These producers swear by Soundtoys plugins — here are the best deals on them this weekendIt feels like every producer we interview at MusicTech has something to say about Soundtoys plugins. Whether it’s John Summit using Soundtoys for melodic house or Kevin Saunderson and The Blessed Madonna using Little AlterBoy and Decapitator on techno tracks, these plugins are used by producers both famous and novice. This weekend’s probably your best chance to get in on the action with up to 75% off on Plugin Boutique.
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Over this Cyber Weekend, all of Soundtoys hits are on offer. That includes the saturation plugin, Decapitator, which is down 75% to $50; the venerable Little AlterBoy vocal processing unit, which is down to $42, and EchoBoy, which is down 75% to $50.
If you’ve been tempted by the whole Soundtoys 5.4 collection which packs in all 21 plugins, then we’ve got good news for you: it’s discounted by $295, bringing the price to $215. That works out to just over $10 a plugin — not bad at all.
Speaking about Soundtoys plugins, The Blessed Madonna said “half the tracks on [my album, Godspeed,] are just run through Decapitator 25 times. I also used [SoundToys’] Radiator on everything,” adding that Atlanta-based wildcard DJ/producer Nikki Nair uses it with a “complete lack of fear around distortion and saturation.”
Check out the Soundtoys collection on sale at Plugin Boutique.
Want more deals on music gear? We’ve got a running list of all our favourite deals this weekend, from headphones and MIDI controllers to plugins and synthesizers. Plus, all the biggest retailers are offering discounts, including Thomann, Amazon, Guitar Center and Reverb, and if you’re a plugin enthusiast, Plugin Boutique is hosting some of its best deals of the year.’
Find more deals on music production gear. 
The post These producers swear by Soundtoys plugins — here are the best deals on them this weekend appeared first on MusicTech.

Native Instruments, iZotope & Plugin Alliance Black Friday Sales Native Instruments, iZotope and Plugin Alliance are all currently offering their biggest discounts of 2024 as part of their Black Friday Sales.

Building a Generator That Runs Off Hose Power[Paul Junkin] bought a curious product off the Internet. It was supposed to generate electricity when hooked up to a running hose. Only, it didn’t do a very good job. His solution was straightforward—he built his own hose-powered generator that actually worked.
The design uses a turbine hooked up to a small motor acting as a generator. To maximize the transfer of energy from the stream of water to the blades of the turbine, the hose is hooked up to a convergent nozzle. [Paul] does a great job explaining the simple physics at play, as well as the iterative design process he used to get to the final product. He calculates the best-case power coming out of his hose around 50 watts, so for his turbine to collect 22 watts is a win, and it’s good enough to charge a phone or run some LED lighting.
Of course, this isn’t a practical generator if you have to pay for the water, and there are other solutions that will get you less wet. Still, credit where it’s due—this thing does make power when you hook it up to a hose. We’ve seen some slightly less ridiculous concepts in this space before, though.

From Drake’s legal action to Spotify execs’ big cash-out… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
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How to organize and revisit your ‘leftover’ music projects
From bouncing demos to revisiting your folder structures, let's explore a few techniques for maximizing your 'leftover' project files.

These plugins are absolutely free for Black FridayYou might think the best Black Friday music technology deals involve discounts and not free stuff, but there are also loads of free plugins on offer if you know where to look…
Over at Plugin Boutique for example, you can help yourself to free effects including everything from bit crushers and amp simulators to channel strip plugins, chorus effects, compressors, delays, limiters and just about everything you need to have a comprehensive in-the-box production suite.
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Aside from effects, there’s a bunch of free virtual instruments on offer, too, like the BDF Player Drum Machine, the Mirage Virtual Instrument, 99 Sounds Clap Machine Generator, and so many more.
While we’ve got you, on the subject of free plugins, AIR Music Technology has just released a new filter plugin that comes at no cost whatsoever.
A three-band filter bank with adjustable crossovers, each band features resonant filters, cutoff controls, low-, band, and high-pass filter types, the ability to solo each band and so much more.
Did we say it was free? Well, it’s only free until 2 December, at which point it will have an introductory price of $49 until 31 December, whereafter its price will rise to $99. So don’t wait around, you’ve quite literally got nothing to lose by downloading this plugin right now. Head to AIR Music Technology to find out more.
And if one free filter plugin wasn’t enough, the team over at Hornet Plugins have just dropped their very own free filter plugin FilterSolo. This comes with three filter types – low-, band- and high-pass – a Smooth Resonance Control, and a simple and intuitive interface so you can get stuck straight into the creative process. It’s absolutely free, so this is a no-brainer to download. Head to HoRNet Plugins to find out more.
Browse the full range of free plugins right now over at Plugin Boutique.
The post These plugins are absolutely free for Black Friday appeared first on MusicTech.

