Aim Audio ship first studio microphones from Berlin factory New pro-audio brand Aim Audio have begun shipping their first range of studio microphones with the INSPIRE and ESSENCE mics.

United Studio Technologies’ UT Twin48 combines two classic valve microphones£1,499, unitedstudiotech.com
The original Neumann U 47 is arguably the most legendary of all studio condenser microphones. It’s undoubtedly the best-known valve mic. Not nearly as famous, though, is the U 48. In fact, today’s producers and engineers who know of the U 48 are probably well represented by Beatles recording historians. That’s because the vast majority of Beatles lead vocals were recorded with a Neumann U 48.
United Studio Technologies’ UT Twin48 not only aims to offer the sound and capability of the U 48s used to record those classic Beatles tracks, but also the familiar features and character of the much-loved U 47.

READ MORE: Best microphones for vocals: Dynamic, Condenser and Ribbon mics

The main difference between 47 and 48 style microphones is their polar response options. While both types offer cardioid patterns, the 47 features an omni response while the 48 includes a figure-8 pattern. However, the type of cardioid response of each is implemented in its own unique way, resulting in the Twin48’s two cardioid modes sounding distinctly different. The technology employed for 47 cardioid is known as ‘true cardioid’, while 48 cardioid is ‘active cardioid’ as it polarises the rear diaphragm with voltage, rather than decoupling it. This makes the mic’s 48 cardioid mode slightly less sensitive, meaning you’ll need to turn up your preamp a notch or two to match the level of 47 cardioid.
Auditioning these modes, as well as omni and figure-8, is made simple with a rotary switch on the front of the Twin48’s large external power supply. This supply is fully discrete, incorporating a multitude of bespoke parts and includes a radio frequency (RF) filter, selectable on the supply’s front panel. The Twin48 connects to its power supply via a Sommer Octave 7 conductor cable, which UT claims is the finest tube microphone cable currently available.
Capsule in the UT Twin48. Image: Press
At the business end of the Twin48 is UT’s custom K48 capsule. The single backplate, dual diaphragm design is historically correct, according to the manufacturer, being skinned within a ‘laboratory clean-room environment’, then sputtered with 24-carat gold on 6-micron Mylar. UT’s claim that the K48 matches the smooth, resonance-free performance of historical units proves correct in use; there’s nothing sharp, spiky or sibilant about its performance.
The Twin48’s UT-BV8 transformer is made in the US, custom wound to Braunbuch specifications. Apparently, measurements were taken from a ‘golden specimen’ of the historic German transformer, no less. A copper Faraday shield is also onboard to reduce radio frequency interference (RFI), while the thermionic valve element is provided by a NOS EF86 vacuum tube.
Here then, we have two world-class valve microphones in one package. The thing about high-quality microphones is that, heard in isolation, they all sound great or even ‘correct’. And surely that’s the aim; to be neutral, truthful and transparent to the source. The truth is however, that all mics possess character that often only becomes apparent when heard in comparison with others. The Twin48 makes this evaluation easy.
Image: Press
Although the manufacturer states that the different approaches to cardioid operation produces ‘subtle tone differences’, a phrase that often translates into ‘you won’t hear the difference unless you have golden ears’, this isn’t the case with the sounds available from the Twin48. Even to an untrained ear, the sonic character of each cardioid mode is instantly noticeable. While the 47 mode possesses the big, expansive, open and airy quality engineers have loved for decades, the 48 mode offers a more tightly focused midrange sound, reminiscent of my beloved Neumann U 67, which I find more suited to recording pop vocals that will be subject to subsequent audio processing.
In practice, I would choose the Twin48’s 47 cardioid mode to capture a vocalist performing in a natural style, such as a singer/songwriter with acoustic backing, where the lead vocal is prominent and largely in its own space. For rock and pop vocals that need to project from a busy backing track, I prefer the 48 cardioid mode with a presence boost and maybe a little added air from a Pultec-style EQ boosting at 16k Hz.
Having two distinctive characteristics – four if you take into account the sonic variation of omni and bi-directional settings – available at the flick of a switch is useful in so many ways. Double-tracked vocals, for example, can benefit from the tonal variation. Or you might choose, say the 47 in cardioid mode for a lead vocal, then have a couple of backing vocalists working on either side of the Twin48 in figure-8 configuration.
The way that the mic’s timbral variations can be utilised instantaneously by turning the dial on the power unit, makes finding the right tone simple and intuitive. This versatility means that the Twin48 can be used to record practically anything and sound superb. Its only real limitation is its size, so it probably wouldn’t be the first choice for close mic’ing a snare in the context of a cluttered drum kit. As an overhead though, it can capture the tonal range and impact of the entire kit, rather than just being considered a cymbal microphone.
Image: Press
Recording acoustic guitar with the Twin48 produces superb results. Some engineers choose to use two small-diaphragm condenser mics for this task, however I nearly always prefer to use a single, well-placed microphone. In the studio, I find the 47 omni setting engaged results in a lush, entirely natural sound, with no proximity effect, requiring just a spot of compression to produce the final sound.
It’s been a long time since I used anything other than a vintage valve Neumann U 67 to record our upright piano, however in a side-by-side comparison with the Twin48 in 48 cardioid mode, I ultimately prefer the slightly less dark, mid-focused tone of UT’s new mic. A stunning outcome!
United Studio Technologies’ Twin48 offers a wide range of top-drawer sounds for a very reasonable price considering the quality of the complete package, which includes an attractive, sturdy carrying case.
Anyone wishing to purchase a 47-style microphone should audition this winner from UT. Not only do you get the classic U 47 sound and performance, but also the Fab-Four-friendly character of the lesser-known U 48.
Compared with other Neumann-inspired large diaphragm condenser mics, the Twin48 is twice as nice.

