Get a free glitchy synth pad for Splice INSTRUMENT
Download our free synth pad preset for Splice INSTRUMENT—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.

Nixie Gear Indicator Shines BrightWhen you’re driving a car with a stickshift, it’s pretty easy to keep track of which gear you’re in. That can be a little bit more difficult on something like a motorcycle with a sequential shifter. [decogabry] built a neat gearshift indicator to solve this issue.
An ESP32 devboard is used as the brain of the build. It’s paired with an ELM327 dongle over Bluetooth, which is able to hook into the bike’s ODB diagnostic port to pick up data like engine RPM, wheel speed, and coolant temperature. The first two factors are combined in order to calculate the current gear, since the ratio between engine RPM and wheel speed is determined directly by the gear selection. The ESP32 then commands a Philips ZM1020 Nixie tube to display the gear, driving it via a small nest of MPSA42 transistors. A separate self-contained power supply module is used to take the bike’s 12 volt supply up to the 170 volts needed to run the tube. There is also a small four-digit display used to show status information, RPM, and engine temperature.
Notably,  [decogabry] made this build rather flexible, to suit any bike it might be installed upon. The gear ratios are not hard coded in software. Instead, there is a simple learning routine that runs the first time the system is powered up, which compares RPM and wheel speed during a steady-state ride and saves the ratios to flash.
We’ve featured projects before that used different techniques to achieve similar ends. It’s also interesting to speculate as to whether there’s a motorcycle vintage enough to suit a Nixie display while still having an ODB interface on board as standard. Meanwhile, if you’re cooking up your own neat automotive builds, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Vocana and Sonicbids Launch ‘Pay the Artists’ Live Gig Series Across NYCPay the Artists will bring independent artists and discovery-hungry fans to five venues across New York City starting in January 2026.
The post Vocana and Sonicbids Launch ‘Pay the Artists’ Live Gig Series Across NYC appeared first on Hypebot.

Milk & Honey continues UK expansion, signing Grammy-winning mixer Dan Grech-MargueratGrech-Marguerat has worked on breakthrough projects for artists including Lana Del Rey, Halsey, George Ezra and The Killers
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Jonas Eriksson releases Tape Fiasco, a FREE time-based multi-effect plugin
Tape Fiasco is a brand-new plugin from Jonas Eriksson that combines three distinct time-based effects: Stretch, Stutter, and Varispeed. I haven’t had much time with Tape Fiasco since installing the plugin, but I have to say right off the bat, it’s a lot of fun! Whether you’re using all three effects simultaneously or one at [...]
View post: Jonas Eriksson releases Tape Fiasco, a FREE time-based multi-effect plugin

AKAI MPC XLThe Akai Professional MPC XL is a standalone music production workstation designed to function as the central hub of a modern studio without the need for a computer. Powered by a Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB of RAM, it offers significantly expanded processing headroom compared to previous MPC models, capable of running up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously. The unit features a 10.1-inch tilting multi-gesture touchscreen and introduces "MPCe" pads, which utilize 3D-sensing technology to divide each pad into four quadrants for complex sound morphing and layer control. Connectivity is comprehensive, catering to both hardware-heavy and hybrid setups. The rear panel includes two XLR/TRS combo inputs with preamps, two instrument inputs, and phono inputs for direct sampling from vinyl. For output, the MPC XL provides eight assignable line outputs and 16 CV/Gate outputs (via eight stereo jacks), making it suitable for controlling modular synthesizers. It runs on the MPC3 operating system, which includes advanced features such as real-time stem separation, disc streaming, and a full DAW-style arrangement view. Key Features Standalone Operation: Powered by a Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB RAM; no computer required. MPCe Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive pads with 3D sensing and quadrant-based modulation. Display: 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen with adjustable tilt. Storage: 256GB internal NVMe SSD with a SATA expansion bay for additional drives. Control: 16 Q-Link knobs with individual OLED displays, plus a dedicated XL Channel Command section. Audio I/O: 2 Mic/Line combo inputs, 2 Instrument inputs, 2 Phono inputs, 8 Line outputs. CV/Gate: 16 total outputs for modular integration. Software: Runs MPC3 OS; includes Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series and stem separation tools. Read More

