OCTO8R The Earth ShakerThis free preset pack for Pulsar Audio's Poseidon EQ gives you instant access to its wild, musical character — from vintage warmth to modern punch and clarity. Presets showcase the unique interactive bands, rich saturation colors, and M/S power that shaped classic hits, so you can achieve pro-grade tone in seconds. Unlock the legendary sound of a mythic console. What's Inside Your Toolkit: • Warmth in Mids: Presets that use Poseidon's unique interactive bands and gentle saturation to add musical body and vintage sheen. Just like the classic console. • Crazy / Boosting Bass: Expert settings that utilize the extended low-frequency range and output transformer modes to add massive sub weight, punchy definition, or saturated grit to kicks and basslines. • LoFi Style: Creative presets that leverage the analog saturation colors and asymmetrical EQ curves to instantly degrade, vibe-out, and add retro character to any source. • Mix & Tone Shapers: Foundational presets designed for full mixes or buses. Sometimes presets use Poseidon's Mid/Side power to add width, its Auto-Gain for consistent level and its musical curves for final polish. Perfect for producers who want to: Solve specific mix problems instantly, experiment creatively with a "wild" analog EQ, and learn how a legendary tool can transform their sound. Installation: • Open plugin Poseidon in your DAW • In teh end of the drop-down Presets Menu choose "Open Presets Directoty" • Copy the folder "OCTO8R - The Earth Shaker" into this root • Enjoy. Read More

The Most Annoying Christmas Song of All Time? (The Data Has Spoken)We dive in to America's ultimate seasonal controversy: Is “All I Want for Christmas Is You” our favorite Christmas song, or our most hated?
The post The Most Annoying Christmas Song of All Time? (The Data Has Spoken) appeared first on Hypebot.

Get 10 UJAM plugins for just $79 in this Plugin Boutique bundle deal “tailored for modern music production”Looking for some inspiring new tools to kickstart your 2026? We’ve tracked down a mighty deal from Plugin Boutique, featuring 10 UJAM plugins all tailored for modern production.
This new UJAM bundle is on offer until 4 January, and features virtual instruments and effects for guitar, bass, drums, piano, and more. Offering over 200 styles, more than 3000 phrases, and “deep sound design tools”, you’ll be sure to hit the ground running in the new year.
[deals ids=”fqYYw3EpXPDlHEgpdgBuY”]
The bundle features Sparkle 2, Subcraft, Hype, Finisher Neo, Legend, Vice, Finisher Boost, Nemesis, Dandy, and Vogue. While Sparkle 2, Dandy, and Vogue all expand on traditional instruments like guitar, bass, and piano respectively, others offer tools for beatmaking or crafting more cinematic soundscapes.

READ MORE: This app lets you effortlessly send a DAW mix to your mobile device – and record ideas wherever inspiration strikes

Let’s explore some of the highlights…
Hype is a beatmaker plugin that delivers “chart-ready drums for EDM, festival anthems, and pop hits”. It features 10 kits, 20 styles, 460 MIDI loops, 12 Mix Presets, and more.

If you’d prefer to experiment with something a little more classic, be sure to check out Legend. This percussion plugin “lets you enter the studio of the ‘70s icons who innovated the dry drum sound”.
Also included is the Finisher Neo plugin, designed to deliver the power and flexibility of a full rack of audio processors and effects. It hosts 80 presets and 50 new v1.1.0 presets, 27 algorithms from granular pitch to multi-band distortion, and 50 multi-effect modes.

Another handy tool is Finisher Boost, that allows users to turn any audio track or buss into a new transition that fits perfectly with their mix. You get 60 multi-effect modes, over 200 included presets, and much more.

To shop this deal now, head over to Plugin Boutique.
The post Get 10 UJAM plugins for just $79 in this Plugin Boutique bundle deal “tailored for modern music production” appeared first on MusicTech.

Chris Carvalho of Songcards on Building Fan Value Into Digital Music ReleasesEver heard of Songcards? They're a new format for digital music and fan exclusives. We sat down with CEO Chris Carvalho to learn more!
The post Chris Carvalho of Songcards on Building Fan Value Into Digital Music Releases appeared first on Hypebot.

