Investigating USB-to-Ethernet Dongles With “Malware” ClaimsRecently a video surfaced from someone claiming that certain USB-to-Ethernet dongles contained ‘malware’ among other big claims. Basically these dongles were said to be designed by China (and Russia) to spy on users and so on, but how much of this is actually grounded in reality? When [lcamtuf] dove into the topic, what he found was not so much a smoking gun, but rather a curious relic from the era when drivers-on-CD were being phased out.
The item that the video went bananas about was namely an additional SPI Flash chip on the PCB alongside the USB 2.0 – Ethernet IC, with many conspiracy theories being floated as to what it would be used for. After some digging, [lcamtuf] found that the IC used in these dongles (SR9900) is by a company called CoreChips Shenzhen, with a strong suggestions that it is a clone of the (2013-era) Realtek RTL8152B.
Both chips have an external SPI Flash option, which is used with the USB side to present a ‘virtual CD drive’ to the user when the dongle is plugged in. This was borne out with the SR9900 Windows system mass production tool that [lcamtuf] obtained a copy of. Included with the flashing tool is a 168 kB ISO image (containing the SR9900 driver package) which happily fits on the 512 kB Flash chip.
Although it’s always possible for chips and firmware to contain backdoors and malware, in this particular case it would appear to be that it’s merely a cruel reminder that 2013 is now already vanishing into the realm of ‘retro computing’ as us old fogies cling to our driver installation floppies and CDs.

Putting Cheap Motorcycle Tachometers to WorkWith so much data being thrown at our eyeballs these days, it’s worryingly easy for the actually important stuff to slip by occasionally. So when [Liam Jackson] wanted a way to visualize the number of test failures popping up in the continuous integration system at work, he went with a novel but effective solution — universal motorcycle tachometers.
It turns out these little gauges can be had for under $10 a piece from the usual overseas retailers, and are very easy to drive with a microcontroller. As [Liam] explains, all you need to do other than providing them with 12 volts, is feed them a PWM signal. Even though the gauges are designed for a 12 V system, they apparently don’t have any problem responding to the 5 V logic level from the Arduino’s pins.
As for the frequency he says that 1,000 RPM corresponds to 16.66 Hz, so you can just multiply up from there to show whatever number you wish. That said, [Liam] warns that the gauges draw several hundred milliamps once the needle gets into the two digit range, so keep that in mind. Conveniently, those number happen to be in red anyway…
For his particular application, [Liam] put three of the gauges together to create a very handsome dashboard. If you want to recreate his setup exactly he’s made the STLs available for the gauge cluster housing. Note the small OLED at the center, this offers a way to show a bit more context than the three analog gauges alone can express, especially if you’ve got an application where you might be switching between multiple data sources.
Over the years we’ve seen several projects that repurposed analog gauges of various types, often for showing computer performance, but they generally involved having to drive the galvanometers directly. That these tachometers can simply be fed a simple digital signal should make implementing them into your project much easier.

Independent and DIY Musician News Last WeekLast week in independent and DIY musician news, readers tuned into topics including how to prepare for the TikTok ban, mastering the Spotify algorithm, and more…
The post Independent and DIY Musician News Last Week appeared first on Hypebot.

Music Business News Last Week: Nintendo Music Streaming, Rednote & MoreLast week was packed with headlines, and the music industry was no exception. Here’s a roundup of the top music business news you might have missed.
The post Music Business News Last Week: Nintendo Music Streaming, Rednote & More appeared first on Hypebot.

Moonwave FX’s Aperture Single Knob Filter is FREE at Pluginomat
Moonwave FX’s recently released Aperture single knob filter plugin (usually $24.95) is currently free at Pluginomat. The plugin is a macOS and Windows release for VST3 and AU. Moonwave FX describes Aperture as a selective filter that is a powerful tool for shaping and cutting frequencies. The developer suggests applications such as cutting through low-end [...]
View post: Moonwave FX’s Aperture Single Knob Filter is FREE at Pluginomat

Acustica release Rice reverb plug-in  Acustica's new reverb plug-in comes loaded with over 100 algorithms, and promises to tackle everything from subtly enhancing vocals or instruments to crafting expansive cinematic soundscapes. 

