Bitcoin holds above $106K as traders bite nails over the absence of Trump crypto executive orderBitcoin price bounces back above $106,000 as the US Dollar Index cools and markets react positively to Trump’s pro-America agenda.

Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang has published an open letter lobbying Trump to invest in AIScale AI's CEO Alexandr Wang has five recommendations for President Trump to keep the US ahead of China on AI.
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Interactive LED Matrix Is A Great Way To Learn About Motion ControlsIt’s simple enough to wire up an LED matrix and have it display some pre-programmed routines. What can be more fun is when the LEDs are actually interactive in some regard. [Giulio Pons] achieved this with his interactive LED box, which lets you play with the pixels via motion controls.
The build runs of a Wemos D1 mini, which is a devboard based around the ESP8266 microcontroller. [Giulio] hooked this up to a matrix of WS2812B addressable LEDs in two 32×8 panels, creating a total display of 512 RGB LEDs. The LEDs are driven with the aid of an Adafruit graphics library that lets the whole display be addressed via XY coordinates. For interactivity, [Giulio] added a MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to the build. Meanwhile, power is via 18650 lithium-ion cells, with the classic old 7805 regulator stepping down their output to a safe voltage. Thanks to the motion sensing abilities of the MPU6050, [Giulio] was able to code animations where the LEDs emulate glowing balls rolling around on a plane.
It’s a simple build, but one that taught [Giulio] all kinds of useful skills—from working with microcontrollers to doing the maths for motion controls. There’s a lot you can do with LED matrixes if you put your mind to it, and if you just start experimenting, you’re almost certain to learn something. Video after the break.

Antelope Audio’s A4-1B “reimagines” the CL-1B compressor for $2,995 — here’s what makes it specialNAMM 2025: “The wait is over,” says pro audio brand Antelope Audio as it announces the A4-1B Tube-Optical compressor. Better known for its line of DSP-powered audio interfaces, the A4-1B is the brand’s first hardware analogue processor, promising that it marks the “future of analogue gear,” thanks to unique features such as digitally-controlled potentiometers.
The A4-1B is based on Tube-Tech’s legendary CL-1B Opto-Tube compressor from 1987, hailed by many as the gold standard of vocal compressors. As expected, Antelope Audio’s rendition appears to maintain much of the original’s characteristics but introduces some new features for modern studio workflows.
READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world
Sporting an all-analogue signal path, the A4-1B is built with high-quality components, including custom UK-manufactured transformers and premium tubes, according to Antelope. There are also three calibration types to ensurethe  “long-term reliability” of the compressor’s tubes.
“Even when pushed to the limit”, says Antelope, “the compressor remains transparent, breathing new life into vocal tracks, bass, keys, or percussion.”
Ok, so what makes this compressor so “revolutionary”? Well, Antelope says that the A4-1B’s digital features are the key to “unlocking [its] full potential.” You can tweak the parameters of the compressor with an accompanying VST/AU/AAX plugin in your DAW, or as a standalone desktop app. And here’s the cool part — thanks to motorized potentiometers, the A4-1B will respond in real-time to any changes you make in the digital control panel.

That tech also allows you to automate each parameter via your DAW, so you could, for example, draw in and record changes in the compressor’s threshold throughout your track. It’s also useful for preset selections and A/B testing — you can quickly flit between presets in the digital control panel and the A4-1B will respond accordingly.
In addition, a sidechain function is included on the A4-1B, plus high-, low- and band-pass filters, and a de-esser. Antelope says these are “unlockable extras to the digital-only feature set of the unit.”
Check out Antelope Audio’s samples of the A4-1B’s effect below.

You can learn more and reserve an A4-1B now for $2,995 via the Antelope Audio website.
If you’re looking for a software alternative, you could try the Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Mk II, which is available for around $200.
Read more NAMM news.
The post Antelope Audio’s A4-1B “reimagines” the CL-1B compressor for $2,995 — here’s what makes it special appeared first on MusicTech.

FireAid confirms official lineups for Intuit Dome and Kia ForumThe benefit concerts aim to raise funds for communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires
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CARRTOONS on ‘Modern Motown,’ NPR Tiny Desk, and collaboration
Artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist CARRTOONS (Usher, George Clinton) shares three key insights he's garnered across his career.

