now, you can play a note of the track to hear the result. You can use the isolated vocals by playing notes on the track with the plugin, or export the result to a .wav file and load it in your favorite sampler to use it in the rest of your song. You can see a demo video here: https://youtu.be/aHLQoB0BuBk Also, here are some results from using this plugin: (see audio files). If you are interested in a plugin that separates other stems as well (drums, bass, etc.), let me know at audio@btertoolen.eu. You can also email me there for any support or other questions / feedback. Read More

BMG/Concord merger approved by competition authorities in United States and Germany (report)Deal cleared in US, Reuters reports, after official approval in Germany
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Genelec introduce the 9402A System Management Device The latest expansion of Genelec’s UNIO monitoring ecosystem expands AoIP support with Dante and AES67 options, and offers system management for everything from stereo to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos rigs.