Why Every Musician Should Use Bandsintown: Top Reasons It’s Become an Essential Touring ToolIn today’s competitive touring market, musicians need more than great songs and a van to succeed. They need smart tools that help them reach fans, sell more tickets, and make better touring decisions. Learn why every musician should use Bandsintown and how the leading live-music discovery platform has become an essential free hub for artists at every level.
The post Why Every Musician Should Use Bandsintown: Top Reasons It’s Become an Essential Touring Tool appeared first on Hypebot.

Best Black Friday Deals under $20 (+ Plugin Boutique Freebies)
Black Friday is packed with deals this year, and I’ve pulled together the best offers under $20. We’ll also have separate lists for deals under $10 and under $5, so those aren’t included here. Before we get into the plugins, here’s a quick reminder: Plugin Boutique purchases come with a free gift, and the list [...]
View post: Best Black Friday Deals under $20 (+ Plugin Boutique Freebies)

The MusicTech Magazine November/December 2025 issue is coming: here’s how to get your copyThe MusicTech Magazine November/December 2025 issue is coming this week, bundled with NME Magazine. Here’s how you can get a copy.
In April, we announced the relaunch of the MusicTech print edition after a four-year hiatus, starting with the July/August 2025 issue with producer Blake Slatkin on the cover. Now, we’re gearing up to launch the November/December 2025 issue, which will as always come bundled with a copy of NME Magazine.
Mark your calendars for Thursday November 27 at 2pm GMT – that’s when the cover stars of both magazines will be revealed and the mags go on sale exclusively via retailer Dawsons. The waiting room is open, so check it out now.
Besides MusicTech, Guitar.com has also returned to print. Guitar.com, MusicTech and NME are sister publications under NME Networks. The new Guitar.com and MusicTech print editions alternate with every bi-monthly edition of NME Magazine – which itself was relaunched in 2023 – meaning three print editions per calendar year for each brand.
Subscribe here for more information about MusicTech Magazine and for the chance to receive an exclusive queue jump opportunity, where readers can get their hands on a copy before anyone else. MusicTech will be sending out queue jump tickets shortly before the magazine goes on sale to randomly chosen subscribers.
The post The MusicTech Magazine November/December 2025 issue is coming: here’s how to get your copy appeared first on MusicTech.

BlackGummy on his approach to sound design: “Instead of just focusing on how something sounds, I pay attention to why it sounds that way”LA producer and DJ BlackGummy has long built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of electronic music – and a major part of that evolution, he says, came from shifting his focus from how a sound feels to why it feels that way.
Speaking with MusicTech, he explains that this mindset was shaped in part by his time working with Steve Duda on the now-iconic synthesizer Serum, an experience that fundamentally rewired his understanding of sound itself.

READ MORE: Save up to 81% on plugins this Black Friday: The Plugin Boutique sales are already starting

“Having Steve Duda as my mentor while he was developing Serum gave me an inside look at the mechanics and details that make the synth as special, unique, and forward-thinking as it is,” says the producer.
“From his ability to achieve higher bit depths in the wavetable than other VST synths available at the time to the way he approached sound at its most fundamental level, it definitely changed how I listened in general.”
That shift led him to focus less on surface-level tone and more on the architecture behind it: “Instead of just focusing on how something sounds, I started paying attention to why it sounds that way — what makes a waveform feel alive or warm, how modulation affects emotion and how small imperfections can make something more human,” he explains.
“I stopped relying on presets and started treating every sound as something that should have its own identity and purpose.”
It’s a philosophy that underpins much of Ra(z/is)e, his new concept album built on raw waveforms, evolving textures and intentionally imperfect movement.
And that same mindset also informs how he thinks about the wider world of music production. Asked which production myth he wishes people would let go of, BlackGummy’s answer is immediate: the idea that there’s a “right” way to make music.
“People get caught up in rules about mixing, loudness or arrangement but in reality, creativity doesn’t follow a formula,” he says. “Some of the most interesting sounds or moments I’ve made came from breaking those rules or doing something that technically shouldn’t work.”
What matters most, he adds, is instinct: “It’s easy to get stuck thinking you need to follow the same steps as everyone else, but experimentation is what makes music personal. If it feels good and sounds right to you, that’s what matters most.”
Read the full interview at MusicTech.
The post BlackGummy on his approach to sound design: “Instead of just focusing on how something sounds, I pay attention to why it sounds that way” appeared first on MusicTech.

