Everything you need to know about Arturia’s V Collection XAdvertorial feature with Arturia
With each upgrade, Arturia’s V Collection repeatedly proves why it’s one of the most popular software synth bundles available. Rammed with respectful and modernised emulations of classic analogue instruments such as the Sequential Prophet-6 and Roland Juno-6, plus models of acoustic and electric pianos, it could easily be the only virtual synth purchase you’ll ever need to make.

READ MORE: Arturia launches new “flagship” interface AudioFuse 16Rig which is “set to challenge” the market

When MusicTech reviewed V Collection 8 in 2021, we asked if it was the “king of soft-synth suites”. The answer? A big fat yes. Shortly after the 2022 release of V Collection 9, we wrote that it would be “hard to imagine needing much else”. You’d be forgiven for thinking there’s no way the French brand could top this, then. However, with the tenth edition V Collection X, it looks like Arturia have delivered yet again, proving us all wrong.
V Collection X sees the addition of six more synths, turning the vast collection into a head-spinning 39-strong collection for just $599. Two existing instruments, the Wurli V and the Mini V, have also been entirely rebuilt and three new expansion packs have been added, bringing 450 new and diverse presets to the table.

What’s new: six new synths
The key takeaway from Arturia V Collection X is the introduction of six new synths. Three of these, the MiniFreak V, the Acid V and the CP-70 V, recreate and enhance existing hardware. Augmented GRAND PIANO, Augmented BRASS and Augmented WOODWINDS come straight from Arturia’s Augmented soft synth series, which pairs electronic synthesis with deeply sampled acoustic instruments, conjuring some unique sonic results.
MiniFreak V from Arturia V Collection X
The Arturia MiniFreak V is a digital emulation and companion plugin for the brand’s own MiniFreak polyphonic synthesizer that “unites dual digital sound engines with analogue filters, playful modulation, instinctive sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds”. This version, launched in January, mirrors its hardware counterpart with a strikingly similar and elegant interface.
With dual sound engines, detailed analogue-modelled filters, expressive sequencing, a host of experimental modulation, and versatile effects slots, it delivers a tactile hardware-like experience with digital and analogue fusion. The VST doesn’t just reflect the look of the hardware original, but it offers preset unity and syncing capabilities, so you can switch between hardware and software if you have both.
In our review, we gave it a 9/10, saying: “Like its hardware counterpart, MiniFreak V is an astonishing synth. Its algorithmic oscillators give it a huge range of different voices, and the quality of sound is richly satisfying. It is at its best when teamed up with MiniFreak hardware, but it is nonetheless an awesome new addition to Arturia’s V synth range.”
Acid V from Arturia V Collection X
Arturia’s Acid V bassline synth – launched in August – is for lovers of seductively squelchy acid basslines. Described by Arturia as a “corrosive bassline machine”, it’s based on the iconic Roland TB-303.
The Acid V’s got all the expected features: an analogue-style oscillator with Square and Triangle waveforms, a sub-oscillator with a 2-octave range and three waveforms, a Resonant low-pass filter and Slide and Accent functions. The soft synth goes far beyond the capabilities of the hardware original, however, introducing a Distortion with 14 algorithms, an added Vibrato feature and an advanced polymetric sequencer & arpeggiator with room for up to 64 steps.
In our 9/10 review, we said: “Ultimately, for a 303 emulation it all comes down to the sound and Acid V gets it right in all the right places. It’s squelchy and meaty and will certainly satisfy your acid cravings.”

