“This is a milestone for us”: Universal Audio’s new Apollo E Series brings UAD sound from studio to live stagesUniversal Audio has unveiled the Apollo E Series, based around a pair of peripherals for Dante‑networked audio systems and the Apollo x16D audio interface.
Aimed at bringing UAD plugins from studio to live setups, the Apollo e1x remote‑controllable Unison Preamp offers users Unison mic/line preamp sounds from API, Avalon, Manley, Neve, SSL, and more when paired with an Apollo x16D audio interface. You can link multiple Apollo e1x units with the included coupling bracket and integrated mic-stand mount.
Image: Universal Audio
The Apollo e2m Stereo Headphone Amplifier and Line Interface, meanwhile, provides stereo headphone monitoring and line level I/O on a Dante audio network. Users can easily connect headphones, IEMs, powered monitors or wedges, as well as external outboard gear, analogue mic preamps, synths, drum machines, and playback devices anywhere needed.
Image: Universal Audio

READ MORE: Is Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Gen 2 really a “disappointing” update to the audio interface range?

Both Apollo E Series devices feature mic stand mounting for live, broadcast, and networked studio use, and are compatible with any Dante audio system, adding network “endpoints” using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for all users, with or without an Apollo x16D interface.
“The Apollo x16D and new Apollo E Series are milestones for us,” says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. “Many Apollo users have been asking to be able to use realtime UAD plug‑ins with Dante‑networked systems, both in live sound applications and in recording studios. The Apollo x16D and Apollo E Series peripherals make it easy.”
Built upon elite‑class audio quality and HEXA‑core UAD processing, the Apollo x16D is an 18 x 20 audio interface that works with digital mixing consoles and networked audio systems over Dante, providing access to more than 200 UAD plug‑ins including Neve, API, Lexicon, SSL, and Auto‑Tune, as well as classic compressors like the Teletronix LA‑2A and UA 1176. Use it alongside the Apollo e1x and e2m for a complete networked audio solution.
The e1x and e2m are priced at $399 and $499 respectively. The Apollo E Series is now available to pre‑order through select local retailers, with global shipping set for this May.
Learn more at UA Audio.
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“There are so many synths I lust over, but this is the ultimate!”: Clive From Accounts on his dream piece of gearLondon-based producer and DJ Clive From Accounts has revealed his ultimate dream synth – and it’s a big one.
Speaking to MusicTech about the making of his latest record, The Very Best of Clive From Accounts, the musician – real name Richard Day – discusses his gear choices and the one synth that sits atop his wishlist.

READ MORE: “The SEM is nothing but a copy of the Odyssey or a copy of the Minimoog, or a little mixture. But I loved it, and so I wanted to do it”: Tom Oberheim on designing synths

“There are so many synths I lust over but the ultimate would have to be the Oberheim Four (or eight!) Voice,” he says. “It’s four SEMs (two oscillators, multimode filter mono synths) sandwiched together for polyphonic or monstrous unison patches.”
The Oberheim Four Voice, originally released in the mid-1970s, is often revered for its warm, lush tone and thick analogue sound. Unfortunately, owning one today is no small feat – both financially and logistically.
“One just sold for £20,000 so it’s never going to happen but you can dream!” says Clive From Accounts. “I tried to make a copy once using four Roland se-02s. It worked but was a bit of a faff with the tiny knobs. I used that for the bassline on my track Pearls.”
Despite the Four Voice remaining out of reach, the producer does own another legendary Oberheim synth.
“I love everything Tom Oberheim has created, and one of my favourite synths I own is the Oberheim Xpander,” he shares. “It’s such a unique beast, super ambitious for 1984 – it’s like having a fully digitally controllable, modular analogue synth but polyphonic and dripping in vintage character. You can hear it all over my album, particularly the track Spectrum.”
His love for dreamy Oberheim synths notwithstanding, Clive From Accounts also makes it clear that musicians don’t actually need “fancy equipment or studios” to make “good music”.
“Not in the slightest,” he says. “That might sound silly after all the answers above but it’s true. Give me a phone and I’ll happily make you tunes all day. Ideas and passion are by far the most important things. Just get stuck in and find a way to make it work.”
The Very Best of Clive From Accounts is now out. Listen to the single Save Me below.