The Ultimate Music Producer’s Holiday Gift Guide – brought to you by SweetwaterAd feature with Sweetwater
Black Friday 2025 is right around the corner, but the good folks at Sweetwater are already offering hundreds of killer deals on music gear – from synths and keyboards to audio interfaces and other essential pro audio gear.
So if you’re still on the lookout for the perfect holiday gift for the music producer in your life, now’s the time to get it at a hefty discount.
With the sheer volume of deals on offer, we understand it’s difficult to know where to start – but we’ve picked out some of our favourites to get you started…
Save $200 on the Akai Professional MPC Key 37 – was $899, now $699
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When Akai Professional launched the MPC Key 61 in 2022, it marked the first time the company paired its legendary MPC production platform with a keyboard workstation. The MPC Key 37 arrived later to offer producers a more compact alternative, while boasting the same comprehensive functionality. With 16 pressure-sensitive performance pads, aftertouch and touch-sensitive Q-link knobs, there are few things the MPC Key 37 can’t do in the studio. In addition to the unit’s powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities, you can also use it as a controller for your DAW, external MIDI device or hardware synth. Get yours now at almost 25% off.
Save 25% on Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitors – was $199.99, now $149.99
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Most bedroom producers are faced with a choice of two monitor lines when setting up their home studio: KRK Rokits or Yamaha HS? There’s a reason these two lines are always out in front; they’re reliable, and offer a faithful representation of your mix at a great price point. And right now, you can get Yamaha’s HS5 5-inch powered studio monitor at only $149.99 apiece, down from $199. Bear in mind you’ll have to buy two, but at this price you get a pair for under $300, so who’s complaining?
Save $200 on the Ableton Push 3 Control Surface – was $999, now $799
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If you’re looking for the perfect compact control surface to inspire your beats while working in Ableton, look no further than the Push 3. All of us producers are used to putting music together with our mouse and keyboard, but there’s nothing quite like the tactile nature of a hardware instrument to bring out your most creative work. With 64 expressive, MPE-enabled pads, the Push 3 allows you to bend, slide and shift between notes and sounds with ease, and right now you can get it at a cool $200 off.
Save $200 on the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 interface – was $1,199, now $999
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Sure, the choice on the market in terms of audio interfaces is astounding, and there are plenty of cheaper options. But if you’re a serious producer looking for the best in workflow and sound quality, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X won’t let you down. With next-gen elite-class AD/DA, the Apollo Twin X offers the lowest distortion and widest dynamic range of any Apollo Twin interface to date, while its onboard plugin processing offers award-winning emulations of classic studio gear. Get yours now at a cool $200 off.
Save $1,000 on the Nord Grand 2 88-key Stage Keyboard – was $4,999, now $3,999
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If you’re looking for the new centrepiece of your studio and you’ve got a little more budget to play with, the Nord Grand 2 will very likely be the last keyboard you ever need to buy. This 88-key powerhouse – boasting Nord’s iconic red finish – is loaded with top-end features, including a custom Kawai keybed which elevates tactility and sensitivity, 120-voice polyphony, dual piano/synth layering, a wealth of onboard effects and loads more. This one will set you back $3,999, but with a huge $1,000 knocked off the price, this is a hell of a deal.
$20 off the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface – was $149.99, now $129.99
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On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for a reliable, hardy USB interface that’ll get the job done no problem, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is one of the most popular on the market. Trusted by both bedroom producers and seasoned professionals working in studios, the Scarlett Solo – now in its 4th generation – is a 2-in, 2-out interface with a single mic preamp and single instrument input. There’s also RedNet-derived AD/DA conversion, dynamic gain halos and loads more, for just $129.99 this Black Friday.
$30 off the Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker – was $179.99, now $149.99
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Let’s face it: we all need a Bluetooth speaker in our lives, don’t we? Whether soundtracking making dinner in the kitchen or providing the tunes for all your friends at the beach, a Bluetooth speaker just elevates those life experiences. And for Black Friday, you can get Marshall’s Emberton III speaker for just $149.99. With true stereophonic sound, 2 x 38W Class D Amps, 2 x 2″ 10W Drivers and an IP67 Rating – as well as a companion app, this speaker’s a no brainer…
55% off Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones – was $449.95, now $199.95
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If over-ear cans are more your bag, this deal on Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones is insane: for Black Friday, Sweetwater is offering a massive 55% off. Usually priced at $449.95, these headphones are now just $199.95. Features include a built-in EQ system, automatic start and stop capabilities, and noise cancellation.
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ MKII USB-C interface and Slate Digital VMS ML-1A microphone – save $50 in this bundle
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If you’re a producer you’ll need an audio interface, and there’s a very good chance you’ll need a microphone, too. So why not buy ‘em both together and save this Black Friday? In this deal at Sweetwater, you can get Solid State Logic’s SSL 2+ MKII USB-C interface and Slate Digital’s VMS ML-1A cardioid condenser microphone together for $699.99, instead of the usual $749.98 you’d pay when buying them separately. The SSL 2+ features 32-bit/192kHz converters and comprehensive I/O, while the ML-1A is a modelling microphone with a comprehensive selection of classic mic emulations onboard.
The post The Ultimate Music Producer’s Holiday Gift Guide – brought to you by Sweetwater appeared first on MusicTech.