A take on the 1976-launched electric piano, the Yamaha CP-70, Arturia’s CP-70 V, according to the brand, “honours the legendary Yamaha electro-acoustic piano that infused the 70’s and 80’s with a rich, warm and eminent stage sound”.
Arturia has combined “exquisitely-detailed, multilayered sampling” with accurate modelling to capture the original’s intimate and expressive character. With Arturia’s respectful recreation, you get a three-band EQ, an array of built-in effects, loads of presets and further sound-shaping options.
Augmented BRASS from Arturia V Collection X
Alongside hardware emulations, Arturia has added three of its forward-thinking soft synths from the Augmented series to V Collection X: Augmented BRASS, Augmented WOODWINDS and Augmented GRAND PIANO.
These are hybrid instruments. They combine meticulously recorded samples, spanning many playing styles, with synth engines for diverse sonic possibilities. Each synth offers a seamless blend of traditional and futuristic sounds, offering project-ready presets and intuitive controls for effortless expression. On each Augmented synth, you’ll find a central Morph control that lets you adjust the balance between sample and synthesis so you can shape a truly unique sound.
Two “fully rebuilt” synths & 450 new presets
Alongside these exciting new additions mentioned above, Arturia has fully rebuilt two synths for V Collection X.
The Mini V, now Mini V4, faithfully recreates Moog’s Minimoog with an enhanced audio engine, polyphony mode, Vintage knob, revamped interface, and expanded modulation capabilities.
Similarly, the Wurli V, now Wurli V3, emulates the Wurlitzer EP200 keyboard with updated physical modelling, output circuitry, GUI, effects, advanced settings, hardware view, and a pedal rig.
If all of this was not enough, Arturia has also added three new preset Expansion Packs, meaning you can now play with a whopping 450 extra presets.
Inward Universe offers emotive ambient spaces and modern Augmented presets. Inner City Soul blends classic soul with modern music using the rebuilt Mini V4 and Wurli V3 synths. Hyper Rave dives into underground innovation, featuring Acid V and Minifreak V, offering a spectrum from enigmatic sounds to energetic 4-to-the-floor compositions. Each pack showcases a mix of instruments from the V Collection X, catering to varied musical experiences and styles.
What else can we find in V Collection X?
V Collection X, as well as bringing in loads of new synths, still contains a vast array of brilliant products. These include the DX7 V, which replicates Yamaha’s FM DX7 synthesis powerhouse. There’s also the Analog Lab, a comprehensive library of sounds from various synths, the Prophet V, blending Sequential’s Prophet-5 and Prophet VS, the CZ V, capturing Casio’s Phase Distortion synthesis and the Mellotron V, which offers classic tape-based sampling.
The Arturia V Collection X soft synth suite is available to buy for €599/$599/£515.
Find out more and grab your copy via Arturia.
The post Everything you need to know about Arturia’s V Collection X appeared first on MusicTech.

How TikTok Music Videos Go ViralThis week, Ari is joined by Evan Blum, a director specializing in creating large batches of short form vertical content for musicians.

Rhodes release V-Pan plug-in The latest Rhodes plug-in models the Vari-Pan section of the flagship Rhodes MK8 piano, making it possible to the utilise the classic stereo panning effect on any other instrument or audio track within a DAW

Micromobility.com gets delisted from the NasdaqMicromobility.com, formerly Helbiz, was delisted from the Nasdaq on Monday as a result of the company’s noncompliance with the stock exchange’s listing rules, according to a regulatory filing. Competitor Bird — the only other shared micromobility company to brave the public markets — was also delisted from the stock exchange in September. The company’s common stock […]
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DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023 At Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos CAOne of the great joys of being a longtime smooth jazz enthusiast is the opportunity every so oftento share the festive, ever-grooving magic of my favorite artists in a live setting with friends whohaven’t yet had the pleasure. Early in his Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023 Saturdayshow at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, the saxophonist and always engaging hostmentioned it’s been an annual tradition since 1997 – over 25 years! I’ve lost count of how manyI’ve attended – 10, 12, maybe – but one thing’s for sure. It’s always the musical highlight of theseason. Still after attending so many great performances, there’s always the possibility of takingthem for granted, like comfortable annual rituals rather than the fresh, marvelous evergreenevents they truly are.So it was a unique pleasure for me to share the evening with a wonderful friend new to the KozChristmas experience and to experience through her eyes the wonder and nuance of everyexciting performance, each fresh arrangement of a holiday classic, the mix of R&B/funk,intimacy and uplifting gospel energy. A fusion of exquisite beauty and ongoing party, the Kozversion of Santa’s workshop, drew my friend into the holiday spirit - and made me appreciateevery detail of just how special and essential the show is to, to borrow a familiar lyric, makingthe season bright.

