Tascam update Sonicview consoles’ firmware The latest firmware for the Sonicview 16 and Sonicview 24 consoles introduces some new functionality and promises to simplify the operation of both units.

“It feels good”: Saoirse’s shift from DJ to producer has been a long time comingSaoirse’s blue cap is embroidered with the statement: ‘I’m not a DJ’. But she’s one of the brightest DJ exports to come out of Ireland in recent years. Her rich, globally-sourced palate of dance music spans blistering techno and house – new and old – to bass and trance. Saoirse’s sound and style have taken her to the world’s greatest dancefloors, with her recent Fabric Presents mix providing yet another justification for this.
She’s also an event curator. In 2021, she set up Body Movements, an event with a focus on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community, hosting a night at Printworks and, so far, three one-day festivals.

READ MORE: My Forever Studio: Jungle’s foley and fake horn revelation

However, the former BBC Radio 1 resident is only just gearing up for what’s ahead. Having set up a record label, trUst, she’s beginning to delve into the world of music production, away from the decks. We find out about what Saoirse is using to make music, where she makes it and what advice she has for budding producers.
TRST002 Two Bruised Egos EP by Saoirse
Saoirse, before we get into the details of your studio and how you use it, let’s talk about your life outside of music production. Tell us about Body Movements.
The wheels got into motion about four years ago but COVID held us back for a couple of years. We’re on our third festival edition now after this most recent edition in July.
Our goal with Body Movements was that it was representative of the full – as much as possible – spectrum of the queer community within clubbing culture. It definitely connected with the community, we get a lot of feedback from attendees that say they feel safe and accepted at BM.
What’s one tune you’re playing at the moment that excites both you and the crowd each time you play it?
I’ve been finishing a lot of sets with Leo Pol, Keep dancing. It’s fast, sexy and also really pretty, for those loved-up moments on the dancefloor.

Tell us about your Fabric Presents mix.
Fabric’s had such a big influence on my life. I’ve been on that dancefloor more times than I can actually count and they feel like a family to me. I don’t need to go there with anyone as I know I will have people there always. I’ve learned so much musically about what DJ I want to be from being within those walls. The mix tries to encapsulate all of those years I’ve spent in Fabric.
fabric presents Saoirse by Saoirse
Let’s move on to production. A recent shift?
A long time coming! It feels good. I still have a lot to learn but it’s such a huge release for me writing music. I feel genuinely happy when I’m in the groove in the studio, like being in a little bubble. It’s meditative.
Have you always made music?
Yes but just messing around in my room really, more as a channel for release. Lockdown gave me the freedom to zone in on it, and improve my knowledge and understanding of all my gear. Sleeping in the studio, waking up and cracking on with it until late that night… surely I must be learning something?!
Tell us a bit about the studio.
I share a studio with a friend in Cambridge Heath. It’s cute and actually has windows which is rare!
TST001 Trust EP by SaoirseHow do you use your studio?
Sometimes I start a project on the road, just get a groove down and then I’ll usually bring those stems into my studio workflow and get some synths and effects on it, and of course listen to it really loud.
We have been looking at renting it out as I am away so much but still paying the full rent. But, who can you trust with your pride and joy?
Saoirse in her studio. Image: Caleb Wissun-Bhide
What is your favourite piece of gear?
Probably the Kawai K5000. It’s the layers of texture it has. It has depth and it’s sparkly and spooky at the same time.
What’s the ethos behind your trUst record label and how did your recent Two Bruised Egos EP and upcoming release from Mella Dee tie into that?
trUst is music for the dancefloors, club tools, nothing more, nothing less. Ideally, something you play today and still in 10 years – tool-y music; essential.
Saoirse in her studio. Image: Caleb Wissun-Bhide
What is your dream piece of gear and why?
The Sequential Prophet-5. It is delicious and I will own one… one day.
If you were left on a desert island, what one item would you take with you to make music with forever?
I would take a djembe.
What is your top piece of production advice?
Experiment. Also, when a track is feeling like it has legs but you just can’t get something right… push through it, and spend that extra painful 30 minutes working on it. It will, and often does, click.
Check out all of Saoirse’s music and mixes via her Soundcloud.
The post “It feels good”: Saoirse’s shift from DJ to producer has been a long time coming appeared first on MusicTech.

A Sync Licensing Music Executive is Changing the GameThis week on the New Music Business Podcast, Ari is joined by Jessica Vaughn, Head of Sync at Venice Music and President of Head Bitch Music.

Royer Labs reveal FlexBar dual mic mount The FlexBar features a pair of L-shaped arms that can be locked off at different angles, offering a more versatile microphone positioning solution than many existing stereo bars.