Key features

Large diaphragm valve condenser mic
U 47- and U48-inspired cardioid patterns
Omni and figure-of-8 polar patterns
NOS EF86 pentode vacuum tube
Nickel electroplated brass body
Bespoke 7 conductor XLR cable
Suspension shock mount
Gold plated XLR
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Self noise: 11 dBA

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The Infinite Crate (Alpha): Lyria RealTime’s AI-generated music creation in your DAW
The Infinite Crate (Alpha) is a VST plugin that integrates Lyria RealTime directly into your DAW, eliminating barriers to interactively create, control, and perform music in real-time. If you haven’t heard of Lyria RealTime, it’s an experimental AI model that produces instrumental music in real time. It creates music based on dynamic prompts and configuration [...]
View post: The Infinite Crate (Alpha): Lyria RealTime’s AI-generated music creation in your DAW

DIY Spotlight: AINALos Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer AINA says that she wrote her first song when she was just nine years old. By the time she reached her teens, she realized that music is what she’s meant to do.“At 15, I taught myself to produce,” she says. “Sometimes it’s hard to explain the exact sound I hear in my head, and there weren’t a lot of people willing to produce a little girl’s songs, so I didn’t wait for anyone to believe in me—I learned to produce myself. Learning to produce gave me the freedom to create songs exactly the way I envisioned them. That’s when it stopped being just a dream and started feeling like my purpose.”According to the musician, she describes her sound as pop but elaborates by saying that it’s her own version of pop.“Sometimes fun and playful, sometimes edgy and moody, and sometimes big and cinematic,” AINA says.MC caught an AINA show last year, when she weirdly opened for hair metal band Heaven’s Edge at the famous Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood. That wasn’t her crowd, but we were impressed by the manner with which she held her own. Her latest release is the “Dying to See You” track.“[It’s] about that butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling you get when you’re missing someone or about to see someone you love,” she says. “I wrote it, produced it, and designed the cover myself. It’s a fun, feel-good song that works anywhere whether you’re listening alone, sharing it with someone special, or playing it loud at a party.”AINA is still at the start of her career, but she has a great DIY work ethic. “DIY means not waiting around, you have to do it yourself (produce, write, make your own cover art, etc.). For me, it’s about being self-reliant. It’s not asking permission or waiting for someone else to believe in you. It’s making music without a manual, just you, your vision, and the will to figure it out.”Looking ahead, AINA has plenty planned for the coming months. “I have a lot planned,” she says. “I’m releasing a new single every month this year. My next one comes out September 30. I’m excited to keep experimenting, keep creating, and show different sides of me and my music.”Visit instagram.com/aina_xlThe post DIY Spotlight: AINA first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Bank of Canada: Implement stablecoin regulatory framework or 'get run over'Ron Morrow, head of payments at Canada’s central bank, called on regulators to pass a framework for stablecoins or be left behind.

