Gloriously Impractical: Overclocking the Raspberry Pi 5 to 3.6 GHzThe Raspberry Pi 5 board strapped to a liquid nitrogen cooler with an ElmorLabs AMPLE-X1 power board attached. (Credit: Pieter-Jan Plaisier, SkatterBencher.com)
As impractical as most overclocking of computers is these days, there is still a lot of fun to be had along the way. Case in point being [Pieter-Jan Plaisier]’s recent liquid nitrogen-aided overclocking of an unsuspecting Raspberry Pi 5 and its BCM2712 SoC. Previous OCing attempts with air cooling by [Pieter] had left things off at a paltry 3 GHz from the default 2.4 GHz, with the power management IC (PMIC) circuitry on the SBC turning out to be the main limiting factor.
The main change here was thus to go for liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling, with a small chipset LN2 pot to fit on the SBC. Another improvement was the application of a NUMA (non-uniform memory addressing) patch to force the BCM2712’s memory controller to utilize better RAM chip parallelism.
With these changes, the OC could now hit 3.6 GHz, but at 3.7 GHz, the system would always crash. It was time to further investigate the PMIC issues.
The PMIC imposes voltage configuration limitations and turns the system off at high power consumption levels. A solution there was to replace said circuitry with an ElmorLabs AMPLE-X1 power supply and definitively void the SBC’s warranty. This involves removing inductors and removing solder mask to attach the external power wires. Yet even with these changes, the SoC frequency had trouble scaling, which is why an external clock board was used to replace the 54 MHz oscillator on the PCB. Unfortunately, this also failed to improve the final overclock.
We covered the ease of OCing to 3 GHz previously, and no doubt some of us are wondering whether the new SoC stepping may OC better. Regardless, if you want to get a faster small system without jumping through all those hoops, there are definitely better (and cheaper) options. But you do miss out on the fun of refilling the LN2 pot every couple of minutes.
Thanks to [Stephen Walters] for the tip.

Suno, after being sued by the majors for copyright infringement, preps launch of V4, claimed to mark ‘a new era of AI music generation’The company has also hired Jack Brody, formerly of Snap, as its Chief Product Officer
Source

Take a look at the Orchid, the first product from Tame Impala’s Telepathic InstrumentsDetails surrounding Tame Impala’s synth brand Telepathic Instruments are still pretty vague, but we do officially have the name of its first product – the Orchid.
Kevin Parker, the man behind Tame Impala, launched the company back in June this year, keeping details super limited. He then gave another teaser in August by sharing an Instagram video of him playing what we now know to be the Orchid.

READ MORE: Tame Impala says the Sequential Pro One is his favourite synth: “It sounded like crying in outer space”

Telepathic Instruments has teased the launch in a brand new (and very short, 21-second) video that plays a snippet of its sound.  The video declares that the product is “for chords”, and an accompanying email says that “Orchid is a new kind of instrument that helps songwriters and musicians find what’s on their mind.”
Take a closer look below:

No specifications or information on its official launch and pricing have yet been shared, though you can sign up to a mailing list to be informed of any new details. From the glimpse we get in the new video, we can see a keyboard, a small display screen, plus a range of dials. These include bass, loop, BPM, options, and volume on the right side, plus controls for sound, perform, FX, and Key on the left.
There’s also two jog wheels on the left side, and though the text is a little blurry, it looks as though these control voicing. There’s also eight buttons, which seem to allow users to select between major, minor, or other types of chords.
MusicTech will share more details on Orchid as soon as we have them. In the meantime, you can sign up for email alerts over at Telepathic Instruments.
The post Take a look at the Orchid, the first product from Tame Impala’s Telepathic Instruments appeared first on MusicTech.

New Live Nation lawsuits, investor action signal turbulent times aheadEven as Live Nation basks in a record breaking concert season and the likelihood that a Trump led DoJ will take a less aggressive posture, new lawsuits and investor activity point to a turbulent year ahead for the concert giant.
The post New Live Nation lawsuits, investor action signal turbulent times ahead appeared first on Hypebot.

Spotify gave every Musician a Gift: They have 3 Days To Use ItOn Friday, Spotify extended the deadline to update Artist profiles to take full advantage of the popular Spotify Wrapped promotion.
The post Spotify gave every Musician a Gift: They have 3 Days To Use It appeared first on Hypebot.

Taylor Lindsey promoted to Chairman and CEO of Sony Music NashvilleKen Robold also named President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Music Nashville
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Get up to 25% off select FabFilter plugins and bundles in Plugin Boutique’s early Black Friday dealsFabFilter plugins offer some of the best functionality and user experience in the biz, and Plugin Boutique is kicking off Black Friday early with generous deals across a range of its products.
Early festive shoppers can now get up to 25 percent off across a number of FabFilter gems, including seven bundle offers. As part of Plugin Boutique’s Black Friday promotions, deals are also available on Universal Audio, Excite Audio, Sonnox, and many more. Most promotions are running until late November/early December.

