MLCommons and Hugging Face team up to release massive speech data set for AI researchMLCommons, a nonprofit AI safety working group, has teamed up with AI dev platform Hugging Face to release one of the world’s largest collections of public domain voice recordings for AI research. The data set, called Unsupervised People’s Speech, contains more than a million hours of audio spanning at least 89 different languages. MLCommons says […]
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The United States is following El Salvador's playbook — Web3 exec“I think the regulatory body of El Salvador and the regulatory body of the United States will talk a lot,” Michele Crivelli said.

Focusrite Launches Pro Tools Intro+If you own a Scarlett 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, or Clarett+ audio interface, you can now download a perpetual license for Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite. Focusrite teamed up with Avid to offer Scarlett 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, and Clarett+ owners a brand new Pro Tools package — Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite.Unlike previously included version, Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite is a perpetual licence — which means it’s yours, forever.Pro Tools Intro+ gives you the essential audio and MIDI tools you need for any kind of music production. Get access a curated selection of over 80 effects and instrument plugins, many of which are not included with the regular version of Pro Tools Intro and exclusive to Focusrite customers.To access your download, simply log in to your account check that you’ve registered your Scarlett 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, or Clarett+ interface, and follow the instructions.The post Focusrite Launches Pro Tools Intro+ first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Why Not Build Your Quadcopter Around An Evaluation Board?Quadcopters are flying machines. Traditionally, that would mean you’d optimize the design for lightweight and minimum drag, and you’d do everything in a neat and tidy fashion. The thing is, brushless motors and lithium batteries are so power-dense that you really needn’t try so hard. A great example of that is this barebones quadcopter build from [hebel23] all the way back in 2015.
The build is based around the STM32F4 Discovery Board, which [hebel23] scored as a giveaway at Electronica in Munich way back when. It’s plopped on top of a bit of prototyping board so it can be hooked up to the four controllers driving the motors at each corner. The frame of the quadcopter similarly uses cheap material, in the form of alloy profiles left over from an old screen door. Other equipment onboard includes a GY-273 electronic compass module, a MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to keep the thing on the straight and level, and the Fly Sky R9B RC receiver for controlling the thing.
It might look crude, but it gets off the ground just fine. We’ve seen quadcopters using the STM32 in more recent years with more refined designs, but there’s something amusingly elegant about lacing one together with an evaluation board and some protoboard in the middle. If you’re working on your own flying projects, don’t hesitate to notify the tipsline!

Winter-Proof (And Improve) Your Resin 3D PrintingWas your 3D printer working fine over the summer, and now it’s not? With colder temperatures comes an overall surge in print failure reports — particularly with resin-based printers that might reside in outbuildings, basements, or garages. If you think this applies to you, don’t miss [Jan Mrázek]’s tips on improving cold-weather print results. His tips target the main reasons prints fail, helping to make the process a little more resilient overall. [Jan]’s advice is the product of long experience and experimentation, so don’t miss out.
With environmental changes comes the possibility that things change just enough to interfere with layers forming properly. The most beneficial thing overall is to maintain a consistent resin temperature; between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius is optimal. A resin heater is one solution, and there are many DIY options using simple parts. Some of the newer (and more expensive) printers have heaters built in, but most existing hobbyist machines do not.
An extreme case of blooming.
Temperature control isn’t the only thing, either. Layer formation and build plate adhesion can all be improved by adding rest times between layers. Yes, this increases print time. It also allows resin to settle before the next layer, improving adhesion and preventing blooming (a rough texture caused by an imperfect cure.) Since resin flows less readily at lower temperatures, rest times can help improve results. The best setting depends heavily on your particular setup, so [Jan] gives tips on finding optimal rest times.
Most common knowledge and advice from well-meaning communities online focuses on increasing exposure time or blaming the build plate. [Jan] feels that these are ultimately the wrong way to go about addressing failures. Usually, an environmental change (like the arrival of winter) has simply pushed a printer that was not optimized in the first place outside of its narrow comfort zone. A little optimization can set things back on track, making the printer more resilient and reliable overall.

Caelum Audio DynaBit•Create rich, energetic and detailed bitcrushed textures. •Explore a wide range of tones, from refined, graceful characters to glitchy mutilated mayhem. •Animate... Read More

From Spotify’s $10bn music industry payout to Concord’s Johnny McDaid catalog acquisition… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
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New fintech to launch for independent musicians and creators offering financial resources and music business educationA new financial tech company is set to launch, specifically supporting “urban music artists and creators” with access to financial resources and education on the music business.
The fintech, which is called Notes, has been created by entrepreneur and former recording artist Victor D. Lombard (also known as DIVINE) in partnership with hip-hop artist RAKIM. Currently, it is due for release at the end of February, and is set to offer both freemium and premium subscription tiers.

READ MORE: LANDR launches “first-ever” mobile app combining AI mastering, unlimited distribution, and collaborative tools

Notes is described as an all-in-one platform and gateway to financial independence, aimed to empower and support music makers as they grow their careers. According to TechCrunch, the app is currently in its beta testing phase, and provides financial literacy and music business education via multimedia courses, and offers step-by-step guides on topics such as financial management and monetising music.
It also has a feature that lets artists write lyrics and connect with others within the app, while a “digital passport” lets users track credit scores, access loans, and use budget tools. Notes partners with lenders and creditors and earns a commission on referral fees when users apply for loans through its platform. It even has AI tools, including an AI assistant which utilises RAKIM’s voice.

