Building a Hydrogen-Powered Foam Dart CannonNerf blasters are fun and all, but they’re limited by the fact they have to be safe for children to play with. [Flasutie] faced no such restrictions when building his giant 40 mm foam dart launcher, and it’s all the better for it.
This thing is sizeable—maybe two to four times bigger than your typical Nerf blaster. But that’s no surprise, given the size of the foam ammunition it fires. [Flasutie] shows us the construction process on how the 3D-printed blaster is assembled, covering everything from the barrel and body assembly to the chunky magazine. Loading each round into the chamber is a manual process, vaguely akin to a bolt-action mechanism, but simplified.
It’s the method of firing that really caught our eye, though. Each round has a cartridge and a foam projectile. Inside the cartridge is a quantity of flammable HHO gas generated, presumably, from water via electrolysis. The blaster itself provides power to a spark gap in the cartridge that ignites the gas, propelling the projectile through the barrel and out of the blaster.
We’ve seen plenty of Nerf blasters and similar builds around these parts, including some with a truly impressive rate of fire. Video after the break.

The Nixie Tube Multimeter That Almost Made a ComebackIn a world of digital monotony, the Avo DA14 digital multimeter, with its vintage J Nixie tube charm, is a refreshing gem. Recently refurbished by [Thomas Scherrer], this multimeter video review is a blend of nostalgia and tech savvy. The DA14 not only has style, but substance — delivering resistance, current, and voltage measurements that make you wonder why more multi-meters didn’t stick with this stylish glow.
As [Thomas] starts by powering up the DA14, we were instantly captivated as the Nixie tubes illuminate in their retro orange. With each twist of the dial, he demonstrates just how intuitive the multimeter is to operate, walking us viewers through each function while giving some extra love to its calibration process—a neat front-panel potentiometer that requires just a touch of finesse to get perfect readings.
But, as with all good tinkering tales, things go downhill when issues with analog inputs and the display pop up. A teardown reveals a beautifully complex inner assembly of transformers, rectifiers, and circuit boards, giving the DA14 its impressive yet fragile structure. When the critical defective display chip is found, hopes for a full repair dim. His story ends without a revival, but if you want to see a similar attempt that did get resurrected – albeit without those nixie digits – take a look at this LCD transplant we covered previously.

Soundtoys PhaseMistress is FREE until November 15th!
Developer Soundtoys has made its PhaseMistress analogue phase shifter plugin free for a limited time. It’s that time of year again – we’re edging closer to Black Friday, and if history tells us anything, we can assume a wave of massive discounts and freebies is on the way. Last year, Soundtoys was among the biggest [...]
View post: Soundtoys PhaseMistress is FREE until November 15th!

From Ed Sheeran’s copyright appeal win to the asset-backed securities boom… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
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Ed Sheeran beats ‘Thinking Out Loud’ copyright appealSheeran's single did not copy Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, says appeals court
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Kits.AI removes ad encouraging producers to train custom AI vocal models using Splice samples — here’s why that mattersKits.AI has removed an Instagram ad that caused backlash among producers online. The Steve Aoki– and 3LAU-backed AI music platform that lets you “sing like anyone,” published a tutorial on how to use material from Splice sample packs to train their own vocal models and use the voice however they wish.
It demonstrates how to load the vocal sample into the Kits.AI engine, analyse the voice, and let you sing a completely different melody and lyrics with the original sample’s voice.
The problem? This stretches far beyond Splice’s policy and terms of use. But, more crucially, it could also set a dangerous precedent at a time when AI concerns are rife.
Shortly after we reached out to Kits.AI, the original video, created by producer Jacopo in partnership with Kits.AI, was removed. Why?
Well, in Splice Sounds Licensing FAQ, the company states that the limitations of a licensed sample mean you may not “use the name, image, or likeness of the artist or creator associated with a sound in any way without that artist’s express written permission (which you are solely responsible for obtaining).”