EAJ Sings Worldwide Record Deal With Position MusicTyler Bacon, President and CEO of Position Music, has announced that eaJ has signed a global label deal with the company. The musician first burst on the scene as a prominent member of chart-topping Korean rock band DAY6 but later left the group to embark on his own very personal artistic and musical journey.Jae Park, known as eaJ, is a Argentinian-born, Korean-American musician who traveled to Korea after quitting college to see if he could break into the exploding music scene there. As fate would have it, he was quickly recruited by the newly formed DAY6. After an incredible seven-year run with the group, Jae made the difficult choice to leave and pursue his own musical ambitions. Three days after independently releasing his debut single “Car Crash,” the track hit over one million views and four million streams. eaJ has collaborated with notable artists such as MAX, Rich Brian, keshi, Seori, DPR Live, and more. He has also completed a sold-out world tour, performed at multiple festivals, and is already planning for a robust touring schedule in 2025.“I’m so grateful to my listeners who have shown me such incredible love. It is thanks to them that I’m able to now call Position my home. My utmost gratitude to Position for believing in the project and choosing to be my partner!” says eaJ.eaJ is managed by Coulter Reynolds and Jerren Devine of Reynolds Management."We are truly honored and excited to embark on this new chapter with Position. Their passion for artistry and dedication to innovation resonate deeply with eaJ's vision. We’re looking forward to building something meaningful together and can’t wait to share what’s ahead with the fans,” says Reynolds and Devine."When I first listened to Jae’s song ‘Pacman,’ I was blown away by his ability to create genre-bending music. He’s not just an incredible singer, but also a killer musician, performer, and writer. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and truly embodies the full package. Paired with consummate pros like Jerren Devine and Coulter Reynolds of Reynolds Management, there is no limit to what this team can accomplish,” says Joe Brooks, A&R at Position Music.eaJ joins a Position music publishing roster that includes Tinashe, Cannons, Audien, Jack LaFrantz, ¿Téo?, Austin Powerz, Brandyn Burnette, Layto, Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, Evalyn, John “Feldy” Feldman, Judah & the Lion, Alex “A-Bomb” Fernandez, KANNER, No Love For The Middle Child, Erik Ron, NoMBe, Yonatan Watts, RJ Pasin, and more.FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Back Row: Coulter Reynolds (Manager, Reynolds Management), eaJ, Jerren Devine (Manager, Reynolds Management)FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Front Row: Mark Chipello (Partner and Head of A&R, Position Music), Garrett Ream (VP of Artist Strategy and Promotion, Position Music), Joe Brooks (A&R, Position Music), J Scavo (GM of Recorded Music, Position Music)The post EAJ Sings Worldwide Record Deal With Position Music first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Drake’s deal is up for renegotiation in 2025, and other revelations from his lawsuit against Universal MusicDrake alleges UMG knowingly damaged his reputation and endangered his life through Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'
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Hydroelectric Generator Gets Power From SiphoningSiphons are one of those physics phenomena that, like gyroscopes, non-Newtonian fluids, and electricity, seem almost magical. Thanks to atmospheric pressure, simply filling a tube with liquid and placing the end of the tube below the liquid level of a container allows it to flow against gravity, over a barrier, and down into another container without any extra energy inputs once the siphon is started. They’re not just tricks, though; siphons have practical applications as well, such as in siphon-powered hydroelectric turbine.
This is an iteration of [Beyond the Print]’s efforts to draw useful energy from a local dam with an uneconomic amount of water pressure and/or volume for a typical hydroelectric power station. One of his earlier attempts involved a water wheel but this siphon-based device uses a more efficient impeller design instead, and it also keeps the generator dry as well. Using 3″ PVC piping to channel the siphon, as well as a short length of thinner pipe to attach a shop vac for priming the siphon, water is drawn from the reservoir, up the pipe, and then down through the impeller which spins a small DC generator.
This design is generating about 9 V open-circuit, and we’d assume there’s enough power available to charge a phone or power a small microcontroller device. However, there’s a ton of room for improvement here. The major problem [Beyond the Print] is currently experiencing is getting air into the system and having the siphon broken, which he’s solved temporarily by adding a bucket at the outflow. This slows down the water though, so perhaps with any air leaks mitigated the power generation capabilities will be greatly increased.