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Of the launch, DIVINE says (via TechCrunch), “I want Notes to shift the narrative from artists being exploited by record labels to artists owning their financial future and career success. If an artist can use Notes to get funding for their next album, learn how to run their music career as a business, and leverage community collaboration for growth, then we’ve succeeded.”
You can find out more or sign up to be notified when the platform goes live via the official Notes website.
The post New fintech to launch for independent musicians and creators offering financial resources and music business education appeared first on MusicTech.

Key Songs in the Life of… Joe HadleySpotify's partnership-focused exec selects eight tracks that helped shape who he is and what he does..
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PreSonus add Cinematic Lights to Studio One Pro 7 Cinematic Lights is a new virtual instrument for Studio One Pro 7 that combines heavily processed orchestral string samples with a range of synth and field-recording layers. 

Meta’s Threads adds 1M daily, topping 320 monthly usersMeta's X-like platform Threads adds 1M daily topping 320 million active users monthly, with that trajectory expected to continue or accelerate.
The post Meta’s Threads adds 1M daily, topping 320 monthly users appeared first on Hypebot.

Liz Pelly of Spotify exposé Mood Machine: Jay Gilbert interviewsOn a special edition of the Your Morning Coffee podcast, co-host Jay Gilbert sits down with author Liz Pelly of Spotify exposé “Mood Machine, the Rise of Spotify and the Costs. Continue reading
The post Liz Pelly of Spotify exposé Mood Machine: Jay Gilbert interviews appeared first on Hypebot.

Hawaii bans ticket scalping after Bruno Mars Fan uproarBruno Mars fans have been hit hard by ticket scalpers, with resale prices soaring to thousands of dollars. Now the state of Hawaii bans ticket scalping via new legislation that. Continue reading
The post Hawaii bans ticket scalping after Bruno Mars Fan uproar appeared first on Hypebot.

Behringer takes inspiration from the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble with its new Chorus Symphony pedalBehringer has launched the Chorus Symphony, which recreates the original Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble from 1976.
The original pedal encapsulated the chorus from the iconic JC-120 Jazz Chorus amplifier from Roland, Boss’s parent company. Behringer says its new emulation offers the same “thick, syrupy and multidimensional” tone that was put into use by artists such as John Frusciante, Brian May, Joe Satriani and Andy Summers.

READ MORE: Behringer BX1 synth is inspired by the classic Yamaha CS-80 and DX1, with more teases at NAMM 2025

The Chorus Symphony has an all-analogue BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) circuit for warm tones. The original pedal was one of the first of its kind to use a BBD circuit, so Behringer has opted for the same here.
Behringer has emulated the same look as the original too, and has now condensed both the chorus’ Speed and Depth controls into a single dial. There’s also a High/Low switch accompanied by a Level control for adding crunch and drive, and a second footswitch is on board to activate the pedal’s vibrato mode, with further controls for Depth and Rate.
For a full demo, check out Behringer’s video below:

Earlier this January, Behringer returned to the NAMM Show following a decade-long hiatus. Hitting back at critics claiming it to be a “vapourware” brand, the budget gear manufacturer said, “Behringer stands as one of the most prolific manufacturers in the industry. No other company delivers as many innovative and affordable products as we do. This year alone, we’ve brought numerous exciting instruments to market, and the best is yet to come.
“At Behringer, we’re driven by our love for creating exceptional instruments and making them accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or background. This passion fuels everything we do.”
The Chorus Symphony pedal is available now for $79. Find out more over at Behringer.
The post Behringer takes inspiration from the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble with its new Chorus Symphony pedal appeared first on MusicTech.

Reverbnation launches Levels, a new invite-only programme offering top-tier career-building resources for budding artistsReverbNation – the platform which helps independent musicians grow their careers – has launched Levels, a new invite-only programme designed to offer artists career-building resources, financial backing, and personalised services for their creative journey.
The new Levels programme aims to expand ReverbNation’s artist services and career support beyond its current suite of self-service distribution and promotional tools, now offering “white-glove distribution, publishing, licensing, marketing and sponsorships, along with direct financial backing through advances”.

READ MORE: Caldecott Music Group announces two key divisional appointments at BandLab Technologies and Vista Musical Instruments

The financial backing for artists that comes with Levels comes in the form of upfront funding for recording, marketing and other career needs, while its distribution, publishing and licensing assistance offers budding artists a direct path to connect with major platforms.
Levels’ marketing and promotion features include tools and expertise for playlist pitching, press outreach and advertising, while the platform also offers artists exclusive partnerships in the form of discounts on gear and tailored sponsorship opportunities.
What’s more, artists can enjoy dedicated concierge services in the form of one-on-one assistance from account managers and access to a curated industry network.
“With ReverbNation Levels, we want to step up what real artist support looks like today,” says Meng Ru Kuok, CEO & Co-Founder of BandLab Technologies. 
“By combining financial support with personalised, white-glove services, we are empowering musicians to focus on their creativity and their music while setting them up for long-term success. 
“The industry is evolving and every artist’s path is different. In the same way we encourage and support our artists in partnering with record labels and established industry institutions, we also recognize that some artists prefer to remain independent. This new program helps to create a level playing field, providing those who seek more control, ownership, and creative freedom the tools and resources they need to succeed on their own terms.”
Artists can apply to join Levels now, and each application will be carefully reviewed. Selected participants will gain exclusive access to a powerful suite of career development tools, all backed by ReverbNation’s dedicated team and hands-on guidance to help them grow their careers with confidence.
For more information, head to reverbnation.com/levels.
Editor’s note: ReverbNation, BandLab Technologies and MusicTech are all part of the Caldecott Music Group.
The post Reverbnation launches Levels, a new invite-only programme offering top-tier career-building resources for budding artists appeared first on MusicTech.