10K Audio’s Gyro is a plugin like no otherPlay edition £10 / Pro edition £129, 10k.audio
Gyro is a unique instrument that’s tricky to describe but easy to use. The best way I can sum it up is that Gyro is to melodic loops what a drum machine or sampler is to rhythmic loops. You can define the sounds, the rhythms, the chords and the harmonies of the loops you create. More importantly, and mirroring a good drum machine, Gyro makes all of this performable and jammable. The way it does this is elegant and rather clever – allow me to explain…

What is Gyro?
Gyro deconstructs melodic loops into a simple set of elements: the rhythmical pattern, the harmonic content, and the sounds used for each voice in the loop. It then presents each of these elements in different sections of the plugin window: Pattern lets you work with the timing of notes, Chord is where you establish the chords that will drive a loop’s harmonies, and the Sound section determines the sounds that will be heard. In addition, there’s an Effect page for adding audio enhancement, and a Mod section for creating variations in the sounds and patterns of a loop.

How does Gyro separate rhythm and harmony?
Gyro comes with a vast and musically diverse collection of presets and, thanks to the plugin’s main Perform view, you can go a long way without needing to delve any deeper. This also means you can enjoy more of Gyro’s mesmerising visualisation in which each sound source creates splashes of spreading fluid colour that merge and interact. But when you delve deeper, opening the detailed views for each section of the plugin, you start to see how intertwined – and downright clever – Gyro is.
Gyro presets contain a Chord Set of up to 14 chords, although this can be changed by loading another set from the included library, or by inputting your own chords. Chords can contain up to six notes, and can be defined via a set of six dial-in fields or by enabling the Chord view’s Record mode and playing some keys on a keyboard controller. Gyro works out the name of the chord but this isn’t foolproof because it always assumes the first note in the chord is also the root note, so make sure to hit the chord’s root note first if you want an accurate chord name.
The chords within a set are assigned to the white keys of a keyboard, starting from C3, and to a strip of buttons arrayed across the bottom of the plugin window. Pressing one of these keys/buttons starts Gyro playback, with the selected chord interacting with the Pattern section to create the loop you hear.
Patterns consist of four channels, each driving one of Gyro’s sound sources (which I’ll come to in a moment). A Gyro preset can contain four patterns, each up to two bars long and offering swing, direction and loop mode options. Switching between patterns is simply a case of clicking a button in the plugin interface or playing white keys C2 to F2 on a controller.
The plugin comes with a large library of patterns to load and edit as needed, or you can create new patterns from scratch via a familiar grid-style editor. However, the grid consists of only six lanes, one for each note of the currently selected/playing chord, and this is how Gyro separates a loop’s rhythm from its pitch and harmony. Clever stuff.
Pattern View. Image: Press
What sounds does Gyro play?
As mentioned, each channel in a pattern drives its own sound source, these being a set of four sample-based synths. While not on a par with synths like Serum and Pigments, Gyro’s synths are reasonably versatile, with a choice between multisample or wavetable mode, a pleasing filter, separate amplitude and filter envelopes, and a dedicated LFO.
Gyro comes with hundreds of well-crafted multisamples and wavetables to use here, not to mention hundreds of sound presets built from them. At the time of writing, there’s no way of importing custom samples/wavetables but, as a result of user feedback, 10K is busily developing this ability to include in a future update.