This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now. @kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders. pic.twitter.com/otjav5qr3w
— Benn Jordan (@bennjordan) October 31, 2024

So, a pretty big step is seemingly missing in Kits.AI’s step-by-step tutorial: write to the original vocal performer and ask for explicit permission to use their voice whichever you like. Otherwise, you could use this artist’s voice to spout slurs and profanities, sing opinions they don’t align with, and make money off their voice without giving them a dime.
In response to the ad, Splice told MusicTech: “We explicitly state in our Terms of Use that any training on our content is prohibited. We have previously shared this information with Kits.AI and they confirmed that they understand our guidelines. While AI brings new opportunities to our industry, we must continue to prioritize and protect the rights of creators.”
Okay, but hold on. Kits.AI isn’t the only AI vocal modelling platform out there. Voice-Swap even announced in September that you can create your own AI vocal trained on your material. What’s the difference?
In theory, not much. Voice-Swap, as an example, is partnered with BMAT, which has a database of 180 million ‘audio fingerprints’. This means that, for instance, if you tried to train a vocal model on a Taylor Swift acapella, the software would recognise the audio fingerprint and prevent you from using that voice — you don’t own a license or permission for it, so you can’t use it. But, as many vocalists on Splice samples may not be part of BMAT’s database, you can actually undertake the same vocal training process on Voice-Swap.
But the question is not ‘Can you do it?’, it’s ‘Should you do it?’
Producer, content creator and Voice-Swap creative director Benn Jordan spoke out about the ad on X, formerly Twitter. “This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now…@kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders.”
Jordan is referencing Kits. AI’s ‘Essential Guide to Ethical AI in the Music Industry’. In it, the brand says: “Unlike the tools Drake used to allegedly steal Tupac’s voice, Kits.ai represents a gold standard in ethical AI within the music industry. The platform ensures all voices are legally cleared and verified. In fact, each voice is uploaded with the express consent and participation of the vocalists, who are compensated for their contributions. This model protects both Kits.ai and its users from potential legal issues and supports artists financially, promoting a sustainable ecosystem where technology enhances human creativity rather than exploits it.”
This Splice-ripping tutorial seems to undermine these principles. But, in fairness, Kits.AI has still taken steps in a positive direction since it started. A 2023 MusicRadar article shows a previous iteration of the platform, which lets users choose from a selection of celebrity voices, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and even Homer Simpson. You can’t seem to do the same on the current version of Kits.AI — instead, you can choose from a range of presets such as Male UK Rap and Female Pop Disco.
Ultimately, it’s probably best just to let people speak and sing for themselves.
Kits.AI is yet to respond to MusicTech’s request for comment.
 
 
 
 
 
The post Kits.AI removes ad encouraging producers to train custom AI vocal models using Splice samples — here’s why that matters appeared first on MusicTech.

Best free samples for chillwave and ambient soundsAd feature with BandLab Sounds
Emerging in the late 2000s, many credit the internet with the birth of chillwave, a genre developed in part thanks to the popularity of music blogs and sharing platforms like SoundCloud. While it’s a term of derision for some, many artists associated with the chillwave movement — Tycho, Washed Out, and Toro y Moi to name a few — continue to push the genre forward with captivating and engaging music.