Giulioz RdPiano (FREE) emulates vintage 80s Roland and Rhodes MKS digital pianos
The free Giulioz RdPiano emulates vintage 80s Roland and Rhodes MKS digital pianos. Vintage SA-Synthesis (structured adaptive synthesis) e-pianos are all over 80s hit records, yet aren’t emulated as often as instruments like Yamaha’s DX7 or Roland’s TR-808 drum machine. Italian developer Giulioz is changing that with the free RdPiano plugin for macOS and Windows. [...]
View post: Giulioz RdPiano (FREE) emulates vintage 80s Roland and Rhodes MKS digital pianos

Polyend’s Step is “the first fully programmable drum machine in guitar pedal form”NAMM 2025: Polyend has unveiled the Step, a fully programmable drum machine in guitar pedal form, said to be the first of its kind.
Step hosts over 350 preset rhythms, 200 drum kits, and the ability to design beats from scratch. Users can loop 16-step patterns for jamming, or combine patterns into 16-pattern songs for structured compositions.

READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world

Step “excels” in live performances, according to Polyend, with simple stomp-switches providing quick access to effects, song changes, and patterns. Users can also utilise Step’s MIDI input/output to sync with delay pedals, loopers, or Polyend’s own grooveboxes.
It blends Polyend’s sequencer controls with an accessible, compact design, and features a four-track drum machine, customisable parameters – including control swing, speed, step probability, and more for each track – over 50 punch-in effects, and “abundant” storage, so you can save and lock up to 1000 songs. You can also add natural dynamics to performances with features like velocity control, step probability, micro-move, and instant humanisation or, on the other hand, you can lock in precision for tight, machine-like rhythms.

As for its choice of guitar pedal format, Polyend explains, “Step is purposefully designed for musicians seeking smooth and uncomplicated playback control over their rhythms while keeping their focus on playing their instrument. Designed as an accompaniment for live sets or practice sessions, this drum machine offers a fresh approach to rhythm creation. Its compact pedal format ensures it fits seamlessly into any setup.”
It further adds, “Step is more than a drum machine. It’s an instrument, a co-writer, and a dependable bandmate. From experimental artists pushing boundaries to acoustic performers seeking to add some rhythm and beginners exploring new sounds, Step adapts to your creative vision.”
Step is available now for $499. To find out more, head over to Polyend.
The post Polyend’s Step is “the first fully programmable drum machine in guitar pedal form” appeared first on MusicTech.

FSK Audio ModPlayModPlay is a revolutionary MIDI plug-in designed to inspire creativity and streamline music production workflows. The ModPlay plug-in introduces advanced MIDI modulation capabilities... Read More

Heritage Audio HA 1200 TapeSatHA 1200 is a tape saturator plugin based on a truly unique tape recorder. HA 1200 TapeSat is modeled after the original unit (Serial # 0232) owned by Heritage Audio's CEO, Peter Rodriguez. The... Read More

Roland’s new VMH-S100 studio headphones promise “unparalleled sound fidelity and exceptional comfort”NAMM 2025: Roland has unveiled its new pair of VMH-S100 studio monitoring headphones, promising “unparalleled sound fidelity, exceptional comfort and modern engineering”.
The VMH-S100 headphones offer a flat and accurate sound profile and an ultra-wide frequency response of 5-40,000 Hz via custom-engineered 50mm drivers. They also feature a closed-back design for the cancellation of ambient noise,

READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world

Additionally, they are designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of music gear, with 30 ohms of impedance ensuring compatibility with synthesizers and keyboards to audio interfaces and more.
Credit: Roland

They are designed with ergonomics in mind, too, with replaceable ear pads and durable frame for maximum comfort during long production sessions, and a jack on each ear cup so you can plug the cable into whichever side is more comfortable.
Accessories include a carrying pouch, two cables – 1.5m and 3m – and a stereo 1/4-inch phone plug adaptor. Each purchase also comes with a three-month trial of Roland Cloud Ultimate, the top tier of Roland’s cloud-based suite of software instruments and sound tools.
The VMH-S100 headphones are available from January in the US, priced at $299.99.
For more information, head to Roland.
The post Roland’s new VMH-S100 studio headphones promise “unparalleled sound fidelity and exceptional comfort” appeared first on MusicTech.

Lynx introduce Mesa audio interface Lynx Studio Technology have unveiled Mesa, a desktop Thunderbolt 3 audio interface that doubles as a professional-grade standalone analogue-digital-analogue converter.