Electrify America-backed 75MW solar farm kicks off operationsElectrify America, the EV charging company created by Volkswagen in the aftermath of its diesel emissions scandal, said on Tuesday that a new, 75 megawatt solar farm in Southern California is now up and running.
Electrify America isn’t operating this solar farm. Instead, the company struck a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with renewable energy developer Terra-Gen. It’s the latest development in Electrify America’s efforts to link itself to renewable energy projects. The firms broke ground on the plant back in February.
Your typical VPPA involves a buyer, which pays a fixed price for whatever energy is generated, and a seller, which generates the energy and sells it via the grid for the buyer at market rates. The buyer assumes some risk, because the seller might wind up selling the energy below the fixed rate. Yet, the buyer could also see the upside if market prices trend above the fixed rate.
In other words: Electrify America is taking on some risk with this deal, and in exchange it gets to say it’s helping clean up the grid while potentially benefiting from rising energy prices.
Renewable energy developers play a crucial role in decarbonizing the grid, but just how far do VPPAs go in mitigating climate change? This seems to be an open question. Even Electrify America’s press release leaves some wiggle room on this front: “This brand new construction contributes to ‘additionality,’ by producing new renewable energy that may not otherwise be available,” the company said in a statement (Emphasis: TechCrunch).
Might another buyer have stepped in if Electrify America hadn’t? Like any offset-related deal, it’s difficult to say whether the agreement is facilitating something that definitively would not have happened otherwise. (If you are aware of any academic studies on the environmental impact of VPPAs, please get in touch: harri.weber [at] techcrunch.com).
For its part, Electrify America’s announcement states that the peak energy its investment will generate is “comparable to the power drawn by 500 EVs charging at once at an average speed of 150 kilowatts.” The solar farm’s annual “production is projected at 225 Gigawatt-hours,” Electrify America adds. In an earlier press release, the firm claimed the outcome of this deal will be “comparable to the carbon sequestered by planting nearly 40 million trees.”
VW subsidiary Electrify America to add Tesla connectors to EV charging network

Bitcoin price action is beginning to mirror BTC’s 2015-2017 pre-bull market cycleBitcoin’s price action and the crypto markets’ structure are beginning to mirror the pre-bull run activity seen in previous years, according to Delphi Digital.

Sequential unveil Trigon-6 Desktop Module More than just a compact version of their most recent polysynth, Sequential's new Trigon-6 Desktop Module also features some newly introduced MPE capabilties.

Universal Audio UAD Ocean Way Mic Collection The Ocean Way Microphone Collection plug‑in for the UA Sphere modeling microphone system gives you the tones of the "best of the best" vintage mics from the world‑renowned Ocean Way... Read More

Donner Releases B1 Synth Update, Introduces 'Song Mode'Chinese musical instrument manufacturer Donner announced the release of the latest firmware update, V1.1.0, for the Essential B1 Bass Synthesizer, their first analog bassline synthesizer with sequencer. This major update brings a host of exciting new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, making the Essential B1 even more versatile and user-friendly.

SONG MODE Unleashes Infinite Creativity

With the V1.1.0 firmware update and the introduction of SONG MODE, a feature that extends the sequencer from 16 steps to an astounding 256 steps, users can now chain up to 16 patterns, creating seamless transitions and expanding the possibilities of music creation. The new SONG MODE can be switched automatically or manually using the 16 designated buttons, providing quick access to 16 favorite patterns.

Other Updates from the V1.1.0

In addition to the groundbreaking SONG MODE, the V1.1.0 firmware update brings several enhancements and bug fixes, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.

Firmware Version Display

Upon power on, the LED screen now displays the firmware version for easy reference.

Improved Step Editing

The back-lit keypads now indicate the pitch of each step during REC/EDIT mode, facilitating precise adjustments.

Streamlined Parameter Adjustment

Adjusting OCT, GATE LENGTH, and RATCHET for each step is now faster and more intuitive by holding the corresponding button and pressing the↑/ ↓ buttons.

Smart Save Indicator 

Whenever unsaved changes are present in the sequence, the SAVE button will light up, and when switching patterns without saving, the SAVE button will flash briefly for confirmation.

Enhanced Random Note Generator Access

The Random Note Generator is now accessible via PLAY/STOP + REC/EDIT, simplifying the process during sequence playback.

Improved Clear/Rest Function

To clear the pending pattern, use PLAY/STOP + CLEAR/REST instead of PATTERN + CLEAR/REST.