NAMM 2026 Live: All the news, gear, and innovations from the biggest music gear eventOver 3,500 music gear manufacturers arrive in Anaheim this week for the annual National Association of Music Merchants Show. The Anaheim Convention Centre in California is brimming with all the latest music technology gear, software, and innovations that will shape music studios and production workflows in 2026.
MusicTech will be on the ground at The NAMM Show 2026, covering the biggest product announcements that you need to know about. We’ll share first impressions and coverage of all the hottest studio gear debuting in Anaheim, from when the show floor officially opens on Tuesday 20 January, through to Saturday 24 January when doors close.
You can catch all of MusicTech’s 2026 coverage right here, including major new gear drops, the hottest rumours, our favourite innovations, smart new plugins, and even the quirky gear that famously crops up at NAMM.
[live_timeline tag=”namm-2026″ first=”15″]
The post NAMM 2026 Live: All the news, gear, and innovations from the biggest music gear event appeared first on MusicTech.

Akai MPC XL: The most powerful MPC model to date with 4x the processing power of previous modelsGo big or go home as they say, and Akai Professional has done just that with the official launch of the MPC XL – its most powerful MPC model to date with souped-up processing power.
Following a leak prior to Christmas last year, Akai has officially confirmed that the MPC XL is available now, and describes this beastly version of its flagship workstation line as “a studio centrepiece built for modern production”.

READ MORE: Is the Akai MPC One+ still worth buying in 2026?

Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager at Akai Professional, says of the launch: “The MPC XL represents the evolution of everything we’ve learned from decades of innovation in music production. We’ve created a true studio-grade workhorse that delivers DAW-like power in a standalone format. MPC XL removes every barrier between inspiration and creation, giving producers the speed, control, and connectivity to bring their most ambitious musical visions to life.”
What are the main features of the Akai MPC XL?

The MPC XL features a Gen 2 8-core processor with 4x the processing power of previous MPCs and 16GB RAM for speed that “rivals computer-based systems”, according to Akai. It’s integrated with MPC3 OS as an all-in-one system, and can load up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously, with support for up to 256 simultaneous voices.
It also hosts a 10.1” HD multi-gesture touchscreen at the top of the unit, “ultra-responsive” MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology, 16 touch-responsive Q-Link knobs with OLED displays, a dedicated step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons, an assignable performance touch-strip, and an XL Channel Command for quick access to mixing and recording parameters, also with a dedicated OLED display and encoder.
The XL’s mic preamps with phantom power capture vocals and acoustic instruments, while its instrument inputs handle guitars and basses. It has phono inputs to connect turntables for direct sampling, and there are eight separate outputs to enable complex routing to external gear or multitrack recording into a DAW. It comes with a collection of plugins, samples, and effects right out of the box.
How much is the MPC XL and where can I get one?

The Akai Professional MPC XL is available now for €2,899.99 / £2,499.99 / $2,899. You can buy one through authorised dealers across the globe, or directly from Akai.
New Spitfire Audio partnership
Credit: Akai Professional
Accompanying the launch of the MPC XL is the announcement that Akai and Spitfire Audio have formed a new “strategic partnership”, which aims to provide MPC users access to Spitfire’s industry-leading tools within their MPC devices. That’s all we know for now, but more information will be announced at a later date.
Find out more via Akai Professional. 
The post Akai MPC XL: The most powerful MPC model to date with 4x the processing power of previous models appeared first on MusicTech.

Free Instagram Edits App For Musicians: Marketing Made EasierFor years, the workflow for marketing music on Instagram and other short video platforms was a fragmented mess. Film on your phone, Airdrop to a laptop, edit in CapCut or Premiere, export, and Airdrop back.
The post Free Instagram Edits App For Musicians: Marketing Made Easier appeared first on Hypebot.

