Tak Young-jun appointed co-CEO of SM EntertainmentDecision was ratified during the company's 29th regular shareholders' meeting and board meeting on Wednesday (March 27)
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Native Instruments’ Electric Keys – Tines Duo are among the best Rhodes emulations out there£129 for both / £89 when bought separately, native-instruments.com
The latest addition to Native Instruments’ ever-expanding universe of Kontakt virtual instruments is a collaboration with Galaxy Instruments. Electric Keys – Tines Duo is made up of two emulated electric pianos, available individually or as a bundle at a significant discount.

READ MORE: Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series MK3 controller lets you focus on your music, not your computer

Likely for legal reasons, you won’t see the names of the original hardware mentioned, but any keys aficionado will recognise right away that Phoenix is based on the classic Fender Rhodes 73 and Diamond on the suitcase 88 model.
While the Rhodes isn’t exactly lacking in software versions (Rhodes released its own not so long ago), these two are among the more affordable and certainly among the most technically-advanced on the market. With original models as rare as ever and the new hardware models stunning but prohibitively expensive, a convincing emulation is still a sensible option for anyone wanting the classic sound that has spanned the decades and genres from jazz and rock through to pop and dance.
The Diamond
How to set up the Native Instruments’ Phoenix and Diamond
The two instruments are downloaded and installed via the Native Access app and run in Kontakt 7.8 or the free Player version. The modest 3.5GB file size is achieved by emulating certain components with processing rather than sampling every possible permutation of settings, though the core sample set is still comprehensive. Both instruments have an almost identical set of controls, so what applies to one generally applies to the other.
The designs of the interfaces are gorgeous, slick and minimal. NI has foregone the approach of letting you turn knobs on a virtual front plate of a ‘real’ keyboard in favour of simple, clean sets of parameters. While both approaches are perfectly valid, this one makes it easier to get to the sound you need quickly while simplifying a relatively large set of controls once you factor in the effects section.
The main page contains a row of quick controls for tweaking the most important performance parameters like the relative hardness of the tone, preamp EQ and more. There’s excellent integration with the new Kontrol S-series keyboards too, where these dials are mapped directly to the keyboard’s capacitive potentiometers and the browsing system seamlessly integrated between software and hardware.
Back in the software, an arrow by each dial lets you jump to an expanded control area in the Instrument section. This section is similarly well-considered and starts with the ability to blend DI and mic signals to give greater control over the character of the sound. There’s a Shape section which lets you set colour, attack and release and then the all-important Tone and Noise sections.
The Phoenix
How realistic are Native Instruments’ Phoenix and Diamond?
The Rhodes is legendary for the amount of variation a player can achieve by modifying their playing style. Greater force means the sound achieves more bite, while gentler playing sounds rounder and more dreamlike. On top of that, on a real Rhodes, it’s possible to physically adjust the height of individual tines — the metal bars that vibrate when hit — to achieve a harder or softer effect. And then the bottom end of the keyboard is typically very bassy while the top notes have a bell-like character to them.
All of this can be tweaked on a real Rhodes but in software, it’s much easier to achieve by simply tweaking the various settings. A classic jazz Rhodes for example will be smooth and even with a little bite when played harder. A rock Rhodes by comparison might start off rougher. All of this, designing your sound, is very easy to do here.
An important element of the Rhodes sound is imparted after it leaves the keyboard, either through an integrated suitcase amp or an external amp, typically a Fender Twin or Jazz Chorus. In addition, guitar effects might often be involved and, to that end, both these instruments have a configurable effects chain with processors taken from Guitar Rig. This is straightforward to use, with effects grouped by category that can be dropped into or between slots, each with its own set of controls. The chain can also work in series or parallel, letting you get creative with how the DI and mic signals are processed. There’s much to love, right down to selecting speaker and mic models for the virtual cabinets. Effects chains are available, too, and can be loaded independently of an instrument.
With all this sound shaping and processing available you can get deep into creating original patches, though each instrument comes with 100 presets which, honestly, covers more or less any use, at least as a starting point.
Diamond presets
The Rhodes isn’t a synth, it’s more akin to a piano and as such has a relatively limited sonic range in its basic form, albeit one that’s very pleasing. As such, many of the presets make heavy use of the effects to mix things up — plenty of space delays, distortion, stereo and so on. It’s all cool, though these instruments are usually at their best when keeping things relatively simple. So as well as the multi-effects patches, you’ll find comforting straight-up jazz Rhodes, lush tones and hard bell-like presets, all easily tweaked to your liking.
We said earlier that Rhodes emulations are easy to come by, but these two are definitely among the best out there. Beautifully sampled and affordable, they also offer a sublime playing experience and a deep dive into customising the character of the keyboard and its effects should you want it. For owners of Kontrol S-series keyboards, the prospect is even more appealing thanks to the deep integration with the new hardware.
The Rhodes sound is likely to always be in demand, and Phoenix and Diamond are an excellent way to bring it into your studio with minimal fuss.
Phoenix controls
Key features

Runs in Kontakt or Kontakt Player
100 presets per instrument
3.5 GB each in size
Deep sampling of hardware instruments
Modelling of preamps and other components
Effects section with effects from Guitar Rig
Customisable mics, amps and keyboard character
Serial or parallel effects chains
Blend DI and mic signals
Integration with Kontrol hardware

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US independent music venues are in crisis, and the UK has a solutionConcert attendance grew 20% last year, and if you read the headlines, the entire US and global live music business is booming. Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and more are breaking revenue and ticket sales records.
But beneath the surface, a storm is brewing......
The post US independent music venues are in crisis, and the UK has a solution appeared first on Hypebot.

