2B Delayed Classic Plugin Is FREE This Week!
The 2B Delayed Classic plugin is free this week at the company’s website if you apply the coupon BFDELAY at checkout. The plugin offers delay, reverb, filter, and distortion in a single package and is available for Windows and macOS. It has a regular list price of €24.99. 2B Played Music describes the plugin as [...]
View post: 2B Delayed Classic Plugin Is FREE This Week!

Cherry Audio emulates ARP’s preset synth with programmable and fully polyphonic Pro SoloistCherry Audio’s latest virtual instrument from its Synth Stack 4 collection is the Pro Soloist – an emulation of the 1972 ARP Pro Soloist, also known as the first commercial preset synthesiser.
This rendition of the classic synth expands upon its existing characteristics by making it fully programmable and adds full polyphony.

READ MORE: 5 of Amazon’s best early Black Friday deals on portable speakers, headphones and more

The original Pro Soloist became known for its presence in prog rock, but was also used by artists such as Gary Numan, Kansas, David Bowie, Brian Wilson, Prince, and many others. Tony Banks of Genesis also bought the Pro Soloist as his first ever synth.
The Cherry Audio Pro Soloist “exactingly reproduces” the expressive controls, 30 presets, and other characteristics of the original, whilst also introducing splits and layers, a mod matrix, integrated effects, and more.
A dual-layer voicing architecture, with 16 polyphonic voices per layer now, enables two different presets to be used simultaneously. There’s also a split keyboard mode and an option to simulate polyphonic aftertouch.
Notably, there is now an Edit mode, where all of the inside circuitry used for the Cherry Audio Pro Soloist becomes exposed. In this mode, users can access a five parallel bandpass filter Resonator Bank as well as other controls. An Arp/FX mode offers a syncable arpeggiator and a multitude of studio-quality effects for distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, echo, and reverb.
“Pro Soloist is the latest in Cherry Audio’s roster of ultimate ‘what if?’ virtual instruments,” says the brand. “Featuring the precision-crafted and circuit-modelled DSP designs of award-winning developer Mark Barton, Cherry Audio’s Pro Soloist goes far beyond emulating the treasured, preset-based monophonic analogue synth originally released by ARP in 1972.”
Take a look at the video below for more:

The Cherry Audio Pro Soloist is available now for $49. Find out more at Cherry Audio.
The post Cherry Audio emulates ARP’s preset synth with programmable and fully polyphonic Pro Soloist appeared first on MusicTech.

killihu MKT Mapper MIDI key triggered mapper and CC sender. Each time a MIDI note is received, it advances one step in the sequence. Similar to the incremental MMap function found in Zebra 2. ... Read More

A2D2 streams audio directly from analogue devices to your smart speakersA2D2 is a new product that allows users to stream audio directly from devices such as record players or tape decks to smart speakers such as Alexa or Sonos.
The purpose of A2D2 is to carry the warm, rich tones of analogue devices that people love so much, and merge them with the modern convenience of smart devices.

READ MORE: 5 of Amazon’s best early Black Friday deals on portable speakers, headphones and more

A2D2 is small in size and has the “footprint of a credit card,” yet it can carry any analogue output to a WiFi-enabled device. For private listening, you can also use your smartphone with Bluetooth or wired headphones to listen to your favourite vinyl records, CDs or tapes.
“If your device outputs analogue audio, A2D2 can hear it,” says the startup brand. “It’ll digitise the audio it receives and then beam it to whatever device you like. We designed A2D2 to work best with Smart Speakers, but you can also tune in on your PC/Mac or Smart TV.”
Take a look at the video for more:

The revival of physical music formats such as vinyl and cassette tapes is continuing to grow. Earlier this year it was revealed that vinyl records had overtaken PlayStation games as the second biggest selling physical format of entertainment in the UK.
Data from the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) revealed in September that vinyl records had brought in £80.9 million so far at that time.
In 2022, Taylor Swift’s Midnights became the first album to sell better on vinyl than CD in 35 years, with the pop star having sold over 800,000 units of the album on vinyl at its initial release.
A2D2 is available now for £119. Shipping will commence in December, and you can currently get 20 percent off until Cyber Monday. Find out more at A2D2.
The post A2D2 streams audio directly from analogue devices to your smart speakers appeared first on MusicTech.