RANE SYSTEM ONE: Say goodbye to your laptop with the world’s first motorised standalone DJ systemRANE has unveiled the SYSTEM ONE, a new all-in-one DJ system that marries the tactile feel of motorised platters and the freedom of a fully standalone setup.
Billed as the world’s first motorised standalone DJ unit, it’s also the first RANE product to run Engine DJ onboard, letting DJs to mix seamlessly across USB drives, SD cards, streaming services and software sources without interruption.

READ MORE: AlphaTheta’s new DJM-V5 mixer “condenses the essence” of its larger DJM-V10 sibling

In real-world terms, that means open-format DJs can finally ditch the laptop without giving anything up. You can rock up with a USB stick – or rely entirely on streaming – while still keeping that familiar, vinyl-style control under your hands. The embedded Engine DJ operating system handles the heavy lifting in the background, bringing built-in Wi-Fi, onboard sampling, FX, lighting control and Stems in a way that’s designed to work without breaking your flow mid-set.
Credit: RANE
At the centre of it all are 7.2-inch aluminum motorised platters, paired with a 7-inch HD vertical touchscreen that displays Engine DJ’s new RGB waveforms and customisable views, keeping navigation quick and distraction-free.
“The fact that I don’t need to bring my laptop anymore is amazing,” says three-time DMC World DJ Championships DJ, Craze. “The Engine [DJ] waveforms are super clean and clear; I couldn’t believe how easy it was to migrate my music library.”
Credit: RANE
A big part of that flexibility comes from the new OmniSource architecture which lets DJs mix freely between music stored on USB drives, SD cards, an internal hard drive, cloud libraries, and streaming services like Apple Music, Beatport, Beatsource, TIDAL, and SoundCloud Go+.
SYSTEM ONE also supports Serato DJ Pro and Algoriddim djay, with Spotify integration coming in early 2026. Additionally, three dedicated Playlist Bank buttons make jumping between different libraries quick and painless.
Stems are deeply integrated into the workflow too, with Instant Acapella and Instrumental buttons, a dedicated 4-part Stems pad mode and Stem Level EQ for live mashups and edits. Tracks can be pre-rendered for Stems using Engine DJ Desktop, with onboard Stems rendering set to arrive in early 2026.
On the hardware side, we’ve got RANE’s MagFour crossfader and Precision Feel channel faders, complete with adjustable tension, contour controls, and on-screen calibration. Audio and I/O are equally flexible, with XLR and RCA main outputs, booth outs with a 10-band EQ, Bluetooth audio, dual XLR combo mic inputs with EQ and FX, and a front-panel aux input with a dedicated volume knob.
The RANE SYSTEM ONE is available now, priced at $2,499/€2,499/£2,199. It’s not cheap – but if you’ve been waiting for a setup that feels like real decks while cutting the laptop out of the equation, this might finally be the one.
Learn more at RANE DJ.
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Buso Audio: Discount for SOS readers Studio furniture experts Buso Audio are kindly offering Sound On Sound readers a 10% discount on any of their workstation desks. 

Roland’s GO:MIXER STUDIO brings “studio-grade” recording to your iPhone or iPadAhead of this year’s highly anticipated NAMM Show, Roland has unveiled the latest member of its GO:MIXER family of portable interfaces with the GO:MIXER STUDIO.
Described as a “studio-grade” audio mixer and interface compatible with iPhone, iPad and Mac/Windows computers, the GO:MIXER STUDIO offers 12 input channels and six outputs in a super compact form factor, allowing producers and content creators to capture audio from multiple input sources in any location.

READ MORE: Reloop Flux Go is a pocket-sized, two-channel DVS interface for Serato DJ Pro

With the GO:MIXER STUDIO, creators can capture videos using their device’s camera, but trade its built-in microphone for a more pro-grade mic, for example, plugged in via the interface. Additionally, the unit offers up to 24-bit/192kHz recording, for audio resolution “that rivals that of top studios”.