Karanyi Sounds offers up to 80% OFF this Black Friday!
Happy Black Friday, everyone! Many plugin developers and retailers celebrate today with fantastic deals, and Karanyi Sounds is no exception! Their Black Friday sale has officially started with a whole bunch of great deals to check out. And we’ll look at some of our favorites today. Cloudmax 2 is their “Ultimate Texture Designer FX,” currently [...]
View post: Karanyi Sounds offers up to 80% OFF this Black Friday!

AIR Music Tech release Multiband Filterbank AIR Music Tech have announced the launch of a new multiband filter plug-in that is being offered as a free download for a limited time only.

Should you stop chasing Superfans? Ari H says NO! Join the debateShould musicians stop chasing Superfans? All three major labels to hundreds of music marketers have turned capturing and monetizing superfans an important success strategy.
The post Should you stop chasing Superfans? Ari H says NO! Join the debate appeared first on Hypebot.

10 free sample packs for sci-fi and experimental soundsAd feature with BandLab Sounds
The sounds of 50s sci-fi movies evolved in a more electronic direction as the 70s and 80s arrived with its synthesizers and computers – but those bleeps, sweeps and sequences have never fallen out of favour. Now, they’re as likely to be used in music productions as in soundtracks. These experimental sounds can be tricky to source or create yourself, so why not shortcut straight to the good stuff with these great free sound and sample packs from BandLab?
Sci-fi Synths
Synths are the backbone of the sci-fi genre thanks to their ability to sound otherworldly. With a total of 101 loops and samples, this collection brings a creepy, atmospheric vibe to proceedings and covers everything from ominous arpeggios and throbbing bass to unsettling sound effects.
Download Sci-fi synths.
Patch & Play Lab: 50s Sci-fi
Image: BandLab Sounds
The 1950s heralded a golden age for sci-fi sounds, with theremins and the earliest electronic instruments providing the soundtrack to many Hollywood movies. This collection of 100 samples has a wealth of bleeping retro-style computers, modulated and distorted analogue sounds to take your productions back in time.
Download 50s Sci-fi.
Jordan Blackmon: Low-Budget Sci-Fi
Custom created by modular artist Jordan Blackmon, this collection of 100 loops and samples covers a range of experimental soundscapes and textures made with specialised original hardware. As well as spooky retro synths you’ll get sound effects and also foley effects like footsteps, ambient sounds and more, making this the perfect collection for movie makers in particular.
Download Low-Budget Sci-Fi.
Patch & Play Lab: Alien Sounds Vol. 1
Sometimes you need your loops to sound like they have come from another world – and that’s what you get with this collection of 95 weird and wonderful synths, leads, basses, arps and sound FX. Mixing clean analogue sequences with gritty alien tones, there’s a lot to like here for anyone after a unique vibe for their productions.
Download Alien Sounds.
Fo’Real Beatz: Cinematic Trap Vol .1
Image: BandLab Sounds
Build amazing cinematic trap tracks from scratch with this 67-sample pack covering an array of sounds broken down by type for ultimate flexibility. There are beats, individual drum elements and risers, mixed loops, bass, keys, leads, claps and much more to help you tailor your trap beats exactly to your liking.
Download Cinematic Trap.
Sweeping Cinematic Synths Vol.2
Nothing paints emotional pictures like huge, cinematic synths. With the samples in this collection, you can build whole cinematic worlds, layering strings and effects but also drums, keys, leads and basses. With a total of 59 loops, this collection will give new life to your soundtracks and tracks in a range of different genres.
Download Sweeping Cinematic Synths
Patch & Play Lab: Fantasy Worlds
Image: BandLab Sounds
Building fantasy musical worlds with sound has never been easier thanks to this set of 101 sounds covering drum loops, individual kit and rhythmic elements, risers, pads, pianos and more. It’s an enthralling collection of ethereal atmospheres, swooping sci-fi sounds and textures that will elevate any track.
Download Fantasy Worlds.
MusicTech: Modular Samples
Image: BandLab Sounds
Collecting modular synths can be both expensive and time-consuming, so why not shortcut straight to the best results with this excellent collection of sounds? Custom recorded, the expansive set of 120 loops and samples encompasses hits, rises, percussion and special fx, all sampled from real modular gear. It’s the perfect way to get the sound of modular without the hassle.
Download MusicTech’s Modular Samples
Hardware FX
Image: BandLab Sounds
The secret to great sound isn’t just the instrument that made it in the first place but also the way it’s processed afterwards and hardware outboard gear is one of the best ways to make loops sound authentic. This collection of 100 samples covers electronic, foley and sound effects all processed through serious hardware units, bringing that unique character to your tracks. Save time and money by getting the sound ready-made!
Download Hardware FX
Chiptune Toolbox Vol. 2
Recapture the iconic sound of 1980s computer game soundtracks with 93 samples that effortlessly transport you back to another era. You’ll think you’re playing a classic arcade video game with these 8-bit beeps, crunchy square waves and ready-made chords that work brilliantly dropped into all kinds of different musical genres. There’s a wide range of types of sound from beats to sequences.
Download Chiptune Toolbox.
Sondmire: Cinematic Electronic
Image: BandLab Sounds
In this 102-sample collection, genre-hopping Filipino producer Sondmire weaves magical cinematic worlds and textures, with everything you need to make emotive scores. You’ll find beats, keys, melodies, basses, fx and much more across a range of tempos and feels. Use it to take your productions to the next level.
Download Sondmire: Cinematic Electronic.
Find more free samples, synthesizers and resources. 
 