Black Friday 2023: the best deals on MIDI keyboardsBlack Friday 2023 is finally here. Well, more accurately it’s tomorrow (24 November), but that doesn’t mean all the biggest music retailers haven’t already started slashing price tags. And if you’re in the market to kit out your home studio with a new MIDI keyboard, there’s no better time in the calendar year to make that purchase.

READ MORE: Black Friday deals 2023: Best early deals for music producers, DJs, beatmakers and musicians

Here at MusicTech, we’re making it our sole mission over the next few days to bring you the best deals from the largest and most reputable retailers, in order to save you hours of endless scrolling and get you what you need, right now, for a massive discount. Sound good?
If so, go forth – or scroll down – to see the very best Black Friday MIDI keyboard deals on the web right now. We’ve trawled the likes of Thomann, zZounds, and Guitar Center to pinpoint where the best savings lie. All you need to do is head down and treat yourself. Its nearly Christmas, after all…
Native Instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 MK2 Smart Keyboard Controller – 20% off

If you’re looking for a complete solution with an intuitive interface to browse and play software instruments, there are few options better than the Native Instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 MK2. Loaded with two high-resolution colour screens for enhanced user experience, the S61 MK2 features Native Instruments’ Native Browser, allowing you to browse your entire KOMPLETE and VST instrument library from one place.
The keyboard also sports stellar DAW compatibility, with dedicated controls to operate the transport, mixing and editing functions of your DAW. It’s got a load more handy features for ease and playability, too, and you can for just $599 over at Guitar Center. At a normal retail price of $749, that’s a $150 saving, or 20% off.

Check deal at Guitar Center

Yamaha PSR-E373 61-Key Portable Keyboard – only $179

Perhaps you don’t have a massive budget to spend, or you’re looking to add a new toy to the gear collection without breaking the bank. If this sounds like you, the Yamaha PSR-E373 should be right up your street. Ideal for beginners and hobbyists, this keyboard is loaded with over 600 high-quality instrument voices and accompaniment styles, but can also be plugged in via USB to control any number of software instruments you have lurking inside your DAW. And you can get yours now for just $179.99 at Guitar Center.

Check deal at Guitar Center

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – only $96

This Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is currently just $96 over at Thomann. If you’re pushed for desktop space, this compact unit has everything you need and nothing you don’t, with 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, a four-way joystick for pitch and modulation control, and even 8 MPC pads – perfect if you’re looking to channel your inner Fred again..

Check deal at Thomann

Akai Professional MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller, 49-Key – save $140

And if 25 keys just ain’t enough for you, why don’t you try this one on for size. The Akai Professional MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller boasts almost double the number of keys (49), and is loaded with 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, and a cool 16 MPC-style pads. This really is the all-in-one MIDI keyboard controller. And over at zZounds, you can save a massive $140, and pick it up for just $329.

Check deal at zZounds

Arturia MiniLab 3 Alpine White – just $106

Black and white keys are conventional, but who says you have to conform? The compact Arturia MiniLab 3 does also come in a more standard black and white aesthetic, but over at Thomann, you can grab one in a striking full Alpine White. Features-wise, it sports 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, two touchstrips for pitch bend and modulation, octave and transpose buttons, eight velocity and pressure sensitive pads, eight assignable encoders and four sliders. Get yours now for just $106.

Check deal at Thomann

More Black Friday MIDI keyboard deals
Of course, these are just the deals that caught our eye. You can browse the full lineup of Black Friday MIDI keyboard deals at any of the retailers below:

Guitar Center
Thomann
zZounds

The post Black Friday 2023: the best deals on MIDI keyboards appeared first on MusicTech.

Watch - Building A Library: Spitfire Audio’s Abbey Road Orchestra In the first episode of a new four-part SOS video series, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the process of planning, recording and developing an orchestral sample library.