Alongside the four pattern-driven synths is an additional Drone sound source. This uses the same synth engine as the other sources, but is limited to working with one of 17 included noise recordings that simply loop whenever Gyro is playing.
All sound sources have their own level and pan settings, along with basic EQ, chorus and compressor processors, and individual sends to the plugin’s global delay and reverb effects. These are configured from the plugin’s Effect view, and although quite simple, they sound nice and offer a choice of different models.
The Effect section also houses controls for the plugin’s five insert effects: Half-Time, Multiband Compressor, Tape, Gate and Limiter. The first of these can be enabled individually for each of the sound sources and for both send effects, and allows a filtered, half-time version of those chosen sources to be blended with the overall at-tempo mix, resulting in rather cool effects.
The remaining insert effects work on the entire mix, and their function is self-explanatory. Notable, though, is the multiband compressor. This makes a loop sound like it’s been lifted from a mastered recording, and it also does overdrive and distortion well. I do, however, find that it can make Gryo’s output overloud and undynamic, so it should be used with caution (and thank goodness for the built-in limiter!).
Effect View. Image: Press
Modulation and randomisation in Gyro
The LFOs found in each sound-source/synth can only control parameters within that source, but Gyro also includes three global LFOs. Two of these produce conventional waveforms, and the third allows custom shapes to be drawn, making it perfect for creating rhythmic and ducking effects. These global modulators can be routed to pretty much any Gyro parameter, as can mod and pitch wheels and a global macro controller.
Configuring the modulation routing isn’t quite as slick as the systems seen in many modern synths, but it’s easy enough. More to the point, being able to create synchronised modulations of this sort in a musical loop is a far cry from what can be achieved with audio loops.
For those who enjoy hunting for happy accidents, Gyro has extensive randomisation options. At the basic level, this allows you to load random presets – full Gyro presets, or chord sets, or sound presets etc — but it goes deeper. Each sound source can be fully randomised, for example, as can patterns, and I particularly like how there are different pattern algorithms to choose from to create different types of pattern – a bassline or an arpeggio, for example. Basically, every hexagon you see in Gyro’s interface is a randomisation button and – somehow – every click on a hexagon creates a new, original loop that invariably sounds good and has the potential to inspire a whole new musical idea.
Sound View. Image: Press
Should you buy 10K Gyro?
Fundamentally, Gyro isn’t doing anything that can’t be done by hand in a DAW. But what makes it special is how well it streamlines the process of creating musical loops, and how much real-time performance control it allows over those loops.
There’s room for improvement – longer loops for one thing, and the ability to change the key ranges that trigger chords and select patterns for another.
But, overall, the balance weighs heavily in Gyro’s favour because, rather than forcing you to shape your ideas to fit your loops, it means you can easily shape your loops to fit your music.
Chord View. Image: Press
Key features

Plugin instrument for VST3 and AU compatible hosts
Runs on macOS 13.4+ (Apple Silicon or Intel) and Windows 10+
Over 1500 presets (including pattern presets, sound presets, chord sets, etc.)
Content created with Gyro is royalty free* and yours forever (*certain caveats apply – see 10K’s FAQ page)

The post 10K Audio’s Gyro is a plugin like no other appeared first on MusicTech.

