Meta and Instagram spotted developing a new social music-sharing featureMeta and Spotify are exploring deeper music integration in Meta’s Instagram app. New findings indicate the companies are testing a feature that would allow users to continuously share what music they’re listening to through Instagram’s Notes. The new functionality was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who often finds unreleased features while they’re still […]
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Ondo’s USDY yield coin expands to ArbitrumTokenized treasury products are gaining widespread adoption on blockchain networks.

Building A Small Gyro Stabilized MonorailMonorails aren’t just the core reason why The Simpsons remains on air after thirty-six seasons, twenty-six of which are unredeemable garbage. They’re also an interesting example of oddball rail travel which has never really caught on beyond the odd gadgetbahn project here and there. [Hyperspace Pirate] recently decided to investigate the most interesting kind of monorail of all—the gyro stabilized type—on a small scale for our viewing pleasure.
The idea of a gyro-stabilized monorail is to use active stability systems to allow a train to balance on a single very thin rail. The benefits of this are questionable; one ends up with an incredibly expensive and complex rail vehicle that must always run perfectly or else it will tip over. However, it is charming to watch in action.
[Hyperspace Pirate] explains how the monorail vehicle uses control moment gyroscopes to keep itself upright. The video also explains the more common concept of reaction wheels so the two systems can be contrasted and compared. It all culminates in a wonderful practical demonstration with a small 3D-printed  version of a 20th-century gyro monorail running on a 24″ track.
If you’re studying mechanical engineering this is a great project to pore over to see theoretical principles put into obvious practice. Video after the break.

Indian streaming service Wynk Music to shut down; subscribers pushed to Apple Music via new Airtel partnershipWynk rival Gaana was recently consolidated into a subsidiary of Times Group after merger talks with Wynk fell apart
Source

Italy’s paid music streaming subscription revenues jump 23% as local acts completely dominate chartsWith Italy lagging Western countries in paid music subscribers, strong growth is expected to continue
Source

Supercon 2024: May the Best Badge Add-Ons WinOne of our favorite parts of Hackaday Supercon is seeing all the incredible badge add-ons folks put together. These expansions are made all the more impressive by the fact that they had to design their hardware without any physical access to the badge, and with only a few weeks’ notice. Even under ideal conditions, that’s not a lot of time to get PCBs made, 3D print parts, or write code. If only there was some standard for badge expansions that could speed this process up…
The SAO Wall at Supercon 2023
But there is! The Simple Add-On (SAO) standard has been supported by the Supercon badges since 2019, and the 2×3 pin connector has also popped up on badges from various other hacker events such as HOPE and DEF CON. There’s only one problem — to date, the majority of SAOs have been simply decorative, consisting of little more than LEDs connected to the power pins.
This year, we’re looking to redefine what an SAO can be with the Supercon Add-On Contest. Don’t worry, we’re not changing anything about the existing standard — the pinout and connector remains the same. We simply want to challenge hackers and makers to think bigger and bolder.
Thanks to the I2C interface in the SAO header, add-ons can not only communicate with the badge, but with each other as well. We want you to put that capability to use by creating functional SAOs: sensors, displays, buttons, switches, rotary encoders, radios, we want to see it all! Just make sure you submit your six-pin masterpiece to us by the October 15th deadline.

Best of the Best
What’s in it for the winners? Why, nothing short of Hackaday immortality: we’ll put the top SAOs into production and distribute them to each attendee at Hackaday Europe in 2025. Because we actually have to get these things made, entries will have to meet all of the manufacturing requirements outlined on the Hackaday.io page Contest page to qualify.
In addition to a single Best Overall winner, we’ll be picking a top entry for each of the following categories:

Functional: This challenge is about pushing the envelope for SAOs, so for this category we’ll be looking for the most capable add-on.
Fine Art: We’ve seen some absolutely gorgeous SAOs over the years, so even though we’re largely pushing for function over form this year, we still want to acknowledge the incredible artistry that goes into them.
Fun: It’s not all about business. SAOs are often a bit tongue in cheek, with many referencing online memes or parts of hacker culture. If you want to win in this category, you’ll need to lighten up a bit.

Honorable Mention
We know this community too well to believe you’ll all stick to the predefined categories, so as usual in our contests, we’ll be keeping an eye out for entries that best exemplify the following Honorable Mention categories.

Coolest Toys: We’re suckers for interesting parts, so the SAO selected for this category will be the one with the most unique or impressive electronic components onboard.
Light Show: We want to challenge the idea that SAOs are just for blinking LEDs, so naturally, at least one of you is going to go against the grain and add as many LEDs as possible.
Most Ambitious: Sometimes, it’s the thought that counts. Whether or not the final product worked as expected, the SAO selected for this category will be the one that took the biggest swing.
Best Communication: Getting SAOs to talk to the badge and each other is what this contest is really all about, so we’re looking for the one example that really ran with the concept.
Least Manufacturable: SAOs often employ design or assembly hacks (like mounting LEDs upside-down) that don’t scale well. In this category we’re looking for hand-crafted masterpieces. To quote Hunter S. Thompson, “A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.”