Check out The Very Best of Clive From Accounts below:

The post “There are so many synths I lust over, but this is the ultimate!”: Clive From Accounts on his dream piece of gear appeared first on MusicTech.

VSL introduce Synchron Special Woodwinds The latest addition to VSL’s extensive sample library collection kits out the Synchron Series with a selection of additional woodwind content.

GUNS N’ ROSES ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF DRUMMER FRANK FERRERGuns N’ Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run. The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and they wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey. Frank first joined GNR during a show in June 2006 helping anchor the rhythm section during subsequent tours, including their recent outings featuring the reunited trio of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. His last show with the band took place November 5, 2023 in Mexico. The post GUNS N’ ROSES ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF DRUMMER FRANK FERRER first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

OpenAI’s o1-pro is the company’s most expensive AI model yetOpenAI has launched a more powerful version of its o1 “reasoning” AI model, o1-pro, in its developer API. According to OpenAI, o1-pro uses more computing than o1 to provide “consistently better responses.” Currently, it’s only available to select developers — those who’ve spent at least $5 on OpenAI API services — and it’s pricey. Very […]
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Bitcoin long-term holder behavior shift signals 'unique market dynamic' — ResearchBitcoin’s corrective phase set a four-month low at $76,600 on March 11. Despite this decline, long-term holders have continued to hold large amounts of BTC, suggesting a “unique market dynamic moving forward,” new research says. “Long-Term Holder activity remains largely subdued, with a notable decline in their sell-side pressure,” Glassnode said in a March 18 markets report.Long-term holders show signs of bullishnessBitcoin’s recovery comes as selling pressure among Long-Term Holders (LTHs) — wallets that have held Bitcoin for at least 155 days — begins to wane. The Binary Spending Indicator, a metric used to determine when LTHs are spending a significant proportion of their holdings in a sustained manner, shows a slowdown (see chart below) while the LTH supply is also beginning to rebound after several months of decline.“This suggests that there is a greater willingness to hold than to spend coins among this cohort,” Glassnode noted, adding:“This perhaps represents a shift in sentiment, with Long-Term Holder behavior moving away from sell-side distribution."Bitcoin: LTH spending binary indicator. Source: GlassnodeBull market tops are often marked by intense sell-side pressure and strong profit-taking among LTHs, which signals a complete shift to bearish behavior. However, despite Bitcoin's drawdown in recent weeks, this investor cohort continues to hold a large portion of their profits, especially for this later stage of the cycle, Glassnode said. This could suggest that long-term holders may still be expecting more BTC price upside later in the year.“This interesting observation may indicate a more unique market dynamic moving forward.”Bitcoin: Cumulative LTH realized profit. Source: GlassnodeNew Bitcoin whale accumulation reshapes marketsNew Bitcoin whales, addresses holding at least 1,000 BTC, where each coin has an average acquisition age of less than six months, are aggressively accumulating, according to CryptoQuant data.This signals strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term outlook among the new large investors.These wallets have collectively acquired over 1 million BTC since November 2024, “positioning themselves as one of the most influential market participants,” said CryptoQuant independent analyst Onchained in a March 7 analysis.The chart below shows that their pace has accelerated notably in recent weeks, “accumulating more than 200,000 BTC just this month.”“This sustained inflow highlights a shift in market dynamics, suggesting increased institutional or high-net-worth participation. ”Bitcoin supply held by new whales. Source: CryptoQuantMeanwhile, several crypto executives have told Cointelegraph that Bitcoin’s recent price drop was a “normal correction,” with the market just waiting for a new narrative and a cycle top yet to come.But not everyone agrees. For instance, CryptoQuant founder and CEO Ki Young Ju said that the Bitcoin bull cycle is over. He added: “Expecting 6-12 months of bearish or sideways price action.”This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Miley Cyrus’ motion to dismiss copyright lawsuit over ‘Flowers’ denied by courtIf the court had accepted Cyrus' lawyers' argument, then copyright "could never be enforced" once the original authors sold their rights, the judge said
Source

black-sided sun PJ-6PJ-6 is a soundpack comprising 64 variable timbres created in TAL U-NO-LX synthesizer. No external effects used except for the mastering plugin (no EQ) on the master bus. The introductory... Read More

