Capacitor Memory Makes Homebrew Relay Computer Historically PlausibleIt’s one thing to create your own relay-based computer; that’s already impressive enough, but what really makes [DiPDoT]’s design special– at least after this latest video— is swapping the SRAM he had been using for historically-plausible capacitor-based memory.
A relay-based computer is really a 1940s type of design. There are various memory types that would have been available in those days, but suitable CRTs for Williams Tues are hard to come by these days, mercury delay lines have the obvious toxicity issue, and core rope memory requires granny-level threading skills. That leaves mechanical or electromechanical memory like [Konrad Zeus] used in the 30s, or capacitors. he chose to make his memory with capacitors.
It’s pretty obvious when you think about it that you can use a capacitor as memory: charged/discharged lets each capacitor store one bit. Charge is 1, discharged is 0. Of course to read the capacitor it must be discharged (if charged) but most early memory has that same read-means-erase pattern. More annoying is that you can’t overwrite a 1 with a 0– a separate ‘clear’ circuit is needed to empty the capacitor. Since his relay computer was using SRAM, it wasn’t set up to do this clear operation.
He demonstrates an auto-clearing memory circuit on breadboard, using 3 relays and a capacitor, so the existing relay computer architecture doesn’t need to change. Addressing is a bit of a cheat, in terms of 1940s tech, as he’s using modern diodes– though of course, tube diodes or point-contact diodes could conceivably pressed into service if one was playing purist. He’s also using LEDs to avoid the voltage draw and power requirements of incandescent indicator lamps. Call it a hack.
He demonstrates his circuit on breadboard– first with a 4-bit word, and then scaled up to 16-bit, before going all way to a massive 8-bytes hooked into the backplane of his Altair-esque relay computer. If you watch nothing else, jump fifteen minutes in to have the rare pleasure of watching a program being input via front panel with a complete explanation. If you have a few extra seconds, stay for the satisfyingly clicky run of the loop. The bonus 8-byte program [DiPDoT] runs at the end of the video is pure AMSR, too.
Yeah, it’s not going to solve the rampocalypse, any more than the initial build of this computer helped with GPU prices. That’s not the point. The point is clack clack clack clack clack, and if that doesn’t appeal, we don’t know what to tell you.

The 1975 to receive MPG Award Ahead of their upcoming MPG Awards, the Music Producers Guild (MPG) have revealed the latest winner in their collection of gifted awards.

UMG puts US listing plans on holdCompany confirmed the decision as part of its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings announcement on March 5
Source

How to write better lyrics: 9 tips for your songwriting
From experimenting with new rhyming schemes to being more intentional about your message, we explore nine tips and techniques that can help you improve your lyrics.

Duality Strings Bundle from VSL VSL’s Duality Strings series comprises six releases, and now, VSL are offering the whole set at a reduced cost in the form of the Duality Strings Bundle.

Harmonica Pocket's Keeth Apgar Wins ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music AwardNews broke this week that, "Singer-songwriter-educator Keeth Apgar, founder and frontman of the Pacific Northwest-based The Harmonica Pocket, has won the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award for a body of work that spans nearly 30 years."

"Equal parts silly and sweet, The Harmonica Pocket is a young-at-heart band bursting with thoughtful, fun-loving songs for 'ages zero to Grandma' that inspire spontaneous family dance parties wherever they’re played," a statement reads. "The band makes the case for blurring the lines between children’s and grown-up music, elevating 'kids’ music' into something meaningful, moving, and joyful. Kids can handle rich, nuanced subjects!"

"I believe in finishing things," says Apgar. "Even writing bad songs is part of my practice - The last song I wrote is called 'Stupid Song.' You can’t pick up a guitar and order a timeless classic, but you can sit down and finish a tune. Emphasizing quantity over quality eventually leads to better songs."

"A song is a puzzle," he adds. "You can study the picture on the box and build the border first, or you can start by fitting together small pieces without knowing what you’re making. Once the song has some shape, you enter a new phase - making the natural rhythm of words line up with rhyme. It’s fascinating, challenging, and maddening — and beautifully rewarding when the pieces finally lock."

According to the press release, "The ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award was established in 2010 by Joe Raposo’s family to honor his legacy. Raposo, one of the creators and longtime musical director of Sesame Street, wrote music for diverse talents such as Kermit The Frog, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Dr. Seuss, Barbra Streisand, and Cookie Monster. His songs like “Sing,” “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green,” and the “Sesame Street Theme” paved the way for him to receive five Grammys and multiple Gold and Platinum albums."