A Little Inspiration

There’s no shortage of gorgeous SAOs out there already, just search Hackaday.io or Tindie, and you’ll come up with dozens of badge add-ons that you didn’t even know you needed until right now. But as for examples of functional SAOs that do more than just blink LEDs…that’s quite a bit harder. We weren’t joking when we said they’ve been quite rare so far.
But we can point you towards a couple resources that should help you get started. Our own [Arya Voronova] wrote up her tale of creating a Jolly Wrencher SAO back in 2022 that goes over the basics, and we’d also recommend taking a look at her ongoing “I2C for Hackers” series of articles if you need to brush up on the communication side of things. If you need some pointers on the artistic front, you can’t go wrong following in the footsteps of [TwinkleTwinkie]. His Supercon 2019 talk PCB Art is Pain is a fantastic look at pushing the envelope of PCB design and production, and his Hackaday.io post about backlighting board art is required reading around these parts.

Arturia launch KeyLab Mk3 controllers Arturia have announced the launch of the latest versions of their flagship MIDI controller keyboards.

SOUND VISION WORKS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH WOLFF AUDIOSound Vision Works, a professional audio sales, distribution, and marketing agency, will exclusively represent Wolff Audio, a leader in professional audio equipment design, beginning with Wolff’s MeMore Personal Monitor Mixer. 

The MeMore is designed to solve the problem of distorted and cumbersome headphone monitoring. This all-analog personal monitor mixer from designer Paul Wolff, one of the innovators 

at Wolff Audio, includes twelve input channels: eight mono inputs and two stereo, and two headphone amps with two outputs on each. With its “one knob, one function” design, response 

is intuitive and instant. The MeMore’s tactile, user-friendly interface serves musicians and professionals at all stages through its ergonomic, 13-inch configuration. Fully expandable, 

MeMore units can be cascaded to accommodate larger tracking and post-production scenarios. 

Unlike underpowered, finicky digital cue mixers, the MeMore empowers musicians to achieve optimal performance thanks to its reliable, immediate, and exceptionally clean and powerful analog mixing.

“Having launched our company six months ago, Sound Vision Works is thrilled to represent Wolff Audio, a true legend in audio innovation,” says Will Kahn, Managing Director of Sound Vision Works. “At a time when so much of our workflow as engineers has gone digital, The MeMore returns to what we yearn for: a way to instantly dial in the sound with analog simplicity and unmatched sound quality.”

Kahn continues, “Our mission at Sound Vision Works is to elevate the most brilliant analog and digital toolmakers working in audio today. Wolff Audio is a rare group of minds redefining excellence and creative problem-solving in audio products. We can’t wait to see what the Wolff Audio designers come up with next.”

“We’ve designed the MeMore to meet any musician’s absolute requirement: get a mix, always stay in the groove and focus on their performance rather than wrestling with technology,” says Paul Wolff, MeMore designer and Wolff Audio Co-Founder.

“Together with Sound Vision Works, we aim to set a new standard in what studio gear can achieve. As the only all-analog personal monitor mixer on the market today, the MeMore is an exemplary cornerstone of the kind of innovation and commitment to perfection users can expect from Wolff Audio.”

The MeMore is now available through select retailers, beginning at $1,287. 

The post SOUND VISION WORKS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH WOLFF AUDIO first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Get a range of classic UAD plugins for just $39 apiece for a limited timeAs far as mixing plugins go, Universal Audio’s UAD effects are the cream of the crop. And for a limited time over at Plugin Boutique, you can get a selection of them for just $39 apiece until 1 September.
Yep – UAD plugins don’t usually come cheap, either; some of these deals offer up to 88% off usual retail prices. So if you see something you like, don’t wait around.

READ MORE: Audio interfaces for studios, bedrooms and podcasters: Best audio interfaces and how to choose one that’s right for you

First up, you can get the UAD Sound City Studios plugin for just $39, down from a usual price of $349. That’s a massive $310 off. Yes, you read that right. This plugin lets you add the vibe and sonic character of legendary LA studio space Sound City Studios – which has, over the years, hosted the likes of Nirvana, Metallica and Fleetwood Mac – to your mixes.
Also up for grabs are the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder – which adds tape-like artefacts on command, providing final “analogue glue” – and the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, which provides a selection of emulations of the world-famous 1176 compressor in digital form.
Normally priced at $349 and $299, these plugins, like the Sound City Studios plugin, are just $39 apiece until 1 September.
Also included in the sale at only $39 each are the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, Capitol Chambers Echo, Verve Analog Machines, dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter and more.
There’s a bunch of other plugins available for slightly higher prices, but all boast significant savings, so head to Plugin Boutique to browse the full selection.
The post Get a range of classic UAD plugins for just $39 apiece for a limited time appeared first on MusicTech.