Save a whopping $1,545 on this insane Universal Audio plugin bundle dealSweetwater is offering an absolutely huge deal on a Universal Audio bundle, saving you over $1,500 on a collection of its “newest and feature-packed” plugins.
[deals ids=”miNZGDe97X7rup3lagQla”]
For just $49, the bundle includes six of Universal Audio’s plugins and is suitable for creatives of all levels. It’s described as “the perfect option for fans of previous UAD utilities and budding producers in need of a valuable set of plugin instruments and tools”.

READ MORE: Universal Audio’s LUNA 2.0 DAW, as reviewed by a Pro Tools user

Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights…
LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip
The LA-6176 Signature Channel Strip brings together the best of Universal Audio’s 610 tube preamp, LA-2A, and 1176 compressors, all combined into a single plugin. At its launch in 2024,Universal Audio’s Bill Putnam Jr. said: “This is really a ‘what if we just…’ type of plugin. It started out as a 100 percent faithful emulation of our original 6176 Channel Strip in celebration of its 20th anniversary. But our team couldn’t help but add in the LA-2A circuitry that we couldn’t actually fit into our 2U channel strip in the physical world.”

Pultec Passive EQ Collection
Handmade Pultec EQ units are among the most sought-after pieces of outboard gear, and this mighty plugin brings together a trio of Pultec models: the EQP-1A Program EQ, the MEQ-5 Midrange EQ, and the HLF-3C Filter Set. UAD has captured the entire electronic path of all three units in this collection, including their transformers and tube amps. The collection also features presets from legendary Pultec users.

Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection
This collection gives you three emulations of the most revered LA-2A models: LA-2A Silver, LA-2A Gray, and an original LA-2. The entire circuit paths of each one have been meticulously modelled, and just like the Pultec Passive EQ Collection, this one also comes with additional plugin presets from renowned LA-2A users.

Also included in Sweetwater’s Universal Audio Holiday Hits bundle are the UAD Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier, its Opal Morphing Synth, and its Verve Analog Machines plugin.
Shop this deal now over at Sweetwater.
The post Save a whopping $1,545 on this insane Universal Audio plugin bundle deal appeared first on MusicTech.

Tsuga Audio releases Envosound, a FREE retro-gaming-inspired synth
Tsuga Audio created Envosound, a free retro-gaming-inspired synth for macOS and Windows with ambient and experimental music producers in mind. The free synth combines the nostalgic sound of 80s gaming hardware with modern features and effects. Envosound isn’t the only retro-gaming-inspired synth we’ve covered recently; check out the free Junior-Lite 4-bit wavetable synth by Fors. [...]
View post: Tsuga Audio releases Envosound, a FREE retro-gaming-inspired synth

Bandcamp Fridays hit $154m in payouts since 2020, with $19m paid in 2025 aloneThe latest figure represents a $31 million increase from the $123 million Bandcamp reported in May 2024.
Source

Excite Audio Bloom Bass Groove Lite is FREE on Plugin Boutique during the holidays
Excite Audio has made Bloom Bass Groove Lite free for a limited time on Plugin Boutique as part of its holiday promotion (ends on January 11). You can get Bloom Bass Groove Lite using the coupon code PB-XMAS-25, which drops the Lite version’s usual price ($29) to zero for the duration of the deal . [...]
View post: Excite Audio Bloom Bass Groove Lite is FREE on Plugin Boutique during the holidays

Dear community members!

❗ Due to recent announcement from #ReadyPlayerMe (the partner for avatars creation), that their services will become unavailable starting January 31, 2026, we have to inform that we will discontinue this feature very soon.

However, please stay tuned as more new features will come next.

🌌💫 #TheMusicverse #PublMe

Travelling with a portable music-making setup: A holiday guide for music producersFor many, producing music is both a job and a passion. Even when commissions pause during the holidays, the urge to create doesn’t. In fact, a change of scenery often leads to a refreshed perspective. This is why many musicians travel with a laptop and a pair of headphones.

