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The $16 PCB RobotIt is a fun project to build a simple robot but, often, the hardest part these days is creating the mechanical base. [Concrete Dog] has a new open source design for stoRPer that uses a PC board as the base. The board has a Raspberry Pi Pico and motor drivers. The modular design allows you to add to it easily and use custom wheels. The video below shows some treaded wheels and some mechanum wheels with gears.
There are mounting holes for sensors and also a way to put another deck above to hold other circuits, power, or whatever you like. There’s lots you could do with this as a starting point.

Some of the parts are 3D printed, like the motor mounts, for example. This offers some flexibility on motors. There are even files for printing PLA wheels with TPU treads that look like they would work well.
The idea is that with a 3D printer and the PC board, you should be able to build something easily. Obviously, you’ll need to find options for motors. Still, with a populated board, many other parts are printable or easy to repurpose. For example, the video mentions using repurposed vape batteries as a power source.
We were a little disappointed there was no video of the little robots doing anything, but if you’ve programmed these sorts of robots before, you know they can be a lot of fun and very capable, especially with a Pi Pico on board.
You could argue that you don’t need four wheels to do this. That does require strange wheels, though, and we bet the stoRPer will do better on terrain with the right wheels, too.

How Powerful Should An Electric bike Be? The UK Is AskingAs electric drives sweep their way to dominance in the automotive world, there’s another transport sector in which their is also continuing apace. Electric-assisted bicycles preserve the feeling of riding a bike as you always have, along with an electric motor to effortlessly power the rider over hill and dale. European electric two-wheelers are limited to a legal top speed of about 15 miles per hour and a 250 watt motor, but in a post-Brexit dash for independence the British government are asking whether that power should be increased to 500 watts.
The Westminster politicians think such a move will make electric bikes more attractive to consumers, and along with a move to motorcycle-style throttles rather than pedal-to-go throttles they want it to accelerate the take-up of greener transport in a country with plenty of hills. Meanwhile cycling groups and safety groups are concerned, the former whether the move is needed at all, and the latter over the fire risk from more powerful battery packs.
The Hackaday electric bike stable gives us a bit of experience on the matter, and our take is that with a 15 mile-per-hour limit there’s little point in upping the motor power. There’s a 350 watt European limit for three-wheelers though, which we could see would really benefit from a raise if applied to cargo bikes. We can however see that a readily-available supply of cheap 500 W motors would be worth having.

Imaginando update free DLYM plug-in Imaginando's free modulation plug-in has just gained a VST3 plug-in version along with support for iOS 14. 

Brian Eno: “‘Why do we like music?’ is as interesting as ‘How did the universe start?’”AVA London Conference: Brian Eno has suggested that discovering why humans like music is as “profound” and “huge” a question as discovering how the universe started.

READ MORE: Three unreleased Brian Eno tracks will feature in upcoming Eno documentary

The statement was made during the opening keynote of AVA London Conference in the British Library in London last Thursday, in which the ambient pioneer aimed to answer the question “Does music help?” alongside former Prince guitarist Donna Grantis.
This keynote initially saw Eno and Grantis attempt to decipher whether music could be a positive force in the fight against climate change, but soon veered into an eye-opening discussion about the psychology behind how artists make music, and why humans like it.
“I think this question of why do we like music is a really profound question. It’s as interesting and as deep as ‘How did the universe start?’ It’s a huge question,” he said.
Brian Eno also talked about the unique relationship humans have with music, contrasting it with the responses of other animals to sound. He noted, “We can look at other animals and see what they do in response to sound.
So some birds know how to keep a beat. Cockatoos are quite good at it. They’ll dance.” However, Eno highlighted a limitation in their musical understanding, stating, “Other creatures can learn melodies, like some of the higher primates can learn melodies. But if you transpose them into a different key, they don’t see the relationship.”