While the “and friends” Koz usually invites to join the fun of his cross-country December toursare usually other genre A-lister stars, he switched things up delightfully this year, complementingthe core of him and “my brother” Jonathan Butler with equally brilliant but slightly lesser knownperformers like saxophonist Marcus Anderson, vocalist Rebecca Jade and 16-year old SouthAfrican born multi-instrumentalist phenom Justin Lee Schultz, whose 2023 debut album Just InThe Moment is one of the genre’s best of the year.Koz and Butler kicked off the nearly two-hour show showcasing their dynamic sax-guitar-vocalchemistry on an engaging medley of freshly arranged classics, seamlessly flowing through“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “We Need a Little Christmas,”“Joy to the World and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Everything seemed like a“normal” but of course wonderful Koz Christmas show until Schultz popped in with a soulfulversion of “This Christmas” that featured him, in rapid succession on vocals, fiery electric guitarand acoustic piano. Then came the blazing sax and stage commanding charisma of Anderson,followed by Jade performing (with Anderson and Schultz on harmonies) a fascinating, funkedout twist on “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with a completely new melody.Likewise, Anderson played one of the peppiest spins through the usually staid and sacred “SilentNight” that I’ve ever heard.After Koz and Butler joined them for a full cast romp through a playfully choreographed “SantaClaus is Coming to Town,” Koz took center stage (with Schultz on piano) to share his newsingle, “When You Wish Upon A Star” (part of an upcoming Disney themed EP), easing fromlush balladry to a whimsical, percussive samba arrangement. The one aspect of the show that setit apart from previous Koz extravaganzas was when the five principals gathered around the piano

for intimate talk (and of course, brief performances) of their very favorite holiday songs. Theseranged from Anderson’s perky “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and Jade’s sweet “MerryChristmas Darling” to Koz’s hilarious “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”The cultural-religious balance of a Koz holiday show is always a treat as well, this timemanifested with Koz complementing his folksy dance “Eight Candles” with snippets traditionalHanukah songs; Jade and Butler offering a shimmering, goose-bump inducing duet on “MaryDid You Know?”; Jade making a joyful noise to the Lord on “O Come All Ye Faithful” with afaux stained glass church window on the screen behind her; and Butler’s showstopping “O HolyNight,” performed with a meditational grace that invited everyone in the audience to feel eachword on a soul-deep level.Energy-wise, the flip side of that was when the whole cast joined forces as Butler took thecongregation to church on his fiery gospel jam “Brand New Day.” Koz and Friends closed theevening on a thoughtful note, with some Beatlesque messaging for a world in need, starting witha thoughtful rendition of “Imagine” topped with a swelling chorus of “All You Need is Love.”

The number of Latin music listeners on Spotify worldwide soared 986% from 2014 to 2023Spotify reports steady double-digit growth in demand for Latin music over the past decade
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Japan’s NexTone expands distribution network globally in partnership with SESAC Music Group’s AudioSaladDeal marks the first Japanese partnership for AudioSalad
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Two notes announce TriTone Collective for OPUS Users of Two notes' OPUS amp and cabinet modelling system can now add another three preamp models to their device free of charge.

Las Vegas Sphere owner reportedly “in talks” to open a second venue in Abu DhabiJames Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment, is reportedly “in talks” regarding the potential opening of a second Sphere venue which could be situated in Abu Dhabi.
The Sphere, which is owned by Dolan’s company, currently resides in Las Vegas. It was opened in September 2023, and hosts the world’s largest LED screen.

READ MORE: How Las Vegas’ Sphere is inspiring fulldome performances around the globe

As reported by The New York Post, Dolan is allegedly pitching investors in Abu Dhabi to build a second Sphere arena in the city. “These are serious talks with Abu Dhabi. They keep going back and forth,” a source has told the outlet.
A spokesperson for Sphere has also said, “We are in substantive discussions with multiple international markets”, but they did not specifically name Abu Dhabi.