Musical Instrument Industry Unites to Support Victims of the Los Angeles WildfiresIn the wake of the devastating wildfires in Southern California, leading manufacturers from the musical instrument (MI) industry have joined forces to help support the recovery of music programs and musicians impacted by the fires. Gibsonthe iconic American-made instrument brand,and Guitar Centerthe world’s largest retailer of musical instruments, are bringing the music community together through their philanthropic divisions Gibson Gives and The Guitar Center Music Foundation to provide immediate funds and support for musicians and humanitarian aid organizations across Los Angeles.To maximize this effort, Gibson and Guitar Center have enlisted the assistance and support of many prominent manufacturers from the MI industry including AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, DW, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/TAMA Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo Inc., Roland, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha, Avedis Zildjian Co, and more in a massive and unprecedented donation relief effort.For musicians, music professionals, or a nonprofit music program based in the Los Angeles area affected by the fires, The Guitar Center Music Foundation and Gibson Gives are donating a special one-time grant to replace instruments and gear. Los Angeles musicians who lost their instruments and gear can reach out and apply HERE now through February 28, 2025. Proof of loss or address may be required.The brands have partnered with the NAMM Foundation L.A. Wildfires Relief Fund as well as the NAMM Show which is providing two dedicated L.A. Wildfire Relief Centers during the upcoming NAMM Show, held at the Anaheim Convention Center (January 23-25). These relief centers inform attendees on how they can support the coordinated efforts of this initiative. They will be in Hall C and in ACC North Level 2. For those who donate $35 or more onsite to the GCMF at the Anaheim Convention Center, they will receive their choice of a special edition GCMF branded t-shirt, tote bag, or hat."We are devastated by the recent fires that have deeply affected our artist communities and the places they call home. In response, we are committed to providing impactful support to help rebuild and heal. We understand the powerful role music plays in the healing process, and we will continue to stand with our community, using the strength of music to bring hope and recovery." -- Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives."I am deeply grateful to see such an outpouring of support from everyone coming together to assist musicians who have tragically lost their instruments in the fire. This collective effort is not just about replacing instruments; it’s about restoring the power of music in people’s lives—a vital source of healing, renewal, and strength as they navigate the journey of rebuilding their lives and communities." -- Myka Miller, Executive Director of The Guitar Center Music Foundation.“We are overwhelmed and deeply appreciative of the generosity from our music industry. NAMM and The NAMM Foundation are collaborating closely with NAMM Members to unify all efforts and maximize relief efforts for the those impacted by the LA Wildfires." -- John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO.The post Musical Instrument Industry Unites to Support Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

ASCAP Experience 2025 Has Been CanceledASCAP Experience 2025 Has Been Canceled"We understand how devastating and challenging these past few weeks have been for the Los Angeles community. Given the evolving and uncertain situation in the wake of the Los Angeles fires, we have decided to cancel our ASCAP Experience that was scheduled for February 27. Our venue for the event is in an area currently still under evacuation. All registrants will be given a full refund. Refunds will be made automatically to the payment method used for your registration.Many ASCAP members have been impacted by the LA fires and need immediate assistance. With a desire to support the recovery efforts, ASCAP has set up an emergency relief fund of $1 million for our songwriter and composer members who have suffered from loss and damage to their homes and studios or been evacuated from their homes.We know how powerful our community can be when we can come together for a common purpose. All of us at ASCAP were looking forward to being with our ASCAP Experience attendees, and we are disappointed not to be able to move forward at this time. Our goal, as always, is to provide you with the best advice, tools, networking opportunities and more that you need to achieve your creative aspirations, and we will keep you apprised of future plans.More info hereThe post ASCAP Experience 2025 Has Been Canceled first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Dogecoin to $1? Traders say a 140% DOGE rally could happen before FebruaryAnalysts say Dogecoin has a 60% chance of hitting $1 before Jan. 31.