Eno emphasised that humans integrate various sensitivities to music, making it a uniquely fascinating aspect of human experience. He added, “I mean, if I sang a song correctly in one key, and then in another, we’d know it was the same song. We’re the only creatures it seems who integrate all of these different sensitivities.”
The Music For Airports creator also highlighted research conducted at Edinburgh University and an unnamed German university on human reactions to music.
Discussing the findings, Eno noted that humans react most to music with unexpected, dissonant notes or sounds, citing Lou Reed as one example: “The only thing that was common is the most extraordinary, weird little thing, perhaps in music, which is called a [pochatorey – spelling unknown]” He explained, “It’s when you start a melody on the wrong note, and then you correct to the right note.” Continuing this theory, he went on to say that listeners like to be “taken on an adventure” in their music, and that “We like these surprises”.
Keep an eye on AVA Festival for details about AVA’s upcoming festival in Belfast, and head to MusicTech for more news about Brian Eno.
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TuneCore adds Release Tracker with real-time updates, marketing assetsMost of the 100,000 or so tracks uploaded to Spotify and other streamers daily come via a handful of DIY distributors, including TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid, which provide the same access to global digital music distribution.....
The post TuneCore adds Release Tracker with real-time updates, marketing assets appeared first on Hypebot.

New Liam Gallagher and John Squire LP is world’s first vinyl EcoRecordThe new Liam Gallagher and John Squire joint album has been released by WMG as its first sustainable EcoRecord.....
The post New Liam Gallagher and John Squire LP is world’s first vinyl EcoRecord appeared first on Hypebot.

Behringer and Roland dominate in new world map showing most popular synth brands by countryWhat are the synth-buying habits of those in Guyana? Or in Madagascar? Frankly, these aren’t questions we’ve found ourselves searching for the answers to, but new research is now available, if you’re so inclined.
The team at Wood & Fire Studio have analysed the Google search volume of the top 6 synthesizer brands in 118 countries, across every continent bar Antarctica. A missed opportunity, we say: What else would those guys on research expeditions be doing during down time?

READ MORE: Avenged Sevenfold launch Fortnite-style Season Pass – allowing devoted fans to rack up points and earn rewards

We digress. The research – unsurprisingly – found Roland and Behringer to be the most searched-for synth brands in the world, accounting for 52.13% of total searches. It also discovered that in the origin location of each brand, that brand is the most popular of the six.
For example, in its homeland of France, Arturia is the most searched-for synth brand, while Behringer is the most popular brand in Germany, Roland is top dog in Japan, and Moog’s king in the US.
Credit: Wood & Fire Studio
In terms of search volume, Behringer dominates the majority of South America, taking the top spot in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Peru. It’s also top in Mexico and Spain. With the exception of Brazil which speaks Portuguese, Wood & Fire says this reflects Behringer’s marketing efforts in the Spanish-speaking market.
Roland, however, appears to dominate Canada, most of Africa, Australia and much of Asia including India and Mongolia.
It should be noted again that the research uses Google search volume as its methodology, which may not be consequently reflective of actual buying habits of populations. That said, it could be a good indicator.
You can visit Wood & Fire Studio to check out an interactive map, allowing you to hover over countries to see their synth search volume.
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GUY MEREDITH joins SOS as UK Media Sales Manager Joining the SOS Sales Team is Guy Meredith, former Account Director Music Division at Future PLC...

Music videos don’t drive Marketing and Engagement like they used toSome evidence suggests that music videos are not as impactful to an artist's success as they used to be. Should musicians even bother.....
The post Music videos don’t drive Marketing and Engagement like they used to appeared first on Hypebot.

Tierra Audio launch Gravity Mix & Master compressor Tierra Audio's latest compressor sticks to their all-analogue approach in terms of signal path, but introduces some interesting digital control options. 

Justice release Incognito, the “​​synth-laden” third single from their forthcoming album HyperdramaElectronic duo Justice have launched the third single, Incognito, from their forthcoming album Hyperdrama.
The new release follows on from comeback singles One Night/All Night featuring Tame Impala and Generator which landed back in January. Further details on the track listing for the new record are yet to be revealed, but it is set for a 26 April release.