5 of the best Black Friday deals on synthsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works click here.
The Black Friday sale season is well and truly upon us once again for 2023. For producers and musicians, it’s a time to take advantage of offers and giveaways on a range of music tech-based products. You may be on the lookout for an electronic instrument or a funky new effect – whatever it is, you’ve got until the end of the month in most cases to grab a game-changing offer that could really amp up your production setup.

READ MORE: Black Friday deals 2023: Best early deals for music producers, DJs, beatmakers and musicians

If your sound is often driven by melodies or gritty basslines, a synthesizer could be the most important component in this. Some of the best dance tracks, for example, revolve around catchy or complex synth riffs. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your synth needs ot be physical either – there are loads of incredible software-based synths out there today that achieve as good, if not better, results than their hardware counterparts. These are five of the best synth deals to get your hands on this Black Friday.
Five of the best Black Friday deals on synths, at a glance:

Roland Juno-DS61 – save $200
Korg Minilogue Bass – now just $611
Novation Bass Station II Analogue synth – save $50
Diva by u-he – 50% off
Rhodes V8 Pro – 50% off

Roland Juno-DS61 – save $200

“Simply creative” is the slogan of Roland’s Juno-DS synths, which come in the form of the 61-key DS61 and the 88-key DS88. Joining a legendary series of synths that includes the Juno-106 and Juno-60, this synth is a solid all-rounder for a range of musicians and producers. The Juno-DS excels with improved controls, enhanced performance pads, added new organ sounds, an expanded Roland sound library, a lighter design, and a versatile vocoder. Price: $599

VIEW DEAL VIA ZZOUNDS

Korg Minilogue Bass – now just $611

Not just a fine-looking piece of kit with its swirling black-on-black design, red finishes and red keys, the Minilogue Bass is a fantastic first synth for beginners looking to add a bit of hardware-made bass to their sound. A limited-edition synth, this features 100 new sounds, 40 specifically designed for bass by professional programmers, offering true rich analogue capabilities. Price: $611

VIEW DEAL VIA THOMANN

Novation Bass Station II Analogue synth – save $50

We love the Novation Bass Station II. It’s perfect for dance music because of its focus on the low frequencies. It’s also analogue, so the basslines you can get from it are rich and warm – perfect for club sound systems. Launched in 2013, the Bass Station II has a dual-oscillator for flexible modulation, a built-in arpeggiator, a step sequencer, a 25-note keyboard, and multiple filters. Price: $449

VIEW DEAL VIA ZZOUNDS

u-he Diva – 50% off

It’s no secret that Diva, a software synth by u-he, is a beast. It’s often regarded as one of the best software synths on the market. Why? Well, it’s the first native software synth that uses methods from industrial circuit simulators in real-time, making it as close as analogue as you’ll get in a plugin, and it’s incredibly powerful and feature-rich, too. It’s a top choice for those who want dynamic, vintage results without forking out the cash for a physical analogue synth. On Plugin Boutique, you can grab it for half price. Price: $98

VIEW DEAL HERE VIA PLUGIN BOUTIQUE

Rhodes V8 Pro – 50% off

A Rhodes plugin?! Yep. In March, Rhodes released a software take on its legendary Rhodes MK8 and it really delivers. The plugin brings with it the revered Rhodes MK8 electric piano’s essence with extensive sampling, more modelling functions, and deeper effects control for meticulous customisation, complemented by artist-built presets. Price: $155

VIEW DEAL VIA PLUGIN BOUTIQUE

Not seeing what you’re looking for? These are just a few selections. You can check out loads more Black Friday offers at your own pace from the following retailers:

Thomann
zZounds
Plugin Boutique
Amazon

The post 5 of the best Black Friday deals on synths appeared first on MusicTech.

SSL 4K E channel strip plug-in released SSL's new 4K E Plug-in is said to authentically recreate the sound, processing and workflow of their revered 4000E console.

New Genos2 workstation from Yamaha The latest generation of Yamaha’s flagship arranger workstation keyboard has arrived, offering an extended soundset, FM technology derived from the DX7, new Ambient Drums sounds, enhanced controls and more.