READ MORE: Best gifts for musicians and producers this holiday season

But that sounds quite limiting, doesn’t it?
This holiday season, rethink your alternative studio setup. With portable audio interfaces, compact MIDI controllers, and a host of small gadgets, you can make any place feel like your home studio.
Items that fit each travel scenario
Any modern musician should be well-equipped to make music remotely. Refine your setup now, so that you’re ready for the exciting projects coming your way in 2026.
For example, if you’re a self-producing artist, you might opt for a USB microphone, closed-back headphones, and a laptop.
If you’re a beatmaker, a standalone sampler or drum machine may suit you better.
And if you’re a visual media composer with a looming deadline, you probably won’t want to leave your MIDI keyboard and portable screen behind.
To decide which items belong on your essentials list, consider your priorities. Build both maximised and minimised versions of your travel rig to see what works best.
When I travel with a carry-on, I usually pack a dynamic microphone, a small audio interface, a 25-key MIDI controller, and studio headphones. Combined with my laptop, these devices are ideal for producing demo tracks away from home. When space is tight, I simplify even further.
Your setup may vary depending on your workflow. Let’s explore which pieces of equipment deserve a place in your bag.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen. Image: Focusrite
A compact and durable audio interface
Audio interfaces are essential for capturing high-fidelity recordings. And if you own an expensive interface, the last thing you want to do is travel with it. What you want is a compact device with a solid build that handles life on the move well.
Focusrite’s Scarlett Solo fits these criteria and comes with a budget-friendly price tag. But there are even smaller options that make packing easier.
Zoom’s palm-sized AMS-22 has a TRS/XLR input, phantom power, and a loopback function for livestreamers. It can be bus-powered when used with a computer, or battery-powered when paired with a tablet or smartphone. It also includes an AC adapter.
IK Multimedia’s iRig Pro is a similar unit with a slimmer design. It costs roughly twice as much as Zoom’s AMS-22 and doesn’t include a loopback function. But it has a MIDI I/O, which is rare in an interface of this size.
For those seeking a single interface suitable for both studio and tour life, Apogee’s Duet 3 is a strong compromise. It provides near-zero latency monitoring and dual mic/line inputs.

A MIDI controller that fits in your backpack
Even if you’re comfortable programming MIDI, playing with a controller can help you create more freely. A two-octave keyboard is far better than no keyboard at all.
Arturia’s MicroLab MK3 is as small and affordable as it gets. But for a controller that not only has keys, but also pads, knobs, and sliders, check out the MiniLab 3. Both come with perks like access to Analog Lab Intro synth presets and Ableton Live Lite.
For finger-drumming or triggering chords, Novation’s Launchpad Mini will suffice. Small enough to fit into your backpack, it features 64 pads and 16 buttons that can be mapped easily in any DAW. It works particularly well with Ableton Live and Logic Pro. It also comes with a bundle of software instruments and effects from XLN Audio, Klevgrand, and more.

A pair of studio headphones that fit every situation
Headphones are the cornerstone of any portable setup. They provide privacy and sonic detail you won’t be able to hear otherwise.
High-end open-back headphones are great for producing music in quiet environments. But their transparency means that anyone nearby can hear your music. And you can hear all the chatter in the house, even if it’s coming from another room.
Closed-back headphones are not the best choice for critical listening, but they’re better for travelling than open-back. In fact, if you’re a frequent flyer, you might want to invest in noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones.
I know what you’re thinking — those headphones are made for listening to music, not for making it. Their coloured sound may influence your mixing decisions. But a pair like Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM 4 can transform a dull flight into a productive writing session. You can adjust the EQ in the Sennheiser Smart Control app to make the headphones sound much flatter if needed.
Still, Bluetooth headphones are unsuitable for recording due to latency issues. For tracking, you’re better off with a pair of studio headphones like Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x. They’re foldable, which leaves room for cables and other accessories.
With today’s technology, you also have access to fully customisable headphone monitoring. For instance, Sony’s 360 Virtual Mixing Environment creates a digital copy of your studio’s acoustics. And Sonarworks’ SoundID lets you calibrate both studio monitors and headphones.
Image: Roland
Microphones and instruments
Microphones may not be a priority in noisy locations, but you never know when you’ll want to record scratch vocals or sample found sounds. Having a sturdy dynamic microphone with a hypercardioid pattern, like the Audix OM5, can save you from missed opportunities.
If you’re interested in field recording but want to travel light, Zoom’s iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone will do the trick. It plugs directly into iPad and iPhone models with Lightning connectors and records in 16-bit/48 kHz resolution. With so many music creation apps available, such as Logic Pro for iPad, Ableton Note, and BandLab Studio, you may even be tempted to leave your laptop at home.
If you want to take a break from screens altogether, a standalone sampler can motivate you to build beats differently than you would with a DAW. Roland’s SP-404MKII has velocity-sensitive pads, mic/guitar inputs, a sound library, and a wide range of audio effects to choose from. You can record, loop, layer, and arrange in real time.
Once you solidify the basics of your travel rig, don’t forget to consider some fun add-ons. Pocket-sized synths from Teenage Engineering and Korg’s Volca series both provide rich, analogue sounds with little effort. They’re easy enough to understand for beginners, but also flexible enough to fit into modular setups.
With the right combination of compact gear and thoughtful planning, your holiday travels can become an extension of your studio.
Read more music technology buyer’s guides
[Editor’s Note: BandLab and MusicTech are both part of Caldecott Music Group.]
The post Travelling with a portable music-making setup: A holiday guide for music producers appeared first on MusicTech.