Raising Series A in 2026: Insights from Top Early-Stage VCs at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025Katie Stanton (Moxxie Ventures), Thomas Krane (Insight Partners), and Sangeen Zeb (GV) share how to win Series A funding in 2026 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (Oct 27–29, SF).

Apogee Clearmountain DanceClearmountain Dance captures the unique stereo delay Bob Clearmountain created for the title track of David Bowie's album, "Let's Dance". What started as an accidental, chaotic delay became a defining element of the song's sound. The Sound of a Studio Legend For decades, Bob Clearmountain has been celebrated for his ability to build rich soundscapes where instruments and vocals blend seamlessly. His work has elevated the role of a mixer to that of an essential creative partner in music production. With Clearmountain Dance, Apogee has captured the essence of this signature creative approach in a user-friendly plugin. Key Features: Cascading Ping Pong Delay: Create rhythmic stereo textures and entrancing, attention-grabbing patterns. Analog Tape Emulation: The plugin provides a rich, warm dual tape head delay character. Customizable Randomization: The Offset and Skew knobs offer options to vary stereo timing subtly or drastically from the standard grid timing. Analog Imperfections: The Degrade knob controls tape aging simulation, which can be used to soften harsh edges on repeats or lean into organic artifacts and variation. At extreme settings, wow and flutter characteristics can be heard. Signal Routing Clearmountain Dance is a stereo plugin that can be used on both mono and stereo sources. For stereo input signals, the dry signal retains its stereo balance, while the wet signal is summed to mono and then hard-panned for its ping-pong texture. https://youtu.be/gGTdBk2XaM0?list=TLGGnJ25Ba_suV8xODA5MjAyNQ Read More

Enhanced Definition TV: “A Poor Man’s High-Def”Although to many of us the progression from ‘standard definition’ TV and various levels of high-definition at 720p or better seemed to happen smoothly around the turn of the new century, there was a far messier technological battle that led up to this. One of these contenders was Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV), which was 480p in either 4:3 or 16:9, as a step up from Standard Definition TV (SDTV) traditional TV quality. The convoluted history of EDTV and the long transition to proper HDTV is the subject of a recent video by [VWestlife].
One reason why many people aren’t aware of EDTV is because of marketing. With HDTV being the hot new bullet point to slap on a product, a TV being widescreen was often enough to market an EDTV with 480p as ‘HD’, not to mention the ‘HD-compatible’ bullet point that you could see everywhere.
That said, the support for digital 480p and ‘simplified 1080i’ signals of EDTV makes these displays still quite usable today, more than SDTV CRTs and LCDs that are usually limited to analog signals-only at regular NTSC, PAL or SECAM. It may not be HD, but at least it’s enhanced.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster sued by FTC over alleged ‘illegal ticket resale tactics’The Federal Trade Commission says Ticketmaster is profiting off of allowing scalpers to breach ticket purchase limits
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Excite Audio’s Evolve Velvet is a sample-based synth that brings “cozy, timeless tones” to every corner of your productionAfter debuting its new Evolve series earlier this year, Excite Audio has returned with its second plugin, Evolve Velvet, a sample-based synthesizer inspired by the smooth and luxurious character of Velvet.
Evolve Velvet combines over 250 sound sources ranging from felt pianos and intimate acoustic textures to classic electric keyboards, lush strings and sought-after synths of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The result is a smooth, expressive sound palette that ranges from cozy, lo-fi atmospheres through to rich electric tones that add a vintage quality to your music.

READ MORE: Save big on soft synths and plugins at Plugin Boutique during Synth Month – including a £1,885 Waves bundle for just £89

At the heart of the plugin is a powerful quad-engine that lets you blend up to four layers of samples or synths at once, morph them in real time with an expressive XY pad, and shape the output using four velvet-themed macro effects – Soften, Warmth, Sway and Haze.
Dual filters, drag-and-drop modulation, and a rearrangeable three-slot FX chain give further flexibility, while 16 onboard effects modules round out the sound design toolkit.
To get you started, Evolve Velvet comes loaded with 250 presets crafted by Excite Audio’s in-house sound designers, alongside a one-click randomisation feature for quick inspiration. Users who prefer full control can also import their own samples and build entirely custom patches from the ground up.
“Whether you’re sketching soulful jazz chords, building lo-fi house grooves, or painting psychedelic pop textures, Evolve Velvet makes cozy, timeless tones that are instantly playable and inspiring,” says Exite Audio.
Evolve Velvet is now available at an intro price of £39 / €39 / $39 (U.P. £59 / €59 / $59) and comes in VST, AU and AAX formats for PC and Mac. Lite and Full versions are available exclusively via Plugin Boutique.
For more music production tools, check out MusicTech’s rolling guide to the best free and paid plugins available on the market right now.