READ MORE: How to create Justice-style distorted synths

The new single begins with a spacey intro and then picks up into a faster pace, packing in loads of chunky synth sounds. It goes through varying pace changes throughout, with each one bringing a new melodic pattern.
Justice say of the track, “Like many songs on this record, it switches from all electronic to all human music abruptly, multiple times within its four minute run. The structure is dictated by what feels good at the moment it happens, without necessarily following any other rule.
“We had to unlearn everything we thought we knew about song structures, and music in general, when we started working on Hyperdrama, which was very refreshing,” they conclude.
Listen below:

Justice’s new album will mark their first studio record since 2016’s Woman. As the track listing is still under wraps, it could well be possible for a collaboration with The Weeknd to feature on the album.
Back in January, The Weeknd had been posting a range of cryptic images on Instagram containing Justice’s signature cross logo, with one also featuring a French flag – the duo, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, are of French nationality.
Justice are also billed as a headliner of Field Day Festival, and a topline performer for this year’s Coachella Festival – this will act as the debut performance of their as-yet-unseen new live show. They will be playing a range of shows shortly before and following the release of the new album.
View all live dates via the official Justice website.
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Actuate By Ardura Is A FREE Open-Source Subtractive Synthesizer
Ardura, an independent developer and trance producer, has just released a free, open-source synth called Actuate. Actuate is a subtractive synthesizer, a sampler, and a granulizer all at once made in Rust. While it can be scary to look at because of its cluttered UI, it does deliver a very nice sound and has a [...]
View post: Actuate By Ardura Is A FREE Open-Source Subtractive Synthesizer

Talk Box pioneer and sound system innovator Bob Heil has passed away at 83Bob Heil, the man behind the Talk Box effect unit, has sadly passed away aged 83. Heil founded Heil Sound in 1966, where he also began to create improved live sound systems compared to what was on the market at the time. He later released the Talk Box in 1973.
According to a post shared by Heil Sound, he passed away peacefully and surrounded by family following a battle with cancer. Many industry figures have paid tribute to the innovator, who also worked with the likes of the Grateful Dead, The Who, Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Jeff Beck and more.

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A post shared by Heil Sound – Modern microphone company rooted in tradition. (@heilsound)

Heil was drafted in to provide a PA for the Grateful Dead’s show at the Fox Theater in St Louis in 1970 when their regular sound operator was unavailable, according to Music Radar. His powerful and uniquely crafted sound system was a huge success, and saw him invited to tour with the band thereafter. Heil also worked for Pete Townshend, and created the quadraphonic sound system used while the band toured their Quadrophenia album.
Walsh, who Heil’s Talk Box was developed for, describes the innovator as an “amazing musician” and “a tireless problem solver” in a statement shared online. He adds, “Bob was our wizard in the Midwest. He was also my friend for more than 50 years… RIP, man. I love you and miss you already. Sending love to Sarah [his wife] and to the world of audioheads you leave behind.”

"So waddya got that doesn't work?" I can hear Bob Heil's voice in the back of my mind. An amazing musician (especially…
Posted by Joe Walsh on Saturday, March 2, 2024

Rock artist Peter Frampton, who famously used Heil’s Talk Box on his successful 1976 record Frampton Comes Alive!, writes on X/Twitter: “I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my friend for so many years, Bob Heil. A musician, inventor, ham radio expert, Heil Sound and microphones. He gave me a very important present [in the] mid seventies. The Heil Talkbox! Can never thank Bob enough. Rest in power my friend.”

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my friend for so many years, Bob Heil. A musician, inventor, ham radio expert,  @Heilsound and microphones. He gave me a very important present mid seventies. The Heil Talkbox!! Can never thank Bob enough. Rest in power my friend.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) March 3, 2024

You can read more tributes below:

Bob Heil of Heil Sound just passed away. A sound pioneer, he helped refine the Heil Talk Box and his Heil Microphones are true workhorses. Tape Op sends condolences to family, co-workers, and friends of Bob’s. He’ll be missed. https://t.co/dnpXcBnfwM pic.twitter.com/NBsX9Hjm8K
— Tape Op (@tapeopmag) March 1, 2024

Renowned music industry innovator Bob Heil, celebrated for his creation of the Talk Box effect unit, has passed away at 83. His legacy is marked by groundbreaking contributions to live concert sound systems, pipe organ tuning, ham radio, and running a music store, too. pic.twitter.com/A6aXCzf3Xd
— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) March 5, 2024

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