READ MORE: 10 free sample packs for future house sounds

Fancy giving it a try for yourself? In this round-up, we’ve collected some of the best free sample packs to help you capture that dreamy, faded vibe without breaking the bank.
Chillwave
Image: BandLab Sounds
We’re kicking things off with Chillwave, a pack that perfectly encapsulates the hazy, nostalgic sound the genre is known for. Featuring 100 loops of lush synth pads, soft leads, and mellow drum patterns, this collection is ideal for adding a retro feel to your productions.
Download Chillwave
Belibat Synthwave
Image: BandLab Sounds
There’s no denying the influence of the 1980s and its sonic palette on many chillwave artists. This Synthwave pack offers up twinkling plucks and arps, pulsing basslines, and classic electronic drum sounds — many of which are drenched in a healthy dose of gated reverb.
Download Belibat Synthwave
Synthwave Drums Vol. 2
Image: BandLab Sounds
If you’re looking for a sturdy percussive backbone for your arrangement, this pack has your rhythm section covered. Inside are 75 one-shots and 25 loops with plenty of punch to cut through your ambient soundscapes and drive your track forward.
Download Synthwave Drums Vol. 2
Sweeping Cinematic Synths Vol. 2
Image: BandLab Sounds
A must-have for creating expansive, cinematic arrangements, this pack includes rich, evolving synths and atmospheric strings, perfect for layering into your ambient productions for a bit of a widescreen feel.
Download Sweeping Cinematic Synths Vol. 2
MusicTech: The Horror Synthesizer
Image: BandLab Sounds
While the iconic horror scores of decades past might seem at odds with the optimistic, light-hearted sounds of chillwave, they do share a common thread — the use of analogue synths. There are plenty of brooding bass sounds and effects-laden plucks here, ideal for moody, slow-building sections within your arrangements.
Download MusicTech: The Horror Synthesizer
80s Thriller Movie
Image: BandLab Sounds
Ambient and downtempo music doesn’t always have to be low energy. This pack cranks up the tempo a bit, perfect for creating more driven, dance-inspired tracks you might hear from Tycho or Washed Out. With 85 loops in total, there’s also a focus on electric guitars to add more sonic depth to your arrangements.
Download 80s Thriller Movie
Organic Ambient Chill
Image: BandLab Sounds
Want to slow things down and take your listeners on a winding journey to another world? Organic Ambient Chill is the pack for you, filled with soft textures, natural percussion, and mellow synths — perfect for adding a tranquil, meditative quality to your compositions.
Download Organic Ambient Chill
Electronica Melodic
Image: BandLab Sounds
This pack takes an ethereal turn, combining shimmering keys and cleaner synth flourishes with glitchy, distorted stabs and effects that are ideal for dialling in some textural contrast.
Download Electronica Melodic
Organic Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Part of what makes chillwave so effective at evoking long-forgotten memories is its use of organic timbres and textures to ground the arrangements in the real world. The loops and samples in this pack feature a range of found sounds, foley hits, and pitched percussion like kalimbas and celestas, adding an earthy feel to your compositions.
Download Organic Electronica
Ambient Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Heavily inspired by Tycho’s music, the Ambient Electronica pack is filled with crisp and crunchy drum loops, washed-out keys and pads, and expansive delay lines of guitars.
Download Ambient Electronica
House vs Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Rounding things out is House vs Electronica, which leans more heavily towards dance and EDM. With a range of uplifting and melodic loops, this pack is perfect for experimenting — why not try chopping them up or slowing them down to uncover new textures for your ambient tracks?
Download House vs Electronica
The post Best free samples for chillwave and ambient sounds appeared first on MusicTech.

Best TikTok Alternatives for Musicians as indie takedowns loomOctober 31st was the expiration date for hundreds of licensing deals for independent distributors and labels including DistroKid, CD Baby, Secretly and Beggars. So what are the best TikTok alternatives?
The post Best TikTok Alternatives for Musicians as indie takedowns loom appeared first on Hypebot.

Socials & AI lowers barriers, raises competition: Strategies to AdaptSocial media and AI lowers barriers making it easier to get started but harder to thrive. Uncover the emerging obstacles, how they’ll impact the next generation of creators and strategies to adapt.
The post Socials & AI lowers barriers, raises competition: Strategies to Adapt appeared first on Hypebot.

Just 20% of Artists get 1000 Monthly Streams on SpotifyOnly 20% of artists get 1000 or more monthly streams on Spotify according analysis by Luminate. Learn why most artists fall short.
The post Just 20% of Artists get 1000 Monthly Streams on Spotify appeared first on Hypebot.