Learn more at Excite Audio.

The post Excite Audio’s Evolve Velvet is a sample-based synth that brings “cozy, timeless tones” to every corner of your production appeared first on MusicTech.

Zero-G unveil Epic Brass Zero-G have announced the release of Epic Brass, a new Kontakt library built entirely from synthesized brass.

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AmpliTube is back with one of its more enjoyable giveaways! AmpliTube 5 CS is the free version of their AmpliTube 5 guitar and bass workstation. This September, you can get three premium rack effects free of charge! The offer is meant for new users, but fear not. We have a trick here at BPB for [...]
View post: Get three AmpliTube CS 5 rack effects for FREE in limited time offer

Apple Music introduces DJ-style AutoMix for seamless song transitions, real-time lyrics translation and moreWith the launch of iOS 26, Apple is introducing a number of updates to its Apple Music streaming service, including real-time lyrics translation, and AutoMix, which acts as a DJ, smoothly transitioning songs for a “seamless playback experience”.
Apple Music users also now have the ability to import their playlists from other streaming platforms.

READ MORE: How do DJs break out in 2025? Femme House, Beatport & The Lot Radio have ideas

AutoMix
New for iOS 26, AutoMix is a smart feature which provides smooth and seamless DJ-style transitions between songs, using beat- and tempo matching, for example. Apple says AutoMix is powered by Apple Intelligence, which is able to create the perfect transition between songs, and even opts not to create a transition if a seamless one is not available.
We’re also told that AutoMix is smart enough not to create mixes between songs which appear subsequently on the same album, so as not to tamper with the way the artist intended the album to be played in order.
Lyrics translation and pronunciation
With the global popularity of reggaeton, K-pop and other non-English genres, a large subsect of these listeners don’t understand the language these tracks are sung in. So with new Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation, translated lyrics appear below the song’s original lyrics, so you can better understand what’s being said.
For songs in non-Latin languages – like Chinese, Japanese or Korean – the option to view the pronunciation of these lyrics is also available. If a song is translated, the lyrics will automatically appear in Apple Music when a user taps play, taps the MiniPlayer and enters the lyrics view.
Import playlists
Apple Music users can now directly import playlists from other streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music, so if you’re looking to switch services, now could be a good time.
The new feature scans your library and playlists within your existing streaming service, and matches tracks with those in Apple Music’s catalogue. In the rare instance a match isn’t found, Apple Music will prompt you to review alternatives. It’s also important to note that by importing a playlist, your existing playlist on another platform will remain intact, so nothing gets deleted.
Upgrades to Voice Memos
Also new for iOS 26, users can now record ideas in Spatial Audio within the Voice Memos app, offering a “multidimensional listening experience” on supported devices.
Spatial Audio is selected by default in the latest version of Voice Memos – users just need to select Studio Voice in playback options to turn on the feature.
Additionally, when collaborating with others in Voice Memos, users can take advantage of Enhanced Sharing, meaning they can apply all the same settings used in recording for a consistent experience across devices.
Learn more at Apple.
The post Apple Music introduces DJ-style AutoMix for seamless song transitions, real-time lyrics translation and more appeared first on MusicTech.

Get W.A. Production Obsidian for FREE on BPB until October 1st
W.A. Production offers Obsidian, a modulation-based multi-FX plugin, for free exclusively on Bedroom Producers Blog until October 1st. Please note that this is an exclusive, limited-time offer. Obsidian normally sells for $39.90, but you can grab it for free via the link at the bottom of this page. W.A. Production Obsidian Obsidian is a creative [...]
View post: Get W.A. Production Obsidian for FREE on BPB until October 1st

Mother Global Settings Editor launched for Moog synths European developers DIRE Studio have released Mother Global Settings, an editor app for Moog’s Grandmother and Matriarch synthesizers, available now for Mac and iPad.