Neural DSP unveil Mantra Leveraging the company’s expertise in modelling analogue equipment, Mantra promises to deliver the warmth and musicality associated with vintage hardware, but with the precision, control and liability offered by modern, digital alternatives.

Get Bloom Drum Machine Lite FREE when you complete Plugin Boutique’s Survey
Excite Audio is offering Bloom Drum Machine Lite for free when you complete a quick survey on Plugin Boutique. Bloom Drum Machine Lite is a stripped-down version of Excite Audio’s flagship drum instrument, designed to bring a combo of vintage drum sounds and modern grooves to your productions. The Lite edition usually retails for around [...]
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UK adds songwriter stipends, ups session fees 40%. Is US next?Sony, Universal, and Warner Music have committed to new policies that mean tens of millions of new dollars for UK songwriters and musicians over the next 5 years. As the UK adds songwriter stipends, increases session fees 40% and forgives legacy contract advances, will the US follow?
The post UK adds songwriter stipends, ups session fees 40%. Is US next? appeared first on Hypebot.

Live Music News: VenuesNow, Eurosonic, Outside Lands & MoreIn the latest live music news, the initial schedule for the VenuesNow Conference 2025 has been released, Sessions will include booking trends, premium experiences, revenue generation, tech innovations, sustainability and more. 
The post Live Music News: VenuesNow, Eurosonic, Outside Lands & More appeared first on Hypebot.

“A world-class vocal studio in one plugin”: Neural DSP unveils Mantra, its first-ever vocal processing pluginNeural DSP has long been a main player in digital amp modelling for guitar and bass, but with Mantra, the Finnish brand looks to expand its reach into the world of vocal processing.
The company’s first-ever vocal plugin, Mantra is designed to “reimagine the entire vocal chain”, by unifying all the essential tools for recording, mixing and editing vocals into a single, intuitive interface, and eliminating the need for complex plugin stacks which, let’s face it, we producers could all do without.

READ MORE: Nektar’s Impact LX mk3 MIDI keyboards offer enhanced DAW navigation at a totally reasonable price point

If you’ve ever dabbled in vocal processing, you’ll know that you’ll generally add a separate compressor, EQ, pitch corrector, and de-esser to your vocal channel, along with any other effects you choose to add.
Neural DSP says this laborious process “disrupts creative momentum”, so with Mantra, all the tools you need for vocal processing are housed intuitively within a single plugin.
“Our mission with Mantra was simple,” says Francisco Cresp, CPO and Co-Founder of Neural DSP Technologies.
“We wanted to put a world-class vocal studio into one plugin so artists can focus on feeling, expression, and performance instead of wrestling with technical hurdles.
“Mantra marks an exciting expansion into the broader world of audio production, giving vocalists, producers, and creators a powerful, streamlined way to achieve incredible results with no compromises.”
Credit: Neural DSP
“We believe technology should serve the art, not get in its way,” adds Neural DSP Plugin Product Manager Francois Barrillon.
“Mantra removes barriers and gives creators the freedom to experiment, push boundaries, and trust their instincts – knowing their vocal sound will stay consistent, inspiring, and professional from the very first take.”
Chiefly, Mantra offers two distinct modes: Tracking Mode for low latency and light CPU usage for confident real-time monitoring; and Mixing Mode for enhanced quality and detail when working on a final vocal polish.
Mantra also features a Correction Section, combining pitch correction, gating, de-essing and a powerful Sculpt module, which intelligently analyses your voice and mic in real time, and applies a refined tonal curve. “Think of it as 80% of your EQ work done in seconds, with no setup required,” says Neural DSP.
When in Mixing Mode, Sculpt adds dynamic spectral shaping for taming harshness and balancing tone – like a smart multiband compressor without needing to set it up.