This M5Stack Game Is Surprisingly AddictiveFor those of us lucky enough to have been at Hackaday Europe in Berlin, there was a feast of hacks at our disposal. Among them was [Vladimir Divic]’s gradients game, software for an M5Stack module which was definitely a lot of fun to play. The idea of the game is simple enough, a procedurally generated contour map is displayed on the screen, and the player must navigate a red ball around and collect as many green ones as possible. It’s navigated using the M5Stack’s accelerometer, which is what makes for the engaging gameplay. In particular it takes a moment to discover that the ball can be given momentum, making it something more than a simple case of ball-rolling.
Underneath the hood it’s an Arduino .ino  file for the M5Stack’s ESP32, and thus shouldn’t present a particular challenge to most readers. Meanwhile the M5Stack with its versatile range of peripherals has made it onto these pages several times over the years, not least as a LoRA gateway.

Steinberg Nuendo 14 arrives Nuendo 14 comes packed with new additions such as a powerful automated mixing assistant, enhanced AI-powered dialogue transcription, sound effects preview capabilities and much more.

UJAM releases Vox Humana ($19), a legendary synth for a great cause
UJAM has partnered with the Bob Moog Foundation and synth ace Alex Ball to release Vox Humana, a recreation of an iconic Polymoog 280A preset. The Vox Humana soft synth is available for $19, and 100% of proceeds go directly to the Bob Moog Foundation. The Polymoog 280A hit the scene in 1978, and around [...]
View post: UJAM releases Vox Humana ($19), a legendary synth for a great cause

“I respect the f**k out of this”: Fans are tipping Steve Duda and Xfer Records for making Serum 2 a free upgradeAfter widespread rumours in recent months, this week saw the release of Serum 2, the second edition of the hugely popular soft synth from Xfer Records.
Serum Creator and Xfer Records co-founder Steve Duda has long been a venerated figure in the world of software synthesizers, and earned himself a new level of respect when he revealed Serum 2 – which adds new oscillators, sequencers and hundreds of presets – would be free for owners of the first edition of Serum.

READ MORE: “Perhaps the best tool ever created for producers of soundtracks and ambient music”: Beetlecrab Tempera review

“Did we mention that Serum 2 is a free upgrade for Serum 1 owners?” Xfer writes on its website. “Lifetime free updates actually means lifetime free updates.”

In response to the free upgrade, one Reddit user writes: “Steve Duda, you’re the man, thank you so much.” Another writes “I respect the fuck out of this. Serum isn’t a synth that makes it on to every project for me, but this makes me want to support them and use it even more now.”
While Xfer Records co-founder and producer/DJ deadmau5 claims he’s been using Serum 2 “for about a year” – no doubt between negotiating a deal which recently saw his catalogue sell for $55 million – for most, Serum 2 is new, and the excitement levels across the producer community are palpable. Here’s what else people are saying so far.
Online forums: People are loving the fact Serum 2 is free
Serum 2 it’s out! byu/HopTzop inserum

A forum is abuzz on Gearspace, again, with many producers commending Steve Duda for offering Serum 2 as a free upgrade.
“Cheers to Steve Duda, definitely could have charged us all $50+ for the upgrade and not gotten much pushback,” one person writes.
We’ve even seen several Serum users tip Xfer Records of their own volition as a thank you to Duda for making Serum 2 a free upgrade.
“FX is quality enough to sell on its own. This is a free update, which is crazy… I donated,” one user writes, while another says: “A free upgrade – donation is easy for being decent.”
On Reddit, one user notes: “I hate how insane tipping culture has gotten but I absolutely dropped a $20 tip on there because this update is huge.”
Echo Sound Works: “This amount of content for free is absolutely brilliant”