Donnermusic.com

Universal Audio UAD Capitol Chambers Located below the iconic Capitol Tower in Los Angeles, Capitol Studios is arguably the most recognized studio in the world — and much of its legend can be traced to its hallowed, subterranean... Read More

Beggars Group’s revenue up 13.9% YoY in 2022, but inflation, stagnant streaming prices take bite out of profitUK-headquartered firm recently revealed its earnings for 2022 in a regulatory filing to UK Companies House
Source

Elon Musk’s X files motion to dismiss music publishers’ $250m+ copyright lawsuit; NMPA says platform has ‘consistently failed’ to stop ‘rampant piracy’ on its platformTwitter / X has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint 'in its entirety'
Source

Wide Blue Sound Offers FREE Audio Plugin Uninstaller For macOS
I doubt I’ve ever covered anything here with a name that more accurately and succinctly describes the software’s primary function than Audio Plugin Uninstaller by Wide Blue Sound. We typically talk about effects, sounds, instruments, and more creative aspects of music, so I understand if uninstalling plugins doesn’t generate the same excitement. But I also [...]
View post: Wide Blue Sound Offers FREE Audio Plugin Uninstaller For macOS

Best Wireless Earbuds: Best all-purpose wireless earbuds for under £150Whether it’s a crying baby or a bulldozer, everyday soundscapes can never be as blissful as birdsong. That’s why when you’re out and about, a reliable pair of earbuds can help drown out the noise of normality, and whisk us away to a new sonic world of your choosing – be it a podcast, music or Facetime with a friend. Wireless earbuds are the way to go if you don’t want to spend 50 per cent of your life angrily untangling your headphones from your house keys. Just make sure you don’t lose them.

READ MORE: Jayda G: “If you try to sound like someone else, you’ll be chasing your tail”

We’ve gathered a list of the best wireless earbuds on the market that come in at under £150. Not only do these offer pristine sound quality, noise cancellation and ease of use, they’re affordable and comfortable on the ear. Some even offer advanced features like Alexa pairing and sound personalisation. From brands such as Nothing, Denon and Sony, if you’re in the market for a new pair of Bluetooth earbuds that won’t break the bank, this is the definitive list.
Nothing Ear 2
Nothing Ear 2. Image: Nothing

Price: £129
Contact: Nothing
Find deals via Amazon

Nothing, developer of the Ear 2, is backed by musical instrument developer Teenage Engineering and its products share a similar bold aesthetic. These striking buds come in a clear case that features USB-C and wireless charging, with a total of 36 hours’ battery life. Even though the buds provide only 6.3 hours with ANC on, the case can be fast charged in 10 minutes to hold 8 hours of total charge.
The impressive feature set boasts in-ear detection, multiple ANC modes and sound personalisation, including variable amount sliders so you can really tailor the sound. With a sonic depth and richness that rivals pricier competitors, you also get the LHDC codec for up to 24-bit Bluetooth streaming on compatible devices, though this excludes Apple devices which do not support it. They employ a pinch-to-press system rather than touch surfaces for interaction which some people will find much less prone to accidental taps when in use.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4. Image: Anker

Price: £139.99
Contact: Soundcore
Find deals at Amazon

Anker’s pedigree in multiple areas of audio technology informs these feature-heavy and affordable buds. There are up to 9 hours of playback in the buds and 28 in the wireless charging case, personalized adaptive noise cancelling and customizable EQ.
The Liberty 4s are also quite unusual in featuring both 360 degree spatial audio support and dynamic head tracking, as well as a squeeze-to-control system and even heart rate tracking via their sensors. None of this distracts from the business of audio reproduction, with dual drivers and LDAC codec support providing a pleasurable listening experience and an accurate soundstage.
Denon AH-C830NCW
Denon AH-C830NCW. Image: Denon

Price: £138.99

Contact: Denon
Find deals at Amazon

Denon’s acquisition of Nura will see it incorporating the company’s product line, presumably complete with sound personalisation features, but the hi-fi specialist already makes some great buds of its own. The AH-C830NCWs support Google Fast Pairing, have IPX4 water resistance and up to 6 hours of battery life in the buds and 24 hours in total from the charging case.
Active noise cancelling and an ambient listening mode are powered by built-in microphones, and Denon Sound Master Tuning ensures strong audio performance across a range of genres.
Yamaha TW-E5B
Yamaha TW-E5BG. Image: Yamaha

Price: £129
Contact: Yamaha
Find deals at Amazon

Offering sonic quality that is easily a match for pricier rivals, Yamaha’s buds have a relatively lightweight build but provide 8.5 hours of playback via the buds and an additional 21.5 hours in the case, which charges over USB-C. IPx5 waterproofing is a little better than some competitors manage and manual buttons on the buds allow control of playback, taking and making calls and so on.
Although there’s ambient listening mode, there’s no noise cancelling – for that you’d need Yamaha’s E7Bs – but the focus here is on fidelity. Two 7mm drivers and a number of tuning ports inside the buds create a superb soundstage, while the companion app allows for simple but effective EQ tweaking. These buds perhaps lack the wow factor of some others but definitely deliver when it comes to sound.
Sony WF-C500
Sony WF-C500. Image: Sony