READ MORE: Best reverb plugins 2024: Our favourite free and paid-for reverb plugins

FabFilter, based in Amsterdam, has been releasing products since 2004. Its Pro-R 2 reverb plugin was rated 9/10 by us last year, and its Volcano 3 filter plugin was awarded our 10/10 Excellence Award back in 2021. Currently, you can save over £36 on the following tools, which are all priced at £107.95:

Pro-L 2 limiter
Pro-C 2 compressor
Pro MB compressor
Pro-G gate
Pro-DS de-esser
Pro-R 2 reverb

You can also snag deals on these tools:

Timeless 3 delay – now £81.95 down from £109
One synth – now £28.96 down from £39
Simplon filter – also £28.96, marked down from £39
Micro filter – now £18.95, down from £25

As for bundle deals, these come packaged as Mastering, Essentials, Mixing, Creative, FX, Pro, and Total collections. Let’s take a look at each:

Mastering Bundle: For £283.96, you’ll get the Pro-MB compressor, the Pro-L 2 limiter, the Pro-Q 3 equaliser, and the Pro-C 2 compressor.
Essentials Bundle: For £223.96, you’ll get access to the Pro-C 2, the Pro-Q 3, and the Pro-R 2.
Mixing Bundle: This is a pretty hefty one. For £396.95, you’ll get a generous seven plugins. These are the Pro-R reverb, Pro-Q 3, Pro-C 2, Pro-DS, Pro-G, the Saturn 2 distortion, and Timeless 3.
Creative Bundle: For £208.96, get a quad of tools including Saturn 2, the Twin 3 synth, Timeless 3, and Volcano 3.
FX Bundle: With 10 plugins in this collection, your FX needs may just be met for the foreseeable. Or, until you get that itch for more, that is. In this bundle you’ll find the Pro-R 2, Pro-MB, Pro-L 2, Pro-Q 3, Pro-C 2, Pro-DS, Pro-G, Saturn 2, Timeless 3, and Volcano 3 – all for £516.95.
Pro Bundle: For £418.96, you’ll get – as the name suggests – a collection of FabFilter’s Pro plugins, such as its R-2, MB, and more.
Total Bundle: This one comes in at £577.96, and it’s a little more pricey for a good reason. This bundle comes with a whopping 14 plugins. You’ll get complete, unfiltered access to all of FabFilter’s plugins with this one.

To check out the full range of FabFilter deals or find more Black Friday savings, head over to Plugin Boutique.
The post Get up to 25% off select FabFilter plugins and bundles in Plugin Boutique’s early Black Friday deals appeared first on MusicTech.

How To Find Your Fans: Use data to find where music fits\Where does my music fit? By applying modern marketing concepts like track-market fit and audience analysis, learn how to find your fans and use data to promote music and cut through the noise.
The post How To Find Your Fans: Use data to find where music fits appeared first on Hypebot.

Flame Sound offers Sound Design Starter Kit for $9 + 50 FREE Tension Builders
Flame Sound launched the Pyro SFX ($49) cinematic sound design starter kit with a limited-time intro price of $9 and a bonus of 50 FREE cinematic tension builders. If you’ve been reading BPB for some time, you probably know about Flame Sound, my cinematic sound design label. It just released Pyro SFX, the entry-level cinematic [...]
View post: Flame Sound offers Sound Design Starter Kit for $9 + 50 FREE Tension Builders

Universal Audio Apollo X Sonarworks integration arrives Users of the latest-generation Apollo X units are now able to install the AMC Add-on and benefit from built-in SoundID Reference functionality.

Daft Punk superfan launches Patreon to fund his research and archival work on the iconic electronic duoDaft Punk may no longer be together, but one fan is ensuring their history is not forgotten anytime soon.
An independent Daft Punk historian and archivist who goes by the name of Wub is launching a Patreon in the hopes that fellow fans will support the time that goes into researching and archiving media featuring the electronic pair.