Elsewhere, YouTuber Echo Sound Works commends Xfer’s lack of a marketing campaign for Serum 2. “It’s as much of a surprise to me as it probably was to you,” he says. “I had no idea this was coming – I got Beyoncé’d just like everyone else did. Steve Duda was like, ‘We’re just gonna drop this.’ There was no long-lead marketing, it was just here one day.
“I think it’s great. It makes it seem like it’s trying to stand on the merits of its new content and its new features, the content itself as opposed to a hype train with little trailer videos and that kind of stuff.”
He goes on to encourage people to tip Xfer Records where they’re able: “If that tip thing remains and you could send a tip to Xfer and Duda, do that. This amount of content for free is absolutely brilliant.”
Arcade: “This is almost a brand-new plugin”

“Serum 2 is out, and they’ve done it once again,” says YouTuber Arcade. “It’s not a little update. This is almost a brand-new plugin. And if you already have Serum, you get this one for free. Crazy.”
Serum 2 is available now at an introductory price of $189 until 1 June. You can also get it on a rent-to-own plan via Splice. For more info, head to Xfer Records.
The post “I respect the f**k out of this”: Fans are tipping Steve Duda and Xfer Records for making Serum 2 a free upgrade appeared first on MusicTech.

Start recording in Splice Mobile
With Splice Mic, you can instantly test and record ideas, explore genres, and unlock new creative possibilities, all from the Splice mobile app.

Splice Mobile users can now record ideas using Splice Mic: “Before we even get to the studio, we can sketch out melodies and even hooks”Music creation platform and sample library Splice has launched Splice Mic, a new update to Splice Mobile which allows creators to record vocals over instrumentals created within the app.
Since its revamp in 2023, users have been able to use Splice Create’s AI power to generate arrangements – or Stacks – using loops and sounds from the Splice library. Now, Splice Mic enables producers to record vocals or other instruments over the top of those Stacks, using the microphone built into their smartphone.

READ MORE: Clive From Accounts: “Give me a phone and I’ll happily make you tunes all day”

Kenny Ochoa, Splice’s SVP of Content, touches on Splice Mic’s development, noting how the “phone is already a huge part of music making”.
“About one million users have made more than 28 million stacks so far, and now songwriters and producers can record vocal ideas over stacks of samples,” he says. “They can experiment with vocal, lyric, and genre and have even more control over their creative vision. And now those stacks can be merged with vocals.”
To celebrate its exciting new feature, Splice has teamed up with songwriter and DJ Leland – who has worked with the likes of Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande and Charli XCX – and LA’s Laurelvale Studios, inviting teams of songwriters to create Stacks with Create on Splice Mobile.
Songwriters invited to participate in the project – dubbed 60 Second Stack – include Madison Love (Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry), Sarah Hudson (Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa) and Jhart (Usher, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez).

“We got the team together to see who could start the best new Stacks,” says Leland. “These creative tools are fun to use, and the results take songwriters so much deeper into the finished process. Before we even get to the studio, we can sketch out melodies and even hooks. This is so valuable to our community.”
Designed to make on-the-go collaboration easier than ever, Splice Mobile allows users to share ideas directly within the app, or Airdrop stems into their DAW.
“Musicians are already using voice recording functions on their phones to capture ideas away from the studio,” Splice says. “Splice Mobile takes that idea further, giving songwriters the creative depth of the Splice Sounds catalogue and Create.”
Splice Mic is just the latest push by Splice to make songwriting and creative workflows more seamless. Last year, PreSonus Studio One became the first DAW to integrate Splice, offering millions of royalty-free samples into the Studio One workflow.
Splice Mic is now available in Splice Mobile. For more information, head to Splice.

The post Splice Mobile users can now record ideas using Splice Mic: “Before we even get to the studio, we can sketch out melodies and even hooks” appeared first on MusicTech.

Native Instruments release Maschine 3.1 Following on from last year's major update to version 3, Native Instruments’ ever-popular drum machine and sampling platform has just been treated to its first revision of 2025.