The 2025 AllMusic Gift GuideEach year, the AllMusic staff shares their hand-picked recommendations of books, accessories, gadgets, recordings and more, sure to please even the most discerning audiophile. And best of all, there's no waiting in line. Check out the AllMusic Gift Guide now!

Altman describes OpenAI’s forthcoming AI device as more peaceful and calm than the iPhoneAltman and Ive tease a simple AI device aimed at calm, distraction-free computing, launching within two years.

Here’s what happened in crypto todayNeed to know what happened in crypto today? Here is the latest news on daily trends and events impacting Bitcoin price, blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, Web3 and crypto regulation.

The Music Connection December 2025 Playlist is Live!Listen along with MC!

Our monthly issue playlists allow you to hear the featured artists as you read about them, and the December, 2025 Special Year End playlist is live now!

Check out cover star Leon Thomas, the DIY Spotlighted Marina Fleming, and all of the artists included in our Favorite Signing Stories of 2025, Top 20 Albums of 2025, Top 25 New Music Critiques, Hot 100 Rising Artists and Bands, Album Reviews, and Live Reviews (as long as they are on Spotify).

Hear the playlist here

While you're there, please "Like" the playlist and "Follow" Music Connection's profile so you'll never miss the chance to listen along with MC!

Previous playlists:

Hear our November playlist here!

Hear the October playlist here!The post The Music Connection December 2025 Playlist is Live! first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Ultrasonic Cutting on the CheapWhen you think of ultrasonics,  you probably think of a cleaner or maybe a toothbrush. If you are a Star Trek fan, maybe you think of knocking out crew members or showers. But there is another practical use of ultrasonics: cutting. By vibrating a blade at 40 kHz or so, you can get clean, precise cuts in a variety of materials. The problem? Commercial units are quite expensive. So [Electronoobs] decided to roll his own. Check it out in the video below.
There are dreams and then there’s reality. Originally, the plan was for a handheld unit, but this turned out not to be very practical. Coil actuators were too slow. Piezo elements made more sense, but to move the blade significantly, you need a larger element.
Taking apart an ultrasonic cleaner revealed a very large element, but mounting it to a small blade would be a problem. The next stop was an ultrasonic toothbrush. Inside was a dual piezo element with an interesting trick. The elements were mounted in a horn that acts like an ultrasonic megaphone, if you will.

These horns are available, and he found an off-the-shelf solution with four piezos and a large horn that seemed promising. Driving the elements, though, requires a 40kHz 100VAC signal. His original board didn’t work — but he’s not giving up. But, for now, he used a simple circuit on a breadboard. However, it didn’t make a strong vibration, even with a larger horn.
Comparison with ultrasonic cleaners showed that his output voltage wasn’t enough. The expedient answer was to buy an ultrasonic cleaner kit (who knew they came as kits?) and use the boards from it to drive the horn and the blade. That worked very well.
His current thinking is that the cleaner driver may be too large, since the blade and horn get hot in use. But he still encased it with a 3D printed case and wound up with a usable tool. His next version should be portable and maybe run a little cooler.
Ultrasonic sensors are, of course, super useful. Or you can always levitate tiny things with it.

One of Suno’s latest investors will be of particular interest to the music industry…Hallwood Media has invested into Suno after signing ‘artists’ whose music was created on the generative AI platform
Source

Joyned’s MU16 becomes first Milan USB interface Audio networking specialists Joyned have announced the upcoming launch of the MU16, a new class-compliant USB audio interface that becomes the first unit to offer Milan network connectivity via USB. 