Price: £59
Contact: Sony
Find deals at Amazon

Sony’s WF-C500s make a few compromises to achieve their low price but still manage to tick a lot of boxes for the budget-conscious listener. There’s 10 hours of power in the buds and another 10 in the case, plus 10 minutes quick charging providing an hour of playback in an emergency. IPX4 water resistance is good for protecting against splashes, and you get Sony’s 360 degree Reality Audio to listen in a more immersive fashion.
Despite lacking ANC they do have a mic for making calls and invoking your phone’s voice assistant and the companion app has adjustable EQ with presets. Sonically they perhaps lack the finesse of pricier models but on the other hand, they are very affordable.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW. Image: Audio-Technica

Price: £79.99

Contact: Audio-Technica
Find deals at thomann

Audio Technica’s compact buds come in a range of colours and though battery life isn’t up there with the competition at 6.5 hours in the buds and up to 20 with the case, they do support fast charging. Although they lack noise cancelling the buds do contain two microphones that facilitate making calls and also an ambient mode for greater awareness of your surroundings when used in public.
There’s no companion app – another consequence of Audio Technica’s focus on the basics here to keep costs down, but the buds offer a much better sound than their budget price tag might lead you to believe, winning praise for their excellent isolation and pleasing soundstage. It’s not all compromise though, and you get Android Fast Pairing, the ability to use a single bud at a time as an earpiece and IPX4 splash proofing. They’re a great bet for the budget-conscious listener.
JBL Tune Flex
JBL Tune Flex. Image: JBL

Price: £79.99
Contact: JBL
Find deals at Amazon

JBL’s affordable buds don’t skimp on features, with both ambient listening and active noise cancellation available, powered by four microphones and a clever system called VoiceAware that lets you choose how much of your own voice is fed back into the buds while making calls. Battery life is impressive with 8 hours in the buds and an extra 24 in the case, and quick charging giving you 2 hours of playback time in just 10 minutes.
The drivers have a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz and deliver a punchy sound, even if buds costing around the £100 mark offer a little more finesse. The companion app lets you tweak things to your liking with user-definable EQ and helpful tools like Find My Buds which will play a loud sound to help you in the event you misplace them. JBL makes a fairly wide range of wireless earbuds but the Tune Flex give you a lot of goodies for not much cash.
Panasonic RZ-S500WE-K
Panasonic RZ-S500WE-K. Image: Panasonic

Price: £147
Contact: Panasonic
Find deals at Amazon

Panasonic’s buds may fly a little under the radar but are extremely capable with some advanced tech that makes them a bit of a bargain when you consider their street price is considerably less than the list price. While battery life is average at 6.5 hrs + 19.5 in the case, a 15 minute quick charge will give you 70 minutes of playback and there’s clever dual hybrid active noise cancelling that uses both analogue and digital processing to create excellent isolation. The six onboard microphones also power making calls and ambient listening mode.
One earbud can be used at once for calls and there’s IPX4 splash proofing plus touch sensors on the buds and a basic companion app that allows some sound customisation via preset EQ curves. Sonically, reviews praise the buds’ accuracy, depth and richness, which is perhaps not surprising from a company with such a long history of hi-fi design. For the price you’re able to grab hold of them, the Panasonics are hard to ignore.
The post Best Wireless Earbuds: Best all-purpose wireless earbuds for under £150 appeared first on MusicTech.

This new AI music generator can generate over one billion different soundtracksA new AI music generator has hit the market, with the capability to potentially generate over one billion different songs.

READ MORE: “I’ve seen things that have extremely blown me away. I do worry about the future of art a bit”: Grimes – creator of AI music software Grimes AI – voices concerns over artificial intelligence

Named Loudly, the generator gives users the option to not only create a soundtrack to suit their project but also customise it, as it can be exported to any DAW of choice.
There’s also the option to get recommendations when describing a project, as well as a variety of pre-made tracks with access to over 200,000 samples.
According to the developer, users can select instruments, duration, energy level, and genre. There is even the option for genre-blending.
“A good song requires more than just well-produced samples – the composition as a whole has to make sense and take us on a journey,” explains Loudly CEO Rory Kenny. “Our talented team of music producers apply unique genre parameters like song structures, instrumentation, energy dynamics, and mixdown so that Loudly delivers playlist-ready compositions.”
The subject of AI is still a very hotly debated topic, with artists arguing on both sides about the technology. One strong advocate, Grimes, has recently shared her trepidation about artificial intelligence, and more specifically the impact on children.
“The thing that freaks me out is that AI can remove incentives for learning. LLMs (large language models) are great, but I would maybe only have them in school. Is that something that I want my kids to have access to 100 percent of the time? Probably not.”
“I want them to learn how to write; we are in a bit of a literacy crisis. That worries me a lot. Maybe that makes me sound old. But being able to read and write well deeply impacts the way you think.”
You can find out more over at Loudly. 
The post This new AI music generator can generate over one billion different soundtracks appeared first on MusicTech.