In terms of ins and outs, the GO:MIXER STUDIO features two XLR mic/line inputs, as well as a dedicated guitar/bass input, plus ¼” inputs for stereo instruments like keyboards or electronic drum kits. There’s also an aux input for additional stereo sources, with TRRS support for bidirectional audio with mobile devices.
For monitoring, the unit sports a ¼” jack for standard studio headphones, as well as a mini jack for wired ear buds. Two ¼” line outputs are also available for connection to a speaker system in a studio, for example.
Credit: Roland
There’s also a suite of onboard effects, including a three-band EQ, as well as a compressor and reverb modelled after studio processors. This processing can be applied both during recording or in monitoring only.
The GO:MIXER STUDIO is powered by connection to an iOS mobile device or computer, an external adapter or a USB mobile battery. There’s also an integrated mount to secure the device to a tripod.
In addition, there’s also a GO:MIXER Cam App for iOS, which Roland says “surpasses the capabilities of standard camera apps, allowing users to capture multitrack audio alongside videos.
The GO:MIXER STUDIO is available now for $299.
Learn more at Roland.
Credit: Roland
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Reloop Flux Go is a pocket-sized, two-channel DVS interface for Serato DJ ProReloop has released the Flux Go, a compact USB-C DVS audio interface for Serato that distils the essentials of its flagship Flux into a smaller, more portable form factor.
Designed as a cheaper, two-channel alternative to the original three-channel unit, the Flux Go is aimed at DJs who want a reliable DVS solution that’s easy to travel with – or keep on hand as a gig-ready backup.

READ MORE: What to expect at The NAMM Show 2026

Measuring just 115 × 82 × 26mm and weighing 168g, the Flux Go is genuinely pocket-sized, yet still delivers a full professional DVS workflow. It features dual stereo inputs and outputs, is bus-powered over USB-C for both power and audio, and includes a dedicated ground terminal for turntables – effectively turning any compatible mixer into a Serato-ready setup with minimal fuss.
Like its larger sibling, the Flux Go automatically unlocks the full versions of Serato DJ Pro and Serato DVS. The interface offers true Plug ‘n’ Play operation with USB-C devices and is class-compliant with macOS. Meanwhile, ASIO drivers for Windows users provide almost latency-free performance.
Credit: Reloop
Flexibility is a key part of the design as well. Each input can be switched independently between phono and line via DIP switches, allowing the interface to work seamlessly with turntables, CDJs and other media players. Reloop says the unit is equally well suited to professional DJs looking for a dependable backup interface and newcomers stepping into the world of digital vinyl systems.
Beyond DJ duties, the Flux Go also doubles as a studio sound card. Its crystal-clear 24-bit/96 kHz D/A converters deliver high-quality, ultra-low latency audio for recording and playback, while the adjustable headphone output makes it useful for monitoring and general studio tasks. The unit is compatible with all major DAWs as well, extending its usefulness beyond the booth.
Built with a lightweight yet durable housing and an extended edge design to protect its connections, the Flux Go is clearly designed for life on the road. Whether you’re working in tight spaces, travelling light, or looking for an affordable backup solution that supports Serato, the Flux Go is here to deliver.
The Reloop Flux Go will be available from early February, priced at $299.99/€219.99/£189.99.
Learn more at Reloop.

The post Reloop Flux Go is a pocket-sized, two-channel DVS interface for Serato DJ Pro appeared first on MusicTech.

Studio One becomes Fender Studio Pro From 13 January 2026, Studio One will now be known as Fender Studio Pro, while the Quantum and AudioBox lines will transition to the Fender Quantum Series and Fender AudioBox. 

The DJM-V5 is here: compact 3-Channel Mixer with V10 Sound, 4-Band EQ, Send FXAlphaTheta has released the DJM-V5, a compact 3-channel DJ mixer built on the sound architecture of the DJM-V10, bringing flagship-style sound shaping into a smaller format. Available late January 2026 with a MAP of $2,199, the V5 includes 4-band EQ and channel compression on every channel, per-channel Send FX, multi-mode filters, 96 kHz / 64-bit […]
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