READ MORE: Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555 gets a 4k remaster with gold vinyl – but fans aren’t convinced by new ‘AI’ upscale

Wub has already been sharing his work via YouTube, X, and a number of other platforms. He will continue to do so, and says he does not have any plans to put this content behind a paywall. Any contributions to his Patreon are simply to support the hours and costs (purchasing magazines and print media not found online) that go into his work.
Wub says he’s “dedicated to preserving and sharing” the duo’s history. On his Patreon, Wub writes, “The services I provide are very niche but many people use and enjoy them. I will never put any of my research, articles, scans, playlists, or videos behind a paywall but if you have money to spare and get a lot of use out of my services, your support on Patreon would be very helpful – even if it’s just $1 per month.”
You can find out more in his video below:

Daft Punk split back in 2021. Despite rumours of a return at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony and a suggestion that they have an unreleased fifth album “in limbo”, they continue to remain quiet. Following the Olympics ceremony, Thomas Mars of the band Phoenix (who performed at the event) spoke out on the reunion hopefuls.
“Daft Punk doesn’t exist anymore. That was never an option,” he said. “People expect them to come back to life, but they’re gone. There were a few bucket-list people that I really admired and wanted to join us, but I’m not sure I want to mention them, because it’s going to disappoint people.”
In 2023, their multi-Grammy-winning album Random Access Memories celebrated its 10th anniversary. Across a YouTube series known as the Memory Tapes, collaborators on the record told their stories about how they came to work on the album and its incredible impact on the music industry.
If you’d like to donate to Wub to support his archival work, head over to his Patreon.
The post Daft Punk superfan launches Patreon to fund his research and archival work on the iconic electronic duo appeared first on MusicTech.

Simple Plugins Simple Shaper is a FREE Volume Shaping Plugin
Last month, Simple Plugins launched Simple Shaper, a volume-shaping plugin for macOS (AU, VST3) and Windows (VST3). As you might have guessed from the name, Simple Shaper has a no-frills control layout, with just four parameters to work with on the main panel. These parameters are a choice of envelope curves, sync, Attack, and Mix. [...]
View post: Simple Plugins Simple Shaper is a FREE Volume Shaping Plugin

Charli XCX: “Everything sounds better with AutoTune”Let it be known that Charli XCX and her love for AutoTune hasn’t waned.
The electropop musician, who pulled double duty on last week’s SNL episode as first-time host and musical guest, declared during her monologue that “AutoTune makes everything sound better”.

READ MORE: Director of Pharrell Williams biopic calls musician’s Blurred Lines case “one of the worst judicial decisions about creativity in history”

“Today, I consider myself to be a triple threat, which in England means I sing, I drink and I smoke,” Charli began. “I want to take a moment to thank someone who’s been there for me my entire career: AutoTune.”

The episode also saw Charli taking the stage with her tracks 360 and Sympathy Is a Knife from her latest album, Brat, showcasing her signature AutoTuned sound.

“[Like in my] early work, I can—I could sing in tune, but now I think I’ve gotten so lazy because I sing with AutoTune all the time,” the singer said on the Tape Notes Podcast back in June.
“Like I never [go], ‘I’m not singing with AutoTune.’ Unless I’m doing karaoke, which I actively don’t do, for this reason. I’m pretty out [of pitch] because my ear is so used to leaning in.”
Charli, who’s earned seven Grammy nominations for the record Brat, also admitted her reliance on AutoTune for writing music, “cutting vocals” and “singing live” has made her “lazy” when it comes to hitting the right pitch.
“You really, really get lazy because you can relax into a note rather than being super on,” she said. “And I mean, there are some amazingly technical singers who do sing with AutoTune who are still pitch-perfect, but that’s not me. Like, I drink and I smoke and I use AutoTune, those three things.”
The post Charli XCX: “Everything sounds better with AutoTune” appeared first on MusicTech.

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 review: Serious DAW control gets ultra-portable£109 / €109 / $119, novationmusic.com
Why would anyone want a MIDI keyboard in 2024? The obvious answer is hands-on control of software instruments without a computer mouse and keyboard — but producers have had access to such basic controllers since the 90s. Now, many creators want a portable solution that they can effortlessly integrate into their DAW, modular, and live setups while offering creative and expressive functions. The new Launchkey Mini might just be the answer.

READ MORE: Novation on the future of MIDI control and why Launchkey MK4 is “a big step forward”