Korg launches the MPS-10 drum pad, a new rival to the Roland SPD-SXKorg has launched a new drum/percussion pad – the MPS-10 – which looks to be a new rival to Roland’s SPD-SX.
The brand has of course already released the quirky WaveDrum, but this new offering seems to put the brand in the ring with other popular drum pad manufacturers such as Roland, Alesis, Nord, and Yamaha.

READ MORE: 5 of zZounds’ best early Black Friday deals on headphones, synths, MIDI controllers and more

The new product has the typical setup you’d expect from a percussion pad with a total of 10 pads on board. Six of these are your usual sensitive pads that trigger sounds when hit, plus four small CC pads which allow users to apply filters and carry out drum rolls, tonal transformations in real-time, and more.
It has a preloaded sound source, with a collection of 2,350 assignable instruments overall and more than 3000 samples. There’s also a four-track looper, an external trigger IN jack, footswitch compatibility, and an expression jack.
The MPS-10 additionally hosts a Smooth Sound Transition feature for “uninterrupted creativity,” which maintains flow after a cymbal is struck or a sample is repeated. Check out the demo below for more:

“The MPS-10 is the next step in the constant evolution of drum performance and musical expression. Meticulously crafted to be both rugged and refined, MPS-10 meets the diverse demands of drummers and percussionists everywhere, opening the door to new and creative ways of performing never previously possible,” says Korg.
And this isn’t the only product which sees Korg branching out into different territory lately, as it recently launched its first ever MIDI 2.0 keyboard controller, called Keystage.
Described as the “ultimate MIDI keyboard for producers and performers,” Keystage is available with either 49 or 61 keys. It’s equipped with a semi-weighted keybed that supports both channel and polyphonic Aftertouch, and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).
The Korg MPS-10 is priced at £949.00. Find out more at Korg.
The post Korg launches the MPS-10 drum pad, a new rival to the Roland SPD-SX appeared first on MusicTech.

In Australia and New Zealand, a venture downturn isn’t the end. It’s time to shine.The geographic isolation of Australia and New Zealand creates a sense of hustle, if not urgency, around raising funds and building a global product.
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Sam Altman’s ouster shows Biden isn’t handling AI properlyWhat happened with Sam Altman behind the scenes? Neither OpenAI nor Microsoft have provided all the answers. The industry deserves more congressional scrutiny.

DIY Spotlight: Abigail BarlowA lot has happened to Abigail Barlow during her career already. As one half of Barlow & Bear, she won a Grammy for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, in the Best Musical Theater Album category in 2022, despite Netflix filing and later dropping a lawsuit.

She has a new single called “Rock Bottom,” which she has released herself, despite label interest following that Grammy win. She’s had an up-and-down time of it, and the song sees her reflecting on that. To be fair, it’s been quite a journey.

“I’ve been singing and dancing since I was a wee babe, but songwriting became a main focus of mine in my teenage years,” she says.

Barlow describes her solo sound as Katy Perry-meets-Alan Menken. 

“I love the bubblegum pop sound of the 2010s, with the theatrical storytelling and timeless melodies of the mastermind behind so many of my favorite Disney musicals,” she says. 

As well as the “Rock Bottom” single, Barlow’s Princess Pop album will be released early in 2024.

“‘Rock Bottom’ is the first single off my album Princess Pop: A Musical Fable, dropping in 2024,” she says. “This project has been a way to tell my story. To let my fans in on my POV, experiences I’ve had, and lessons I’ve learned. Each song was written with a different crew of collaborators at different times over the last two years, and tells a piece of my story through the lens of a different fairytale.”

Having made the choice to do this herself, Barlow has no regrets.

“The music industry is not what it once was, and that’s great in some respects and not so great in others,” she says. “As an independent artist, I try to look at the silver lining that being DIY means owning all of my music, having creative power over my project, and integrity in what my brand and messaging is.”

For more information, visit abigailbarlowmusic.com.