Wellencraft New World Collection BundleNew World Collection Bundle New World Collection Bundle is a series of traditional instruments from the Americas, beginning with the north coast of Colombia, a region in the Caribbean and South America. We have designed these virtual instruments so that you can play them easily, offering multiple ways to use it. Currently you get in a nutshell: one multi-sampled Tambora and one multi-sampled Alegre, two mixes of up to seven mics, 271 loops, 433 MIDI grooves, 92 sound design elements, effects and more. We recorded the Alegre in its homeland Colombia, the second instrument of our New World Collection, capturing its organic and authentic sound. The Alegre is a traditional conical drum from the north coast of Colombia, a region in the Caribbean and South America. We have designed this sample library to be easy to play and to offer you a variety of ways to use it. In short, you get one multi-sampled Alegre, two mixes of six mics, 191 loops, 275 MIDI grooves, 51 sound design elements, effects, advanced loop editor and more. ALEGRE requires the FULL version of Kontakt 6.8 or later (no Player). The first instrument of the New World Collection, Tambora, is a bass drum of the north coast of Colombia, a region in the Caribbean and South America. We have designed this virtual instrument so that you can play it easily, offering multiple ways to use it. You get in a nutshell: one multisampled Tambora, two mixes of seven mics, loops, MIDI grooves, sound design elements, effects and more. TAMBORA requires the FULL version of Kontakt 5.8.1 or later (no Player). Alegre Summary Content: 1 GB. Round Robins for multi-sampled articulations (blue keys). Different velocity samples. 275 MIDI groove presets organized in 10 categories of traditional Alegre rhythms. 191 loop recordings playing rhythms from beginning to end. 51 sound design elements created from Alegre samples. Loop Editor (Looper): 14 Loop Editors with default Wellencraft presets. 6 categories of traditional rhythms (Bullerengue Sentao, Cumbia Binaria, Cumbia Ternaria, Chalupa, Tambora Tambora, Guacherna). 6 categories of sound design sounds (Hits, Loops, Pulses, Halos, Waves, Wooshes). Auto stretching script for the loop editor, which keeps the sample in time with your DAW. Sequencer (Groover): 7 multi-sample sequencers with editing and beat creation functions. Humanizing timing script with different modes. Mixes: 2 different mixes (Mix A and Mix B) of the Alegre with their respective mix controls. Volume, Pan, Attack, Release, Mute, Link. FX: Independent EQ per mix (three band EQ). Independent Reverb per mix (Wellencraft originals and N.I. factory). Independent Delay per mix (Milliseconds and musical)). Independent Punch per mix (Transient Shaper, Saturation). Pitch Knob. Velocity Response (Performance Tab for adjusting controller behaviour). Info/Support: Wellencraft Alegre User Manual (PDF). Tambora Summary Contents: Tambora (Bass Drum). Multisampled (four articulations). Round Robin. Up to 6x dynamics with crossfade script between them. Two mixes for multisampled articualtions, loops and grooves. Seven Sequencers. 80 Traditional Loops. 41 Sound Design Elements. 158 Grooves. Recorded with 7 microphones. 24-bit and 48 kHz. 300MB. Features: Four independent volume knobs for main mixes and loops. In the seven sequencers you have copy/paste patterns, three edit modes (manual, step and sync), MIDI drag & drop to the DAW, MIDI save to custom folder and ten banks for user presets. UI controls and menus for loops, sound design elements and grooves. Humanize function for MIDI. Stretching for loops and sound design elements. Membrane Pitch adjustment. Curve velocity (4 modes). Independent FX for mixes (convolution, delay, punch and equalization). Attack and release. Pan. Master volume (Modwheel). Requirements: Native Instruments Kontakt 5.8.1 FULL version (not Player) required. 1GB disk space. 4GB RAM (8GB recommended). 2013 or later processor. Audio Demos https://soundcloud.com/wellencraft/sets/wellencraft-alegre https://soundcloud.com/wellencraft/sets/wellencraft-tambora Videos https://youtu.be/dGlksaozNQo?si=EkrWW_unT21NmdSW Read More

Manchester Launches Fund Supporting Grassroots Venues: Could This Work Elsewhere?Manchester City Council's new fund supports small live music venues in the city. Is this a model that could work in other cities?
The post Manchester Launches Fund Supporting Grassroots Venues: Could This Work Elsewhere? appeared first on Hypebot.