ChatGPT’s head of product will testify in the US government’s case against GoogleThe U.S. government has picked Nick Turley, ChatGPT's head of product, to testify in its antitrust case against Google.
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Android Head Unit Gets Volume Knob UpgradeTouch screen head units are pretty much the norm these days. Many compromise with annoying on-screen volume controls or tiny buttons. If you find yourself with such a unit, you  might like to hack in a real volume knob. [Daniel Ross] shows us how to do just that.
The build uses an ATMega328 as the heart of the operation, though [Daniel] notes an Arduino Uno or Mini would have done just fine. It’s set up with a 74HC14 hex Schmitt trigger, and a CD4066 quad bilateral switch on a custom PCB. As for the volume knob itself, it’s not a real analog pot, instead it’s using a rotary encoder with a center push button. The way it works is that the Arduino reads the encoder, and figures out whether you’re trying to turn the volume up or down based on the direction you’re turning it. It then sends commands to the CD4066 to switch resistors in and out of circuit with lines going to the stereo to emulate the action of volume buttons on the steering wheel.
[Daniel’s] guide explains how everything works in greater detail, and how you can calibrate your head unit to accept these signals while preserving the function of your actual steering wheel volume buttons. Then you just have to find a neat way to integrate the knob into your existing dashboard.
We don’t see as many car stereo hacks in this era when infotainment systems rule all, but we’ve seen some great stuff from older vehicles over the years. Video after the break.

From Drake suing Universal Music to TikTok facing a US ban… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
Source

New Bambu Lab Firmware Update Adds Mandatory Authorization Control SystemAs per a recent Bambu Lab blog post, its FDM printers in the X1 series will soon receive a firmware update that adds mandatory authentication for certain operations, starting with the firmware update on January 23rd for the aforementioned FDM printers. These operations include performing firmware upgrades, initiating a print job (LAN or cloud), remote video access and adjusting parameters on the printer. Using the printer directly and starting prints from an SD card are not affected.
As reasoning for this new feature Bambu Lab points to recent exploits that gave strangers access to people’s printers, though cheekily linking to an article on an Anycubic printer exploit. While admittedly a concern, this mostly affects internet-exposed printers, such as those that are tied into a ‘cloud’ account. Even so, LAN-based printing also falls under this new mandatory authentication system, with Bambu Lab offering a new tool called Bambu Connect for those who insist on using non-Bambu Lab branded software like OrcaSlicer. This allows for exported G-code files to be sent to a (property authenticated) Bambu Lab printer.
For those who do not wish to use this feature, not upgrading the firmware is currently the only recourse. Although this firmware update is only for X1-series printers, Bambu Lab promised that it’ll arrive for their other printers too in due time. While Bambu Lab printer owners consider installing the alternative X1 Plus firmware, the peanut gallery can discuss the potential security issues (or lack thereof) of an open Fluidd or similar UI on their LAN-connected, Klipper-based FDM printers.
Thanks to [mip] for the tip.

The Nord Piano 6 brings advanced layering functionality and new effectsNAMM 2025: Nord has added a new model to its flagship Nord Piano range, the Nord Piano 6.
Chief among its new features is advanced layering functionality, which enables the player to two independent piano or sample-based synth layers at once, with each layer controllable via an LED-equipped fader.

READ MORE: Audient’s new flagship eight-Channel iD Interface features Switchable Analogue Insert technology

As with prior models in the Nord Piano range, sounds in the Nord Piano 6 are sampled using a wide range of real-world instruments. In the piano section, those instruments include a range of grand, upright and electric pianos from Nord’s Piano Library – with new features like Dynamic Compression and Unison – while the synth section emulates sounds from guitars to orchestral elements to classic analogue synths.

In terms of effects, the Piano 6 adds new spring reverb and spin effect types, as well as fresh delay modes and amp tones. Apart from the reverb, which acts as a global effect, the Nord Piano 6’s effects can be applied individually to each layer. Other new features include 120-voice polyphony, advanced string resonance, and options for soft, mid, bright, and Dyno filters.
The Nord Piano 6 comes in 73- and 88-key configurations, priced at £2,999 and £3,299, respectively.
For more information, head to Nord.
The post The Nord Piano 6 brings advanced layering functionality and new effects appeared first on MusicTech.

Supreme upholds ban! How to save TikTok contentOn Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed the law that will ban TikTok as of this Sunday January 19 and President-elect Trump said he wouldn't decide what to do until after he took office. With at least a temporary shutdown is likely, learn how to save TikTok content and followers.
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