The first thing that strikes you when unboxing Novation’s Launchkey Mini 25 is just how small it actually is. At 330x172mm, it’s a tad bigger than an 11-inch iPad Pro, and only 5 cm in height. Granted, the encoders add to the height, but not by much. Despite its low weight of 800g, the controller feels sturdy.
If you’re using it on the move, you’ll want to invest in a carrying case. A variety of Novation and third-party cases are available separately, but it’s a shame that a simple zip case isn’t included.
Like all the other MK4 models, the Launchkey Mini is powered by USB, with an A-to-C cable in the box, even though many people will need to replace this with a C-to-C cable. It’s class-compliant, so requires no drivers for macOS, though it does on Windows. On the rear panel is a full-size sustain pedal input – impressive on a keyboard this small – and a 3.5 mm-jack MIDI output for connecting an optional adapter. Both AKAI’s MPK Mini Plus and Arturia’s MiniLab 3 controllers do have a full-size MIDI DIN port, if you’re averse to adding an adapter.
Image: Press
With the controller’s MIDI tools now baked into the firmware, it can operate in a standalone mode, free of a computer if required. So you can hook it up to your MIDI hardware, like drum machines and modular synths, and take advantage of the arpeggiator, scale and other performance tools.
That’s a nice bonus, but it’s the DAW integration that is the star of the show. This is especially the case with this diminutive model, offering comprehensive control without using up desk space. The setup procedure depends on your DAW, with Ableton Live users benefitting from the deepest level of communication – perhaps not a surprise given Novation’s long collaboration with Ableton. Here, the controller is recognised and set up automatically, letting you navigate around a Set in Live using its page controls.
For other DAWs, it’s slightly more involved. Cubase and Logic Pro both require the download of a script and then a little setup within the DAW. FL Studio doesn’t require a script but does require some setup inside the app. This stuff generally only needs doing once per DAW and some make it easier than others. For example, Cubase’s built-in MIDI Remote Manager is particularly intuitive, providing an editable, graphical version of the controller right inside its main window.
Cubase mapper. Image: MusicTech
The Mini 25 will switch itself into whichever DAW mode it detects from the computer but it can also be freely configured in software. A downloadable app for macOS and Windows called Components lets you upload and download preset templates for various hardware and software instruments and create, edit and manage your own. This functionality is also available via a MIDI-compatible browser like Chrome (though not Apple’s Safari). It’s ultra useful since it means you can always access your templates even if away from your own computer.
A lot of controls fit into the Mini 25’s compact frame, starting with the 25 synth-style mini keys. These are more playable than you might imagine and, while you wouldn’t necessarily want them to be much smaller, they offer a remarkably effective playing experience within the size constraints. They don’t have polyphonic aftertouch, though the 16 backlit pads do. The pads are again compact but both fun and musical to play, doubling up as visual feedback when required and in Live, function as clip triggers and more.
The eight encoders are continuous, so they don’t have physical start or end points, while both the pads and encoders have page buttons to access a second bank of functions. The Mini 25 has pitch bend and modulation touch strips as opposed to the wheels on the largest units, but these are just as effective and also programmable using the Components system. The monochrome display is small but adequate and provides feedback about the various tools and functions.
Components app. Image: MusicTech
Novation has built handy MIDI performance tools into the MK4s in addition to the physical controllers. There’s a generative arpeggiator with a step editor, a Scale mode with 30 scales to choose from and a Chord mode with fixed or user-generated chords that can be triggered. This makes up for the limited key range but also helps less experienced players. There are octave controls and DAW transport buttons too.
A glance at the nearest competition reveals a few interesting differences. AKAI’s MPK Mini Mk3 is cheaper, available for around £75 and has a sustain pedal input but no hardware MIDI port, and fewer pads and overall number of physical controls due to its even more compact size — though the form factor may appeal to some very mobile musicians. Arturia’s MiniLab 3, available for around £90, also has fewer pads but does feature four sliders and a full-size MIDI port and control pedal input. In terms of performance per pound, the higher number of pads that the Mini 25 fits into its diminutive frame will for some musicians give it the edge.
While Launchkey’s DAW integration with Live is especially tight, elsewhere it will take a little getting used to. Regardless of whether you stick with a template or modify one, muscle memory takes a bit of acclimatisation while controlling playback and the various software instruments from the hardware. This is pretty standard for controllers, however, and most people will only be doing it with their main DAW.
Image: Press
Novation throws in a generous software bundle – the same one with every model – including Live Lite and instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce and Orchestral Tools. There’s enough software there to get anyone started with making tracks.
The Mini 25 is the perfect companion for anyone performing or producing on the move. At the same time, it has many of the features of its larger siblings and is attractively priced. It’s also well-suited to use in a studio, particularly a smaller one, being so unobtrusive it can sit next to or above a computer keyboard without needing extra stands yet providing keys, pads, encoders and DAW control.
Of course, smaller keys mean certain playing styles are not achievable but there are larger models if that’s crucial to you.
As a clever, compact solution for playing and performing that won’t break the bank, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is tough to beat.

Key features

USB power and data
25 mini synth-style keys
8 continuous encoders
16 touch-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
DAW control
Components app for customisation
Scale and Chord modes
Generative arpeggiator with step editor
Sustain pedal input
3.5mm MIDI output
Weight: 800g

The post Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 review: Serious DAW control gets ultra-portable appeared first on MusicTech.

Wave Arts launch TrackPlug 7  Designed to complete a wide range of tasks, TrackPlug 7 incorporates a gate, compressor, 10-band equaliser, transient shaper, tube saturator and peak limiter.