Additionally, Mantra features a Multimode Compressor with three classic flavours – Tube, Stress and Multi – for musical, aggressive or modern compression. A Multimode Saturation module offers Tape, Tube and Digital modes for warmth, drive or gritty textures.
In terms of effects, Mantra features four unique delay types, a selection of reverbs, studio-grade Chorus, Flanger and Phaser effects – plus a proprietary Doubler for width and thickness, and the ability to stack up to eight pitch-shifted voices with natural variation in pitch and timing.
“Most vocal tools are either too basic or too complex,” says Francisco Cresp. “Our goal with Mantra is to strike a balance, offering an intuitive solution that benefits both beginners and experienced producers alike. That vision has come to life, and we look forward to growing alongside our community as they redefine what’s possible in vocal production.”
Mantra is available now, priced at €199.
For more information, head to Neural DSP.
The post “A world-class vocal studio in one plugin”: Neural DSP unveils Mantra, its first-ever vocal processing plugin appeared first on MusicTech.

Momo Novation Circuit Rhythm EditorThe "Circuit Rhythm Editor" is a VST / Standalone - Controller for the Novation "Circuit Rhythm" sampler and drum machine. Editor Features: - It is perfect to integrate the Circuit Rhythm into your DAW. - You can control and mixing the Sessions, change and create new sounds "on the fly". - It provides a simple access to all important parameters. - The Plug-In allows you to set the hardware easily and automated the controller movement from the DAW, they can be stored in your Project. - With the X-Y-Pad any controller can be selected and controlled. - You have an overview of all 8 tracks. - The parameter can be changed on the "Circuit Rhythm Editor", and stored on Circuit Rhythm Hardware. Info and Download: https://circuit-midi-editor.jimdo.com Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7nw7i_XlmU Read More

Nektar’s Impact LX mk3 MIDI keyboards offer enhanced DAW navigation at a totally reasonable price pointNektar – the California company renowned for its MIDI keyboards and their seamless DAW integration – has unveiled its new line of Impact LX mk3 keyboards.
Comprising four models – the LX25, LX49, LX61 and LX88, with 25-, 49-, 61- and 88-key configurations, naturally – the Impact LX mk3 line is designed to “enhance the creative process through customised DAW integration and performance-friendly tools”.

READ MORE: You can get 90% off the entire Sonnox catalogue right now at Plugin Boutique

What an intriguing prospect. Let’s dive into some of the features you’ll find on the new Impact LX mk3 line.
Nektar LX mk3: features
First up, each model has a re-engineered keybed for an expressive playing experience with “clean action and subtle velocity control”, as well as full-resolution encodes for superior parameter control, and Nektar’s signature coloured LED buttons for a satisfying visual experience.
Of course, DAW control is the headlining feature of Nektar’s Impact LX mk3 keyboards, and they include timeline options for fast and tactile navigation, as well as loop creation, too.
Users can activate loop record via the dedicated Impact LX mk3 looper button, which Nektar describes as a “creativity-boosting experience”.
Credit: Nektar
Each keyboard also features a global control, which can be toggled between three encoder states: Channel volume, Cutoff and any selected parameter, which enables control of any DAW or plugin parameter.
Elsewhere, Nektar boasts about the Impact LX mk3’s global encoder, which offers more precise parameter control at either standard MIDI or a finer 10-bit resolution.
“This fine control option, pioneered on the Nektar Panorama CS12, delivers a level of UI-precise control that’s typically not possible from a controller keyboard,” Nektar says.
Additionally, the Impact LX mk3 line features Native Instruments NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) support. For those unaware, NKS was developed by NI to enhance integration between software instruments and effects and hardware controllers.
Of course, more tactility is always better, so each Impact LX mk3 keyboard features eight pads, freely assignable to send any MIDI note or MIDI cc message.
Nektar
There’s also an eight-channel control surface, with controls for volume, pan, solo and mute, with LED colours used throughout to identify solo, mute and arm status.
The Impact LX mk3 line is aimed at both advanced and beginner players alike, with Scale and Chord assist features designed to only permit notes and chords within a selected scale and key.
Nektar LX mk3: pricing and availability
The Nektar Impact LX mk3 range begins shipping 1 August, 2025, and pricing is as follows:

Impact LX25mk3: $129.99 / €109,99 / £94.49
Impact LX49mk3: $199.99 / €179,99 / £154.99
Impact LX61mk3: $229.99 / €199,99 / £172.99
Impact LX88mk3: $339.99 / €299,99 / £259.99

Additionally, to celebrate the launch, Nektar and Bitwig are giving away a complete copy of Bitwig Studio Essentials – worth $99.99 – to the first 500 registered Impact LX mk3 users.
For more information, head to Nektar.
The post Nektar’s Impact LX mk3 MIDI keyboards offer enhanced DAW navigation at a totally reasonable price point appeared first on MusicTech.

Alan Parsons’ latest ASSR Workshop With tickets for the ASSR's latest in-person workshop sold out, the organisation are now offering streaming tickets that will allow those who aren’t able to attend the chance to experience the two-day event remotely. 

My Forever Studio: Chris Lake on Ableton’s most powerful effectThe cure to “option paralysis”? The Yamaha keyboard that started his career? His favourite “happy accident synthesizer”? LA-based British producer Chris Lake reveals all in this episode of My Forever Studio, brought to you in partnership with Audient.  Speaking to hosts Chris and Will from TYX Studios in London, Chris Lake gets deep into his music production philosophies and techniques, and selects the six items he’d make music with forever — no bundles, of course.
Lake started his music production career in 1997, but found breakout success with his 2006 single, Changes, and has been a staple in the progressive house and tech house scene ever since. But one thing has been missing from his 20-year discography: a full-length album. That changes now, with his debut album Chemistry out on his own Black Book Records label, featuring artists such as Kelly Lee Owens, Bonobo, Black Lotus and more.
Elsewhere in this episode, Chris shares some of his production secrets, including how he gets bass to sound just as powerful on headphones as club-shaking sound systems, Ableton Live’s most powerful stock effect, and a fantastic way to find never-before-heard sounds for your tracks. Along the way, find out how a Yamaha keyboard saved him at an ill-fated gig, the setup he “stole” from Bonobo to endlessly inspire singers, and which DAW he’ll never get his head around.
Listen to the show on your favourite podcasting platform and watch the whole show below.

The My Forever Studio podcast – created in partnership with Audient – sees artists, producers, and engineers create their dream fantasy Forever Studio, wherever they want in the universe. However, hosts Chris Barker and Will Betts impose some strict rules in the Forever Studio. Our guests are permitted a limited number of items in their creative space, so they must choose carefully. There will be nostalgia. There will be anecdotes. There may be gags. But there will be no bundles!
Subscribe to My Forever Studio on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and check out all episodes so far via MusicTech.
The post My Forever Studio: Chris Lake on Ableton’s most powerful effect appeared first on MusicTech.

Should AI Artists Have Fans, Custom Music For SyncThis week, Ari is joined by Jess Furman to discuss custom music for TV/film and the ethics of AI music artists.

Experience your gear exactly as it was meant to sound.Wolff Audio released a statement on Tuesday, enthusiastically introducing the public to the 500 Series RefPre. "The preamp that champions ribbon mics without ever coloring your sound," they said. "Its ultra‑transparent, transformerless design and minimal signal path ensure every nuance of your mic’s smooth highs and rich lows comes through pure and untouched."The preamp, they say, is for "when you need to tame a high‑output ribbon or coax delicate detail from vintage models."Details, directly from Wolff Audio, are as follows.Ribbon‑Ready Gain: Stepped rotary control from –10 dB to 60 dB, plus a dedicated +10 dB ribbon circuit with auto‑impedance matching and phantom‑power lockout

Pristine Headroom: +28 dBu output and –125 dBu EIN keep noise and distortion invisible. Even at extreme settings

Pro‑Level Tools: 80 Hz high‑pass filter, polarity switch, front‑panel Hi‑Z input, and hard‑wired relay bypass for true signal integrity