5 of Amazon’s best early Back Friday deals on portable speakers, headphones and speakersIt’s time to dust off your deal-hunting hat and get stuck into Black Friday. Even though the day hasn’t yet come around, music tech brands in the worlds of both hardware and software are already gearing up for this exciting annual event by making offers on their products early. There’s no time to wait – now is the time to grab a bargain… perhaps on that piece of music gear that’s been on your mind for some time now?

READ MORE: Black Friday deals 2023: Best early deals for music producers, DJs, beatmakers and musicians

And where is it better to start looking than on Amazon? Although heavily associated with the likes of books and homeware, the major retailer has a vast range of music gear. These come in the form of portable speakers and in-ear headphones for consumers and, for professionals, you’d be surprised by how much you can find. Amazon’s gearing up for Black Friday and so should you. Check out five of our favourite Amazon Black Friday offers below.
5 of Amazon’s best early Back Friday deals on portable speakers, headphones and speakers, at a glance:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB audio interface bundle – 44% off
Audio Technica ATH-M50XGM professional monitor headphones – 39% off
Anker SoundCore Soundcore 2 portable bluetooth speaker – 33% off
SUDOTACK USB streaming podcast microphone – 33% off
Sony HT-SF150 soundbar – 34% off

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB audio interface bundle – 44% off

Although the fourth generation is out, Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface still delivers the goods. It offers pro-level performance with premium mic pre-amps, providing a brighter and more open recording. It gives you high-headroom instrument inputs, studio-quality recordings, quality headphones, and an easy setup via Easy Start online tool. In this bundle, you get the interface, a microphone and headphones, too, all for $197. It’s a solid choice for beginners.

Price: $197
Check deal at Amazon

Audio Technica ATH-M50XGM monitor headphones – 39% off

The Audio Technica ATH-M50XGM Professional Monitor Headphones are lauded for their acclaimed sonic performance by top audio engineers and reviewers. These headphones feature 45mm drivers, durable materials for comfort, and excellent sound isolation, while their exclusive gunmetal color is available exclusively on Amazon.

Price: $135
Check deal at Amazon

Anker SoundCore Soundcore 2 portable bluetooth speaker – 33% off

Of course, this is not so much for professional use, but Anker’s SoundCore 2 has some pretty rave reviews. It’s not booming and its not perfect, but for $34, this acts as a no-brainer if you’re looking for a speaker to take to the park with you next summer, for example. It gives you 12W audio, boosted bass, IPX7 protection, 24-hour battery life, and a sleek, portable design for easy listening anywhere.

Price: $34
Check deal at Amazon

SUDOTACK USB streaming podcast microphone – 33% off

Are you a podcaster or streamer? The SUDOSTACK USB podcast microphone could be a perfect microphone for you. Now just $61, it’s an affordable solution that can be the hub of a professional podcasting setup. The main takeaway is, of course, its adjustable boom arm, so no more holding the mic! It has a 24bit/192kHz sample rate, cardioid pickup pattern, plug-and-play connectivity, noise reduction accessories, and wide compatibility.

Price: $61
Check deal at Amazon

Sony HT-SF150 soundbar – 34% off

If you want some volume in your living space without a big unit taking up too much room, then Sony’s HT-SF150 soundbar is a pretty safe choice – not too expensive, not too cheap. It offers powerful S-Force front surround, simple HDMI connectivity, Bluetooth, USB, a slim design, and HDMI ARC for TV control. For just $124, this could liven up your home.

Price: $124
Check deal at Amazon

Find more Black Friday deals at MusicTech.
The post 5 of Amazon’s best early Back Friday deals on portable speakers, headphones and speakers appeared first on MusicTech.

Old School Keys And Indie Voices Libraries For Kontakt Player Are Now FREE
Splash Sound offers the Old School Keys and Indie Voices libraries for Kontakt Player for free until December 8. Old School Keys is a library of five vintage keyboards that normally cost $43, and Indie Voices is a library featuring vocals recorded by professional singers that normally costs $27. You’ll need Kontakt 5.6.8 or higher [...]
View post: Old School Keys And Indie Voices Libraries For Kontakt Player Are Now FREE