PSI Audio introduce Custom Pro line PSI Audio's large main monitor systems will now be available exclusively through approved, specialised retail partners, helping to ensure optimal integration of the systems into customers’ listening environments.

A rough week for hardware companiesiRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes were very different companies, but they faced some similar challenges.

Pause Print, Add Hardware, and Enjoy Strength3D Printing is great, but it is pretty much the worst way to make any given part– except that every other technique you could use to make that part is too slow and/or expensive, making the 3D print the best option. If only the prints were stiffer, stronger, more durable! [JanTech Engineering] feels your plight and has been hacking away with the M601 command to try embedding different sorts of hardware into his prints for up to 10x greater strength, as seen in the video embedded below.
It’s kind of a no-brainer, isn’t it? If the plastic is the weak point, maybe we could reinforce the plastic. Most concrete you see these days has rebar in it, and fiber-reinforced plastic is the only way most people will use resin for structural applications. So, how about FDM? Our printers have that handy M601 “pause print” command built in. By creatively building voids into your parts that you can add stronger materials, you get the best of all possible worlds: the exact 3D printed shape you wanted, plus the stiffness of, say, a pulltruded carbon-fiber rod.
[JanTech] examines several possible inserts, including the aforementioned carbon rods. He takes a second look at urethane foam, which we recently examined, and compares it with less-crushable sand, which might be a good choice when strength-to-weight isn’t an issue. He doesn’t try concrete mix, but we’ve seen that before, too. Various metal shapes are suggested — there are all sorts of brackets and bolts and baubles that can fit into your prints depending on their size — but the carbon rods do come out ahead on strength-to-weight, to nobody’s surprise.
You could do a forged carbon part with a printed mold to get that carbon stiffness, sure, but that’s more work, and you’ve got to handle epoxy resins that some of us have become sensitized to. Carbon rods and tubes are cheap and safer to work with, though be careful cutting them.
Finally, he tries machining custom metal insets with his CNC machine. It’s an interesting technique that’s hugely customizable, but it does require you to have a decent CNC available, and, at that point, you might want to just machine the part. Still, it’s an interesting hybrid technique we haven’t seen before.
Shoving stuff into 3D-printed plastic to make it a better composite object is a great idea and a time-honored tradition. What do you put into your prints? We’d love to know, and so would [Jan]. Leave a comment and let us know.

GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Americana AlbumThe 2025 GRAMMY nominations are here and we're going to help you to untangle it all right up until the big event, continuing with the Best Americana Album category.

Take a listen to the nominated albums below--who do you think will win?

See the full list of nominees in every category here.

BIG MONEYJon Batiste

BloomLarkin Poe

Last Leaf On The TreeWillie Nelson

So Long Little Miss SunshineMolly Tuttle

MiddleJesse Welles

Molly Tuttle photo by Fletcher MooreThe post GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Americana Album first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Karanyi Minipol virtual analog synthesizer is FREE during the holidays
Karanyi Sounds announced that Minipol, a virtual analog synthesizer for macOS and Windows, is available for a limited time during the holiday season. You can grab your free copy by visiting the promo page on Karanyi Sounds’ website and entering your name and email address. Once you do that, Minipol lands in your inbox, no [...]
View post: Karanyi Minipol virtual analog synthesizer is FREE during the holidays