Rock‑Solid Reliability: All gain stages and switches are relay‑based, built to last session after session"Originally crafted for the Wolff Console, RefPre shines as a stand‑alone 500‑series module in studios, broadcast suites, or any rig that demands total fidelity," they say. "Swap in RefPre for your ribbon, dynamic, or condenser mics—and rediscover what transparent really means. Ready to elevate your recordings? Try RefPre today and experience your gear exactly as it was meant to sound."LEARN MOREThe post Experience your gear exactly as it was meant to sound. first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Price predictions 7/22: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, ADA, HYPEBitcoin continues to face selling near $120,000, but the bulls have kept up the pressure, increasing the likelihood of an upside breakout.

Apple alerted Iranians to iPhone spyware attacks, say researchersResearchers say Apple sent out threat notifications to several Iranians in recent months, saying their iPhones had been hacked. Iran is likely behind the attacks.

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal pioneer, dies aged 76"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," said his family in a statement
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Native Instruments Hybrid KeysNative Instruments Hybrid Keys Hybrid Keys is a unique and innovative virtual instrument from Native Instruments, designed to push the boundaries of traditional keyboard sounds. Rather than simply providing faithful recreations of pianos and synthesizers, it blends sampled acoustic instruments, classic synthesizers, mallets, and other eclectic sound sources, then processes them with creative effects to forge entirely new sonic textures. This instrument is part of Native Instruments' "Play Series," known for delivering high-quality sounds with an intuitive, streamlined interface, making it accessible for both seasoned producers and those new to music production. The core concept behind Hybrid Keys lies in its ability to combine two distinct sound sources, A and B, which can be blended and manipulated to generate a vast array of expressive and unconventional sounds. Native Instruments achieved these unique sounds through innovative recording techniques, including re-amping, creative microphone placement in diverse spaces, and experimental vari-speed tape effects. This meticulous approach results in a collection of presets that range from ethereal pads and shimmering leads to gritty basses and percussive plucks, all imbued with a distinctive character. The instrument's intuitive macro controls allow for quick and effective sound sculpting, enabling users to dial in effects like dirt, reverb, lo-fi tape warble, and noise with ease, transforming the initial sound into something entirely new. Beyond its rich sound palette, Hybrid Keys offers robust sound design capabilities. Users can delve into the Sound Editor to fine-tune individual sound sources, adjusting parameters such as tuning, filters, panning, and envelopes. The Effects Editor provides a customizable chain of effects, allowing for easy swapping and reordering of processing modules to further shape the tone. For dynamic and evolving textures, the integrated 16-step sequencer enables the creation of melodic phrases and offers six additional lanes for modulating assignable macros. This level of control, combined with the initial blend of unique sound sources, ensures that Hybrid Keys is not just a preset player but a versatile tool for sonic exploration and creative expression. Features: Hybrid Sound Blending: Combines sampled pianos, synthesizers, mallets, and other unique sound sources. Intuitive Interface: Designed for quick sound tweaking with a focus on playability. Dual Sound Layers (A/B): Blend two distinct sound sources to create complex textures. Six Assignable Macro Knobs: Quickly adjust key parameters for instant sonic transformation. Sound Editor: Access detailed controls for tuning, filters, panning, and envelopes for each sound layer. Effects Editor: Customize effect chains with various processing modules, including dirt, reverb, tape warble, and noise. 16-Step Sequencer: Create melodic sequences and modulate up to six macros for dynamic sound design. Macro Editor: Assign and manage macro controls, set parameter ranges, and customize mappings. Settings Page: Adjust key ranges, velocity curves, glide, note priority, and bend range. Extensive Preset Library: Over 100 carefully designed presets across categories like Acoustics, Electrics, Harpsichords, Mallets, Organs, and Synthy. Part of the Play Series: Offers high-quality sound in an easy-to-use package, ideal for quick inspiration. Read More