The report follows a rejection for a potential Sphere in London, which was turned down by the city Mayor, Sadiq Khan, due to concerns regarding light pollution and strains on local areas from residents near the proposed site.
Last month (November) it was also revealed that the Las Vegas Sphere had made a financial loss of $98.4 million since its opening in September. A financial loss is not rare for new businesses, however, Dolan is also allegedly facing a $225 million tab due to a feud over construction costs, which has resulted in a lawsuit (as reported by Fox 5 Vegas).
Since its opening, the Las Vegas Sphere has most notably hosted a residency from rock band U2. The shows focused on their 1991 album, Achtung Baby. At the launch of The Sphere, it was said that the venue would also host sporting events and cinema.
The structure measures at 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, making it the world’s biggest spherical structure. It cost $2.3 billion to bring to life, and is capable of hosting 20,000 people.
Find out more about the venue and view the full list of its upcoming events via The Sphere Vegas.
The post Las Vegas Sphere owner reportedly “in talks” to open a second venue in Abu Dhabi appeared first on MusicTech.

Rhodes Music V-Pan Plugin Is FREE Until January 31st
Rhodes Music offers the V-Pan ($39.95 value) modulation plugin for FREE until January 31st, 2024. V-Pan is a plugin that adds instant depth and dimension, and it’s modeled straight from the Rhodes MK8 Vari-Pan circuit. The Rhodes MK8 is still relatively new, but the classic Rhodes vibrato stereo panning effect was introduced on the suitcase [...]
View post: Rhodes Music V-Pan Plugin Is FREE Until January 31st

Scientific research uncovers why Seeb’s I Took A Pill In Ibiza remix is hugely popularA university has conducted research into how Seeb’s I Took A Pill In Ibiza remix became such a hit by examining the relationship between rhythm and sound in their music production.
As part of the study, researchers at the University Of Oslo interviewed four of the most successful EDM acts on Spotify. One of these acts was the electronic music duo, who have earned over 1.7 billion streams on the platform from the Mike Posner remix alone.

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As reported by MusicRadar, the findings from the study were published by Partner Science Norway, which revealed that the most successful EDM artists had used a combination of on and off grid quantisation on their biggest hits. This one finding in particular was noted as key to making a track interesting by creating the impression of a difference in sound.
According to the study, Seeb had analysed the swing quantisation in popular EDM songs when making their remix and discovered that “between 22 percent and 40 percent swing gets you the grooviest beats”.
The university researchers studied Seeb’s project files for the track and found that the main chord arrangement used this percentage of swing throughout. They also noted that “the onset of the notes on the second and fourth beats was 23 milliseconds behind”.

“All the producers were aware of how they worked with sound, rhythm, and micro rhythms,” says Jon Marius Aareskjold-Drecker, a senior lecturer in Music Production of the study. “They had different strategies, but they also did some of the same things.”
Professor Ragnhild Brøvig also adds, “If you change the rhythm just slightly, it can be so minimal that we don’t perceive it as a difference in timing, but we experience it as a change in sound.”
As part of the university’s overall conclusion, Professor Brøvig later states, “We saw that very small micro-rhythmic nuances, such as a few milliseconds of deviation of a note from the grid, had a big impact on the listening experience.”
Find out more about Seeb via their official website.
The post Scientific research uncovers why Seeb’s I Took A Pill In Ibiza remix is hugely popular appeared first on MusicTech.

Which AI tools are most popular with musicians and producers?AI for music was one of the year’s hottest topics. But which AI tools are musicians and music producers using the most? The team at the recording studio and rehearsal. Continue reading
The post Which AI tools are most popular with musicians and producers? appeared first on Hypebot.

GForce introduce AXXESS soft synth GForce's latest soft synth delivers the sound of an ARP Axxe, a six-voice polysynth originally released in 1975.

Why Independent Spotify Playlist Curators are so importantIn an age where listeners are overwhelmed by the endless choices of streaming, independent Spotify curators add a personal touch to the music landscape through hand-curated non-algorithmic playlists. by Sonia. Continue reading
The post Why Independent Spotify Playlist Curators are so important appeared first on Hypebot.

Berklee offers free course in Touring For Musicians on CourseraLearn the basics of successful touring with a free course created by Hypebot Founder, Editor, and longtime booking agent Bruce Houghton for Berklee and Coursera. This short four-lesson Berklee Coursera. Continue reading
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