The Harmonica Pocket's "Imperfection is a Gift" is out now.

The post Harmonica Pocket's Keeth Apgar Wins ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Morphulus releases Spectrus, a modular multi-effect plugin with 7 free effects
Morphulus has released Spectrus, a modular multi-effect plugin with a permanently free tier and a paid Pro version. Let’s cover the differences between the two versions first. The free version of Spectrus includes seven effects with no time limit. The Pro version, which unlocks all 21 effects, is priced at $49 as a one-time purchase [...]
View post: Morphulus releases Spectrus, a modular multi-effect plugin with 7 free effects

Soundtrap introduces “total rebrand” of its online DAW platform – here’s what’s newOnline DAW platform Soundtrap has announced a “total rebrand”, introducing a plethora of new features for its 2.0 version.
Soundtrap – which was sold to streaming giant Spotify in 2017, before being sold back to original founders Per Emanuelsson and Björn Melinder in 2023 – says the latest iteration of its online DAW aims to offer producers a “more powerful” environment while “removing some of the friction” creators had previously experienced while using the platform.

READ MORE: Save over £2,500 on Waves’ Diamond Bundle of 86 top mixing and mastering plugins

New and updated features include a refreshed design to make the workspace more streamlined and easier to navigate, a new desktop app for Mac which syncs in real time with the cloud/web-based studio, a newly rebuilt mobile app for listening back to projects on the go, an expanded set of automation features, plus 1000+ new loops and presets for sparking creativity. There’s also been a lift on track limits.
Currently, Soundtrap is available on a number of paid tiers, as well as a free version with more limited – but still pretty decked out – features.
Simplicity – and the most frictionless path to creativity – appears to be a key pillar of the thought process behind Soundtrap 2.0. In a blog post on the Soundtrap website, it’s said that there are “no heavyweight setups and no long, gruelling learning curves” often associated with other DAWs.

The new version also seeks to shed the “entry-level” label often attributed to Soundtrap, offering a “more serious” environment, but one which still “stays out of your way”.
Soundtrap also comes with a host of stock plugins, including reverb, distortion, EQ, delay and compressors, plus virtual instruments like a Beatmaker, software synths and an 808 with Glide sounds. There’s also thousands of royalty-free loops, samples, one-shots and sound effects, and a host of collaboration features which facilitate working with other creators in different locations.
As part of the relaunch, Soundtrap has made an AMA (Ask Me Anything) post on Reddit, on which it is answering questions posed by existing and prospective users about new features, plus features not yet included.
We just released a big update to Soundtrap (desktop app, automation, no track limits) – AMA byu/adam_soundtrap insoundtrap

Learn more at Soundtrap.
The post Soundtrap introduces “total rebrand” of its online DAW platform – here’s what’s new appeared first on MusicTech.

Save over £2,500 on Waves’ Diamond Bundle of 86 top mixing and mastering pluginsHow great would it be to find a plugin bundle that covers all bases in your production arsenal, so you never need to spend money on plugins again – or at least for a very long time? Well, this deal on Waves’ Diamond Bundle over at Plugin Boutique might just be the ticket. 
Until 16 March, you can save a whopping 94% on this absolutely stacked bundle comprising 86 essential audio mixing and mastering plugins, and pay just £169 instead of the usual price of £2,828.
[deals ids=”5IXdlT1g75RfxlUokmoZf0″]
This insane deal arrives as part of Plugin Boutique’s Mixing Month celebration which, for the duration of March, sees a plethora of top mixing and mastering plugins on the platform discounted heavily so you can add them to your production arsenal for less.
The Waves Diamond Bundle is the perfect option to deck out your production toolkit with everything you’ll ever need, with 86 plugins spanning dynamics, EQ, reverb, pitch correction, spatial imaging and more.

READ MORE: The best free and paid-for plugins you need to know about this week

“This comprehensive collection of audio processing tools elevates your studio setup with unparalleled signal processing capabilities, suitable for tracking, mixing, mastering, creative sound design, and audio restoration tasks,” says Plugin Boutique.
Essentially, the Diamond Bundle is the next step up in the Waves hierarchy from its Platinum Bundle, adding crucial plugins like the L3 multiband level maximizer, Center, and WLM Plus Loudness Meter. 
There’s also the complete X-series of plugins for noise reduction and audio repair, as well as premium production tools including the NLS console summing plugin, OneKnob filter and more.
See below for a full list of included plugins:

AudioTrack
C1 Compressor
C4 Multiband Compressor
Center
CLA Unplugged
Cobalt Saphira
DeEsser
Doppler
Doubler
Eddie Kramer Drum Channel
Electric Grand 80 Piano
eMo F2 Filter
eMo Generator
eMo Q4 Equalizer
Enigma
Greg Wells PianoCentric
Greg Wells ToneCentric
GTR3 Amps
GTR3 Stomps
GTR3 ToolRack
GTR3 Tuner
H-Comp Hybrid Compressor
H-Delay Hybrid Delay
IR-L Convolution Reverb
Key Detector
L1 Ultramaximizer
L2 Ultramaximizer
L3 Multimaximizer
L3 Ultramaximizer
L3-LL Multimaximizer
L3-LL Ultramaximizer
Linear Phase EQ
Linear Phase Multiband Compressor
LoAir
Lofi Space
Magma Springs
Manny Marroquin Triple D
MaxxBass
MaxxVolume
MetaFilter
MetaFlanger
MondoMod
Morphoder
MV2
NLS Non-Linear Summer
Nx – Virtual Mix Room over Headphones
OneKnob Driver
OneKnob Filter
OneKnob Pumper
PAZ Analyzer
PS22 Stereo Maker
PuigTec EQs
Q10 Equalizer
Q-Clone
Renaissance Axx
Renaissance Bass
Renaissance Channel
Renaissance Compressor
Renaissance DeEsser
Renaissance Equalizer
Renaissance Reverb
Renaissance Vox
Retro Fi
S1 Stereo Imager
Sibilance
Smack Attack
SoundShifter
Spherix Immersive Compressor & Limiter
Submarine
SuperTap
Trans-X
TrueVerb
UltraPitch
V-Comp
V-EQ3
V-EQ4
Vitamin Sonic Enhancer
Voltage Amps
VU Meter
Waves Tune LT
WLM Plus Loudness Meter
X-Click
X-Crackle
X-Hum
X-Noise
Z-Noise

So don’t wait around – save over £2,500 on the last plugin bundle you’ll ever need right now at Plugin Boutique.
The post Save over £2,500 on Waves’ Diamond Bundle of 86 top mixing and mastering plugins appeared first on MusicTech.

WaveShaper releases Nya8 808 sample pack (free version available)
WaveShaper has released Nya8 (Not Yet Another 808), an 808 sample pack with a heavily character-driven approach to the classic drum machine we all know and love. The full pack costs $5.90, and a free version containing 25 samples is available on the product page. It’s 2026, and I’m covering the second free WAV sample [...]
View post: WaveShaper releases Nya8 808 sample pack (free version available)

LOVE 2: This granular effects plugin from Dawesome brings your sound to life instantlyDawesome has released LOVE 2, the next evolution of its acclaimed ambient plugin LOVE, now available via Tracktion. Described as a “sound-shaping instrument” that bring “instant beauty for any sound”, LOVE 2 lets you turn any audio into textures that shimmer, bloom, and unfold like an impressionist painting.
Built on a simple idea – when you’re in love, everything feels more intense, alive, and beautiful – LOVE 2 brings that philosophy to sound. Flat tones ripple with movement, static synths bloom into luminous textures, and lone vocals can blossom into rich, vibrant choirs.

READ MORE: Flavour your recordings with the sound of the Sunset Strip with this new reverb plugin from IK Multimedia

At the core of LOVE 2 is a musically tuned granular engine, designed to create complex, flowing textures while keeping musicality front and centre. Complementing this is a modular effects section that can host up to six effects simultaneously. Each slot can be freely assigned from a curated selection of more than 20 effects, and every module offers dedicated sub-presets and its own dry/wet balance, so results feel musical from the first turn.

Drag-and-drop signal flow and intelligent randomisation with module lock make experimentation fast and intuitive. Presets from the original LOVE can also be imported, making the transition to LOVE 2 seamless.
Peter V from Dawesome explains, “At the top, you create the texture – the brushstrokes. Below, you shape colour and nuance. LOVE 2 lets you treat sound like light on a canvas.”
With 250+ presets ready to explore, LOVE 2 is aimed at musicians and producers looking to add life and movement to otherwise static sounds, whether in electronic productions, film scoring, or experimental music.
LOVE 2 is available now for $69, with an introductory price of $49 for a limited time. Users upgrading from LOVE 1 can purchase for $29 (intro: $19).

Learn more at Tracktion.
The post LOVE 2: This granular effects plugin from Dawesome brings your sound to life instantly appeared first on MusicTech.