The post 10 free sample packs for sci-fi and experimental sounds appeared first on MusicTech.

Bruno Mars just shattered Spotify’s monthly listeners record… and he hasn’t even got a new album out.Mars currently has more than 135 million monthly listeners on the platform, way ahead of the previous record set by The Weeknd
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Black Friday: The best deals we’ve found at Sweetwater for producers and DJs (so far)Black Friday is the chance for music producers and DJs to finally pick up that plugin they’ve been eyeing, get a deal on their dream synth, and upgrade their studios for a cheaper price. Sweetwater, as one of the biggest musical instrument retailers, is of course offering some killer deals. All in all, you can get up to 80 per cent of over 14,000 products on-site. No, we’re not joking.
READ MORE: The best Black Friday music technology deals 2024: the biggest savings on synths, DJ controllers and plugins right now
14,000 is a little too many deals to scroll through, so we’ve picked out some of the best for our readers. Check ’em out below.

UK/EU Deals
US Deals

Thomann
Reverb

Reverb
Zzounds

Plugin Boutique
Sweetwater

Zzounds
Plugin Boutique

Amazon UK
Amazon US

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The Sony C800G is a $15,000 microphone that rappers and hip-hop producers swear by, including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. But who has $15,000 to spend, really? Warm Audio‘s take on the mic is much more affordable while still effective at capturing vocals in a similar fashion. It’s currently $300 off at Sweetwater, making it $899 this weekend. In our review, we said: “The Sony C-800G is the ultimate large-diaphragm condenser mic; you can use it on everything. The WA-8000 can do that, too. It’s not a perfect replica, but it does an excellent impersonation.”
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Native Instruments’ Maschine+ is a go-to groovebox for the likes of Fred Again.., Kaytranada and 9th Wonder. This weekend, you can save a whopping $200 on NI’s flagship sampler, bringing the price down to just $999. Now you just need your own Zane Lowe to hype you up.
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Arturia’s AstroLab was a hit when it was released this year, promising a standalone workflow with all the power from Arturia’s Analog Lab without a laptop. This weekend, you can expand your sound palette even further with the free bundle included with your purchase of Arturia AstroLab. You’ll get the Arturia V Collection X, worth $600, free when you order the instrument — which you can use in your DAW for any project. Read our review of the V Collection X to see what you’re in for.
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Ableton Push 3 is the ultimate Ableton Live controller, but it’s also a supremely powerful instrument in its own right. Built with all of Live’s top-class virtual instruments, effects and sound libraries, you can get hands-on with your next masterpiece. On offer at Sweetwater is the standalone version, down from $2,000 to $1,499, meaning you can truly take Push 3 with you to create, mix, record and play wherever you go, no laptop required.
More deals coming soon. Check Sweetwater to browse all 14,000 deals. 
 