Building a loyal Audience Community: a new frontier in Performing ArtsLearn about the importance of nurturing a loyal community of superfans, using data analytics to find new fans, and getting an audience fully engaged.....
The post Building a loyal Audience Community: a new frontier in Performing Arts appeared first on Hypebot.

SoundExchange royalty distributions pass $11 billionCulumative SoundExchange distributions have passed $11 billion in digital performance royalties since its launch in 2003.....
The post SoundExchange royalty distributions pass $11 billion appeared first on Hypebot.

Wusik JX1 Virtual Synthesizer Is FREE For a Limited Time
Wusik JX1 is a new virtual analog synthesizer in the Wusik lineup that is available for free for a limited time. It’s fully functional except for the preset saving capabilities, It certainly seems like the tail end of March is rife with cheap and free plugins. If you’ve been on the hunt for a new [...]
View post: Wusik JX1 Virtual Synthesizer Is FREE For a Limited Time

Native Instruments announce Crosstalk Piano Crosstalk Piano takes a new approach to piano libraries, combining faithfully captured recordings with a collection of processed multi-samples.

Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios announces four-day residential masterclass featuring Ken Scott, Adrian Utley and SwindleStep into the world of music mastery as Real World Studios, the class-leading recording sanctuary founded by Peter Gabriel, opens its doors for an exclusive residential masterclass.
Nestled amidst the serene West Country setting of the UK, this studio has been the creative hub for iconic artists spanning generations, from the soulful croonings of Van Morrison to the chart-topping melodies of Harry Styles.

READ MORE: “Streaming has changed what artists feel like they should release”: James Blake further justifies his new streaming platform, Vault

From 11 to 14 July 2024, participants will have the rare opportunity to soak in the studio’s unique ambiance while learning from a roster of industry heavyweights. Joining the lineup are Beatles engineer Ken Scott, Adrian Utley from Portishead, prog metal virtuoso Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood, and producer-songwriter Swindle, with more names to be announced soon.
According to Real World Studios, each day will be made up of a series of modules in all their recording spaces each hosted by an industry professional. There’ll also be a legend slot hosted by a renowned producer sharing their experiences every evening.
In between the talks and classes, participants will get to enjoy full-board catering from the studio’s resident French chef Jérôme; there will also be time for socialising, with opportunities for you to make new friends and network with like-minded musicians.
Image: Real World Studios
“This masterclass is an amazing and unique opportunity for anyone passionate about music to learn from the best in the industry,” says Bob Mackenzie, Real World in-house engineer [Via MusicRadar]. “Real World Studios has been a hub for musical innovation, and we are excited to open the doors to a wealth of knowledge with enthusiasts eager to take their craft to the next level.”

To learn more and sign up for the masterclass, visit Real World Studio’s website.
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Roland launches the GO:KEYS 3 and 5, two new Zen-Core powered keyboards for the budget consciousRoland has unveiled the GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5, two wallet-friendly compact keyboards that feature the Zen-Core sound engine found in flagship performance keyboards like the Fantom and Jupiter-X.
Featuring “intuitive tools for learning and enjoying music” and “deeper features” that help you develop your creative voice, the GO:KEYS 3 and 5 are suitable for both beginners and seasoned music creators.

READ MORE: The Swarm is a super saw synth in a super small package

Firstly, the streamlined GO:KEYS 3 offers a core feature set with a touch-sensitive 61-note keyboard and an onboard stereo speaker system. The bigger GO:KEYS 5, meanwhile, includes the same primary features of its sibling, plus a speaker system with extended bass response, a mic input with vocal effects, and enhanced audio connectivity.
Both keyboards boast a compact, all-in-one design allowing users to play and enjoy music anywhere in their living space. The built-in speakers provide self-contained sound, while support for AA battery power makes for a hassle-free setup. Onboard recording is also available to evaluate progress and share music on social media channels.
As mentioned, both models come equipped with the Zen-Core sound engine, which hosts over 1000 sounds from Roland’s historic library. Players can journey through a universe of sonic possibilities, from acoustic pianos and orchestral instruments to modern synthesizers, guitars, drums, and more.
Image: Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 and 5 are also filled with ready-made chord progressions in various styles so you can experiment with creating melodies and arpeggios over automatic musical backing. You can craft custom chord sequences, remix them with your backing parts, and apply a range of colourful effects.
Players also get a band of virtual musicians at their fingertips, as each keyboard features a wide selection of dynamic accompaniments, which can be controlled with one or two left-hand fingers. To top things off, you can even access a world of additional sounds and accompaniment styles via Roland Cloud, an ever-expanding online hub for Roland creative content. Support for Roland Cloud Connect, an optional wireless adapter that lets users browse, audition, and download Roland Cloud content from a smartphone or tablet, is also included.
Image: Roland
Finally, both keyboards support Bluetooth MIDI and audio/MIDI over USB, which allows players to easily connect to music apps on computers and mobile devices.
The Roland GO:KEYS 3 and GO:KEYS 5 are now available in the US for $349.99 and $499.99 respectively. The former comes in turquoise, dark red, or midnight blue, while the latter is available in graphite or white.