“AI, when done right, isn’t here to replace musicians”: Charlie Puth joins AI music platform Moises as Chief Music OfficerCharlie Puth has joined AI music platform Moises as its new Chief Music Officer.
In the newly created role, the producer and songwriter will help guide the company’s creative and product direction, collaborating on artist-focused features and ensuring the platform reflects how musicians actually work in the studio.

READ MORE: Baby Audio’s Tekno 1.1 is an instantly gratifying beat creation platform

“I’ve been using Moises in my own creative process for years, as have many of my friends,” says Puth. “It opens up possibilities that used to take hours or expensive studio setups, whether that’s isolating vocals to study technique or experimenting with arrangements in real time. AI, when done right, isn’t here to replace musicians. It’s here to help artists learn, explore and bring their ideas to life.”
Founded in 2019, Moises develops AI-powered tools designed to support music practice, performance and creation. Rather than using generative AI to create entire songs at the click of a button, the platform focuses on tools that help musicians work more efficiently with their own recordings.
Users can upload tracks and use Moises’ technology to isolate vocals and instruments, identify chords and song structure, detect key and tempo, and experiment with new arrangements. The company also says its AI models are trained “exclusively on licensed content”.
The platform currently offers a range of professional-grade production tools – including stem separation, chord recognition, key and beat detection, and lyrics transcription – powered by more than 45 proprietary AI models.
To mark the partnership, Puth and Moises have launched a global remix competition titled The Moises Jam Session. The contest invites musicians and fans to remix or cover Puth’s new single Beat Yourself Up, the lead track from his upcoming album Whatever’s Clever!, arriving 27 March.
Through the Moises app, participants can access the song’s original stems – including isolated vocals and instrument tracks – to create their own versions. Puth will personally select the winning remix and cover, with finalists receiving up to $100,000 in cash and prizes, signed merchandise and a backstage meet-and-greet at his Madison Square Garden show on 29 May.
Moises CEO Geraldo Ramos says the collaboration reflects the company’s broader philosophy around AI and creativity: “Musicianship has always evolved alongside technology, and AI represents the next chapter in that story. But we believe the future of music creation isn’t about AI generating songs for you. It’s about AI amplifying what makes human creativity irreplaceable: intuition, emotion and artistic vision. AI should be a brush in the artist’s hand, not a paint-by-numbers kit. Championing that human element is our passion and purpose.”
Learn more at Moises.
The post “AI, when done right, isn’t here to replace musicians”: Charlie Puth joins AI music platform Moises as Chief Music Officer appeared first on MusicTech.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei calls OpenAI’s messaging around military deal ‘straight up lies,’ report saysAnthropic gave up its contract with the Pentagon over AI safety disagreements -- then, OpenAI swooped in.

Bitcoin’s bullish momentum accelerates but topping $78K remains a challengeBitcoin’s rally is accelerating, but 43% of holders are still at a loss, leading traders to favor put options. Will this week’s gains hold?

Vape-powered Car Isn’t Just Blowing SmokeDisposable vapes aren’t quite the problem/resource stream they once were, with many jurisdictions moving to ban the absurdly wasteful little devices, but there are still a lot of slightly-smelly lithium batteries in the wild. You might be forgiven for thinking that most of them seem to be in [Chris Doel]’s UK workshop, given that he’s now cruising around what has to be the world’s only vape-powered car.
Technically, anyway; some motorheads might object to calling donor vehicle [Chris] starts with a car, but the venerable G-Wiz has four wheels, four seats, lights and a windscreen, so what more do you want? Horsepower in excess of 17 ponies (12.6 kW)? Top speeds in excess of 50 Mph (80 km/h)? Something other than the dead weight of 20-year-old lead-acid batteries? Well, [Chris] at least fixes that last part.
The conversion is amazingly simple: he just straps his 500 disposable vape battery pack into the back seat– the same one that was powering his shop–into the GWiz, and it’s off to the races. Not quickly, mind you, but with 500 lightly-used lithium cells in the back seat, how fast would you want to go? Hopefully the power bank goes back on the wall after the test drive, or he finds a better mounting solution. To [Chris]’s credit, he did renovate his pack with extra support and insulation, and put all the cells in an insulated aluminum box. Still, the low speed has to count as a safety feature at this point.
Charging isn’t fast either, as [Chris] has made the probably-controversial decision to use USB-C. We usually approve of USB-Cing all the things, but a car might be taking things too far, even one with such a comparatively tiny battery. Perhaps his earlier (equally nicotine-soaked) e-bike project would have been a better fit for USB charging.
Thanks to [Vaughna] for the tip!