“I promise you there’s no way to get AI to make a U2 track”: The Edge on his experiments with AI compositionsU2 guitarist The Edge recently revealed that he’s been experimenting with AI compositions — though getting an actual, usable U2 track out of it is probably unlikely anytime soon, so he says.
In the latest issue of Record Collector magazine, the musician speaks about the limitations of artificial intelligence in capturing the essence of the band’s music and the way the members “don’t have a genre we can rely on”.

READ MORE: “It’s our job to question the algorithms”: Jaden Smith on experimenting with release methods

“There’s no such thing as the U2 genre,” says The Edge.
Asked what it might be if there were one, he replies: “Well, I can tell you this. Recently I’ve been experimenting with AI composition, and I promise you there is no way to get AI to make a U2 track. It doesn’t exist!”
AI has undeniably made remarkable strides in music composition over the past few years. Platforms like Suno and Udio allow musicians to generate original compositions by analysing vast datasets of existing music. Much like ChatGPT for music, these tools enable users to create songs with just a simple text prompt — often yielding surprising and, at times, uncanny results, despite the legal minefield they potentially navigate.
That said, The Edge’s scepticism about AI’s ability to produce a U2 track highlights a critical point: While AI can generate music, commenters remark that it lacks the emotional depth and artistry that human musicians bring to their craft.
In other news, U2 have announced the release of How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their 2004 album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Arriving on 29 November, the new album will feature ten unreleased tracks that were recorded during the original sessions for Dismantle.
“What you’re getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room,” says The Edge. “This is the pure U2 drop.”
Read more music technology news. 
The post “I promise you there’s no way to get AI to make a U2 track”: The Edge on his experiments with AI compositions appeared first on MusicTech.

Nintendo’s new music app lets you stream soundtracks from Super Mario Bros, Animal Crossing and a whole lot moreNintendo has launched its take on Spotify with the new Nintendo Music app, offering fans a chance to stream and download decades worth of soundtracks from classic games like Super Mario Bros, Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda.

READ MORE: “There’s no reason that digital audio can’t sound as good as analogue”: Bill Putnam Jr. on reviving Universal Audio 

Available now on iOS and Android for subscribers of Switch Online, the app not only features music from beloved titles but also includes soundtracks from new releases, with more content to be added over time.
Using Nintendo Music, you can stream your favourite Nintendo songs directly from the app or download them for offline listening. The app allows you to search for tracks by title, browse music from specific game series, or discover tunes themed around your favourite Nintendo characters. You can also build your own playlists and share them with friends. Alternatively, choose from playlists created by Nintendo designed to help you relax, give you a boost and more.
Image: Nintendo Music
The app also offers personalised recommendations based on your Nintendo Switch play activity. For instance, if you start playing a new game that has a soundtrack available in the library, Nintendo Music will notify you, so you’ll never miss out on the latest musical additions to your gaming experience.
Impressively, the app also features the ability to filter out specific tracks so users can avoid spoilers for in-game moments. And if all that isn’t enough to convince you, the fact that you can now loop or extend tracks — like Animal Crossing’s opening theme (we definitely aren’t judging) — for up to 60 minutes of “uninterrupted listening” just might.
Check out the launch video for Nintendo Music below.

Learn more at Nintendo.
The post Nintendo’s new music app lets you stream soundtracks from Super Mario Bros, Animal Crossing and a whole lot more appeared first on MusicTech.

Free PhaseMistress plug-in from Soundtoys Soundtoys have announced that they will be offering their PhaseMistress plug-in as a free download for a limited time.

‘Hong Kong’s FTX’ victims win lawsuit, bankers bash stablecoins: Asia ExpressVictims of ‘Hong Kong’s FTX’ take aim at $29M seized by police, central bankers bash stablecoins, crypto scammers busted over luxury condo.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy hints at an ‘agentic’ AlexaAmazon CEO Andy Jassy today hinted at an improved, “agentic” version of the company’s Alexa assistant — one that could take actions on a user’s behalf. “I think that the next generation of these assistants and generative AI applications will be better at not just answering questions and summarizing, indexing, and aggregating data, but also […]
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