Learn more at Roland.
The post Roland launches the GO:KEYS 3 and 5, two new Zen-Core powered keyboards for the budget conscious appeared first on MusicTech.

Lunacy Audio reveal Beam Equipped with an innovative audio graph interface, Lunacy Audio's latest plug-in makes quick work of transforming any sound using granular processing a range of built-in effects.

Understanding humanoid robotsRobots made their stage debut the day after New Year’s 1921. More than half-a-century before the world caught its first glimpse of George Lucas’ droids, a small army of silvery humanoids took to the stages of the First Czechoslovak Republic. They were, for all intents and purposes, humanoids: two arms, two legs, a head — […]
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3D Printing with (Ersatz) Moon DustWhen the people of Earth set up bases on the moon, you can imagine that 3D printing will be a key enabling technology. Of course, you could ship plastic or other filament at great cost. But what if you could print with something you can already find on the moon? Like moon dust. NASA thinks it is possible and has been doing tests on doing just that. Now [Virtual Foundry] wants to let you have a shot at trying it yourself. It doesn’t really contain moon dust, but their Basalt Moon Dust Filamet has a similar composition. You can see a video about the material below.
It isn’t cheap, but it is probably cheaper than going up there to get some yourself. At least for now. The company is known for making PLA with various metal and ceramic materials. Like their other filaments, you print it more or less like PLA, although you need a large hardened nozzle, and they suggest a prewarmer to heat the filament before going to the hot end.

They recommend printing at 210C and 135% flow rate. The material contains about 60% basalt, and after sintering at a very high temperature, the remaining material is all basalt.
This isn’t the first time we’ve looked at filament that mixes in metal or ceramics. We’ve seen copper-laden filament from Virtual Foundry used to make rocket nozzles.

Wendy Wang at the Whisky A Go Go

Wendy Wang took the Whisky A-Go Go stage Sunday night armed with a guitar and her band. Wendy began her set with an acoustic ballad filled with nostalgia and sung by her soothing voice. As her set continues she integrates ethereal love songs about her pets. "The pluto song" is a dreamy reminiscing about her love for her pet gecko that has since passed on. "Sunlight" is another track dedicated to her pomeranian, that makes you feel as if you're spending a spring evening in the sun with your beloved childhood dog. Wendy and her band transformed the hardened rock venue to a light sunny day filled with nostalgia of early 2000's pop. Similar to the vocal styling of Sza or Bôa's Jasmine Rodgers, Wendy Wang blends dreamy vocals with passionate love letters to create the perfect wistful song. Wendy is a fresh voice and powerful songwriter, who has the potential to be the new sound of this generation of music. 

Primary Wave Music bolsters sync team with new hire and promotionsCompany hiredJulianne Wilson as Senior Director, Creative Sync, and promotes Peter Kurczaba and Derek Pierce to new roles
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2024 Home Sweet Home Automation: [HEX]POD – Climate Tracker and Digital Nose[eBender] was travelling India with friends, when one got sick. Unable to find a thermometer anywhere during COVID, they finally ended up in a hospital. After being evacuated back home, [eBender] hatched an idea to create a portable gadget featuring a few travel essentials: the ability to measure body temperature and heart rate, a power bank and an illumination source. The scope evolved quite a lot, with the concept being to create a learning platform for environmental multi-sensor fusion. The current cut-down development kit hosts just the air quality measurement components, but expansion from this base shouldn’t be too hard.
ML for Hackers: Fiddle with that Tensor Flow
This project’s execution is excellent, with a hexagon-shaped enclosure and PCBs stacked within. As everyone knows, hexagons are the bestagons. The platform currently hosts SCD41 and SGP41 sensors for air quality, a BME688 for gas detection, LTR-308 for ambient light and motion, and many temperature sensors.
On top sits a 1.69-inch IPS LCD, with an OLED display on the side for always-on visualization. The user interface is completed with a joystick and a couple of buttons. An internal blower fan is ducted around the sensor array to pull not-so-fresh air from outside for evaluation. Control is courtesy of an ESP32 module, with the gory details buried deep in the extensive project logs, which show sensors and other parts being swapped in and out.
On the software side, some preliminary work is being done on training TensorFlow to learn the sensor fusion inputs. This is no simple task. Finally, we would have a complete package if [eBender] could source a hexagonal LCD to showcase that hexagon-orientated GUI. However, we doubt such a thing exists, which is a shame.
There are many air quality sensors on the market now, so we see a few hacks based on them, like this simple AQ sensor hub. Let’s not forget the importance of environmental CO2 detection; here’s something to get you started.