Israeli AI music creation startup Session42 is planning to release a new production tool, HitCraftBrothers Roy and Oudi Antebi have had a hand in producing hits for years. You might have heard their work if you indulge in the odd Eurovision party; from Israel’s 2018 Eurovision-winning song Toy to last year’s entry, Noa Kirel’s Unicorn, the Antebi brothers have quite the ear for a catchy pop tune.
The pair’s latest endeavour should aid fellow producers in the studio. Their music tech company, Session42, aims to offer AI production services to industry professionals – and their latest release, HitCraft, is their first serious tool.

READ MORE: More than half of artists would hide the use of AI in their music, per recent survey

Speaking to CNews, Oudi explains that HitCraft isn’t your average AI model. “We are creating a more complex algorithm,” he explains. The tool analyses songs and creates a skeleton of any given track, which producers can then build a track around. And it’s set to safe ample time in the studio.
“Our model is the entire production,” Oudi explains. “If we could do it without artificial intelligence, we would do it. But it allows countless interactions with the songs. No two will be the same, [which is] important to us.”
HitCraft’s first hit was produced in collaboration with Israeli AI company, Aiode. Here Forever ( כאן לעולם) is the first ever Hebrew track produced with the aid of AI. Perhaps controversially, the track revived two famous Israeli singers, emulating the voices of Ofra Haza, who passed in 2000, and Zohar Argov, who died in 1987.

Speaking with publication Israel Hayom, Oudi further explains the company vision: “We set out to build a music production machine, recognising that in commercial music, producers often create the hits. But not every musician can afford pricey studio time.”
“Think of our system as your virtual producer,” he continues. “You feed a sketch into a chatbot, specify your preferences, and within minutes, you’ve got a polished track. It’s revolutionary and accessible to everyone.”
The tool is also trying to maintain the human touch. “We continuously incorporate human-produced tracks, compensating producers each time their work is used,” Oudi says. “This keeps our system learning and evolving while ensuring fair compensation. We have strict guidelines for using human artists’ music and productions, prioritising quality and accuracy.”
While it’s unclear how successful the tool will prove to be, AI-influenced music is certainly making its mark on the industry lately. Germany recently had a totally AI-produced track dominating the radiowaves, Verknallt in einen Talahon reaching #48 on the charts.
The post Israeli AI music creation startup Session42 is planning to release a new production tool, HitCraft appeared first on MusicTech.

Spotify is swamped with AI cover bands farming millions of streamsSpotify is swamped with AI cover bands farming millions of streams from unwitting users, according to multiple reports.
The post Spotify is swamped with AI cover bands farming millions of streams appeared first on Hypebot.

TIDAL adds free songwriter royalty management toolkitTIDAL songwriter royalty management tools now provide a free platform for managing royalties. This makes TIDAL the first major streaming platform to offer this vital option.
The post TIDAL adds free songwriter royalty management toolkit appeared first on Hypebot.

Clean Bandit’s Rather Be melody is literally Ableton’s default Operator patch with reverbRather Be was the song that made Clean Bandit‘s name in 2014, but it turns out that its infectious melody was created in a remarkably simple way.
The track was a huge success, topping the charts in the UK and 11 other countries and later going three-times platinum. It also netted the electronic act their first Grammy.

READ MORE: Thieves steal €40,000 worth of Clean Bandit’s gear in Ibiza

Now, multi-instrumentalist and band member Jack Patterson has revealed how the patch used in the song’s main synth line – which is also used across various other hits by the group – was designed.
In an interview on the Tape Notes podcast, Patterson says that the Rather Be synth was made with Operator, an FM synth plugin that comes with Ableton Live Suite, the DAW’s premium tier. “It’s just an Ableton preset,” he says. “Not even a preset – if you just load Operator […] you just have to turn two knobs, and you’ll get it to sound like that.”

The patch in question is relatively simple. “All it is is a sine wave,” Patterson says, “but it’s got some modulation – an LFO, which is a control signal that makes it go wobbly on the pitch. But it only goes wobbly towards the end of the note, so the beginning of the note sounds in tune, but it goes all sad towards the end of each note, and a bit mournful.”
For Patterson, this is part of how Clean Bandit distinguishes their sound. “To me, that’s the essence of what a lot of our music is. It’s potentially quite joyful music but with an undertone of melancholy. That synth sums that up.”
He adds that they tend to favour more clean and “pure” synth sounds. “My grandma always had these electric organs that she’d get from charity shops in her house, and they always had these very basic, minimal, not overly complicated synthesizer sounds. They were the first synths that I played with, and that aesthetic really appealed to me.
“Especially if you’re trying to mix in classical elements, maintaining that purity in the synth sound design lets those more complex sounds sit on top without it becoming too rich.”

Learn more about Clean Bandit.
The post Clean Bandit’s Rather Be melody is literally Ableton’s default Operator patch with reverb appeared first on MusicTech.

4 Strategies to Sell More Music: Ye, Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Ice SpiceWant more fans to buy your music in 2024? Check out these four proven strategies from Ye, Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, and Ice Spice that sell more music.
The post 4 Strategies to Sell More Music: Ye, Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Ice Spice appeared first on Hypebot.

Cyberdrive from JGM Sound JMG Sound and United Plugins have announced the release of what they say is the ultimate distortion plug-in.