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Katy Perry wins trademark battle with Katie PerryKaty Perry wins trademark battle against Australian designer Katie Perry, overturning a previous ruling.
The post Katy Perry wins trademark battle with Katie Perry appeared first on Hypebot.

Vinyl Minded with The Stooges and RamonesThe StoogesThe Stooges (Rhino/Elektra)Limited edition 180-gram heavyweight LPWe've been enjoying two reissues of total punk classics this week, starting with the 1969 debut from the Iggy Pop-led photo-punk icons The Stooges. The album is, of course, perfect. An eight-track beast, and it's still weird to think that this gem dropped in the '60s (albeit at the end of the '60s). It was so far ahead of its time, there's little wonder that it confused and confounded so many people back then."1969" kicks things off in spectacularly gnarly fashion, "I Wanna Be Your Dog" is as startling as it ever was, and "No Fun" manages to be hooky and droning at the same time. "As part of its liner notes, this High Fidelity release features an insightful Q&A with legendary photographer Glen Craig conducted by A&R producer Jason Jones," reads the press release. "During this conversation, Craig recounts chronicling the recording sessions for The Stooges, snapping photos as the musicians performed live in the studio. He recalls, 'I shot a picture of Iggy with his shirt off, practically in his underwear, dancing around on the amps and stuff. That’s pretty much the way things went'."Incidentally, this writer spoke at length with the band (including the members no longer with us) for the book Head On.RamonesRoad to Ruin (Rhino/Sire)Limited edition, 180-gram heavyweight LPRoad to Ruin, released in 1978, was New York bruddahs the Ramones' fourth album, and it was the first to feature drummer Marky Ramone in the ranks in place of the departed Tommy.The lineup change did nothing to slow them down though; every song's a winner on here, from the opening blast of "I Just Want to Have Something to Do" to the inspired singalong brilliance of "She's the One." The cover of the Searchers' "Needles and Pins" highlighted the punk band's gift for recognizing shining pop lights, and undeniable melodies."[Producer Ed] Stasium penned new liner notes for the High Fidelity Release of Road To Ruin," reads the press release. "He recalls the sessions in vivid detail, discussing the various recording techniques at a fascinating and impressively granular level. He also illuminates the careful meticulousness at the heart of The Ramones’ sound, setting the scene, 'We always recorded the band live in the studio.' The producer goes on to add, 'The final result was a very musically diverse album, ranging from classic Ramones ('I Wanted Everything') to a style that some fans called pop country ('Don’t Come Close'), which, believe it or not, has 14 tracks of overdubbed guitars on it!'"The post Vinyl Minded with The Stooges and Ramones first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Save over $100 on the Arturia MiniBrute 2 in this sweet Black Friday dealIn the market for a new synthesizer? Among the best Black Friday music technology deals is this mint-condition Arturia MiniBrute 2 analogue synth, which is discounted by over $100 over at Reverb.
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An adaptable, dynamic synth with semi-modular architecture and huge connectivity, the MiniBrute 2 features Brute oscillators, a Steiner-Parker filter, Brute Factor knob – which has become the signature Arturia synth element for many fans – as well as a smattering of other features.

READ MORE: The best Black Friday deals on music tech gear at Reverb

They include a second VCO, second LFO, mint VCO and Filter frequency modulation possibilities, modifier-related modulation destinations, loopable AD envelope and loads more.
“Once tamed, this little beast will reveal the full range of its vocalisations, including raging leads and piercing sequences, as well as smooth pads and purring bass,” says Reverb.
There’s also a massive CV/Gate patch bay – allowing you to reinvent and restructure your MiniBrute 2 at any moment – and even the ability to finely dissect your sounds via access to the MiniBrute 2’s genetic code on the right of its front panel.
Like so many top Black Friday deals, we expect this deal to sell very soon; there’s only one available and at the time of writing, someone else already has it in their cart. Why not snatch it right now for yourself…
For more info, head to Reverb.
The post Save over $100 on the Arturia MiniBrute 2 in this sweet Black Friday deal appeared first on MusicTech.